July 23th 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: Psalm 139:1-12 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: It Can Be Good News |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
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:
It Can Be Good News
Good News Version 139
LORD, you have examined me and you know me. 2 You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts. 3 You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. 4 Even before I speak, you already know what I will say. 5 You are all around me on every side; you protect me with your power. 6 Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding. 7 Where could I go to escape from you? Where could I get away from your presence? 8 If I went up to heaven, you would be there; if I lay down in the world of the dead, you would be there. 9 If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, 10 you would be there to lead me, you would be there to help me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me or the light around me to turn into night, 12 but even darkness is not dark for you, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
New International Reader’s Version
1 LORD, you have seen what is in my heart. You know all about me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know what I’m thinking even though you are far away. 3 You know when I go out to work and when I come back home. You know exactly how I live. 4 LORD, even before I speak a word, you know all about it. 5 You are all around me, behind me and in front of me. You hold me safe in your hand. 6 I’m amazed at how well you know me. It’s more than I can understand. 7How can I get away from your Spirit? Where can I go to escape from you? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I lie down in the deepest parts of the earth, you are also there. 9 Suppose I were to rise with the sun in the east. Suppose I travel to the west where it sinks into the ocean. 10 Your hand would always be there to guide me. Your right hand would still be holding me close. 11 Suppose I were to say, “I’m sure the darkness will hide me. The light around me will become as dark as night.” 12 Even that darkness would not be dark to you. The night would shine like the day, because darkness is like light to you.
[Reading above - Psalm 139:1-12]
Questions for Reflection:
How does your physical body respond to this passage?
Are there certain verses that catch your attention? Why?
If we consider God’s all-inclusive love and unconditional acceptance of us, what are some messages of hope and encouragement in this passage? How do we reflect and live out this good news in the week ahead?
Perhaps you’d like to write out a song, poem, or prayer this week. If you’d like to share it, please send it our way.
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Get your hands into the soil and help to take care of your little corner of creation. Would you like to help with the community garden at Friedens that provides fresh veggies for a local food pantry? Would you like to grow flowers to support the vital role of pollinators? Would you like to lend a hand at Hunger Inc or help with Weekenders to ensure neighbors who know food insecurity get enough to eat? Thoughful actions from many kind disciples can make a big difference.
A Practice to Deepening 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
