June 25th 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 10:16, 26-31, 39 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: The Demands of Discipleship |
| 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:
The Demands of Discipleship
See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
[Reading above - Mathew 10:16, 26-31, 39]
This passage is part of the instruction Jesus gives his disciples before sending them out to share his healing and peaceful ministry with others. Jesus is honest about the conflict they will face. Jesus’ healing and peaceful ministry often runs counter to the values of society. He compares this conflict as “sheep living in the midst of wolves”. Though it seems disciples are outmatched we need not fear, for God is always with us. God knows us intimately. God cares for us completely. God’s grace in and through Christ will see us through hardship and ultimately overcome.
Questions for Reflection:
Disciples are to be like sheep. We do not “get them before they get us”. How do we resist evil without resorting to evil means? How do the careers of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu in dismantling apartheid provide a helpful model? Jesus also uses the imagery of disciples being “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” How does the non-violent resistance of the civil rights movement exemplify Jesus’ words and inform our actions for healing and peace in the world?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
The next time you feel angry or experience anger directed at you, pause before reacting. Step away from the situation if you can. Acknowledge the feelings, breathe through the emotions, thank God for being with you, and reflect on what Jesus would have you do as an agent of wisdom, innocence, healing, and peace. Then seek resolution and reconciliation; if it is rejected then move on trusting God to do what is impossible for us.
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
