January 7th 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 1:1-8 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection: |
| Sermon: The Beginning of the Good News |
| 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:
The Beginning of the Good News?
The beginning of the _______ ______ of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your _____; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of _______________ for the _____________ of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the _______ _________.”
[Reading Above - Mark 1: 1-8]
Jesus is the source of the good news the church of every age is to proclaim, the good news of God’s saving acts in continuity with the mission of God’s people and in fulfillment of the hope of a way that blesses all.
Questions for Reflection:
The message of John the Baptizer echoes Exodus 23:20, Malachi 3:1-2, and Isaiah 40:3. How do these passages add to your understanding of the good news about Jesus?
The imagery of a straight and level path through the wilderness in order to get home brings comfort and renews hope. How is the way of Jesus a path through the wilderness in your life and in the world God loves?
John announces the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. How might this idea be related to understanding Jesus as Immanuel, which means God with us?
A Spiritual Practice to Try:
This passage is Mark’s introduction to the Gospel. Write your own beginning of the good news about Jesus. Use your composition as a daily reminder to follow the way
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship:
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures, respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes, make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons, create a to-do list of discipleship actions, list questions you want to explore, write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
