Sunday, May 10, 2020 - when we've lost so much

Theme: Making Sense of the Wilderness - Moses: when we’ve lost so much

Prayer

Exodus 2:11-14                                                           Common English Bible Translation

One day after Moses had become an adult, he went out among his people and he saw their forced labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. He looked around to make sure no one else was there. Then he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. When Moses went out the next day, he saw two Hebrew men fighting with each other. Moses said to the one who had started the fight, “Why are you abusing your fellow Hebrew?” He replied, “Who made you a boss or judge over us? Are you planning to kill me like you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid when he realized: They obviously know what I did.

(Question; Have you ever made a decision you wish you could change? Why?)

Exodus 2:15-17

When Pharaoh heard about it, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses ran away from Pharaoh and settled down in the land of Midian. One day Moses was sitting by a well. Now there was a Midianite priest who had seven daughters. The daughters came to draw water and fill the troughs so that their father’s flock could drink. But some shepherds came along and rudely chased them away. Moses got up, rescued the women, and gave their flock water to drink.

(Question: How has your world been turned upside down?)

Exodus 2:18-20

When they went back home to their father Reuel, he asked, “How were you able to come back home so soon today?” They replied, “An Egyptian man rescued us from a bunch of shepherds. Afterward, he even helped us draw water to let the flock drink.” Reuel said to his daughters, “So where is he? Why did you leave this man? Invite him to eat a meal with us.”

(Question: How do you care for others?)

Exodus 2:21-22

Moses agreed to come and live with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses as his wife. She gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, “because,” he said, “I’ve been an immigrant living in a foreign land.” (Question: What are the things you value when you’ve experienced loss?)

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Blessing

Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

Home – Zach Williams

Your Wings – Lauren Daigle

Volcano – U2

Sunday, May 3, 2020 - when we are in the middle of the storm

Prayer

Matthew 14:22-24                                                           Common English Bible Translation

Right then, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone. Meanwhile, the boat, fighting a strong headwind, was being battered by the waves and was already far away from land.

(Question: What are the storms you have faced?)

Matthew 14:25-26

Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” They were so frightened they screamed.

(Question: What are your greatest fears right now? How are they related to the storms of life?)

Matthew 14:27-28

Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.”

(Question: What is your mentality when you face those storms?)

Matthew 14:29-30

And Jesus said, “Come.” Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!”

(Question: How do you generally react when things are difficult? How do you wish you reacted in the midst of challenges?)

Matthew 14:31-32

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” When they got into the boat, the wind settled down.

(Question: What do you find helps settle you when the storm around you rages?)

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Blessing

Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)

My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

Standing on the Promises

We’re Gonna Be Alright - Switchfoot

Shake It Out – Florence + the Machine

Song for Someone – U2

Sunday, April 26, 2020 - when things are out of control

Theme: Making Sense of the Wilderness - Joseph: when things are out of control

Prayer

Genesis 39:1-3                                                           Common English Bible Translation

When Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, Potiphar, Pharaoh’s chief officer, the commander of the royal guard and an Egyptian, purchased him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man and served in his Egyptian master’s household. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he did successful. 

(Question: How have you experienced God being with you?)

Genesis 39:4-5

Potiphar thought highly of Joseph, and Joseph became his assistant; he appointed Joseph head of his household and put everything he had under Joseph’s supervision. From the time he appointed Joseph head of his household and of everything he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s household because of Joseph. The blessed everything he had, both in the household and in the field. 

(Question: When have you felt like you’ve accomplished something?)

Genesis 39:7-10

Some time later, his master’s wife became attracted to Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.” He refused and said to his master’s wife, “With me here, my master doesn’t pay attention to anything in his household; he’s put everything he has under my supervision. No one is greater than I am in this household, and he hasn’t denied me anything expect you, since you are his wife. How could I do this terrible thing and sin against God?” Every single day she tried to convince him, but he wouldn’t agree to sleep with her or even to be with her.

(Question: Have you ever been put in a bad situation? How did you react?)

Genesis 39:19-21

When Joseph’s master heard the thing that his wife told him, “This is what your servant did to me,” he was incensed. Joseph’s master took him and threw him in jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were held. While he was in jail, the Lord was with Joseph and remained loyal to him. He caused the jail’s commander to think highly of Joseph.

(Question: Have you ever tried to do the right thing and still life got really hard?)

Genesis 39:22-23

The jail’s commander put all of the prisoners in the jail under Joseph’s supervision, and he was the one who determined everything that happened there. The jail’s commander paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s supervision, because the Lord was with him and made everything he did successful. 

(Question: How do you navigate difficult situations?)

