In Person and Livestream Worship Service Westport Presbyterian Church, July 9, 2023

(Video will be posted LIVE on the church’s FB page at 11am and then cross-posted here.  If the video doesn’t load properly here, you should be able to click on the Watch on Facebook link and watch as a guest, even if you don’t have Facebook)

PRELUDE: There Is a Balm in Gilead—Mark Patterson
CALL TO RETURN TO OUR SOULS

Pastor: It is through weakness and vulnerability that we learn empathy and compassion
People: And discover our souls.
Pastor: Under the greatest adversity there exists the greatest potential for doing good,
People: Both for oneself and others.
Pastor: The quality of human life on our planetis nothing more than the sum total of our daily interactions with one another.
People: Each time we help, or harm, we have a dramatic impact on our world.
Pastor: There comes a time when we need to stop just pulling people out of the river.
People: We need to dedicate ourselves to going upstream
Pastor: And find out why they are falling in.
People: Compassion is the radicalism of our time.
—Dali Llama and Bishop Desmond Tutu

HYMN:  There Is a Balm in Gilead   GTG #792
UNISON CONFESSION AND COMMITMENT

For the sin of silence, For the sin of indifference, For the secret complicity of the neutral, For the closing of borders, For the washing of hands, For the crime of indifference, For the sin of silence, For the closing of borders. For all that was done, For all that was not done, Let there be no forgetfulness before the Throne of Glory; Let there be remembrance within the human heart; And let there at last be forgiveness When your children, O God, are free and at peace. Amen.    –Chaim Stern

SUNG RESPONSE: Jesus, We are Here (English and Shona)   GTG#392
PASSING OF PEACE

Pastor: The peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Let us share the peace of Christ with each other.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 145:8-14 Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
ANTHEM: How Shall I Sing that Majesty?—arr. Ryan Hebert
SERMON:
HYMN:  Standing on the Promises   GTG#838
WELCOMING
SUNG PREPARATION FOR PRAYER: Come, Bring Your Burdens to God (sing twice)   GTG #851
Pastoral Prayer, Matthew 25 Prayer, Lord’s Prayer
OFFERTORY: His Eye Is on the Sparrow—Charles H. Gabriel, Sarah Baxter, alto
                 Offering link
PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Pastor: May we be a guard for those who need protection
People: A guide for those on the path
Pastor: A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood
People: May we be a lamp in the darkness
Pastor: A resting place for the weary
People: A healing medicine for all who are sick
Pastor: A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles
People: And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
Pastor: May we bring sustenance and awakening
People: Enduring like the earth and sky
Pastor: Until all beings are freed from sorrow
People: And all are awakened.Pastor: May it be so.People: And may it be soon – Shantideva, Indian Buddhist sage 700 CE

HYMN:  Christ Has Risen   STF#2115
BENEDICTION
SUNG BENEDICTION RESPONSE:  Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying  GTG#469
POSTLUDE: Prelude in F Major, BWV 928—Johann Sebastian Bach

A WESTPORT WARM WELCOMING!!

•  Welcome back to our consummate Music Director/Organist/Pianist Emily Davidson after a well deserved vacation! And welcome again to Josh Stark who is handling the livestream production while Deanna Capps takes a well deserved vacation.
• We are saddened by the death of Roy Fester. Roy was a beloved member here, an inspiration for Westport Showers, a friendly spirit to all. A Reflection and Celebration of his life will be scheduled sometime in the near future. “God bless your soul, Roy!”
• Bread, Buns, Fruit are needed for our INTERRUPT HUNGER work. WESTPORT SHOWERS happen on Sundays & Thursday nights.We need men’s pants in all sizes! Men’s shoes!
• Children’s Sunday School is taking a break until August 6th in the redesigned 2nd floor Children’s Space, teaching & learning will emphasize Care for the Earth, Sky and all God’s creation. 11:00 am. On Easter Sunday the Westport Rising Children’s Sunday School was re-born after the pandemic! Teachers are focusing on care for the earth in our Sunday School classes.
• Friendship Time before and after worship with snacks and coffee. Starts at 10:20 am in the main hallway. Continues after worship. Time for spontaneous friendship interaction
• Session meets in person Tuesday night, July 11, 7:00 pm here at church.
• On Saturday, July 15, 10-11:30 am, from homes or offices, via ZOOM—Session members join in an initial 90 minute consultation with leaders of the VCI (ReVitalizing Congregations Initiative of PCUSA), our first event in a multi-year journey and process. Westport Presby has joined a number of other congregations in this initiative. In the fall, our “cohort” of a number of VCI churches will meet together via ZOOM to continue this adnventure in faith, hope and love.
• #GoodTrouble KC’s campaign for Police Reform is joining with MORE Squared and others in calling for a US Justice Department investigation of the Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas Police Departments. A march across state lines from KU Med Center to Roanoke Park (0.8 miles) is being planned for Saturday, Aug 12 at 10 am. Rev Scott, Stan Morgan, Doug Kinney (St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church) and Taylor Brown (Westport Center for the Arts Executive Director) are serving on the organizing team for this action.