As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. Or, from a phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.

Call to Worship (responsively)
One: We come to hear the stories of other people in another world long ago.
Many: We come to hear the stories that are also about us today in this place.
One: God, give us ears to listen.
Many: eyes to see, hearts to accept. (Joanna Harader, Spacious Faith, modified)
​                                   
Opening Hymn Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord (2131 TFWS)

Opening Prayer
Almighty God, you taught us to pray “not my will but yours be done.” Sometimes it is hard to get out of the way and allow you to take control of our lives. Help us to surrender ourselves and our will to you for your glory. Amen. (Rev. Bonnie McCubbin)
​

​

Lyrics: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Prayer of Dedication
Generous God, break our stubbornness of insisting that we know what we need and how much we need. Help us to give generously according to your will. Amen. (Rev. Bonnie McCubbin)

Closing Hymn Trust and Obey (467 UMH)--Turn on closed captions for lyrics

As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. Or, from a phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.

Call to Worship (responsively)
One: Already overburdened with the demands of work and leisure, family and friends, we come to this place in search of rest.
Many: May we find here the strength to work for justice.
One: Forgiveness is elusive and anger is justified, too often we settle for the sweet fleeting fruit of revenge.
Many: May we find here the patience to embody mercy.
One: Deluded by the world in which we live
receiving power and prestige and money as just reward missing the Spirit's call to a life grounded in humble service.
Many: May we find here the wisdom to walk in the Spirit. (Katherine Hawker, Outside the Box, 2002)
​                                   
Opening Hymn Sanctuary (2164 TFWS)--Stop at 1:18

Opening Prayer
Call all the laborers, O God: Call your laborers who woke early; Call your laborers who came late; Call your laborers who feel wronged; Call your laborers who feel overlooked; Call your laborers who can't feed their children with this wage; Call your laborers who know they are working in your fields; Call your laborers who use their wage to increase your love; Call all your laborers, O God: Tell us to roll up our sleeves for we know that we have work to do. Let us find you in the work we share here and now, in Christ's presence we pray. Amen. (United Church of Christ)
​
Children's Message
(Be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube Channel too, so you don't miss any updates!)

Lyrics: 1) Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is he: his eye is on the  sparrow, and I know he watches me; his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.
Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, for his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.
2) “Let not your heart be troubled,” his tender word I hear, and resting on his goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; though by the path he leadeth but one step I may see: his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me; his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me. (Refrain)
3) Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when song gives place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to him; from care he sets me free: his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me; his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me. (Refrain)

Scripture ​Matthew 20:1-16 (Click for the NRSV translation)

​Sermon​ Pastor Randy Keith, Preaching

The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic** church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
​
Joys, Concerns, & God Sightings
Continuing Prayers: Our Police; Baltimore; Our nation and world; The Syrian refugee crisis and Aleppo; Our homebound, Those effected by Covid-19--including medical staff, teachers, parents, children, those infected, etc.

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Offering
We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.

​Offertory Hymn​

Doxology​ (94 UMH)

Lyrics: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Prayer of Dedication
When we labor all day and feel we have nothing to show for it, be our guide, O Lord. Help us not to feel disappointed in what we don’t have, but to rejoice in the gifts you have provided. Amen. (Rev. Bonnie McCubbin)

Closing Hymn Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (133 UMH)

As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. Or, from a phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.

Call to Worship (responsively)
One: We cannot come before God unless we are first honest with ourselves about who we are,
Many: about the mistakes we make,
One: and about how well or how poorly we care for others.
Many: In this spirit, we offer ourselves and our worship to God. (W&S 84, altered)
​                                   
Opening Hymn Come, Now Is the Time to Worship

Opening Prayer
Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past we cannon change; open us to a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen. (W&S 86)
​
Children's Message
(Be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube Channel too, so you don't miss any updates!)

Lyrics: 1) God forgave my sin in Jesus' name. I've been born again in Jesus' name. And in Jesus' name I come to you to share his love as he told me to.
Refrain: He said 'Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give. Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.
2) All pow'r is giv'n in Jesus' name. In earth and heav'n in jesus name. And in Jesus' name I come to you
to share his pow'r as he told me to. (Refrain)
3) God gives us life in Jesus' name. He lives in us in Jesus' name. And in Jesus' name I come to you to share his peace as he told me to. (Refrain)

Scripture ​Matthew 18:21-35 (Click for the NRSV translation)

​Sermon​ Will McBride, Preaching

The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic** church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
​
Joys, Concerns, & God Sightings
Continuing Prayers: Our Police; Baltimore; Our nation and world; The Syrian refugee crisis and Aleppo; Our homebound, Those effected by Covid-19--including medical staff, teachers, parents, children, those infected, etc.

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Offering
We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.

​Offertory Hymn​ 

Doxology​ (94 UMH)

Lyrics: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Prayer of Dedication
Forgiving God, you erase our sins and trespasses as if they never happened. This is the greatest gift you have to offer after your Son. Forgive us once more when we focus on the scarcity of what we don’t have instead of the abundance of what we do have. Strengthen us and our gifts for your service. Amen. (Rev. Bonnie McCubbin)

Closing Hymn O How I Love Jesus (170)

As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. Or, from a phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.

