Heaven Is Not a Meritocracy

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Prelude – Jean Herrera

Announcements - Adam Ericksen

Lighting of the Peace Candle – Joel Eckdahl
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…
Joel: We pray for peace
in our hearts,
in our homes,
in our communities,
in our nations,
and in our worlds. Amen.

Scripture Reading #1 – Mark 10:17-27 - Jessica Gonzalez

Call to Worship – Jessica Gonzalez and Melanie Horbert

Jessica: Please join us in the call to worship…
Jessica: We wonder, “What must we do to inherit eternal life?” The world tells us to:
Melanie: Work harder.
Jessica: Gain more wealth.
Melanie: Get more likes.
Jessica: Strive for more power.
Melanie: Become more popular.
Jessica: But these do not lead to eternal life. So what does?
Melanie: Love. May we receive God’s love and share it with one another.

Children’s Moment – Joel Ekdahl 

Passing of the Peace – Erika Beseda
Erika: Friends, I invite you to join me in the passing of the peace…Close your eyes…breathe…breathe again. Put your hands on your heart. In your mind’s eye, imagine the light that is in all of us. Some might call it the Soul or Conscience or Essence or maybe you call it God. Take a piece of that light and hold it close. Now hold out your hands, imagine the light, your light, traveling from your fingers out across the world, like a sun ray. As the rays travel, accept the light that is offered to you, as you offer light, as the light returns to you… Breathe. Breathe again. Hold the light close. May the Peace of Christ be with you…
All: And also with you.

Song: How Far Is It to Bethlehem? 

Scripture Reading #2- Luke 15:11-14; 20-32 - Read by Heather Heath 


Invitation to the Offering 

Sermon – Heaven Isn’t a Meritocracy - by Joel Ekdahl 

Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer – Jeff and Lita Pratt

Unison Benediction – Sung by Judy Boncaro
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