Note: This service is about breathing; it includes breathing deeply. Given the pandemic and poor air conditions in some places, please be safe. Breathe is precious. Protect it.

We Gather

“Keep breathing.”  Advice by Hendrikje Van Andel-Schipper who lived to age 115

Prelude

Welcome (pastor)

Invocation (pastor)

In The Beginning, the soil’s potential waited for God. God breathed into the earth and created humanity.

In our beginnings, our loved ones await a most blessed moment: God breathes out life into our just-born bodies.

In our lifetimes, when circumstances take our breath away God offers sacred breath until we can breathe again.

In our endings, our loved ones gather, again, at the threshold. God breathes in our mortal breath as we fully enter eternity.

In The Ending, everything will be filled with God’s breath: God breathing in and out of absolutely every, single thing. Amen.

Lighting the Christ Candle (pastor)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (light votives)

Passing the Peace

Wave or bow, offer joyful gestures and words of peace to one another: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

Special Music: “Breathe” Written by Marie Barnett © 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Songs (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. Used By Permission. Arranged By Michael W. Smith / Orchestral arrangement by Tyler Smith / Orchestrated by David Hamilton. 9/10/2020 new release.

Prayer and Silence

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence. This simple prayer, based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly) 

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Words of Assurance (pastor)

Breathe normally. Honor what your lungs can and can’t do. There is no right or wrong way to breath. Just breathe. Breath is our universal birthright. When we breathe with consciousness, we enter the grace of simply being – and being with all that breathes. Take a deep, safe breath and thank God for the blessing of breathing. Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: Genesis 2:4b-7 (CEB)

On the day the Lord God made earth and sky— before any wild plants appeared on the earth, and before any field crops grew, because the Lord God hadn’t yet sent rain on the earth and there was still no human being to farm the fertile land, though a stream rose from the earth and watered all of the fertile land— the Lord God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into its nostrils. The human came to life. 

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Scripture Reading and Sermon “Breathe”

Special Music: “Breathe” Music: David Gilmour and Richard Wright, Lyrics: Roger Waters (Pink Floyd). Arranged and Performed by Josh Cohen. Published Aug 13, 2017.

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer

Source of All Life and Love, we give thanks for the gift of breath and the calling to ensure safe air for all beings.

Breathing in, may we absorb all that sustains our life. Breathing out, may we release all we don’t need but others do.

Breathing in, may we thank You for our respiratory systems. Breathing out, may we offer gratitude for those who help us breathe.

Breathing in, may we celebrate the gift of life and the grace to be here now. Breathing out, may we celebrate the promise of heaven and graces to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer

We Celebrate of Holy Communion

Invitation

All who breath are welcome here! Those who assembly via memory or spirit are welcome here, too! Everyone is welcome!

Gathering Souls

Let us speak the names of those persons, living or dead, who are not physically present. (speak their names)

Consecration Invitation and Prayer

(BCCC folks may use Pentecost-blessed crackers and juice; Lay hands on your bread and cup)

“Breathe on us and our cups and loves, O Breath of God. Fill us with life anew that we may love what You love, and do what You do.” AMEN. (eh, adapted)

Sharing the Elements (elements will be consumed after words of institution)

Jesus was gathered with his Beloved Disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem. They were assembled to practice ancient rituals remembering God’s faithfulness and the promise of abundant life to come.

As Jesus lifted up the loaf, they breathed deeply. They rested into the comfort and affirmation of tradition expecting to hear about the Great Exodus and the call to leave Egypt taking with them unleavened bread.

Instead, Jesus thanked God for the bread and he broke it, and gave it to his beloved friends, saying: “Take, eat. This is my Body, which is given for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.”

After super, Jesus lifted up the cup, they breathed deeply. They rested into the comfort and affirmation of tradition expecting to hear about the Beloved Prophet Elijah while setting out a cup for his promised return.

Instead, Jesus thanked God for the wine, and gave it to his friends, saying: “Drink this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Whenever we come to God’s Table, we, too, come with our expectations. May we, today, come to breathe, gathered with all the Beloved Disciples, dwelling in the nurturing, healing presence of the Living Christ.

“Breathe on us, Breath of God, until our hearts are pure, until with You, we are one will, to do and to endure.” (eh, adapted)

(all eat and drink)

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Most Amazing and Merciful One, we are filled with gratitude for the gift and grace of this Holy Communion. “Fill us with Your breathe, till we are wholly Yours glowing with fire divine, and united with You in the perfect life of holy eternity.” Amen. (eh, adapted)

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology”

Let us collectively offer praise to God by silently or softly singing. Please use the donation basket or mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

We Continue in Hope

Announcements

*Song: “Breathe on Me Breath of God” Written by Edwin Hatch, 1878. Public Domain. Arrangement: Reawakened Hymns, 2020.

