Sunday on the Commons

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  “The soul can split the sky in two And let the face of God shine through” –Edna St. Vincent Millay A Prayer for Ukraine Exodus 34:29-35 Luke 9:28-36 Give to the Offering 

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  “Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy.” ― Wendell Berry A Prayer for Ukraine 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 Luke 6:27-38 Give to the Offering 

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  “Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things.” –Thomas Merton 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a John 17:20-23 Special thanks to our new Interim Director of Music Raymond Buttero for the organ music this week. Give to the Offering 

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” --The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Matthew 5:38-48 Special thanks to our new Interim Director of Music Raymond Buttero and to Deborah Johnson and Sarah Whitehead for lending their voices to this week's service. Give to the Offering 

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  "“How about infant baptism? Shouldn't you wait until the child grows up enough to know what's going on?... When it comes to the forgiving and transforming love of God, one wonders if the six-week-old screecher knows all that much less than the archbishop of Canterbury about what's going on.” –Frederick Buechner We're reviving the podcast for 2022! Genesis 1:1-5 Matthew 3:13-17 Special thanks to our new Interim Director of Music Raymond Buttero and to Sarah Whitehead for lending her voice to this week's service. Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. 

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  "You do not have to be good. You do no have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you about mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prayer and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination,  calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -  over and over announcing your place in the family of things." - Mary Oliver, Wild Geese This week we welcome Jeremy Langill, our new Director of Faith Formation and Outreach, to the pulpit for the first time. Proverbs 9:1-6 John 6:51-58 Special thanks to Nancy Nicholson, our guest organist this week. Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. 

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  Psalm 107:23-32 John 6:15-21 Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.  We gratefully recognize the talents of the Spindle Rock River Rats who played for us this morning.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  Gracious God, it would have been enough if you had given us life and breath, but you also gave us hearts to love and hands to build and pray and hold each other. You gave us imagination and ingenuity. You gave us minds to choose and to perceive and to dream. You gave us senses-- to taste and feel and see and smell and hear. You gave us this earth with oceans and mountains, season and rhythms, dawnings and sunsets. It would have been enough if you had given us life and breath, God, but you have given us far more, always abundantly more. You gave us Your love and Your presence, Your Spirit to guide us, And You gave us Your Son, Jesus, the bread of heaven. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 Mark 6:35-44 Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.  We gratefully recognize the talents of Sue Rousseau who filled on organ this morning for us.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  “Not all of us are called to be hermits, but all of us need enough silence and solitude in our lives to enable the deeper voice of our own self to be heard at least occasionally.” ― Thomas Merton  Psalm 131  Mark 6:30-34; 45-46   Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.  We gratefully recognize the talents of Sue Rousseau who filled on organ this morning for us.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month “What I love about the Bible is that the story isn't over. There are still prophets in our midst. There are still dragons and beasts. It might not look like it, but the Resistance is winning. The light is breaking through. So, listen to the weirdos. More than anyone else in Scripture, they remind us that those odd ducks shouting from the margins of society may see things more clearly than the political and religious leaders with the inside track. We ignore them at our own peril. Listen to the voices crying from the wilderness. They are pointing us to a new King and a better kingdom.” - Rachel Held Evans, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again Scripture Reading 1: Amos 7:7-17 — Read by Nancy Dymecki Scripture Reading 2: Mark 6:14-29 — Read by Prudence Fallon Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd Musician: Michael Bahmann Our readers: Nancy Dymecki & Prudence Fallon 

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month “May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” - Peter Marshall Scripture Reading 1: Isaiah 11:6-9 — Read by Maria Comery  Scripture Reading 2: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-45 — Read by Sarah C. Whitehead   Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Patricia Kogut Musician: Michael Bahmann Our readers: Maria Comery & Sarah C. Whitehead

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month “The Dead Sea in the Middle East receives fresh water, but it has no outlet, so it doesn't pass the water out. It receives beautiful water from the rivers, and the water goes dank. I mean, it just goes bad. And that's why it is the Dead Sea. It receives and does not give. In the end generosity is the best way of becoming more, more, and more joyful.”  ― Desmond Tutu, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World Scripture Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15 — Read by Harry Switzer Scripture Reading 2: Mark 5: 21-43 — Read by Russell Bodington Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd Musician: Michael Bahmann Our readers: Harry Switzer & Russell Bodington

