Image: “St Vincent de Paul at the Table of the Poor” by Kurt Welther. Original content: Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber ©2022.

Public Health Safety Note: Effective 5/29/2022, Sunday morning worship services will be outside in the Courtyard until further notice.

We Gather

“We’ve been trained to be greedy, hoarders. We’ve been trained to believe there is not enough. Yet, what we need is right in front of us.” – Rev. Valerie Bridgeman (vb)

Prelude (musician)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor) Welcome! No matter who you are… No matter where you are on life’s journey… You are welcome here! 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 with peace toward all beings.

Flowers In Honor of Joel Hamady and In Memory of Gail Lee given by Darlene Hamady

Worship Team Musician Ian Pong, English Liturgist David Louie, Cantonese Liturgist Esther Lee, Pastor Rev. Kathryn Schreiber.

Call to Worship (liturgist: please begin by teaching the response: “We are created for community!”)

Leader: We are created in relationship and for relationship.

Response: We are created for community!

Leader: God knows it is not right for us to be alone.

Response: We are created for community!

Leader: Through Jesus Christ, God enters into human relationship with us.

Response: We are created for community!

Leader: We rejoice in our unity with all humanity.

Response: We are created for community! (mg:mg/cb)

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)

Opening Hymn: “Weave” Chalice #495 (musician; sing 2x’s)

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

Time for Children “Being With” When someone is hurting, we can slow down and be present with them instead of rushing to fix their problem. (pastor)

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) Dear Ones, our souls perceive that we are woven into a huge network of care and support. Bigger than our family or community, existing throughout time, this network of love and goodwill holds us together. Through Jesus Christ, we are one regardless of our race, ethnicity, culture, or any other identity quality or characteristic. May the assurance of our spiritual interconnection with one another, through Christ, not only bring us comfort, may it call us into right action with and for each other. Amen.

Special Music (musician)

We Listen

Scripture: Galatians 3:26-29 (CEB; liturgists – read in Cantonese and English) From St Paul’s letter to new Christians of Galatian ethnicity, a community that experienced prejudice.

You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Now if you belong to Christ, then indeed you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise.

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

Sermon: “All One?” (pastor) Through Christ we are international siblings. We are also persons of and from diverse races, ethnicities, and cultures with differing needs and resources.

Sermon Hymn: “Who Is My Mother, Who is My Brother?” Chalice #486 (musician)

We Pray

Prayer Requests (pastor; all)

Pastoral Prayer (prayer by Raul Santiago Rivera, Evangelic Seminary of Puerto Rico)

God, Creator of all we see and do not see, Your overwhelming grace, compassion, and love is upon Your people. We thank You for your blessing today and Your mercy tomorrow. You guide us every day and provide our daily bread. But Your promises go beyond today’s needs. Your commitments tell us that You will safeguard us in the future, providing for our needs, housing, land, fields, and vineyards as You have provided for the people of Puerto Rico during the recovery from disaster and the pandemic. May we remain faithful servants of Your love, mercy, and reconciling gospel. May we continue listening to Your sweet voice, guidance, and compassion. As we have experienced Your everlasting love for Your creation in our journey at the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, we may bear witness so others may see, experience, and feel Your care, compassion and love. We praise Your name and ask for Your continuous love, Mighty God. Amen. (rsr)

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

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (musician; all)

We Celebrate Holy Communion

Gathering All Christians (pastor) Today we celebrate a global Holy Communion with Christians around the world. As we prepare, let us speak the names of those peoples with whom we intentionally share this meal… (say names out loud)

Gathering All Souls (pastor) Let us also gather the great, eternal communion of souls, speaking the names of those not physically present with whom we share this meal… (say names out loud)

Communion Hymn: “One Bread, One Body” Chalice #393 (musician)

Distribute Elements (pass out juice cups and crackers)

Prayer of Consecration (pastor) Today, we bless these elements with one of our oldest Christian prayers: As the bread which we break was grain scattered over the mountains and when brought together became one, so let Your Church be brought together from the ends of the earth into Your eternal realm; for Yours is the glory and power through Jesus Christ for evermore. Amen. (d/ch)

Sharing the Elements (pastor) With siblings from every nation, let us receive these gifts from Jesus Christ.

