January 24th Virtual Worship

The Order of Worship: Third Sunday After Epiphany
Welcome
Call to Worship
Mission Moment: Just Peace, Adam Hayden
A Word About Today's Music Selections
Prelude: Variants on "St. Anne" - Croft, Arr. Williamson
The Bells Call Us to Worship
Hymn of Adoration: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
Scripture Reading: John 6: 35-40
A Message to Children
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Hymn of Reflection: Break Thou the Bread of Life
Sermon: Journeying with John; The Bread of Life
Hymn of Parting: Savior, Like a Shepard Lead Us
Benediction
On Eagle's Wings
Postlude: Fugue No. 2 - Penfield

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:

Journeying with John, The Bread of Life

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

[Reading above - John 6: 35-40]

The sixth chapter of John begins with a sign revealing another layer in the rich and deep identity of Jesus of Nazareth. The feeding of a large crowd of hungry people with only a boy’s lunch is the sign revealing Jesus as the Bread of Life. Not only does Jesus offer food for the physically hungry but he is also the spiritual nourishment that yields life eternal in God’s kingdom. The commentary of Richard Adams Jr. put it this way: “Jesus is more than a miracle worker who convinces witnesses that God is worthy of belief. Rather, Jesus is the sign, inviting all to belief.”

Questions for Reflection:

  • In John 6:30, people plead with Jesus for a sign so that they might see and believe. How have you bargained with Christ, using a request for a miracle as a prerequisite for belief? Why does this approach to faith fall short?

  • What does Jesus the Word made flesh have to offer that satisfies our deepest hungers?

  • How does this idea of Christ as the Bread of Life enrich your understanding of communion?

  • In John 6:39, Jesus promises “I should lose nothing that the Father has given me”. What is the assurance this promise gives disciples?

Both Audio as well as Video Recordings are available below.

Audio Recordings

Video Recordings

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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January 17th Virtual Worship