August 23rd Virtual Worship
The Order of Worship
| Order | Notes |
|---|---|
| Prelude | Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah Forest, Arr. Wagner |
| The Bells Call Us to Worship | |
| Welcome and Call to Worship | |
| A Word About Today's Music Selections | |
| Hymn of Adoration | Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation |
| A Message to Children and Families | |
| Response: Jesus Loves Me | |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer | |
| Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord | |
| Mission Moment | Ministries, Activites & Outreach Peg and Jerry Weissinger |
| Worship in Music | |
| Doxology | |
| Scripture Reading Matthew 25: 1-13 | |
| Hymn of Reflection | O Morning Star |
| Sermon | Matthew Adds to the Story: Are You Paying Attention? |
| Hymn of Parting | Here I Am, Lord |
| Commissioning and Benediction | |
| On Eagles' Wings | |
| Postlude | Toccata Hegarty |
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
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
For two millennia disciples of Jesus have lived in an “in between” state. We are between Jesus’ inauguration of the kingdom of God and the hoped-for fulfillment of that kingdom of heaven on earth. Disciples are also between trusting Christ to accomplish this fulfillment and our partnership with Christ to share in the work of justice, kindness and humility. The parable that is our focus suggests our role is one of waiting with preparation and action.
Questions for Reflection:
How do you describe what Jesus’ kingdom of heaven on earth looks like?
How do you experience the “in between” state of today’s glimpses of Jesus’ kingdom of heaven on earth and its ultimate and complete fulfillment in the future?
Do you ever feel discouraged or frustrated when it seems justice, kindness and humility are declining? Can you identify a time when Jesus may have experienced that frustration?
What kind of glimpses of the kingdom of heaven on earth bring renewal and hope to keep working?
What God-given gift in your life aligns well with actions that advance Jesus’ way? How does that gift fit with the big picture of the fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven on earth?
Both Audio as well as Video Recordings are available below.
Audio Recordings
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