5 Pentecost: “Called to Freedom” Galatians 5:13-15 * Holy Communion

June 28, 2022July 8, 2022inthebiglove Leave a comment

Public Health Safety Note: Effective 5/29/2022, Sunday morning worship services will be outside in the Courtyard until increased COVID spread declines.

We Gather

“Let us be instruments for peace where there is none. Let us listen to one another. Let us serve the needs of neighbors in all the complexities life presents. God calls us to be for others, just as God in Christ is for us.” – Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton, ELCA after the Dobbs Supreme Court decision

Prelude (musician)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor) Welcome to worship this 2^nd Sunday of July and our delayed 4^th of July celebration of freedom! Welcome guests. Through Jesus Christ, we are called together as the Beloved Community. We honor this holy ground, unceded territory of the Lisjan-Ohlone people, standing in non-violence with hope for the safety and well-being of all beings.

Flowers In memory of Melvin Lee & Joe Hamady. Given by Darlene Hamady.

Call to Worship (liturgist)

In the turning that bends too quickly, too sharply, God invites us to make this wondrous journey.

In the weight of chains we’ve come to befriend, God lures us into an unimaginable freedom.

In the very moments when it seems most impossible, God calls our hearts to blossom with love.

This is the God we have gathered to worship. Amen.

As Pastor Kathryn lights the Christ Candle and Altar Votives, let us remember those who are not physically present, but with us in spirit or thought. Amen.

Light The Christ Candle and Altar Votives (pastor)

Votive Lighting Music (musician)

Time for Children “Unlocked” Jesus liberates us to love everyone (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all share gestures and words of peace)

We Rest in God’s Grace

Prayer and Silence (pastor) Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with 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.

Assurance of Grace (pastor) Every moment God is here… in our souls; in all that lives; in our spiritual stories, songs, and rituals. There is no place that God is not. There are, however, times when we cannot perceive the fundamental reality of God’s perfect presence. There are times when our hearts, minds, bodies, or souls are so challenged that we cannot experience the grace, strength, and fortification of divine support.

Let us keep on breathing, Dear Ones, stilling our anxious minds and emotions, seeking to rest into the eternal reality of God known to us through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Special Music (musician)

We Listen

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-15 (liturgist; version: TNT&P) This excerpt is from St Paul’s letter to converted gentiles advocating a new law greater than the Torah (Jewish law) – the “law” of loving one another as taught and embodied by Jesus Christ.

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence. But through love serve one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbors as yourself.”’ If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

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

Sermon: “Called to Freedom” In times of real conflict, Christ call us to radical, inclusive freedom. (pastor)

Sermon Hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians” Chalice Hymnal #494, all verses (musician)

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer (pastor) Great Liberator, Author of All Freedom, we are so grateful You keep calling us out of bondage separating us from systems and practices that restrict humanity’s original freedom. May the love of Christ flow through us, unlocking each chain that diminishes anyone’s dignity or pride. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (musician; all)

We Celebrate Holy Communion

Invitation to Holy Communion (pastor) Everyone, everyone, everyone is welcome at God’s Table! This sacred meal is given to us for the liberation of all souls. This is but one of the many on-going gifts Jesus Christ continues to offer us.

Gathering All Souls Whenever we gather for Holy Communion, we do so as a mystical communion of souls. Let us speak the names of those with whom we share this blessed meal… (say names out loud)

Communion Hymn: “I Come with Joy” Chalice #420, all verses (musician)

Prayer of Consecration

As we prepare ourselves to receive these gifts, Great Messiah Christ, let us remember there is one loaf for everyone – one cup for everyone. May our coming together to receive these gifts prepare us for the power of Your Love to bring all peoples together. Amen.

Sharing the Elements

One table – Jesus called the disciples around one table. He invited each regardless of their strengths and weaknesses to share one loaf, one cup – to equally receive divine gifts of sustenance and forgiveness for the well-being of the entire community.

