PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Seth Thomas
CALL TO WORSHIP Jennie McLaurin
Jesus says, “Come to me,
all you that are weary,
and I will give you rest.”
All of us know what it is like to be weary.
All of us carry heavy burdens.
Let us accept Christ’s invitation.
We long to rest in God.
*HYMN OF PRAISE “Come, Christians, Join to Sing” - GTG #267
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Faithful One,
Despite our best efforts,
we have not lived up to what we can do
or who we can be.
Even when our intentions are good,
our actions cause harm.
Even when we want to follow you more closely,
we end up turning away.
We are at war with ourselves,
and only you can bring peace.
Still our souls, order our steps,
guide our feet back to your way.
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S GRACE
*THE PEACE
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Matthew 11:16-19NRSV
Matthew 11:25-30ESV
Psalm 145:8-14NRSV
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 pgs. 11-12
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON READING Psalm 145:8-14 pg. 581
SERMON “Psalms: (Subdued) Excitement”
Rev. Dr. Seth Thomas
*HYMN OF RESPONSE “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
- GTG #475
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP
JOYS & CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY Let My love Be Heard
By Jake Runestad
*DOXOLOGY “For the Life That You Have Given” - GTG #717
For the life that you have given, for the love in Christ made known, With these fruits of time and labor, with these gifts that are your own; Here we offer, Lord, our praises; heart and mind and strength we bring; Give us grace to love and serve you, Living what we pray and sing.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*SINGING WELCOME AS CHILDREN RETURN TO SANCTUARY
Welcome, children, welcome, we are glad you’re here.
Welcome, children, welcome. Now to God draw near.
*HYMN OF COMMITMENT “Arise, Your Light Is Come!” - GTG #744
WE GO INTO THE WORLD AS GOD’S AMBASSADORS
*BLESSING & CHARGE
POSTLUDE
GODLY PLAY: Florence Nightingale
People Who Inspire is a collection of stories written to supplement the collection of stories about the saints. This Story, and the others in this collection, serves as an example of a Christian person who inspires us
all to strive for justice and respect and the dignity of every human being.
We hope you will join us at 10:15am for songs and memory verse time
in the lounge. At 10:30, children will go downstairs to Godly Play, and adults will go upstairs to worship. Students will be brought upstairs for
the final hymn.
LECTIONARY TEXTS
For anyone wishing to study the lectionary texts this week,
July 9th, the Lectionary texts are:
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (worship)
Psalm 145: 8-14 (sermon)
Genesis 24: 34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Song of Solomon: 2:8-13
Psalm 45
Romans 7:15-25
ALL CHURCH PICNIC
St. James Presbyterian Church Picnic
Date: July 23, 2023
Time: after church until 2 p.m.
Location: Squalicum Creek Park
Please bring your own lunch, and the Deacons will provide dessert!
RSVP by 7/16 to your Deacon
BELLINGHAM PRIDE FESTIVAL
We hope everyone will come and enjoy all the different events at this year's Pride Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 8th and 9th! St. James will again be hosting a table at the Festival today. Come visit us!
BELLINGHAM PRIDE FESTIVAL
We hope everyone will come and enjoy all the different events at this year's Pride Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 8th and 9th! St. James will again be hosting a table at the Festival today. Come visit us!
NEXT SUNDAY! ST. JAMES AT THE BELLINGHAM BELLS
St. James has a group of tickets to the Bellingham Bells baseball game on Sunday July 16th @ 1:00pm. If you would like to attend with your fellow St. James crew, tickets are $13 each in the grandstand (shade!). Please see Tracy if you are interested in purchasing tickets.
YOUTH GROUP BOWLING PARTY
Along with our regular meeting on Sunday July 30th, we also have a youth group bowling trip planned for Sunday July 16th from 430-630 at Park Bowl on Meridian. St. James will cover the cost of bowling and shoes but if you want to purchase any food or drinks please bring your own money. Please let Tracy know if you are able to attend.
BOOK CLUB
St. James book club is currently reading To the Bright Edge of the World, by Eowyn Ivey. It is an atmospheric, transporting tale of adventure, love, and survival. Copies of the book are available in the office. We will meet, Monday July 17th, at 7:00pm via zoom. Contact Tracy for the zoom link.
PRAYERS, PRAISES, AND UPDATES
If you have a prayer request or update you would like to share, please email office@saintjamespres.org.
A video of the live service stream will be available by 10:30 am Sunday morning. You can click on the video to stream the service. Check back and refresh your page to receive new content.
- Download the Zoom app for your computer: https://zoom.us/download
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- Meeting ID: 883 3538 7843
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- Meeting ID: 883 3538 7843
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