Blog

July 13, 2025
6th Sunday of Pentecost
Union-Congregational Church

Gathering Music                                         

Welcome and Announcements                       
•    Jacob on vacation 14th-20th. John O’Donovan filling pulpit
•    Brat fry – August 8 & 9

Sharing the Peace of Christ

Call to Worship                              
Leader: Jesus, our savior, you have come to us.
All: We who are distracted by many things let go of our tasks and come to sit at your feet.
 

Leader: Jesus, our teacher, you impart to us a wisdom different from what the world preaches.
All: We open our hearts to your grace. Bless us, and change us.
 

Leader: Jesus, our healer, you offer us yourself.
All: We come to be with you, to be present for you, so that in all we do we may be close to you.

*Opening Prayer (unison)                  
God of chaos and calm, as we come together this day, free our minds from distraction. Help us to let go of the errors and worries of the past week, and let us hold at bay the concerns and to-do lists of the week to come. May your Holy Spirit bring us fully into Your presence, so that we may sit at Your feet and listen. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Opening Hymn: #502 Be Thou My Vision

Children’s Time

Reading of Scripture                            
Psalm 15
Who can live in your tent, Lord? Who can dwell on your holy mountain? The person who lives free of blame, does what is right, and speaks the truth sincerely; who does no damage with their talk, does no harm to a friend, doesn’t insult a neighbor; someone who despises those who act wickedly, but who honors those who honor the Lord; someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts; someone who doesn’t lend money with interest, who won’t accept a bribe against any innocent person. Whoever does these things will never stumble.

Luke 10: 38-42
While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his message. By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with getting everything ready for their meal. So, Martha came to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to prepare the table all by myself? Tell her to help me.” The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.”

After reading, please say, “Here end the readings for today. May God bless us as we learn from these holy words. Amen.”

Media: “Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson 
 

Message: Rest and Being Present

Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns 
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)

We Offer Our Gifts

Doxology

Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Gracious God, we give you our lives, symbolized in our gifts. Receive them with love, bless them with grace and use them according to your will. You have received us with blessing and changed our hearts with your presence. Send us now with that grace to share it with all the world, in the name and spirit of Christ. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #96 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing

Benediction

Sending Music                                      

Call to Worship and Prayer of Dedication adapted by Pastor Jacob from Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes: https://unfoldinglight.net/2022/05/15/ot-16/

Opening Prayer adapted by Pastor Jacob from Connections Worship Companion, Year C Volume 2, (p. 85), ©2021 Westminster John Knox Press.