What Can You Hold When You Let Go?

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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. Amen.

Let us pray for all the earth, the church, and all those in need,

saying,

God of grace, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the world: for leaders of nations, that wisdom and

integrity will prevail for the good of all people, especially the poor; for

regions torn by conflict, that peace may reign and living become an

enterprise of construction rather than destruction;

God of grace, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all people of faith: for the unity of the body of Christ,

that divisions might not turn people away from the church; for Hindus,

Muslims, Buddhists, and Jews, that wherever prayers are raised up,

the one God of all will hear; for all people who nurture life in the name

of a greater good;

God of grace, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for our own nation: for the president and Congress, the

Supreme Court and all judges, for state governments, city councils,

school boards, and all who have power to make policy, that all

consideration be given to what is most healthy for people and

creatures;

God of grace, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for those in need: for all who are hungry in our nation and

world, for those who have no home and no employment, for those

who are either unjustly or justly imprisoned, for parents and children

who live in fear for any reason, and for all who are in mourning;

God of grace, hear our prayer.

With thanksgiving, we remember all those who have shaped us in

your ways, O God. Receive our prayers and grant whatever you see

that your people need; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

By your Holy Spirit, O God, open our ears, our eyes, our hearts, and our minds to the Holy Word so that it comes to rule within us for Jesus ’sake. Amen.

John 1:43-51 43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ⁴⁴ Follow me.” “Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” ⁴⁶ Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” ⁴⁷ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” ⁵⁰ Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” ⁵¹ And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Questions for Reflection: Rev. Johan Dodge

Where, in what place, and through what person or persons do you

hear the call of the Lord? Have you said yes to God’s call? What are

the stumbling blocks, impediments, distractions or attachments that

are preventing you from more fully following Jesus?

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING — Virginia Olejnik

Jesus promised that you and I will come to see heaven opened and

angels dancing in splendor. Our offerings are a thanksgiving for these

gifts. Open now your hearts and share your possessions so that the

church’s work is made strong for the sake of this needy world.

Bless in every way, O Lord, the gifts of the people here given. Enrich the ministries of your people and make us grateful to be able to let go of the things we do not, finally, own. Amen.

Listen to the word of the Lord as you move through your days. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide your choices. See in each person you meet one for whom Jesus gave his life. And may the peace of Christ go with you this day and always. Blessed Be the Tie that Binds Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Amen.