Call to Worship for Labor Day
One: We are called to be people of faith in the midst of the world,
Many: and so we mix our worship and our work, our faith and our life.
One: We gather here as people who live in the world and yet,
Many: we gather as people who have been called to see the world from a different viewpoint.
One: God has called us together, God has called us to be part of a community.
Many: God challenges us to consider questions of priority as we engage with the world.
One: In this time together,
Many: may God open our hearts, minds and eyes, allowing us to see deeper, helping us to live in the world while still offering a challenge to the ways of the world. (Rev. Gord, Worship Offerings Blog)
​                                   
Opening Hymn I Come With Joy (617 UMH)

 & Lyrics 1) I come with joy, a child of God forgiven, loved, and free, the life of Jesus to recall, in love laid down for me, in love laid down for me.
2.) I come with Christians far and near to find, as all are fed, the new community of love in Christ’s communion bread, in Christ’s communion bread.
3) As Christ breaks bread, and bids us share, each proud division ends. The love that made us, makes us one, and strangers now are friends, and strangers now are friends.
4) The Spirit of the risen Christ, unseen, but ever near, is in such friendship better known, alive among us here, alive among us here.
5) Together met, together bound by all that God has done, we’ll go with joy, to give the world the love that makes us one, the love that makes us one.

Opening Prayer
Holy and awesome God, we stand in your presence filled with regret for our many sins and failings. Though there is greatness in us, and a deep longing for goodness, we have often denied our better selves and refused to hear your voice calling us to rise to the full height of our humanity. For there is weakness in us, as well as strength. At times we choose to walk in darkness, our vision obscured. We do not care to look within, and we are unwilling to look beyond at those who need our help. O God, we are too weak to walk unaided. Be with us as a strong and wise friend, and teach us to walk by the light of your truth. Amen. (Jewish Prayer of Forgiveness, BOW 479)
​
Children's Message & Back-to-School Blessing
(Be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube Channel too, so you don't miss any updates!)

Lyrics: Refrain: Bind us together, Lord, bind us together with cords that cannot be broken. Bind us together, Lord, bind us together. Bind us together with love.
Verse: There is only one God. There is only one King. There is only one body. That is why we sing.

Scripture ​Matthew 18:15-20 (Click for the NRSV translation)

Communion--Rev. Vera Mitchell, Presiding

The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic** church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
​
Joys, Concerns, & God Sightings
Continuing Prayers: Our Police; Baltimore; Our nation and world; The Syrian refugee crisis and Aleppo; Our homebound, Those effected by Covid-19--including medical staff, teachers, parents, children, those infected, etc.

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Offering
We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.

​Offertory Hymn​

Doxology​ (94 UMH)

Lyrics: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Prayer of Dedication
Almighty God, you gave us your commandments and asked us to live according to your holy will. As part of your design for honorable living, we participate in this simple act of giving. We dedicate ourselves to living lives of honesty and peace. Amen. (W&S 156)

Closing Hymn They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love (2223 TFWS)

Benediction

Announcements
UPDATE: We are worshiping remotely at least through the end of November, except for communion services to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. If you have pastoral needs, please contact Pastor Bonnie directly (preferably through email or the website) so they can be addressed promptly. We have no office hours and all activities, including, but not limited to worship, Bible Study, Church Council, choir, and After School Programs are cancelled until the building re-opens, and will be on a modified schedule once we return. 

While Pastor Bonnie is on maternity leave, Pastor Randy will be covering for her. Any questions, concerns, pastoral, or worship needs should be directed to him. He will be supported by our Program Assistant, Will McBride. Please keep them in prayer.

We thank Rev. Vera Mitchell for presiding at our communion table today!

A "Re-Launch" Team is meeting to discern best practices for our congregation moving forward. Stay tuned for more information. We understand many people are anxious to resume in-person services, however, we do not feel we are ready for a safe re-opening. Your Re-Launch Team has procured supplies from various vendors to maintain the safety of our congregation. We are working diligently so that we may gather once a month for communion.

RSVP For October 4 Communion Service (10am): You must RSVP for each service you wish to attend using this link NO LATER THAN 12 noon on the Thursday before the service (in this case, October 1). Masks are required. Specific information for each service will be shared ahead of time as best practices are implemented as we continue to learn more. There will be no online option other than the blog/website when we meet in person.
​
1) Bring a mask. If you do not have a mask, we can give you a bandanna to wear. 
2) You must remain in your assigned seat at all times, socially distant. You will be dismissed row by row. There will be no passing of the peace.
3) Bathrooms will be limited and must be sanitized between users. Please plan accordingly.
4) You will be screened at entry. If you have any health concerns, please stay home.
5) You will be provided with an individual serving of communion for your consumption after you leave the worship space. We are not providing "to go" packs for persons not present. We are preparing only the number of servings we need for those who RSVP. Please do not remove your mask to consume while inside.
6) There will be no bulletins. If you have vision issues, please notify Pastor Bonnie or Pastor Randy ASAP so we can seat you near our screens. 
7) There will be no Sunday School. Families with children under 4 may sign up to use the PrayGround (1 family per service). The service will be shorter. Please bring what you need to keep your child(ren) in their seats.
8) Hand sanitizing stations will be available at our 3 main entrances. We will be asking folx to sanitize upon entry.

Please stay home and stay safe. If you need help getting reliable information, please reach out to Pastor Bonnie. She is getting informed and updated by Johns Hopkins staff and experts twice a week.

Masks are now required when in public across the state of Maryland. If you do not have a face covering (mask, scarf, bandanna, etc.) please email HampdenPastor@gmail.com for more information on getting a suitable covering.

Online Giving Go to our website (www.goodshepherdhampden.com) and click the green "Give" button to go to a secure website for your transactions. Or, download the secure, encrypted App Tithe.ly from the App Store or Google Play.

Contact Information We have tried to reach out to every regular attendee and member each week via telephone, text, and/or email. However, in many situations, we have incorrect contact information. Please be sure to *email* or call Pastor Bonnie ASAP so you do not miss any information. You should be receiving calls from both Pastor Bonnie and a member of our Church Council Leadership team regularly. If you are not, please let us know.
​
Flowers already paid for will be moved to an open date after we return.