May 31st Virtual Worship: Pentecost
The Order of Worship
| Order | Notes |
|---|---|
| Prelude | Come, Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire Arr. Leatherman |
| The Bells Call Us to Worship | |
| Welcome and Call to Worship | |
| A Word About Today's Music Selections | |
| Hymn of Adoration | The Gift of Love |
| A Message to Children | |
| Response: Jesus Loves Me | |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer | |
| Hear Our Prayer | |
| Worship in Music | Help Us Accept Each Other |
| Doxology | |
| Scripture Reading Matthew 6: 1-8, 16-18 | |
| Hymn of Reflection | Wind Who Makes All Winds That Blow |
| Sermon | Matthew Adds to the Story: On Practical Matters of the Spirit |
| Hymn of Parting | Holy Spirit, Truth Divine |
| Commissioning and Benediction | |
| On Eagles' Wings | |
| Postlude | Finale Jubilante Willan |
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
Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday and the outpouring of Christ’s living Spirit, we turn to the teachings of Jesus on the practice of spiritual disciplines. Jesus reminds us the purpose of life in the Spirit is to give glory to God, not to make ourselves look righteous to others.
Questions for Reflection:
How is Matthew 5:14-16, a complement to today’s teaching on prayer, almsgiving and fasting?
The word hypocrite is related to the Greek work for “actors”. How do you distinguish acting from being authentic?
Spiritual disciplines are not the same thing as experiencing the living Spirit of God; they are practices that help create the awareness of the abiding Spirit of God. What practices help you to be aware of the Divine Presence? What is the reward of these practices?
What one practice of the Spirit would you like to try in the new week?
Both Audio and Video Recordings are available below.
Audio Recordings
Video Recordings
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