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month “Life’s hard in Haiti right now. And the hardest thing is that the future does not lie with one person.” -- Edwidge Danticat “We must all find the spirit to help better humanity! We all have it inside us to contribute something to the cause of humanity!” --Timothy Pina: Hearts for Haiti: Book of Poetry and Inspiration Scripture Reading 1: Psalm 138 — Read by in Creole by Jonas Azolin & in English by Shirley Hardison Scripture Reading 2: Matthew 14: 13-21 — Read by Shirley Hardison Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:  Guest Minister & Worship Leaders: Rev. Beverley Edwards, Shirley Hardison & Jonas Azolin  Musician: Michael Bahmann Our readers: Jonas Azolin & Shirley Hardison

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "Not many of you were wise by the world's standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong . . ." (1 Corinthians 1:26-27)    Scripture Reading 1: 1 Samuel 15:34 - 16:13 — Read by Linton Harrington Scripture Reading 2:  Mark 4:26-34 — Read by Sue Talbot Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd Musician: Michael Bahmann Our readers:  Linton Harrington & Sue Talbot

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month “Religion is never a good force per se, but merely the final conflict between human self-esteem and divine mercy, and the one is as frequently victorious as the other.”—Reinhold Niebuhr Scripture Reading 1: 1 Samuel 8: 4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15) — Read by Shirley Hardison Scripture Reading 2:  Mark 3:20-35 — Read by Prudence Fallon   Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd Musician: Michael Bahmann Our readers: Shirley Hardison & Prudence Fallon  

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month “Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait, you watch, and work: You don’t give up.”  - Anne Lamont Scripture Reading 1: Ezekiel 37:1-14  — Read by Sarah C. Whitehead  Scripture Reading 2: Acts 2:1-4,14-18  —  Read by Kelly Rebeiro Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Beverley Edwards Musician: Michael Bahmann Our readers: Sarah Whitehead & Kelly Rebeiro

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month "Without Pentecost the Christ-event - the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus - remains imprisoned in history as something to remember, think about and reflect on. The Spirit of Jesus comes to dwell within us, so that we can become living Christs here and now." —Henri Nouwen Scripture Reading 1: Acts 2:1-21   — Read by Charlie Thomas Scripture Reading 2: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15  — Read by Sue Talbot Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd Musician: Michael Bahmann Our readers: Charlie Thomas & Sue Talbot

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month “Prayer is commission. Out of the quietness with God, power is generated that turns the spiritual machinery of the world.  When you pray, you begin to feel the sense of being sent, that the divine compulsion is upon you.”— E. Stanley Jones Scripture Reading 1: Psalm 1 — Read by Sue Talbot Scripture Reading 2: John 17: 6-19 — Read by Maria Comery  Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd Musicians: Michael Bahmann; The Thomas Family Band Our readers: Sue Talbot & Maria Comery The Virtual Worship Team

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month "There is no perfect congregation, just the ones we've got, full of imperfect people that God loves and calls to be the Church." Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd  Scripture Reading 1: Psalm 98: 4-9  — Read by Ron Tammaro Scripture Reading 2: John 15:1-8 — Read by Prudence Fallon Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd Musician: Michael Bahmann Our readers: Ron Tammaro & Prudence Fallon The Virtual Worship Team

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month  I know that I have life only insofar as I have love.  I have no love except it come from Thee.  Help me, please, to carry this candle against the wind.   - Wendell Barry    Scripture Reading 1: 1 John 4:7-21  — Read by Shirley Hardison Scripture Reading 2: John 15:1-8 — Read by Nancy Dymecki Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Lindsay Popperson Musician: Michael Bahmann Holly Billings for the Flowers Our readers: Shirley Hardison & Nancy Dymecki The Virtual Worship Team

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month “We have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because the Lord is my shepherd.” ― Charles Spurgeon Scripture Reading 1: Psalm 23  — Read by Sarah C. Whitehead Scripture Reading 2: John 10:11-18 — Read by Harry Switzer Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd Musician: Michael Bahmann The Talbot Family for the Flowers Our readers: Sarah C. Whitehead & Harry Switzer The Virtual Worship Team

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry with $5 a Month “Jesus's resurrection is the beginning of God's new project, not to snatch people away from earth to heaven, but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord's Prayer is about. The resurrection completes the inauguration of God's kingdom.  It is the decisive event demonstrating that God's kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven. The message of Easter is that God's new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you're now invited to belong to it.” —N. T. Wright Scripture Reading 1: 1 John 3:1-7  — Read by Charlie Thomas Scripture Reading 2: Luke 24:36b-48  — Read by Kelly Rebeiro Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service. We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning: Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd Musicians: Michael Bahmann, Sarah C. Whitehead Holly Billings for the Flowers Our readers: Charlie Thomas & Kelly Rebeiro The Virtual Worship Team

