12th Sunday of In Person Services
August 22, 2021
PRELUDE: Lament—Theresa Wilhelmi
CALL TO RETURN TO OUR SOULS
Pastor: Traveler, are you passing through? We are on a journey too. Here we meet to feast and rest, each of us, like you, a guest.
People: We have found a deep spring here, constant water, pure and clear, and a fire to keep us warm through the night, the cold and storm.
Pastor: Traveler, have you lost your way? We have room for you to stay. Come on in and spend the night. Wait until the morning light.
People: Tell us where you started from, where you’ve been, how far you’ve come. We will tell what we have learned: where we doubled back and turned.
Pastor: Traveler, have we met before? Sharing bread we share far more, share our stories, songs and prayers, share our common hopes and cares,
People: till it dawns on us to trace in your eyes and in your face what we sensed but hardly knew: Christ our friend is here in you!
—Thomas Troeger
HYMN: Down to the River to Pray
UNISON CONFESSION AND COMMITMENT
Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful. Be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day a week, a month or a year. It is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the Divine on this planet.” Amen.
—John Lewis
SUNG RESPONSE: Holy, Holy, Holy/Santo, santo, santo GTG#595
Bible readings: Matthew 5: 1-15 Neal Long
DIALOGUE SERMON: Racism and Anti-Racism –Micah Rose Emerson and Rev. Scott Myers
HYMN: Faith Begins by Letting Go GTG#684
WELCOMING
CHORAL ANTHEM: Alleluia, Amen—Thomas Norris, arr. James Kirkby
Matthew 25 prayer—Lord’s Prayer—Congregational Sung Response
HYMN: Come, Bring Your Burdens to God GTG#851
OFFERTORY SOLO: Arise, My Love, My Fair One—text, Song of Solomon 2: 10-13; music, Don Michael Dicie; Emma WitbolsFeugen, mezzo soprano
UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION
That God Who dwells in your hand Knows this secret plan! Of the things God will do for the world, Using our hands! Love is creation— Raised to a higher degree.
-Tohoyiko Kagawa, Japanese Christian Leader
HYMN: Guide My Feet GTG#741 (Stanzas 1-5)
BENEDICTION
SUNG BENEDICTION RESPONSE
HYMN: Guide My Feet GTG#741 (Stanza 6)
POSTLUDE: Blest Be the Tie that Binds (DENNIS)—setting by Stan Pethel
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BIOGRAPHY OF MICAH ROSE EMERSON—Dialogue Sermon Partner
Micah Rose Emerson is the 21st Century Program Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City. Previously, she was the Regional Manager for the Global Orphan Project. Micah is a film maker, a storyteller and has a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing. Recently. the Presbyterian Urban and Immigrant Ministry Network of Heartland Presbytery hired Micah for its new, part time anti-racist organizer and educator position, working in churches and the community. She recently wrote in Presbyterian Women magazine, “Sitting on my porch, I am struck by the fact that there is nothing better than being near to those for whom I am advocating. I am wondering what impact I will make in this community and how I can serve my community. I am thinking through all the people I know and the ways they could champion policies that improve the lives of the residents in my neighborhood. I am thinking about the people who believe their voices don’t need to add to the cacophony of opinions. It feels overwhelming. It feels impossible, but I take a breath and realize it’s okay. Like becoming a foster parent and a board member, my presence and voice will strengthen my community in ways that aren’t yet clear. I just need to stay vigilant, to be in community, participate in opportunities to share my voice, and just be present
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