# St. John’s United Church of Christ ## Chambersburg, PA ### February 16, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQlWTKRmQq8&ab_channel=St.John%27sUCC%2CChambersburg%2CPA ## CAMP SUNDAY *Please stand in body or in spirit* ### **Gathering Songs** - "Sanctuary at St. John’s" - "This is the Day" ### **Unison Welcome** > "No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here." ### **Announcements** ### **Passing of the Peace** - *"The peace of Christ be with you."* - *"And also with you."* ### Lord, I Lift Your Name on High **Verse** Lord, I lift Your name on high Lord, I love to sing Your praises I'm so glad You're in my life I'm so glad You came to save us **Chorus** You came from heaven to earth To show the way From the earth to the cross My debt to pay From the cross to the grave From the grave to the sky Lord, I lift Your name on high ### **Call to Worship** *(adapted from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion)* > When we turn our hearts away from God and toward ourselves, putting trust in our own strength and power, **we become like a shrub in the desert, living in a parched, salty place**. > > When we trust in God, when our trust is God, we are like a tree planted by water. > > **Our roots go deep, we are ever-green; even in a drought we are not anxious, but bear fruit, full and beautiful, gifts of the God who made us.** > > Camp is one of the places where we reconnect with God without distraction or worry. > > **We give thanks for this sacred place and the renewal it makes possible.** > >May we find this same renewal in our worship today. Let us give thanks for God’s good gifts as we pray and praise and sing. ### **Prayer of the Day** Loving and generous God, you created this world and all that is in it. You have entrusted us to be caretakers and stewards of these precious resources: land, water, air, and creatures of all kinds. You offer us time and space to reconnect with You; in retreats and camping experiences, in the beauty of St. John’s Camp. May we continue to nurture our relationships with You and the natural world. May we help others to have the same experiences: to breathe deeply the mountain air, to feel the cool breeze on a hot summer day, to find You in the stillness and quiet. Help us to plant ourselves in the soil of Your compassion and grace, and to bear the fruit of Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, we pray. **Amen.** ### **Prayer for Illumination** *(from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion)* O God, whose Word is like water to the root of the tree, let Your Word now flow into us that we might flourish— bearing gospel fruit for a hungry world. In the name of Jesus, the Living Word, we pray. **Amen.** ### **Scripture Reading** #### Jeremiah 17:5-10 (NRSVUE) **5** Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. **6** They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. **7** Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. **8** They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. **9** The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse— who can understand it? **10** I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings. #### Colossians 3:12-17 > **12** Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. > **13** Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. > **14** Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. > **15** And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. > **16** Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. > **17** And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ## 📖 PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION *(from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion)* O God, whose Word is like water to the root of the tree, let Your Word now flow into us that we might flourish— bearing gospel fruit for a hungry world. In the name of Jesus, the Living Word, we pray. **Amen.** ### Our God **Verse 1:** Water You turned into wine Opened the eyes of the blind There's no one like You None like You **Verse 2:** Into the darkness You shine Out of the ashes we rise There's no one like You None like You **Chorus:** Our God is greater Our God is stronger God, You are higher than any other Our God is Healer Awesome in power Our God, our God **Bridge:** And if our God is for us Then who could ever stop us And if our God is with us Then what could stand against Then what could stand against ## **Luke 6:17-26 (NRSVUE)** > > **17** He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. **18** They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. **19** And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. > > **20** Then he looked up at his disciples and said: > > "Blessed are you who are poor, > for yours is the kingdom of God. > > **21** "Blessed are you who are hungry now, > for you will be filled. > "Blessed are you who weep now, > for you will laugh. > > **22** "Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. **23** Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. > > **24** "But woe to you who are rich, > for you have received your consolation. > > **25** "Woe to you who are full now, > for you will be hungry. > "Woe to you who are laughing now, > for you will mourn and weep. > > **26** "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets." ## **Sermon** - *"Rejoice in All Life”* ### Theme This lecture explores the themes of blessings and woes from Luke 6:17-26, emphasizing Jesus' teachings on wealth and power. It highlights the role of St. John's Camp as a spiritual retreat and the importance of environmental stewardship. Key takeaways include the need for ecological balance, the significance of the Beatitudes, and addressing economic inequality. The lecture underscores the responsibility to preserve natural spaces and the role of park rangers as stewards of the land. ### Takeaways 1. Luke 6:17-26 discusses blessings and woes. 2. St. John's Camp is a place to reconnect with God. 3. The importance of preserving natural spaces. 