August 08, 2018
This Week's News and Updates
See highlights from last week's service by clicking here .



You are Invited!





This Sunday during worship we will be sharing the Rite of Baptism for Amberlyn Grace Lloyd. Plan to come and be part of this ritual of love, community, and the covenant we hold with God and Amberlyn!  
The "Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life" study group returns on Wednesday, August 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall!! 

We will be reflecting on Chapter 3. Plan to join us! The conversation is enriching even if you've not read the book. Come see what lessons will speak to your journey!    

DATE CORRECTION

Movie Night
Saturday, August 18 , 2018 at 6:00PM

Come one, come all! Join us for a viewing of
"The Greatest Showman" .
Popcorn and snacks will be provided.
"Stranger Things" - Rev. David Wynn


Do you remember that time when you were living in a place or a situation where you were powerless, invisible, marginalized, maybe abused in some way…you were considered more of a problem than a person? On different levels we’ve all been there.

Now, do you remember that time when you took a BIG risk and immigrated out of that place? It’s likely that you ended up a stranger in a strange land. It’s inevitable that when we leave the familiar because the familiar is not good to for us, that we find ourselves in the unfamiliar. 

Now, do you remember that person who showed up for you? The one who knew the “lay of the land” who became your neighbor and companion? Do you remember how they saw you and taught you something about this new place and made sure you had some sustenance while you got your sea legs? They didn’t just talk at you about how you would figure it out, how God had a plan, how God would never give you more than you could endure, blah, blah, blah. Instead they walked with you, helped you get connected, advocated for you, recognized you as a person not a problem. 

That is love in action. That is what Jesus means when he says “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” We will see God’s “hesed” (faithful love) in action in Ruth’s story this week lived out in God’s people. How are we to be hesed in our world and among the people? Let’s talk on Sunday!   




New Sermon Series!
The Book of Ruth:
Love in Action







During the month of August we will be exploring the poignant and provocative book of Ruth from the Hebrew Bible. It is a love story on many levels involving ordinary people in the ordinary and disorienting circumstances of life. We will journey with Naomi and Ruth, two women through whom God will tear down some long standing and carefully crafted walls to create an unlikely and scandalous family.  Sound familiar?


8/5 – “No Bread in the “House of Bread”
8/12 – “Stranger Things”
8/19 - “We Can Do It!”
8/26 – “Ruth, King David’s Great Grandmother”

Psalm 100: A Psalm of thanksgiving.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into God's presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is God that made us, and we are God's;
we are God's people, and the sheep of God's pasture.
Enter God's gates with thanksgiving,
and God's courts with praise.
Give thanks to God, bless God's name.
For the Lord is good;
God's steadfast love endures forever,
and God's faithfulness to all generations.
---
 
Loving, Creator God, we come before you in awe, for you are beyond all things, above, below, all around, everywhere. You made us all in your likeness and love us beyond measure. No praise is too great for you. We are your people and we love you. You are good and faithful for all eternity. This is too great to comprehend. Unbounded love, accepting love, unconditional love for everyone. Let us know this truth deep in our hearts and let it liberate us to live as the people you have imagined. This is a truth too wonderful to understand. Let it revitalize our lives.
 
Jesus, Our True Shepherd, we give you thanks and praise for the love that you have shown us. We thank you for showing us the way to love you, ourselves and those around us. We know love is the only way that brings us closer to you. Let our hearts be full of your love. Let us live with you. Your love is solid and lasts beyond time. We can rely on you.
 
Spirit, Our Guide, show us the way to live, show us the way to share your love. Fill us so that we are overflowing with you. Let our hearts, minds and souls know your gentle touch, let us know the Spirit's roar so that we can ride the wave of your love. We pray in name of the Creator, the One who is love, and the Spirit who is our guide. Amen.


Prayerfully submitted by LEWIS REAY
Member of MCC Oasis and Our Tribe, Augustine United Church
Edinburgh, UK.
Thank you Judy Hudson for the incredible art experience last Saturday evening. A great time was had by all and the evening provided everyone an opportunity to create beautiful art work.
There will be additional classes coming soon:

September 15, 2018 - 5:00PM-8:00PM "Wings"

October 13, 2018 - 5:00PM - 9:00PM "Mosaic Tiles"

November 17, 2018 5:00-9:00 "Stencil Magic"

January 5, 2019 5:00-7:00PM "Fun with Clay" (this one is for parents with kids)

More information will be provided in the coming weeks!

August Birthdays
  • 08/05 Sherri Spann
  • 08/10 Lisa O'Grady
  • 08/17 Ashleigh Wolfer-Stephens
  • 08/19 Tammy Scott
  • 08/28 Carrie Wynn
  • 08/31 Barbara Brittain 

Sunday - August 12, 2018
Call to Worship - Tibetan Bowl

Morning Meditation - Rev. David Wynn

Song of Intention - "Come Thou Fount" - Community

Words of Welcome - Rev. David Wynn

Time of Greeting - Community

New Members and Baptism - Rev. David Wynn

Time With Our Children - Trish Ashton

Response - "This Little Light of Mine" - Community

Song of Preparation - "Need You Now" - Community

Bringing Words of Life - Ruth, Chapter 2 - Many Voices

Song of Response - "Need You Now" - Community

Time of Teaching - " Stranger Things " - Rev. David Wynn

Centering Song - "Hear Our Prayer" - Community

Community Prayer - Evelyn Brown

Prayer Response - "Hear Our Prayer" - Community

A Time of Offering - Cassy Batts

Celebration of Holy Communion - Rev. Robert Myers

Song of Sending Forth - "We Are Called" - Community

The Sending Forth - Rev. David Wynn
817-535-5002 / news@agapemcc.com / http:// www.agapemcc.com /