“In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer.” - Albert Camus Scripture Reading 1: Isaiah 25:6-9  — Read by Linton Harrington Scripture Reading 2: Mark 16:1-8  — Read by Prudence Fallon Give to the Offering | Watch the video version of this service.  We gratefully recognize the talents of our congregation without which this would not be possible. We’d like to thank the following for their talents this morning:  Guest Minister: Rev. Beverley Edwards Musicians: Andrea Desilets, Michael Bahmann, Your Favorite Brass Quintet, Shirley Hardison, Gianna Sullivan Irish Blessing Vocals: Debbie Kelchner, Charlie Thomas, Caroline Thomas, Jen Thomas, Wendy Merriman, Lily Clark, Peter Fallon, Stephanie von Trapp Derbyshire Irish Blessing Horn: Charlie Thomas Annie Flather for the Flowers Our readers:  Linton Harrington & Prudence Fallon Jen Thomas & Lis Harrington - Alex’s prayer & blessing Charlie Thomas, audio engineer The Virtual Worship Team

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5 a month “Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light”  -Madeleine L’Engle Romans 6:3-11 - Read by Charlie Thomas John 20:1-18 - Read by Shirley Hardison Give to the Offering

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5/week All glory, laud, and honor to you, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. You are the King of Israel and David's royal Son, now in the Lord's name coming, the King and Blessed One. To you before your passion they sang their hymns of praise; to you, now high exalted, our melody we raise. As you received their praises, accept the prayers we bring, for you delight in goodness, O good and gracious King! Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 - Read by Prudence Fallon, Deacon Mark 11:1-11 - Read by Sarah Whitehead  Special thanks to Craig Shadday, Trumpet Give to the Offering

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5/week “What makes the desert beautiful,' said the little prince, 'is that somewhere it hides a well...”  ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry On Sunday, March 14th, we marked one year since we began virtual worship due to the pandemic. During the service, Rev. Rebecca interviewed a number of our members about their experience of the past year, reflecting on our own "Journeys Through the Wilderness." We're sharing those interviews here now as a bonus episode. During this conversation, you will hear from (in order of appearance): Rev. Rebecca, Lily Clark (aka, the project manager for our Virtual Worship Team),  Shirley Hardison, Jen Thomas, and Chris and Marlene Smith. Exodus 17:1-7 - Read by Harry Switzer (Deacon)

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5/month “The word patience means the willingness to stay where we are and live the situation out to the full in the belief that something hidden there will manifest itself to us.”  ― Henri J.M. Nouwen Numbers 21:4-9 - Read by Colonel Ron Tammaro, Deacon James 5:7-11 - Read by Nancy Dymecki, Deacon Give to the Offering

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry - Give $5/month “I imagine Lent for you and for me as a great departure from the greedy, anxious anti-neighborliness of our economy, a great departure from our exclusionary politics that fears the other, a great departure from self-indulgent consumerism that devours creation.  And then an arrival in a new neighborhood...”  --Walter Brueggemann Psalm 69:30-34 - Read by Shirley Hardison, Deacon John 2:13-22 - Read by Pru Fallon, Deacon Give to our Offering

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry “We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.”  ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer Isaiah 49:8-16 - Read by Karen Corrigan, Deacon Mark 8:31-37 - Read by Maria Comery, Deacon

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry “...Perhaps this blessing became the path beneath your feet, the desert that stretched before you, the clear sight that finally came.” --Jan Richardson Psalm 25:1-10 - Read by Nancy Dymecki (Deacon) Mark 1:9-15 - Read by Jennifer Thomas

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry “Human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.” --Flannery O’Connor A series of Readings: Ashes, a Sign of Creation (read by Kayla Oliveira, youth member) Psalm 8 (read by Mae Pacheco, youth member) Genesis 2:4-9 (read by Nancy Demenicki, Deacon) Ashes, a Sign of Mortality (read by Prudence Fallon, Deacon) Genesis 3:8-13, 17-19 (read by Ty Polasek, youth member) Psalm 90:1-6 (read by Harry Switzer, Deacon) Ashes, a Sign of Repentance (read by Marin Goodfriend, youth member) A responsive reading of Psalm 130 (lead by Maddy Melnyk, youth member. Responses by Jilly Melnyk and Molly McCarthy, youth members, and Charlie Thomas, Deacon) Ashes, A Sign of the Cross (read by Alex Floyd Marshall) Matthew 16:24-26 (read by Toby Oliveira, youth member)