4. The role of park rangers as stewards of the land. 5. The need for ecological balance and stewardship. 6. Jesus' teachings challenge wealth and power hierarchies. 7. The early church's communal property system. 8. The significance of the Beatitudes in Luke. 9. Economic inequality and food insecurity are addressed. 10. The importance of caring for creation. ### Highlights - ` "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing will change."-- 《The Lorax by Dr. Seuss》 ` ### Chapters & Topics #### Luke 6:17-26 > This passage from the Gospel of Luke includes Jesus' teachings on blessings and woes, addressing the poor, the hungry, and those who weep, while also warning the rich and those who are full. * **Keypoints** * Jesus blesses the poor, hungry, and those who weep. * Jesus warns the rich and those who are full. * The passage challenges societal norms of wealth and power. * **Explanation** The passage is a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, where he speaks directly to his disciples and a large crowd. It contrasts blessings for those who suffer with woes for those who are comfortable, highlighting the reversal of fortunes in God's kingdom. * **Considerations** * Consider how societal structures privilege the few and disadvantage the many. * Reflect on personal attitudes towards wealth and poverty. #### St. John's Camp > St. John's Camp is a place for spiritual retreat and connection with nature, offering a rustic environment to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with God. * **Keypoints** * Camp provides a space for spiritual growth and community building. * It is important to make camp accessible to all, regardless of financial status. * The camp has been a part of the community since 1949. * **Explanation** The camp serves as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life, allowing individuals to engage with nature and spirituality. It emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and accessibility for all. * **Considerations** * Ensure financial barriers do not prevent participation in camp activities. * Maintain the camp's natural environment and rustic charm. #### Environmental Stewardship > The responsibility to care for and preserve the natural environment, ensuring ecological balance and sustainability for future generations. * **Keypoints** * Park rangers play a crucial role in protecting natural spaces. * Indigenous wisdom can guide environmental stewardship. * Preserving the environment is an obligation to future generations. * **Explanation** Environmental stewardship involves actively caring for the earth's ecosystems, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life, and taking steps to protect and preserve natural resources. It requires a balance between human activity and the health of the planet. * **Considerations** * Consider the impact of human activity on ecological balance. * Seek guidance from indigenous practices in environmental care. ### **Sermon: Camp Sunday & Stewardship of Creation** #### **🗒 Sermon Summary** - The sermon focused on **Camp Sunday**, celebrating **St. John’s Camp** as a sacred space where individuals reconnect with God and nature. - It emphasized **stewardship of creation**, urging the congregation to care for natural spaces and advocate for environmental protection. - The message was deeply tied to **Luke 6:17-26**, highlighting the **Blessings and Woes**—challenging material wealth, privilege, and indifference to the poor. - The speaker connected Jesus’ teachings on **justice and inclusion** with environmental justice, highlighting how caring for creation is part of God’s call. #### **🎙 Preaching Style** - **Expository & Narrative:** The sermon was structured around Luke 6:17-26 but incorporated **personal experiences, historical reflections, and theological insights**. - **Inclusive examples:** The preacher referenced **Indigenous wisdom** about environmental care, acknowledging **historical injustices** related to land use. - **Multimodal approach:** The sermon incorporated **storytelling (for auditory learners), vivid imagery (for visual learners), and calls to action (for kinesthetic learners).** #### **🗣 Intonation and Delivery** - The tone was **both prophetic and pastoral**, balancing **a call to justice with hope and gratitude**. - The preacher’s vocal delivery varied: - **Urgency** when discussing environmental threats. - **Reverence** when reflecting on **sacred spaces like St. John’s Camp**. - **Passion** when advocating for stewardship and social justice. - The preacher engaged the congregation with **questions, storytelling, and historical examples**, making the message **relatable**. #### **📝 Content Structure** - **Introduction:** Personal story about camp experiences and why sacred spaces matter. - **Main Points:** 1. **Jesus' teachings on the poor & privileged** (Luke 6:17-26). 2. **Camp as a space of renewal & justice**—not just for the wealthy. 3. **Environmental crisis & responsibility**—the need to act. - **Conclusion:** A **call to action**—supporting camp ministries and being better stewards of God’s creation. #### **👥 Engagement and Application** - **Justice-oriented application:** The sermon **challenged economic privilege** and encouraged **financial support for underprivileged campers**. - **Environmental activism:** The speaker referenced **climate change**, the **role of park rangers**, and *The Lorax*—making the message accessible to different ages. - **Interactive engagement:** The preacher **invited the congregation to reflect on their connection to nature** and how they might support the camp. #### **📖 Scripture Breakdown** - **Luke 6:17-26** was the primary text, emphasizing: - **Blessings for the poor** → Affirming the dignity of the marginalized. - **Woes for the rich** → Challenging complacency and privilege. - **Application to environmental justice** → Advocating for **God’s creation** as part of biblical