Clackamas United Church of Christ

Do you know how so much of Christianity is based on excluding others who “don’t belong”? That’s not really Christian. Welcome to worship, everyone. You are loved. You belong.

 

Prelude

 

Adam: God be with you.

 All: And also with you.

 

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

 

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Amira Stanley and Adam

 Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Amira will lead us in the liturgy as Gavin lights the candle…

 

Amira: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…

All: We pray for peace

in our hearts,

in our homes,

in our communities,

in our nations,

and in our worlds.

 

Scripture Readings

Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52

 

*Call to Worship – Amira

 Amira: Please join us in the call to worship…

 

Amira: The world contains great mysteries!

 

All: We stand in awe of the wonders of nature.

 

Amira: Look at the tiniest of seeds and be amazed at how they grow.

 

All: From even small and insignificant seeds grow large shrubs and giant trees.

 

Amira: Sometimes we consider ourselves to be small and insignificant.

 

All: Even our small gifts are used in miraculous ways. Amen.

 

Children’s Moment

 

*Passing of the Peace – Amira

 Amira: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.

 

Amira: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.

 

All: And also with you.

 

Song: Be a Light – Annalise Tana

 

Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen

 

Prayers of the People – Adam

 (After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)

 

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer - Amira

 Our God,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed by thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

 

Sermon – Exclusionary Christianity Is Not Christian

 

*Unison Benediction – Amira Stanley

 May God bless you and keep you.

May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace.

This day and forever more. Amen

-Numbers 6:24-26

 

The post Jesus Proclaims Black Lives Matter appeared first on Clackamas United Church of Christ.

You are supposed to be the weed. Jesus tells a parable about a master who sows wheat in a nice and orderly fashion. But someone sowed some weeds. This parable is typically interpreted to mean, “Okay, Christians. Be nice wheat. Stay in line. Don’t disrupt things. Just be nice little wheat.” But did you know that according to the unjust political and religious powers of his day, Jesus was a weed? And he was plucked. So, dear Christian, in a world that is crying out because of injustice, be the weed. The world needs more weeds to disrupt the status quo.

Welcome to Clackamas United Church of Christ. We invite you to relax and enjoy our prelude music. Feel free to take some deep breaths as we prepare our hearts and minds for worship.

 

Prelude

 

Adam: God be with you.

 All: And also with you.

 

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

 

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Jeff Pratt and Adam

 Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Jeff will lead us in the liturgy as Gavin lights the candle…

 Jeff: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…

 All: We pray for peace

in our hearts,

in our homes,

in our communities,

in our nations,

and in our worlds.

 

Scripture Readings – Matthew 13: 24-30; 36-43

 

*Call to Worship – Jeff

Jeff: Please join us in the call to worship…

 Jeff: We ask for ears, that we might listen.

All: We ask for ears, that we might listen to the cry of the human heart.

Jeff: But Jesus doesn’t call us to merely listen.

All: Jesus calls us to deep listening that leads to acts of love.

Jeff: Then let us listen to the God who is Love.

All: Let us listen to the heartbeat of love that flows throughout the universe. Amen.

 

Children’s Moment

 

*Passing of the Peace – Jeff

 Jeff: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.

Jeff: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.

All: And also with you.

 

Song: Thanksgiving – Sung by Rhonda, Dave and Jeff

 

Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen

 

Prayers of the People – Adam

(After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)

 

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer - Jeff

Our God,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed by thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

 Sermon – What If Christians Are Supposed to Be the Weeds?

 

*Unison Benediction – Jeff Pratt

May God bless you and keep you.

May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace.

This day and forever more. Amen

-Numbers 6:24-26

The post In an Unjust World, You Are Meant to be a Weed appeared first on Clackamas United Church of Christ.

Throughout human history, we have imagined God as a demanding king or a violent warrior. You have to work really hard to get this kind of god on your side. You know, say the right prayers, believe the right doctrine, even sacrifice something dear to you. But Jesus gives us a totally different image of God.

God is not like a demanding King or violent warrior.

God is like a farmer who generously sows seeds of love everywhere.

It doesn't matter whether you deserve it or not. God just loves you. So, relax, friends. The way of Jesus isn't about trying harder or being good enough. The way of Jesus is simply this: God the Farmer already loves you just as you are. Which means we can work for a more just and loving world.

Prelude

 

Adam: God be with you.

