July Worship Services – 10am – Hybrid

July 3 – Freedom to Live Free
What does freedom mean to you? We are informed by Paul’s writing to the friends in Galatia that it is for freedom that we have been set free. What does that mean in the 21st century? We have seen the majority of the current Supreme Court walk back the right to privacy on which Roe V Wade and other privacy rights depend. For the first time in our nation’s 246 year history, a human and civil right has been undermined by the Supreme Court. This 21st century effort to return us to the programs and practices of life in the mid-20th century must be met with courage to stand up to the storms emerging from this ruling. Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone assert that we find meaning in connecting with something larger than ourselves. Our connected selves provide that which we value most. We might call these a 21st century list of the Spirit’s gifts.

July 10 – Living Peaceful Lives in Violent Times
Builders often use a plumb line to evaluate the alignment of their work. In organization development we speak of aligning work with the mission and values of the organization as the standard. What are the standards against which we measure our efforts to resist oppressive systems like patriarchy, white supremacy, homophobia, Christian Nationalism? As we work for a just world for all, the standard by which we measure our work is love for the Divine and for our neighbor. Is it possible to live in peace with all while working to transform oppressive systems? We will also experience the sharing of Communion at a table that welcomes all because of who you are and where you are on life’s journey.

July 17- Working for the Common Good
Part of the reason we have such turmoil in our nation flows from a sense of entitlement. If one wants to openly carry weapons of war in public it is one’s right to do so for some. If it triggers a trauma in others who have seen such weapons used in mass shootings, tough luck it is one’s right to carry such firearms. Inflation is high and yet it is made higher by some industries who use inflation as a cover for greed. Those who pay the most for such greed are the poor. The prophet Amos describes an ancient practice that has a 21st century reality. The cure for 21st century greed might be found in the words of Amos condemning the abuse of the poor of his day. Our nation was built on an ideal of personal sacrifice for the common good. We will think about how we might address the dilemma we face.

July 24 – Sermon by Rev. Peter Sawtell
Our own Rev. Peter Sawtell will preach for us. Thank you, Peter for preaching for us while Lee recovers from knee surgery.

July 31 – Annual Summer Joint Worship at Kirk
We will gather with other area UCC churches for our annual summer joint worship service at Kirk of the Bonnie Brae. Other churches participating include, Kirk, 6th Avenue UCC, Salem and possibly other churches. We trust you will enjoy gathering with these other congregations in shared worship.