Hybrid Worship

7 May 2023

Sunday Morning Spiritual Formation

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. 

Adult Spiritual Formation in May is inspired by by the All-UCC Book Club selection How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram Kendi. While readers of Kendi's book will be well-prepared for our Sunday morning discussion, all participants are welcome, whether you're reading or not. For this week, we're talking through intersectionality and social location.

For questions, suggestions, and all ponderings about spiritual formation, please reach out to Karen.

GATHERING IN THE SPIRIT’S PRESENCE

Centering Affirmation: Breathing in, I am still.

Breathing out, I am at peace.

Welcome and Announcements

Lighting of the Community Candle

One: We light this candle to call ourselves to a fresh start and a new beginning.

All: May its light draw us and turn us always toward better words and better ways.

One: May this light and all it symbolizes inspire us to deeper courage and greater compassion.

All: In this light, may we see ourselves and our world in a new way – in a way that only today can bring.

One: It is not yesterday’s light and it is not tomorrow’s light. It is all we have – this present moment.

Singing Our Faith ~ "My Shepherd Is the Living God"

My shepherd is the living God, I therefore nothing need;

In pastures fair, near pleasant streams,

you settle me to feed.

You bring my wandering spirit back

when I forsake your ways,

And lead me for your mercy’s sake

in paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death, 

your presence is my stay;

a word of your supporting breath

drives all my fears away.

Your hand, in sight of all my foes,

does still my table spread;

My cup with blessings overflows,

your oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;

O may your house be my abode,

and all my work be praise.

There I would find a settled rest,

while others come and go—

No more a stranger or a guest,

but like a child at home.

STILLING OURSELVES

Pastoral Prayer and Silence

We end praying in unison: 

God Experienced as a Blossom of Love, give us courage and an open spirit as we consider the life and teachings of Jesus. May we feel an invitational embrace beckoning us to fullness of life where we celebrate beauty and engage the causes of suffering. May it be so. Amen.

LISTENING TO GOD AND TO ONE ANOTHER

Celebrations

At this time, we share moments from our lives: birthdays, 

anniversaries, works of peace and justice. We celebrate even sorrows and grief as part of a comprehensive view of life.  

Celebration Song

Celebrate your heart and your spirit.

Celebrate your life while you live it.

Even when it’s hard to do, celebrate the best of you!

Celebrate your dreams and your visions.

Celebrate the love you’ve been given.

Cherish all that you’ve been through.

Celebrate the best of you!

ATTEND TO MYSTERY

Invitation to the Table

One: Like a sower, the Source of Life scatters, and will give growth.

All: The Source of Life scatters life about the planet.

One: Like a shepherd, The Source of Life gathers.

All: ... gathers people in families.

One: ... gathers people in communities.

All: ... gathers people together in every place.

One: The Source of Life and Love gathers us around this table to remind ourselves, across the bounds of language or nation, across the bounds of tradition or custom, that such gatherings renew us, restore our faith. As we share this bread and juice today, let us be mindful of how a simple act of sharing connects us to so much more. 

Sharing the Meal

In Eastertide, the season of new life, we are aware of resurrection happening in our lives, in Shadow Rock community both here and online. We seek resurrection and healing for all humans and all our earthling siblings. 

Please come forward—all are welcome. Our Communion offering this month supports the United Church of Christ special mission offering, One Great Hour of Sharing.

Our communion elements are gluten-free. Come, taste and see the Creator’s deep goodness.

Communion Song ~ "One Bread, One Body"

Chorus:

One bread, one body, one Lord of all,

One cup of blessing which we bless.

And we, though many throughout the earth,

We are one body in this one Lord.

Many the gifts, many the works,

One in the Lord of all.

Chorus

Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,

Gathered to one, for all.

Chorus

Invitation to Give

One: We are called to make real the sharing of the gifts God has given to us.

All: When we give our money, it moves and become real!

One: It moves and we move: resources, people, time, 

opportunity, needs. We are blessed by the movement and flow of generosity.

All: We are open to the flow. Amen. 

Offering and Offertory 

Word About Life - John 10: 1-10

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Sending Forth

One: As we prepare to leave this sacred space where we have gathered together, let us return to our work enlivened and renewed.

All: And may we leave, seeking an uncharted and freely chosen way to wholeness, knowing we have companions along the way. 

(Candle is Extinguished)

One: Just as the sheep leave the safety of fold to graze freely, we move into the world to live abundantly.  

All: May our abundant living bring joy to us and justice to others.

One: These are the times!

All: We are the people!

One: All of Creation is blessed!

All: May we love all and serve all!

One: May God be with you.

All: And also with you.

One: Amen.

All: Amen.

Sending Forth Song ~ "23rd Psalm" by Bobby McFarrin



Sermon Reboot is back today!

Join the discussion in the Narthex (we'll gather online and by the couch). This informal talk explores themes of the day's sermon and how these relate to our lives and settings in real ways.