Deeper Magic

Today we will hear Jesus tell a couple of parables from Mark 4:26-34. Jesus talks about the Realm of God as if it were similar to a mustard seed. It’s such a small seed, but it grows to become a large shrub for birds to rest upon. He also says the Realm of God is like someone who scatters seeds on the ground and goes to sleep. The seeds just grow and grow! It’s like magic! CS Lewis called it “Deeper Magic.” It is part of the divine mystery that is revealed in the Good News.

Prelude
Adam: God be with you.
All: And also with you.
Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen
Lighting of the Peace Candle –
One: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…
All: We pray for peace in our hearts, in our homes, in our communities, in our nations, and in our worlds. Scripture Readings Mark 4:26-34
Call to Worship –
One: Please join us in the call to worship…
One: What mysteries there are in God’s world!
All: We stand in awe at the wonders of the natural world.
One: We look at the tiniest seeds and wonder what will happen.
All: From that small seed will grow a large shrub.
One: Although we consider our gifts to be small and insignificant,
All: God will use our gifts in miraculous ways. Amen
Children’s Moment – Adam
Passing of the Peace
One: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.
One: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
Song: The Realm of God
Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen
Prayers of the People – Adam (After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)
Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Our God, 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Sermon – Deeper Magic
Unison Benediction
May God bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace. This day and forever more. Amen -Numbers 6:24-26