Jesus took the loaf, (lift up bread) thanked God for it, (praise God) Jesus broke it, (break the bread) and gave it to the disciples saying: “Take, eat. This is my body which has been given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after they had eaten, Jesus took the cup, (fill and lift) thanked God for it, (praise God) And gave it to them saying: “Drink this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant which has been poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.”

On this July Communion Sunday, we share this loaf with…

our fellow Americans of all political persuasions and religious beliefs;
those impacted by recent fatal shootings;
those impacted by recent Supreme Court rulings;
those who strive to manifest God’s intentions;
those in search of a Beloved Community;

Sisters and brothers, let us receive these gifts knowing that we are called to freedom. (all eat and drink)

Prayer of Thanksgiving (spontaneous)

We Transition

Announcements (pastor)

Next Sunday 7/17 “Church Picnic”
Sunday 7/24 “Music Sunday”
Pastor Kathryn is on vacation 7/12-25
Remember to Gather Waters this summer

Closing Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” Chalice Hymnal #2, all verses (musician) Berlin in 1989, when people sang Beethoven’s famous 9th symphony, changed the word “freude” (joy) into “freiheit” (freedom).

Benediction (pastor) We are called to Freedom! We are called to Love! We are called into a mysterious, healing, transforming future following the God who makes a way out of no way. Amen.

Postlude (musician)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

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

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: June 28, 2022. Updated July 8, 2022.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: 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”

3 Pentecost: “Deliver Your Cargo” Matthew 4:18-25, 5:1-2, 14-16 * Blessing Graduates

June 21, 2022June 24, 2022inthebiglove Leave a comment

Public Health Safety Note: Effective 5/29/2022, Sunday morning worship services will be outside in the Courtyard until increased COVID spread declines.

We Gather

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” ― Frederick Buechner, 20th century Christian Theologian

Prelude (musician)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome to worship this Graduates Sunday! What a joy it is to celebrate achievements – especially college graduations! Welcome guests.

Through Jesus Christ, we are called together as the Beloved Community. We honor this holy ground, unceded territory of the Lisjan-Ohlone people, standing in non-violence with hope for the safety and well-being of all beings.

Flowers In honor of Mabel’s birthday from her daughter

Invocation (liturgist)

Source of Light, Radiant One, Eternal Illumination – Holy God, we gather here in Your Light. May our time together worshipping You fill us with Your glorious presence. May Your Big Love in us shine and bring You glory. Amen.

As Pastor Kathryn lights the Christ Candle and Altar Votives, let us remember those who are not physically present, but with us in spirit or thought. Amen.

Light The Christ Candle and Altar Votives (pastor)

Votive Lighting Music (musician)

Time for Children “God-Gifts” Sharing the abundance God has given us (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all share gestures and words of peace)

We Rest in God’s Grace

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with 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.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

None of us achieves anything of note without great help. God surrounds us with helpers who encourage us to do our best. We are blessed by those who see in us what we cannot yet see in ourselves, who call us up and over obstacles, who offer resources we need, and who truly celebrate our accomplishments. These loving impulses ALL originate in God. God’s Big Love is everywhere seeking expression, encouraging abundant life for every being.

Our souls know that each act of caring help is an unearned gift from God. In joyful recognition, our souls happily share such gifts of grace freely. We are all blessed by God’s many, many graces when God’s Big Love flows. Amen.

Special Music (musician)

We Listen

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-25, 5:1-2, 14-16 (liturgist; version: NRSV) Jesus begins his public ministry calling fishermen and teaching crowds.

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 Jesus 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.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria… and great crowds followed him…

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then Jesus began to speak, and taught them…

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

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

Sermon: “Deliver Your Cargo” We’re all called to share the gifts God has given us. (pastor)

Sermon Hymn “Take My Life” Chalice Hymnal #609, all verses (musician)

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Calling Christ, You know our gifts and how they might best serve God’s Dreams. Caring Christ, You know our needs and how God distributes what is needed where it is needed. Compassionate Christ, You continue to invite us – regardless of age or training – to do what is truly redemptive. Thank you! Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (musician; all)

We Transition

Announcements (pastor)

Next Sunday – 7/3 Holy Communion “Called to Freedom”
2^nd Sun of July: 7/10 AG and COREM takeaways “Church as Verb”
Remember to Gather Waters

Blessing Our Graduates

Distribute Holy Water and greenery (for sprinkling) among the church elders. After each specific blessing, they will bless the graduates.

