November 14th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, 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:
I Have No Good Apart From God
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight.
Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol or let your faithful one see the Pit.
You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
[Reading above - Psalm 16]
Biblical scholars believe Psalm 16 was a song used in worship at the time of renewing the covenant with God. Stewardship Sunday is one of those times we renew our covenant with God. It is a time to remember that God is the owner of all creation. We are stewards or caretakers of what belongs to God. Stewardship Sunday is about money. After all, the way we spend money says a lot about our priorities. Stewardship Sunday is about more than money. Stewardship Sunday is a chance to reflect on the way we use the fullness of our lives to glorify God and advance God’s purposes. Psalm 16 is a beautiful and meaningful way to adjust our priorities to the One who is our trust and security.
Questions for Reflection:
Think about your finances. What do they say about what matters most to you?
The Biblical standard for setting aside resources for God’s purposes is a tithe or one tenth (Deuteronomy 12:10-11, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 6:19-21). What steps might you take to move toward this goal?
One way we think about responding fully and gratefully to God’s abundance is sharing our time, talent and treasure. How are you using your precious time and God-given talents to live a life of meaning and significance?
What is the legacy you are creating that will bless others beyond the transition we call death?
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship
We are using an ancient spiritual practice called Lectio Divina. This is a prayerful way of reading a scripture passage with mindfulness of Christ’s Living Spirit in the words. We are currently using Romans 12:9-18 as our scripture focus. On Sundays please slowly read through these verses a few times in an attitude of prayer. Pay attention to a word or phrase that stands out. Then apply this word or phrase to the challenges and opportunities of each day in the week. On Saturday look back and give thanks for the way Christ has helped you live as a more faithful disciple. If you need help or guidance, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com