July 11th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
This We Believe: God Calls
The United Church of Christ Statement of Faith
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen
Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
[Reading above - Romans 16: 25-27]
At the heart of Paul’s Letter to the disciples in Rome and the United Church of Christ Statement of Faith is praise to God. Likewise, at the heart of Christ’s disciples, despite life’s circumstances, is praise to God.
Questions for Reflection:
Last Sunday we focused on the characteristics of life in Christ, listed by Paul in Romans 12:9-18. I invited worshipers to pray this passage with an openness to the Spirit’s prompting of one of the characteristics that you might practice. Did one of the characteristics resonate for you? Did the practice of that characteristic make life in Christ real? Would you like to continue to practice this way of inviting the Spirit of Christ to guide your discipleship?
Throughout Paul’s letter he emphasizes the grace of Christ that justifies or makes right our relationship with God. How has this ancient letter improved your relationship with God? What difference does it make in your day-to-day life and interactions to stand in grace?
Praise and gratitude grow out of grace, God’s unconditional love and acceptance in Christ. No matter what we can count on the graceful Divine presence upholding us. How do you incorporate gratitude in your daily life? How does it change your attitude about life’s everchanging circumstances?