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry “Repentance is not something God demands of you before He will take you back and which He could let you off if He chose; it is simply a description of what going back is like.” --C. S. Lewis Isaiah 55:1-9 - Read by Harry Switzer (Deacon) Luke 13:1-9 - Read by Charlie Thomas (Deacon)

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry “It is when the church gives itself away in radical acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly put on display.” --Rob Bell 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 (read by Karen Corrigan, Deacon) Mark 2:13-17 (read by Prudence Fallon, Deacon) "The Summons" performed by Andrea Desilets (Jr. Choir Accompanist)

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry “Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.” --August Wilson The stories of Jesus casting out demons in the Gospels are often difficult for us to wrap our minds around. Let's explore one of these stories and see what it says to us today. Psalm 27:1, 4-9 - Read by Karen Corrigan, Deacon Mark 1:21-28 - Read by Linton Harrington, Deacon Watch the Video Version of this Service

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”  --Frederick Buechner Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 - Read by Russell Bodington (Deacon) Mark 1:14-20 - Read by Nancy Dymecki (Deacon) Special thanks this week to Andrea Desilets, our guest musician on the piano. Watch the video version of this service.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” --The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join us as we hear from the writings of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Amos 5: 16a; 21-24 - Read by Linton Harrington, Deacon Readers of MLK Readings: Prudence Fallon, Harry Switzer, Charlie Thomas, and Catherine Sawoski, and Rev. Rebecca Special thanks this week to Andrea Desilets, our guest musician on the piano. Watch the video version of this service.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Watch the video version of this service. Celebrate the arrival of Christ with us in a service full of beautiful music and wonderful readings from scripture. “God is in the manger, wealth in poverty, light in darkness, succor in abandonment. No evil can befall us; whatever men may do to us, they cannot but serve the God who is secretly revealed as love and rules the world and our lives.”  -Dietrich Bonhoffer Putting this service together was truly a community effort. Our thanks to: Musical Participants: Michael Bahmann, Musical Director Stephanie Derbyshire, Jr Choir Director Andrea Desilets, Jr Choir Accompanist Jennifer Thomas, Violin Sarah C. Whitehead, Soprano Charlie Callahan, Violin Ursula Talbot, Soprano Junior Choir & God Squad:  Eli Harrington,  Julie Cavanaugh, Kayla Oliveira, Mackenzie Tripp,  Molly McCarthy Craig Shadday, Trumpet Lucas Swanson, Trumpet Susan Winterbottom-Shadday, French Horn Loralee Swanson, Trombone Tom Gregory, Tuba Readers: Alex Floyd Marshall Maddy & Jilly Melnyk Richard McGee Ellie Goodfriend Sylvia Rapoza Timothy Roberts Production Team: Rev. Rebecca Floyd Marshall, Minister Alex Floyd Marshall, Audio Engineer Cameron & Lily Clark, Video Production Charlie Thomas, Audio Editing & Music Licensing Musical Credits: Go Tell It On the Mountain – Copyright Canadian Brass Publications Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Arranger: Jack Gale, Copyright Cimarron Music Press Christmas Canon – Copyright Warner-Chappell

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Watch the Video Version of this Service As Advent draws to a close, we remember the story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, where there was no room for them in the Inn. What does it mean to welcome the stranger and care for those in need? Who might we be entertaining, unawares? Hebrews 13:1-3, 5-6, 16 - Read by Col. Ron Tammaro, Deacon Luke 2:1-7 - Read by Maria Comery, Deacon Special thanks to the Coward family, our Advent Candle family this week.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Watch the video version of this service On the Third Sunday of Advent, Mary's Magnificant reminds us that this season of waiting and anticipation is also a season of joy. And though we cannot sing together this year, let us still lift up our voices in song. Isaiah 35:1-10 - Read by Harry Switzer, Deacon Luke 1:46-55 - Read by Karen Corrigan, Deacon Special Thanks to Al and Cindy Lees, the Advent Family this week.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry View the Video Version of this Service The stark image of John the Baptist, prophet in the wilderness, calling all who listen to repent, greets us on the Second Sunday of Advent. How should we understand the practices of confession and repentance for our lives today? Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Mark 1:1-8

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Watch the video version of this service. Economy, Ecology, Ecumenism: they all come from the same Greek root word, Oikos, which means "household." At root, all of these things are about how we order our lives and our resources in relation to others. What does living in God's household look like? How are we meant to order our lives and our resources? Galatians 6:1-10 Acts 2:14;32-33;36-47

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Watch the video version of this service. When we pray, we aren't giving God new information, we are opening ourselves up to the conversation God is already having. To hear what God is saying, we have to trust that God is already working and moving in our lives and world. Psalm 25 Galatians 5:22-25

