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Worship Invitations

hiking in northern Ethiopia

Welcome to this week’s Worship Invitations – ideas for how you can worship this weekend and live out our call to Love God and Love our Neighbors.These are things you can do with all ages, in solitude or with others.

Let us worship the Lord together!

The Word: Here is the President of Whitworth University, Beck Taylor, preaching on Mark 10, and what it means to let Jesus heal us and bring us sight. I found this message thoughtful and thought provoking as I think about what it means to live in both grace and truth at this moment.

Action (based on Mark 10:46-52): 1. Spend some time reflecting on how this current moment invites us to receive new sight.  Is there something in this situation that is opening your eyes in a new way to faith and God’s love for you?   2. We hear the cries for mercy increasing from those sitting by the side of the road right now.  Put together a few simple food and toiletry items, with a note of encouragement, in a bag (or email the office to have us leave a ‘bag of grace’ outside the office door for you) and find someone in need to give it to this week.  As an alternative, consider a gift to a local food bank instead.

Something for our Younger Ones:  Given the timing, I just can’t resist – here is a link to one of my favorite Veggie Tale excerpts – The Story of St. Patrick .  Like the sermon on Mark 10, this has to do with grace and truth, but also with bravery and perseverance.  Enjoy!

Service:  Make a plan to be a “stealth blesser” for one of your neighbors this week. Leave a note of encouragement on their doorstep, use chalk to decorate the sidewalk along your street, drop off a treat (probably best to be pre-packaged rather than homemade given the circumstances), or a roll of toilet paper tied with a bow.

Song:   Sheri shared this great version of Hold On to the Rock.  Take a listen, and you might even want to tap your toes and sing along!

Prayer:  Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. We want to see. Help us open our hands to receive your care, and open our hearts to care for others in your name. Amen.

Friends, may the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Go in peace and serve the Lord with joy.

Pastor Heather

Categories
Blog Shepherd of the Hill

Beyond the Building

I recorded a brief pastoral word for the congregation where I am currently serving as the Transitional Pastor – Shepherd of the Hill PCUSA, Puyallup, WA. Sad and glad. Those are the words of the day. We might miss being together, but what an amazing opportunity to live out our call in new and powerful ways.

Categories
Blog Worship Invitations

Worship Invitations

March 15, 2020

Welcome to Worship Invitations ~ a weekly tool assisting God’s people in loving God and loving their neighbors well during this time of social distancing.

Each week you will find a series of invitations to help support your faith journey, and to provide an alternative when corporate worship and fellowship is not possible in real space. These are things you can do with all ages, in solitude or with others.

Let us worship the Lord together!

The Word: Take a listen to this wonderful Lectio Divina podcast, Exhale, on John 15:1-5 about remaining in God’s love.   Take the opportunity to breathe as you listen and prayerfully reflect on the words.

Action:  It’s supposed to be sunny on Sunday.  If you are able, walk outside – wander in your garden, walk in a local park, wander around your neighborhood.  Breathe fresh air and give thanks for life.  Let your kids run and play.  Take in the view and enjoy the work of our Creator.  Pray for the people you pass, the neighbors in their homes, the people in your home.  Remember the words of Acts 17:28:  In God, we live and move and have our being.

Something for our Younger Ones:  Author Sally Lloyd Jones has a wonderful Lenten guide for kids that uses the stories of The Jesus Storybook Bible.  You could jump right in or double up and catch up from the beginning.   Also for adults who will be caring for children in the  coming weeks – here is an online activity resource: Hands On As We Grow.

Service:  Write a note (or email) of encouragement to someone.

Song:   Check out this version of Kyrie Eleison by Chris Tomlin.  Kyrie eleison means “Lord, Have Mercy.”

Prayer: Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep this day, and give Heaven charge over those who sleep.  Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones.  Shield your joyous ones, and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

Friends, may the love of God the Father, the saving grace found in Jesus Christ, and the strength of the Spirit guide you and hold you in this day, and always.

Go in peace and serve the Lord with joy!