Sunday, June 13, 2021 - Revitalizing Courage

Theme - Prayers for Life: Revitalizing Courage

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfBUFUmORhE7vWy3yPGWYT64MPzxZtmLT

Hymn     God of Great and God of Small        (In Person Only)

Welcome

Prayer

1 Samuel 1:10, 12-17                 Common English Bible Translation

Hannah was very upset and couldn’t stop crying as she prayed to the Lord. As she kept praying before the Lord, Eli watched her mouth. Now Hannah was praying in her heart; her lips were moving, but her voice was silent, so Eli thought she was drunk. “How long will you act like a drunk?” Sober up!” Eli told her. “No sir!” Hannah replied. “I’m just a very sad woman. I haven’t had any wine or beer but have been pouring out my heart to the Lord. Don’t think your servant is some good-for-nothing woman. This whole time I’ve been praying out of my great worry and trouble!” Eli responded “Then go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you’ve asked from him.” (Question: Have you ever been wrongfully judged? How did you handle that?)

1 Samuel 1:20, 24-28

So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, which means “I asked the Lord for him.” When he had been weaned and was still very young, Hannah took him, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a jar of wine, and bought him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh. They slaughtered the bull, then brought the boy to Eli. “Excuse me, sir!” Hannah said. “As surely as you live, sir, I am the woman who stood here next to you, praying to the Lord. I prayed for this boy, and the Lord gave me what I asked from him. So now I give this boy back to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” Then they worshipped there before the Lord. (Question: How do you feel connected to God?)

1 Samuel 2:1-3

Then Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord. My strength rises up in the Lord! My mouth mocks my enemies because I rejoice in your deliverance. No one is holy like the Lord – no, no one except you! There is no rock like our God! Don’t go on and on, talking so proudly, spouting arrogance from your mouth, because the Lord is the God who knows, and he weighs every act. (Question: What helps you to rejoice?)

1 Samuel 2:4-7

The bows of mighty warriors are shattered, but those who were stumbling now dress themselves in power! Those who were filled full now sell themselves for bread, but the ones who were starving are now fat from food! The woman who was barren has birthed seven children, but the mother with many sons has lost them all! The Lord! He brings death, gives life, takes down to the grave, and raises up! The Lord! He makes poor, gives wealth, brings low, but also lifts up high! (Question: How has God been with you through the challenging times and in the joyous times?)

1 Samuel 2:8-10

God raises the poor from the dust, lifts up the needy from the garbage pile. God sits them with officials, gives them the seat of honor! The pillars of the earth belong to the Lord; he set the world on top of them! God guards the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked die in darkness because no one succeeds by strength alone. The Lord! His enemies are terrified! God thunders against them from heaven! The Lord! He judges the far corners of the earth! May God give strength to his king and raise high the strength of his anointed one. (Question: How do you want God to raise you and others up?)

Reflection Together              (In Person only)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.

Hymn           I Need Thee Every Hour        (In Person Only)

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

Closing Hymn   Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart   (In Person Only)

Hymn List

God of Great and God of Small – 19 GTG

I Need Thee Every Hour – 735 GTG

Alleluia! Laud and Blessing – 755 GTG

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart! – 804 GTG

Sermon Series May 30th – June 27th

Theme: Prayers for Life

June 20th – Living Well with Others

June 27th – Living into the Future

New Sermon Series July 4th – August 1st

Theme: Trial – Error & Better Living

Sunday, June 6, 2021 - Letting Go + Living Well

Theme - Prayers for Life: Letting Go + Living Well

Hymn     O God, You Are My God      (In Person Only)

Welcome

Prayer

Daniel 9:1-3                 Common English Bible Translation

In the first year of Darius’ rule – Darius, who was Ahasuerus’ son, a Median by birth and who ruled the Chaldean kingdom – I, Daniel, pondered the scrolls, specifically the number of years that it would take to complete Jerusalem’s desolation according to the Lord’s word to the prophet Jeremiah. It was seventy years. I then turned my face to my Lord God, asking for an answer with prayer and pleading, and with fasting, mourning clothes, and ashes. (Question: What are the things you ask God to do for you?)

Daniel 9:4-7

As I prayed to the Lord my God, I made this confession: Please, my Lord – you are the great and awesome God, the one who keeps the covenant, and truly faithful to all who love him and keep his commands: We have sinned and done wrong. We have brought guilt on ourselves and rebelled, ignoring your commands and your laws. We haven’t listened to your servants, the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our leaders, our parents, and to all the land’s people. Righteousness belongs to you, my Lord! But we are ashamed this day – we, the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, all Israel whether near or far, in whatever country where you’ve driven them because of their unfaithfulness when they broke faith with you. (Question: What are the things you need to let go of and give to God?)

Daniel 9:8-11

Lord, we are ashamed – we, our kings, our leaders, and our parents who sinned against you. Compassion and deep forgiveness belong to my Lord, our God, because we rebelled against him. We didn’t listen to the voice of the Lord our God by following the teachings he gave us through his servants, the prophets. All Israel broke your Instruction and turned away, ignoring your voice. Then the curse that was sworn long ago-the one written in the Instruction from Moses, God’s servant-swept over us because we sinned against God. (Question: Where do you go for advice? Why?)

Daniel 9:12-15

God confirmed the words he spoke against us and against our rulers, bringing great trouble on us. What happened in Jerusalem hasn’t happened anywhere else in the entire world! All this trouble came upon us, exactly as it was written in the Instruction of Moses, but we didn’t try to reconcile with the Lord our God by turning from our wrongdoing or by finding wisdom in your faithfulness. So the Lord oversaw the great trouble and brought it on us, because the Lord our God has been right in every move he’s made, but we haven’t listened to his voice. “But now, my Lord, our God – you who brought your people out of Egypt with a strong hand, making a name for yourself even to this day: We have sinned and done the wrong thing.” (Question: Why is it sometimes difficult to listen to sound advice?)

Daniel 9:16-19

My Lord, please! In line with your many righteous acts, please turn your raging anger from Jerusalem, which is your city, your own holy mountain. Because of our sins and the wrongdoing of our parents, both Jerusalem and your people have become a disgrace to all our neighbors. “But now, our God, listen to your servant’s prayer and pleas for help. Shine your face on your runed sanctuary, for your own sake, my Lord. Open your ears, my God, and listen! Open your eyes and look at our devastation. Look at the city called by your name! We pray our prayers for help to you, not because of any righteous acts of ours but because of your great compassion. My Lord, listen! My Lord, forgive! My Lord, pay attention and act! Don’t delay! My God, do all this for your own sake, because your city and your people are called by your name. (Question: How do you need God to guide and change your life?)

Reflection Together              (In Person only)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.

Hymn           Be Thou My Vision.        (In Person Only)

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

Closing Hymn   I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me   (In Person Only)

Hymn List

Let All Things Now Living – 37 GTG

Be Thou My Vision – 450 GTG

What a Friend We Have in Jesus – 465 GTG

I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me – 700 GTG

O God, You Are My God – 743 GTG

Sermon Series May 30th – June 27th

Theme: Prayers for Life

June 13th – Prayers to Lift Us

June 20th – Praying with Others

June 27th – Living into the Future

Sunday, May 30, 2021 - Receiving God's Blessings

Theme - Prayers for Life: Receiving God’s Blessings

Hymn     O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!

