March 5th 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: John 3:11-17 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection: |
| Sermon: Bold Blessing |
| Communion Hymn |
| The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Bold Blessing
“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
[Reading Above - John 3:11-17]
The gospel writer uses an intriguing conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus to emphasize two important themes in John:
The Logos/Word/Creative Spirit of God in Christ that brought life into being at the beginning continues to bring new life to all humankind. The Spirit’s work is a gift of heavenly transformation to be received not controlled.
God’s love for the world finds expression in Christ. Belief/trust/allegiance to Christ as loving action is the faithful response of disciples to Divine love.
Questions for Reflection:
The Spirt is like the wind that blows where it will. The Spirit is revealed in new and transformed life and in Divine love. Where do you see the Spirit at work in your life?
Nicodemus is mentioned in two other stories in John, 7:50-51 and 19:38-42. Do these stories suggest a change in Nicodemus? How would you describe that change?
Read Numbers 21:8-9 to get the background on this phrase, Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness. What does this background suggest about the meaning of Christ, the Son of Man, being lifted up?
A Spiritual Practice to Try:
I have been encouraging you to be open to a mountaintop experience with Christ that brings rest to your weariness and faithful priorities to your life. Remember Jesus has promised to be with you always, so you need not seek him, you just need to invite him in. This week I want to encourage you to welcome Jesus and spend time listening to his still, small voice. You might even give-up some minutes of screen time for some minutes of quiet listening. Don’t be disappointed if you do not receive a Divine revelation. More often than not, and with practice, you will come to sense a peaceful and graceful presence that sees you through all the ups and downs. Give it a try and stick with it. If you need my help, you can reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
A Practice to Focus on 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.
