SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Good Shepherd Sunday
4-25-2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather to worship the Good Shepherd,
who lays down his life for his sheep.
We gather to worship Jesus Christ,
who calls us to lay down our lives for others.
Easter people, Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
HYMN #387 “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and power to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.
Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you sent Jesus, our good shepherd, to gather us together. May we not wander from his flock, but follow wherever he leads us, listening for his voice and staying near him, until we are safely in your fold, to live with you forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness,
interceding with sighs too deep for words.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, you have called us to love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. You have laid down your life for us and commanded us to lay down our lives for one another. Still, O Lord, we offer empty thoughts and prayers when the world needs our hands and our feet. Still, O Lord, we fail to share our lives with the world, hiding behind a myth of independence. Forgive us, we pray, and by your forgiveness, raise us to new life in you.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word. Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the good news of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:4
HYMN #171 “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”
The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His,
And He is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth;
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me;
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.
In death's dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.
Thou spreadest a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O, what transport of delight
From Thy pure chalice floweth!
And so through all the length of days,
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
John 10:2-18
2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
1 John 3:16-24
16 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17 How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
18 Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19 And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20 whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22 and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.
23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
This is the good news which we have received,
in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 15:1–2
REFLECTION: “Love + Sacrifice = Abiding ” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
God the Holy Spirit fulfills the work of reconciliation in human life. The Holy Spirit creates and renews the church as the community in which people are reconciled to God and to one another. The Spirit enables people to receive forgiveness as they forgive one another and to enjoy the peace of God as they make peace among themselves. In spite of their sin, the Spirit gives people power to become representatives of Jesus Christ and his gospel of reconciliation to all. Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.20
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Hoffnung” by Louise Reichardt Richard Smith, soloist and Judy Smith, pianist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Glorious God, we know that your capacity to love is indefinitely greater than our own ability. Indeed, you call us to love one another in truth and in action. We yearn to be active disciples, so that our hearts truly abide with you. Use these gifts to increase our ability to be your followers. In the name of the One who laid down his life for us, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
1 John 3:16-24 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Continued Health Requests:
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Carrie VB
-Gene G
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-Andrew L
-LaVonne B
-Jan B
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Brent (nephew of Roger & Marvis J)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Elizabeth F, Betty G, Troy & Rosa G and family Carol Ann, Jolena, Malia & Tia
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rose P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Salonen, Jenner, Fishback, Kennedy N., Watson, Peterson, Larson and Kaul/Robinson families
And for all who have lost loved ones.
- Prayers for First Presbyterian Church in Fulton, Mo as they recover from two lightning strikes which did significant damage to their building. (Missouri Union Presbytery, one of Rev. Kaul's previous presbyteries of service. Her friend Ramona is a long time member of FPC Fulton and Clerk of their Session.)
-Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
-Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
-For those who are hungry and endure hardships economically, especially those who suffer through unjust means and circumstances.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service”
Lord, whose love in humble service
Bore the weight of human need,
Who upon the cross, forsaken,
Worked your mercy’s perfect deed;
We, your servants, bring the worship
Not of voice alone, but heart;
Consecrating to your purpose
Every gift which you impart.
Still your children wander homeless;
Still the hungry cry for bread;
Still the captives long for freedom;
Still in grief we mourn our dead.
As you, Lord, in deep compassion
Healed the sick and freed the soul,
By your Spirit send your power
To our world to make it whole.
As we worship, grant us vision,
Till your love’s revealing light
In its height and depth and greatness
Dawns upon our quickened sight,
Making known the needs and burdens
Your compassion bids us bear,
Stirring us to ardent service,
Your abundant life to share.
Called by worship to your service,
Forth in your dear name we go,
To the child, the youth, the aged,
Love in living deeds to show;
Hope and health, goodwill and comfort,
Counsel, aid, and peace we give,
That your servants, Lord, in freedom
May your mercy know and live.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BROOKINGS NAT’L DAY OF PRAYER will be on Thursday, May 6th. At noon there is a prayer workshop at Ascension Lutheran church or via Zoom; at 5:30 PM there will be a prayer walk starting at the Brookings City & County Government Center. There is also the opportunity to volunteer to pray during FPC time slot as community members pray during a continuous 24-hour period.
ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services are now being held in the sanctuary and online via Zoom.
SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at Perkins at 9:30ish.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for April: Gayle F, Roger J, Nona M, Ramsie H, Lee Peterson, Ann S, Dee W, Pat F, Richard S, Jeanne L
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for April: Lynn & Diane R, Robert & Rozanne M, John & Robin E
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg.328
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Good Shepherd Sunday
4-25-2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather to worship the Good Shepherd,
who lays down his life for his sheep.
