06 Jul Worship Bulletin: 7/9/23
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 9, 2023 @ 10:15 a.m.
Gathering Music | “Soon and Very Soon” | #611 verses 1 and 2
“For the Beauty of the Earth” | #89 verses 1 and 2
Video Welcome
Sharing Time: Joys & Concerns | LeRoy Weddle
Centering Music | “Grazioso” | Telemann
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Unison Call to Worship | based on Matthew 11:28-30 | Christine Longhurst
Brothers and sisters, boys and girls – come and worship!
Even if you’re tired and worn out – come and worship!
Lay down the heavy things you are carrying – come and worship!
Listen to what Jesus wants to tell you – come and worship!
See if you can discover how Jesus wants to use you – come and worship!
For Jesus is humble and gentle, and will give us everything we need to follow God.
Opening Song | “Far Above the Noise of Life” | Voices Together Hymnal #625
Far above the noise of life, there’s a voice that is gently calling.
“Leave behind your cares and strife. Come to me. I will give you rest.
Bring your fear and bring your pain. Bring your anger and bring your worry.”
Do you hear the voice of Jesus, gently calling, “Come unto me”?
Gentle voice, so meek and mild; gentle words of understanding.
“You are my beloved child. Come to me. I will give you rest.
Bring your grief and bring your cares. Bring your heart-aches and bring your sorrow.”
Do you hear the voice of Jesus, gently calling, “Come unto me”?
Gentle voice, so full of love. Gentle words so rich in mercy.
“You are my beloved child. Come to me. I will give you rest.”
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 | Kaitlyn van Asselt, flute; Ellen Gilbert, piano
Scripture Focus | Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17 “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they
say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
The Father Revealed in the Son
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little
children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one
knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my
yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Scripture Song | “Come Away from Rush and Hurry” | Worship & Rejoice Hymnal #655
Come away from rush and hurry to the stillness of God’s peace;
from our vain ambition’s worry, come to Christ to find release.
Come away from noise and clamor, life’s demands and frenzied pace;
come to join the people gathered here to seek and find God’s face.
In the pastures of God’s goodness we lie down to rest our soul.
From the waters of God’s mercy we drink deeply, are made whole.
At the table of God’s presence all the saints are richly fed.
With the oil of God’s anointing into service we are led.
Come, then, children, with your burdens – life’s confusions, fears and pain.
Leave them at the cross of Jesus; take instead his kingdom’s reign.
Bring your thirsts, for he will quench them – he alone will satisfy.
All our longings find attainment when to self we gladly die.
Unison Prayer of Confession | Voices Together Hymnal #895 (adapted)
Gracious God, our burdens are too heavy to carry – too real to hide.
We bring to you what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear,
and what have become for us – consuming distractions.
Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed:
and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image;
through Jesus – the light of the world. AMEN
Message | “The Wise Know. . . ” | Jerry Bowen
Sending Song | “You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord” | W&R Hymnal #438
Sending Words
Sending Music | “Sing Praise to God” | arr. Edward Broughton
Ellen Gilbert, organ
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