July 26th Virtual Worship

The Order of Worship

Order Notes
PreludeCanzona in C Major
Zipoli
Welcome and Call to Worship
Hymn of AdorationCome, Thou Almight King
A Message to Children
Response: Jesus Loves Me
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord
Mission MomentEngaging Young Adults (EYA)
Pastor Sarah
Worship in MusicSing Praise to God
Doxology
Scripture Reading Matthew 16: 1-4
Hymn of ReflectionJesus, Lover of My Soul
Sermon Matthew Adds to the Story:
Searching for Signs
Hymn of PartingYou Servants of God
Commissioning and Benediction
On Eagles' Wings
PostludePostlude 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

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:

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”?

Both Audio as well as Video Recordings are available below.

Audio Recordings

Prelude
Welcome & Call to Worship
Hymn of Adoration
A Message to Children
Response: Jesus Loves Me
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Response: Hear Our Prayer O Lord
Mission Moment
Pastor Sarah
Worship in Music
Doxology
Scripture Reading Matthew 16: 1-4
Hymn of Reflection
Sermon: Matthew Add's to the Story: Searching for Signs
Hymn of Parting
Commissioning & Benediction
On Eagles' Wings
Postlude

Video Recordings

Pastor Marc Hayden

Marc brings a lot of experience to his work at Friedens UCC, along with a passion to continue to learn and add value to the practice of pastoral ministry.  Marc is committed to living his gifts by engaging in ministry on a team. He enjoys collaborating with the church staff and Council of Ministry Leaders to advance Friedens’ mission of sharing the love of Christ with all people.  Marc is a husband, father and grandfather who invests significant time and energy in these important relationships. You can reach Marc at 317-490-8084 or at PastorMarc.FriedensUCC@Outlook.com.

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August 2nd Virtual Worship

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July 19th Virtual Worship