Welcome

Prayer

1 Chronicles 29:9-10                 Common English Bible Translation

The people rejoiced at this response, because they had presented their offerings to the Lord so willingly and wholeheartedly. King David also rejoiced greatly. Then David blessed the Lord before the whole assembly: Blessed are you, Lord, God of our ancestor Israel, forever and always. (Ps 29:1-2) You, divine beings! Give to the Lord – give to the Lord glory and power! Give to the Lord the glory due his name! Bow down to the Lord in holy splendor! (Question: How do you celebrate God’s presence in your life?)

1 Chronicles 29:11-13

To you, Lord, belong the greatness and power, honor, splendor, and majesty, because everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingship, and you are honored as head of all. You are the source of wealth and honor, and you rule over all. In your hand are strength and might, and it is in your power to magnify and strengthen all. And now, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name. (Ps 29:3-5) The Lord’s voice is over the waters; the glorious God thunders; the Lord is over the mighty waters. The Lord’s voice is strong; the Lord’s voice is majestic. The Lord’s voice breaks cedar trees – yes, the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. (Question: What does it mean for you to be blessed by God?)

1 Chronicles 29:14-15

Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly? Since everything comes from you, we have given you that which comes from your own hand. To be sure, we are like all our ancestors, immigrants without permanent homes. Our days are like a shadow on the ground, and there’s no hope. (Ps 29:6-8) He makes Lebanon jump around like a young bull, makes Sirion jump around like a young wild ox. The Lord’s voice unleashes fiery flames; the Lord’s voice shakes the wilderness – yes, the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. (Question: What are the things God has made possible in your life?)

1 Chronicles 29:16-18

Lord, our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build you a temple for your holy name comes from your hand and belongs to you. Since I know, my God, that you examine the mind and take delight in honesty, I have freely given all these things with the highest of motives. And now I’ve been delighted to see your people here offering so willingly to you. Lord, God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep these thoughts in the mind of your people forever, and direct their hearts toward you. (Ps 29:9) The Lord’s voice convulses the oaks, strips the forests bare, but in his temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” (Question: How do you respond to God’s blessings?) 

Hymn     Love Divine, All Loves Excelling                (In Person Only)

1 Chronicles 29:19-20

As for Solomon my son, give him the wholehearted devotion to keep our commands, laws, and regulations – observing all of them – and to build the temple that I have prepared. Then David said to the whole assembly, “Bless the Lord your God,” and the whole assembly blessed the Lord, the God of their ancestors, bowed down, and worshipped before the Lord and the king. (Ps 29:10-11) The Lord sits enthrone over the floodwaters; the Lord sits enthrone – king forever! Let the Lord give strength to his people! Let the Lord bless his people with peace! (Question: How do you share in God’s blessings with others?)

Reflection Together              (In Person only)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.

Hymn        Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

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

Closing Hymn      Holy, Holy

Hymn List

Holly, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! – 1 GTG

O Worship the King, All Glorious Above! – 41 GTG

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – 366 GTG

Holy, Holy – 141 Songs of Praise & Worship

Sermon Series May 30th – June 27th

Theme: Prayers for Life

June 6th – Letting Go

June 13th – Prayers to Lift Us

June 20th – Praying with Others

June 27th – Living into the Future

Sunday, May 23, 2021 - Igniting Our Relationships

Theme - Igniting Our Relationships: grasping the potential

Hymn     We Are Marching in the Light of God   

Welcome 

Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:11-13                 Common English Bible Translation

So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already. Brothers and sisters, we ask you to respect those who are working with you, leading you, and instructing you. Think of them highly with love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (Acts 2:1-2) When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. (Question: What do you enjoy about being in relationship with others?)

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are disorderly. Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else. (Acts 2:3-4) They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak. (Question: What are the difficulties that arise in relationships with others?)

Hymn    On Pentecost They Gathered      (In Person Only)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (Acts 2:5-6) There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because everyone heard them speaking in their native languages. (Question: How does gratitude change your relationships?)

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Don’t suppress the Spirit. Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, but examine everything carefully and hold on to what is good. Avoid every kind of evil. (Acts 2:7) They were surprised and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them? (Jn 15:9) “As the Father love me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. (Question: When do you feel the most inspired?)  

Hymn     Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness             (In Person Only)

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Now, may the God of peace himself cause you to be completely dedicated to him; and may your spirit, soul, and body be kept intact and blameless at our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming. The one who is calling you is faithful and will do this. (Eph 4:1-6) Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all. (Question: What is your top priority? Why?)

Hymn     For Everyone Born             (In Person Only)

Reflection Together              (In Person only)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.

Hymn        Every Time I Feel the Spirit

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

Closing Hymn      We Will Go Out with Joy

Hymn List

Every Time I Feel the Spirit – 66 GTG

On Pentecost They Gathered – 289 GTG

Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness – 291 GTG

We Will Go Out with Joy – 539 GTG

For Everyone Born – 769 GTG

We Are Marching in the Light of God – 853 GTG

Sermon Series May 30th – June 27th

Theme: Prayers for Life

May 30th – Receiving God’s Blessings

June 6th – Letting Go

June 13th – Prayers to Lift Us

June 20th – Praying with Others

June 27th – Living into the Future

Sunday, May 16, 2021 - Being a Hopeful Presence

Theme - Sustainable Hope: Being a Hopeful Presence

Hymn        To God Be the Glory

Welcome

Prayer

Acts 26:1-5                            Common English Bible Translation

Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” So Paul gestured with his hand and began his defense. “King Agrippa, I consider myself especially fortunate that I stand before you today as I offer my defense concerning all the accusations the Jews have brought against me. This is because you understand well all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I ask you to listen to me patiently. Every Jew knows the way of life I have followed since my youth because, from the beginning, I was among my people and in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time. If they wanted to, they could testify that I followed the way of life set out by the most exacting group of our religion. I am a Pharisee. (Question: How would you describe who you are and who you are to others?)

Acts 26:6-8

Today I am standing trial because of the hope in the promise God gave our ancestors. This is the promise our twelve tribes hope to receive as they earnestly worship night and day. The Jews are accusing me, King Agrippa, because of this hope! Why is it inconceivable to you that God raises the dead? (Ps 1:1) The truly happy person doesn’t follow wicked advice, doesn’t stand on the road of sinners, and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful. (Question: What do you hold onto when you feel like everything is falling apart?)

Hymn       Come! Live in the Light!           (In Person Only)

Acts 26:9-11

“I really thought that I ought to oppose the name of Jesus the Nazarene in every way possible. And that’s exactly what I did in Jerusalem. I locked up many of God’s holy people in prison under the authority of the chief priests. When they were condemned to death, I voted against them. In one synagogue after another – indeed, in all the synagogues – I would often torture them, compelling them to slander God. My rage bordered on the hysterical as I pursued them, even to foreign cities. (Question: What are some of the regrets you have in life?)

Acts 26:19-21

“So, King Agrippa, I wasn’t disobedient to that heavenly vision. Instead, I proclaimed first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to the whole region of Judea and to the Gentiles. My message was that they should change their hearts and lives and turn to God, and that they should demonstrate this change in their behavior. Because of this, some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to murder me. (Question: How have you moved forward with your regrets?)

