Sunday, December 6, 2020 - Creating Identity: Who are you?

Theme: Envisioning New Realities - Creating Identity: Who are you?

Lighting of the Advent Candles (Peace)

As we continue to envision new realities in this Advent season we turn our focus today to Peace. Peace is more than being quiet or finding a period of rest. “Having peace means having a homeland in the unrest of the world; it means having solid ground under one’s feet. Though the waves may now rage and break, they can no longer rob me of my peace.”  - (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) Today we relight the candle of hope, which symbolizes how God has not quit bringing new possibilities in the world. (The candle of hope is relit) Now we light the candle of peace, that challenges us to ground ourselves in God as the world is restless around us. (The candle of peace is lit.)

Prayer

Deuteronomy 29:2-6                                                    Common English Bible Translation

Moses summoned all Israel, saying to them: You’ve seen with your own eyes everything the Lord did in Egypt, to Pharaoh his servants, and all his land – the great trials your eyes witnessed, these awesome signs and wonders! But until this very moment, the Lord hasn’t given you insight to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear. I’ve led you in the wilderness forty years now; neither the clothes on your back nor the sandals on your feet have worn out. Neither have you eaten bread nor drunk wine or beer during this time-so that you would know that I am the Lord your God. (Question: Does your experience of God change who you are?)

Deuteronomy 29:9-12

So then keep the words of this covenant and do them so you can succeed in all you do. Right now, all of you are in the presence of the Lord your God – the leaders of your tribes, your elders, and your officials, all the Israelite males, your children, your wives, and the immigrants who live with you in your camp, the ones who chops your wood and those who draw your water – ready to enter into the Lord your God’s covenant and into the agreement that the Lord your God is making with you right now. (Question: How do you think the presence of God changes you?)

Deuteronomy 29:13-15

That means the Lord will make you his own people right now – he will be your God just as he promised you and just as he swore to our ancestors: to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But I’m not making this covenant and this agreement with you alone but also with those standing here with us right now before the Lord our God, and also with those who aren’t here with us right now. (Question: What is at the foundation of your identity?)

Exodus 23:10-13

For six years you should plant crops on your land and gather in its produce. But in the seventh year you should leave it alone and undisturbed so that the poor among your people may eat. What they leave behind, the wild animals may eat. You should do the same with your vineyard and your olive tree. Do your work in six days. But on the seventh day you should rest so that your ox and donkey may rest, and even the child of your female slave and the immigrant may be refreshed. Be careful to obey everything that I have said to you. Don’t call on the names of the other gods. Don’t even mention them. (Question: How do you make room for rest in your life?)

2 Peter 3:9, 11b-12a, 14-15a

The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives. What sort of people ought you to be? You must live holy and godly lives, waiting for and hastening the coming day of God. Therefore, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found by him in peace – pure and faultless. Consider the patience of our Lord to be salvation. (Question: How does understanding who you are impact how you live?)

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)

O Lord, How Shall I Meet You – 104 GTG

Comfort, Comfort Now My People – 87 GTG

Now the Heavens Start to Whisper – 94 GTG

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – 119 GTG (verse 3)

You and Your Heart – Jack Johnson

Build My Life – Pat Barrett

Learning to Fly – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Quotes by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Prince of Peace – where God comes in love to human beings and unites with them, there peace is made between God and humankind and among people.”

“Having peace means knowing oneself, borne knowing oneself loved, knowing oneself protected; it means being able to be still, quite still. Having peace with people means being able to build unshakably on their faithfulness; it means knowing oneself at one with them, knowing oneself forgiven by them. Having peace means having a homeland in the unrest of the world; it means having solid ground under one’s feet. Though the waves may now rage and break, they can no longer rob me of my peace.”

Sunday, November 29, 2020 - On the Move - Where?

Theme: Envisioning New Realities: On the Move - Where?

Lighting of the Advent Candles (Hope)

Advent is a time of waiting, of slowing ourselves down so that we might notice how God is entering our lives. As we wait this day we have hope. Not a hope that is equated to optimism but a hope that is of God. “Hope is not a head trip or a heart trip; it is a body trip of putting one’s body at risk for the sake of new possibility... Hope is the deep religious conviction that God has not quit.”– (Walter Brueggemann)   

Today we light the candle of hope, which symbolizes the new possibilities brought to us in the Christ child. (The candle of hope is lit)

Prayer

Genesis 12:1-3                                                                  Common English Bible Translation

The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, those who curse you I will curse; all the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.” (Question: How has your life been blessed and how do you bless others?)

Genesis 12:4-9

Abram left just as the Lord told him, and Lot went with him. Now Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all of their possessions, and those who became members of their household in Haran; and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan, Abram traveled through the land as far as the sacred place at Shechem, at the oak of Moreh. The Canaanites lived in the land at that time. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I give this land to your descendants,” so Abram built an altar there to the Lord who appeared to him. From there he traveled toward the mountains east of Bethel, and pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and worshipped in the Lord’s name. Then Abram set out toward the arid southern plain, making and breaking camp as he went. (Question: Have you ever had to leave behind something that was comfortable? What was most challenging about doing it?)

Genesis 12:10-15

When a famine struck the land, Abram went down toward Egypt to live as an immigrant since the famine was so severe in the land. Just before he arrived in Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know you are a good-looking woman. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife,’ and they will kill me but let you live. So tell them you are my sister so that they will treat me well for your sake, and I will survive because of you.” When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw how beautiful his wife was. When Pharaoh’s princes saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s household. (Question: Have you ever had the experience of thinking the” grass is greener on the other side”?)

Genesis 12:16-13:1

Things went well for Abram because of her: he acquired flocks, cattle, male donkeys, men servants, women servants, female donkeys, and camels. Then the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram and said, “What’s this you’ve done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She’s my sister,’ so that I made her my wife? Now here’s your wife. Take her and go!” Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they expelled him with his wife and everything he had. Abram went up from Egypt toward the arid southern plain and his wife, with everything he had, and with Lot. (Question: Have you ever wished you hadn’t traveled somewhere?)