 

All: And also with you.

 

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

 

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Alison Gary and Adam

 

Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Alison will lead us in the liturgy as Gavin lights the candle…

 

Alison: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…

 

All: We pray for peace

in our hearts,

in our homes,

in our communities,

in our nations,

and in our worlds.

 

Scripture Readings

Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23

 

*Call to Worship – Alison

 

Alison: Please join us in the call to worship…

 

Alison: We come together to bless one another.

 

All: We bless one another when the path forward seems so bleak.

 

Alison: And we bless one another when the path is full of rocks.

 

All: We bless one another when the path is full of thorns.

 

Alison: And we bless one another when the path is clear.

 

All: Let us bless and support one another at all times. Amen.

 

Children’s Moment

 

*Passing of the Peace – Alison

 

Alison: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.

 

Alison: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.

 

All: And also with you.

 

Song: “Blessed” by Rachel Lampa, sung by Christine Fogh

 

Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen

 

Prayers of the People – Adam

 

(After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)

 

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer - Alison

 

Our God,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed by thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

 

Sermon – God the Farmer and the Spirituality of Failure – Alison and Adam

 

*Unison Benediction – Alison

 

May God bless you and keep you.

May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace.

This day and forever more. Amen

-Numbers 6:24-26

The post God is Not a Divine Warrior. God is a Divine Farmer. appeared first on Clackamas United Church of Christ.

Welcome everyone! Today we will celebrate Communion. All are welcome to the Table. Feel free to get some juice, coffee, or water and some bread or a cookie in preparation for Communion.

Prelude

Adam: God be with you.

All: And also with you.

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

 

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Amira Stanley and Adam

Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Amira will lead us in the liturgy as Abbie lights the candle…

Amira: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…

All: We pray for peace

in our hearts,

in our homes,

in our communities,

in our nations,

and in our world.

 

Scripture Readings

Matthew 11:16-19; 25-30

 

*Call to Worship – Amira

Amira: Please join us in the call to worship…

Amira: Come, all of you who are burdened racism, prejudice, power, struggle, materialism, poverty.

All: Come, so that we can carry these burdens together.

Amira: Come, all of you who are burdened by responsibilities to family, friends, work, or even to God.

All: Come, so that we can carry these burdens together.

Amira: Come, all of you who hope for a better world.

All: Come, so that we can hope together. Amen.

Children’s Moment

 

*Passing of the Peace – Amira

Amira: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.

Amira: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.

All: And also with you.

 

Special Music – Hallelujah – Written by Leonard Cohen, sung by Melody and Maddie (Maddie sings first, Melody second.)

 

Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen

 

Prayers of the People – Adam

 After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)

 

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer - Amira

Our God,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed by thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

 

Sermon – God Is She Who Is Wise. And Calvinism is Wrong.

 

Communion – Amira and Adam

*Unison Benediction – Amira

May God bless you and keep you.

May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace.

This day and forever more. Amen

-Numbers 6:24-26

The post God Is She Who Is Wise. And Calvinism is Wrong. appeared first on Clackamas United Church of Christ.

One of the most dangerous things in the world is Christian Supremacy. Today at worship, Pastor Adam will preach that Christian Supremacy is anti-Christian. Christians, especially white Christians, need to repent of Christian Supremacy. Only then can we actually follow Jesus.

The Christian Case Against Christian Supremacy

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Prelude – Be Thou My Vision, arrainged by David Nevue, played by Jean Herrera

 

Adam: God be with you.

All: And also with you.

 

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

 

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Ellery and David Palanuk and Adam

 Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Amira will lead us in the liturgy as Reed and Willow light the candle…

Ellery: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…

All: We pray for peace

in our hearts,

in our homes,

in our community,

in our nation,

and in our world.

 

Scripture Readings – Adam

Matthew 10:40-42

 

*Call to Worship – David and Ellery

Davie: Please join us in the call to worship…

Ellery: Jesus says, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me.”

All: May we welcome one another to this space.

David: You are welcome here if you are gay or straight.

All: You are welcome here if you are black or brown or white.

Ellery: You are welcome here if you are agnostic, atheist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Pagan, or Christian.

All: Because in welcoming one another, we welcome the Spirit of Love. Amen.

 

Children’s Moment

 

Song – Holy Now – written by Peter Mayer, sung by Rhonda, Debbie, Dave, and Jeff

 

*Passing of the Peace –Ellery and David

 Ellery: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.

