Opening Announcements
Good Morning and Welcome to Worship! Worship is often the first place that new people come into contact with this growing community of faith. And so, if you are joining us for the first time, I say to you what is said every Sunday: You are welcome here. Here is a place where all are welcome. For such is the love of God for God’s Very Good Creation.
Order of Worship
Father’s Day 4th Sunday After Pentecost
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye Heav'nly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
God, you are the gardener of all creation. You planted this world with the seeds of your love and grow them with your faithfulness. We are your harvest; we find our meaning and sustenance in you. May our minds listen to you calling, may our hearts be attuned to your will, may our feet follow you in the world, through Jesus, the Word become flesh. Amen.
God of the sky and sea, your world brims with joy. You have set us in the midst of a garden and trusted its tending to us. We pray for our good Earth and the wisdom to care for it well, that generations to come may enjoy its fruits and revel in its beauty.
God of the earthquake and the storm, your world is full of danger. Keep watch over your people and save them from despair; strengthen and uphold them when trouble comes. God of power and might, the rulers of this world do not always seek your wisdom. Guide all nations in the ways of peace and uphold the oppressed, even as we work and wait for your coming realm.
God of healing and comfort, pain and loss are all around. Soothe the frantic, embolden the fearful, ease the suffering of the sick. Give peace to all who grieve and hope to those facing death.
All-knowing, all-loving God, we cannot always voice our hidden cares. Hear our silent prayers. [A time of silence is kept.]
With trust in your sustaining Spirit, thanksgiving for your Son’s interceding, and confidence in your coming realm of justice, peace, and love, we offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
God of eternity, by the power of your Spirit, speak your Word to us this day, that hearing, we may know your truth and live ever more faithfully for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
12So then, brothers 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.
How can you practice walking with God knowing that God loves you like a child. Where might you take a risk? When do you let fear overtake you? How might you relinquish that fear and trust in the Holy Spirit?
God has provided us with all that we need. It is our privilege to give back to God. Let us return a portion of what God has so freely given to us. Let us now humbly bring our gifts to the Lord.
Dave Albulario, tenor
Bless, O God, the gifts that we bring this day, that they may be a sign of our commitment to your kin-dom and a pledge of our love for you and your world. Multiply the work done by our time, treasures, and talents, that your presence and compassion may be known across all the earth. Amen.
No longer regard yourselves or others from a human point of view but from God’s view: Everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! Go forth from this place knowing that you are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Music Team
Prayer Requests
new Barbara Mahaffie — Barbara’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, June 19th, 11:30 AM at Forest Lawn’s Patriot Chapel in Cypress. Reception will follow at LWCC Edgar Hall. Hall. Prayers of comfort and strength for her family. Peaceful rest for Barbara. We apologize for misspelling Barbara’s last name in last week’s Worship Guide. Cards and letters may be sent to Barbara Mahaffie’s Family: c/o Sandi Malloy, 3643 N. Balboa Dr., Florence, AZ 85132
new Cindy Pierskalla — Cindy continues to improve in physical therapy at Crystal Cove Care Center, located at 1445 Superior Ave, Newport Beach. CA 92663. Your cards and prayers are welcome encouragement.
new Mary Maness — Mary is grateful for your cards, calls, concerns, and prayers, and loves receiving them. Please keep ‘em coming! She is very much hoping to be back in church soon.
Notes & Announcements
Today’s flowers and refreshments are provided by the Fellowship Team. Happy Father’s Day! See the sign-up charts to provide refreshments or cover cost of altar flowers for future services. Altar flowers are $35. Sandy Walker coordinates arrangements. DO YOU LOVE TO COOK? Join the Care Team’s Meal Support Group! We make and deliver meals occasionally to those in the LWCC community. Sign up after service, during Fellowship, or call the church office.
THANK YOU to Pastor Lynn Francis for coming to Community Church and leading us in Worship two weeks ago. Thank you as well to Chaplain Suzanne Morgan from Community United Methodist Church in Huntington Beach for saving the day at the last minute and filling in last Sunday. Next Sunday, June 23rd, Music Director Dave Albulario will deliver the message: “Your Life Story: A Love Story.”
Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 23rd at 3 PM, and join us for a wonderful classical music concert right here at LWCC. Violinist Phillip Levy and pianist Tae Yeon Lim, performing works by Beethoven, Viardot, and Tchaikovsky. Tickets are $15 seniors/students, $20 general, and are available in the narthex after service today, as well as in the church office. We have an ALL-Are-Welcome Ticket Program — none are turned away. If the ticket price is a challenge, just call the Church Office at 562-431-2503 Tues-Thurs, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM for tickets and information. Likewise, if you wish to pay for a ticket for someone else, please call the Church Office.
Prayer Journal
The sunlight greets me in morning, reminding me that I begin this day in your presence. The air I breathe instructs me that I live by your constant love. Lord, I acknowledge you are my God! I will seek your face in those I meet and make my aim to please and serve you alone, Jesus, my Lord. Amen. Household Prayer: Midday God, Sower of seeds, be at work within me I pray. No matter my stature, O Lord, you have a place and a purpose for me. In your Spirit this afternoon may I bear fruit and find ways to provide a spacious welcome to a neighbor. Amen.
The numerous stars shine the wonder of God whose grace is beyond measure; whisper to me your abundant grace, which sustains me. As I lay down my head, I recall Jesus saying that the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. I imagine Jesus being with those who look for a place to lay their heads. O God, I ask for your mercy and pray for the day when we all can sleep in shalom, trusting in your mysterious work through Jesus Christ, the Savior for all. Amen.