Mayfield Congregational Church UCC
Sunday, June 20, 2021
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
When I was 18, I thought my father was pretty dumb. After a while when I got to be 21, I was amazed to find out how much he’d learned in three years. -Frank Butler
PRELUDE
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING HYMN Children of the Heavenly Father
Children of the heav’nly Father safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven, such a refuge e’er was given.
God his own doth tend and nourish; in His holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things He spares them; in His mighty arms He bears them.
Neither life nor death shall ever from the Lord his children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth, and their sorrows all He knoweth.
Though He giveth or he taketh, God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely, to preserve them pure and holy.
CALL TO WORSHIP (by Laura Kelly Fanucci)
Leader: God of love, today we ask your blessing on all who give their lives with a father’s love.
People: Bless new fathers and wise grandfathers. Bless loving uncles and caring godfathers.
Leader: Bless fathers who await the birth of their child with joy. Bless men who did not expect or want to become fathers.
People: Bless men who embrace fatherhood through adoption or foster parenting,
remarriage or single parenthood. Bless men still waiting and hoping to become fathers.
Leader: Bless fathers whose work takes them away from their children. Bless fathers whose work is with their children.
People: Bless fathers whose lives are shaped by war, poverty, or violence. Bless fathers who work for peace, freedom, and justice.
Leader: Bless teachers and mentors who serve as father figures. Bless priests and ministers who lead as loving parents.
People: Bless men who are separated from their children, by force or choice. Bless families without fathers and all who love in abundance in their absence.
Leader: Bless fathers who have lost a child. Bless families who have lost their father.
People: Bless all whose fathers were loving. Bless all whose fathers failed to meet their needs for love.
Leader: Bless all who celebrate today. Bless all who struggle today.
ALL: In the name of the Trinity – Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit – we pray. Amen.
RAYER OF INVOCATION (unison)
Holy God, we know that our own words lack knowledge whenever we try to speak of you or to you. Yet we are drawn into your presence and desire to understand all your mysteries. So now, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, speak your words and we will listen carefully, responding in awe and gratitude. Amen.
SCRIPTURE: Job 38:1-11
MESSAGE: Job’s Q & A
PRAYER (Responsive, Silent, Pastoral)
I Breathe by Matt Sanders
People: I breathe…
Leader: With this breath, breathe in all the goodness of God; this goodness is your inheritance. Remember your identity: you are a child of God, precious and free.
People: I breathe in unconditional love…
Leader: Express unconditional love for yourself. Express compassion for others who come to mind. Let go of all hurts and negativity and forgive everything on this day! Imagine the unconditional love of God radiating through you, from your heart, radiating to yourself and all those who come to mind.
People: I breathe in healing…
Leader: Healing comes to you in many ways; healing of body, emotions, memories, thoughts, relationships. This moment is filled with grace and gentleness; healing is happening even now!
People: I breathe in courage…
Leader: As you face the struggles of life, exercise the inner muscle of courage. Continue to wrestle with the struggles that come your way, trusting that you are being strengthened in soul.
People: I breathe…
Leader: This breath is your prayer of trust.
Special Music: Be Still
OFFERING
DOXOLOGY
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
How grateful we are, O God, that you call us to serve with the Holy Spirit, who fills us with patience and generosity and genuine love. We pray that all we return to you will be used faithfully in ministry to the world. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN #454 Lord, I Want To Be a Christian
Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart.
In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart.
Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart.
In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart.
Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart.
In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart.
Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart.
In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart.
BENEDICTION
CHORAL BENEDICTION God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again
Announcements:
Our Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 27 will be following the Sunday Service. The Church Council is looking for volunteers for the Nomination Committee to help fill the vacancy on the Council for the Stewardship Coordinator. If you are interested in being on the Nomination Committee, or would like to volunteer to be the Stewardship Coordinator, please contact Dawn Carlson .
Thanks you for the donations to the Mayfield Church Father’s Day Offering. DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau, Inc will be sent the donations from this offering.
Thursday, June 24, at 6:30 pm there will be a Mayfield Church Council Meeting at the Mayfield Church.