Dear beautiful Children of God, (speak their names), in the name of our beloved Jesus Christ we ask God’s blessing upon you on the occasion of your graduation!

May you pause to be grateful for each person who made this achievement possible; May you understand the great gift you’ve been given. (bless with Holy Water)

May you find many noble uses for your education; May it be a key to open doors for others, as well as for yourself. (bless with Holy Water)

May you always know the difference between knowledge and wisdom. May you value and seek each. (bless with Holy Water)

May God bless you as you stretch your wings flying on to new experiences and wonders. May you never forget our spiritual nest here where Christ tends all humble souls. May you soar! May you become all God intends! AMEN! (bless with Holy Water)

Presentation of Gifts to Graduates

Closing Hymn: “This Little Light of Mine” New Century Hymnal #525 (musician; as it’s not in The Chalice Hymnal, pastor will call out verses)

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine…
All-through the night, I’m gonna let it shine…
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…

Benediction (pastor)

WE are the light of the world! God needs us and Christ empowers us to SHINE! Let us share the God-Gifts we have been given for the uplift of many. In peace, hope, and Big Love! Amen.

Postlude (musician)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source. Note, Graduates blessing is an adaptation of a prayer written in 2013 for the graduates of United Japanese Christian Church, UCC Clovis/Fresno, CA.

(fb) Frederick Buechner, from his book Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC

Sermon references:

Jack Kornfeld, his story about “your task in this life is to deliver your cargo to the world”

Michael Josephson, “LIVE A LIFE THAT MATTERS” quoted in many commencement speeches.

Online Publishing Date: June 21, 2022.

2 Pentecost: “Protectors” Matthew 2:13-15a, 19-22 * Father’s Day

June 9, 2022June 9, 2022inthebiglove Leave a comment

Public Health Safety Note: Effective 5/29/2022, Sunday morning worship services will be outside in the Courtyard until increased COVID spread declines.

We Gather

“Dear Father… We come before You on our knees this evening to ask You to watch over us and hold back the hand of the destroying angel.” – James Baldwin, 20th-century American writer (jb)

Prelude (musician)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome to worship this Father’s Day as we remember our fathers and fathering persons. Welcome guests.

Flowers

Invocation (liturgist; Psalm 121:3-8 Psalms/Now adapted as a prayer)

O God, Almighty Protector, You know our every desire. Your watchful eye is upon us night and day. We make no movement without Your knowledge. Your concern for all Your children is constant. Your love is eternal.

You, O Lord, keep us and shield us from the forces of evil just as a shade tree blocks the rays of the blazing sun. You protect our precious lives. You care for us whether we are coming in or going out. O Lord, You know our journeys and You go before us, now and forever more. Amen. (lfb, heavily adapted)

As Pastor Kathryn lights the Christ Candle and Altar Votives, let us remember those who are not physically present, but with us in spirit or thought. Amen.

Light The Christ Candle and Altar Votives (pastor)

Votive Lighting Music (musician)

Time for Children “Who Takes Care of Daddies?” God’s parental care of parents (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all share gestures and words of peace)

We Rest in God’s Grace

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with 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.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

Are your shoulders weary? Do you carry responsibility for others? Throughout the gospels, Jesus cares for his disciples as a loving papa cares for his beloved children.

Jesus knew his caregiving disciples would need heavenly care, he taught them how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer, which all Christians pray, originally began with the word “Abba” from ancient Galilean Aramaic. For ages, “Abba” has been translated into English as “Our Father,” though a more accurate translation would be “Papa” or “Daddy” – an endearing child’s term for a trusted male parent.

