Welcome to
St. John’s United Church of Christ
223 West College Avenue, Bluffton, OH 45817
First Sunday After Pentecost
June 12, 2022
Rev. Jeremy Mann (419-420-5052) Church (419-358-5641)
Email: blufftonstjohnsucc@gmail.com
Website: www.blufftonstjohns.com
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No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
PRELUDE “Setting on ‘Hymn to Joy’” arr. David Hegarty
WELCOME
*OPENING PRAISE AND WORSHIP
“Rejoice in the Lord Always” (Sing Twice) P. 650
*GATHERING PRAYER AND ADORATION
One: In the morning, O Lord, you hear our prayers.
All: In the light of this day we praise your name.
One: Through the abundance of your steadfast love
You have gathered us into your house.
All: In the holiness of your presence,
We bow down to worship and adore you.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: God of justice and mercy, we confess that we disobey your will. We show neither justice nor mercy to others. Christ our Savior, love incarnate, we confess that we take your love for granted. We do not give of ourselves, nor do we rejoice in all the blessings we receive. Holy Spirit, power and breath, we confess that we block your movement. We do not live holy lives of sacrificial love. Gracious Trinity, forgive us and grant us your peace. Help us to turn from our sins so that we may love you by joyfully caring for others. Amen.
(Moment of Silent Personal Confession)
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
*PASSING OF CHRISTIAN PEACE
PASTORAL PRAYER (Joys and Concerns)
One: For all leaders of nations, give humility and wisdom. For all servants of Christ, give faith and love.
All: Give ear to our words, O Lord; listen to our cry.
One: For all victims of violence, give justice and peace. For all captives and debtors, give freedom and forgiveness.
All: Give ear to our words, O Lord; listen to our cry.
One: For all people who suffer, give healing and hope. For all those who will join the Great Cloud of Witnesses this day, give them rest.
All: Give ear to our words, O Lord; listen to our cry.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (“debts” and “debtors”)
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)
Psalm 59:14-17
14 Each evening they come back
howling like dogs
and prowling about the city.
15 They roam about for food
and growl if they do not get their fill.
16 But I will sing of your might;
I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been a fortress for me
and a refuge in the day of my distress.
17 O my strength, I will sing praises to you,
for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love.
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” P. 59
“In the Garden” P. 300
“The Old Rugged Cross” P. 260
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” P. 473
“Amazing Grace” P. 422
*STATEMENT OF FAITH “Apostle’s Creed”
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
GIFTS OF GOD’S PEOPLE
- Call to Offering
- Prayer of Dedication (In Unison)
We give you thanks, O God, for the great love that you have lavished upon us in Christ Jesus. Teach us to share this love with others, bringing the good news of your holy realm to all the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Response after Concerns: Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayers.
Response after Joys: Praise be to God!
PASTORAL COMMISSION AND BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” P. 712 (vs. 1)
*POSTLUDE “To God Be the Glory” William Doane
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*Please stand if you are able.
Welcome to worship at St. John’s UCC as we lift our voices in song to our Creator who has given us life and breath to sing praises and rejoice in God’s goodness.
Flowers this morning are dedicated to our all-encompassing God for his steadfast love shown to all people as we hope in him.
To everyone to helped clean our church on Pentecost Sunday: Thank you! Thank you. The Holy Spirit was moving among us, indeed. St. John’s looks very spiffy.
Thank you to Jared Byers who deep-cleaned the church pews and carpet by hot water extraction on Tuesday, at a cost of $295.00.
Pastor Jeremy on Vacation
June 13 through June 27
On-Call Pastor: Bob Clinger, First United Methodist Church
Contact: 419-358-8921 (Church)
Email: Clingerfamily08@hotmail.com
Birthday Sunday TODAY, June 12
Designate amount of your birthday offering
on your giving envelope (for accounting purposes)
Place in offering basket
TODAY, June 12, Board of Christian Ed. meets after worship.
Children’s Church Sign Up
Sign-up sheet in back of church (lessons provided)
No children-No Children’s Church
Questions: Ask Marci Stahl
Vacation Bible School—July 17-21
At Bluffton Presbyterian Church
Snacks needed by July 17 (see poster in back of church)
Two herders needed from St. John’s
Check with Marci Stahl
Strengthen the Church Offering
Continues through June 26
Designate the amount on your offering envelope
Janitorial Services
Integrated Facility Solutions hired for weekly cleaning
Contract begins June 13, 2022
Dave’s Carpet will strip/wax Oppermann Hall July 7-8
help needed to move tables/chairs early that week
Upcoming Activities at St. John’s UCC
June 14 TOPS, 5:30 p.m.
June 15 Men meet at Arby’s, 8:30 a.m.
Community Activities
June 17 Bluffton car show
Summer Outdoor Family Movie Night Schedule at Emmanuel
June 19 American Underdog
July 17 Ron’s Gone Wrong
July 31 The Wizard of Oz
August 14 Sing 2
Start time: 6:00 p.m.
Prayer List:
Dan Fleming
Donald Mann
Worship Participants:
–Pam Everett, Liturgist
–Barbara Plaugher, Organist
–Blaine Bauman, Sound Technician
blufftonstjohns.com 