February 6th 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: I Corinthians 13
A Message to Children
Worship in Music
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Hymn of Reflection:
Sermon: Grace May Abound
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

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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

Our Story: Grace May Abound

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

[Reading above - I Corinthians 13]

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 22. 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. St. Paul beautifully articulates this “still more excellent way”.

Questions for Reflection:

  • Please note and think through the questions at the end of chapter 22 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.

Video Recordings (Recorded Live)

Pastor Marc Hayden

Marc brings a lot of experience to his work at Friedens UCC, along with a passion to continue to learn and add value to the practice of pastoral ministry.  Marc is committed to living his gifts by engaging in ministry on a team. He enjoys collaborating with the church staff and Council of Ministry Leaders to advance Friedens’ mission of sharing the love of Christ with all people.  Marc is a husband, father and grandfather who invests significant time and energy in these important relationships. You can reach Marc at 317-490-8084 or at PastorMarc.FriedensUCC@Outlook.com.

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February 13th Virtual Worship

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January 30th Virtual Worship