4TH Sunday of Easter –Westport Presbyterian Church
April 30, 2023, 11:00 am
PRELUDE: Praeludium and Allegro—Fritz Kreisler, Luke Gilmore, violin
UNISON CALL TO RETURN TO OUR SOULS IN WORSHIP
We all live in the same house, We all must be part of the effort to hold down our little house. When you see something that is not right, Not fair, not just, Do something about it. Say something. Have the courage. Have the backbone. You must be brave, be courageous! Find a way to get in the way. Walk with the wind. It’s all going to work out. Praise God! —John Lewis
HYMN: How Firm a Foundation GTG#463
BIBLE READINGS: Isaiah 40:1-8 Matthew 5:1-12
ANTHEM: Eden’s Song—Mark Schweizer, The Westport Choir
A MESSAGE VIA READINGS AND CONGREGATION SINGING. Link to follow along with readings
1. READINGS by John Lewis, African American freedom leader and Congressman—Jen, Josh, Luke, Em
HYMN: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me GTG#775
2. READINGS by Fannie Lou Hamer on the Struggleto Overcome Racism in America—Jen, Josh, Luke, Em
HYMN: Somebody’s Knockin’ At Your Door GTG#728
3. READINGS by LGBTQ Rights Advocates—Jen, Josh, Luke, Em
HYMN: Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons) GTG#726
4. READINGS by Women’s Rights Advocates—Jen, Josh, Luke, Em
HYMN: A Prophet Woman Broke a Jar GTG#201
Unison Morning Prayer, Lord’s Prayer Led by Luke Gilmore
Wise, Loving God! Compassionate Companion! Friendly Spirit beyond us! Walking Beside us! Presence Within Us! We trust in You! You are the Good Shepherd who leads us beside still waters!You are the Guiding Spirit who shows us paths we had not previously noticed.Help us sort out which path to take! We have questions. We keep doubts that we need to explore. We dwell on our worries .We are frozen by our fears! Hold us while seek to find our way through them. Grant us inner buoyancy to transcend our troubles. Shape inner joy out of inner pain. Gain hope which we did not know was there. Find through our own trials and journeys a capacity for self giving, self denying LOVE. The kind of LOVE expressed by these people who are just like ourselves: I was grieving and you were my companion I was sick and you were my companion I was homeless and hungry and you saw me I was working too hard for too little and you saw me I was puzzled as to what to do and you listened to meI was lost and you guided me.I was powerless and you became my ally I was waiting, waiting, waiting for my redemption and you waited with me.In the name of Jesus, we pray together: 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. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory forever. Amen.
Sung Response: Come Bring your Burdens to God GTG#851
WELCOMING
OFFERTORY: Child of God—Mark A. Miller, The quartet
UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION
May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind Quickly be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, And may those bound be free. May the powerless find power, And may people think of befriending one another. May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wilderness— The children, the aged, the unprotected— Be guarded now and always. Amen. –Buddhist prayer
HYMN: Soon and Very Soon GTG#384
UNISON BENEDICTION
And now we must close our time of worship, my people. This is merely a resting place, a place of transit,Where humanity and God pause before taking to the road again! Go, my people! You are ready to set sail! Our country is not here! For we are a traveling people, strangers never rooted in one place, Pilgrims moving towards an abiding city further on. Go forth, my people, go and pray further off. Love will be your song and life your celebration. Go, you are the house of God, stones cut according to the measure of God’s love! You are restored, O people of God, and God declares to you, “I am going with you! Amen.
SUNG BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Lead Me, Guide Me GTG#740
POSTLUDE: Sonata 13 in D major—Domenico Cimarosa
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NEWS
Bread, Buns and Fruit are needed for the INTERRUPT HUNGER work we are doing. Thanks to all who are generously giving to this great work and to Westport Showers and Clothes Washing/Drying work. Thanks to everyone making WESTPORT SHOWERS happen on Sundays and on Thursday nights. You make space for grace! We need men’s pants in all sizes!
Children’s Sunday School has restarted! During worship with teachers 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 start time.
We are committed to Steptoe Lives in an effort to honor and preserve WHAT remains of the historic Black Westport community of Steptoe. A major event now being planned is Juneteenth in Steptoe, on the Sunday afternoon, June 18, 4 pm, the day before the new national holiday. Events will be held in the neighborhood (parade with drill team), at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church (music and Dancing Word) and here at Westport Presby (film) Want to join in the effort? Stan Morgan, Rev Scott and Mary Jo Draper, our church’s electronic newsletter publisher, and Taylor Brown, Westport Center for the Arts Executive Director, are participating so far.
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. Smile.
Rev Scott has been off this week and will return tomorrow, Monday, May 1.
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