Sunday, May 30, 2021 – Holy Trinity Sunday
Small things done are still better than great things planned.
Greeter Lois Apple
Prelude: Trumpet Tune by Robert Lau Played on the CLC Casavant/Allen organ by Steve Wysocki
Welcome No matter who you are or where you are on your journey, you are welcome here!
We are gathered and ready and aware of God’s presence
Chime
Prayer
Gathering Song: “How Great Is Our God” – led by Aiden and Caitlin McNeish
First Reading: Romans 8:12-17 Kathie Jones
12Brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—13for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Gospel: John 3:1-17
Jesus’ miracles prompt Nicodemus to visit him in secrecy. Jesus tells him about being born of the Spirit and about the Son who has been sent by God to save.
1Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
11“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. 12If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Help us God, as we seek to interpret what this means for our lives.
Message
Message Song “Let There Be Peace On Earth” – led by Judy Clemens
“Becoming What We Pray” – led by Ann Borovies
Prayers Angela Drake
Relying on the promises of God, we pray boldly for the church, the world, and all in need. Please begin with your own silent personal prayer. A brief silence.
O God, there is no God before you. We are your people, and we place our trust in nothing beside you. Your name is holy. We are your church, and, with your guidance, we will honor your name by our words and actions in every situation.
God you create life, Jesus teaches us about Abundant life, and the Spirit empowers us to live Life.
O God, the heavens declare your glory. Renew your creation. With your help, we will choose honest and faithful leaders in the struggle for clean air and water and protection of creatures and crops that rely on healthy ecosystems. Give all people the willingness to repent when our way of life pollutes the earth and skies.
God you create life, Jesus teaches us about Abundant life, and the Spirit empowers us to live Life.
O God, your foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. Fill leaders with the foolishness of your peace and mercy. Your law defends the vulnerable. Give your wisdom to legislators, judicial systems, systems of law enforcement, and to us, so that the wellbeing and freedom of all are protected.
God you create life, Jesus teaches us about Abundant life, and the Spirit empowers us to live Life.
O God, your weakness is stronger than human strength. Defend victims of crime and bring redemption to those who have harmed others. Give sabbath rest to all who labor. Protect those who are vulnerable and give courage to all who are suffering, especially for Mary Ann and Ester, Timmy Henn, Jr., Andrea & Jerry, Hugh, Linda and Leo, Mel, Kristen, Tim M., Dawn, Joe, Debbie, Kyle, John, Pat & Al, Maryse, Paige, Teri, Claudia, Glenn Mayer, Carl Laub, Dianne Diehl, Arianna, Beverly, Will Hasselbusch, Lois H., Be Linney, Christine Trapp and Michael Piccuirro, and those we name in our hearts.
O God, you call us to proclaim Christ, our great example. Give clarity to this congregation and our leaders, so that we might follow Christ’s example beyond our own habits and comfort. Clear out anything in our common life that would obscure the gospel or that serves our own interests.
God you create life, Jesus teaches us about Abundant life, and the Spirit empowers us to live Life.
O God, Christ’s love is your power for all who are being saved. Thank you for those loved ones who went before us and those who are with us now, witnessing and teaching us the power of Jesus’ love in action. Relying on strength from you, we, too, will put that love into action.
God you create life, Jesus teaches us about Abundant life, and the Spirit empowers us to live Life.
We entrust ourselves and all our prayers to you, O faithful God, knowing you love and hear us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Closing “Awesome God” – led by Aiden and Caitlin McNeish
Benediction
Dismissal: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS / Coffee Hour