David: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.

All: And also with you.

 

Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen

 

Prayers of the People – Adam

(After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)

 

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer – David and Ellery

Our God,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed by thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

 

Sermon – The Christian Case Against Christian Supremacy

 

*Unison Benediction – Ellery and David

 We invite you to join us in our Unison Benediction -

 

May God bless you and keep you.

May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace.

This day and forever more. Amen

-Numbers 6:24-26 

The post The Christian Case Against Christian Supremacy appeared first on Clackamas United Church of Christ.

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Prelude - Precious Lord, Take My Hand, played by our music director, Jean Herrera

Adam: God be with you.

All: And also with you.

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Jeff Pratt and Adam

Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Jeff will lead us in the liturgy as Abbie lights the candle…

Jeff: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…

All: We pray for peace in our hearts, in our homes, in our communities, in our nations, and in our world.

Scripture Readings Matthew 10:34-39

*Call to Worship – Jeff

Jeff: Please join us in the call to worship…

Jeff: We come to worship to be comforted and to be challenged.

All: Knowing that God loves us and calls us to work for a more just world.

Jeff: But sometimes our work for justice might cause division within our friends and families

All: That’s okay. Jesus told us that might happen.

Jeff: Let us move forward then, knowing that God is fathering us and mothering us into a future of love and justice for everyone.

All: Let us work together for such a world of love and justice. Amen.

Children’s Moment

*Passing of the Peace – Jeff

Jeff: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.

Jeff: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.

All: And also with you. Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen Prayers of the People – Adam (After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer -

Jeff: Our God, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Sermon – Jesus Does Not Make Peace with Injustice and Exclusion

*Unison Benediction – Jeff Pratt

May God bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace. This day and forever more. Amen

-Numbers 6:24-26

The post Jesus Does Not Make Peace with Injustice and Exclusions appeared first on Clackamas United Church of Christ.

Here's a hint about worship today. It's Pride month. Today we specifically celebrate and name the divine image that resides within those of us who are LGBTQIA. God is with you. God is proud of you. And Clackamas United Church of Christ is with you and proud of you, too!

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Authority Is Not to Dominate the Streets. Authority Is to Love.

Prelude

Adam: God be with you.

All: And also with you.

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Charlie Hinkle and Adam

 Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Charlie will lead us in the liturgy as Gavin lights the candle…

Charlie: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…

 All: We pray for peace

in our hearts,

in our homes,

in our community,

in our nation,

and in our world.

Scripture Readings

 Matthew 9:35-10:1

*Call to Worship – Charlie

Charlie: Please join us in the call to worship…

Charlie: Jesus summoned his disciples on a mission.

All: And he summons us on a mission, too.

Charlie: Jesus gave his disciples authority.

All: And he gives us authority, too.

Charlie: The authority to struggle for a more just and loving world.

All: May we do so now and forevermore, amen.

Children’s Moment

*Passing of the Peace – Charlie

Charlie: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.

Charlie: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.

All: And also with you.

Song: Hard Times Come Again No More – written by Steven Foster, sung by Rhonda, Debbie, Jeff, and Dave

Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen

Prayers of the People – Adam

(After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer - Charlie

Our God,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed by thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

Sermon – Authority Is Not to Dominate the Streets. Authority Is to Love.

*Unison Benediction – Charlie

May God bless you and keep you.

May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace.

This day and forever more. Amen

-Numbers 6:24-26

The post Authority Is Not to Dominate the Streets. Authority Is to Love. appeared first on Clackamas United Church of Christ.

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Welcome to Worship and Communion!

 

We invite you to bring a piece of bread (or whatever you can find) and a cup of juice (or whatever you can find) and join us for Communion. All are welcome.

 

Prelude

Adam: God be with you.

All: And also with you.

 

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

 

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Amira Stanley and Adam

Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Amira will lead us in the liturgy as Gavin lights the candle…

Amira: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…

 

All: We pray for peace

in our hearts,

in our homes,

in our community,

in our nation,

and in our world.

 

Imagining a Different World

 

Scripture Readings

Genesis 1:27

Matthew 28:16-20

 

*Call to Worship – Amira

Amira: Please join us in the call to worship…

Amira: Jesus calls us on a great mission.

All: But many of us have doubts.

Amira: That’s okay. Jesus still calls us on a mission. And all authority has been given to him.

