OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

67 Central Ave., Ocean View DE 19970

July 5, 2020

SILENT MEDITATION Philotheos of Sinai

Smoke from wood kindling a fire troubles the eyes; but then the fire gives them light and gladdens them.

Similarly, unceasing attentiveness is irksome, but when, invoked in prayer, Jesus draws near, He illumines

the heart. Remembrance of Him confers on us spiritual enlightenment and the highest of all blessings.

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP

L: The music is playing, and God is calling.

C: We have come to sing and dance with God.

L: The prayers are flowing, and the Spirit is moving.

C: Breathe on us, breath of God.

L: Christ promises rest and renewal, when we come to Him.

C: We are here, trusting this sacred promise.

ALL: We are here to worship God!

REFLECTION ON OUR COMMON HUMANITY

Creator God, you created us to walk with you, to seek you in joy and in distress, to be blessed by your

forgiveness and your peace, to follow your ways with confidence as your children.

We yearn to follow you, to take up the burden and yoke you offer, but our resistance is as

strong as our willingness. We turn to left or right; our steps slow and falter; we can’t hear you

or see you, as though we haven’t eyes, or ears. We don’t even understand our own actions.

We know what is right, but we don’t do it. We know what is wrong – how our thoughts, and

our unthinking actions, hurt our neighbors and offend you. Yet in this time of separation, and

even isolation, it is so easy to hear a different song – one of fear, of anxiety, of anger. Draw us

from our fear; draw us out even as we can’t be out, sing to us of your compassion and

forgiveness. Connect us in surprising and new ways to one another, and to you. Be in our

every action, our every word. Gather us to your heart.

Your Son, our Savior, Jesus, is already carrying our burdens, already shouldering our loads, already

acting in our lives as the stronger partner and the loving helper. By His mercy, we are made new.

So we reach out in joy and in freedom, to our loved ones in our church family, and to each and

all of your children. Thanks be to you, O God; Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of our lives.

AMEN.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

OT READING Genesis 24: 34-38, 42-49, 58-67

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

SERMON The Yoke We Choose

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

This saying is sure, and worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to

save sinners. There is one God; there is one Mediator between God and humankind, Christ

Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, to whom we testify. Great indeed is the mystery of

our faith: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the

nations, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. AMEN.

CONCERNS AND JOYS: Please email, text or call your concerns directly to Pastor Terry at: Cell: 862-432-1196

Office: 302-539-3455

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE John Vest, adapted

Gracious God of love, we are grateful you have revealed yourself to us, each of us loved by you

as children, precious in your sight, a reflection of you; each of us bound together by love,

which is your presence among us. We come to you, O God, weary and carrying heavy burdens.

Some bear the yoke of illness, some of loss and grief. Some bear the yoke of caregivers, some

of being cared for. Some bear the yoke of anger, some of loneliness, some of confusion, some

of depression. Many of our sisters and brothers bear the yoke of marginalization, of

oppression, of violence, of hunger, of addiction, of victimization.

From all these yokes, O God, grant us rest. Give us healing, release, wholeness, and a way

forward.

On this fourth of July weekend, we recognize that our nation bears many burdens: we don’t

trust our leaders; we can’t find ways to work together for the common good; we allow the

least among us to languish and suffer; we fixate on what divides us, rather than on all that

brings us together. We fear disease, and we fear our neighbors.

Remind us, then, O God, of our calling. Remind us of our common creed, that all people are

created equal. Inspire us to ensure that all your children enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of

happiness. Help us to be profoundly grateful for our freedom and security, never taking these

gifts for granted. Teach us to use them for the betterment of all.

God of all life, may peace and justice fill our land. We pray this morning that where there is

strife, you will bring peace, where there is fear you will bring safety, where life is held cheap,

you will insist all life is sacred.

Grant us, O God, the yoke of Christ, binding us together, tethered by your love, guided by your

presence, bringing your kingdom into this world. It is for this kingdom that we now pray, in

the prayer Jesus taught us:

THE LORD’S PRAYER

CALL FOR THE OFFERING

DOXOLOGY 609 (ALTERNATE RHYTHM) Kathy Rhodes

DEDICATION

CHARGE

BLESSING

We respectfully remind you of the ongoing expenses of our ministry, and of our beautiful campus.

Please continue to donate. We can receive your donation by regular mail. If you need to drop your

donation off, come to the office Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and make sure we

know.

“May our gifts be a source of light, in a world

that has learned to love darkness”

LITURGIST – The elder leading the service today is Mike Read . SCRIPTURES today are presented Judy Reich, and Kathy Sheetz.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS are given today by Pam and George Price in memory of parents, Harry and

Maxine Morris and George and Shirley Price.

There will be preservice music beginning at 9:20 for the live streaming service. This will

continue until we are back together again.

The service will begin at 9:30 as usual.

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

Meeting ID: 875 2625 9729

Password: 399323

Looking Ahead

July 12th

Genesis 25: 19-34 Psalm 119:105-112

Romans 8: 1-11 Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23

Church Security Watch person for this week is Bill Colwill.

OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SPECIAL ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

AGENDA

July 5, 2020

The Special Congregational Meeting will be today, July 5th at 10:30 AM via ZOOM for the

purpose of electing the position of a Ruling Elder. We will need a quorum of 23 members.

QUORUM

‘A quorum shall consist of not less than one quarter of the members.’ (Bylaws, #19; see G-

1.0502). In our case, having ninety-three members at least twenty-three active members

must be present.

Stated Purpose of this Special Congregational Meeting of the Ocean View Presbyterian Church

is to elect a Ruling Elder to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Catherine Yantz on June

8, 2020.

