Worship for September 27, 2020
Opening Reflection
"Song for Autumn" by Mary Oliver

Don’t you imagine the leaves dream now
how comfortable it will be to touch
the earth instead of the
nothingness of the air and the endless
freshets of wind? And don’t you think
the trees, especially those with
mossy hollows, are beginning to look for

the fires that will come—six, a dozen—to sleep
inside their bodies? And don’t you hear
the goldenrod whispering goodbye,
the everlasting being crowned with the first
tuffets of snow? The pond
stiffens and the white field over which
the fox runs so quickly brings out
its long blue shadows. The wind wags
its many tails. And in the evening
the piled firewood shifts a little,
longing to be on its way.
Call to Worship
QUEER MORNING BLESSINGS by Dori Midnight & Randy Furash- Stewart
~a reflection on embodiment~

Blessed are you, AWAKENER, life of all worlds, who removes sleep from my eyes and slumber from my eyelids. 

Blessed are you, GENEROUS CREATRIX, who stretches forth the earth upon the waters. 

Blessed are you, SACRED FLAME, who illuminates and shines upon everyone and everything. 

Blessed are you, HOLY FASHION DESIGNER, who delights in the way we dress ourselves as altars. 

Blessed are you, LIBERATION WORKER, who moves us to stretch and expand towards freedom. 

Blessed are You, DIVINE APPLE ORCHARD, who delights in my delight and is praised by my pleasure. 

Blessed are you, NAMELESS AND INFINITE, who made us in your image and reminds us that all bodies are sacred and holy. 

Blessed are You, WINGS OF GOLD, who crowns my people, all people, with splendor. 

Blessed are you, HOLY BREATH, who fills me with this gift every day.

Blessed are you, ABUNDANCE, who helps me remember I have everything I need.

Blessed are you, THE WAY, who meets me where I am. 

Blessed are you, SOURCE OF LIFE, who I draw on for strength and who reminds me that rest is a sacred act. 

Blessed are you, FABULOUS ONE, who loves me just as I am.

Blessed are you, WEAVER OF BEING, who shaped the human being with wisdom, making for us all the openings and vessels of the body. It is known that we are miracles and all bodies are miracles.  

Blessed are You, YOU OF MANY NAMES, for revealing infinite paths of healing.
We Celebrate With Music and Giving
Celebrations
It's birthday season among the church staff! Abeth and Karen (AKA Frick & Frack) are both celebrating this week.

Tom Pynn sent a special feel-good celebration.

If YOU have a photo, video, or written greeting for Celebrations, please email Karen. It's a blessing to continue our connections as we gather separately.

Special Music
Music is good for the soul!
Thank you, Forrest and Carol for 'Those Who Wait on the Lord.'
Offering
O Generous Spirit! When we are discouraged by the world, remind us that the choice to give is available to us. Returning to abundance blesses us and the world. Amen.

Your financial support of our community continues to be important and appreciated. The needs of our own congregation and the needs of our beloved neighbors are growing and changing. Click here for Heidi’s Corner, our weekly financial update. 
Our Online Community Via Zoom
Adult Spiritual Formation - 10:00 am
In September, we have been using the 10:00 hour to reflect on our experiences of worship. What elements do we treasure? Are there ways to enhance our experiences through greater participation? What feels right to our community? Today we’re working toward October worship experiences by sharing our favorite stories and scripture passages, hymns, songs, and liturgy elements. These favorites and these connections will inform and enliven our experiences later in the fall. All are welcome to participate. 

Adult Spiritual Formation takes a one week break next week to accommodate the Southwest Conference Annual Meeting worship experience. Beginning on October 11, we will be discussing the idea of allyship. What does it mean to stand with others? How can we answer that call more fully?

Word About Life for Today - 11:00 am
by Rev. Ken Heintzelman

In this season, friends, we’re listening to the sermon live on Zoom right at 11:00 am. Please mute your microphone during the message. For on-the-spot tech assistance, call or text Karen at 623-466-4472.

Fellowship and Discussion -
Immediately following the sermon, with Zoom Breakout Rooms

Here are this week's questions from Pastor Ken:
  1. How is the sermon landing for you? Are you hearing the words of our covenant, core values, and the narrative of our wider tradition in our time together and in the sermon?
  2. What are some other ways to name and talk about the "power of God?"
  3. Where do you get your understanding of the "power of God?"
  4. Many things can inform and shape our understanding of the "power of God." Specifically, does media inform and shape your understanding of the "power of God," or does your understanding of the "power of God" inform and shape what you hear from social media and the news? 
Announcements and Reminders
Your church staff continues to work both remotely and at the church office. The church office is open with limited staff presence on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. We want to keep one another safe and show our love for one another - in that loving spirit, masks that cover nose and mouth are required for staff and visitors.

Shadow Rock leadership continues to discuss dates and best practices for in-person experiences. We will continue to offer virtual worship throughout the fall. This is an ongoing conversation. Please contact Pastor Ken via email if you have questions.

Please check your email (Rock the Week on Wednesdays and this announcement space on Sundays) for updates and news about our community. 

Please reach out to the staff or any board member if you need help (including food, financial assistance or medication). You can always call the church office phone (602)993-0050 for instructions on how to connect with Pastor Ken, Lois, or preschool Director Liz Curry.