July 12th Virtual Worship
The Order of Worship
| Order | Notes |
|---|---|
| Prelude | Fairest Lord Jesus Arr. Larson |
| The Bells Call Us to Worship | |
| Welcome and Call to Worship | |
| A Word About Today's Music Selections | |
| Hymn of Adoration | Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee |
| A Message to Children | |
| Response: Jesus Loves Me | |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer | |
| Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord | |
| Mission Moment | Lindsay Eichelman |
| Worship in Music | The Lord is My Light |
| Doxology | |
| Scripture Reading Matthew 14: 22-33 | |
| Hymn of Reflection | Blest Be the Tie That Binds |
| Sermon | Matthew Adds to the Story: A Unique Focus on Trust |
| Hymn of Parting | God of Grace and God of Glory |
| Commissioning and Benediction | |
| On Eagles' Wings | |
| Postlude | March in G Dixon |
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:
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
In our study of Matthew we have noticed the way the gospel writer connects the story of Jesus to the older story of Moses, adding to the meaning of Jesus a focus on liberation and deliverance. This story is another example of this connection, in at least two ways: 1) the story brings to mind the Exodus of God’s people across the Red Sea, rescuing them from the mighty storm of Pharaoh’s advancing army; and, 2) Peter cries out “save me”, as he falters in his attempt to join Jesus on the water, a cry of deliverance answered by God at the Red Sea and on the Sea of Galilee. Peter and the other disciples are beginning to learn that a “little faith” is sufficient. “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Questions for Reflection:
What are the stormy conditions threatening you and your community? How do you sense the presence of Christ in the chaos?
How does the liberation and deliverance of Christ provide a way forward?
In what ways are you joining Jesus on the water?
When you falter for whose hand do you reach?
How are you nurturing your “mustard seed” faith?
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