February 20th 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: The Alpha and the Omega
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
[Reading above - Revelation 21: 1-7]
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 24. 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. The New Testament closes with an encrypted message from a disciple in exile. To avoid Roman censorship, John of Patmos writes in the metaphorical imagery of apocalyptic eschatology, the enigmatic language of the fulfillment of history. The Creator begins the story in the opening chapter of the Bible with a vision of Shalom. The story is fulfilled by the Savior who connects the beginning with the end, the first with the last.
Questions for Reflection:
Please note and think through the questions at the end of chapter 24 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.