Sunday, June 2, 2024
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Focus Scripture: Mark 2:23—3:6
Theme: Sabbath
Welcome and Call to Worship (Psalm 139:1-5,14 adapted) 
(Leader welcomes all, usually affirming its covenants with the United Church of Christ in the context of the local church’s traditions.)
Leader: Holy One, you have searched and known us.
People:  You know when we sit down and when we rise up; you discern our thoughts.
L: You search out our paths and our lying downs and are acquainted with all my ways.
P:  Even before a word is on our tongues, O Holy One, you know it completely.
L:  You hem us in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon us.
P:  We praise you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works;
that we know very well.

Gathering/Opening Hymn

Invocation (based on Deuteronomy 5:12)
We are called to “observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy, as our God commanded us.”  Be with us Holy One, so that we may be refreshed and renewed.  May the Holy Spirit descend upon us as we gather in worship and praise, for all you do in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life 
Pastoral Leader: As we gather in worship, let us take this moment to consider our needs for transformation and forgiveness.  I invite you to quietly reflect on our need for grace. (Allow a short moment of silence.)

People: Dear God, the creator of all things based on love. You created us in your image of love and there have been times we have fallen short of that love, not only to you but to each other and all of creation. I ask for your forgiveness and from you, present today, my siblings, sisters and brothers in Christ. I thank you for the comforting strength and compassion of the Holy Spirit to do better in bringing love and grace and all I do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Words of Grace 
Pastoral Leader: Scripture tells us “Light will shine out of darkness,” and though we may be “afflicted in every way, we are not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair” and when we turn to God for blessed grace; grace is always granted. Amen.

Hymn of Grace

Children’s Time (optional) A short story on “Sabbath”

Scripture Reading:  Mark 2:23—3:6

Sermon/Scripture Reflection: Suggested theme “Sabbath”

Hymn of Reflection

Invitation to Generosity 

Pastoral Leader: We are grateful for the gifts that we receive in our lives.  We invite you to participate in this opportunity of generosity to continue the mission of God’s Love to the world. We are grateful and thankful. (Ask the ushers/volunteers to come forward with collection of plates if that is the tradition of the beloved community.)

Doxology: (as collection plates come forward).
	Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Christ, and Spirit One. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Pastoral Leader:  O Holy One, with gratefulness we offer and dedicate these gifts for the continuation of our work in Christ’s Name. Amen.

Prayers of the People/Pastoral Prayer
Pastoral Leader: As we prepare to come to the table of Christ, let us lift the celebrations and concerns of our beloved community. (If it is the church’s tradition, members are invited to lift their prayer requests; followed by a moment of silence.)

Pastoral Leader: Dear God, we know that you have heard our prayers and we ask that the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with us today and every day.  This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray: (Whatever version of the “Lord’s Prayer” the congregation is accustomed to…below is an example).

All: Our Creator/Mother/Father/Spirit, who is in Heaven, hallow be your name.  Your Kin-dom come, your will be done, on earth as it is heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our faults, as we forgive the faults of others. Prevent us and deliver us from evil.  For yours is the realm, power, and glory, forever. Amen.

Communion*
Pastoral Leader: In the United Church of Christ, we practice an open communion, which means all are welcomed to this table…God’s table.  You don’t have to be a member of this church or any church to partake in the sharing of the bread and drink of the vine.
We remember, the night before Jesus would be betrayed and crucified, that he sat among his friends and took bread, blessed, and broke it, and said “Take and eat for this is my body given for you. As often as you do it do it in remembrance of me”.
After the supper had ended, Jesus took the cup, blessed it and said, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
My friends, whenever we share this bread and cup, we remember the compassion and love Jesus taught and the call to follow Christ in all we do.
(Communion is distributed, either by inviting the congregation forward to receive the bread and cup, or by ushers passing the bread, followed by wine/juice in cup trays).
After distribution:
Pastoral Leader: Let us pray. Holy Creator, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, and all who follow to bring love and justice to the world. May this bread and drink nourish us as they are the symbol of Christ’s essence in all of us.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

A Note on Communion:  Traditionally, the retelling of the “Last Supper” as written for this liturgy however another form of communion remembrance can be the retelling of the feeding of the thousands found in Mark 8:1-8, Matthew 14: 13-21, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-13 with loaves and fishes. In either case, a blessing over the elements (bread and juice) before sharing is said by the Pastoral Leader (usually an authorized minister).

Closing hymn

Benediction:
Pastoral Leader: Dear friends, we have been nourished and renewed in this Sabbath day with the love of God who created us, God who redeemed us, and God who sustains us. Go in peace, sharing the Good News. Amen.  

Sabbath: Service Prayers for the Second Sunday after Pentecost was written by Rev. Roberto Ochoa, Minister for Ethnic Inclusion, & Congregational Support for Rural and Small Churches for the National Setting of the United Church of Christ.  He is a member of Mt. Zion Congregational UCC in Cleveland, OH.