09 Oct Worship Bulletin: 10/9/22
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, October 9, 2022 @ 10:15 a.m.
Gathering Hymn
Video Welcome
Sharing Joys and Concerns | LeRoy Weddle
Centering Music | “Jesus Set My Soul A-Singing” (Holy Manna)
text by Margaret Clarkson – arr. David Sims
Jesus set my soul a-singing when he came to me one day;
when he saw my sing and sorrow he wiped all my tears away.
He forgave me all my sinning, lifted all my heavy load;
Jesus set my soul a-singing when we met on Calvary’s road.
Jesus sets my soul a-singing walking now beside me here;
when I follow where he leads me, what can cause my heart to fear?
He’s the one who plans my pathway, guides and keeps me in his care;
Jesus sets my soul a-singing for he makes his dwelling there.
Jesus set my soul a-singing with a song that knows no end –
how can I exhaust the mercies of a God who calls me friend?
He’s the Song and I’m the singer as he lives his life in me:
Jesus set my soul a-singing now and through eternity!
Opening Words | inspired by Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Opening Song | “Seek the Peace of the City” | Wright/Clemens
Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner
Video Invitation to Give
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
Musical Offering | “Canon”
Lois Grove & Anne Hayes; four-hand piano
Scripture Focus | Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
A Letter to the Exiles
29:1 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests,
the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 4 This is what the Lord Almighty,
the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat
what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too
may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I
have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Poetic Reflection | “Babylon” | based on Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Ann Bell Worley © 2006 Center for Christian Ethics
Not simply an evil territory or a dirty word, as we are prone to believe.
But a place where God’s people were sent
in exile – on purpose – on mission – to offer their culture – to the culture there – in love.
For God so loved the world.
Like Israel in exile, still we hope for our homecoming in the city of God, where there will be no more tears.
Let us hope not – in closed communion – in isolated sanctuaries – apart from the Babylon-world.
Rather let us hope – in the fullness of God’s love – in the life of the cities and towns
where we work – and love – and worship – and play.
And remember – that God so loved not only us – but the world.
Let us hope for Babylon as we hope for ourselves.
Let us embrace – its people – its buildings – its streets and fill them with the beauty of God’s temple.
Let us hope with doors wide open – welcome the city in and pour ourselves out.
For God so loved the world.
Message | “In its welfare you will find your welfare” | Kathryn Whitacre
Please take a moment to contemplate the scripture and message.
Sending Song | “For the Healing of the Nations” | #367
Sending Words
Sending Music | “Autumn Leaves”
Lois Grove & Anne Hayes; four-hand piano
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