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Blessing

Sunday, April 19, 2020 - when we want the wilderness to end

Making Sense of the Wilderness - Noah: when we want the wilderness to end

Prayer

Genesis 8:1-5                                                                      Common English Bible Translation

God remembered Noah, all those alive, and all the animals with him in the ark. God sent a wind over the earth so that the waters receded. The springs of the deep sea and the skies closed up. The skies held back the rain. The waters receded gradually from the earth. After one hundred fifty days, the waters decreased; and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day, the ark came to rest on the Ararat mountains. The waters decreased gradually until the tenth month, and on the first day of the tenth month the mountain peaks appeared.

(Question: Have you ever been anxious for your life to change?)

Genesis 8:6-9

After forty days, Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made. He sent out a raven, and it flew back and forth until the waters over the entire earth had dried up. Then he sent out a dove to see if the waters on all of the fertile land had subsided, but the dove found no place to set its foot. It returned to him in the ark since waters still covered the entire earth. Noah stretched out his hand, took it, and brought it back into the ark.

(Question: Have you ever been disappointed by the timing of events?)

Genesis 8:10-12

He waited seven more days and sent the dove out from the ark again. The dove came back to him in the evening, grasping a torn olive leaf in its break. Then Noah knew that the waters were subsiding from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent out the dove, but it didn’t come back to him again.

(Question: How many times to you attempt something before you get discouraged?)

Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Genesis 8:13-14

In Noah’s six hundred first year, on the first day of the first month, the waters dried up from the earth. Noah removed the ark’s hatch and saw that the surface of the fertile land had dried up. In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day, the earth was dry.

(Question: How does your perspective change when you look back on events you found difficult?)

Genesis 8:15-19

God spoke to Noah, “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, your sons, and your sons’ wives with you. Bring out with you all the animals of every kind-birds, livestock, everything crawling on the ground – so that they may populate the earth, be fertile, and multiply on the earth.” So Noah went out of the ark with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives. All the animals, all the livestock, all the birds, and everything crawling on the ground, came out of the ark by their families.

(Question: What are you looking forward to after this time of staying at home?)

Great Is Thy Faithfulness 

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Hymn: How Great Thou Art

Blessing

Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)

To God Be the Glory

Thine Be the Glory

Holy Ground

Scars – TobyMac

Pseudo Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 - Confusion Abounds

Confusion Abounds

Prayer

Luke 24:1                                                                       Common English Bible Translation

Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared.

(Question: What are the things you like to plan?)

Luke 24:2-3

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus.

(Question: How have your plans been disrupted in the last month?)

Luke 24:4-5

They didn’t know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

(Question: How have you dealt with disruption?)

Luke 24:6-8

“He isn’t here, but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee, that the Human One must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” Then they remembered his words.

(Question: Have you found something to guide you during confusing times?)

Luke 24:9-11

When they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the eleven and all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. Their words struck the apostles as nonsense, and they didn’t believe the women.

(Question: How do you share your experiences with others during confusing times?)

Luke 24:12

But Peter ran to the tomb. When he bent over to look inside, he saw only the linen cloth. Then he returned home, wondering what had happened.

(Question: What steps do you take to make sense of the world around you?)

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Blessing

Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)

Jesus Christ is Risen Today

The Day of Resurrection!

Love Like This – Lauren Daigle

Everything Changed – Zach Williams

Testify – Davie

The Miracle – U2

Good Friday, April 10, 2020

Scripture:

Luke 22:54-60, 63-65

Luke 23:1-56

Sunday, April 5, 2020 - when we lose perspective

Discovering Our Identity in God - Judas: when we lose perspective

Prayer

John 12:3-7                                                      Common English Bible Translation

One: Then Mary took an extraordinary amount, almost three-quarters of a pound, of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She anointed Jesus’ feet with it, then wiped his feet dry with her hair. The house was filled with the aroma of the perfume. Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), complained,

Two: “This perfume was worth a year’s wages! Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” 

One: (He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and would take what was in it.) Then Jesus said, 

Three: “Leave her alone. This perfume was to be used in preparation for my burial, and this is how she has used it. 

(Question: Have you ever struggled with being so set on one way of doing things that you missed something really important?)

Matthew 26:14-16

One: Then the one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 

Two: “What will you give me if I turn Jesus over to you?”

One: They paid him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on he was looking for an opportunity to turn him in.

(Question: What do you consider someone’s life and your own worth? How did you determine that?)

John 13:26-30

One: Jesus answered, 

Two: “It’s the one to whom I will give this piece of bread once I have dipped into the bowl.”

One: Then he dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son. After Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus told him, 

Two: “What you are about to do, do quickly.”

One: No one sitting at the table understood why Jesus said this to him. Some thought that, since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus told him, 

Two: “Go, buy what we need for the feast,” 

One: or that he should give something to the poor. So when Judas took the bread, he left immediately. And it was night. 

(Question: Have you ever done something that you knew wasn’t good for yourself or anyone else around you? Why?)