What human role best expresses a relationship where you can be safely vulnerable? Maybe “Father” or “Baba” – or something else? Who best symbolizes a trustworthy protector and guide in your life? If you like, try using this term for God. Jesus’ intention is that we find in God one who is safe and secure when we are vulnerable and at risk. Amen.

Special Music (musician)

We Listen

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15a, 19-22 (liturgist; version: Common English Bible) God speaks to Joseph through dreams that little Jesus might be safe.

“Escape to Egypt”

When the magi had departed, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod will soon search for the child in order to kill him.” Joseph got up and, during the night, took the child and his mother to Egypt. He stayed there until Herod died.

“Return from Egypt”

After King Herod died, an angel from the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up,” the angel said, “and take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel. Those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus ruled over Judea in place of his father Herod, Joseph was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he went to the area of Galilee.

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

Sermon: “Protectors: Father’s Day Show and Tell” Please bring an object or story to tell about a man who protected you as a child or who has protected children. (everyone)

Sermon Hymn “TBA” Chalice Hymnal #TBA (musician)

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Loving Parent of Humankind; Heavenly Father; Friend Jesus; we are grateful for the eternal comfort and care, encouragement and protection You provide. We praise You for all the ways You help fathers and fathering persons keep their children safe from harm. Bless these good men who protect our vulnerable ones. Grant unto them the safe harbor of Your Presence that they may take off the mantle of responsibility, free to be tended and restored by You. On this Father’s Day we are especially mindful of grieving fathers asking Your compassionate comfort upon all who grieve for children who preceded them in death. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (musician; all)

We Transition

Announcements (pastor)

Next Week – Fri-Sun COREM UCC National Gathering
Next Sunday – Blessing of Our Graduates

Closing Hymn: “TBA” Chalice Hymnal #TBA (musician)

Benediction (pastor & everyone) (ask folks to identify their most trustworthy, caring male by role – i.e. “Daddy” or “Grandpa” or “Uncle” – if no one comes to mind, use “Abba.” Call out this relational term after each “…” below.)

When we are blessed and have joys to share, we call out for…

When we are frightened and need help, we call out for…

When we are curious and seek guidance, we call out for…

When we are hurting and ache for uplifting love, we call out for…

Holy Father God, thank You for these dear men who reveal Your Big Love here on earth. Amen.

Postlude (musician)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

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

(jb) James Baldwin, from Go Tell It on the Mountain

Online Publishing Date: June 9, 2022.

Trinity Sunday/1 Pentecost: “Triune God” Matthew 3:16-17 and 28:18-20

June 7, 2022June 10, 2022inthebiglove Leave a comment

Public Health Safety Note: Effective 5/29/2022, Sunday morning worship services will be outside in the Courtyard until increased COVID spread declines.

We Gather

“Praise God who rules all worlds; the risen Christ adore. Praise God the Spirit, Holy Fire, one God for evermore!” – Ruth Duck, 21^st American lyricist (rd)

Prelude (musician)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome to worship this Trinity Sunday – as we focus on “God in Three Persons” – Creator/Father; Christ/Son; and Holy Spirit. Welcome guests.

Flowers given by Mark and Anita in celebration of their Wedding Anniversary

Invocation (liturgist)

Come, God the Creator, Source of all Life – Bless the Beloved Ones gathered here.

Come, God the Christ, Redeemer of Humanity – Comfort the Beloved Community now assembled.

Come, Holy Spirit, Indwelling Wisdom – Guide us as we seek to extend Your Love to everyone. Amen.

As Pastor Kathryn lights the Christ Candle and Altar Votives, let us remember those who are not physically present, but with us in spirit or thought. Amen.

Light The Christ Candle and Altar Votives (pastor)

Votive Lighting Music (musician)

Time for Children “Ice, Water, Steam” Imagining God’s many forms (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all share gestures and words of peace)

We Rest in God’s Grace

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with 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.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

Sometimes spiritual practices that have brought us great comfort quit working. The words and images of earlier times may blur out of focus or ring hollow. It may feel like God has left us. Do not despair! God’s Presence may begin speaking in a new voice, resonating from a new symbol, inviting us to pray in a new way.

