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Baptism of Christ; Gospels of Abbess Hitda von Meschede, detail. Around 1020 CE; Hessian State and University Library
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Welcome to Worship on Easter 6B, May 9, 2021.
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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Seasonal Reflection Blessing the Mothers Jan Richardson
Who are our
first sanctuary.
Who fashion
a space of blessing
with their own being:
with the belly
the bone and
the blood
or,
if not with these,
then with the
durable heart
that offers itself
to break
and grow wide,
to gather itself
around another
as refuge,
as home.
Who lean into
the wonder and terror
of loving what
they can hold
but cannot contain.
Who remain
in some part of themselves
always awake,
a corner of consciousness
keeping perpetual vigil.
Who know
that the story
is what endures
is what binds us
is what runs deeper
even than blood
and so they spin them
in celebration
of what abides
and benediction
on what remains:
a simple gladness
that latches onto us
and graces us
on our way.
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Acknowledgement of Land
(An act towards reconciliation)
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Gathering Song Create In Me a Clean Heart Keith Green
“Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me
Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me”
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GATHERING & EXPLORING
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Scriptural Reflection Baptism of Jesus
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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.
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Welcome · Community Candle · Scripture · Moment of Wonder · Sermon
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AFFIRMING
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Song for Reflection & Offering Baptized Zach Williams
“I remember the water
The choir singing old hymns
There was a peace in the valley
Oh, as the preacher man, he said“
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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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CELEBRATING & BLESSING
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During this video clip you are invited to share the elements of communion which you have set aside for this worship time. Bread, crackers, juice, wine, or water–all are signs of Christ’s abiding presence with us.
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Prayers of the People · Communion · Benediction
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Closing Song Look for the Good Jason Mraz
“Look for the good, look for the good
Yeah, look out for all the heroes in your neighborhood
Look for the good, look for the good
Life sure would be sweeter if everybody would”
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Preacher: Pastor Ray Smith; Elder: Ric Rose; Scripture: Barbara Stroud; Moment of Wonder: Gretchen Mertes; Prayers of the People: Wendy Smith
