Lighting the Christ Candle:

Call to Worship:
Sing a song. Sing a new song of praise.
We live in a marvelous world, a wonderful world.
Make a joyful noise, all the earth.
Break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Let the sea roar and all that fills it.
Let the world and its people sing together for joy!   Psalm 98

Opening Prayer and the Lord's Prayer: # 921 VU
Holy Mystery, may we know, that as we gather in community we are in a safe place; a place where we will know love and support, care and compassion, challenge and opportunity. We come with our joys and our concerns, our triumphs and our wounds seeking insight and healing. Today, on this Christian Family Sunday and Mother's Day, we think especially of what family and home mean to us, and how important it is to each of us to have a place where we are welcomed and accepted. We think of the home we have with you our God and we are thankful. May we come to worship with openness, both in relation to our own needs and openness to the cries and needs of others. May what we share as we worship together equip and prepare us to be bold and courageous in our loving and our living, in seeking justice and in standing with those who are at risk and are in need. We ask in Jesus' name, joining to pray as he taught us, saying or softly singing together,“Our Father, who art in heaven . . .”   Amen.

Scripture Readings, Reflection and Prayer:

• A Reading from the Gospel of John: 15:  9 - 17
  
• A Responsive Reading from the Psalms: 98  Pg. 818 VU  (Refrain # 1)
  
• A Reading from the book of Acts: 10: 44 - 49
  Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
  
• A Reading from the 1st letter of John: 5:  1 - 6
  Faith Conquers the World
  

Lectionary Reading for Next Sunday, May 16, 2021  Seventh Sunday of Easter
     Acts 1:15-17, 21-26;  Psalm 1;  1 John 5:9-13;  John 17:6-19.