justice. - The sermon referenced **Genesis (stewardship of creation)** and **Indigenous wisdom**, reinforcing **the interconnectedness of humanity and nature**. #### **🔍 Logical Reasoning** ##### **✅ Strong Arguments:** - **Biblical Justice Framing** → The sermon **correctly linked** Jesus’ economic teachings with **modern disparities**, drawing parallels between **systemic privilege then and now**. - **Environmental & Theological Ethics** → The preacher effectively argued that **stewardship of creation** is a **moral responsibility**, drawing from **scripture and Indigenous teachings**. - **Use of Historical Context** → Referencing **church history and Indigenous land stewardship** added **depth and credibility** to the argument. ##### **⚠ Areas for Improvement:** - **Strawman Fallacy (Overgeneralization of "the Rich")** → The sermon rightly critiqued **wealth privilege** but risked **generalizing all wealthy individuals as indifferent to justice**. Acknowledging **faithful, responsible wealth stewardship** could have **nuanced the message**. - **Emotional Appeal (The Lorax & Environmental Urgency)** → While **emotionally compelling**, references to *The Lorax* and climate change **leaned heavily on pathos**. Adding **specific environmental statistics or theological perspectives** could **strengthen logical rigor**. #### **📚 References** - **Luke 6:17-26 (Blessings & Woes)** - **Genesis (Stewardship of Creation)** - **Indigenous Wisdom on Land Stewardship** - **Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (Environmental Ethics)** - **UCC Outdoor Ministries (Camp Justice & Accessibility Programs)** #### **🗨 Quotes & Illustrative Stories** - **"We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."** *(Indigenous Proverb)* - **"Camp should not be an experience limited only to those who are well off."** *(Advocacy for financial inclusion in outdoor ministries)* - **Personal experience at Pilgrim Heights & St. John’s Camp** added **credibility** and **personal connection**. #### **🔄 Calls to Action** 1. **Sponsor a Camper** → Removing financial barriers for young people to attend camp. 2. **Engage in Environmental Stewardship** → Encouraging the congregation to **care for God’s creation**. 3. **Advocate for Justice** → Linking **economic, racial, and environmental justice** as **faith-driven activism**. --- ### **Final Reflection** This sermon **effectively combined biblical justice, environmental ethics, and a call to action**, making **Luke 6:17-26 deeply relevant to modern-day concerns**. While **emotionally compelling**, strengthening **logical arguments and nuance around privilege** would make the message even more robust. **Overall, it was a powerful, justice-oriented sermon that engaged both head and heart.** ## Offering **Verse 1:** If you want me to lead, If you want me to follow, I will. If you want me to go, If you want me to stay here, I will. If you want me to grow, Or bloom where you plant me, I will. This is my offering, I will give my all to you. **Chorus:** Here we are, An offering. Here we are, An offering. **Verse 2:** If you want me to hope, If you want me to be still, I will. If you want me to sing, If you want me to listen, I will. If you want me to speak, Or tell of your glory, I will. This is my offering, I will give my all to you. **Chorus:** Here we are, An offering. Here we are, An offering. **Bridge:** All I have is yours, All I have is yours, All I have is yours, All I have is yours. **Chorus:** Here we are, An offering. Here we are, An offering. **Outro:** If you want me to lead, If you want me to follow, I will. ## Blessed Assurance **Verse 1** Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. **Chorus** This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. **Verse 2** Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. **Chorus** This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. **Verse 3** Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love ### **Prayers of the People** #### Overview This document outlines the key points from a meeting held on February 16, 2025. It includes prayers and reflections, specific concerns regarding health, global issues, and economic challenges, as well as expressions of community support and gratitude. The meeting concluded with a call to faith and love, and the recitation of the Lord's Prayer. Action items were identified to address ongoing challenges. #### Prayers and Reflections - **Opening Prayer and Gratitude** - The meeting began with a collective prayer, emphasizing grace and gratitude. - Judy was acknowledged as being "ready to fly," symbolizing readiness and hope. - **Challenges in Relationships** - Acknowledgment of the complexities and difficulties in personal relationships, especially when they are fractured. - Special prayers for wisdom and discernment in navigating challenging relationships, particularly with Jamie. - **Sharing and Worship** - Encouragement to share both the heavy burdens and joyous moments within the community. - A call for God's grace to hear prayers, including those for individuals undergoing surgeries and caring for new babies. #### Specific Prayers and Concerns - **Health and Healing** - Prayers for individuals facing health challenges, including colon cancer surgeries and a procedure for Ernie Welch's foot. - Gratitude expressed for the support from the congregation and medical professionals. - **Global and National Concerns** - Prayers for peace in Ukraine amidst ongoing negotiations and territorial losses. - Concerns about the dismantling of U.S. programs affecting vulnerable populations, with a call for compassion. - **Economic and Employment Issues** - Prayers for federal employees facing job losses and financial uncertainties, including feeding families and paying mortgages. #### Community and Gratitude - **Community Support and Joy** - Joy expressed for Melinda Hornbork's presence and the support she received from the congregation. - Appreciation for the congregation's caring