Mark 13:32-37

“But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the angels in heaven and not the Son. Only the Father knows. Watch out! Stay alert! You don’t know when the time is coming. It is as if someone took a trip, left the household behind, and put the servants in charge, giving each one a job to do, and told the doorkeeper to stay alert. Therefore, stay alert! You don’t know when the head of the household will come, whether in the evening or at midnight, or when the rooster crows in the early morning or at daybreak. Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!” (Question: Who are the people or what are the things that made you change your direction in life?)

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)

Prepare the Way, O Zion – 106 GTG

People, Look East – 105 GTG

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear – 123 GTG (verse 4)

Hope – Jack Johnson

The Fire Never Dies – Jessie Early

O Come, All Ye Faithful - Pentatonix

Quotes by Walter Brueggemann

“Rather, hope is the conviction, against a great deal of data, that God is tenacious and persistent in overcoming the deathliness of the world, that God intends joy and peace.”

“Christians find compelling evidence, in the story of Jesus, that Jesus, with great persistence and great vulnerability, everywhere he went, turned the enmity of society toward a new possibility, turned the sadness of the world toward joy, introduced a new regime where the dead are raised, the lost are found, and the displaced are brought home again. We draw our hope from the breathtaking memory of this Jesus!”

Sunday, November 22, 2020 - Being an Encouragement

Theme: Finding Our Way Together - Being an Encouragement

Prayer

Acts 16:25-27                                                                 Common English Bible Translation

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. All at once there was such a violent earthquake that it shook the prison’s foundations. The doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. When the jailer awoke and saw the open doors of the prison, he thought the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword and was about to kill himself. (Question: What fears take over your life?)

Acts 16:28-30

But Paul shouted loudly, “Don’t harm yourself! We’re all here!” The jailer called for some lights, rushed in, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He led them outside and asked, “Honorable masters, what must I do to be rescued?” (Question: How do you respond when someone shares their fears with you?)

Acts 16:31-34

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your entire household.” They spoke the Lord’s word to him and everyone else in his house. Right then, in the middle of the night, the jailer welcomed them and washed their wounds. He and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his home and gave them a meal. He was overjoyed because he and everyone in his household had come to believe in God. (Question: What are pieces of encouragement that you have tried to give to others?)

Acts 16:35-37

The next morning the legal authorities sent the police to the jailer with the order “Release those people.” So the jailer reported this to Paul, informing him, “The authorities sent word that you both are to be released. You can leave now. Go in peace.” Paul told the police, “Even though we are Roman citizens, they beat us publicly without first finding us guilty of a crime, and they threw us into prison. And now they want to send us away secretly? No way! They themselves will have to come and escort us out.” (Question: How do you hold in tension accountability and encouragement?)

Acts 16:38-40

The police reported this to the legal authorities, who were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. They came and consoled Paul and Silas, escorting them out of prison and begging them to leave the city. Paul and Silas left the prison and made their way to Lydia’s house where they encouraged the brothers and sisters. Then they left Philippi. (Question: How do you encourage others even when you might be struggling?)

Reflection Together

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

Benediction

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

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name – 263 GTG

Come, Christians, Join to Sing – 267 GTG

O God, You Are My God – 743 GTG

Rescue Story & Chain Breaker – Zach Williams

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton

Sunday, November 15, 2020 - Finding Beauty in our Differences

Theme: Finding Our Way Together - Finding Beauty in our Differences

Prayer

Acts 10:1-6                                                                       Common English Bible Translation

There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Company. He and his whole household were pious, Gentile God-worshippers. He gave generously to those in need among the Jewish people and prayed to God constantly. One day at nearly three o’clock in the afternoon, he clearly saw an angel from God in a vision. The angel came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Startled he stared at the angel and replied, “What is it, Lord?” The angel said, “Your prayers and your compassionate acts like a memorial offering to God. Send messengers to Joppa at once and summon a certain Simon, the one known as Peter. He is a guest of Simon the tanner, whose house is near the seacoast.” (Question: What does it take to get your attention?)

Acts 10:9-16

At noon on the following day, as their journey brought them close to the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted to eat. While others were preparing the meal, he had a visionary experience. He saw heaven opened up and something like a large linen sheet being lowered to the earth by its four corners. Inside the sheet were all kinds of four legged animals, reptiles, and wild birds. A voice told them, “Get up, Peter! Kill and eat!” Peter exclaimed, “Absolutely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke a second time, “Never consider unclean what God has made pure.” This happened three times, then the object was suddenly pulled back into heaven. (Question: What are some perspectives that you need to let go of?)

Acts 10:17-23

Peter was bewildered about the meaning of the vision. Just then, the messengers sent by Cornelius discovered the whereabouts of Simon’s house and arrived at the gate. Calling out, they inquired whether the Simon known as Peter was a guest there. While Peter was brooding over the vision, the Spirit interrupted him, “Look! Three people are looking for you. Go downstairs. Don’t ask questions; just go with them because I have sent them.” So Peter went downstairs and told them, “I’m the one you are looking for. Why have you come?” They replied, “We’ve come on behalf of Cornelius, a centurion and righteous man, a God-worshipper who is well-respected by all Jewish people. A holy angel directed him to summon you to his house and to hear what you have to say.” Peter invited them into the house as his guests. The next day he got up and went with them, together with some of the believers from Joppa. (Question: Who are you willing to listen to in the midst of change?)

Acts 10:25-31

As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in order to honor him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Get up! Like you, I’m just a human.” As they continued to talk, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them, “You all realize that it is forbidden for a Jew to associate or visit with outsiders. However, God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean. For this reason, when you sent for me, I came without objection. I want to know, then, why you sent for me.” Cornelius answered, “Four days ago at this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon, I was praying at home. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me. He said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayers, and your compassionate acts are like a memorial offering to him. (Question: Have you ever found it hard to listen to someone you consider to be different than yourself? Why was it hard?)

