December 4th 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: Isaiah 11:1-9 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection: |
| Sermon: Love Casts Out Fear |
| Communion Hymn |
| The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
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
If you wish to see more information about giving or to checkout our new Online Giving process, visit our GIVING page.
Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Love Casts Out Fear
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
[Reading Above - Isaiah 11:1-9]
Preparation for the re-birth of Christ in our lives continues as we renew hope in the fulfillment of God’s reign of love. Isaiah, in a time of adversity for God’s people, promises the line of King David will be renewed bringing righteousness, justice, and equity to the poor and meek, as well as a return to the intentions of the Creator as articulated in the opening chapter of Genesis—a world of Shalom. This promise will be fulfilled as we turn to God with faithfulness and follow God’s instructions with obedience.
Questions for Reflection:
The poor and the meek represent those who know their lives are dependent on trust in God’s providence. How do you experience poverty? How does God meet your need?
Righteousness and justice are interchangeable words in the Bible. Their meaning suggests a reliance upon God to put things right in our relationships, first with God and then with others. How does living in God’s unconditional and saving love empower you to put things right in your relationships?
The prophet paints a beautiful image of peace among those who know fear and enmity, like a calf and lion living together. Who do you fear? Who is your enemy? How might God work in your life to bridge the gap caused by fear and enmity?
A Spiritual Practice to Try:
Generosity is a fruit of the Spirit of God that is a powerful tool of Divine love. Make a plan today to practice generosity with the poor and the meek. The Giving Tree at Friedens invites gifts of coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for children who receive our Weekender food packs. Choose this or another worthy charity as an outlet for your generosity.
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.
