Worship Bulletin: 7/3/22

Worship Bulletin: 7/3/22

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, July 3, 2022 @ 10:15 a.m.

Gathering Hymn

Video Welcome

Sharing Joys and Concerns

Centering Music | “Fugue in C” | William Boyce
Ellen Gilbert, organ

Call to Worship | Lao-Tzu (6th century BCE)
If there is to be peace in the world – there must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations – there must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities -there must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors – there must be peace at the hearth.
If there is to be peace at the hearth – there must be peace in the heart.
[May our hearts – be at peace!]

Opening Song | “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands”

Verse 1
Put peace into each other’s hands and like a treasure hold it;
protect it like a candle flame, with tenderness enfold it.
Verse 2
Put peace into each other’s hands with loving expectation;
be gentle in your words and ways, in touch with God’s creation.
Verse 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.
Verse 4
As at communion, shape your hands into a waiting cradle;
the gift of Christ receive, revere, united round the table.
Verse 5
Put Christ into each other’s hands, he is love’s deepest measure;
in love make peace, give peace a chance and share it like a treasure.

Story for the Children | “I am Peace; A book of Mindfulness” by Susan Verde | Barbara Wagoner

Video Invitation to Give

Musical Offering | “There is a Fountain” | arr. Paul French
Abbey Paulsen and Kyle Hopkins, horn; Ellen Gilbert, piano

Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460

Scripture Focus | John 16 (33) | NIV
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. 
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Unison Prayer for Peace | Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (adapted)
Peace-filled God, you inspire us and call us;
to love and accept ALL persons,
to provide nurture and support for the well-being of ALL creation.

Forgive us;
our arrogance and willful ignorance that lead to moral blindness,
our desires for vengeance and retaliation,
our willingness to sacrifice others for our own agenda and greed
our actions that threaten the health and livelihoods of innocent people.

Help us to forsake all forms of violence: prejudice, unfair allegations, intolerance, and injury.
Help us to reject using physical threats;
intimidating words and/or a bullying presence,
unjust posturing, threatening and use of personal weapons
calls to arms, mobilization of troops.
Empower us to live as merciful and generous persons; a caring manifestation of the persons we claim to be.
Make us channels of your peace – bearers of healing and wholeness –
people who hear and respond eagerly – attending to the pleas of a world in need.
We pray for courage to act; transforming the compassion of our hearts into deeds of mercy, justice and peace.

We pray in the name of Jesus – who came among us to show us the way.  AMEN

Prayer Song | “Dona Nobis Pacem” (Grant Us Peace)
Janelle Flory Schrock, Deb van Asselt, Carol Ward

Dona nobis pacem, pacem. Dona nobis pacem.
Dona nobis pacem. Dona nobis pacem.
Dona nobis pacem. Dona nobis pacem.

Message | “May Peace be With You” | Kathryn Whitacre
Please take a moment to contemplate the scripture and message.

Sending Song | “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
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.
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 Blessing | “Go Now in Peace” | #429
Janelle Flory Schrock, Ellen Gilbert, Deb van Asselt, Carol Ward & Congregation

Go now in peace, go now in peace,
may the love of God surround you ev’rywhere, ev’rywhere you may go.
Go now in peace, go now in peace.



Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert

Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming