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
Your Life Story:
A Love Story
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.
Lord God, who brings us mornings and beginnings, touch our hearts to hear your call today. Grant us faith to rely on your extraordinary power in us that the life of Jesus may be made visible as we glorify you alone. Amen.
God of Creation, you set us in a verdant place and gave us everything needed for an abundant life. Yet we have marred your good creation. We pray for the renewal of creation as we seek to live more responsibly within it. Make us better stewards than we have yet been of water, soil, and air. Teach us how to live in ways that honor the habitats of every living thing.
Gracious God, show us your wisdom for the work of justice, peace, and love, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Loving God, we have also marred human relationships by emphasizing our differences and disagreements at the expense of our commonalities and connections. We pray that you will give us new understandings and ways of living with one another: doing the slow work of peace rather than turning to the quick response of war; receiving our various languages and colors as enrichments rather than deficits; caring for the least and the lost not as unwanted burdens but as welcome companions in your great household.
Gracious God, show us your wisdom for the work of justice, peace, and love, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Renewing God, we know so well that human life is fragile. We see in our own bodies how illnesses and infirmities afflict us. Because you shared our human life, we come before you to ask for healing, recovery, and an end to pain and suffering.
Within our community, we remember before you, those in need of your care and ours …
Within our own families and circles of friends, we lift up the names of people in pain …
We give thanks for the skills of doctors and nurses and health care attendants. We pray for researchers who dedicate themselves to seeking new treatments and cures and procedures that enhance our health. Strengthen all caregivers with the gifts of kindness and patience and endurance.
Gracious God, show us your wisdom for the work of justice, peace, and love, through Jesus Christ Amen.
We are grateful, O God, that though our bodies fail us, you renew us spiritually day by day so that we remain always usefulness to you. No need, no person, is ever hidden from you or beyond your reach to save. Remember those we have overlooked, those whom we have forgotten or forsaken, and those who have wandered away from you. Restore them, we pray, and restore us, too, until we are all your family again. In the name of Christ we pray.
Gracious God, show us your wisdom for the work of justice, peace, and love, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Shine in the darkness, O God, and shine in our hearts, so that, by the power of your Holy Spirit, we may grow in the knowledge of your glory, proclaiming Jesus Christ and not ourselves, until his life is made visible, even in us. Amen.
35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
16So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who live in love live in God, and God in them.
How might we manifest God into our lives every day? Am I allowing myself to express and experience love at every turn? Can I listen more, and recognize love more actively in my daily routine?
Who are Christ’s siblings? Those who do the will of God. Loving God, loving neighbor, we share what we have as members of the household of Christ.
Dave Albulario, tenor Chris Wade, baritone
In the spirit of faith, Great God, we thank you for the opportunity to give tithes and offerings, to participate in extending your grace to more and more people, and to give all glory to you. Amen.
Our Lord Jesus says that whoever does the will of God is his kindred. May the steadfast love of God give you hope, the redeeming power of Christ give you courage, and the abiding presence of the Spirit give you strength, as you serve the will of God this day and every day. Amen.
Music Team
Prayer Requests
new Barbara Mahaffie — Barbara’s funeral was this past Wednesday, June 19th. She was remembered fondly and lovingly, and we wish her peaceful rest. Continued prayers of comfort and strength for her family. Cards and letters may be sent to Barbara Mahaffie’s Family, c/o Sandi Molloy, 3643 N. Balboa Dr., Florence, AZ 85132
Notes & Announcements
Today’s flowers are anonymously provided. Refreshments are provided by Carmen Edwards. 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.
It’s TODAY! Sunday, June 23rd at 3 PM — Violinist Phillip Levy and pianist Tae Yeon Lim, in concert, performing the music of Beethoven, Viardot, and Tchaikovsky right here at LWCC. Tickets are $15 seniors & students, $20 general, and are available in the narthex after service today, as well as in the church office. Our ALL-Are-Welcome Ticket Program is in full- effect — so even if the ticket price is a challenge, just show up as sponsors have provided tickets for those who wish to use them. Likewise, if you wish to buy a ticket for someone else, please let us know.
Prayer Journal
Morning has broken, loving God—the shards of light scattering the long darkness of night. Help me to carry into this day the sure knowledge of your steadfast love, and great power to transform the world. May I do your will in all my daily interactions so that your grace extends to more and more people. I begin in thanksgiving, your glory all around. Amen. Household Prayer: Midday Once, dear God, I could hear you walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze. Now, you call across the distance, “Where are you?” And I echo back the same question, “Where are you?” You wait and watch for ME; I wait and watch for you. Help ME to see beyond the temporary to the eternal so that we do not lose heart. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, help me to trust that my frailty is received into your hospitable house in the heavens. Renew me day by day until I come again into your presence, where the weight of your glory lifts me in grace and light. In Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spirit of God, come as the evening breeze, carrying away the cares and little failings of this day. Help me put to rest the worries I have, the lists I keep, the regrets I weigh. You know me through and through— I cannot hide from you. May I lie down tonight covered in your forgiveness and love and redemption, and dream of things eternal. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.