This Sunday…
We have probably all heard the expression, “the patience of Job,” but fewer people know that Job’s faithfulness was perhaps his most significant personality trait.  From his conversations with God in response to the extreme trials in his life, we may also find an example of familiar expressions of frustration.  Job is not a perfect man–far from it.  Still, we can empathize with him in many ways. From his deep sharing and from God’s conversational response we may also grow in faith, even in the midst of life’s most challenging times.

— Pastor Lisa

Although we regularly celebrate Communion on the first Sunday of each month, this Sunday marks Worldwide Communion Sunday.  We will partake together, reveling in our unity and praying to heal the ways in which we are sometimes divided.  The message of the day also delves into what we believe we are doing in Communion and what is done for us and in us.  Come with your questions; come with your joys and with your concerns.  The table is open.

— Pastor Lisa

We look forward to hearing a message from Jody Wolford-Tucker, who has been Executive Director of Hancock County Hospice Volunteers since 2006.  Because we are a church dedicated to responding to the needs of others as a reflection of our faith, our Outreach Committee will be bringing speakers from different organizations we support with our budget to share from time to time through the year.  Our deacons will be sharing in leading the rest of the service, outside if weather permits.  Sadly, if it is raining, we will be offering our service via Zoom only out of concern for participants and our larger community.  Please stay tuned each week to know how the shifting Covid load in our area may affect our gathering. 

This Sunday…
The conundrom about a life of faith in Jesus Christ is that we are not promised that we will be great.  Indeed, by following Jesus we submit ourselves to one who would have us be “the last.”  In service to others, recognizing that we are at our “best” when we make ourselves useful to the greater good, we do our part in bringing together the children of God.  Jesus’ call in our lives subverts what we may have been taught is the way to a better life, but promises abundance that is, well, heavenly.  

— Pastor Lisa

Worship at Home Materials:

Below you will find materials to accompany this week’s Sunday Morning Worship via Zoom, with Rev. Lisa Durkee.  An order of service with scripture readings, along with music recordings to accompany the service, are available by clicking the following links.  

Helpful Hint:  If you are planning to join the Sunday morning worship Zoom call, you might wish to print the following documents prior to joining the call, if you have that capability.  

Sermon:
Mark 9:30-37
“You’re Welcome, God”       
– The Rev. Lisa J. Durkee

Worship Bulletin:
September 19, 2021
Service of Worship for Home

On a weekend in which we remember significant events in our nation’s history and particularly in light of recent circumstances on the world stage, we can turn to scripture for a “bottom line” to lead us. Jesus poses a question to his disciples, perhaps THE question for people who strive to walk in discipleship to the one who taught us peace: “Who do you say that I am?” We also read from the letter of James, to know the difficulty we all have in not only watching our tongue, but also taming it. What we say matters–about the one we follow, and to and around those who look at us as examples of what Jesus said was important. Rather than be daunted by such a task, we gather together in order to support one another on the way and to celebrate in praise of God, who loves us no matter what.

Join us, along with Pastor Lisa Durkee, for worship in-person or via Zoom.

Just this side of a miracle, it seems, are so many aspects of life lived fully. When we read the ancient prophets’ words, it can sometimes seem as though they are very time and place specific; at other times, we may read them as a letter straight to our own hearts. In this Sunday’s reading from Isaiah, we hear the good news in a promise of fulfillment following scarcity and joy following loss. Likewise, the lesson from the Gospel of Mark tells the story of a time that Jesus performed a miracle of healing that echoes the prophecy in Isaiah. What are we to make of these stories now? How may we be opened to hearing them in faith and in hope for our own lives to be transformed? Join us this Sunday, whether on Zoom or in the parking lot of the church where we plan to gather for worship outside!

Because of the recent rise in Covid cases, including those breakthrough cases in vaccinated persons, we will not be sharing the elements of Communion. We will, however, have a time of meditating on the sacrament and its significant to us while we hear music by Anne Parker on her hammered dulcimer.

Join us, along with Pastor Lisa Durkee, for worship in-person or via Zoom.