Jesus took a common loaf into his hands, identical to the unleavened bread his ancestors made when they escaped slavery generations before. Jesus lifted up the refugees’ loaf, (lift up bread) thanked God for it, (praise God) Jesus broke it, (break the bread) and gave it to his 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 dinner, Jesus took the settlers’ cup, filled it with wine from grapes harvested in the Promised Land, (fill and lift) thanked God for it, (praise God) and gave it to his disciples 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.”

We share this loaf with…

• Christians around the world;
• Those who share the Gospel internationally;
• Those who desire God’s Living Word;
• Those who will one day share this meal with us.

Imagine all our sisters and brothers in Christ around the world sharing their loafs and cups with us this Sunday, just as we do with them. May all be blessed by this international Holy Communion. Amen. (all consume elements.)

Prayer of Thanksgiving (pastor; spontaneous)

We Transition

Announcements (pastor)

• Neighbors in Need Offering (collection & blessing next Sunday)
• Council Meeting (zoom) Wednesday night
• Next Sunday: Cultivating Peace Practice Sunday

Sung Benediction: “Circle Me” chant by Simon de Voil (Pastor Kathryn; recording)

Spoken Benediction (pastor; from the Māori & Polynesian Lord’s Prayer) Eternal Spirit, may the hallowing of Your name echo through the universe; the way of Your justice be followed by the peoples of the world; Your heavenly will be done by all created beings; Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. Amen. (nzbop)

Postlude (musician)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

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

(CEB) Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible, adapted for inclusive language

(d/ch) 2^nd century “Didache” prayer as it appears in the Chalice Hymnal #394, slightly adapted.

(mg: mg/cb) Global Ministries: Marcy Gansler and Brande Crosby

(nzbop) New Zealand Book of Prayer

(rsr) Raul Santiago Rivera; https://www.globalministries.org/resource/pray-with-puerto-rico-september-25-2022/

(vb) Rev. Valerie Bridgeman, PhD, Woman Preach.org; speaking at “For Such A Time As This” UCC Clergywomen gathering, hybrid, 2022.

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: September 27, 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 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”

Some reflections from the UCC Summit this past week (please see NOTES)

Image: Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber ©2017. Original content: Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber ©2022.

Public Health Safety Note: Effective 5/29/2022, Sunday morning worship services will be outside in the Courtyard until further notice.

We Gather

“Folks found Collegiate Church in the fire – but stayed because we weren’t afraid of the fire.” – Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Senior Minister, Middle Collegiate Church; speaking about the devastating fire that destroyed their building and ignited their ministry. (uccs)

Prelude (musician)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor) Welcome! No matter who you are… No matter where you are on life’s journey… You are welcome here! 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 with peace toward all beings.

Flowers For the Glory of God given by Darlene Hamady

Worship Team Musician Ian Pong, Liturgist David Louie, Pastor Rev. Kathryn Schreiber.

Call to Worship (liturgist)

Whenever our human activity strays or violates God’s vision God sends prophets to deliver divine words, saying: “My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways My ways.” (Isaiah 55:8 CEB)

Whenever our choices rock dignity’s boat, break anyone’s back, or knock the wind from our very lungs, elders rise up re-rooting us to soul strength, saying: “Never forget WHO you are or WHOSE you are.” (Rev. Dr. Yvonne V. Delk, uccs)

Whenever the cloth of faith is torn and recut to uniform any army of hate Jesus Christ speaks, saying: “Rescue My religion from the horrific imitations being taught.” (Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, uccs, adapted)

Into this liminal space as church and society continues to shift we acknowledge our larger truth, saying: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!” Amen. (Hebrews 13:8)

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)

Opening Hymn: “In the Bulb There is a Flower” Chalice #638 (musician)

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

Time for Children “Change Happens” All living things grow and change. (pastor, uccs)

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) We change – our bodies, our relationships, our nations, and Christ’s Church – these are always changing. Jesus Christ came to earth to be with humanity, fully immersed in our mortal strengths and weaknesses. There is nothing we are going through that The Beloved One does not understand, appreciate, or companion.