Hymn      In the Bulb There Is a Flower                    (In Person Only)

Acts 26:22-23

God has helped me up to this very day. Therefore, I stand here and bear witness to the lowly and the great. I’m saying nothing more than what the Prophets and Moses declared would happen: that the Christ would suffer and that, as the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to my people and to the Gentiles.” (Ps 1:2-3) Instead of doing those things, these persons love the Lord’s Instruction, and they recite God’s Instruction day and night! They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds. (Question: How does God’s presence in your life change your words and actions?)

Hymn          We All Are One in Mission                    (In Person Only)

Reflection Together              (In Person only)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.

Hymn        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

Benediction

Hymn      Standing on the Promises

Hymn List

Great Is Thy Faithfulness – 39 GTG

In the Bulb There Is a Flower – 250 GTG

To God Be the Glory – 634 GTG

We All Are One in Mission – 733 GTG

Come! Live in the Light! – 749 GTG

Standing on the Promises – 838 GTG

*********************************************************** 

Guiding Scripture for the Easter Season

Isaiah 33:2

“Lord, show us favor;

    we hope in you.

Be our strength every morning,

   Our salvation in times of distress.”

Pentecost May 23rd

Theme: Igniting Our Relationships

Sermon Series May 30th – June 27th

Theme: Prayers for Life

Sunday, May 9, 2021 - Insight into Thriving

Theme - Sustainable Hope: Insight into Thriving

Hymn    Lord, Prepare Me

Welcome

Prayer

2 Corinthians 1:3-5                       Common English Bible Translation

May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! He is the compassionate Father and God of all comfort. He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble. We offer the same comfort that we ourselves received from God. That is because we receive so much comfort through Christ in the same way that we share so many of Christ’s sufferings. (Ps 98:1) Sing to the Lord a new song because he has done wonderful things! His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory! (Question: How does God comfort you?)

2 Corinthians 1:6-7

So if we have trouble, it is to bring you comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is to bring you comfort from the experience of endurance while you go through the same sufferings that we also suffer. Our hope for you is certain, because we know that as you are partners in suffering, so also you are partners in comfort. (Ps 98:3) God has remembered his loyal love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; every corner of the earth has seen our God’s salvation. (Question: How does your experience with suffering impact others?)

Hymn     Light Dawns on a Weary World                       (In Person Only)

2 Corinthians 1:8-9

Brothers and sisters, we don’t want you to be unaware of the troubles that we went through in Asia. We were weighed down with a load of suffering that was so far beyond our strength that we were afraid we might not survive. It certainly seemed to us as if we had gotten the death penalty. This was so that we would have confidence in God, who raises the dead, instead of ourselves. (Ps 98:4) Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing praises! (Question: What confidence do you have in how God is working in your life?)

2 Corinthians 1:10-11

God rescued us from a terrible death, and he will rescue us. We have set our hope on him that he will rescue us again, since you are helping with your prayer for us. Then many people can thank God on our behalf for the gift that was given to us through the prayers of many people. (Ps 98:5-6) Sing your praises to the Lord with the lyre- with the lyre and the sound of music. With trumpets and a horn blast, shout triumphantly before the Lord, the king! (Question: What are the ways you want and need to be rescued in life?)

Hymn        Goodness Is Stronger than Evil               (In Person Only)

2 Corinthians 1:12-14

We have conducted ourselves with godly sincerity and pure motives in the world, and especially toward you. This is why we are confident, and our conscience confirms this. We didn’t act with human wisdom but we relied on the grace of God. We don’t write anything to you except what you can read and also understand. I hope that you will understand totally since you have already understood us partly. Understand that in the day of our Lord Jesus, we will make you proud as you will also make us proud. (Ps 98:8-9) Let all the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains rejoice out loud altogether before the Lord because he is coming to establish justice on the earth! He will establish justice in the world rightly; he will establish justice among all people fairly. (Question: What do you rely upon during difficult times? Why?)

Hymn         O Day of Rest and Gladness                   (In Person Only)

Reflection Together              (In Person only)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.

Hymn     Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

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

Hymn   You Shall Go Out with Joy

Hymn List

Light Dawns on a Weary World – 79 GTG

You Shall Go Out with Joy – 80 GTG

O Day of Rest and Gladness – 393 GTG

Lord, Prepare Me – 701 GTG

Goodness Is Stronger than Evil – 750 GTG

Called as Partners in Christ’s Service – 761 GTG

**********************************************************

Guiding Scripture for the Easter Season

Isaiah 33:2

“Lord, show us favor;

    we hope in you.

Be our strength every morning,

   Our salvation in times of distress.”

Easter Series: Sustainable Hope April 18th – May 16th

May 16th – Being a Hopeful Presence

Pentecost May 23rd

Theme: Igniting Our Relationships

Sermon Series May 30th – June 27th

Theme: Prayers for Life

Sunday, May 2, 2021 - Cultivating Practices that Matter

Theme - Sustainable Hope: Cultivating Practices that Matter

Prayer

Creative God, guide us through scripture this day to a deeper understanding of how we can practice your sustainable hope. May your wisdom bring us to new possibilities. Amen. 

Jeremiah 29:1-3                            Common English Bible Translation

The prophet Jeremiah sent a letter from Jerusalem to the few surviving elders among the exiles, to the priests and the prophets, and to all the people Nebuchadnezzar had taken to Babylon from Jerusalem. The letter was sent after King Jeconiah, the queen mother, the court officials, the government leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, and the craftsmen and smiths had left Jerusalem. It was delivered to Babylon by Elash, Shaphan’s son, and Gemariah, Hilkiah’s son – two men dispatched to Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar by King Zedekiah. (Question: What are the relationships that are most important to us? Why are they the most important?)

Jeremiah 29:4-7

The Lord of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, proclaims to all the exiles I have carried off from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and settle down; cultivate gardens and eat what they produce. Get married and have children; then help your sons find wives and your daughters find husbands in order that they too may have children. Increase in number there so that you don’t dwindle away. Promote the welfare to the city where I have sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because your future depends on its welfare. (Question: What are the things you practice that enhance your life?)

Hymn          All Who Love and Serve Your City        (In Person Only)

Jeremiah 29:8-9

The Lord of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, proclaims: Don’t let the prophets and diviners in your midst mislead you. Don’t pay attention to your dreams. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I didn’t send them, declares the Lord. (1 Jn 4:9, 11) This is how the love of God is revealed to us: God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him. Dear friends, if God loved us this way, we also ought to love each other. (Question: How do you decide what words, actions, and practices guide your life?)

Jeremiah 29:10-11

The Lord proclaims: When Babylon’s seventy years are up, I will come and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. (1 Jn 4:16) We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them. (Question: How do you practice peace?)

Hymn             Praise Ye the Lord                  (In Person Only)

Jeremiah 29:12-14

When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me. I will be present for you, declares the Lord, and I will end your captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have scattered you, and I will bring you home after your long exile, declares the Lord. (1 Jn 4:18) There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is afraid has not been made perfect in love. (Question: In what ways do you recognize how God is with you in your life?)

Reflection Together              (In Person only)

Hymn             This is My Father’s World                  (In Person Only)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.

Hymn     My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less    

The Lord’s Supper

Invitation

Prayer of Thanksgiving 

Words of Institution

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

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Benediction

Hymn   Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee   

Hymn List

Hallelujah! Sing Praise to Your Creator – 18 GTG

All Who Love and Serve Your City – 351 GTG

My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less – 353 GTG

This is My Father’s World – 370 GTG

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – 611 GTG

Praise Ye the Lord – 633 GTG

*********************************************************** 

Guiding Scripture for the Easter Season

Isaiah 33:2

“Lord, show us favor;

    we hope in you.

