23 Feb Worship Bulletin – 2/23/20
McPherson First Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Gathering Music
“Christian, Let Your Burning Light” | #402 | verses 1-3
“This Little Light of Mine” | #401 | verses 1 and 3
“Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord” | #76 | verses 1-3
Sharing Time
…a time of greeting and sharing those things which inform who we are as a community of faith and how God is moving among us. You are invited to welcome visitors, share joys, prayer requests and announcements.
Focusing Music | “Joy, Unending Joy” | Robert Thygerson
Scripture Focus | Matthew 5:38-48 and Luke 6:27-38
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away
from the one who wants to borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of God.
God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good,
and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?
Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?
Do not even unbelievers do that?
Be perfect, therefore, as God is perfect.
*Opening Song | “Help Us Accept Each Other” | Insert
*Commitment to Worship
The enemy: love them
The oppressor: walk the mile with them
The Master: turn the other cheek to them
This doormat faith seems too much to bear in a world where
those who bully always seem to win
The enemy: imbalance them with love
The oppressor: shame the law that oppresses
The Master: turn the cheek as an equal
This rebellious faith seems too much to bear in a world where
those who bully are loved back to justice by the bullied
But this is God’s revolution and we are called into it
Let us praise and worship Love’s rebel – Jesus!
Worship Choir | “Some of These Mornin’s” | Mark Hayes
Gonna see my mother some of these mornin’s, hope I’ll join the band.
Refrain: Look away in the heaven, look away in the heaven, Lord, hope I’ll join the band.
Oh sittin’ in the kingdom some of these mornin’s, hope I’ll join the band. (Refrain)
Oh shoutin’ in the heaven some of these mornin’s, hope I’ll join the band. (Refrain)
Gonna walk about in Zion some of these mornin’s, hope I’ll join the band. (Refrain)
Invitation to Give | Reverend Mindi (adapted)
Giving Music | “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” | Rogers/Wyse
Giving Prayer
Children’s Time
Following story: Childcare provided for infant thru Kindergarten in the Education Building
Prayer Song | “Help Us to Help Each Other” | #362
Message | “Retaliation, Love of Enemy” | Kathryn Whitacre
Responsive Action | based on Matthew 5:38-48 and Luke 6:27-38
“But I say to you who hear; love your enemies, do good to those who you hate,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Meditate on this scripture and ponder; your enemies,
those you hate, those who curse you, those who mistreat you.
Consider how you might love them.
When a situation becomes your focus,
make your way forward and write your initials on one of the pieces of paper provided;
indicating your commitment to take action; to reconcile or forgive or release your
anger/grudge.
Then; place the paper in the water where God’s Love might infuse the concern –
offering a path toward mercy and grace. Then return to your seat.
If you need to remain seated, simply raise your hand and an usher will bring you paper;
print your initials and the usher will take it forward for you.
Prayer of Consecration
*Sending Song | “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” | Insert
*Sending Words
Sending Music | “That’s Why We Praise Him” | Tommy Walker
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Pastoral Staff – Jerry Bowen, Chris Whitacre & Kathryn Whitacre
Coordinator of Music and Organist/Pianist/Accompanist – Ellen Gilbert
Director of Bells – Kendra Flory
Director of Worship Choir – Becky Snell
Chancel Décor – Shane Kirchner
Sharing Time – Ann Stover
Acolytes – Kaitlyn Nichols & Ari Prose
Worship Leader – Jerry Bowen
Children’s Time – Dan Lichty
Worship Band – Francis Hendricks, Dan Hoffman, Dawn Hoffman, Jim Hoffman
Dan Lichty, Brent Shugart, Deb Wagoner & Carol Ward
Screens – Ira Whitacre
Director/Camera – To Be Determined
Sound – Shane Kirchner
Greeters – LaMonte & Brenda Rothrock
Ushers – Lela Beam, Bruce Clary, Janell Clary & Michael Wagner
Head Usher – Glenn Gayer
Balcony Usher – Mike Goering
Childcare Attendant – Kendra Maples
Reminder: The bulletin announcements/weekly newsletter are sent to your email address every Friday with “COB Communications” caption in the address line. You may pick up a paper copy from the stand on the sanctuary level or from the literature rack immediately inside the Education Building front door.