God never changes. However, God’s approach to us shifts as our needs change. God’s care is everlasting and adaptable. What a blessed assurance of grace!

Dear Ones, let us be open to the new ways God may be reaching out to us. Let us be curious trusting God has more Big Love to share with us, Big Love we may share with others. Amen.

Special Music (musician)

We Listen

Scripture: Matthew 3:16-17 and 28:18-20 (liturgist; version: Common English Bible)

In St Matthew’s gospel, at the beginning and the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, God is named as the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

“The Baptism of Jesus” Matthew 3:16-17

When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and Jesus saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him.”

AND

“The Commissioning of the Disciples” Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus came near and spoke to the eleven disciples, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

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

Sermon: “Triune God” The gift of God’s presence as Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit. (pastor)

Sermon Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” Chalice Hymnal #4, all verses (musician)

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Dear Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit; Holy, Holy, Holy God – on this Trinity Sunday, we praise You for Your magnificent outreach to all beings! Our mortal minds cannot fully comprehend the wondrous reality of You in all Your forms, but we do believe in Your cosmic reality and eternal compassion.

Today, we rest in the knowledge that You are Almighty, Never-Fully-Known, Gloriously Present, especially when the challenges and woes of our human lives weigh our souls. Bless us, heal us, and call us up and into service for the well-being of others. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (musician; all)

Announcements (pastor)

Next Week – Fri-Sun NCNC UCC Annual Gathering
Next Sunday – Father’s Day: Show and Tell (bring something from your father, fathering one)

Closing Hymn: “TBA” Chalice Hymnal #TBA (musician)

Benediction (pastor)

Hear the voices of God speaking…

“Beloved, YOU are my dear, dear child! YOU make me happy!”

“I am with YOU every day! I will be with YOU forever!”

“My peace I give YOU! Go forth in peace!” Amen.

Postlude (musician)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

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

(rd) Ruth Duck, 5^th verse for “Rejoice, You Pure in Heart”; Chalice Hymnal #15.

Online Publishing Date: June 7, 2022.

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

Feast of Pentecost: “Indwelling God” John 14:15-27 * Holy Communion

June 1, 2022June 3, 2022inthebiglove Leave a comment

Public Health Safety Note: Effective 5/29/2022, Sunday morning worship services will be outside in the Courtyard until increased COVID spread declines.

We Gather

“Whoever prays for the Holy Spirit to come to us, into our hearts, into our community and to our earth does not want to flee to heaven or be removed to the great beyond. He or she has hope for his or her heart, his or her community and this earth.” -Jürgen Moltmann, 21^st c. German theologian

Prelude (Ian)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome to our Celebration of Pentecost – the gift of the Holy Spirit given to followers of Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome here! Welcome guests.

Flowers Vicky Jennings in gratitude to God

Invocation (first and second liturgists; read in sections *, first in English and then in Cantonese)

For faithfully calling us

to climb out of the bunkers we dig

inch by inch

claiming disappointment as our holy inheritance, *

For patiently chanting us forward

as we stumble onto the bright fields of vulnerability

believing our efforts find You, *

For tolerating our rituals and prayers

thinking that it is we who command

Your Holy Spirit

to descend upon us,

to dance within us,

for the benefit of us –

Forgive us, Precious One. *

You are already here!

You have always been here!

You have been graciously waiting for us to say:

“Come, Holy Spirit, Come!” *

Thank You.

Amen. *

(first liturgist, in English) As Pastor Kathryn lights the Christ Candle and Altar Votives, let us remember those who are not physically present, but with us in spirit or thought. Amen.

Light The Christ Candle and Altar Votives (pastor)

Votive Lighting Music (Ian)

Time for Children “Nesting” Being open to the Holy Spirit dwelling with us (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all share gestures and words of peace)

We Rest in God’s Grace

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with 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.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

When the original followers of Jesus were anxious about the future, knowing His life was in danger, Jesus promised God would send another “Advocate” who would remain forever. Such love and care of the community, such love and hope for all Christianity! The Holy Spirit is aways God’s presence with and for us.

