January 3rd Virtual Worship

The Order of Worship: Epiphany
Welcome
Call to Worship
Prelude: We Three Kings - Arr. Smith
The Bells Call Us to Worship
Hymn of Adoration: As with Gladness
Scripture Reading: John 1: 35-42
A Message to Children
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Hymn of Reflection: We Three Kings
Sermon: What Are You Looking For?
Communion Hymn: How Great Our Joy
The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Hymn of Parting: Arise, Your Light Is Come
Benediction
On Eagle's Wings
Postlude: The First Noel - Callahan

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

If you wish to see more information about giving or to checkout our new Online Giving process, visit our GIVING page.

Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

Journeying with John, What Are You Looking For?

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!”

The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

[Reading above - John 1: 35-42]

This story demonstrates a theme used throughout John’s gospel: seeing clearly leads to knowing truly, and what is known leads to testimony (from the commentary of Alexandra R. Brown). To hear and to follow are distinguishing and ongoing activities of discipleship. John also uses “to stay” thirty-four times in his gospel, not only to indicate a physical place but also a connection to spiritual presence. “Staying with Jesus” leads to seeing the deeper truth of Jesus’ identity. Discovering the truth about Jesus motivates one to share the invitation to see, hear and stay.

Questions for Reflection:

  • What is your story of seeing, hearing, and discovering something significant about Jesus that led you to follow? Who pointed the way for you?

  • In what ways does Jesus represent “what you are looking for”?

  • To whom are you extending the invitation “come and see”?

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 10th Virtual Worship

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Christmas Eve 2020