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Watch the video version of this service. This is audio from our in-person All Saints Service, honoring the lives of those who have died in our community in the past year. During the service, we lit candles in their honor, and if you are listening to this at home we invite you to similarly light a candle in honor of your loved ones lost, whether this year or in year's past. Get your candle ready and light it with us as you listen to recognize their life. Isaiah 60: 1-3; 19-20 Matthew 5:1-10; 14-16

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry This week, we discuss what it means to give testimony to our faith. Special thanks to Sarah Whitehead for gracing us with her singing voice this week and to Tara Bradley and Carol Beach for their beautiful testimony. Watch the video version of this service. 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Acts 1:6-9;12-14

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Watch the video version of this service. This morning we welcome the Rev. David Cleaver-Bartholomew as a guest preacher. David is the Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship and Financial Development at the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (our denomination) and is speaking to us today about stewardship in our local church. Luke 12:13-34 Thrift Shop Auction

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Audio version of our virtual worship service from October 20, 2020. Watch the full video version of the service here. We cannot be instruments of God's peace unless we experience that peace ourselves. Philippians 4:1-9 John 14:25-27 Images About Spiritual Fulfillment Thrift Shop Auction

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, we held a special outdoor service and "blessing of the animals" on a farm overlooking Sakonnet River. Listen here to the audio version, or watch the full service (and see the cute animals) here. Psalm 96 Colossians 1:15-20

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Audio recording from our live service on September 27, 2020. View the full length video version of this service. Simon Peter is, in back to back stories in the gospels, described both as the rock on which Jesus will build the church and a potential "stumbling block" trying to trip others up. What's the difference between the two? And how do we come to be part of building up the church in our own lives and faiths together? 1 Peter 2:1-12 Matthew 16:21-28

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Throughout history, Christians have had to make intentional, and sometimes sacrificial and even risky decisions to practice their faith in spite of their surrounding cultures. When it comes to the practice of the Sabbath, what will that look like for us today? Exodus 3:1-15 Romans 12:9-21

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry This was recorded live at our Beach Service (apologies for the wind noise in the recordings), during which we also did our annual "blessing of the backpacks" to recognize our kids as they head back to school in what will be a very different fall. Psalm 119:34-40 1 Corinthians 9:24-27:  “Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one gets the prize? So run in such a way as to win. 25 Athletes practice self-discipline in everything. They do it to get a crown of leaves that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; 27 but I work my body and master it, so that after I have preached to others the way to run, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Our Ministry Why the Sabbath may be the most important of the Ten Commandments and how to practice it today. Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Matthew 12:1-8

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Support Us How well do your stated values measure up to how you actually live your life? When push comes to shove, what really matters? Exodus 1:8-1:22 | Exodus 2:1 - 2:10

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry As we continue through this unprecedented time across the world, we are asking what it means to live out our faith today, and in particular how to practice the various gifts God gives us. Rev. Rebecca is basing the next several Sunday's of worship around a series of interviews she is doing with members of our congregation and community about how they are using their gifts in the world. To complement our virtual worship services, which you can find on our website and church YouTube page, we're bringing you the full interviews here in our podcast feed. This week's interview is with Col. Ron Tammaro of the Rhode Island National Guard.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry We are following the guidance of the CDC and shutting down all of our in person gatherings for the next several weeks. This means no live worship, and therefore no "regular" sermons to post here in this podcast. However, we are creating "virtual worship experiences" and "virtual classes," so keep an eye on our website for those. Here are the first two: - Virtual Worship, 3-15-20 - Virtual Sunday School Lesson, 3-15-20 We may post audio of some of these events here or other things that we think you might appreciate. But those episodes may be less frequent than you're used to, so don't be alarmed if you don't here from us every week here. We'll be back at it when everything returns to normal. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this crisis. Grace and Peace to all, and stay safe out there.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry This message is from a few weeks ago. Originally, we were not going to publish it because it dealt with a number of personal and tragic losses in our community. But given everything that is going on in the world right now, a message on how to handle loss and tragedy may be exactly what some of you need to hear. So even though you may not know the names of the people mentioned in this message, we hope that you still find in it a word of comfort and peace for whatever your may be facing in your own life. First Reading: Romans 12:9-15 Second Reading: Matthew 11:28-30