One of the many channels God uses to offer grace is through Christian communities filled with the Holy Spirit. While we cannot make grace happen, we can open our hearts and minds, souls and bodies to God’s third manifestation. Praise God – Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit! Amen.

Special Music (Ian)

We Listen

Scripture: John 14:15-27 (first liturgist; version: TNTAP:AIV in English)

Jesus is speaking to the disciples before his betrayal and arrest.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask God, who will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees nor knows the Spirit. You know the Spirit, because the Spirit abides with you and will be in you.

“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to Jesus, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from God who sent me.

“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom God will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Scripture: John 14:25-27 (second liturgist; in Cantonese)

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

Sermon: “Indwelling God” God’s presence after the ascension of Jesus Christ – a Holy Spirit inside of us!

Sermon Hymn “Wind Upon the Waters” (Ian) Chalice Hymnal #247, all verses

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Author of All Life, Prince of Peace, Holy Spirit – God with us in all these ways, today on this festival of Pentecost we ask for a renewing of Your presence here on earth. We call Your Spirit of Truth to dwell here amid all the voices, all the opinions, all the agendas. Soften us to what is truly from You. We offer ourselves, individually and as a community, as a nest for the Sweet Holy Spirit, like a dove, to roost. Come, Holy Spirit, come. Be with us. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The God’s Prayer (pastor)

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (Ian; all)

We Celebrate Holy Communion

Invitation to Holy Communion, distribute Communion elements.

Gathering All Souls

Whenever we gather for Holy Communion we do so as a mystical communion of souls – those physically present and those in spirit who have passed. Let us speak the names of those with whom we share this blessed meal… (say names out loud)

Hymn of Consecration: “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” Chalice Hymnal #261 (Ian) Each person holds individual elements.

Sharing the Elements

Jesus Christ assured His disciples “The Advocate” – “The Spirit of Truth” would be given to us after His earthly presence ended. Jesus Christ also celebrated a last Passover Celebration filled with words and rites of affirmation, commitment, and soul care. The Eternal Christ is still with us, through sacred stories and rituals, through the deep knowing of our souls, and through the on-going presence of the Holy Spirit.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Jesus took the bread, (lift up bread) thanked God for it, (praise God) Jesus broke it, (break the bread) and gave it to the disciples saying:

Take, eat. This is my body, which has been given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after they had eaten, Jesus took the cup, (fill and lift) thanked God for it, (praise God) and gave it to them saying:

Drink this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which has been poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.

On this Pentecost Sunday we share this loaf with…

Those who are physically hungry, thirsty, sick, or unsafe…
Those who are spiritually orphaned and vulnerable…
Those who are in search of a Beloved Community…
All beings…

As we receive the loaf and cup, let us savor the words of Jesus Christ: “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Amen.

(all eat and drink)

Prayer of Thanksgiving

For feeding us, before we knew we were hungry; for forgiving us before we knew we had sinned, we are most grateful, Beloved God. May the grace and blessing of this sacred meal empower us to share Your love and mercy with others. Amen.

Announcements (pastor)

Next Sunday – Trinity

Sung Blessing: “Go, My Children, with My Blessing” Chalice Hymnal #431 (Ian), all verses

Benediction (pastor; short, spontaneous)

Postlude (Ian)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

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

“Pentecost Invocation” written by Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber, Pentecost 2016.

Online Publishing Date: June 1, 2022.

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered for 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!

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Month: June 2022

5 Pentecost: “Called to Freedom” Galatians 5:13-15 * Holy Communion

3 Pentecost: “Deliver Your Cargo” Matthew 4:18-25, 5:1-2, 14-16 * Blessing Graduates

2 Pentecost: “Protectors” Matthew 2:13-15a, 19-22 * Father’s Day

Trinity Sunday/1 Pentecost: “Triune God” Matthew 3:16-17 and 28:18-20

Feast of Pentecost: “Indwelling God” John 14:15-27 * Holy Communion