Whenever transitions within, among, or beyond us become “too much” we can pause and reconnect with the eternal Love of God. We can hold onto what is fundamentally, infinitely true. So tethered, newly washed with wisdom, we will know the next, best, little step forward.

Dear Ones, through Christ, we are always linked with God Almighty, an endless font of faith, hope, and love. Amen.

Special Music (musician)

We Listen

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-13 and Ezekiel 37:1-3 (CEB; liturgist)

Isaiah 55:8-13 (CEB)

My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.

Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My plans than your plans.

Just as the rain and the snow come down from the sky and don’t return there without watering the earth, making it conceive and yield plants and providing seed to the sower and food to the eater, so is My word that comes from My mouth; it does not return to Me empty. Instead, it does what I want, and accomplishes what I intend.

Yes, you will go out with celebration, and you will be brought back in peace. Even the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you; all the trees of the field will clap their hands. In place of the thorn the cypress will grow; in place of the nettle the myrtle will grow. This will attest to the Lord’s stature, an enduring reminder that won’t be removed.

AND

Ezekiel 37:1-3 (CEB)

The Lord’s power overcame me, and while I was in the Lord’s spirit, God led me out and set me down in the middle of a certain valley. It was full of bones. God led me through them all around, and I saw that there were a great many of them on the valley floor, and they were very dry.

God asked me, “Human one, can these bones live again?”

I said, “Lord God, only You know.”

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

Sermon: “Insights from the Summit” For three days UCC folks gathered online to reflect upon massive changes to church and society revealed during the pandemic and to ponder, together, how to go forward doing God’s will. (see NOTES below)

Sermon Hymn: “Ours the Journey” Chalice #638 (musician)

We Pray

Prayer Requests (pastor; all)

Pastoral Prayer (pastor) Holy One, if we could but see as You see, if we could but hope as You hope, if we could love as You love – we would not be in the messes we are in. Today, we bow to You and Your plans, naming our need for Your forgiveness. Take our shame and regret – for what we have and have not done – not to erase any critical memories or wisdom needed, but to remove unhelpful burdens that mire us to self-defensiveness and victimhood. Release us from what does not serve You. Thank You, Merciful One.

Please fill us, too, Font of Life, with Your dreams and the grand ways You desire to enable us to bloom for the benefit of all Your precious Loved Ones. Soften our hardened hearts that we might rejoice in seeing You in each other, dazzled and thrilled to be dwelling on earth with such a wondrous community! Amen.

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

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (musician; all)

We Transition

Announcements (pastor)

• Bravo Senior Center reopening! Next one – Oct 18th
• This week – Antoinette Brown Society Gathering (Tues-Thurs)
• No Care and Prayer this week
• Next Sunday: “World Communion” praying for the World – bring elements?

Sung Benediction: “Circle Me” chant by Simon de Voil (Pastor Kathryn; recording)

Spoken Benediction (pastor) The great 12th-century Christian mystic, Hildegard of Bingen, lived through plagues and economic crises during horrible religious and political battles. Through it all, she found faith in God’s undisturbable goodness. May her faith bless Christ’s Church today: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Amen. 

Postlude (musician)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

NOTE: About THE SUMMIT: September 19-21, 2022 was a national online gathering of UCC folks to consider how our ministries are adapting, inventing, and responding to various changes throughout church and society. The contents for this worship service are but a tiny sliver of the truth, wisdom, and faith shared at The Summit, supplemented with what God put on my heart for my community this Sunday. I would like to add, that I attended very little on Tuesday for I was gloriously busy as our Senior Center reopened after being closed for two and a half years! Content from Tuesday’s Summit is minimally reflected in this liturgy.

Recordings of the online events will be available in the coming weeks to those who were registered. If you did not register to attend, I hope there will be recordings available – especially from the keynote speakers (called various things at the event). You might also check out the UCC News – a news story was posted this past week with highlights of the first day’s events.