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry Explore what it means to be 'children of God' and why this identity of ours is so important to remember as we begin our Lenten journeys. First Reading: 1 John 3:1-2 Second Reading: Matthew 3:16-4:11 Special Music in this episode by our own Michael Bahmann (Piano) and Jennifer and Cooper Thomas (Violin and Cello, respectively): Prelude: “Allegro from Trio VI in D Major” ― Haydn Postlude (included in entirety): “Allegro Con Spirito” — Mozart

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry For Christians, loving our enemies is not an option, it is a command from our God. First Reading: Micah 6:1-8 Second Reading: Matthew 5:38-48 Revolutionary Love TED Talk

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry Jesus' sermon on the mount, especially the litany of "Beatitudes," is one of the most well-known passages in Scripture.  Many of its lines are familiar to us:  "Blessed are the poor in Spirit..Blessed are those who hunger...Blessed are the peacemakers..." These blessings are not quaint platitudes, but a radical claim about the movement of God's Kingdom come.  Jesus intends for these blessings to disorient us, to disrupt the status quo, and turn everything on its head. In this message, we take a fresh look at Jesus' beatitudes. What blessing might we need to disrupt our old patterns and ways? First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Second Reading: Matthew 5:1-12

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry We have a choice in how we direct the movement of our lives. One option is to flee from the darkness of our world, to hide, letting fear guide us. The other is to turn toward the light, to follow its shining, letting faith guide us. Alex steps in for this sermon to read Rev. Rebecca's words after she woke up with a stomach bug. First Reading: Psalm 89:1-2, 13-15 Second Reading: Matthew 4:12-23

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry After a couple of weeks away, Rev. Rebecca is back, sharing reflections with us about the stars, her time at a conference in Arizona, and the season of Epiphany. Let's listen! First Reading: Isaiah 40:26, 28-31 Second Reading: John 1:1-14

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry This week, we mark the third Sunday of Advent, waiting for Emanuel, God with Us, to come. Let's listen as Rev. Rebecca explores with us what it means for God to be with us in our time, to bend near and touch our earth, our lives, and our hearts. First Reading: Genesis 26:23-25 Second Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry This week, we welcome back the Rev. Dr. Richard Floyd to share with us a sermon on the First Sunday of Advent. Let's listen as he invites us to consider how God may be working in our own lives and in the life of this broken and yearning world. First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 Second Reading: Matthew 24:36-44

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry This Sunday was Thanksgiving Sunday, where we marked the end of our stewardship season by consecrating the pledges we've received and where we reflect on our many blessings. Let's listen as Pastor Rebecca speaks about Jesus' call to love God through acts of gratitude. First Reading: Psalm 111 Second Reading: Luke 17:11-19

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  This Sunday Rev. Rebecca returned to her sermon series about Mr. Rogers for All Saints Sunday. Let’s listen to a reflection on what it means to be a “Saint” in our Protestant tradition and how Fred Rogers was emblematic of this calling. First Reading: Hebrews 13:1-3, 7-8, 15-16 Second Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  Last Sunday we had a children and youth led worship service at UCC Little Compton. Hear a play/skit put on by our kid's that incorporated many of the elements of our worship together. Special thanks to Eileen Manchester for co-Directing this with Alex. In Case Yo Missed It: Breaking News: Jesus Calls Disciples Play Based on This Text: Luke 5:1-11

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  This Sunday: we had a children-and-youth led service and Alex gave our sermon and our confirmands did the readings. Let’s listen and reflect on the story of Jesus calling the disciples. Video: Breaking News: Jesus Calls Disciples First Reading: Luke 5:1-11 Second Reading: Matthew 9:9-13

During stewardship season we invite members of our congregation to share stories of how the church has impacted their lives and why they are choosing to support our ministry. Our first testimony this year is from Peter Fallon, the co-chair of our board of deacons.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  This week is the beginning of our stewardship season here at UCC Little Compton, and so Pastor Rebecca discusses the most difficult topic for American Christians to talk about: money. Let's listen as she shares her own struggles with this topic and our faith's call to generosity. First Reading: Malachi 3:1-5, 7-10 Second Reading: Matthew 6:19-34

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  This week Pastor Rebecca continues her sermon series on the life and faith of Fred Rogers. We’ll hear how he emulated Jesus’ understanding of what “winning” and “success” looks like when Jesus said: “the last shall be first and the first shall be last.” Let’s listen! First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Second Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  This Sunday we continue our sermon series on the life and faith of Mr. Rogers. We'll look more closely at Mr. Roger's ministry to children and how he took very seriously Jesus' call to "welcome the little children" and bless them. Also, Friday October 4th at 5:30pm we will be kicking off a new program: “First Fridays” - a family dinner and game night at the church. All are welcome, we hope you’ll join us. Learn more at our website, www.ucclittlecompton.org First Reading: Mark 9:33-37 Second Reading: Mark 10:13-15