Benediction (pastor)

Almighty God is the author of all creation. (breathe)

Jesus Christ is the bridge of our redemption. (breathe)

The Holy Spirit sustains each blessed community. (breathe)

May we go forth in peace, Dear Ones. Amen.

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

(CEB) Common English Bible, online. Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible. Text formatted, adapted by Kathryn M. Schreiber, 2021.

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

(eh) Edwin Hatch, 1878 “Breathe on Me Breath of God”

(tk) Father Thomas Keating is often credited as an essential founder of modern Christian contemplative prayer practices, including breathe focus known as “Centering Prayer.” (sermon reference)

COPYRIGHT NOTE: Copyright laws changed in early 2021. Please check with your denominational legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content publicly. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Thank you.

Online Publishing Date: August 31, 2021.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow your platforms publishing requirements for all created content.

Donation for Use of Content: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

Holy God,

We hold close the bravery and integrity of those who died in acts of courageous service and promised refuge in Kabul, and pray for their grieving Loved Ones. Be with them.

We also pray for those who used their bodies to carry deadly bombs convicted by the rightness of violence, and pray for their grieving Loved Ones, too. Be with them.

We pray for all who have been physically, spiritually, and psychologically wounded and for those who seek to tend their suffering. Be with them.

We pray for refugees worldwide and for those who craft the refuge they seek. Be with them.

And we pray for ourselves. We hurt because others suffer. Be with us.  Amen.

photo and prayer: K M Schreiber

worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber © 2021

We Gather

“There is no envy, jealousy, or hatred between the different colors of the rainbow. And no fear either. Because each one exists to make the others’ love more beautiful.” – Aberjhani

Prelude

Welcome (pastor)

Invocation (pastor)

Let us receive these blessed words from St. Clare of Assisi who was born in Italy in 1194. As a young woman Clare heard the call to love Christ inspired by the life and teachings of St Francis of Assisi. Clare and Francis supported each other’s faith and growing ministries becoming more Christlike and teaching others to do so, too.

“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become. If we love things, we become a thing. If we love nothing, we become nothing.

“Imitation is not a literal mimicking of Christ, rather it means becoming the image of The Beloved, an image disclosed through transformation. This means we are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.” (ca)

May it be so. Amen.

Lighting the Christ Candle (pastor)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (light votives)

Passing the Peace

Wave or bow, offer joyful gestures and words of peace to one another: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

*Song: “I Will Sing of Your Love Love Love” Written by Christopher Grundy for the Missouri/Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ. (c) 2018 Hand and Soil Music. CCLI#7109567. https://www.uccfiles.com/mp4/3GL-Music-Video.mp4

Prayer and Silence

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence. This simple prayer, based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly) 

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Words of Assurance (pastor)

Today, we root ourselves in the soil that is God’s eternally perfect love. Today, we aim our focus to gaze upon the embodied Christ’s redemptive, amazing love. Today, we open our minds to the astonishing possibility that we might practice such magnificent love – a love that transforms everything. Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: 1 John 4:16b-19 (The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version)

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as God is, so are we in this world. 

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 

We love because God first loved us.

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “Becoming Love” St Clare of Assisi reminds us to examine what we love. We are shaped by what we choose to love. Let us choose wisely. Let us choose Christ.

Special Music: “Cover the World with Love” Written by Jerry Estes. Signs from Joy of Signing, 2nd ed., by Lottie L. Riekehof. Rutgers Children’s Choir and Scarlet Singers. Recorded May 11, 2014.

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer

Love Personified, dear Eternal Christ, may St Clare inspire us to continue seeking to love as You love. Grant us the freedom to surrender to the soul’s desire to embody compassion for everyone, even those we’ve been taught to fear or reject, including the parts of our selves we find unlovable. May our souls perk up with delight when we witness liberating, empowering acts of compassion. May we be continually transformed by divine Big Love, especially in those moments when the weight of fear tries to drag us down or when the ugly judge in our mind separates us from each other. May we abide in Your love. May we abide in You. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology”

Let us collectively offer praise to God by silently or softly singing. Please use the donation basket or mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

We Continue in Hope

Announcements

Special Music: “Love God Love People” Written and performed by Danny Gokey. © 2020 Danny Gokey.

Benediction (pastor)

St Clare said, “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” Dear Ones, let us love well! Let us love God, each other (of all species), and our own precious souls. Let us go forth in hope with peace. Amen.

