January 28th 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: Mark 1:21-28 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: What Is This? |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
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:
What Is This?
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were ______________ at his teaching, for he taught them as one having _____________, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all ___________, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with _____________! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
[Reading above - Mark 1:21-28]
According to Mark, the first action of Jesus’ ministry is the calling of four disciples—Simon, Andrew, James, and John (Mark 1:16-20). The second and third actions take place in the village of Capernaum where Simon and Andrew live (today’s passage). In the synagogue, the gathering of the faithful, Jesus teaches, and Jesus exorcises an unclean spirit. What sets Jesus apart is the authority he represents. Though we are just 28 verses into Mark’s Gospel, these initial actions of Jesus result in this stunning comment by the narrator: At once his fame began to spread. This fame proves to be a double-edged sword, as we will see in next Sunday’s passage.
Questions for Reflection:
Authority is a central theme of this passage.
How have you experienced authority and how have you exercised authority?
What makes authority helpful? What makes authority harmful?
Jesus describes the quality and purpose of his authority in Mark 10:42-45. How do these verses clarify the proper understanding of authority?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
The authority of Christ and his disciples is the power to serve others. This week practice acts of kindness as a way to exercise the authority and influence of Christ in the world. At the end of the week reflect on the difference kindness made in your life and in the lives of those you touched with the serving Spirit of Christ.
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
