August 7th Virtual Worship
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:
Living Into The Promise
Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
[Reading Above - Luke 12:32-34]
Today’s lesson from Luke features the concluding words of Jesus in a warning about greed. This teaching begins at Luke 12:13, with a plea that Jesus might help arbitrate a conflict over a family inheritance. Jesus uses the opportunity to tell a parable about the foolishness of amassing wealth. In the parable a farmer who enjoys the abundance of God’s fertile land responds by building more and larger barns. This strategy fails miserably as the farmer’s life comes to an abrupt and unexpected end. Jesus drives the point home by teaching about the foolishness of worry about needs and wants. Take a clue from nature and trust God’s providential care and get into the flow of God’s abundance—receiving gratefully and giving generously.
Questions for Reflection:
Jesus’ promise for a good life includes our Creator’s abundance added to our careful stewardship, full application of our gifts, and the generosity of a grateful heart. What makes it so hard for us to trust this equation for meeting the needs of all?
How does a generous sharing of God’s abundance offer a more sustainable approach to using the earth’s resources?
Jesus commands us not to be afraid. What role does fear play in greed?
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.