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

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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”