Be our strength every morning,

   Our salvation in times of distress.”

Easter Series: Sustainable Hope April 18th – May 16th

May 9th – Insight into Thriving

May 16th – Being a Hopeful Presence

Sunday, April 25, 2021 - Elevating Our Expectations

Theme - Sustainable Hope: Elevating Our Expectations

Hymn     Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing    (Recording Only)

Hymn    The Lord’s My Shepherd            (In Person Only)

Welcome

Prayer

Romans 8:18-19                            Common English Bible Translation

I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters. (Ps 23:1-3) The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name. (Question: How do you want God to be at work in your life and with those around you?)

Romans 8:20-22

Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice – it was the choice of the one who subjected it – but in the hope that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children. We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. (Ps 23:4) Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff – they protect me. (Question: What is your greatest hope? How is it connected to God?)

Hymn  Everyone Who Longs for the Boundless Love of God    (In Person Only)

Romans 8:23-25

And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. (Acts 4:8-10a)Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, answered, “Leaders of the people and elders, are we being examined today because something good was done for a sick person, a good deed that healed him? If so, then you and all the people of Israel need to know that this man stands healthy before you because of the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene. (Question: What is the most difficult about having hope?)

Romans 8:26-27

In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will. (Ps 23:5) You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! (Question: Have you ever pleaded with God for something?)

Hymn       There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy                     (In Person Only)

Romans 8:28

We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Ps 23:6) Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live. (1 Jn 3:2Hil4) Those who keep his commandments dwell in God and God dwells in them. This is how we know that he dwells in us, because of the Spirit he has given us. (Question: What do we expect of God and what should we expect of God in our lives?)

Reflection Together              (In Person only)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.

Hymn     Live into Hope.   (Recording Only)   

Hymn   Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing      (In Person Only)   

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

Hymn      May the God of Hope Go with Us     

Hymn List

There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy – 435 GTG

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – 475 GTG

Live into Hope– 772 GTG

May the God of Hope Go with Us – 765 GTG

Everyone Who Longs for the Boundless Love of God – 849 GTG

***********************************************************

Guiding Scripture for the Easter Season

Isaiah 33:2

“Lord, show us favor;

    we hope in you.

Be our strength every morning,

   Our salvation in times of distress.”

Easter Series: Sustainable Hope April 18th – May 16th

May 2nd – Cultivating the Practices that Matter

May 9th – Insight into Thriving

May 16th – Being a Hopeful Presence

Sunday, April 18, 2021 - Accessing what we need

Theme - Sustainable Hope: Accessing What We Need

 Prayer

Ephesians 2:12-13                          Common English Bible Translation

At that time you were without Christ. You were aliens rather than citizens of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of God’s promise. In this world you had no hope and no God. But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who once were so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Psalm 4:1-2) Answer me when I cry out, my righteous God! Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer! How long, you people, will my reputation be insulted? How long will you continue to love what is worthless and go after lies? (Question: When do you struggle the most with having hope?)

Ephesians 2:14-16

Christ is our peace. He made both Jews and Gentiles into one group. With his body, he broke down the barrier of hatred that divided us. He canceled the detailed rules of the Law so that he could create one new person out of the two groups, making peace. He reconciled them both as one body to God by the cross, which ended the hostility to God. (Question: How do others help or hinder you having hope?)

Hymn      My Life Flows On        (In Person Only)

Ephesians 2:17-19

When he came, he announced the good news of peace to you who were far away From God and to those who were near. We both have access to the Father through Christ by the one Spirit. So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household. (Psalm 4:3) Know this: the Lord takes personal care of the faithful. The Lord will hear me when I cry out to him. (Question: When have you been the most hopeful?)

Ephesians 2:20-21

As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. The whole building is joined together in him, and it grows up into a temple that is dedicated to the Lord. (Psalm 4:4-5) So be afraid, and don’t sin! Think hard about it in your bed and weep over it! Bring righteous offerings, and trust the Lord! (Question: What do you base your hope upon?)

Hymn       Lord of All Hopefulness        (In Person Only)

Ephesians 2:22

Christ is building you into a place where God lives through the Spirit. (Psalm 4:6-8) Many people say, “We can’t find goodness anywhere. The light of your face has left us, Lord!” But you have filled my heart with more joy than when their wheat and wine are everywhere! I will lie down and fall asleep in peace because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety.

(Question: How does having hope impact your identity)

Reflection Together                      (In Person only)

Offering Ourselves to God

       During this time let us reflect upon and commit ourselves to how we can connect to God through giving of our time, our thoughts, our resources, and our actions.

Hymn     Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

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

Hymn      There is Now a New Creation

Song List

Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me – 438 GTG

As the Deer – 626 GTG

Lord of All Hopefulness – 683 GTG

There Is Now a New Creation – 774 GTG

My Life Flows On – 821 GTG

***********************************************************

Guiding Scripture for the Easter Season

Isaiah 33:2

“Lord, show us favor;

    we hope in you.

Be our strength every morning,

   Our salvation in times of distress.”

Easter Series: Sustainable Hope April 18th – May 16th

April 25th – Elevating Our Expectations

May 2nd – Cultivating the Practices that Matter

May 9th – Insight into Thriving

May 16th – Being a Hopeful Presence

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Theme: Thomas

Prayer

Psalm 133                                        New Revised Standard Version

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore.

Message #1     Willing to be Courageous

John 11:1-16

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Message #2       Willing to be Taught

John 14:1-7

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Message #3       Willing to Believe

John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe[ that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

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

God, You Spin the Whirling Planets – 23 GTG

Christ Has Risen While Earth Slumbers – 231 GTG

Thine Is the Glory – 238 GTG

Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord! – 390 GTG

Guide My Feet – 741 GTG

What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine – 837 GTG

Thought for Individual Meditation

When someone says, “I’ve never had a moment of probing religious doubt.” I find myself wondering whether that person has ever had a moment of vital religious conviction.  For if one fact stands out above all others in the history of religion, it is this:  the price of a great faith is a great and continuous struggle to get it, keep it and to share it. 

Guiding Scripture for the Easter Season

Isaiah 33:2

“Lord, show us favor;

    we hope in you.

Be our strength every morning,

   Our salvation in times of distress.”

Easter Series: Sustainable Hope April 18th – May 16th

April 18th – Accessing what we Need

April 25th – Elevating Our Expectations

May 2nd – Cultivating the Practices that Matter

May 9th – Insight into Thriving

May 16th – Being a Hopeful Presence

Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 - Giving Oneself Over to Joy

Theme: Giving Oneself Over to Joy

Prayer

Genesis 1:27-2:2 Created in Joy  Common English Bible Translation

God created in humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and master it. Take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, and everything crawling on the ground.” Then God said, “I now give to you all the plants on the earth that yield seeds and all the trees whose fruit produces its seeds within it. These will be your food. To all wildlife, to all the birds in the sky, and to everything crawling on the ground – to everything that breathes – I give all the green grasses for food.” And that’s what happened. God saw everything he had made: it was supremely good. There was evening and there was morning: the sixth day. The heavens and the earth and all who live in them were completed. On the sixth day God completed all the work that he had done, and on the seventh day God rested from all the work that he had done. (Question: What does it mean for you to be made in the image of God?)

