A Turn in Another Direction!

In Person and Livestream Worship Services, July 17, 2022
(Video will be posted LIVE on the church’s FB page at 11am and then crossposted here)

PRELUDE: Spirit—Manly
RESPONSIVE CALL TO RETURN TO OUR SOULS 

Leader;       We all live in the same house,
People:      We all must be part of the effort to hold down our little house.
Leader:       When you see something that is not right,
People:      Not fair, not just,
Leader:       Do something about it. Say something.
People:      Have the courage.
Leader:       Have the backbone.
People:      You must be brave, be courageous!
Leader:       Find a way to get in the way.
People:      Walk with the wind.
Leader:      It’s all going to work out.
People:      Praise God!
   —John Lewis 

HYMN: Our God to Whom We Turn
RESPONSIVE CONFESSION AND COMMITMENT  

Leader;     The means by which we live have outdistanced the ends for which we live.
People:    Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided weapons and misguided people.
Leader:     We must re-create our capacity for creative compassion.
People:     Compassion for ourselves and for others.
Leader:     “Don’t get weary children!”
People:     Compassion for all whose backs are against the wall.
Leader:     “Don’t get weary, children!”
People:     Every person must decide whether to walk in the darkness of destructive self-centeredness—
Leader:     Or in the light of creative empathy!
People:     Every person must decide whether we are going to settle for merely  saying that God exists,
Leader:     Or are we going to live our lives like God actually does exist?
All:            Amen.

SUNG RESPONSE: Jesus, We are Here (English and Shona) GTG#392
Bible readings:    Psalm 3   John 1: 29-42 
Sung Response to Bible Readings:       Christ Has Risen    STF#2115
Message :    A Turn in Another Direction!
HYMN: I Need Thee    GTG#735
WELCOMING
CHORAL ANTHEM: God of Mercy, God of Grace—Davidson; Emma WitbolsFeugen, soprano, Sarah Baxter, alto
Jonathan Doram, tenor, Josh Stark, baritone
Matthew 25 Prayer, Lord’s Prayer, Sung Response:   Come, Bring Your Burdens to God (sing twice)  GTG#851
OFFERTORY: “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit.” Trad. Spiritual; Randolph, piano
                 Offering link
RESPONSIVE PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Leader:     Jesus did not limit his ministry to the four walls of the church.
People:     He was out there fighting injustice, speaking truth to power
Leader:     Every single day.
People:     He was out there spreading a message of grace and redemption
Leader:     To the least, the last, and the lost.
People:     And our charge is to find Him everywhere, every day
Leader:     By those quiet & public purposes to which we dedicate our lives.
People:    Amen.

HYMN:   Guide My Feet(stanas 1-5)     GTG#741
BENEDICTION
SUNG BENEDICTION RESPONSE:   Guide My Feet (stanza 6)    GTG#741
POSTLUDE:  The Gift of Love. English Folk Melody

ANNOUNCEMENTS
*Zoom Bible Study is this Wednesday, July 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mark 1:35-45
*Help us prepare a meal for Cherith Brook House of Hospitality for People Living Without a House and People Living in Extreme Poverty this Wednesday, 5 pm in the church kitchen. Thanks to Karen Elmer for leading this great work!  List:  Cherith Brook Menu and Ingredients for July 20 2022
*Another warm welcome to Joyce Randolph who is leading our musical service today while Emily is on vacation. We also extend a warm welcome to Jonathan Doram, tenor, and Sarah Baxter, mezzo soprano.
*Thanks to all who are making Westport Showers happen on Sunday morning (showers, breakfast, clothes washing, clothes giveaway) and Westport Weekday Food Refuge (nutritious lunches, guidance and resource counseling) during the week.
*We especially need men’s socks, underwear and shorts. We also need Sunday morning volunteers!
*Westport Center for the Arts Board Meeting this Saturday, 10 am.