Mayfield Congregational Church UCC
Sunday, July 4, 2021
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what’s right. -Brigham Young
PRELUDE
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING HYMN #448 Take My Life, God, Let it Be
CALL TO WORSHIP 1
Leader: The prophets of old spoke of God’s justice, even when it was unwelcome. Who will hear their message?
Congregation: We will listen and we will hear!
Leader: Responding to God’s call, Jesus traveled, preaching and teaching all who would listen. Who will hear his message?
Congregation: We will listen and we will hear!
Leader: Christ sent out disciples two by two, to spread the good news in any place that would welcome them. Who will hear their message?
Congregation: We will listen and we will hear!
Leader: God’s prophets are among us still, around the world and in these pews. Who will hear their message?
Congregation: We will listen and we will hear!
KIDS MESSAGE
SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 2:1-5
MESSAGE: Standing Up
PASTORAL PRAYER
HYMN: Go Make a Difference
Refrain
Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world. Go make a diff’rence.
We can make a diff’rence.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Verse 1
We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see
the love of God for you and me. We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but be seen.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Verse 2
We are the hands of Christ reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see. We are the spirit of hope;
we are the voice of peace.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Verse 3
So let your love shine on, let it shine for all to see.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
And the sprit of Christ will be with us as we go.
Go make a diff’rence in the world.
Words and Music: Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek, 1997 Copyright © 1997, Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek.
Published by spiritandsong.com®.
All rights reserved. Used with permission.
CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION
GRAPES OF WRATH and GRAPES OF BLESSING
Sunday, July 4, 2021
A celebration of remembrance, hope, and joy
Revelation 14:9-13
New Revised Standard Version
Then another angel, a third, followed them, crying with a loud voice, “Those who worship the beast and its image, and receive a mark on their foreheads or on their hands, they will also drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and they will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image and for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”
Hymn: Battle Hymn of the Republic
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored
He has loosed the fateful lightening of his terrible swift sword
His truth is marching on
REFRAIN
Glory, Glory hallelujah
Glory, Glory hallelujah
Glory, Glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat
Oh, be swift, my soul to answer, oh be jubilant, my feet
His truth is marching on
REFRAIN
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me
As he died to make men holy let us die to make men free
His truth is marching on
REFRAIN
The book of Revelation was written during a time of Roman oppression. The song “Battle Hymn of the Republic” was written during the Civil War. Both used an image of a vengeful God trampling grapes to create a wine of anger for their enemies. Throughout the Bible, though, God’s love is what shines. Grapes of wrath versus grapes of blessing. Hear what Jesus says about a cup of blessing:
John 7:37-38
Amplified Bible
Now on the last and most important day of the feast, Jesus stood and called out [in a loud voice], “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.’”
Invitation to the Table
At this table, we celebrate our relationship with God. Everyone is welcome to share. God’s love extends to every person in every situation. The cup of blessing is meant to be shared. So come, let’s celebrate together!
Words of Institution
Communion of the People
Prayer after Communion
God of love, thank you for giving us grapes of blessing. When humans acted in the worst possible way and crucified your Son, you took a breath and loved us still. Through Jesus, you gave us a cup of a new covenant, one of blessing, instead of a cup filled with the grapes of wrath. In gratefulness, in joy, in love – we will share your vision of peace and caring with the world. Amen.
OFFERING
DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below. Praise God, above, ye heavenly host. Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost!
PRAYER OF DEDICATION1
Outspoken Prophet, hear the message we are speaking through these our gifts, and aid us in spreading that message of hope and love to those whose voices have been silenced. May they strengthen our congregation so that we may continue to listen to those in need. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN #360 Send Me, Lord
BENEDICTION
CHORAL BENEDICTION God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again
1To Hear and Be Heard, An Intergenerational Liturgy for the Sixth Sunday of Pentecost, was written by the Rev. Dr. Laurel Koepf Taylor, Eden Theological Seminary, Saint Louis, Missouri.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Wednesday Night Bible Study will begin again on July 7 at 7:00 PM. Please join us via Zoom Meeting. The link for the meeting will be sent out at the beginning of each week. Please contact Diana Swanson if you have any questions.
Are you interested in joining the Church Council? We have an opening for the Stewardship Coordinator. Please contact Dawn Carlson