Bulletin
Sunday, January 29th, 2012
Contents
We Gather in God's Name
Opening Reflection
Valentine of Rome (d.269) -- A Christian priest in Rome, Valentine was known for assisting Christians persecuted under Claudius II. After being caught marrying Christian couples and helping Christians escape the persecution, Valentine was arrested and imprisoned. Although Emperor Claudius originally liked Valentine, he was condemned to death when he tried to convert the emperor. Valentine was beaten with stones, clubbed, and finally beheaded on February 14, 269. In the year 496, February 14 was named as a day of celebration in Valentine's honor. He has since become the patron saint of engaged couples, beekeepers, happy marriages, lovers, travelers, young people, and greetings.
[silent reflection]
Leader: O Love that keeps the heavens turning
People: draw us to you in all our yearnings.
Opening Song
Love Divine All Loves Excelling
Leader: O Love that keeps the heavens turning
People: draw us to you in all our yearnings.
We Hear God's Word
Psalm 146:5-9
Read passage online at oremus.org (NRSV)
Leader: O Love that keeps the heavens turning
People: draw us to you in all our yearnings.
Ephesians 6:1-9
Read passage online at biblegateway.com (NIV) <mp3>http://mrlocke.net/files/ephesians6.mp3</mp3>
Leader: O Love that keeps the heavens turning
People: draw us to you in all our yearnings.
We Respond in Prayer
G.K. Chesterton said, "Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair."
Prayers for One Another
(Please stand when offering a prayer, so others will know you have the floor.)
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.
Amen.
Closing Prayer
Lord, help us distinguish between the love that keeps merely human affection in the center of things and the love you bore in your sacrificial life, death, and resurrection. Amen.
We Go in Peace
Passing the Peace of Christ
(Each person says a line of the blessing, adding the name of someone present at the end of the line. If there are more than 8 people present, two or more names may be added at the end of a line).
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, [name]
wherever he may send you, [name]
may he guide you through the wilderness, [name]
protect you through the storm, [name]
may he bring you home rejoicing, [name]
at the wonders he has shown you, [name]
may he bring you home rejoicing, [name]
once again into our doors, [name].