All: What is this authority?

Amira: It’s the authority to love boldly and to work for a more just world.

All: Together we will love more boldly as we work for a more just world. Amen.

 

Children’s Moment

 

*Passing of the Peace – Amira

Amira: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.

Amira: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.

All: And also with you.

 

Song: Oh For a World – Debbie, Rhonda, Dave, and Jeff

 

Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen

 

Prayers of the People – Adam

(After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)

 

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer - Amira

Our God,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed by thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

 

Sermon – Believe it or not, you have a divine mission.

 

Communion – Adam and Amira

 

*Unison Benediction – Amira Stanley

May God bless you and keep you.

May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace.

This day and forever more. Amen

-Numbers 6:24-26

The post Believe it or Not, You Have a Devine Mission appeared first on Clackamas United Church of Christ.

The Ascension gets political. During today’s service we will celebrate the Ascension of Jesus. It’s not Christmas. It’s not Easter. But the Ascension is a critical aspect of the story of Jesus. Why? Because the Ascension is not about Jesus flying away somewhere into outer space. The Ascension is about Jesus rising up to subvert the corrupt political systems of the world. So join us this morning as we rise together for a more just and loving world.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Ascension Sunday: The Politically Subversive Message of Jesus

 

Prelude

Adam: God be with you.

All: And also with you.

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Jeff Pratt, Adam, Reed, and Willow

Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Jeff will lead us in the liturgy as Reed and Willow light the candle…

 

Jeff: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…

 All: We pray for peace

in our hearts,

in our homes,

in our community,

in our nation,

and in our world.

Scripture Readings

John 17:1-5; 11

Acts 1:6-11

*Call to Worship – Jeff

 Jeff: Please join us in the call to worship…

 Jeff: We are separated by many miles, states, countries, and even continents.

 All: And yet we hope for an experience of togetherness.

 Jeff: Our physical separation does not mean that we are truly separated from one another.

 All: For Jesus prays that we may be one, as he and God are one.

 Jeff: Even as we are physically separated during this time, let us be one in the Spirit of love.

 All: May we be united in a shared desire for more love and justice and hope in God’s good world. Amen.

Children’s Moment

*Passing of the Peace – Jeff

Jeff: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.

 Jeff: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.

 All: And also with you.

 Invitation to the Offering – Adam

 Song: Bright Morning Star – Sung by Debbie, Jeff, Rhonda, and Dave

Prayers of the People – Adam

(After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer - Jeff

Our God,

Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

Sermon – The Politics of Sharing in the Glory of God.

*Unison Benediction – Jeff

 May God bless you and keep you.

May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace.

This day and forever more. Amen

-Numbers 6:24-26

The post Ascension Sunday and the Politically Subversive Message of Jesus appeared first on Clackamas United Church of Christ.

God Is Never the Accuser. God Is Always the Advocate Sunday, May 17, 2020

What if God is not the judge? Many of us have been given an image of God that is primarily about judgment. God is the judge and will judge for or against you, so you better believe the right things and behave! But what if Jesus gives us a radically different image of God? One that is not about judging you, but one that is absolutely *for* you? Join us as we worship the God who is not against you, but the God who is for you.

Prelude   Adam: God be with you.  All: And also with you.

Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Rayah Dickerson and Adam  Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Rayah will lead us in the liturgy as Zane lights the candle… Rayah: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…  All: We pray for peace in our hearts, in our homes, in our community, in our nation, and in our world. Scripture Readings John 14:15-21 *Call to Worship – Rayah Rayah: Please join me in the call to worship…  Rayah: O Divine Advocate, loving God, we seek you on this day.  All: And we trust that before we ever seek you, you are already seeking us.  Rayah: For many of us feel orphaned and abandoned by God.  All: But God promises to not leave us orphaned.  Rayah: Look, God, our Advocate, is here with us.  All: And so let us be advocates for one another. Amen. Children’s Moment *Passing of the Peace – Rayah Rayah: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice physical distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching as we pass the peace to one another.  Rayah: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.  All: And also with you. Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen Prayers of the People – Adam (After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”) Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer – Rayah  Rayah: Please join me in prayer… Our God, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Sermon – God Is Never the Accuser. God Is Always the Advocate. *Unison Benediction – Rayah May God bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace. This day and forever more. Amen -Numbers 6:24-26

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