22 Aug Worship Bulletin – 8/22/21
McPherson First Church of the Brethren
Welcome to Worship at the McPherson 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, August 22, 2021
PLEASE NOTE: Leadership Team requires masks during worship to address continued COVID-19 concerns.
Singing will be allowed with masks; musicians will perform 12 feet away from the masked audience.
Welcome
Gathering Music | “Peace Descends” | Lani Smith
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Sharing Time – Joys and Concerns | Roger Schrock
Opening Words
Can we live in a world without enemies, where religious and political conflicts are relics of the past, where
bullying and domestic conflict never occurs, where our closest relationships are always emotionally safe places?
. . . How can [we] ensure [we] hold no enemies in [our] heart?’ . . . [but] hold compassion and respect in our hearts for
people with whom we strongly and passionately disagree, while at the same time strongly and passionately disagreeing
with them. . . . This is not an easy road to take, especially when deep injustices are uncovered. . . . it takes a lifetime of
practice. . . . a safer future needs people who refuse to create enemies, who seek understanding, compassion and maintain
a fierce commitment to a safer and more just future. Let us indeed find solace in our own tribes, but never forget that at
planetary level, we are, ultimately, one tribe sharing one home.
Simon Kerr: Climate change activist, research fellow, musician, creator of ‘Music for a Warming World’
Opening Hymn | “Put Peace Into Each Other’s Hands” | #1099 Hymnal Supplement (Brethren Press)
1. Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it;
protect it like a candle flame, with tenderness enfold it.
2. Put peace into each other’s hands, with loving expectations;
be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.
3. Put peace into each other’s hands, like bread we break for sharing;
look people warmly in the eye – our life is meant for caring.
4. Put peace into each other’s hands, it is love’s deepest measure;
in love make peace, give peace a chance, and share it like a treasure.
Children’s Story | Barbara Wagoner
Invitation to Give
Musical Offering | “Be Thou My Vision” arr. Chuck Marohnic
Dorothy Janzen, piano
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
Scripture Focus | Ephesians 6:10-20
. . . be strong in God and in God’s mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the
devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of
God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to
stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and
with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of
faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind,
be alert and always keep on praying for all God’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so
that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it
fearlessly, as I should.
Message | “Why DO we fight?” | Jerry Bowen
Sending Hymn | “Let there be Peace on Earth” | #614 Worship and Rejoice
Please be seated after the song
1. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God our creator, children all are we.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
2. Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Sending Words
Sending Music | “Ancient of Days” | arr. Paul Taylor
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre