May 21st 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:
At Home with God
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Selah Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.
[Reading above - Psalm 84]
Psalm 84 is likely a pre-exilic (during the period of Solomon’s Temple, circa 1000 to 600 BCE) hymn used by pilgrims on their way to the Temple for a festival, maybe the Feast of Tabernacles which celebrates God’s provision and protection. Themes of this ancient song include joyful anticipation of worship in God’s house, a reminder of Divine strength and provision for the journey, and the promise of favor and happiness for fulfilling God’s commands. These themes remain relevant and timely for the faithful.
Questions for Reflection:
Do you look forward to worship in the House of the Lord? How do you prepare to meet God in worship?
How does God strengthen and provide for you on the journey of your life?
How do you experience a sense of happiness and contentment for fulfilling God’s commands, which are summarized by loving God, self, and neighbor?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Try writing a song, poem, or prayer that uses the themes of Psalm 84. Use this creative expression as a way to get ready for worship. If you would like to share your creativity, please send it to 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
Video Recordings (Recorded Live)
Technical issues with this weeks service :(