Gathering Our Spirit with God's Spirit

The room is still interactive where we can see each other. It’s perhaps more meditative and quiet feeling than last week. The archway/threshold is set up and visible in the corner over by the other exit door to the left of the stage area; the youth and children will do a presentation early in the late worship gathering about Promotion Sunday. Somehow the room includes a light in the middle that’s pretty bright. 

• “Moonshadow” by Cat Stevens plays
• A Journeyer steps up to light the lamp and another rings the bell
• Rick (E) and Leslie (L) make announcements

Worshiping with Our Children

• Promotion Sunday: We acknowledge all the children growing up and starting a new year in school and Sunday school. 
• The new Kindergarteners, 6th graders and 9th graders pass through archway as symbol of starting new phase of school and life 
• A Journeyer leads our children in talking about how we can grow close to God by listening to God and talking to God; we can also grow close to God by learning more about God and how to follow Jesus in the world. When we do these things, we become more like Jesus and more like what God created us to be. And that’s when we’re most happy and peaceful.
• A Journeyer reads a poem from St. Catherine of Siena, 14th-century theologian and Dominican nun

"I won't take no for an answer,"
God began to say
to me

when She opened Her arms each night,
wanting us to
dance.

Welcome and Breathe

• Rick welcomes us, talks about series
• Take a breath...

God’s Spirit and Our Spirit

• A Journeyer reads the Jesus story called Luke

Jesus said to his followers, “Look at the flowers and how they grow. They don’t work or make clothing, yet the greatest kings in all their glory are not dressed as beautifully as a single flower. And if God cares so beautifully for flowers that are here today and that wilt and go back into the ground tomorrow, doesn’t God certainly care for you? Absolutely. So, why do you have so little trust in God? And don’t be concerned about where to get your next meal. Stop being so preoccupied with worry. People who don’t know God all over the world are consumed with worry. They can't see anything except their own fears and anxiousness. But your Eternal Parent already knows what you need. If you search for how to build the Life God Is Building, then God will give you everything that you need. “Don’t be afraid, little flock. It gives your Parent great joy to give you the Life God Is Building.”

• Judi Sawyer introduces Tom Kimmel
• Tom sings "One Heart" and "It Is Well with My Soul"
• Rick introduces Mind Team story; Mind Team member tells story
• Rick introduces Soul Train story; Soul Train member tells story

Giving -- To Help God Do God's Work in This World  

• A Journeyer says an offering prayer
• Tom Kimmel sings "No One Gets to Heaven" and "Ships" as the ushers pass the baskets 

Telling The Story and Our Story

• Leslie introduces Mind Team story; Mind Team member tells story
• Leslie introduces Soul Train story; Soul Train member tells story
• A Journeyer reads from Psalm 119

God, I am so grateful for all You’ve revealed to me. I think about it with humility all the time.
I feel as if I’m wiser than the wisest teachers in this world when I simply do what You tell me.
Your teachings taste so good; they're the best cuts of meat; I would rather devour Your words to me than feast on the best home cooking. 
God, Your teachings are a light for my feet in the darkness. Your words help me see where I’m going. 
I have committed myself. I am not going to turn away. I will follow what You are teaching me.

• Rick talks

Go Out to Serve with Courage and Grace

• Leslie reads from 14th-century Iranian poet Hafiz

Imagine these words being spoken to you by God: 

Troubled?
Then stay with me, for I'm not.

Lonely?
A thousand naked amorous ones dwell in ancient caves
Beneath my eyelids.

Riches?
Here's a pick;
My whole body is an emerald that begs,
“Take me.”

Write all that worries you on a piece of parchment;
offer it to God.
Even from the distance of a millennium

I can lean the flame in my heart
into your life

and turn
all that frightens you
into holy
incense
ash

• Leslie leads us in a prayer exercise with our hands and letting go 
• Leslie dismisses us 
• “Moonshadow” plays again as folks depart