July 26th Virtual Worship
The Order of Worship
Order | Notes |
---|---|
Prelude | Canzona in C Major Zipoli |
Welcome and Call to Worship | |
Hymn of Adoration | Come, Thou Almight King |
A Message to Children | |
Response: Jesus Loves Me | |
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer | |
Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord | |
Mission Moment | Engaging Young Adults (EYA) Pastor Sarah |
Worship in Music | Sing Praise to God |
Doxology | |
Scripture Reading Matthew 16: 1-4 | |
Hymn of Reflection | Jesus, Lover of My Soul |
Sermon | Matthew Adds to the Story: Searching for Signs |
Hymn of Parting | You Servants of God |
Commissioning and Benediction | |
On Eagles' Wings | |
Postlude | Postlude Brevis Lasky |
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 Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away.
Last Sunday as we studied the opening story of Matthew 15, a debate Jesus engages in with other religious leaders, Jesus insisted that all traditions and practices must conform to “the commandment of God”. This greatest commandment, and a second that is like it, is to love God with all that we are and to love neighbor as self. Having set forth this truth, Jesus then demonstrates its power as he heals the sick and feeds the hungry, as this chapter closes. The 16th chapter of Matthew opens with a demand for a sign to prove Jesus’ identity and purpose. Considering the power of Divine love just demonstrated we can understand why Jesus is exasperated by such a request. Before walking away with disappointment that not even the religious leaders understand, he comments on the sad condition of humanity and leaves them with a cryptic clue to what is coming. What is coming is not what is deserved, it is what is needed.
Questions for Reflection:
Why is “the commandment of God” what matters most? How is grace the hope for the world God loves?
Why are we so blind to see how Divine love is at work? Why are we so slow to partner in this work?
What are the signs of the times calling us to open our hearts for greater understanding and loving service?
How do you interpret “the sign of Jonah”?