Welcome to St. John’s United Church of Christ

12984 Co Rd 51 - PO Box 124 - NYA, MN  55368

www.stjohnsuccnya.org

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

“Wooden Love Sign”; Doi Inthanon National Park; Thailand

Rev. Scott Siefert|Organist: Penny Rolf

May 5, 2024

“The Sixth Sunday of Easter”

Ringing of the Church Bell

Announcements

Greeting:  Rev Scott:  Jesus said: I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in that person, will bear much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing. This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.

Call to Worship

One: Christ gives us a new commandment.

All: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

One: When we love one another as Christ has loved us, we will live lives full of joy.

All: We will live with God’s love deep in our hearts.

One: Let us worship the one who shows us how to love.

All: Let us worship with joy! Alleluia!

Opening Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (The Hymnal #1)

Prayer of Invocation

One: Loving God, we remember Jesus’ commandment to love one another as he has loved us. May this time of prayer and reflection remind us of the love we have in him. As we leave this sacred space, may we be filled with joy as we share his love with others.

All: No one has greater love than this. AMEN.

Call to Confession

Rev Scott:  With all the signs of new life in Christ around us, we still cling to our old ways. Let us confess to God and to one another.

Prayer of Confession

Rev Scott: O God, we confess that we do not always love one another. Our divisions and disagreements so often prevent us from knowing the joy of meaningful relationships. Even as we seek to follow the example of your Son, we forget that we are chosen and appointed by you to bring hope to a weary world.

All: Help us to renew our focus and live by your will…that we may follow you with joy in our hearts. AMEN.

–Time of Silent Confession-

Assurance of Grace

Rev Scott: Friends, we are called to be God’s beloved. Each relationship is a new opportunity to abide in Christ’s love, and a reminder that we can start again.

All: We are forgiven. Thanks be to God!

Special Presentation: Martha Brannon from HisHouse - https://www.hhfabundance.com/

Scripture Readings and Pastoral Meditation

Psalm 98 1O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. 2The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. 3He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. 4Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. 5Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. 6With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord. 7Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. 8Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy 9at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

John 15:9-17 9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Pastoral Meditation: “Commandment of Love”

Hymn of Response:   “Lord, I Want To Be a Christian”  (New Century Hymnal #454)

Holy Communion (See Insert)

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 Generosity

Rev Scott: Jesus has chosen us to bear fruit that will last. Fruit that will bring love, goodness, joy, and hope. Bring what you can; together, the gifts we offer can transform lives.

*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)

*Prayer of Dedication

All: Loving God, we remember Christ's commandment to love one another. With these gifts, help us show this love in our words and actions, caring for all of our sisters and brothers when they are vulnerable and offering hope in times of despair. AMEN.

Closing and Blessing

*Closing Hymn: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (The Hymnal #272)

*Benediction and Blessing^[1]

*Ringing of the Church Bell

*Please to stand if able

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Thursdays – ‘Soup for the Soul’ Bible Fellowship on Paul’s letter to the Galatians – 6pm – Hosted by Cindy and Dave Henschen and via ZOOM

TODAY - Martha Brannon for HIs House.

TODAY - Worship and Gather Team meeting following worship.

May 9th - Constitution & Bylaws Review Meeting - 4pm - Fellowship Hall

May 12th - Happy Mother’s Day!

May 19th - Pentecost followed by Strawberry shortcake social

May 26th - Fellowship hosted by Cookie Lehtinen

July 14th - UCC Community worship and picnic - SAVE THE DATE

Fruit of the Spirit:  His House Foundation. This month’s collection will benefit His House Foundation. They are a community based human service agency that provides direct services to families in need. They serve as a catalyst for increased sharing within our community.  They provide food support, clothing, and household goods. They assist in finding temporary shelter and permanent housing and overcoming barriers to housing. You can bring in donations that will help those in need to the narthex.

Shoe Drive. St. John’s annual shoe collection for Shoe Away Hunger is underway. Start cleaning out your closets! All new and like new shoes accepted until July 24th. Contact Michelle Bachmann with any questions.

Join a Team. If you feel called to use your talents, join a team! Consistory, Faith and Service, Worship and Gather, Women’s Guild, Strategic Planning, and Constitution and Bylaws would all will all  you with open arms. Please contact Michelle Bachmann or Pastor Scott.

Looking for a church community?  If you’d like 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 live-streamed on our Facebook Page, St. John’s UCC of Bongards.  

For Pastoral Care.  Please contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com