Acts 10:34-36, 44-46a

Peter said, “I really am learning that God doesn’t show partiality to one group of people over another. Rather, in every nation, whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him. This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all! While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. They heard them speaking in other languages and praising God. (Question: What is hard and easy about embracing the diversity of others?)

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)

God of Great and God of Small – 19 GTG

In Christ There Is No East or West – 317 GTG

God Welcomes All – 399 GTG

Where is the Love? – Black Eyed Peas

Treat People With Kindness – Harry Styles

Sunday, November 8, 2020 - Navigating Hard Conversations

Theme: Finding Our Way Together - Navigating Hard Conversations

Prayer

Matthew 20:17-20                                                              Common English Bible Translation

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve aside by themselves on the road. He told them, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Human One will be handed over to the chief priests and legal experts. They will condemn him to death. They will hand him over to the Gentiles to be ridiculed, tortured, and crucified. But he will be raised on the third day.” Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus along with her sons. Bowing before him, she asked a favor of him. (Question: Have you ever been interrupted at a crucial moment?)

Matthew 20:21

“What do you want?” he asked. She responded, “Say that these two sons of mine will sit, one on your right hand and one on your left, in your kingdom.” (Question: Have you ever wanted to be special or treated differently than other people?)

Matthew 20:22-23

Jesus replied, “You don’t know what you’re asking! Can you drink from the cup that I’m about to drink from?” They said to him, “We can.” He said to them, “You will drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left hand isn’t mine to give. It belongs to those for whom my Father prepared it.” (Question: How do you handle uncomfortable situations?)

Matthew 20:24-28

Now when the other ten disciples heard about this, they became angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that those who rule the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave – just as the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.” (Question: How do you navigate conversations where there is anger or resentment?)

Matthew 20:29-34

As Jesus and his disciples were going out of Jericho a large crowd followed him. When two blind men sitting along the road heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Show us mercy, Lord, Son of David!” Now the crowd scolded them and told them to be quiet. But they shouted even louder, “Show us mercy, Lord, Son of David!” Now the crowd scolded them and told them to be quiet. But they shouted even louder, “Show us mercy, Lord, Son of David!” Jesus stopped in his tracks and called to them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord, we want to see,” they replied. Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they were able to see, and they followed him. (Question: How do you experience and give healing after tough conversations?)

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)

O Day of Rest and Gladness – 393 GTG

For Everyone Born – 769 GTG

We All Are One in Mission – 733 GTG

Voices - Switchfoot

Stuck In a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of – U2

These Hard Times – NEED TO BREATHE

Sunday, November 1, 2020 - Letting Go & Holding On

Theme: Finding Our Way Together - Letting Go & Holding On

Prayer

Luke 15:1-6                                                                         Common English Bible Translation

All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose someone among you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them. Wouldn’t he leave the other ninety-nine in the pasture and search for the lost one until he finds it? And when he finds it, he is thrilled and places it on his shoulders. When he arrives home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost sheep.’ (Question: What perspectives stop you from seeing something new?)

Luke 15:7-10

In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes both heart and life than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to change their hearts and lives. “Or what woman, if she owns ten silver coins and loses one of them, won’t light a lamp and sweep the house, searching her home carefully until she finds it? When she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, joy breaks out in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life.” (Question: What are the things you need to let go of so that you might change your relationships and how you live?)

Luke 15:11-16

Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the inheritance.’ Then the father divided his estate between them. Soon afterward, the younger son gathered everything together and took a trip to a land far away. There, he wasted his wealth through extravagant living. “When he had used up his resources, a severe food shortage arose in that country and he began to be in need. He hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. (Question: How have you squandered opportunities because you were holding too tightly to what you wanted to do?)

Luke 15:17-20a

When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, but I’m starving to death! I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as sone of your hired hands.”’ So he got up and went to his father. (Question: Have you ever had to let go of being right or something else in order to help your relationships?)

Luke 15:20b-24

“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. (Question: What have you had to let go of that in turn changed your life in new ways?)

Celebration of the Saints

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)

Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

Lord, Prepare Me

Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

All the Saints

Runnin’ – Pharrell Williams

Time to Move On – Tom Petty

Prodigal Soul - Switchfoot

Sunday, October 25, 2020 - Listening for Hope

Theme: Listening for Hope

Prayer

Luke 5:1-3                                                                          Common English Bible Translation

One day Jesus was standing beside Lake Gennesaret when the crowd pressed in around him to hear God’s word. Jesus saw two boats sitting by the lake. The fishermen had gone ashore and were washing their nets. Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. (Question: What hopes do you have for those you love?)

Luke 5:4-5

When he finished speaking to the crowds, he said to Simon, “Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.” Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.” (Question: How do you give hope to others?)

Luke 5:6

So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting. (Question: What are some hopes you have had through the years that were realized?)

Luke 5:7-10a

They signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats so full that they were about to sink. When Simon Peter saw the catch, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Leave me, Lord, for I’m a sinner!” Peter and those with him were overcome with amazement because of the number of fish they caught. James and John, Zebedee’s sons, were Simon’s partners and they were amazed too. (Question: How does having a perspective of hope change your day?)

Luke 5:10b-11

Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.” As soon as they brought the boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus. (Question: How does your experiences impact your hopes?)

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)

Will You Come and Follow Me

Live into Hope

This Is My Father’s World

Difference Maker – NEED TO BREATHE

Listen – The Goo Goo Dolls

Able – Pharrell Williams

Quote by author Vaclav Havel

“Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good.”

Quote by Rowan Williams

“Hope goes beyond the assumption that I am only what I see or know. It tells me more than I realize, in the eyes of God, for good or ill.”

Quote by Anne Lamott

“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don’t give up.”

Sunday, October 18, 2020 - when we are overwhelmed by suffering/pain

Theme: The Art of Falling Apart - Jesus: when we are overwhelmed by suffering/pain

Prayer

Luke 23:26-27                                                                Common English Bible Translation

As they led Jesus away, they grabbed Simon, a man from Cyrene, who was coming in from the countryside. They put the cross on his back and made him carry it behind Jesus. A huge crowd of people followed Jesus, including women, who were mourning and wailing for him. (Question: What are the things that cause you the most distress?)

