January 14th 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 1:9-15 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Defining Moments |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Defining Moments
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
[Reading above - Mark 1:9-15]
The gospel writer Mark moves with urgency and brevity through the good news about Jesus. An oft repeated word in the gospel is immediately, used in today’s passage in verse 12. The affirmation of Jesus in baptism, the testing of Jesus in the wilderness, and the arrest of John are the defining moments that propel Jesus forward into ministry.
Questions for Reflection:
In Mark’s telling of the baptism the gift of the Holy Spirit and the Divine affirmation, you are my son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased, were personal events for Jesus; they were not witnessed by those who were watching. What personal experiences with God have shaped your life?
The wilderness in the Bible is a place of adversity and a place where God is encountered and trust in God is deepened. How has adversity in your life opened you to the presence of the Divine?
The heart of Jesus message is an invitation to life with God that empowers a process of repentance or transformation into your identity as a beloved child of God. What do you need to ask God to transform in your life so that you might be a beloved child of God?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Rather than avoid or deny the wilderness experiences of vulnerability through adversity, live into your places of challenge and open your heart to the graceful presence of God that sees you through. If you need a hand with this task please reach out to Pastor Marc at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice.
Use the journal as a way to:
1. jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
2. respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
3. make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
4. create a to-do list of discipleship actions
5. list questions you want to explore
6. write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