1. Open with Prayer by the Moderator

2. Elect Secretary for the meeting

3. Approve the agenda, stated purpose

4. Election of Elder, Ollie Robling, Class of 2020(2)

The Church Nominating Committee presents Ollie Robling for the office of Ruling Elder

Class of 2020(2) filling the term vacated by the resignation of Catherine Yantz and puts

forth the motion to elect Ollie Robling to the office of Ruling Elder.

5. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of this Meeting

6. Close with Prayer by the Moderator

Topic: Congregational Meeting

Time: Jul 5, 2020 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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PRAYER LIST

July 5, 2020

Khaled & Nouha Dabaj Gina Tracy Higdon

& their children Bob Brittingham Evy Symer

John Doherty Laurie Linard Jane Sergison

Alex Rhodes Charlotte Wheatley Patrick Kennedy

Ainslie & Keith Peoples Ruth Schafer The O’Neills

Rev. Dave Lovelace Joni & Ray Keller Ray Stancill

Brian DeFazio Ray Keller, Jr. Karen Hamilton

Frank Cook Carol Trent & Family Elaine Jackson

Pete Wells Tom Murray Dottie Nicholson

Woodruff Family Betsy & Buzz Henifin Judy Groff & Family

Chuck and Sherri Weymer Dick Regester Kasey

If you need prayer for whatever reason, call Kathy Sheetz (302-539-2827)

to initiate a chain of prayers. Please contact the office at 302-539-3455 or email @

office@ovpc.org to update the prayer list. Thank you!

These Days (Daily Devotions for Living by Faith) We still have the April/May/June editions available and now we have the July/August/September

available. Please call the office at 302-539-3455 or email @

office@ovpc.org and a copy will be left for you in the mailbox outside the office.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUMMER DATES

TED Talk

July 12, 2020

August 9, 2020

Classes begin at 10:30 am via Zoom.

July 2020 DEACON MISSION

MINUTE FOR MISSION

VFW Post 7234 “Veterans Relief Fund”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7234 has for 75 years supported Veterans,

Veterans Causes, and our Local Community. We strive to be a beacon for all Veterans

and their Families by providing information, support, and financial assistance

whether members or nonmembers. Helping local Veterans when they fall on hard

times is very important to all VFWs as our motto states “no one does more for our

Veterans”. Our VFW has a Veteran’s Relief Fund. The purpose of the Veteran’s Relief

Fund is to help Veterans and their families in immediate need of monetary

donations with unforeseen expenses or emergencies. Real examples from the past

few years include paying for car repairs, assistance covering rent after job loss,

paying for food for a family, helping to build a house for a disabled Veteran and

Family, helping a homeless Veteran with housing and training for a new job, and

paying a utility bill that was about to be shut off due to unforeseen circumstances.

We pair the donation with other resources and organizations and mentor these

Veterans to get them back on track. Every single penny (100%) donated or raised

goes directly to assist needy Veterans and their families. We have a detailed vetting

process and pay their bills directly. Thank You for supporting those who defended

our country and God Bless You.

Note: Operation Seas the Day was the intended July mission project, but since OSTD was cancelled

for 2020, the organizers asked those organizations who would have donated toward the Warrior

Beach Week event to redirect those donations to other organizations serving veterans.

MEETING SCHEDULES

Please contact the church office @

302-539-3455 or email office@ovpc.org when scheduling your ZOOM or conference call meetings that

need to be on the calendar to avoid any meeting/call overlaps. Thank you!

Our Stephen Ministers have continued their bi-monthly ministry meetings. If any of you are feeling

especially distressed during this time, one of our Stephen Ministers can meet with you via phone or via

video. Please call Elaine Smith for a referral.

Sunday July 5th Scriptures

Genesis 24:34-38,

42-49, 58-67

34 So he said, "I am Abraham's servant. 35 The Lord has greatly blessed my master, and he has become wealthy; he has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels and donkeys. 36 And Sarah my master's wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and he has given him all that he has. 37 My master made me swear, saying, "You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live; 38 but you shall go to my father's house, to my kindred, and get a wife for my son.'

42 "I came today to the spring, and said, "O Lord, the God of my master Abraham, if now you will only make successful the way I am going! 43 I am standing here by the spring of water; let the young woman who comes out to draw, to whom I shall say, "Please give me a little water from your jar to drink," 44 and who will say to me, "Drink, and I will draw for your camels also"—let her be the woman whom the Lord has appointed for my master's son.' 45 "Before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah coming out with her water jar on her shoulder; and she went down to the spring, and drew. I said to her, "Please let me drink.' 46 She quickly let down her jar from her shoulder, and said, "Drink, and I will also water your camels.' So I drank, and she also watered the camels. 47 Then I asked her, "Whose daughter are you?' She said, "The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bore to him.' So

I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her arms. 48 Then I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord, and blessed the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way to obtain the daughter of my master's kinsman for his son. 49 Now then, if you will deal loyally and truly with my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so that I may turn either to the right hand or to the left." 58 And they called Rebekah, and said to her, "Will you go with this man?" She said, "I will." 59 So they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse along with Abraham's servant and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, "May you, our sister, become thousands of myriads; may your offspring gain possession of the gates of their foes." 61 Then Rebekah and her maids rose up, mounted the camels, and followed the man; thus the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. 62 Now Isaac had come from Beer-lahai-roi, and was settled in the Negeb. 63 Isaac went out in the evening to walk in the field; and looking up, he saw camels coming. 64 And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she slipped quickly from the camel, 65 and said to the servant, "Who is the man over there, walking in the field to meet us?" The servant said, "It is my master." So she took her veil and covered herself. 66 And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. 67 Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent. He took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

Matthew 11:16-19,

25-30

16 "But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, 17 "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He has a demon'; 19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." 25 At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."