December 17th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Heather Orvek, 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:
Shouts of Joy
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who _________.
Then our mouth was filled with _____________, and our tongue with shouts of _____; then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done _______ ________ ____ ___, and we rejoiced. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
[Reading above - Psalm 126]
Joy is a gift of Christ’s advent. Psalm 126 is an ancient national lament that remembers God’s deliverance in the past as a means of hope for deliverance in the present. Living the life of faith during Advent is daring to dream that the Divine vision of Shalom is possible. This is a cause for joy.
Questions for Reflection:
A lament is a cry of complaint in suffering and a plea for Divine deliverance. What is your current need for deliverance?
Joy is the sense of well-being imparted by God’s loving and strengthening presence. Joy transcends circumstances of suffering and hardship. How do you experience and express joy?
The psalmist describes weeping as the seed sown that produces a harvest of joy. How has sorrow led to joy in your life experience?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Using Psalm 126 as a model, write your own lament. If it would be helpful to your spiritual growth, you are welcome to share it with 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:
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