Deuteronomy 33:1, 28-29a    Exodus into the Promised Land

This is the blessing that Moses the man of God gave the Israelites before he died. So Israel now lives in safety – Jacob’s residence is secure – in a land full of grain and wine, where the heavens drip dew. Happy are you, Israel! Who is like you? You are a people saved by the Lord! He’s the shield that helps you, your majestic sword! (Question: What do you need to do to have joy?)

Isaiah 61:1-4      Returning from Exile

The Lord God’s spirit is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for captives, and liberation for prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and a day of vindication for our God, to comfort all who mourn, to provide for Zion’s mourners, to give them a crown in place of ashes, oil of joy in place of mourning, a mantle of praise in place of discouragement. They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, planted by the Lord to glorify himself. They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore formerly deserted places; they will renew ruined cities, places deserted in generations past. (Question: What does joy look like for you?)

Matthew 28:1-10      Resurrection Joy

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. Look, there was a great earthquake, for an angel from the Lord came down from heaven. Coming to the stone, he rolled it away and sat on it. Now his face was like lightning and his clothes as white as snow. The guards were so terrified of him that they shook with fear and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him. Now hurry, go and tell his disciples, ‘He’s been raised from the dead. He’s going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ I’ve given the message to you.” With great fear and excitement, they hurried away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. But Jesus met them and greeted them. They came and grabbed his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers that I am going into Galilee. They will see me there.” (Question: Who helps you to have joy?)

 Luke 24:36b-44.   Going Forward

Jesus himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” They were terrified and afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you startled? Why are doubts arising in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet. It’s really me! Touch me and see, for a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones like you see I have.” As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. Because they were wondering and questioning in the midst of their happiness, he said to them, “Do you have anything to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish. Taking it, he ate it in front of them. Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you – that everything written about me in the Law from Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Question: How do you share joy with others?)

The Lord’s Supper

Invitation

Prayer of Thanksgiving 

Words of Institution

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

Jesus Christ Is Risen Today – 232 GTG

The Day of Resurrection! – 233 GTG

Thine Is the Glory – 238 GTG

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today! – 245 GTG

Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! – 248 GTG

Guiding Scripture for the Easter Season

Isaiah 33:2

“Lord, show us favor;

    we hope in you.

Be our strength every morning,

   Our salvation in times of distress.”

Easter Series: Sustainable Hope April 18th – May 16th

April 18th – Accessing what we Need

April 25th – Elevating Our Expectations

May 2nd – Cultivating the Practices that Matter

May 9th – Insight into Thriving

May 16th – Being a Hopeful Presence

Maundy Thursday, April 1, 2021

Theme: Jesus’ Final Hours through Questions and Scripture

Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 - Confidence that we can Dance

Theme - Preparing to Dance: Confidence that we can Dance

Prayer

John 14:15-17                                Common English Bible Translation

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever. This Companion is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world can’t receive because it neither sees him nor recognizes him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be with you. (Question: How have you learned what it means to love?)

John 14:18-21

“I won’t leave you as orphans. I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” (Question: When have you felt enveloped by love and when have you not?)

John 14:22-24

Judas (not Judas Iscariot) asked, “Lord, why are you about to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered, “Whoever loves me will keep my word. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word that you hear isn’t mine. It is the word of the Father who sent me. (Question: How do you practice love for Jesus and love for God?)

John 14:25-27

“I have spoken these things to you while I am with you. The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid. (Question: What are some of the most important lessons you have learned about love?)

John 15:9-14

“As the Father loved me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete. This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. (Question: How has love shaped our 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

All Glory, Laud, and Honor – 196 GTG

Hosanna, Loud Hosanna – 197 GTG

Ride On! Ride On in Majesty – 198 GTG

Filled with Excitement – 199 GTG

Live in Charity – 205 GTG

Guiding Scripture for Lent

Psalm 30:11-12

“You changed my mourning into dancing. 

    You took off my funeral clothes

      and dressed me up in joy

   so that my whole being

     might sing praises to you and never stop.

Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Practices to Focus upon During this Season of Lent and Beyond

1. Prayer – setting a time/alarm twice a day pray/converse with God

-Being open about struggles

-Talking to God about those we love

-Opening ourselves up to following God’s guidance and wisdom

1. Picking a book in the Bible. Reading a few verses every day.

-Asking questions, noting new insights

-Possible books: Ruth, Proverbs, Mark, Philippians, Colossians

1. Consuming something every day that helps one to thrive

-Books, Media, Music, Art, Conversations, Podcast, Exercise, Eating habits, etc.…

1. Checking in with different people every day

-Focusing on cultivating connections

1. Meditation – Silence

-Taking a few minutes every day to be silent

Holy Week Schedule

April 1st – Maundy Thursday (Online Only)

April 4th – Easter (Reservation Only) -  2 Worship Times. Please call the church office. Easter Service will also be online

     9:30am – Worship with Communion

    11:00am – Worship with Communion

Easter Theme: Giving Oneself Over to Joy

Easter Series:Sustainable HopeApril 18th– May 16th

Sunday, March 21, 2021 - Building, Rebuilding, Living Our Lives

Theme - Preparing to Dance: Building, Rebuilding, Living Our Lives

Prayer

Nehemiah 1:1-3                              Common English Bible Translation

These are the words of Nehemiah, Hacaliah’s son. In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the fortress city of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came with some other men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had escaped and survived the captivity, and about Jerusalem. They told me, “Those in the province who survived the captivity are in great trouble and shame! The wall around Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire!” (Question: What are the things that have hurt, complicated, or destroyed the way we live?)

Nehemiah 1:4-6, 11

When I heard this news, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. I said: “Lord God of heaven, great and awesome God, you are the one who keeps covenant and is truly faithful to those who love you and keep your commandments. Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant, which I now pray before you night and day for your servants, the people Israel. “I confess the sins of the people of Israel, which we have committed against you. Both I and my family have sinned. “Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in honoring your name. Please give success to your servant today and grant him favor in the presence of this man! (Question: What is your response when you are confronted with having to change direction in your life?)

Nehemiah 2:1-5

In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, the king was about to be served wine. I took the wine and gave it to the king. Since I had never seemed sad in his presence, the king asked me, “Why do you seem sad? Since you aren’t sick, you must have a broken heart!” I was very afraid and replied, “May the king live forever! Why shouldn’t I seem sad when the city, the place of my family’s graves, is in ruins and its gates destroyed by fire?” The king asked, “What is it that you need?” I prayed to the God of heaven and replied, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, please send me to Judah, to the city of my family’s graves so that I may rebuild it.” (Question: What gives you the energy to build or rebuild some aspect of your life?)

Nehemiah 2:11-15

When I reached Jerusalem and had been there for three days, I set out at night, taking only a few people with me. I didn’t tell anyone what my God was prompting me to do for Jerusalem, and the only animal I took was the one I rode. I went out by night through the Valley Gate past the Dragon’s Spring to the Dung Gate so that I could inspect the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down, as well as its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I went to the Spring Gate and to the King’s Pool. Since there was no room for the animal on which I was riding to pass, I went up by way of the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I turned back and returned by entering through the Valley Gate. (Question: How have you discerned, which direction you need to take in life?)

