August 22th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Our Story: Joseph Had a Dream
Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.
Once Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream that I dreamed. There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright; then your sheaves gathered around it, and bowed down to my sheaf.” His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Are you indeed to have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more because of his dreams and his words.
[Reading above - Genesis 37: 1-8]
We continue reading the Bible from beginning to end as a story of saving grace. We are following an edited version of the Bible called The Path, A Journey Through the Bible (published by Forward Movement and available from Amazon). If you are using this resource, please read chapter 4. The introduction of the story of Joseph marks the beginning of Israel’s most important story of deliverance and liberation. Once again, we note the way God invites flawed humans to be covenant partners for Shalom.
Questions for Reflection:
Please note and think through the questions at the end of chapter 4 in The Path.
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship
We are using an ancient spiritual practice called Lectio Divina. This is a prayerful way of reading a scripture passage with mindfulness of Christ’s Living Spirit in the words. We are currently using Romans 12:9-18 as our scripture focus. On Sundays please slowly read through these verses a few times in an attitude of prayer. Pay attention to a word or phrase that stands out. Then apply this word or phrase to the challenges and opportunities of each day in the week. On Saturday look back and give thanks for the way Christ has helped you live as a more faithful disciple. If you need help or guidance, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.