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  This Sunday we begin a sermon series titled "Who's My Neighbor: Lessons on life and faith with Mr. Rogers."  Fred Rogers was ordained by the Presbyterian church to a special ministry--teaching children on television.  For 30 years, he ignored the cultural trends and TV norms and managed to inspire generations of children to follow a path of loving kindness. We begin this week with a reflection on what it means to be a neighbor, inspired by Mr. Roger’s ministry and drawn from the text of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. Also, Friday October 4th at 5:30pm we will be kicking off a new program: “First Fridays” - a family dinner and game night at the church. All are welcome, we hope you’ll join us. Learn more at our website, www.ucclittlecompton.org First Reading: Romans 12:9-17 Second Reading: Luke 10:25-37

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said: “Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.” Let’s listen as we explore the cost of following Jesus and what it means for how we prioritize our lives. Also, Sunday, September 15th is Fall Kick-Off Sunday here at UCC Little Compton. You're invited to come explore our programs for the year, including confirmation, a new adult learning class-- "Christianity 101"-- and our summer mission trip! Learn more at our website, www.ucclittlecompton.org First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Second Reading: Luke 14:25-33

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  Labor Day was established in honor of the workers and tradespeople of our nation as a day of celebration and a day of rest. Our faith has much to say about the value of carving out a day of rest each week. In fact, setting aside a day of rest (the sabbath) is one of the ten commandments. Why is rest so central to our faith? What does it mean to "sabbath" in our times? Let's listen as we explore our scripture's wisdom on ways to honor the sabbath and discover the freedom it offers. Also, Sunday, September 15th is Fall Kick-Off Sunday here at UCC Little Compton. You're invited to come explore our programs for the year, including confirmation, a new adult learning class-- "Christianity 101"-- and our exciting summer mission trip! Learn more at our website, www.ucclittlecompton.org First Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-14 Second Reading: Luke 13:10-17

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  From Jacob's pillow to the Road to Emmaus, people of faith have found God in unexpected places. Perhaps you, too, have had an experience like this of God's presence showing up somewhere you didn't expect to find it. Let's listen as Rev. Rebecca reflects on these experiences, including her own recent experience while listening to Yo-Yo Ma perform Bach's Unaccompanied Cello Suites at Tanglewood. Also, next week, Sunday, August 25th, everyone is invited to join us for “Beach Sunday,” an outdoor service on the Little Compton Town Landing. At this service we’ll do our traditional “blessing of the backpacks” and everyone will be treated to free ice cream! Hope we see you there! First Reading: Genesis 28:10-19a Second Reading: Luke 24:13-35

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  For his final sermon with us, the Rev. Dr. Richard Floyd spoke about the story Jesus tells in response to a man who asks him to settle a family feud over inheritance. As the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you!” So what do you do with it? Let’s listen and stretch our religious imaginations. Also, next week Rev. Rebecca will be back in the pulpit from her maternity leave! And on Sunday, August 25th, everyone is invited to join us for “Beach Sunday,” an outdoor service on the Little Compton Town Landing. At this service we’ll do our traditional “blessing of the backpacks” and everyone will be treated to free ice cream! Hope we see you there! First Reading: Psalm 49:1-12 Second Reading: Luke 12:13-21

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  One of Jesus's disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us how to pray." This pas Sunday we explored the theme of prayer. Rev. Dr. Richard Floyd's sermon inspired our religious imaginations with questions like: how shall we pray? How does God answer our prayers? Can we bargain with God? Do our prayers change God? Also, it was Jazz Sunday! Special thanks to our guest musicians (who you can hear throughout this episode): Melchior "Meli" Bahmann (Piano), Dave Zinno (Bass), and Alex Chapman (Drums). First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32 Second Reading: Luke 11:1-13

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  Who is Jesus? Albert Sweitzer famously remarked that "looking for Jesus is like looking down a well. You see only your own reflection: that Jesus remains a stranger and an enigma; there will never be one answer to this question" (The Search for the Historical Jesus). But there are things we do know about him that can help us understand his purpose and ministry. Last Sunday, Rev. Dr. Richard Floyd explored with us some of them, along with what they might mean for those who follow him. First Reading: 2 Kings 1:1-2, 6-14 Second Reading: Luke 9:51-62