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

(NTP:IV) The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version, copyright ©1995 by Oxford University Press. Text formatted, adapted by Kathryn M. Schreiber, 2021.

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

(a) Aberjhani, Journey through the Power of the Rainbow: Quotations from a Life Made Out of Poetry. Poet Aberjhani is a native of Savannah, Georgia, and former U.S. Air Force journalist. 

(ca) Clare of Assisi, as appeared in The Saint’s Little Book of Wisdom, Andrea Kirk Assaf, 2016.

see image: “St Clare of Assisi” by Sue Ellen Parkinson, 2019

COPYRIGHT NOTE: Copyright laws changed in early 2021. Please check with your denominational legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content publicly. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Thank you.

Online Publishing Date: August 24, 2021

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow your platforms publishing requirements for all created content.

Donation for Use of Content: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber © 2021

We Gather

“Grant us, O Lord, the blessings of those whose minds are stayed on You, so that we may be kept in perfect peace: a peace that cannot be broken.” – George Fox

Prelude (Vicky J, piano)

Welcome (pastor)

Invocation (liturgist)

Sleeping Jesus,

When the great winds blow,

When the big waves break,

When we are being swamped –

Wake up and rebuke dangerous winds,

Gentle tormented seas,

Calm our inflated fears,

Anchor our drifting faith.

O Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ,

speak peace upon us. Amen.

Lighting the Christ Candle (liturgist)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (light votives)

Passing the Peace Please remain in place, turning to one another offering joyful gestures and soft-spoken words of peace: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

Solo

Prayer and Silence

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence. This simple prayer, based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (breathe slowly) 

Be still. (breathe slowly)

Be. (breathe slowly)

(breathe in silence) Amen.

Words of Assurance (pastor)

Dear Ones, there will be stormy times. There will be bumpy rides. The path will not always be clear and smooth. It is during these times of difficulty, especially when we feel ill-equipped to do what is necessary, that God is waiting to help us. But we do have to ask.

In God’s magnanimous generosity, we’ve been given vast freedom. We can choose to go it alone or to call out to Jesus Christ to help us. It is our choice. In so humbling ourselves we are primed to receive divine assistance. Often it will transpire in ways and means we could not have imagined. It takes great trust to ask for God’s help.

Let us be assured of Holy Compassion flowing from God, through Christ, to the Beloved Community. May we ask for and receive God’s help. Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41 (NRSV)

Jesus had spent the day teaching the crowd assembled beside the Sea of Galilea.

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘‘Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took Jesus with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 

A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. The disciples woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 

Jesus said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “Speaking Peace”

In the midst of frightening challenges we can call upon the Living Christ. We are not alone. Great spiritual forces will rally to assist us when asked. A video recording of the scripture reading and sermon will be posted on our Facebook page after the service.

Solo

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer

Dear Jesus, this morning we call out to You, as do people around the world, as humanity has throughout history. Thank you, Responsive One, for hearing our call for help.

When we are overwhelmed with real and perceived dangers, when we feel abandoned to challenges beyond our abilities, remind us we can call out to You. God has granted us the freedom to ask for help. May we choose to ask for holy help. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (Vicky J, piano)

Let us collectively offer praise to God by silently or softly singing. Please use the donation basket or mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

Announcements

Invitation to Change Location (go outside for COVID safe Holy Communion)

We Celebrate Holy Communion

After everyone is situated outside and has individually wrapped bread and juice – from home or provided.

Consecration Invitation and Prayer (pastor)

Let us pray:

Prince of Peace, we call Your peace into our hearts and homes, our communities and around the world, as well as throughout the cosmos. Fill these humble elements with Your Peace. In receiving them, we may become instruments of Your Peace. Amen.

Words of Institution

(We will consume bread and cup together after the Words of Institution.)

Let us remember that Jesus was with his Beloved Disciples. He knew it was a time of challenge and confusion. To strengthen them for what was to come…

Jesus lifted up the loaf,

offering his body to them.

Jesus thanked God for the bread and he broke it,

and gave it to his beloved friends, saying:

“Take, eat.

This is my Body,

which is given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.”

After super, Jesus lifted up the cup,

offering his forgiveness to them.

Jesus thanked God for the wine,

and gave it to his friends, saying:

“Drink this, all of you.

This is my blood of the new covenant,

which is poured out for you and for many,

for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this, as often as you drink it,

in remembrance of me.”