Solo

Mark 14:43-50

One: Suddenly, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came with a mob carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests, legal experts, and elders. His betrayer had given them a sign: 

Two: “Arrest the man I kiss, and take him away under guard.” 

One: As soon as he got there Judas said to Jesus, 

Two: “Rabbi!”

One: Then he kissed him. Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew a sword and struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear. Jesus responded, 

Three: “Have you come with words and clubs to arrest me, like an outlaw? Day after day, I was with you, teaching in the temple, but you didn’t arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.”

One: And all his disciples left him and ran away.

(Question: How have you been hurt and how have you hurt others in your life? Do you understand why that hurt happened?)

Matthew 27:3-5

One: When Judas, who betrayed Jesus, saw that Jesus was condemned to die, he felt deep regret. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, and said, 

Two: “I did wrong because I betrayed an innocent man.”

One: But they said,

Three: “What is that to us? That’s your problem.”

One: Judas threw the silver pieces into the temple and left. Then he went and hanged himself. 

(Question: How do you rectify a situation when you find out you were so in the wrong?)

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Blessing

Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)

What Wondrous Love Is This

Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed

Fear is a Liar – Zach Williams

Losing My Religion – R.E.M.

Damned for All Time/Blood Money – Jesus Christ Superstar

Sunday, March 29, 2020 - when we feel unworthy

Discovering Our Identity in God - Woman at the Well: when we feel unworthy

Prayer

Creator God, open our minds and hearts to your love this day. Give us clarity as we understand ourselves through your grace. Amen.

John 4:4-9                                                       Common English Bible Translation

Jesus had to go through Samaria. He came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, which was near the land of Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus was tired from his journey, so he sat down at the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me some water to drink.” His disciples had gone into the city to buy him some food. The Samaritan woman asked, “Why do you, a Jewish man, ask for something to drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with each other.) 

(Question: How does it make you feel when others don’t want to associate with you? What makes you not want to associate with someone else?)

John 4:10-14

Jesus responded, “If you recognized God’s gift and who is saying to you, ‘Give me some water to drink,’ you would be asking him and he would give you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you don’t have a bucket and the well is deep. Where would you get this living water? You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave this well to us, and he drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks from the water that I will give will never be thirsty again. The water that I give will become in those who drink it a spring of water that bubbles up into eternal life.” (Question: What experiences and people give you life?)

John 4:15-20

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will never be thirsty and will never need to come here to draw water!” Jesus said to her, “Go, get your husband, and come back here.” The woman replied, “I don’t have a husband.” “You are right to say, ‘I don’t have a husband,’” Jesus answered. “You’ve had five husbands, and the man you are with now isn’t your husband. You’ve spoken the truth.” The woman said, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you and your people say that it is necessary to worship in Jerusalem.” (Question: What makes you feel like you are unworthy?)

John 4:21-26

Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you and your people will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You and your people worship what you don’t know; we worship what we know because salvation is from the Jews. But the time is coming – and is here! – when true worshippers will worship in spirit and truth. The Father looks for those who worship him this way. God is spirit, and it is necessary to worship God in spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one who is called the Christ. When he comes, he will teach everything to us.” Jesus said to her, “I Am – the one who speaks with you.” (Question: How does worship impact your understanding of one’s worth?)

John 4:27-29, 39

Just then, Jesus’ disciples arrived and were shocked that he was talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” The woman put down her water jar and went into the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who has told me everything I’ve done! Could this man be the Christ?” Many Samaritans in that city believed in Jesus because of the woman’s word when she testified, “He told me everything I’ve ever done.” (Question: Have you ever had an experience that changed how you understood yourself and changed your actions?)

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Blessing

Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)

All Things Bright and Beautiful

We Are One in the Spirit

Look Up Child – Lauren Daigle

Have a Little Faith – Jamie N Commons

Live Like a Warrior - Matisyahu

Sunday, March 22, 2020 - when we are unsure of our world

Discovering Our Identity in God

Doubting Thomas: when we are unsure of our world

Order of Worship

Fourth Sunday of Lent

March 22, 2020

Theme: Discovering Our Identity in God  - Doubting Thomas: when we are unsure of our world

Prayer

God of us all, settle us this day with your presence. As we hear the words of scripture may our hearts and minds be opened to your way of living. May we hear wisdom for how we can navigate our day to day that speaks of your loving care. Amen.

John 14:1-7                                                                         Common English Bible Translation

Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too. You know the way to the place I’m going.” Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you have really known me, you will also know the Father. From now on you know him and have seen him.” (Questions: Have you ever felt confused by the world around you? How did you make sense of what was happening?) 

John 20:24-25 Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.” (Question: How do you discern what is real or not?) 

John 20:26-28 After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!” Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” (Question: Who do you look to for reassurance during uncertain times?)

