December 29th 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: Luke 2:27-32 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: A Light for Revelation |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
First Sunday After Christmas
A Light for Revelation
Luke 2:27-32 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Key Idea of the Sermon It is not uncommon to feel a post-Christmas let down. The festivities are over, the presents unwrapped, it is time to put away the decorations, while cold, gray winter days stretch out before us. No wonder we feel blue if we didn’t already feel that way going into the holidays. Mary and Joseph set a good example for us—follow the traditions of faith. They fulfilled the law of Moses through rituals of purification and dedication in the Temple. There they encountered faithful souls like Simeon and Anna who offered encouragement and a promise for a meaningful future. Questions for Reflection • Simeon affirms the role of Jesus as one whose salvation will be a light for revelation of the Gentiles and a glory for God’s people, Israel. What in your relationship with Jesus is like a revealing light that glorifies God? • Anna also recognized something special in Jesus (Luke 2:36-38). How do you think Mary and Joseph were feeling and thinking about what Anna and Simeon spoke about Jesus? A Spiritual Practice to Try When we are feeling blue it is especially important to practice the rituals and traditions of our faith. Daily prayer and Bible reading keep us close to Christ. Regular worship keeps us in communion with the community of disciples. Serving others opens us to a greater sense of meaning, purpose, and joy. Make faith practice a priority this winter and see how your mood changes
Questions for Reflection:
When you experience stormy feelings that undermine well-being how do you respond? Do you remember to reach out for help from Jesus and other caring people in your life?
What in your practice of faith brings calm and peace to your life? How might you incorporate these practices in your daily life rather than just in times of trouble?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Identify a time when calm and peace came in a stormy situation. Thank God for that help and restoration and ask God to use your story to help others. Remember, people of faith are blessed in order to be a blessing.
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
