SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Mother’s Day
5th Sunday of Easter
5-10-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
We long for abiding peace and friendship that renews our souls.
Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
We seek wisdom that endures and guidance for our journey.
Jesus says, “Where I am, there you may be also.”
We come to encounter Christ. Let us worship our God!
HYMN: “Love Divine All Love’s Excelling”
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down,
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit,
Let us find the promised rest;
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return, and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us love what you command, and desire what you promise, that amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (David S. Bell)
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
Holy God, in baptism you claim us as beloved children and set us apart as witnesses to your love. At times we forget we bear the mark of your grace and act as if you have no claim on our lives. You call us to the risky work of justice and peace, but we default to what is comfortable and safe. You call us to ministries of generosity and compassion, but we make little room in our busy lives for gestures of mercy beyond moments of spontaneous kindness. Wash us again with your grace and transform us by your Word, that we might proclaim your good news in word and deed. (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!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God Most High, reigning in glory, send down your Spirit of wisdom to shine in your heavenly Word, so that we may worship you with joy continually blessing your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:4)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Ps. 31: 1-5, 15-16
1 In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
2 Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
15 My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
16 Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.
John 14:1-14
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
1 Peter 2:2-10
2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5 like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in scripture:
“See, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very head of the corner,”
8 and
“A stone that makes them stumble,
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
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: “A Living Stone, A Chosen People” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
HONORING WOMEN
A Prayer For The Times: Litany of Women for the Church
Dear God, creator of women in your own image, born of a woman in the midst of a world half women, carried by women to mission fields around the globe, made known by women to all the children of the earth,
give to the women of our time the strength to persevere,
The courage to speak out, the faith to believe in you beyond all systems and institutions so that your face on earth may be seen in all its beauty,
so that men and women become whole, so that the church may be converted to your will in everything and in all ways.
We remember the women of faith, who went before us, channels and doers of Your Word in testaments old and new, that we might be given the grace to become what they became for the honor and glory of God.
Esther, who pleaded against power for the liberation of her people.
Judith, who routed the plans of men and saved the community.
Deborah, laywoman and judge, who led the people of God.
Elizabeth of Judea, who recognized the value of another woman.
Mary Magdalene, minister of Jesus, first evangelist of the Christ.
Scholastica, who taught her brother Benedict to honor the spirit above the system.
Hildegard van Bingen, who suffered interdict for the doing of right.
Joan of Arc, who put no law above the law of God.
Clare of Assisi, sister of Francis, who confronted the church with the image of woman as equal.
Julian of Norwich, who proclaimed and reminded us of the motherhood/feminine/nurturing aspect of God.
Thérèse of Lisieux, who knew the call to the priesthood in herself.
Catherine of Siena, to whom the church listened.
Teresa of Avila, who brought women’s gifts to the reform of the church.
Edith Stein, who brought fearlessness to faith.
Elizabeth Seton, who broke down boundaries between lay women and religious entities.
Dorothy Day, who led her church to a new sense of justice.
Rev. Letty Russell, one who was among the first group of women to become an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA, serving in Harlem NY.
The Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon, tireless voice and worker in our denomination.
Rev.'s T. Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston, (First Co-Moderators 2016) and Rev Cindy Kohlmann and Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri (current Co-Moderators) of the PCUSA.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, who heard the call of God and answered it.
For the numerous unnamed women of faith, who continue still to answer God's call to love, to serve, to nurture and to grow, in their personal lives, and to further the kingdom of God throughout the globe in the Church Universal. Grant them all the strength, courage, fortitude, grace and peace as each continues in their calling, in Christ's name and for his sake. Amen.
Originally by Joan Chittister, OSB. and adapted/edited for our use in worship by Rev. Kaul)
We Offer Ourselves to God:
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Gracious Lord, we believe in the amazing gift of your son. We share this offering with the unceasing prayer that your work in this world will spring up and break forth in all corners of this global community. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Amen. (John 14:1-14)
SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation”
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
Chosen of the Lord and precious,
Binding all the church in one;
Holy Zion's help forever,
And our confidence alone.
To this temple, where we call You,
Come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
With Your wonted loving-kindness
Hear Your people as they pray,
And Your fullest benediction
Shed within its walls always.
Here bestow to all Your servants
What they ask of You to gain,
What they gain from You forever
With the blessed to retain,
And hereafter in Your glory
Evermore with You to reign.