Credits

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

(CEB) Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible, adapted for inclusive language

(uccs) UCC Summit, quotes from notes I took during the event.

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: September 22, 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 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”

Image: Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber ©2022. Notice the shadow from a jasmine blossom falling upon a morning glory blossom. Original content: Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber ©2022.

Public Health Safety Note: Effective 5/29/2022, Sunday morning worship services will be outside in the Courtyard until further notice.

We Gather

“We pray that decision makers around the world be filled with compassion and love for the people for whom their decisions are impacting and that they take all of us into consideration, especially those who are unhoused, in detention centers, imprisoned, elders, children, lonely, sick and the very least of these.” – Indigenous Women Defending Mother Earth Treaty New Moon Prayer, August 27, 2022 (used with permission)

Prelude (musician)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor) Welcome! No matter who you are… No matter where you are on life’s journey… You are welcome here! 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 with peace toward all beings.

Flowers For the Glory of God

Worship Team Musician Ian Pong, Liturgist Norman Chong, Pastor Rev. Kathryn Schreiber.

Invocation (liturgist) High King of Heaven, Almighty Sovereign, Lord of Life, Ruler of the Universe – we gather in Your presence to worship You and practice the ways of Jesus Christ. We gather as Your Beloved Ones, made in Your image and shaped by Your blessings. May this service bring You glory, benefit our neighbors, and comfort our souls. 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)

Opening Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” Chalice #33 (musician)

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

Time for Children “Prayerful Support” (pastor) Everyone can pray for anyone.

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) We have been assured that we are made in the image of God. What an astonishing idea! Let us take heart on those days when we feel too small, too weak, too broken, too “whatever” to be partners with Christ. No matter who we are, no matter where we are on life’s journey, we can always pray for God’s will to be done here on earth and in heaven. Even if we don’t believe in the power of our prayer, God does. Dear Ones, this is a most powerful grace. Amen.

Special Music (musician)

We Listen

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NRSV; liturgist) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

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

Reflection: “Praying for Decision Makers” Prayer is powerful! Today’s message includes stories about praying for national leaders and the monthly prayers offered by the Indigenous Women Defending Mother Earth Treaty.

Sermon Hymn: “We Sing Your Mighty Power, O God” Chalice #64 (musician)

We Pray

Prayer Requests (pastor; all)

Pastoral Prayer (pastor) Sovereign of the Universe, every being dwells in the shadow of Your glory. You infuse us with Your goodness and wisdom though we struggle to perceive these gifts. Grant us encouragement to continue offering our little prayers for they are more than sufficient. Today, we especially pray for all persons in positions of authority. Grant them what they need to protect the dignity of all living beings and nourish the lives of all in their care. We offer our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, Ruler of our Hearts. Amen.

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

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (musician; all)

We Transition

Announcements (pastor)

• Senior Center Reopens THIS TUESDAY
• Next Sunday: “Emerging Church” report from The Summit (UCC)
• No Care and Prayer this week
• Pastor’s Sabbath shifts to FRI this week

Sung Benediction: “Circle Me” chant by Simon de Voil (Pastor Kathryn; recording)

Spoken Benediction (pastor) Let us close with prayers to Almighty God, praying with the Indigenous Women Defending Mother Earth Treaty: “We send our love and gratitude to You, Great Mystery, Creator and the unseen helper beings who are listening. We are very grateful for the gifts of life and for one another. Thank You for making us strong enough on this day to send our prayers to You.” Amen. (iwdmetnmp)

Postlude (musician)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

A special word of thanks to (iwdmetnmp) Indigenous Women Defending Mother Earth Treaty New Moon Prayer, who allowed use of their published August 27, 20212. It has been quite a gift to pray with these amazing women, online, since 2020. If you would like to pray with them, with us, see Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousWomenTreaty.  

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

(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.

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: September 13, 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 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”

Image: Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber ©2018. Original content: Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber ©2022.

Public Health Safety Note: Effective 5/29/2022, Sunday morning worship services will be outside in the Courtyard until further notice.