Luke 23:28-31

Jesus turned to the women and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me. Rather, cry for yourselves and your children. The time will come when they will say, ‘Happy are those who are unable to become pregnant, the wombs that never gave birth, and the beasts that never nursed a child.’ Then they will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ If they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Question: Have you ever felt like the world was falling apart?)

Luke 23:32-34

They also led two other criminals to be executed with Jesus. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing. (Question: How do you respond to others when you are in pain?)

Luke 23:35-38

The people were standing around watching, but the leaders sneered at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he really is the Christ sent from God, the chosen one.” The soldiers also mocked him. They came up to him, offering him sour wine and saying, “If you really are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” Above his head was a notice of the formal charge against him. It read “This is the king of the Jews.” (Question: How do you respond to people when they say cruel things?)

Luke 23:39-43

One of the criminals hanging next to Jesus insulted him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Responding, the other criminal spoke harshly to him, “Don’t you fear God, seeing that you’ve also been sentenced to die? We are rightly condemned, for we are receiving the appropriate sentence for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.” (Question: Who are you when you are suffering?)

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)

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Love divine, All Loves Excelling

O for a World

Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2

Fight On, Fighter – for King & Country

Some Nights – Fun.

Sunday, October 11, 2020 - when we hate being wrong

Theme: The Art of Falling Apart - Peter: when we hate being wrong

Prayer

Mark 14:27-31                                                     Common English Bible Translation

Jesus said to them, “You will all falter in your faithfulness to me. It is written, I will hit the shepherd, and the sheep will go off in all directions. But after I’m raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else stumbles, I won’t.” But Jesus said to him, “I assure you that on this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But Peter insisted, “If I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.” And they all said the same thing. (Question: Have you ever been overconfident about something?)

Mark 14:66-68

Meanwhile, Peter was below in the courtyard. A woman, one of the high priest’s servants, approached and saw Peter warming himself by the fire. She stared at him and said, “You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it, saying, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t understand what you’re saying.” And he went outside into the outer courtyard. A rooster crowed. (Question: Have you ever been fearful about sharing who you are with others? Why?)

Mark 14:69-72

The female servant saw him and began a second time to say to those standing around, “This man is one of them.” But he denied it again. A short time later, those standing around again said to Peter, “You must be one of them, because you are also a Galilean.” But he cursed and swore, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” At that very moment, a rooster crowed a second time. Peter remembered what Jesus told him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down, sobbing. (Question: Have you ever regretted your decisions? How did you move forward?)

Acts 2:14, 22, 36-37

Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and declared, “Judeans and everyone living in Jerusalem! Know this! Listen carefully to my words! Fellow, Israelites, listen to these words! Jesus the Nazarene was a man whose credentials God proved to you through miracles, wonders, and signs, which God performed through him among you. You yourselves know this. Therefore, let all Israel know beyond question that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When the crowd heard this, they were deeply troubled. They said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” (Question: How do you allow your experiences especially when you’ve been wrong to change how you handle situations?) 

Acts 2:38-41

Peter replied, “Change your hearts and lives. Each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you, your children, and for all who are far away – as many as the Lord our God invites.” With many other words he testified to them and encouraged them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized. God brought about three thousand people into the community on that day. (Question: How do you move forward with others after you have been 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)

Rock of Ages, Cleft for me

Just as I Am, without One Plea

Lord, the Light of Your Love Is Shining

Rise Again – NEEDTOBREATHE

People Change – for King & Country

Sunday, October 4, 2020 - when we are trying to be nice and change our lives

Theme: The Art of Falling Apart - Jesus: when we are trying to be nice and change our lives

Prayer

Luke 7:36-38                                                    Common English Bible Translation

One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him. After he entered the Pharisee’s home, he took his place at the table. Meanwhile, a woman from the city, a sinner, discovered that Jesus was dining in the Pharisee’s house. She brought perfumed oil in a vase made of alabaster. Standing behind him at his feet and crying, she began to wet his feet with her tears She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured the oil on them. (Question: Have you ever wanted to do something extremely kind for someone else? Why?)

Luke 7:39

When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw what was happening, he said to himself, if this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. He would know that she is a sinner. (Question: Have you ever been judgmental about someone else because you thought you knew who they were?)

Luke 7:40-43

Jesus replied, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher, speak,” he said. “A certain lender had two debtors. One owed enough money to pay five hundred people for a day’s work. The other owed enough money for fifty. When they couldn’t pay, the lender forgave the debts of them both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the largest debt canceled.” Jesus said, “You have judged correctly.” (Question: What are the things you want to be forgiven for in your life?)

Luke 7:44-47

Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your home, you didn’t give me water for my feet, but she wet my feet with tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has poured perfumed oil on my feet. This is why I tell you that her many sins have been forgiven; so she has shown great love. The one who is forgiven little loves little.” (Question: How difficult is it to be kind to someone who is judging you?)

Luke 7:48-50

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other table guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this person that even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Question: How does being kind change your life?)

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)

Standing on the Promises

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Lord, I Want to Be a Christian

Who Am I - NEEDTOBREATHE

Hard Times – The Wild Feathers

Quotes by author Brené Brown

“You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”

“Vulnerability is not weakness. And that myth is profoundly dangerous.”

Sunday, September 27, 2020 - when we've screwed up royally

Theme: The Art of Falling Apart - David and Nathan: when we’ve screwed up royally

Prayer

2 Samuel 12:1-3                                                     Common English Bible Translation

So the Lord sent Nathan to David. When Nathan arrived he said, “There were two men in the same city, one rich, one poor. The rich man had a lot of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing – just one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised that lamb, and it grew up with him and his children. It would eat from his food and drink from his cup – even sleep in his arms! It was like a daughter to him. (Question: How do you care for the thing that is most important to you?)

