February 13th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, 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:
Our Story: Be Doers of the Word
You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
[Reading above -James 1:19-27]
We continue reading the Bible from beginning to end as a story of saving grace. We are following an edited version of the Bible called The Path, A Journey Through the Bible (published by Forward Movement and available from Amazon). If you are using this resource, please read chapter 23. We have taken a big picture view of the story of Jesus: beginning with the birth narratives, summarizing Jesus’ wisdom, watching the way Jesus lives with God as his first priority, inviting others to join in this way of grace and peace, and faithfully remaining on the journey even though it led to the cross. When it seemed the story of Jesus and his love was over, light and life dawns anew! Wonder of wonders, the new life of Christ is extended to us as well. The source of this new life in Christ is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s living Spirit transforms us and the world God loves with the irresistible force of Divine grace. Grace takes shape and the vision of Shalom becomes real in the care and compassion of disciples.
Questions for Reflection:
Please note and think through the questions at the end of chapter 23 in The Path
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship
We are using an ancient spiritual practice called Lectio Divina. This is a prayerful way of reading a scripture passage with mindfulness of Christ’s Living Spirit in the words. Try this practice with today’s scripture lesson. On Sunday please slowly read through these verses a few times in an attitude of prayer. Pay attention to a word or phrase that stands out. Then apply this word or phrase to the challenges and opportunities of each day in the week. On Saturday look back and give thanks for the way Christ has helped you live as a more faithful disciple. If you need help or guidance, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.