February 11th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
If You Choose?
A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “___ ____ _________, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “__ ___ _________. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you ____ ___________ to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to _____________ ___ ___________, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
[Reading above - Mark 1:40-45]
The first chapter of Mark introduces Jesus in the wilderness of the Jordan River, includes two journeys by Jesus to the wilderness (verses 12-13 and verse 35), and ends with Jesus back in the wilderness (verse 45). Clearly, the wilderness, as a symbol of vulnerability and adversity that is also a place of connection with God, is central to Jesus’ ministry. To choose to follow Jesus is a choice to stay close to the Divine Presence in order to find the grace and strength necessary to serve and trust God like Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
How do you live in the tension of knowing and trusting God and dealing with adversity and suffering?
There is a theme in Mark’s gospel of Jesus telling those who understand he is the Christ and the Son of God (Mark 1:1) to be quiet about it. There is a practical side to this theme—Jesus seems to know that he can easily be overwhelmed by the crowds of needy people. But there seems to be more to it as well. Jesus is not ready to reveal the fullness of his identity and what that means until after his death and resurrection. Reflecting on the whole story of Jesus, how do you understand and articulate Jesus’ identity?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
As we approach the season of Lent, a time of spiritual reflection and renewal, consider following Jesus into the wilderness, also described by Mark as a deserted place or a lonely place. Choose to spend quiet time with God confessing and admitting your vulnerability.
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