21 Aug Worship Bulletin: 8/21/22
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, August 21, 2022 @ 10:15 a.m.
Common Ground | Leaders: Kendra Flory & Shane Kirchner
Gathering Hymn | “Fantasia on All Creatures of our God and King” | arr. Shawn Kirchner
Video Welcome
Sharing Joys & Concerns | Shane Kirchner
Centering Music | “Hummingbird” | by Shawn Kirchner
Humming bird, ruby throat, there you hover in your emerald coat, dropping in on every flower in town, nothing ever seems to get you down.
How long, how long till we learn of your simplicity? Humming Bird, nectar sweet is the only food you eat while we feed ourselves on bitter
fruits and gnaw on old and unforgiving roots. How long, how long till we learn of you how to be free? Hummingbird, fly away. Please come
back another day. I’ll be waiting here until you do. I’ll tend the garden that will welcome you. How long, how long little friend till you come
to again. Hummingbird.
Unison Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Addresses: Greetings to the Natural World
English Version: John Stokes & Kanawahienton (David Benedict, Turtle Clan/Mohawk)
Original Inspiration: Tekaronianekon (Jake Swamp, Wolf Clan/Mohawk)
The People
Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue.
We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things.
So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.
Now our minds are one.
The Earth Mother
We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life.
She supports our feet as we walk about upon her.
It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time.
To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
Opening Song | “For the Beauty of the Earth” | #89
Lois Grove, piano
History of Caring for Common Ground
January – Reciprocity/Soil
Thanksgiving Address: Waters and the Fish
February – “The Good Oak”/Water
Thanksgiving Address: Plants and Food Plants and Medicine Plants
March – “Maple Nation”/Plant study
Thanksgiving Address: Animals and Trees and Birds
April – “The Plover”/ Animal study
Thanksgiving Address: Four Winds and The Thunderers
May/June – Earth Partnership for Schools – Children’s Story
Thanksgiving Address: Sun, Moon, Stars
July/August – Indigenous People, Doctrine of Discovery
Prayer Song | “Many and Great, O God” | #35
Kendra Flory, Becky Snell, a capella & Congregation
Many and great, O God, are your works, Maker of earth and sky.
Your hands have set the heavens with stars; your fingers spread the mountains and plains.
Lo, at your word the waters were formed; deep seas obey your voice.
Grant unto us communion with you, O star-abiding One.
Come unto us and dwell with us; with you are found the gifts of life.
Bless us with life that has no end, eternal life with you.
CCG Future Plans
September | Preparing the site
October | Making a plan
November | Preparing the soil
December | Maintaining the plan
Story of Place
Unison Thanksgiving Addresses: Enlightened Teachers, The Creator, Closing Words
The Enlightened Teachers
We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages.
When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people.
With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring teachers. Now our minds are one.
The Creator
Now we turn our thoughts to the Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation.
Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our
minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator. Now our minds are one.
Closing Words
We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to
leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their
own way. Now our minds are one.
Sending Song | “God, You Spin the Whirling Planets”
Please be seated after the song
Offering & Sending Words
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
Sending Music | “For the Beauty of the Earth” | arr. Shawn Kirchner
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