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A dog begs from a travel-wearied man in this detail from a first-century C.E. fresco. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Click image to enlarge.
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Welcome to Worship on Sunday, August 23, 2020.
During this time of worship you may wish to have a candle to light and to have bread and a beverage for communion — whatever you have available will be sufficient.
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Gathering Song Give Me Faith Elevation Worship
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Acknowledgement of Land
(An act towards reconciliation)
For thousands of years, First Nations people have walked on this land; their relationship with the land is at the center of their lives and spirituality. We are gathered on the traditional territory of the Coastal Salish and Puyallup people, and we acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the ages.
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GATHERING & EXPLORING
Set apart your worship space by lighting a candle along with the video clip. The light of the candle symbolizes the presence of the Holy wherever we are.
You can find all of the lectionary readings for Sunday, August 23, 2020 here: https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=156
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Welcome · Lighting of Community Candle · Scripture · Moment of Wonder · Sermon
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AFFIRMING
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Song for Reflection & Offering Brave Sara Bareilles
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Offering
There are a number of ways to contribute financially when we are unable to attend worship in person:
• Make a one-time donation or manage ongoing, automatic giving on our secure website page: https://fccpuyallup.com/donate
• Use our mobile app to set up one-time or ongoing giving from your phone. Download the GivePlus app from the App Store or Google Play to your smartphone and then search for “First Christian Church” using our zip code, 98371.
• Send checks by mail to: First Christian Church, 623 9th Ave. SW, P.O. Box 516, Puyallup, WA 98371
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Stewardship Moment 3-1/2 Minutes on Generosity Francis Chan
Stewardship: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care
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CELEBRATING & BLESSING
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Prayers of the People · Communion
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Closing Benediction As I put on my mask
Rev. Dr. Richard Bott, Moderator, United Church
Creator,
as I prepare to go into the world,
help me to see the sacrament in the wearing of this cloth –
let it be “an outward sign of an inward grace” –
a tangible and visible way of living
love for my neighbors, as I love myself.
Christ,
since my lips will be covered, uncover my heart,
that people would see my smile in the crinkles around my eyes.
Since my voice may be muffled, help me to speak clearly,
not only with my words, but with my actions.
Holy Spirit,
As the elastic touches my ears, remind me to listen carefully –
and full of care – to all those I meet.
May this simple piece of cloth be shield and banner,
and each breath that it holds, be filled with your love.
In your Name and
in that love,
I pray.
May it be so.
May it be so.
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Closing Song My Sweet Lord by George Harrison Billy Preston
at Concert for George with a little help from his friends
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Guest Preacher: Rev. Thom M. Shuman; Elders: Gretchen Mertes & Ric Rose; Scripture: Pam Chan; Moment of Wonder: Gretchen Mertes; Prayers of the People: Bunnie Stanton (Video clip: Gretchen Mertes)