Nehemiah 2:16-20

The officials didn’t know where I had gone or what I was doing. I hadn’t yet told the Jews, the priests, the officials, the officers, or the rest who were to do the work. So I said to them, “You see the trouble that we’re in: Jerusalem is in ruins, and its gates are destroyed by fire! Come, let’s rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we won’t continue to be in disgrace.” I told them that my God had taken care of me, and also told them what the king had said to me. “Let’s start rebuilding!” they said, and they eagerly began the work. But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and made fun of us. “What are you doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?” The God of heaven will give us success!” I replied. “As God’s servants, we will start building. But you will have no share, right, or claim in Jerusalem.” (Question: What are the aspects of your life that you want to build or rebuild?)

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

Standing on the Promises – 838 GTG

Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken – 81 GTG

Great Is Thy Faithfulness – 39 GTG

I Will Call upon the Lord – 621 GTG

Guiding Scripture for Lent

Psalm 30:11-12

“You changed my mourning into dancing. 

    You took off my funeral clothes

      and dressed me up in joy

   so that my whole being

     might sing praises to you and never stop.

Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Practices to Focus upon During this Season of Lent and Beyond

Prayer – setting a time/alarm twice a day pray/converse with God

-Being open about struggles

-Talking to God about those we love

-Opening ourselves up to following God’s guidance and wisdom

Picking a book in the Bible. Reading a few verses every day.

-Asking questions, noting new insights

-Possible books: Ruth, Proverbs, Mark, Philippians, Colossians

Consuming something every day that helps one to thrive

-Books, Media, Music, Art, Conversations, Podcast, Exercise, Eating habits, etc.…

Checking in with different people every day

-Focusing on cultivating connections

Meditation – Silence

-Taking a few minutes every day to be silent

Lenten Series: Preparing to Dance     February 21st – March 28th

Mar 28th – Confidence that We can Dance

Holy Week Schedule

April 1st – Maundy Thursday (Online Only)

April 4th – Easter (Reservation Only) -  2 Worship Times. Please call the church office. Easter Service will also be online

     9:30am – Worship with Communion

    11:00am – Worship with Communion

Easter Series: Sustainable Hope

Sunday, March 14, 2021 - Navigating the Uncomfortable

Theme - Preparing to Dance: Navigating the Uncomfortable

Prayer

Esther 4:1-3                                  Common English Bible Translation

When Mordecai learned what had been done, he tore his clothes, dressed in mourning clothes, and put ashes on his head. Then he went out into the heart of the city and cried out loudly and bitterly. He went only as far as the King’s Gate because it was against the law for anyone to pass through it wearing mourning clothes. At the same time, in every province and place where the king’s order and his new law arrived, a very great sadness came over the Jews. They gave up eating and spent whole days weeping and crying out loudly in pain. Many Jews lay on the ground in mourning clothes and ashes. (Question: What is your initial response when facing something difficult?)

Esther 4:4-8

When Esther’s female servants and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, the queen’s whole body showed how upset she was. She sent everyday clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of mourning clothes, but he rejected them. Esther then sent for Hathach, one of the royal eunuchs whose job it was to wait on her. She ordered him to go to Mordecai and find out what was going on and why he was acting this way. Hathach went out to Mordecai, to the city square in front of the King’s Gate. Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him. He spelled out the exact amount of silver that Haman promised to pay in the royal treasury. It was in exchange for the destruction of the Jews. He also gave Hathach a copy of the law made public in Susa concerning the Jews’ destruction so that Hathach could show it to Esther and report it to her. Through him Mordecai ordered her to go to the king to seek his kindness and his help for her people. (Question: How do you respond when someone is in pain?)

Esther 4:9-11

Hathach came back and told Esther what Mordecai had said. In reply Esther ordered Hathach to tell Mordecai: “All the king’s officials and the people in his provinces know that there’s a single law in a case like this. Any man or woman who comes to the king in the inner courtyard without being called is to be put to death. Only the person to whom the king holds out the gold scepter may live. In my case, I haven’t been called to come to the king for the past thirty days.” (Question: Have you ever feared taking action even though it was the right thing to do?)

Esther 4:12-14

When they told Mordecai Esther’s words, he had them respond to Esther: “Don’t think for one minute that, unlike all the other Jews, you’ll come out of this alive simply because you are in the palace. In fact, if you don’t speak up at this very important time, relief and rescue will appear for the Jews from another place, but you and your family will die. But who knows? Maybe it was for a moment like this that you came to be part of the royal family.” (Question: Have you ever felt like you were in the right place at the right time to take action even if it was difficult?)

Esther 4:15-16

Esther sent back this word to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are in Susa and tell them to give up eating to help me be brave. They aren’t to eat or drink anything for three whole days, and I myself will do the same, along with my female servants. Then, even though it’s against the law, I will go to the king; and if I am to die, then die I will.” (Question: What gives you courage when navigating really hard 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

Song List

Will You Come and Follow Me - 726 GTG

I Need Thee Every Hour – 735 GTG

Guide My Feet – 741 GTG

Arise, Your Light Is Come! – 744 GTG

Guiding Scripture for Lent

Psalm 30:11-12

“You changed my mourning into dancing. 

    You took off my funeral clothes

      and dressed me up in joy

   so that my whole being

     might sing praises to you and never stop.

Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Practices to Focus upon During this Season of Lent and Beyond

1. Prayer – setting a time/alarm twice a day pray/converse with God

-Being open about struggles

-Talking to God about those we love

-Opening ourselves up to following God’s guidance and wisdom

1. Picking a book in the Bible. Reading a few verses every day.

-Asking questions, noting new insights

-Possible books: Ruth, Proverbs, Mark, Philippians, Colossians

1. Consuming something every day that helps one to thrive

-Books, Media, Music, Art, Conversations, Podcast, Exercise, Eating habits, etc.…

1. Checking in with different people every day

-Focusing on cultivating connections

1. Meditation – Silence

-Taking a few minutes every day to be silent

Lenten Series: Preparing to Dance     February 21st – March 28th

Mar 21st – Building, Rebuilding, Living Our Lives

Mar 28th – Confidence that We can Dance

Sunday, March 7, 2021 - A Healing Perspective

Theme - Preparing to Dance: A Healing Perspective

Prayer

2 Kings 5:1-4                                  Common English Bible Translation

Naaman, a general for the king of Aram, was a great man and highly regarded by his master, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. This man was a mighty warrior, but he had a skin disease. Now Aramean raiding parties had gone out and captured a young girl from the land of Israel. She served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “I wish that my master could come before the prophet who lives in Samaria. He would cure him of his skin disease.” So Naaman went and told his master what the young girl from the land of Israel had said. (Question: What are the things you want to be healed in your life?)

2 Kings 5:5-7

Then Aram’s king said, “Go ahead. I will send a letter to Israel’s king.” So Naaman left. He took along ten kikkars of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. He brought the letter to Israel’s king. It read, “Along with this letter I’m sending you my servant Naaman so you can cure him of his skin disease.”  When the king of Israel read the letter, he ripped his clothes. He said, “What? Am I God to hand out death and life? But this king writes me, asking me to cure someone of his skin disease! You must realize that he wants to start a fight with me.” (Question: How have you been part of someone’s healing process?)