2 Samuel 12:4-6

“Now a traveler came to visit the rich man, but he wasn’t willing to take anything from his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had arrived. Instead, he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and prepared it for the visitor.” David got very angry at the man, and he said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the one who did this is demonic! He must restore the ewe lamb seven times over because he did this and because he had no compassion.” (Question: How has loss in your life cultivate empathy or not in yourself?)

2 Samuel 12:7-10

“You are that man!” Nathan told David. “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: I anointed you kind over Israel and delivered you from Saul’s power. I gave your master’s house to you, and gave his wives into your embrace. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. If that was too little, I would have given even more. Why have you despised the Lord’s word by doing what is evil in his eyes? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and taken his wife as your own. You used the Ammonites to kill him. Because of that, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite as your own, the sword will never leave your own house. (Question: Have your wants and desires ever hurt others?)

2 Samuel 12:11-14

“This is what the Lord says: I am making trouble come against you from inside your own family. Before your very eyes I will take your wives away and give them to your friend, and he will have sex with your wives in broad daylight. You did what you did secretly, but I will do what I am doing before all Israel in the light of day.” I’ve sinned against the Lord!” David said to Nathan. “The Lord has removed your sin,” Nathan replied to David. “You won’t die. However, because you have utterly disrespected the Lord by doing this, the son born to you will definitely die.” (Question: How have you handled the consequences that you’ve faced in life?)

2 Samuel 12:18a, 19b-24a

On the seventh day, the child died. “Is the child dead?” David asked his servants. “Yes,” they said, “he is dead.” Then David rose from the ground, bathed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes. He entered the Lord’s house and bowed down. Then he entered his own house. He requested food, which was brought to him, and he ate. “Why are you acting this day?” his servants asked. “When the child was alive, you fasted and cried and kept watch, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat food!” David replied, “While the child was alive I fasted and wept because I thought, Who knows? The Lord may have mercy on me and let the child live. But he is dead now. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? No. I am going where he is, but he won’t come back to me.” Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba. (Question: How do you move forward after screwing up?)

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)

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy

As the Deer

The Show Must Go On - Queen

Life to Fix – The Record Company

Never Give Up – for King & Country

Quote by author Anne Lamott

“Sometimes I think God loves the ones who most desperately ache and are most desperately lost – his or her wildest, most messed-up children – the way you’d ache and love a screwed-up rebel daughter in juvenile hall.

Quote by Richard Branson

My attitude has always been, if you fall flat on your face, at least you’re moving forward. All you have to do is get back up and try again.

Sunday, September 20, 2020 - when we try to make plans

Theme: Waking Up to God - Moses: when we try to make plans

Prayer

Deuteronomy 1:19-22                                                     Common English Bible Translation

We left Horeb and journeyed through that vast and terrifying desert you saw, on the way to the hills of the Amorites, exactly as the Lord our God commanded us. Then we arrived at Kadesh-barnea. I said to you: You have come to the hills of the Amorites, which the Lord our God is giving to us. Look! The Lord your God has laid out the land before you. Go up and take it, just as the Lord, your ancestors’ God, has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be frightened! Then all of you approached me, saying, “Let’s send spies ahead of us – they can check out the land for us. Then they can return with word about the route we should use and bring a report about the cities that we’ll be entering.” (Question: Have you ever altered plans because of fear?)

Deuteronomy 1:23-25

This idea seemed good to me, so I selected twelve men, one from each tribe. These set out and went up into the hills, going as far as the Cluster ravine. They walked all around that area. They took some of the land’s fruit and then came back down to us. They reported to us: “The land that the Lord our God is giving to us is wonderful!” (Question: Have you felt like you had the most amazing plan and couldn’t wait to see it through?)

Deuteronomy 1:26-28

But you weren’t willing to go up. You rejected the Lord your God’s instruction. You complained in your tents, saying things like, “The Lord hates us! That’s why he brought us out of Egypt – to hand us over to the Amorites, to destroy us! What are we doing? Our brothers have made our hearts sick by saying, ‘People far stronger and much taller than we live there, and the cities are huge, with walls sky-high! Worse still, we saw the descendants of the Anakites there!’” (Question: Have you ever experienced a plan that you liked falling apart?)

Deuteronomy 1:29-33

But I said to you: Don’t be terrified! Don’t be afraid of them! The Lord your God is going before you. He will fight for you just as he fought for you in Egypt while you watched, and as you saw him do in the desert. Throughout your entire journey, until you reached this very place, the Lord your God has carried you just as a parent carries a child. But you had no faith in the Lord your God about this matter, even though he went ahead of you, scouting places where you should camp, in fire by night, so you could see the road you were taking, and in cloud during the daytime. (Question: Have we ever let our fear keep us from something good?)

Deuteronomy 1:34-38

The Lord heard what you said. He was angry and he swore: Not even one of these people – this wicked generation! – will see the wonderful land that I promised to give to your ancestors. The only exception is Caleb, Jephunneh’s son. He will see it. I will give the land he walked on to him and his children for this reason: he was completely devoted to the Lord. The Lord was even 

angry with me because of what you did. “You won’t enter the land either,” God said. “But Nun’s son Joshua, your assistant, will enter it. Strengthen him because he’s the one who will help Israel inherit the land.” (Question: What has been some of the most difficult consequences you have had to face?)

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)

Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken

There Is a Balm in Gilead

Open My Eyes, That I May See

Fear is a Liar – Zach Williams

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton

Dead Wrong – The Fray

Quote by Thich Nhat Hanh

“People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.”

Quote by Roseanne Cash

“The key to change… is to let go of fear.”

Quote by Queen Latifah

“Fear is not good when you have a goal and you’re fearful of obstacles. We often get trapped by our fears, but anyone who has had success has failed before.”

Sunday, September 13, 2020 - What do we live for?

Theme: What do we live for?

Prayer

Romans 14:1-4                                                             Common English Bible Translation

Welcome the person who is weak in faith – but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. One person believes in eating everything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Those who eat must not look down on the ones who don’t, and the ones who don’t eat must not judge the ones who do, because God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servants? They stand or fall before their own Lord (and they will stand, because the Lord has the power to make them stand). (Question: What aggravates you about other people’s actions? Why?)

