March 20th 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: Luke 13:1-9 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Do I Get What I Deserve? |
| 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:
Luke Poses Questions to Ponder: Do I Get What I Deserve?
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
[Reading above - Luke 13:1-9]
Last Sunday we noticed the way Jesus’ direction and purpose was rooted in his mission. We would be wise to imitate Jesus by renewing our relationship with Christ, identifying the gift Christ gives, allowing that gift to define our mission, and then sticking to it. In this passage we see the way Jesus applied his mission to every aspect of life, in this case the reality of suffering. Jesus refuses to blame suffering on the sin of the victims. Jesus challenges us to acknowledge the way each of us needs repentance
Questions for Reflection:
Jesus deals with the headlines of his time and place. What headlines cause you to ponder the reality of suffering and God’s relation to it?
Blaming the victims is one common and unjust way we try to make sense of suffering. What are other ways, both healthy and unhealthy, that are used to square suffering with the existence of a loving and powerful God?
Jesus does not actually answer the question of suffering and God. Jesus invites repentance/transformation that is life-changing and life-giving. How does the transformation of grace empower you to live with trust in God and experience suffering?
To me the parable suggests both Divine loving patience and urgency for repentance. What is your interpretation?
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship
We are using an ancient spiritual practice called Lectio Divina. This is a prayerful way of reading a scripture passage with mindfulness of Christ’s Living Spirit in the words. Try this practice with today’s scripture lesson. At the beginning of the week please slowly read through these verses a few times in an attitude of prayer. Pay attention to a word or phrase that stands out. Then apply this word or phrase to the challenges and opportunities of each day in the week. At the end of the week look back and give thanks for the way Christ has helped you live as a more faithful disciple. If you need help or guidance, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Sermon title and text for March 20th:
Luke 15:17-24 | Why Am I So Dissatisfied?
