Sunday, July 7, 2024

Theme:

Most of us have experienced grief, the loss of a spouse, a child, a parent, or other loved ones. I would wager that none of us would consider ourselves ‘blessed’ while going through that grief, however. In our grief, we certainly do not want to hear from someone that ‘it will all be ok.’ Yet, even in the midst of great pain, we can experience the consolation of others, as well as the peace that can only come from the Living God. In our deep pain and times of grief, we can be inspired by the Shunammite woman’s story.

Reflections:

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost/Communion

Introit: The refrain we are using for the Introit, “God Is Our Help, Refuge, and Strength”, is a condensed paraphrase of verses 1-3 of Psalm 46, from which our Call to Worship is taken.

Opening Hymn: A remarkable expression of faith born out of grief written by a Presbyterian layman, who had lost his four daughters in a shipwreck, while sailing to meet his wife who had survived; “When Peace Like a River (It is Well with My Soul)”

Transition Hymn:

Special Music: An arrangement of “Abide with Me” by Stephen Nelson for GENTRI.

Communion Hymn: Our communion hymn for 2024 is “When at This Table”.

Sending Hymn: The wordless tune was written upon reading the obituary of a friend who died from AIDS; sent later to the author of the text, which is a wonderful expression of reliance on God through grief and mourning.

Benediction: Our benediction for July is “May the Love of the Lord”, written as a lullaby for the author’s son, who at one day old had stopped breathing but was revived but was revived by the prompt action of nurses.