March 24th Virtual Worship
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:
The Lord’s Doing
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly; the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.
I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
[Reading above - Psalm 118:1-4, 14-17, 21-24]
Bible scholars believe Psalm 118 was used in the Temple ritual at two important times of worship for the gathered people of God. It was sung as a hymn of thanksgiving following the Passover meal and it was used as the entrance liturgy for the Feast of Tabernacles. Both occasions celebrate God’s deliverance in the past through the dramatic story of the Exodus. Remembrance produces hope for our own experiences of adversity that cause us to cry out to God: Hosanna, save us! Details of Psalm 118 reflected in the Palm Sunday story suggest Jesus’ trust in God’s deliverance as he entered Jerusalem for the final week of his earthly journey.
Questions for Reflection:
What stories of God’s deliverance in our heritage of faith give you hope for today?
How do the events in Jesus’ final week reveal God’s deliverance for Jesus and for you as Jesus’ follower?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Set aside time during Holy Week to read the account of Jesus’ final days in Mark chapters 11-16. Mark sets the pattern that is followed by the other gospel writers. Read these passages in a prayerful way that opens you heart and mind to the Living Spirit of Christ. Pay special atention to the way these stories deepen your discipleship and enrich your trust in God.
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