Laud and honor to the Father,
Laud and honor to the Son,
Laud and honor to the Spirit,
Ever three and ever one,
One in might and one in glory,
While unending ages run.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Alleluia! May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Amen.
(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. You're loved always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 2018; https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-prayer-for-the-times-;
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/04/prayer-litany-for-women.html
ANNOUNCEMENTS
APRIL 16, 2020 SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (via Zoom)
Session approved that all activities taking place at the church would be suspended during the month of May. The decision regarding suspension of activities will be revisited at each monthly Session meeting- the next meeting will be May 14th.
We are all encouraged to stay connected by attending Sunday morning services, meetings, and Bible studies using Zoom. We also encourage you to stay connected with each other with phone calls, cards, texts, email, or drive-by’s during this time. Support one another and continue staying safe and doing what you can to slow the spread of the virus. Finally, we pray for all those affected by COVID-19: those who are ill, those whose loved ones are ill or were taken by the virus, those who are feeling isolated, those who are essential personnel and risk themselves for our safety, those who, because of the shutdown, are unemployed or their businesses have been critically damaged and now have more worry than just staying healthy.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Flint
Clerk to the Session
*******
As per Session decision, we will continue to worship using Zoom during the month of May on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Please look in your email on Friday afternoon for an invitation to join our Zoom worship gathering.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
· Those Who Mourn: Dr. John Miller family (friend of Andrew); Jean Keely family (friend of Elizabeth)
· Feeling isolated, please reach out and call: Cliff Rindels and Dee Watson
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, for this joy, we give you thanks.
Mother’s Day
5th Sunday of Easter
5-10-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
We long for abiding peace and friendship that renews our souls.
Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
We seek wisdom that endures and guidance for our journey.
Jesus says, “Where I am, there you may be also.”
We come to encounter Christ. Let us worship our God!
HYMN: “Love Divine All Love’s Excelling”
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down,
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit,
Let us find the promised rest;
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return, and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us love what you command, and desire what you promise, that amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (David S. Bell)
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
Holy God, in baptism you claim us as beloved children and set us apart as witnesses to your love. At times we forget we bear the mark of your grace and act as if you have no claim on our lives. You call us to the risky work of justice and peace, but we default to what is comfortable and safe. You call us to ministries of generosity and compassion, but we make little room in our busy lives for gestures of mercy beyond moments of spontaneous kindness. Wash us again with your grace and transform us by your Word, that we might proclaim your good news in word and deed. (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!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God Most High, reigning in glory, send down your Spirit of wisdom to shine in your heavenly Word, so that we may worship you with joy continually blessing your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:4)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Ps. 31: 1-5, 15-16
1 In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
2 Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
15 My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
16 Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.
John 14:1-14
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
1 Peter 2:2-10
2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5 like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in scripture:
“See, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the very head of the corner,”
8 and
“A stone that makes them stumble,
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
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: “A Living Stone, A Chosen People” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
HONORING WOMEN
A Prayer For The Times: Litany of Women for the Church
Dear God, creator of women in your own image, born of a woman in the midst of a world half women, carried by women to mission fields around the globe, made known by women to all the children of the earth,
give to the women of our time the strength to persevere,
The courage to speak out, the faith to believe in you beyond all systems and institutions so that your face on earth may be seen in all its beauty,
so that men and women become whole, so that the church may be converted to your will in everything and in all ways.
We remember the women of faith, who went before us, channels and doers of Your Word in testaments old and new, that we might be given the grace to become what they became for the honor and glory of God.
Esther, who pleaded against power for the liberation of her people.
Judith, who routed the plans of men and saved the community.
Deborah, laywoman and judge, who led the people of God.
Elizabeth of Judea, who recognized the value of another woman.
Mary Magdalene, minister of Jesus, first evangelist of the Christ.
Scholastica, who taught her brother Benedict to honor the spirit above the system.
Hildegard van Bingen, who suffered interdict for the doing of right.
Joan of Arc, who put no law above the law of God.
Clare of Assisi, sister of Francis, who confronted the church with the image of woman as equal.
Julian of Norwich, who proclaimed and reminded us of the motherhood/feminine/nurturing aspect of God.
Thérèse of Lisieux, who knew the call to the priesthood in herself.
Catherine of Siena, to whom the church listened.
Teresa of Avila, who brought women’s gifts to the reform of the church.