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  This week we welcome back the Rev. Dr. Richard Floyd, stepping in for Pastor Rebecca on maternity leave. This week is Trinity Sunday, and Rev. Floyd leads us in an exploration of the One, Holy, and Undivided Trinity. Let’s listen as he helps us poke our theological imaginations. First Reading: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 Second Reading: John 16:12-15

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  We are a week late getting this up due to a technical difficulty known as your editor having a newborn. Apologies! Here is the sermon from June 9th by the Rev. Dr. Beverley Edwards on Pentecost Sunday, the day when God's Holy Spirit blessed the disciples with the power to prophesy in the name of Jesus Christ and to call people from every nation to join together in one holy communion which came to be called the Church. First Reading: Psalm 104:24-33 Second Reading: Acts 2:1-21

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  Once again, while Pastor Rebecca is on maternity leave, we have the Rev. Dr. Richard L Floyd in our pulpit. This week he focuses on an exciting reading from Acts that could come from an action-adventure screenplay. Let's listen as he reflects on what makes us truly free and what makes us prisoners. Dr. Floyd will ask us: What are the chains we have yet to break? What are the locked doors we have yet to open? First Reading: Acts 16:16-34 Second Reading: John 17:20-26

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  Pastor Rebecca is on maternity leave, and this Sunday we have the Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd in our pulpit. He shared with us stories about two rivers, one a real river, where Paul meets a remarkable woman named Lydia, and the other, from the religious imagination of John the Divine, the beautiful river that flows by the throne of God in the heavenly city of the New Jerusalem. Let's listen as he connects these two stories and shares what they might mean for our life and faith today. First Reading: Revelation 22:1-5 Second Reading: Acts 16:9-15

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  It's Easter, and we are celebrating! Today we remember the extraordinary claim of our faith: that God’s love is more powerful than the darkest darkness, more powerful than the worst we can do, more powerful even than death! We begin with our children’s moment, discussing with our youngest members how God has never given up on humanity and how God transforms all the things we do, good and bad, into a new way to express God’s love for us. Gospel Reading: John 20:1-18 Early on the first day  of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb  and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.  So  she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom  Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the  tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”  Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb.  The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.  He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in.  Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there,  and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself.  Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;  for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.  Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb;  and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.  They  said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have  taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”  When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus  said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?”  Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have  carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him  away.”  Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).  Jesus  said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to  the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my  Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  Mary  Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”;  and she told them that he had said these things to her.

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  Holy Week begins this Sunday as we travel with Jesus into Jerusalem where he is hailed as the Messiah, the long-awaited King by cheering crowds waving palms.  What is this strange palm parade about? And how does this same joyous crowd shouting Christ's praises on Palm Sunday end up shouting "Crucify Him!" just four days later?  Let’s listen as we remember the extraordinary claim of our faith--that God's love is more powerful than the darkest darkness, more powerful even than death.  First Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God,    did not regard equality with God    as something to be exploited, but emptied himself,    taking the form of a slave,    being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,    he humbled himself    and became obedient to the point of death—    even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him    and gave him the name    that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus    every knee should bend,    in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess    that Jesus Christ is Lord,    to the glory of God the Father.  Second Scripture Reading: Luke 19:28-40 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples,  saying,  “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find  tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it  here.  If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’”  So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them.  As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”  They said, “The Lord needs it.”  Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.  As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road.  As  he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the  whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a  loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen,  saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.”  He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  During this season of Lent, we have been exploring "habits of joy." This week, Rev. Rebecca invites us to examine the relationship between generosity and joy. Contrary to the culture of consumerism all around us, our faith reminds us that possessions and money can never really make us happy. In fact, it is giving and serving that truly fill us with joy. Let's listen as we hear what our scripture readings this week from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians and Jesus' parable of the foolish rich man in the Gospel of Luke have to share about the vital link between generosity and leading a full and joyful life. First Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (NRSV)  We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their  extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints— and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you. Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. Second Scripture Reading: Luke 12:13-21 (NRSV) Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of  greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’ Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build  larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being  demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’

www.ucclittlecompton.org | Donate to Our Ministry  During this season of Lent, we have been exploring "habits of joy." This week, we are examining the relationship between listening to God and the joy of purpose and fulfillment. Many of our kids and youth helped lead this week's service, sharing some the things they have been learning in Sunday School the last several weeks. Together with them, we will explore the story of Jesus' visit to Mary and Martha on his way to Jerusalem. This week's sermon is a "guest preacher" - Alex Floyd Marshall, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries. Our journey begins with a dramatization of the story of Mary and Martha-- written by our Sunday School students-- which sets the story in today's world.  Scripture Reading: Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV)  Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and  asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the  work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’