July 30th 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: Matthew 13:31-32 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Tiny Seeds. Surprising Results |
| 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
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Tiny Seeds, Surprising Results
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
[Reading above - Matthew 13:31-32]
Jesus uses this brief parable to teach about the reality he came to establish—the kingdom of heaven, also called the kingdom of God. The kingdom of heaven is life under God’s rule beginning here and now and stretching into eternity. Or put another way it is life in line with Divine purposes and values. This alignment produces a meaningful, joyful, and satisfying life. So, what are the Divine purposes and values? This parable shines a light on one of those values, the subtle, persistent, and humble work of God’s Spirit to bring about the vision of Shalom—harmony and wholeness for all of creation.
Questions for Reflection:
Human sovereignty is often characterized by the many serving the few. Human power structures often strive to be impressive and even intimidating to stay in control. The symbols of human governments usually express strength and power. What does a mustard seed suggest about the rule of God?
How does a seed suggest a different kind of influence and way of bringing about change?
Are those who have influenced you the most more flash or more substance, more glory or more humble, more impressive or more integrity?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
The forces opposed to life under God’s rule are often loud, intimidating, and coercive. It is easy to feel these forces will overpower the humble and subtle way of Christ our Leader. Jesus taught us to resist evil but never to fight evil with evil. Meet opposition to the grace and peace of Christ not impulsively but prayerfully. Let a simple and brief prayer like, “thank you for being with me, O God”, be the tiny seed you plant when you feel overwhelmed, opposed, hurt, afraid, or angry. Give it a try and see what happens.
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