Romans 14:5-6

One person considers some days to be more sacred than others; while another person considers all days to be the same. Each person must have their own convictions. Someone who thinks that a day is sacred, thinks that way for the Lord. Those who eat, eat for the Lord, because they thank God. And those who don’t eat, don’t eat for the Lord, and they thank the Lord too. (Question: How do you decide what matters to you?)

Romans 14:7-9

We don’t live for ourselves and we don’t die for ourselves. If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God. This is why Christ died and lived: so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. (Question: How does your life belong to God?)

Romans 14:10-11

But why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister? We all will stand in front of the judgment seat of God. Because it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. (Question: What are the things you find yourself being the most judgmental about with others?) 

Romans 14:12, 19

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. (Question: What are things that you strive to accomplish in life?) 

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)

God of Great and God of Small

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

O for a World

Revolution – The Beatles

Slave to Nothing – Zach Williams

Mercy – Dave Matthews Band

Quote by Helen Keller

“I do not want the peace which passeth understanding, I want the understanding which bringeth peace.”

Quote by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”

Quote by Buddha

“Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.”

Sunday, September 6, 2020 - when situations seem impossible

Theme: Waking Up to God - Gideon: when situations seem impossible

Prayer

Judges 6:11-13                                                                    Common English Bible Translation

Then the Lord’s messenger came and sat under the oak at Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Lord’s messenger appeared to him and said, “the Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” But Gideon replied to him, “With all due respect, my Lord, if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his amazing works that our ancestors recounted to us, saying, ‘Didn’t the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and allowed Midian to overpower us.” (Question: Have you ever felt like God abandoned you? Why?)

Judges 6:14-18

Then the Lord turned to him and said, “You have strength, so go and rescue Israel from the power of Midian. Am I not personally sending you?” But again Gideon said to him, “With all due respect, my Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I’m the youngest in my household.” The Lord replied, “Because I’m with you, you’ll defeat the Midianites as if they were just one person.” Then Gideon said to him, “If I’ve gained your approval, please show me a sign that it’s really you speaking with me. Don’t leave here until I return, bring out my offering, and set it in front of you.” The Lord replied, “I’ll stay until you return.” (Question: How do you need God to show up in your life?)

Judges 6:19-21

So Gideon went and prepared a young goat and used an ephah of flour for unleavened bread. He put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and brought them out to him under the oak and presented them. Then God’s messenger said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread and set them on this rock, then pour out the broth.” And he did so. The Lord’s messenger reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire came up from the rock and devoured the meat and the unleavened bread; the Lord’s messenger vanished before his eyes. (Question: How have you experienced God?)

Judges 6:22-24

Then Gideon realized that it had been the Lord’s messenger. Gideon exclaimed, “Oh no, Lord God! I have seen the Lord’s messenger face-to-face!” But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Don’t be afraid! You won’t die.” So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it “The Lord makes peace.” It still stands today in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Question: How do you respond to God?)

Judges 6:33-34, 36-40

Sometime later, all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other easterners joined together, came over, and set up camp in the Jezreel Valley. Then the Lord’s spirit came over Gideon, and he sounded the horn and summoned the Abiezrites to follow him. But then Gideon said to God, “To see if you really intend to rescue Israel through me as you have declared, I’m now putting a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece but all the ground is dry, then I’ll know that you are going to rescue Israel through me, as you have declared.” And that is what happened. When he got up early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung out enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Then Gideon said to God, “Don’t be angry with me, but let me speak just one more time. Please let me make just one more test with the fleece: now let only the fleece be dry and let dew be on all the ground.” And God did so that night. Only the fleece was dry, but there was dew on all the ground. (Question: What makes you question whether or not God is at work in the world?)

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)

Take My Life

Will You Come and Follow Me

Here in This Place

This is Me Trying – Taylor Swift

Back into The Light – The Avett Brothers

Quotes by Peter Abelard (1079-1142) Theologian and Philosopher

-“The key to wisdom is this – constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth.”

-“It is by doubting that we come to investigate, and by investigating that we recognize the truth.”

Quote by Poet T. S. Eliot

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

Sunday, August 30, 2020 - when trust is a struggle

Theme: Waking Up to God - Paul: when trust is a struggle

Prayer

Acts 9:1-4                                                                           Common English Bible Translation

Meanwhile, Saul was still spewing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest, seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus. If he found persons who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, these letters would authorize him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven encircled him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?” (Question: What has been the biggest change in your life?)

Acts 9:5-9

Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” “I am Jesus, whom you are harassing,” came the reply. “Now get up and enter the city. You will be told what you must do.” Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything. (Question: How do you handle change in your life?)

Acts 9:10-15

In Damascus there was a certain disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He answered, “Yes, Lord.” The Lord instructed him, “Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias enter and put his hands on him to restore his sight.” Ananias countered, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man. People say he has done horrible things to your holy people in Jerusalem. He’s here with authority from the chief priests to arrest everyone who calls on your name.” The Lord replied, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. (Question: Have you ever thought it was impossible for someone else or yourself to change?)

Acts 9:17-19

Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me – Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you were coming here. He sent me so that you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly, flakes fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. After eating, he regained his strength. He stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. (Question: Have you ever not wanted to help someone because you are afraid?)

Acts 9:20-21, 26-28

Right away, he began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues. “He is God’s Son,” he declared. Everyone who heard him was baffled. They questioned each other, “Isn’t he the one who was wreaking havoc among those in Jerusalem who called on this name? Hadn’t he come here to take those same people as prisoners to the chief priests?” When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn’t believe he was really a disciple. Then Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles and told them the story about how Saul saw the Lord on the way and that the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them about the confidence with which Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. After this, Saul moved freely among the disciples in Jerusalem and was speaking with confidence in the name of the Lord. (Question: Have you ever struggled with trusting someone or yourself even after there has been a change?)

