March 12th Virtual Worship
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:
Thirsty Voices
Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”
[Reading above - John 4:39-42]
Our scripture lesson is the conclusion of a long conversation between Jesus and an unnamed Samaritan woman. New Testament professor, Audrey West, provides this helpful summary of a complex story: the episode, found only in John, incorporates a number of Johannine terms (eternal life, truth, seeing, believing, the hour), as well as narrative themes and motifs (the true identity of Jesus, irony, movement from misunderstanding to believing). Throughout the extended dialogue, the woman is bold to ask several questions as Jesus reveals truths about his identity and the gifts of God that are available to believers through Jesus (from Feasting on the Gospels). My particular focus for the sermon is the way the encounter with Jesus gave the woman a meaningful purpose—bearing witness to her friends and neighbors about the new possibilities available in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
During Lent I have been encouraging you to ponder some questions:
When have you had a mountaintop encounter with Jesus? Remembering such an experience can open you to another. The story of the Transfiguration (Mathew 17:1-9) was the inspiration of this question.
Are you creating the space in your life to pay atenttion to and listen for the call of Jesus on your life? What do you hear? The story of Nicodemus (John 3:1-15) was the inspiration of these questions
What is the purpose or the actions Jesus is calling you to take? Today’s story of the woman who invites others to encounter and follow Jesus is the inspiration of this question.
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Prayerfully reflect on the call and purpose you hear from Jesus. Try putting that call into a mission statement. If you would like to share that mission statement with me, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
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