May 26th 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: Mark 4:26-29 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Mystery and Surprise |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
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:
Mystery and Surprise
He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”
[Reading above - Mark 4:26-29]
At the opening of the 4th chapter of Mark’s gospel, the narrator tells us, Jesus began to teach the people many things in parables. Last Sunday we looked at the parable of sowing seed (verses 1-9), suggesting a disciple’s job is to cast the seed of God’s grace far and wide. Today’s parable is a variation on that same theme. Again, seed is sown, a few days pass and the seed sprouts. The gardener does not know how! On Trinity Sunday we humbly acknowledge there is much that is mysterious and surprising about God’s presence in our lives and in the world God loves. God is at work and we do not know how!
Questions for Reflection:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:25-33, Jesus teaches that the opposite of faith is worry not doubt. In fact, even after the resurrection some of the disciples doubted it even when they were seeing the Risen One with their own eyes (Matthew 28:16-17). Rather than a stumbling block, doubt can raise the questions that lead to faith. What are you doubting right now? What questions do you need to bring to Christ in prayer?
Admitting we do not know can be hard to do but often leads to greater trust in Christ. How does your sense of Divine mystery deepen your faith?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Humility is a quality of discipleship. Develop this quality by being honest enough to admit there is much we do not know. This honesty is especially important to exercise with younger ones who look up to us. Practice finding the answer together when a young person asks a question. Exemplify a faith seeking understanding that leaves room for mystery.
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