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)

Amazing Grace

I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

Lord, Prepare Me

Change – Taylor Swift

Rise Up – Imagine Dragon

Quote by Corrie Ten Boom

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Quote by Brené Brown

“You can’t cheat real connection. It’s built up slowly. It’s about trust and time.”

Sunday, August 23, 2020 - when we feel inadequate

Theme: Waking Up to God - Ethiopian Eunuch: when we feel inadequate

Prayer

Acts 8:26-27                                                                      Common English Bible Translation

An angel from the Lord spoke to Philip, “At noon, take the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) So he did. Meanwhile, an Ethiopian man was on his way home from Jerusalem, where he had come to worship. He was a eunuch and an official responsible for the entire treasury of Candace. (Candace is the title given to the Ethiopian queen.) (Question: What are things that define you?)

Acts 8:28-30

He was reading the prophet Isaiah while sitting in his carriage. The Spirit told Philip, “Approach this carriage and stay with it.” Running up to the carriage, Philip heard the man reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you really understand what you are reading?” (Question: What are some things that you struggle to understand in your life? Why?)

Acts 8:31-33

The man replied, “Without someone to guide me, how could I?” Then he invited Philip to climb up and sit with him. This was the passage of scripture he was reading: 

Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter

  and like a lamb before its shearer is silent

    so he didn’t open his mouth.

In his humiliation justice was taken away from him.

    Who can tell the story of his descendants

        because his life was taken from the earth?

(Question: How often do you talk about the things you don’t understand with the people around you? Why?

Acts 8:34-36

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, about whom does the prophet say this? Is he talking about himself or someone else?” Starting with that passage, Philip proclaimed the good news about Jesus to him. As they went down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look! Water! What would keep me from being baptized?” (Question: What stops you from making needed changes in your life?)

Acts 8:38-40

He ordered that carriage halt. Both Philip and the eunuch went down to the water, where Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Lord’s Spirit suddenly took Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Philip found himself in Azotus. He traveled through that area, preaching the good news in all the cities until he reached Caesarea. (Question: Have you ever tried to encourage others even if you didn’t know them very well?)

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)

Shall We Gather at the River

God Grace and God of Glory

Be Thou My Vision

Down to the River to Pray – Alison Krauss

Little Talks – Of Monsters and Men

Hey Brother - Avicii

Quote by author Simon Sinek

“If you have the opportunity to do amazing things in your life, I strongly encourage you to invite someone to join you.

Quote by Thomas Merton

“We do not exist for ourselves alone, and it is only when we are fully convinced of this fact that we begin to love ourselves properly and thus also love others.”

August 16, 2020 - when we're uncomfortable

Theme: Waking Up to God - Jesus: when we’re uncomfortable

Prayer

Luke 16:19-21                                                                  Common English Bible Translation

“There was a certain rich man who clothed himself in purple and fine linen, and who feasted luxuriously every day. At his gate lay a certain poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. Lazarus longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Instead, dogs would come and lick his sores. (Question: What are the things we long to have in life and why do we long for those things?)

Luke 16:22-24

“The poor man died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. While being tormented in the place of the dead, he looked up and saw Abraham at a distance with Lazarus at his side. He shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I’m suffering in this flame.’ (Question: How do you treat other people when you are uncomfortable?)

Luke 16:25-26

But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things, whereas Lazarus received terrible things. Now Lazarus is being comforted and you are in great pain. Moreover, a great crevasse has been fixed between us and you. Those who wish to cross over from here to you cannot. Neither can anyone cross from there to us.’ (Question: How uncomfortable do you have to be before you change something?)

Luke 16:27-29

“The rich man said, ‘Then I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my father’s house. I have five brothers. He needs to warn them so that they don’t come to this place of agony.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets. They must listen to them.’ (Question: When are you most likely and least likely to take someone’s advice? Why?)

Luke 16:30-31

The rich man said, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will change their hearts and lives.’ Abraham said, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.” (Question: Why is it so hard to listen to wisdom and then use that wisdom to change?)

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)

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Ain’t No Man – The Avett Brothers

Preacher Man – Asa

Royals - Lorde

Quote by Writer, Nobel Laureate, & Holocaust Survivor, Elie Wiesel

“A person can almost be defined by his or her attitude toward gratitude.”

Quote by Mother Teresa

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

August 9, 2020 - when situations get the better of us

Theme: Waking Up to God - Jonah: when situations get the better of us

Prayer

Jonah 3:10-4:1                                                              Common English Bible Translation

God saw what they were doing-that they had ceased their evil behavior. So God stopped planning to destroy them, and he didn’t do it. But Jonah thought this was utterly wrong, and he became angry. (Question: Have you ever wanted mercy for yourself but not for someone else?)

Jonah 4:2-3

He prayed to the Lord, “Come on, Lord! Wasn’t this precisely my point when I was back in my own land? This is why I fled to Tarshish earlier! I know that you are a merciful and compassionate God, very patient, full of faithful love, and willing to destroy. At this point, Lord, you may as well take my life from me, because it would be better for me to die than to live.” (Question: How do you react when something good happens to someone you don’t like?)

Jonah 4:4-5

The Lord responded, “Is your anger a good thing?” But Jonah went out from the city and sat down east of the city. There he made himself a hut and sat under it, in the shade, to see what would happen to the city. (Question: Has anger ever clouded your judgment?)

Jonah 4:6-8

Then the Lord God provided a shrub, and it grew up over Jonah, providing shade for his head and saving him from his misery. Jonah was very happy about the shrub. But God provided a worm the next day at dawn, and it attacked the shrub so that it died. Then as the sun rose God provided a dry east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint. He begged that he might die, saying, “It’s better for me to die than to live.” (Question: What do you want God to provide for you but not for someone else?)

Jonah 4:9-11

God said to Jonah, “Is your anger about the shrub a good thing?” Jonah said, “Yes, my anger is good – even to the point of death!” But the Lord said, “You ‘pitied’ the shrub, for which you didn’t work and which you didn’t raise; it grew in a night and perished in a night. Yet for my part, can’t I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than one hundred twenty thousand people who can’t tell their right hand from their left, and also many animals?” (Question: Have you ever struggled to have empathy for others? Why?)