We gather to worship Jesus Christ,
who calls us to lay down our lives for others.
Easter people, Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
HYMN #387 “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and power to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.
Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you sent Jesus, our good shepherd, to gather us together. May we not wander from his flock, but follow wherever he leads us, listening for his voice and staying near him, until we are safely in your fold, to live with you forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness,
interceding with sighs too deep for words.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, you have called us to love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. You have laid down your life for us and commanded us to lay down our lives for one another. Still, O Lord, we offer empty thoughts and prayers when the world needs our hands and our feet. Still, O Lord, we fail to share our lives with the world, hiding behind a myth of independence. Forgive us, we pray, and by your forgiveness, raise us to new life in you.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word. Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the good news of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:4
HYMN #171 “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”
The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His,
And He is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth;
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me;
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.
In death's dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.
Thou spreadest a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O, what transport of delight
From Thy pure chalice floweth!
And so through all the length of days,
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
John 10:2-18
2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
1 John 3:16-24
16 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17 How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
18 Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19 And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20 whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22 and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.
23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
This is the good news which we have received,
in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 15:1–2
REFLECTION: “Love + Sacrifice = Abiding ” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
God the Holy Spirit fulfills the work of reconciliation in human life. The Holy Spirit creates and renews the church as the community in which people are reconciled to God and to one another. The Spirit enables people to receive forgiveness as they forgive one another and to enjoy the peace of God as they make peace among themselves. In spite of their sin, the Spirit gives people power to become representatives of Jesus Christ and his gospel of reconciliation to all. Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.20
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Hoffnung” by Louise Reichardt Richard Smith, soloist and Judy Smith, pianist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Glorious God, we know that your capacity to love is indefinitely greater than our own ability. Indeed, you call us to love one another in truth and in action. We yearn to be active disciples, so that our hearts truly abide with you. Use these gifts to increase our ability to be your followers. In the name of the One who laid down his life for us, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
1 John 3:16-24 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Continued Health Requests:
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Carrie VB
-Gene G
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-Andrew L
-LaVonne B
-Jan B
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Brent (nephew of Roger & Marvis J)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Elizabeth F, Betty G, Troy & Rosa G and family Carol Ann, Jolena, Malia & Tia
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rose P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Salonen, Jenner, Fishback, Kennedy N., Watson, Peterson, Larson and Kaul/Robinson families
And for all who have lost loved ones.
- Prayers for First Presbyterian Church in Fulton, Mo as they recover from two lightning strikes which did significant damage to their building. (Missouri Union Presbytery, one of Rev. Kaul's previous presbyteries of service. Her friend Ramona is a long time member of FPC Fulton and Clerk of their Session.)
-Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
-Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
-For those who are hungry and endure hardships economically, especially those who suffer through unjust means and circumstances.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service”
Lord, whose love in humble service
Bore the weight of human need,
Who upon the cross, forsaken,
Worked your mercy’s perfect deed;
We, your servants, bring the worship
Not of voice alone, but heart;
Consecrating to your purpose
Every gift which you impart.
Still your children wander homeless;
Still the hungry cry for bread;
Still the captives long for freedom;
Still in grief we mourn our dead.
As you, Lord, in deep compassion
Healed the sick and freed the soul,
By your Spirit send your power
To our world to make it whole.
As we worship, grant us vision,
Till your love’s revealing light
In its height and depth and greatness
Dawns upon our quickened sight,
Making known the needs and burdens
Your compassion bids us bear,
Stirring us to ardent service,
Your abundant life to share.
Called by worship to your service,
Forth in your dear name we go,
To the child, the youth, the aged,
Love in living deeds to show;
Hope and health, goodwill and comfort,
Counsel, aid, and peace we give,
That your servants, Lord, in freedom
May your mercy know and live.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BROOKINGS NAT’L DAY OF PRAYER will be on Thursday, May 6th. At noon there is a prayer workshop at Ascension Lutheran church or via Zoom; at 5:30 PM there will be a prayer walk starting at the Brookings City & County Government Center. There is also the opportunity to volunteer to pray during FPC time slot as community members pray during a continuous 24-hour period.
ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services are now being held in the sanctuary and online via Zoom.
SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at Perkins at 9:30ish.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for April: Gayle F, Roger J, Nona M, Ramsie H, Lee Peterson, Ann S, Dee W, Pat F, Richard S, Jeanne L
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for April: Lynn & Diane R, Robert & Rozanne M, John & Robin E
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg.328