Service Recording: July 11, 2021
Rev. Bob Stevens’ Sermon
We had requests for the text of the sermon because the service under the tent was not recorded. Click here to read the text of his sermon. Note that this is not the exact wording of what he delivered.
July 11, 2021 ⁂ 8:30am
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost – Taizé Service
Welcome! We ask that once you enter the sanctuary, you remain in silence except for the communal singing and praying, so that the entire service may be a peaceful time of meditation and prayer.
Ringing of the Peace Bells
Opening songs:
Come and fill our hearts with your peace. You alone, O God, are holy.
Come and fill our hearts with your peace, alleluia!
Ubi caritas et amor, ubi caritas Deus ibi est.
(Where there is charity and love, where there is charity, God is there.)
Reading: Psalm 85:8-13
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and will make a path for his steps.
Song:
The kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom.
Silence
Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
Reading: Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Song:
Jesus your spirit in us is a wellspring of life everlasting.
Jesus your spirit in us is a wellspring of life everlasting.
Silence
Song:
Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us. Let not my doubts nor my darkness speak to me. Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us. Let my heart always welcome your love.
Intercessions
O Holy One, You gather us into community of your beloved children;
Give us life by your love.
Son of the Living God, You have lived our trials and our poverty;
Give us life by your love.
Holy Spirit, You lead us toward all who suffer;
Give them life by your love.
Holy Spirit, You place gifts in our hearts to make us bearers of your love;
Give us all life by your love shared.
Jeshua’s Prayer (see insert)
Song:
I am sure I shall feel the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Yes, I shall see the goodness of our God. Hold firm, trust in the Lord.
Concluding Prayer
Closing Song:
I will sing forever the mercy of God, I will sing God’s mercy.
🙟 🙝🙟 🙝🙟 🙝🙟 🙝
Please feel free to remain in silence.
If you choose to depart, please leave quietly.
🙟 🙝🙟 🙝🙟 🙝🙟 🙝
About the service: This service is modeled after the services held at the
Taizé Community in France, home to a community of Catholic and Protestant Brothers. It is meant to be a worship experience wholly dedicated to prayer and to hearing God’s word, using song, scripture, and silent meditation.
About the music: All of the music we will sing was composed for and by the Taizé Community. Each song will be sung through once by the worship leader; you are invited to join in the second time or any subsequent time you feel comfortable with the music. Each song will be sung several times in order to allow you to meditate on the words so that each song becomes a prayer.
About the silence: Following the scripture readings there will be a period of silent meditation lasting approximately 7 minutes. During this time you are invited to offer your own silent prayers, or to simply sit in the quiet and listen. If you are not sure where to start, consider the words of one of the songs we have sung or one of the scripture passages you have heard. We invite you to use the silence to still your hearts and minds, letting the word of God touch you wherever you are.
July 11, 2021 ⁂ 10:30am
Under the tent – this service was not recorded.
Liturgists
The People of Peace Church
Nina Preheim, Lay Leader
Gudrun Witrak, Liturgist
Sharon Dawson, Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Jim Pospisil, Music Director
Rev. Bob Stevens
Prelude
Announcements
Ringing of the Peace Bells
God is Revealed as We Gather
Responsive Call to Worship (Adapted from: Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson)
God is our shelter, protection, and guide. We want for nothing, and we will practice thanksgiving!
God invites us to places of peace and beauty where wildflowers bloom and lake waves flow.
God will restore us, and we will practice sabbath rest. Even when anxiety and fear threaten to overwhelm us, when depression and despair have us in their hold, and it seems like death would be easier than life,
Even then, we need not fear. We will trust in God and practice surrender. For you, O God, nourish us even when trouble and enemies are all around.
You claim us as your own and call us by name. Our cup overflows, and we will practice joy!
God’s compassion and grace are with us every day, and we will make our home in God’s love, justice and peace.
Opening Hymn “My Shepherd Is the Living God” (#247)
Unison Prayer of Confession
We come with humble hearts to declare before you and this congregation that we are in need of forgiveness.
HOLY ONE HAVE MERCY
We have not always followed the path you have laid before us.
HOLY ONE HAVE MERCY
We have often thought, spoken and acted in ways outside of the service of your kingdom.
HOLY ONE HAVE MERCY
We ask of you, oh God, to renew in us the love and the willingness to do your will.
HOLY ONE HAVE MERCY
Assurance of Pardon
Story for All Ages by Sharon Dawson
Kids’ Choir, directed by Susan Larson Kidd
God is Revealed in the Word
God’s Word in the Gospel: John 10:1-16
Special Music “Never Gonna Walk This Journey Alone”
Sermon by Rev. Bob Stevens (Click here to read the sermon)
Hymn “Here I Am, Lord” by Dan Schutte (see back of bulletin)
We Respond to God’s Presence
Sharing Our Prayer Concerns, Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer, Lord’s Prayer, Choral Amen
Sharing our Offerings
Offertory
The Thanksgiving “Doxology”
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Christ and Spirit, One.
Unison Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, you are our shepherd and guide for all goodness in our lives. Bless these gifts of money, time, talents, and efforts. May all that we give be a blessing, flowing from you to us and to the world in need. May we know and feel your all encompassing love surrounding us every day. We ask this in your loving name. Amen.
Closing Hymn “God Is My Shepherd” (#479)
Benediction
Postlude