April 7th Virtual Worship

The Order of Worship
The Bells Call Us To Worship
Prelude
Call to Worship
Hymn of Adoration
Confession of Sin
Kyrie
Assurance of Pardon
Greeting of Peace
Gloria
Scripture Reading: Mark 2:1-12
A Message to Children
Worship in Music
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Hymn of Reflection:
Sermon: Your Sins Are Forgiven
Communion Hymn
The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Hymn of Parting
Benediction
On Eagle's Wings
Postlude

Music Ministry Team:  Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez

Worship Team:  Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden

Technology Team:  Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger

If you wish to see more information about giving or to checkout our new Online Giving process, visit our GIVING page.

Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

Your Sins Are Forgiven

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

[Reading Above - Mark 2:1-12]

We began the year following the story of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel. During Lent and Holy Week we studied the appointed Psalm and Gospel lections for the season. Now we return to Mark and his story which is the oldest of the canonical gospels, telling the story with brevity and fast-moving action. Today’s story highlights Jesus’ concern for the whole person, as well as shining a light on the way we can all share in the ministry of compassion.

Questions for Reflection:

The friends in the story are determined to help. How has friendship been an example of Christ’s healing in your life?

What recent experience has caused you to be amazed and glorify God?

A Spiritual Practice to Try:

Friendship can be a powerful tool for wholeness in relationships. Ask Christ to show you how you can lend a hand to a friend in need and then follow through.

A Practice to Focus on Discipleship:

Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:

jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures, respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes, make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons, create a to-do list of discipleship actions, list questions you want to explore, write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!

If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.

Video Recordings (Recorded Live)

Pastor Marc Hayden

Marc brings a lot of experience to his work at Friedens UCC, along with a passion to continue to learn and add value to the practice of pastoral ministry.  Marc is committed to living his gifts by engaging in ministry on a team. He enjoys collaborating with the church staff and Council of Ministry Leaders to advance Friedens’ mission of sharing the love of Christ with all people.  Marc is a husband, father and grandfather who invests significant time and energy in these important relationships. You can reach Marc at 317-490-8084 or at PastorMarc.FriedensUCC@Outlook.com.

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March 31st Virtual Worship