We Gather

“Everything unborn in us and in the world needs blessing. … Blessings strengthen life and feed life just as water does.” – Rachel Naomi Remen (rnr)

Prelude (musician)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor) Welcome! No matter who you are… No matter where you are on life’s journey… You are welcome here! 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 peace toward all beings.

Flowers For the Glory of God

Worship Team Musician Vicky Jennings, Liturgist Norman Chong, Pastor Rev. Kathryn Schreiber.

Call to Worship (Numbers 6:24-26, adapted; liturgist)

We gather today to practice blessings. Let us begin our worship service receiving the first blessing God gave to Moses to give to the people, a blessing shared among human beings for thousands of years:

May God bless you and keep you.

May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

May God uplift you with holy countenance and give you peace. 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)

Opening Hymn: “Spirit Song” Chalice #352 (musician)

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

Time for Children “A Grandmother’s Blessing” When a blessing is rooted in true love it last forever. (pastor)

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) Dear Ones, God deeply desires our fullness and well-being. Through the stories about Jesus Christ and mystical encounters with the Living Christ we encounter life-changing exchanges. These moments are mutual as both the divine and mortal resonate lifting each other up to a more radiant, purposeful, and joyful state of being.

When we come to Jesus with our honest needs, our true desires, and our earnest faith in His healing presence not only are we enhanced, the Spirit of Christ grows. Is this not a wondrous grace? Amen.

Special Music (musician)

We Listen

Scripture: Luke 1:41-45, Matthew 9:20-22, and Mark 10:49-52 (liturgist)

Luke 1:39-45 “Pregnant Elizabeth Blesses Pregnant Mary”

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Matthew 9:20-22 “Jesus and the Healed Woman”

Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.

Mark 10:49-52 “Jesus and the Sighted Bartimaeus”

Then Jesus said to Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately Bartimaeus regained his sight and followed Jesus on the way.

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

Reflection: “Blessings: Becoming Authentic and Whole” (pastor) Thoughts about blessings as a tool for bringing peace into the world through the intention of speaking good words over each other.

Sermon Hymn: “Wonderful Words of Life” Chalice #323 (musician)

We Pray

Prayer Requests (pastor; all)

Pastoral Prayer Source of All Blessings, what a joy to be reminded that You have vested us with great powers to bless each other – to offer words of encouragement and affirmation, messages of hope and peace. Holy Christ, may we be filled with You whenever we speak a word of blessing and may You be blessed whenever we act in Your name. Amen.

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

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (musician; all)

Gathering the Waters and Blessings

Gathering the Waters 

Today, we Gather the Waters – waters you’ve collected to remember blessed moments in the past year. If you did not gather any water but would like to share a memory of being blessed – especially by, with, or near water – please do! (offer bottles of 2021 Holy Water for use.) Please come forward with your water and blessing stories! (pour water into the big bowl)

Blessing the Waters

This is “our” water. It is filled with our experiences and stories. For the next 12 months we’ll use this water for various blessings and anointings. Let’s transform our water into Holy Water calling God’s blessing upon it. Let us pray:

Holy God, we call Your Holy Spirit into these gathered waters. Bless this water. Fill this water with exactly what is needed. And bless us, too, in the right use of this Holy Water and each blessing we give and receive. Amen.

Cultivating Peace Practice: Blessings! (pass out greenery, blessing wands)

I know you know how to fling water! Today, we’re also going to be very intentional by offering life-giving blessings upon each other and any living being. Let’s speak blessings of affirmation and dignity, healing and wisdom, led by Holy Spirit. Let the blessings begin!

We Transition

Announcements (pastor)

• Next Sunday: Sycamore Bento Box Luncheon
• Senior Center Reopening

Sung Benediction: “Circle Me” chant by Simon de Voil (Pastor Kathryn; recording)

Spoken Benediction (pastor)

Postlude (musician)

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

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

(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.

(rnr) Rachel Naomi Remen, MD. My Grandfather’s Blessing: Stories of Strength, Refuse, and Belonging. © 2000.

(jod) John O’Donohue. To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings. © 2008.

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: September 7, 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”