We join all Christians, throughout time and space, in the name of Jesus Christ. Surrounded by the bright light of those who went before us, as well as the glowing promise of those who will inherit our faith, we receive the eternal presence of the Prince of Peace. (all eat and drink)

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Beloved Jesus, in the easy times and in the hard times, You are here for us. We thank You for the never-ending gift of Your love and the eternal bridge You offer us to God. Amen.

We Continue in Hope

Benediction (pastor)

Whenever we make sacred promises – baptismal vows, wedding vows, lay leader or pastoral vows – we promise to keep these covenants “with God’s help.”

When the winds begin to blow, when the waves grow menacing, when the boat is taking water – may we ask for God’s help. May we listen for the Living Christ speaking peace. Amen.

Sung Postlude “Let Us Break Bread Together” (African-American spiritual; sung acapella)

1. Let us break bread together on our knees. (repeat; refrain)
2. Let us drink wine together on our knees. (repeat; refrain)
3. Let us praise God together on our knees. (repeat; refrain)

Refrain: When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

see image: “Meredakan Angin Ribet” (Calming the Storm) by Ketut Lasia of Bali

(NRSV) New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright ©1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text formatted, adapted by Kathryn M. Schreiber, 2021.

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

COPYRIGHT NOTE: Copyright laws changed in early 2021. Please check with your denominational legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content publicly. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Thank you.

Online Publishing Date: August 17, 2021

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow your platforms publishing requirements for all created content.

Donation for Use of Content: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

We Gather

“Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come.” – Mario Quintana, Brazilian poet and translator

Prelude (Vicky J, piano)

Welcome (pastor)

Invocation (liturgist)

We prepare ourselves to be in God’s presence with these words from the Shaker song, “Simple Gifts,” written by Joseph Brackett 173 years ago:

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come ’round right. (jb)

Lighting the Christ Candle (liturgist)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (light votives)

Passing the Peace Please remain in place, turning to one another offering joyful gestures and soft-spoken words of peace: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

Solo (Mark D, guitar)

Prayer and Silence

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence. This simple prayer, based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (breathe slowly) 

Be still. (breathe slowly)

Be. (breathe slowly)

(breathe in silence) Amen.

Words of Assurance (pastor)

It is God’s deepest intention to bring Creation to wholeness and wellbeing. Through Jesus Christ, God embodies divine presence with humanity in our times of brokenness and existential need. If we who are mortal can imagine such a holy, healing love – a holy love that repairs what is worn out or broken – how much more must God emanate such love, inspire such love, empower such love? Let us be deeply assured of God’s endless desire to mend what needs mending motivated by a vast, eternal, restoring love. Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:6-7 and Matthew 4:18-22 (NRSV)

Ecclesiastes 3:6-7. This is an excerpt from an ancient song of wisdom:

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Matthew 4:18-22. Jesus calls his first disciples, fishermen doing different tasks:

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

As Jesus went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “Mending”

Pastor Kathryn reflects on the spiritual mending needed for the wellbeing of our planet, nation, community, congregation, and families. A video recording of the scripture reading and sermon will be posted on our Facebook page after the service.

Solo (Jurgis V, piano)

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Ever-Mending, Ever-Repairing God, when our attention is filled with what is threadbare or torn, or with what has been damaged or weakened by use, gentle our fears and anxieties. Remind us of the wisdom of cycles and seasons, of times of vigor and times of fragility. May we hear You forever calling us forward into a way of restoration and improvement.

Today, we lift up our concerns for what needs mending – in our natural world (pause), in our religious communities (pause), in our civic organizations and institutions (pause), in our social practices with each other (pause), in our households and families (pause), and in our own hearts, minds, bodies, and souls (pause). May we hear Christ’s call to join his redemptive movement of repair and uplift. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (Vicky J, piano)

Let us collectively offer praise to God by silently or softly singing. Please use the donation basket or mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

We Continue in Hope

Announcements

Benediction (pastor)

Our hands are designed to do important work. We are the inheritors of proven skills to make needful repairs. Christ calls us forward into a mending ministry. With God’s help, we can do the work that is ours to do. Let us go forth with hope and in peace. Amen.

Postlude (Vicky J, piano)

Worship Resources:

(NRSV) New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright ©1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text formatted, adapted by Kathryn M. Schreiber, 2021.

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

(jb) Elder Joseph Brackett of the Alfred Shaker Village

COPYRIGHT NOTE: Copyright laws changed in early 2021. Please check with your denominational legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content publicly. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Thank you.

Online Publishing Date: August 10, 2021

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow your platforms publishing requirements for all created content.

Donation for Use of Content: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

Living Liturgies: www.inthebiglove.com; Facebook: “Living Liturgies”; YouTube: “Kathryn Schreiber”