John 20:29-30 Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. (Question: What words do you hold to when you experience uncertainty?)

“Rejoice, for Things”

Rejoice, for things are as they are;

don’t flee as clouds that flow and drift

on wings of wind that shift and change;

God’s love will comfort, calm and lift.

For God is your celestial shield,

no cosmic power, nor human scheme

will separate you from that love

no matter how your terrors teem.

Your going out, your coming in

are safe, whatever, come what may.

You know the reason to rejoice

so sing God’s praise by night, by day.

-Andrew Pratt

A litany to meditate upon from Isaiah 41:10

Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Blessing

Go in peace, knowing that no matter how uncertain our world becomes God is still with us. No matter how fearful and anxious the world feels that God’s love is still with us. No matter the challenges we face, God is giving us the courage to continue moving forward. Blessings of God be with each of us during this time. Amen.

Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Be Thou My Vision

Burn the Ships – for King & Country

Inevitable – Lauren Daigle

Hard Day Coming Down – The Record Company

Sunday, February 2, 2020 - Questioning the Fear of God

How do you delight in the fear of God?

Scriptures

Proverbs 1:7, 20-25, 28-30

Proverbs 2:2-5

Isaiah 11:1-6

2 Corinthians 5:11-12, 16-17

Hymns and Other Music

O Worship the King, All Glorious Above

O Lord My God

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

The Trumpet Sound, the Angels Sing

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Reflection Questions

What are things you do to gain in knowledge?

What kind of knowledge do you crave?

How has your understanding of God changed over the years?

What do you desire to be new in your life

Sunday, January 26, 2020 - Forgiveness vs. the Unforgivable

How do you go about forgiving someone who you feel did something unforgivable?

If Jesus is all loving and forgiving, why does he threaten with gnashing of teeth and eternal damnation?

Scriptures

Luke 23:32-35

John 20:19-23

Luke 17:3-4

Romans 8:35-39

Matthew 13:44-50

Hymns and Other Music

To God Be the Glory

God of Grace, and God of Glory

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!

Reflection Questions

What is the hardest part of forgiveness?

How do you have boundaries with those you forgive?

What is the hardest part about believing that nothing separates you or anyone else from the love of God?

How would you describe a life where everyone is focused on Jesus’ call to live a life of loving God and loving neighbor?

Sunday, January 12, 2020 - Sacraments: Communion and Baptism

Scripture

Matthew 3:13-17

Matthew 14:15-21

Mark 14:22-25

Acts 2:38-39, 41-42

Hymns and Other Music

Raise a Song of Gladness

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Will You Come and Follow Me

I will Follow You

Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ

Will You Come and Follow Me

Take My Life

Reflection Questions

What are rituals that you have practiced, which changed your life?

How have you given strength to someone else and how have you gained strength from others?

Have you ever participated in a ritual in order to be closer to someone?

How do you feel that baptism and communion changes you?

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Scriptures

Jeremiah 31:7-14

John 1:10-13

Hymns and Other Music

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Jesus, Jesus, O What a Wonderful Child

Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

Heaven Rejoice

See the Light

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Reflection Questions

Who do you want to celebrate with on a regular basis?

Who do you seek out to lead and guide your decisions?

What are the outside forces that you wish you could be rescued from in your life?

Have you ever turned away from something would have made your life better? Why?

How do you hope to grow in your life this year?

9pm Christmas Eve Service

Perfect Love

Scriptures

Psalm 96:2-9

Matthew 1:20-21

Luke 1:46-49a

Luke 2:5-7

Luke 2:15-18

Hymns and Other Music

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Mary, Did You Know

Away in a Manger

Go, Tell It on the Mountains

Angels We Have Heard on High

Once in Royal David’s City

Silent Night

Joy to the World

Sunday, December 15, 2019 - Creating New Possibilities

Scriptures

Isaiah 35:1-10

Matthew 11:2-6

Hymns and Other Music

My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout

Raise a Song of Gladness

Once in Royal David’s City

How Great Our Joy

Joy to the World

Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

Reflection Questions

What is the most beautiful thing we’ve seen?

How do you want your life to change?

Have you ever thought something was impossible but then it happened?

Do you think transformation is possible in your life?

How does joy guide you?

Sunday, December 8, 2019 - Changing Perspective

Scriptures

Isaiah 11:1-10

Matthew 3:1-3, 4-6, 8

Hymns and Other Music

My Soul Cries Out with Joyful Shout

Blest Be the God of Israel

Let Us Be

Do You Hear What I Hear

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Reflection Questions

What experiences, knowledge, and relationships have changed your how you view the world?

What are some changes you need in your own life?

What steps have you taken to help your life flourish?

Have you ever held onto a perspective that kept new relationships from happening?

What new perspectives and actions would like to try?