actions, including calls and visits. - **Celebrations** - Acknowledgment of a significant birthday month for the St. Clair household, with an invitation to join in worship. #### Faith and Love - **Faith and Love** - A call to turn to God amidst fear and anxiety, to embody love and grace in interactions with others. - Encouragement to continue being vessels of love and faithfulness, following the teachings of Jesus. - **The Lord's Prayer** - The meeting concluded with the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, reinforcing the themes of forgiveness, guidance, and divine power. #### Action Items - [ ] Pray for wisdom and discernment in navigating challenging relationships. - [ ] Support individuals undergoing medical procedures and their families. - [ ] Advocate for compassion and support for those affected by economic and employment challenges. > **AI Suggestion** > AI has identified the following issues that were not concluded in the meeting or lack clear action items; please pay attention: > 1. The ongoing negotiations and territorial losses in Ukraine pose a significant risk to peace efforts. There is an urgent need to address these issues to prevent further escalation and suffering among affected populations. A compassionate and strategic response is required to mitigate these risks. > 2. The dismantling of U.S. programs affecting vulnerable populations presents a critical risk. Immediate attention is needed to prevent increased suffering and to ensure that compassionate responses are implemented to support those impacted by these changes. > 3. Further discussion is needed on how to navigate complex and fractured personal relationships, particularly with Jamie. The need for wisdom and discernment in these situations remains unresolved, and a clear strategy must be developed to address these challenges effectively. > 4. There is a need to support individuals undergoing medical procedures, such as colon cancer surgeries and Ernie Welch's foot procedure. Specifics on how to provide this support, who will be involved, and deadlines are unclear and need to be clarified promptly. > 5. Advocacy for compassion and support for federal employees facing job losses and financial uncertainties is necessary. Details on the advocacy approach, responsible parties, and timelines are not specified and require immediate clarification to ensure effective support. ### **Lord's Prayer**.. ## **Offering** ### **Offertory Prayer** ## PRAYER OF DEDICATION * *(adapted from Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship)* Bless these gifts that we offer, enabling us to share the love and light of Christ and of St. John’s Camp. Extend the ministry of our church and our camp so that all may indeed be blessed by the work You invite and encourage us to do. Help us to live surrounded by Your mercy, inspired by Your Spirit, hospitable to one another, and generous toward Your world. **Amen.** ## This Little Light of Mine **Verse 1:** This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. **Verse 2:** Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine. Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine. Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. **Verse 3:** Jesus gave it to me, I'm gonna let it shine. Jesus gave it to me, I'm gonna let it shine. Jesus gave it to me, I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. **Verse 4 (Optional):** Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. --- *Traditional gospel song, often attributed to Harry Dixon Loes.* ## **Benediction** ### **Postlude** -– # Sunday School ## ✨ Daily Devotional for Small Group Discussion: Make Yourself Useful **by Ellis Miller | Published on Feb 10, 2025** ## 📖 Discussion Questions 1. Is there a leadership role in worship you have never tried but are interested in experiencing? 2. When you are gathered with others for worship, whether online or in person, how do you feel like your presence contributes to the experience? 3. Can you think of someone who shared their spiritual gifts—perhaps singing, reading scripture, praying, or preaching—during worship in a way that was meaningful or surprising to you? > *When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight.* > — **1 Corinthians 14:26 (MSG)** ## 🙏 Reflection Our Deacons recently made a significant change in worship. We had extensive deliberations, weighed possible unintended consequences, and reached out to impacted stakeholders. We instituted a four-week trial period before reconvening to evaluate the results. We diligently researched church history to ensure we would not disrupt the ghosts of any ancestors lurking nearby. We almost had to call an occupational therapist to negate the effects of all the hand-wringing, but after much discernment, we determined that—with the right training and encouragement—adults were just as qualified as children to be worship acolytes. This is, of course, hyperbole, but the truth is not too far off. Introducing adult acolytes was a real change that we really worried over. The report back after the first Sunday: The adult acolyte shared the same ratio of delight, eagerness, and reverence that our kiddos embody. They walked down the aisle with steady, careful steps, shoulders back and head high. As their flame dipped into the waiting candles, they snuck a look at their pastor, and our grins mirrored back at each other. Peace settled over the sanctuary; we were ready to worship. ## 🔥 Embracing New Roles in Worship We know that trying new things in worship is as important a spiritual practice as repetition and tradition, but we often forget that this includes allowing different people to offer different gifts or step into new roles. - Why not a lay preacher or a skillful storyteller? - Why not a slightly off-pitch soloist who is full of the Spirit? - Why not say yes to someone new who has an insight to share, a prayer to offer, or a candle to light? ## 🙌 Prayer **Make me useful, God, and may my gifts be used to worship you.**