I was blind, but now I see.  We know these words as part of the familiar hymn, “Amazing Grace,” but we may not know all the stories of healing sight in the Bible and at other times and places in miraculous ways.  What it means to see clearly and what it means to be seen is part of our conversation this weekend when we read the story of Bartimaeus and his faithfulness.  In a busy week in which we have been honoring friends and family who have died, we also look forward to the time we may all see clearly, in love, as Jesus taught us then and teaches us now.

— Pastor Lisa

From the Pastor…

We will remember John Merrifield together on Saturday, October 23 at 4:00 p.m., celebrating his life with song.  That said, I would like for everyone to know that we will offer participation in the service via Zoom and on our FM station, 103.5 (inside of a quarter mile), as well as in-person.  Space is limited in the sanctuary, with social distancing and masks required for all of our safety.  Singers will also remain masked, but I hope that many of you will feel comfortable and connected by Zooming in from home.  This will allow that members of John’s family and his close friends will find room inside.  We also will share the Zoom broadcast on the large tv in Fisher Hall with chairs set up ahead of time to offer social distancing.  Thank you for your understanding of our need to take precautions while also honoring our desire to be together.
You may access the service with the following link: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87105125443  Meeting ID: 871 0512 5443 Passcode: 514247

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