13 Jul Worship Bulletin: 7/16/23
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 16, 2023 @ 10:15 a.m.
Gathering Music | “Be A Sower”
Ellen Gilbert, piano
Video Welcome
Sharing Time: Joys & Concerns | Ann Stover
Centering Music | “Peace and Hope and Joy” | Joan A. Fyock
Eric Johnson, vocal; Ellen Gilbert, organ
Opening Scripture | Isaiah 55:10-13
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth –and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater – 11 so [also] does/is my word – that goes out from my mouth: It [too] will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You [also] will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn bush – will grow the juniper, and instead of briers – the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”
Opening Song | “Seed, Scattered and Sown” | #454
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 | “By the Gentle Waters” | Cindy Berry
Ellen Gilbert, piano
Scripture Focus | Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
The Parable of the Sower
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds
came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants
were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil,
where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches
away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it
with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed
falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Scripture Song | “Be a Sower” (sing twice) | Voices Together #789
Be a sower, plant a seed – Let it grow into a tree
Give it water, watch it grow – And give it the love that it needs
REFRAIN
Be humble, and gentle, and always keep looking for peace.
God makes the sunrise, on the good and the evil, rain fall, on the rocks and the weeds
Let’s be loving, to one another. Join in God’s circle of peace
Be a listener, listen close when you find a friend in need.
Talk to Jesus; Jesus knows, and he’ll give you comfort and peace. REFRAIN
Be a dreamer; work for peace – turn your sword into a plow.
With our neighbors, we will seek to make change as God shows us how. REFRAIN
Message | “Abundant ” | Kathryn Whitacre
Laura Ullom-Minnich Consecration for Mennonite Volunteer Service
Sending Song | “You Shall Go Out With Joy” | #427
Sending Words
Sending Music | “The Trees of the Field” | Stuart Dauermann
Ellen Gilbert, piano
FEEL FREE TO JOIN IN SINGING, CLAPPING, AND DANCING!!
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