2 Kings 5:8-10

When Elisha the man of God heard that Israel’s king had ripped his clothes, he sent word to the king: “Why did you rip your clothes? Let the man come to me. Then he’ll know that there’s a prophet in Israel.” Naaman arrived with his horses and chariots. He stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent out a messenger who said, “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored and become clean.” (Question: Have you ever been afraid of the healing process? Why?)

2 Kings 5:11-12

But Naaman went away in anger. He said, “I thought for sure that he’d come out, stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the bad spot, and cure the skin disease. Aren’t the rivers in Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than all Israel’s waters? Couldn’t I wash in them and get clean?” So he turned away and proceeded to leave in anger. (Question: Have you ever struggled with the actions that it takes to be healed?)

2 Kings 5:13-15

Naaman’s servants came up to him and spoke to him: “Our father, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? All he said to you was, ‘Wash and become clean.’” So Naaman went down and bathed in the Jordan seven times, just as the man of God had said. His skin was restored like that of a young boy, and he became clean. He returned to the man of God with all his attendants. He came and stood before Elisha, saying, “Now I know for certain that there’s no God anywhere on earth except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant.” (Question: How have you found healing in your life?)

The Lord’s Supper

Invitation

Prayer of Thanksgiving 

Words of Institution

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

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah – 65 GTG

There is a Balm in Gilead – 792 GTG

What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine – 837 GTG

Take My Life – 697 GTG

***********************************************************

Guiding Scripture for Lent

Psalm 30:11-12

“You changed my mourning into dancing. 

    You took off my funeral clothes

      and dressed me up in joy

   so that my whole being

     might sing praises to you and never stop.

Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Practices to Focus upon During this Season of Lent and Beyond

1. Prayer – setting a time/alarm twice a day pray/converse with God

-Being open about struggles

-Talking to God about those we love

-Opening ourselves up to following God’s guidance and wisdom

1. Picking a book in the Bible. Reading a few verses every day.

-Asking questions, noting new insights

-Possible books: Ruth, Proverbs, Mark, Philippians, Colossians

1. Consuming something every day that helps one to thrive

-Books, Media, Music, Art, Conversations, Podcast, Exercise, Eating habits, etc.…

1. Checking in with different people every day

-Focusing on cultivating connections

1. Meditation – Silence

-Taking a few minutes every day to be silent

Lenten Series: Preparing to Dance     February 21st – March 28th

Mar 14th – Navigating the Uncomfortable

Mar 21st – Building, Rebuilding, Living Our Lives

Mar 28th – Confidence that We can Dance

Sunday, February 28, 2021 - Living through Grief

Theme - Preparing to Dance: Living through Grief

Prayer

Genesis 37:1-4                                Common English Bible Translation

Jacob lived in the land of Canaan where his father was an immigrant. This is the account of Jacob’s descendants. Joseph was 17 years old and tended the flock with his brothers. While he was helping the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, Joseph told their father unflattering things about them. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he was born when Jacob was old. Jacob had made for him a long robe. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of his brothers, they hated him and couldn’t even talk nicely to him. (Question: Have you ever been jealous of someone or a situation? Why?)

Genesis 37:5-8

Joseph had a dream and told it to his brothers, which made them hate him even more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had. When we were binding stalks of grain in the field, my stalk got up and stood upright, while your stalks gathered around it and bowed down to my stalk.” His brothers said to him, “Will you really be our king and rule over us?” So they hated him even more because of the dreams he told them. (Question: Have you ever felt like you weren’t living up to a particular standard? Why?)

Genesis 37:12-13, 18-22

Joseph’s brothers went to tend their father’s flocks near Shechem. Israel said to Joseph, “Aren’t your brothers tending the sheep near Shechem? Come, I’ll send you to them.” And he said, “I’m ready.” They saw Joseph in the distance before he got close to them, and they plotted to kill him. The brothers said to each other, “Here comes the big dreamer. Come on now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns, and we’ll say a wild animal devoured him. Then he will see what becomes of his dreams!” When Reuben heard what they said, he saved him from them, telling them, “Let’s not take his life.” Reuben said to them, “Don’t spill his blood! Throw him into this desert cistern, but don’t lay a hand on him.” He intended to save Joseph from them and take him back to his father. (Question: What actions do you regret? Why?)

Genesis 37:29-35

When Reuben returned to the cistern and found that Joseph wasn’t in it, he tore his clothes. Then he returned to his brothers and said, “The boy’s gone! And I – where can I go now?” His brothers took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a male goat, and dipped the robe in the blood. They took the long robe, brought it to their father, and said, “We found this. See if it’s your son’s robe or not.” He recognized it and said, “It’s my son’s robe! A wild animal has devoured him. Joseph must have been torn to pieces!” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put a simple mourning cloth around his waist, and mourned for his son for many days. All of his sons and daughters got up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted, telling them, “I’ll go to my grave mourning for my son.” And Joseph’s father wept for him. (Question: What are the ways you’ve experienced grief outside of losing someone you love?)

Genesis 45:16-18a, 25-28

When Pharaoh’s household heard the message “Joseph’s brothers have arrived,” both Pharaoh and his servants were pleased. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Give your brothers these instructions: Load your pack animals and go back to the land of Canaan. Get your father and your households and come back to me. So they left Egypt and returned to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They announced to him, “Joseph’s still alive! He’s actually ruler of all the land of Egypt!” Jacob’s heart nearly failed, and he didn’t believe them. When they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to carry him, Jacob recovered. Then Israel said, “This is too much! My son Joseph is still alive! Let me go and see him before I die.” (Question: What are some ways your grief through life has changed 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

My Life Flows On – 821 GTG

There Is a Place of Quiet Rest – 824 GTG

Just a Closer Walk with Thee – 835 GTG

When Peace like a River – 840 GTG

Quote by David Kessler

“Each person’s grief is as unique as their fingerprint. But what everyone has in common is that no matter how they grieve, they share a need for their grief to be witnessed. That doesn’t mean needing someone to try to lessen it or reframe it for them. The need is for someone to be fully present to the magnitude of their loss without trying to point out the silver lining.” 

Guiding Scripture for Lent

Psalm 30:11-12

“You changed my mourning into dancing. 

    You took off my funeral clothes

      and dressed me up in joy

   so that my whole being

     might sing praises to you and never stop.

Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Practices to Focus upon During this Season of Lent and Beyond

1. Prayer – setting a time/alarm twice a day pray/converse with God

-Being open about struggles

-Talking to God about those we love

-Opening ourselves up to following God’s guidance and wisdom

1. Picking a book in the Bible. Reading a few verses every day.

-Asking questions, noting new insights

-Possible books: Ruth, Proverbs, Mark, Philippians, Colossians

1. Consuming something every day that helps one to thrive

-Books, Media, Music, Art, Conversations, Podcast, Exercise, Eating habits, etc.…

1. Checking in with different people every day

-Focusing on cultivating connections

1. Meditation – Silence

-Taking a few minutes every day to be silent

Lenten Series: Preparing to Dance     February 21st – March 28th

Feb 28th – Living through Grief

Mar 7th – A Healing Perspective

Mar 14th – Navigating the Uncomfortable

Mar 21st – Building, Rebuilding, Living Our Lives

Mar 28th – Confidence that We can Dance

Sunday, February 21, 2021 - Recognizing New Possibilities

Theme - Preparing to Dance: Recognizing New Possibilities

Prayer

Ezekiel 37:1-3                                Common English Bible Translation

The Lord’s power overcame me, and while I was in the Lord’s spirit, he led me out and set me down in the middle of a certain valley. It was full of bones. He led me through them all around, and I saw that there were a great many of them on the valley floor, and they were very dry. He asked me, “Human one, can these bones live again?” I said, “Lord God, only you know.” (Question: What are the things over the last year that has worn you out?)

