Join us for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost at 915am (in-person only)
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Making Choices
Thank you for worshiping with us. We are so glad that you are spending part of your day with us!
Order of Service
Worship Service Participants
- Rev. Scott Siefert
- Organist: Penny Rolf
- Choir: YOU!
Ringing of the Church Bell
Announcements
Greeting
Rev Scott: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
Call to Worship
One: The Word is the lamp and a light. The word illuminates our life.
All: We welcome The Word with praise and thanksgiving.
One: The Word comes from the mouth of God and accomplishes its purpose.
All: We hear The Word that loves and embraces, challenges and convicts, renews and restores.
One: The Word is life, offers a future with hope, and creates peace in the midst of a storm.
All: We receive The Word among us with rejoicing. We worship The Word in spirit and in truth!
*Opening Hymn: “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” (The Hymnal #193)
Prayer of Invocation
One: God of all creation, your presence among us illuminates our lives. Make us fertile soil, receptive to the seeds planted by Your Word. Nourish us with Living Water and grow us through the energy of your empowered and healing rays of sunshine. Let us encounter you afresh as we gather in community.
All: May our worship show our love for You and each other. Make your presence known to us and through us for your glory. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
One: We gather together with patience, anticipating hope, praying for peace, attempting to cultivate joy and share love amidst commotion, grief, despair, and uncertainty. Let us confess, trusting in God’s grace. Holy Redeemer, the words of our mouths can lead to hurt and harm. We tear down when we could build up. We speak of death and destruction when the power of life resides in our tongues. We say what is unnecessary and unhelpful while hesitating to offer encouragement and hope. Transform our speech as you write You Word into our hearts.
All: Stir us to speak life, joy, and love in all things. AMEN.
–Time of Silent Confession-
Assurance of Grace
One: There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Even when we don’t understand the One who is holy makes us holy, restored, and whole. Receive the grace of God as it is freely given. Be empowered by the one who observes you and declares you good. Know that you are loved, forgiven, and transformed in Jesus Christ.
All: Thanks be to God! AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Romans 5:1-5, Hebrews 12:1-3, Luke 8:11-15
Pastoral Meditation: “Patient Endurance”
Hymn of Response: “Be Still My Soul: The Lord is on Thy Side” (The Hymnal #87)
Prayers and Concerns
Joys – Concerns – Blessings
Please share any special concerns, joys, and blessings.
Silent Prayer – Pastoral Prayer – Lord’s Prayer
ALL: 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN.
Collection and Presentation of the Offering
Invitation to the Offering
One: We submit that all things came through The Word. All our gifts, resources, and blessings come from the Generous God, our Creator. May we return a portion of these gifts in grateful generosity for the ministry of the kin-dom.
*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)
*Prayer of Dedication
All: Holy One, we thank you for revealing Yourself to us and through us with abundance and flourishing. Give us generous hearts. May our offering offer a testimony honoring your provision and giving glory to your name. Receive these gifts and magnify them for the needs of your creation. AMEN.
Closing and Blessing
*Closing Hymn: “Lord Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing” (The Hymnal #35)
Benediction and Blessing
Ringing of the Church Bell
Upcoming Events & Announcements
- Wednesdays – Bongards Farmers Market – 3pm to 6pm
- Jul 30th – UCC Community Worship in the ‘Son’shine outdoor service and potluck picnic – 1030am – Baylor Park
- Aug 2nd – Disc Golf – Baylor Park – 7pm
- Aug 6th – St. John’s Got Talent – 915am followed by Ice Cream Social
- Aug 6th – Consistory Team Meeting following worship
- Aug 13th – Worship Leader: Michelle Bachmann – 915am
- Aug 16th – Shoe Bus at the Market – 3pm to 6pm (donations of new and like-new shoes collected up until the day of the sale)
- Aug 27th – Worship at Stiftungsfest – 9am – Under the Big Tent
UCC Community Service and Picnic. We are hosting this outdoor service and picnic along with St. Paul’s (Plato), First Congregational (Glencoe), Frieden’s County Line (NYA), and Zoar (Chaska) will gather on Sunday, July 30th at 1030am. Free-will donations received at this event benefit 2B Continued Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Outreach. Bring a lawn chair, if you chose, and a dish to share. Enter the main gate off of Co 33 and stay to the right, taking the road to the parking lot for the Beach Shelter.
Fruit of the Spirit. July focuses on local community needs. This month, 2B Continued Suicide Prevention will benefit from the donations. A special collection vessel is at the entrance to the sanctuary.
God uses everyone’s talents. Check out this month’s Team Up flier for ways to share your time and talents to inspire and uplift our community.
St. John’s Got Talent. Singers, dancers, orators, and musicians wanted for our 3rd Annual St. John’s Got Talent on August 6th. Contact Pastor Scott.
Live Streaming. We want to train others on live-streaming and recording services. If you can make a post on Facebook from your computer, you can do this. Contact Michelle Bachmann if you’re interested.
Looking for a church community? If you have been led to St. John’s looking to be more than a visitor, we welcome you openly and would love an opportunity to chat. Contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
The Word To Go: Find Sunday morning worship services on our Facebook Page, St. John’s UCC of Bongards. Worship will also be live-streamed on Facebook, when available.
Bongards Buzz: Submit items for the newsletter by the 1st of each month to Michelle Bachmann or sjuccbongards@gmail.com. Catch up online with the Buzz here.
For Pastoral Care. Please contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
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St. John's United Church of Christ 
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