Edith Stein, who brought fearlessness to faith.
Elizabeth Seton, who broke down boundaries between lay women and religious entities.
Dorothy Day, who led her church to a new sense of justice.
Rev. Letty Russell, one who was among the first group of women to become an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA, serving in Harlem NY.
The Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon, tireless voice and worker in our denomination.
Rev.'s T. Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston, (First Co-Moderators 2016) and Rev Cindy Kohlmann and Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri (current Co-Moderators) of the PCUSA.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, who heard the call of God and answered it.
For the numerous unnamed women of faith, who continue still to answer God's call to love, to serve, to nurture and to grow, in their personal lives, and to further the kingdom of God throughout the globe in the Church Universal. Grant them all the strength, courage, fortitude, grace and peace as each continues in their calling, in Christ's name and for his sake. Amen.
Originally by Joan Chittister, OSB. and adapted/edited for our use in worship by Rev. Kaul)
We Offer Ourselves to God:
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Gracious Lord, we believe in the amazing gift of your son. We share this offering with the unceasing prayer that your work in this world will spring up and break forth in all corners of this global community. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Amen. (John 14:1-14)
SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation”
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
Chosen of the Lord and precious,
Binding all the church in one;
Holy Zion's help forever,
And our confidence alone.
To this temple, where we call You,
Come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
With Your wonted loving-kindness
Hear Your people as they pray,
And Your fullest benediction
Shed within its walls always.
Here bestow to all Your servants
What they ask of You to gain,
What they gain from You forever
With the blessed to retain,
And hereafter in Your glory
Evermore with You to reign.
Laud and honor to the Father,
Laud and honor to the Son,
Laud and honor to the Spirit,
Ever three and ever one,
One in might and one in glory,
While unending ages run.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Alleluia! May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Amen.
(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. You're loved always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 2018; https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-prayer-for-the-times-;
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/04/prayer-litany-for-women.html
ANNOUNCEMENTS
APRIL 16, 2020 SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (via Zoom)
Session approved that all activities taking place at the church would be suspended during the month of May. The decision regarding suspension of activities will be revisited at each monthly Session meeting- the next meeting will be May 14th.
We are all encouraged to stay connected by attending Sunday morning services, meetings, and Bible studies using Zoom. We also encourage you to stay connected with each other with phone calls, cards, texts, email, or drive-by’s during this time. Support one another and continue staying safe and doing what you can to slow the spread of the virus. Finally, we pray for all those affected by COVID-19: those who are ill, those whose loved ones are ill or were taken by the virus, those who are feeling isolated, those who are essential personnel and risk themselves for our safety, those who, because of the shutdown, are unemployed or their businesses have been critically damaged and now have more worry than just staying healthy.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Flint
Clerk to the Session
*******
As per Session decision, we will continue to worship using Zoom during the month of May on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Please look in your email on Friday afternoon for an invitation to join our Zoom worship gathering.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
- Those with health concerns: Jan & Bob Jones, Jack & Alice Edge (Lee’s parents), Andrew L’Amour, Gary (undergoing treatment) & Pam (healing of injury) Larson, Alan Young, Natalie & Marvin Schroeder (Teri’s aunt & uncle), Loren & Sue Boy (Bonnie parents), Judy Smith (hand surgery recovery), Judy McCann (broken wrist recovery), Linda’s friend Terri who tested positive COVID-19
- Today’s Prayer Families: Arend & Susan Schuurman & family Hannah, Matthew, Samuel, Rebekah, Noah, Abigail; Stanley & Julie Scubelek & sons Dylan & Stanley
· Those Who Mourn: Dr. John Miller family (friend of Andrew); Jean Keely family (friend of Elizabeth)
· Feeling isolated, please reach out and call: Cliff Rindels and Dee Watson
- Our homebound or in care members: Barb Borstad, Delores Koepsell, Nona Marshall, Helen Peterson, Cliff Rindels, Stephen & Carrie Van Buren, Dee Watson
- Prayers for our sister church First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends
- Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- Jess & Corey and sons survived a car accident (Dave & Lee’s daughter)
- Canaday’s granddaughter Kaitlyn’s high school graduation
- Susan Smith’s friend’s recovery from COVID-19
- Jeanne Longieliere’s daughter-in-law’s result from COVID-19
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY for May!
- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for May!
Lord, for this joy, we give you thanks.