Ezekiel 37:4-6

He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, Dry bones, hear the Lord’s word! The Lord God proclaims to these bones: I am about to put breath in you, and you will live again. I will put sinews on you, place flesh on you, and cover you with skin. When I put breath in you, and you come to life, you will know that I am the Lord.” (Question: What are the things that energize you?)

Ezekiel 37:7-8

I prophesied just as I was commanded. There was a great noise as I was prophesying, then a great quaking, and the bones came together, bone by bone. When I looked, suddenly there were sinews on them. The flesh appeared, and then they were covered over with skin. But there was still no breath in them. (Question: How do you encourage and build others up?)

Ezekiel 37:9-11

He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, human one! Say to the breath, The Lord God proclaims: Come from the four winds, breath! Breathe into these dead bodies and let them live.” I prophesied just as he commanded me. When the breath entered them, they came to life and stood on their feet, an extraordinarily large company. He said to me, “Human one, these bones are the entire house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished. We are completely finished.’ (Question: What kind of energy do you bring to situations in your life?)

Ezekiel 37:12-14

So now, prophesy and say to them, The Lord God proclaims: I’m opening your graves! I will raise you up from your graves, my people, and I will bring you to Israel’s fertile land. You will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and raise you up from your graves, my people. I will put my breath in you, and you will live. I will plant you on your fertile land, and you will know that I am the Lord. I’ve spoken, and I will do it. This is what the Lord says.” (Question: How do you want to be encouraged and how can you encourage others when you feel defeated?)

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 

Blessing

Song List

Breathe on Me, Breath of God – 286 GTG

This is My Father’s World – 370 GTG

O for a World – 372 GTG

Here in This Place – 401 GTG

Ash Wednesday Service 2021

Theme - Preparing Ourselves to Dance: My heart celebrates

Prayer of Preparation 

Genesis 1:3-5                                Common English Bible Translation

God said, “Let there be light.” And so light appeared. God saw how good the light was. God separated the light from the darkness. God named the light Day and the darkness Night. There was evening and there was morning: the first day.

Genesis 2:7-8                                   

The Lord God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils. The human came to life. The Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east and put there the human he had formed. 

Job 42:2-6

I know you can do anything; no plan of yours can be opposed successfully. You said, “Who is this darkening counsel without knowledge?” I have indeed spoken about things I didn’t understand, wonders beyond my comprehension. You said, “Listen and I will speak; I will question you and you will inform me.” My ears had heard about you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I relent and find comfort on dust and ashes.

Prayer for Moving Forward

Psalm 139:7-12

Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence? If I went up to heaven, you would be there. If I went down to the grave, you would be there too! If I could fly on the wings of dawn, stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean – even there your hand would guide me; even there your strong hand would hold me tight! If I said, “The darkness will definitely hide me; the light will become night around me,” even then the darkness isn’t too dark for you! Nighttime would shine bright as day, because darkness is the same as light to you!

John 1:3-5; 8:12

Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. Jesus spoke to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Psalm 16:8-11

I always put the Lord in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side. That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety because you won’t abandon my life to the grave; you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit. You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand.

Symbol of Ashes & Life

The rocks this evening are the color of ashes but notice the words imprinted them. As we take a rock this evening let us hold onto it, meditate upon the word we receive and commit to experiencing that word during Lent.

Prayer for Possibilities 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

There Is a Balm in Gilead – 792 GTG

Precious Lord, Take My Hand – 834 GTG

I Danced in the Morning – 157 GTG

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light – 377 GTG

Come! Live in the Light! – 749 GTG

Goodness is Stronger than Evil – 750 GTG

Light Dawns on a Weary World – 79 GTG

Be Thou My Vision – 450 GTG

Questions for Discussion

What are the things you want to change in your life that you have control over?

What are the things that you need to let go of from this past year?

What have you come to value over this year?

What things do you hope to take with you from 2020?

How have you experienced God in the last year?

How do you want to experience God in 2021?

Practices to Focus upon During this Season of Lent and Beyond

1. Prayer – setting a time/alarm twice a day pray/converse with God

-Being open about struggles

-Talking to God about those we love

-Opening ourselves up to following God’s guidance and wisdom

1. Picking a book in the Bible. Reading a few verses every day.

-Asking questions, noting new insights

-Possible books: Ruth, Proverbs, Mark, Philippians, Colossians

1. Consuming something every day that helps one to thrive

-Books, Media, Music, Art, Conversations, Podcast, Exercise, Eating habits, etc.…

1. Checking in with different people every day

-Focusing on cultivating connections

1. Meditation – Silence

-Taking a few minutes every day to be silent

Sunday, February 14, 2021 - How is God with us?

Theme: Curious Questions of God - How is God with us?

Prayer

Matthew 3:13-17                                                           Common English Bible Translation

At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River so that John would baptize him. John tried to stop him and said, “I need to be baptized by you, yet you come to me?” Jesus answered, “Allow me to be baptized now. This is necessary to fulfill all righteousness.” So John agreed to baptize Jesus. When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him.” (Question: Where have you encountered the Spirit of God?)

John 14:23-27

Jesus answered, “Whoever loves me will keep my word. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word that you hear isn’t mine. It is the word of the Father who sent me. “I have spoken these things to you while I am with you. The companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” (Question: What have you learned from God?)

Acts 13:46-52

Speaking courageously, Paul and Barnabas said, “We had to speak God’s word to you first. Since you reject it and show that you are unworthy to receive eternal life, we will turn to the Gentiles. This is what the Lord commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, so that you could bring salvation to the end of the earth.” When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the Lord’s word. Everyone who was appointed for eternal life believed, and the Lord’s word was broadcast throughout the entire region. However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile God-worshippers, as well as the city’s leaders. They instigated others to harass Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their district. Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium. Because of the abundant presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, the disciples were overflowing with happiness. (Question: How have you relied upon God during difficult times?)

Romans 14:12-18

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. So stop judging each other. Instead, this is what you should decide: never put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of your brother or sister. I know and I’m convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is wrong to eat in itself. But if someone thinks something is wrong to eat, it becomes wrong for that person. If your brother or sister is upset by your food, you are no longer walking in love. Don’t let your food destroy someone for whom Christ died. And don’t let something you consider to be good be criticized as wrong. God’s kingdom isn’t about eating food and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ this way pleases God and gets human approval. (Question: Have you ever gotten caught up in something insignificant and then missed something wonderful?)

1 John 3:14-19

We know that we have transferred from death to life, because we love the brothers and sisters. The person who does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that murderers don’t have eternal life residing in them. This is how we know love: Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. But if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help – how can the love of God dwell in a person like that? Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth. This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts in God’s presence. (Question: When have you experienced God’s presence?)

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

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – 611 GTG

Standing on the Promises – 838 GTG

We Will Go Out with Joy – 539 GTG

Prayer for the Week

God of my life, as I experience this day may I notice your presence, may I notice where you are guiding me. Give me the strength and wisdom to follow. Amen.