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)

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy

Create in Me a Clean Heart

Ablaze – Alanis Morissette

Get Out of Your Own Way – U2

Less Like Me – Zach Williams

Chase Me Down – Chris Tomlin

Quote by Theologian Richard Rohr

“Your heart has to be prepared ahead of time through faith and prayer and grace and mercy and love and forgiveness so you can keep your heart open in hell, when hell happens.”

Quote by Philosopher & Emperor Marcus Aurelius

“How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.”

Sunday, August 2, 2020 - when the pressure builds

Theme: Life’s Twists & Our Turns - Jesus: when the pressure builds

Prayer

Matthew 26:36-39                                                        Common English Bible Translation

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, “Stay here while I go and pray over there.” When he took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, he began to feel sad and anxious. Then he said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert with me.” Then he went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However – not what I want but what you want.” (Question: What are the things that cause you the most anxiety? Why?)

Matthew 26:40-46

He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you stay alert one hour with me? Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak.” A second time he went away and prayed, “My Father, if it’s not possible that this cup be taken away unless I drink it, then let it be what you want.” Again he came and found them sleeping. Their eyes were heavy with sleep. But he left them and again went and prayed the same words for the third time. Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Will you sleep and rest all night? Look the time has come for the Human One to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up. Let’s go. Look, here comes my betrayer.” (Question: Have you ever felt all alone in whatever you are struggling with?)

Matthew 26:47-50

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came. With him was a large crowd carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss.” Just then he came to Jesus and said, “Hello, Rabbi.” Then he kissed him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him. (Question: How do you react when under pressure?)

Matthew 26:51-53

One of those with Jesus reached for his sword. Striking the high priest’s slave, he cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put the sword back into its place. All those who use the sword will die by the sword. Or do you think that I’m not able to ask my Father and he will send to me more than twelve battle groups of angels right away? (Question: What do you rely upon to give you strength during difficult moments?)

Matthew 26:55-56

Then Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, like a thief? Day after day, I sat in the temple teaching, but you didn’t arrest me. But all this has happened so that what the prophets said in the scriptures might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Jesus and ran away. (Question: How do you keep your composure when you feel lonely and under attack?)

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)

Abide with Me

What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine

My Life Flows On

Falling – Harry Styles

Under Pressure - Queen

Not Gonna Break Me – Jamie N Commons

Sunday, July 26, 2020 - when trying to make the right decisions

Theme: Life’s Twists and Our Turns - Daniel: when trying to make the right decisions

Prayer 

Daniel 6:1-4                                                              Common English Bible Translation

Darius decided to appoint one hundred twenty chief administrators throughout the kingdom, and to set over them three main officers to whom they would report so that the king wouldn’t have to be bothered with too much. One of these main officers was Daniel. Because of his extraordinary spirit, Daniel soon surpassed the other officers and the chief administrators – so much so that the king had plans to set him over the entire kingdom. As a result, the other officers and the chief administrators tried to find some problem with Daniel’s work for the kingdom. But they couldn’t find any problem or corruption at all because Daniel was trustworthy. He wasn’t guilty of any negligence or corruption. (Question: How has your jealousy or someone else’s disrupted your life?) 

Daniel 6:5-8

So these men said, “We won’t find any fault in Daniel, unless we can find something to use against him from his religious practice. So these officers and chief administrators ganged together and went to the king. They said to him, “Long live King Darius! All the officers of the kingdom, the ministers, the chief administrators, the royal associates, and the governors advise the king to issue an edict and enforce a law, that for thirty days anyone who says prayers to any god or human being except you, Your Majesty, will be thrown into a pit of lions. Now, Your Majesty, issue the law and sign the document so that it cannot be changed, as per the law of Media and Persia, which cannot be annulled.” (Question: Have you ever found yourself picking people apart or experienced someone doing that to you and how did that make you feel?)

Daniel 6:10-12

When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went to his house. Now his upper room had open windows that faced Jerusalem. Daniel knelt down, prayed, and praised his God three times that day, just like he always did. Just then these men, all ganged together, came upon Daniel praying and seeking mercy from his God. They then went and talked to the king about the law: “Your Majesty! Didn’t you sign a law, that for thirty days any person who prays to any god or human being besides you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into a pit of lions?” The king replied, “The decision is absolutely firm in accordance with the law of Media and Persia, which cannot be annulled.” (Question: Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try things just keep falling apart?)

Daniel 6:13-16

So they said to the king, “One of the Judean exiles, Daniel, has ignored you, Your Majesty, as well as the law you signed. He says his prayers three times a day!” When the king heard this report, he was very unhappy. He decided to rescue Daniel and did everything he could do to save Daniel before the sun went down. But these men, all ganged together, came and said to the king, “You must realize, Your Majesty, that the law of Media and Persia, including every law and edict the king has issued, cannot be changed.” So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and hurled him into the pit of lions. The king said to Daniel: “Your God – the one you serve so consistently – will rescue you.” (Question: Do ever find it hard to admit that you were wrong about decisions you made that impacted others? Why?)

Daniel 6:19-23

At dawn, at the first sign of light, the king rose and rushed to the lions’ pit. As he approached it, he called out to Daniel, worried: “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God – the one you serve so consistently – able to rescue you from the lions?” Then Daniel answered the king: “long live the king! My God sent his messenger, who shut the lions’ mouths. They haven’t touched me because I was judged innocent before my God. I haven’t done anything wrong to you either, Your Majesty.” The king was thrilled. He commanded that Daniel be brought up out of the pit, and Daniel was lifted out. Not a scratch was found on him, because he trusted in his God. (Question: Who helps you through the most difficult times?)

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)

Hope of the World

Song of Hope

Come, Live in the Light!

Together – for King & Country

Back’s Against the Wall – Judah & the Lion

Be a Light – Thomas Rhett