Worship Bulletin 5/3/26

Welcome to Worship at the McPherson Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God's creation.
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Sunday, May 3, 2026 - National Senior High Youth Sunday

"Light Within Us”

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Gathering | “Seven Years” | Written by members of Saosin
EJ Griffith

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Video Welcome                                                                                                                

Sharing Time – Joys and Concerns | Mark Delaney and Alejandro Pfeiff

♫Centering Music | “Amazing Grace” | Arrangement Jerry Ray
Rudy Jensen  

Call to Worship/Opening Words | Written by Nissie Cadette (National Youth Cabinet)
‍Mark Delaney

Leader: Come, gather together in this sacred moment.

Come as you are - carrying the joys of your week, the worries of your heart, and the quiet hopes you may not have spoken.

Today we remember that God’s light lives within us. Not a light we create on our own, but one placed in us with purpose.

People: We come to remember that we are called to shine.

Leader: In a world that can feel dim with uncertainty, we gather to rekindle God’s light within our souls.

People: We come to let God’s light grow brighter.  

Leader: You are not meant to hide what God has placed inside of you.

Like a lamp on a stand, your kindness, courage, compassion, and faith, are meant to illuminate the path for others!

People: We come ready to shine with love, grace, and truth.

Leader: So come into this time of worship. Bring your whole self, your whole light, your questions, and your faith.

People: We gather to worship, to reflect, and to let our light shine before the world.

All: May the light within us glow brightly, guiding others towards hope, love, and the goodness of God. Amen.

♫Opening Song | “Here in This Place” | #6
Rudy Jensen, piano

Senior Time - Seniors share their stories and updates    
‍Miles Bauer, Mark Delaney, Kayden Friesen, Kaia Pfeiff, Lazarus Shugart

Story for the Children | Reyna Bowen and Hannah Wilgers

Special Recognition of Teachers
Jeremy Samland with Faith Formation

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‍ ‍Invitation to Give Video

‍ You may Give online or send a check made payable to "McPherson Church of the Brethren,"
200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460

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♫Musical Offering: Slideshow | “Who You Share it With” | by Katelyn Tarver and Layup

Senior Time Continued: Daniel Bowen, Zayla Enfield, Elley Paulsen, Clara Stover-Brown

Congregational Responsive Litany/Prayer: Written by National Youth Cabinet Member, Daniel Bowen                                                                          
‍Oliver Coyle
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Leader: When fear dims our spirit

People: Light within Us, guide us

Leader: When confusion clouds our path

 People: Light within Us, reveal the way

Leader: When sadness weighs down our hearts

 People: Light within Us, warm us

Prayerful Song | “Doxology” (1st Verse Only) | #119  
‍Rudy Jensen, piano                                        

Scripture Jam based off of Matthew 5:13-16 | Inspired by Nissie Cadette’s Version  
Daniel Bowen, Kayden Friesen, Nathan Friesen

“Light Within Us” Adapted from the New International Version

Person1:      We are called to be Salt of the Earth!

Person2:      I don’t mean to be salty, but what? I thought salt was bad for your heart.

Person 3:     Not that kind of salt, but the kind of salt that adds flavor to life. The kind that tickles your tastebuds.

Person2:      So we are called to be flavorful?

Person1:      We are called to be salt of the earth…

Person3:     We are called to make life more beautiful for others.

Person1:      We are called to create a world where others embrace the life Jesus promised.

Person2:      I get it. We are called to make life better: for ourselves and for others…

Person3:      Because if salt loses its flavor, folks just toss it, get rid of it, leave it for the deer to enjoy.

Person1:      We are called to be salt of the earth, and we are called to be THE light of the world.

Person2:     WAIT! WHAT? First Salt? Now you are telling me we are called to be THE LIGHT of the world?

Person1:      We are called to be salt of the earth, and yes, we are called to BE the LIGHT of the world.

Person3:     Because nothing shines as bright as light when all seems dark.
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Person2:      And our world feels overwhelming right now; we could use some light.

Person1:      You are the light of the world.

Person3:      WE ARE the light of the world.

Person2:      I like that. I like that - WE ARE the light of the world.

Person1:      We are the light of the world, and we are like a city on a hill.

Person 3:     A city that draws weary travelers to find rest. A city that serves as a harbor for those needing a refuge, a hiding place.          

Person 2:     Wait a minute? Now we are a city on a hill? So which metaphor is it? Are we salt? Are we a light? Are we a city on a hill?

Person 1:      You are salt of the earth! AND. You are THE light of the world. AND. You are a city on a hill. You are all of them.

Person 3:      Just like Jesus was all these things, and just like Jesus, we are to draw folks closer to God just as a flame attracts moths.

Person 1:      And just like a city on a hill and a lamp on a stand, we are to let our light shine before the whole world.

Person 3:      Yes. This is it. This is what it is all about. We are to live our faith out loud, and we are to show the world that life is good.

Person 2:      I get it. We are to show the world that salt adds flavor, we are to add joy and love to life. Just like a light in the middle of all that is lost,
                     a light that brings us home.

Person 3:      And just like a lamp on a stand and a city on a hill, we let all around us know the light within us is powerful and safe.

All:                We are salt of the earth. We are the light of the world. We are a city on a hill.
                     And we will let our light burn bright, just like a lamp on a stand. Amen.

♫Scripture Song | “You are Salt for the Earth” | #226      
Kevin Jones, piano                                

Message/Drama | “Low Battery Faith” | Written by Kevin Jones
Actors: Oliver Coyle, EJ Griffith, Rudy Jensen, Laila Samland

Dedication of NYC Attendees | Jerry Bowen      

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National Youth Sunday 2026
Light within Us, Matthew 5:14-16

NYC Participants Dedication
by Emily LaPrade VanPelt

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Participants: We have a light burning within us!

Congregation: It comes from Jesus Christ.

Participants: We know it only takes a spark.

Congregation: Many sparks gathered together will create a bright light in
                        Colorado.

Participants: National Youth Conference will fan God’s flame within us!

Congregation: Every workshop, every activity, every mountain can fan the flame.

Participants: Every song, every hike, every travel day can fan the flame.

Congregation: May every part of this trip point directly to the One who made it possible.

Participants: We are ready to go and shine our lights.

Congregation: May you be blessed as you go from this place and shine brightly!

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‍♫Sending Song | “For the Beauty of the Earth” | #89
Rudy Jensen, piano

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Please be seated for the Sending Words and Sending Music
                                               

Sending Words | Elliot Schoming

♫Sending Music | “Over the Rainbow” | Composed by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
‍Alejandro Pfeiff

 
^{Join us for a Graduation Celebration Potluck immediately following Worship}

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