March 10th 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 107:1-9, 33-43 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: No Matter What |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
No Matter What
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is ______; for his steadfast ______ endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with _______ things.
The Lord turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants. He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. And there he lets the hungry live, and they establish a town to live in; they sow fields, and plant vineyards, and get a fruitful yield. By his ____________ they multiply greatly, and he does not let their cattle decrease. When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, trouble, and sorrow, he pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes; but he raises up the __________ out of distress, and makes their families like flocks. The upright see it and are glad; and all wickedness stops its mouth. Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast _____ of the Lord.
[Reading above - Psalm 107:1-9, 33-43]
Psalm 107 is a hymn of praise likely used in worship when the community of faith was presenting a thank offering to God for deliverance in a time of adversity. Four experiences of Divine deliverance from hardship are articulated: deliverance from desert wanderings (vs. 4-9), deliverance from imprisonment (vs. 10-16), deliverance from illness (vs. 17-22), and deliverance from storms at sea (vs. 22-27). In each case a pattern is established: distress is acknowledged, prayers of petition are urgently utered, God answers the plea, and thanksgiving is offered in worship. This pattern is lifted up for the faithful to follow.
Questions for Reflection:
Can you relate to one of the four hardships of this psalm—feeling lost, stuck, ill, or in jeopardy? Apply the psalms’ pattern for relief: acknowledge the distress, pray for help, identify God’s actions of deliverance for you, and return thanks in the community of faith.
In composing this ancient song, the psalmist may have been thinking about and encouraged by dramatic stories of deliverance from the past, like the liberation of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt of the return home of the exiles in Babylon. What stories of deliverance give you encouragement and hope?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
It is especially frightening to feel alone in adversity. Spiritual practice is a way to cultivate an awareness of God’s abiding presence and your connection to our community of faith. Spiritual practice takes discipline. Choose a practice that helps you feel close to God and close to Friedens Church and stick with it. Worship, prayer, study of our sacred texts, and service to others were the practices Jesus used. Maybe one of these will be a helpful focus for you.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice.
Use the journal as a way to:
1. jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
2. respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
3. make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
4. create a to-do list of discipleship actions
5. list questions you want to explore
6. write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
