November 19th 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:
Tending God’s Light
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You turn us back to dust, and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”
For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants!
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands!
[Reading above - Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 (Page 746 in the Chalice Hymnal)]
Psalm 90 is generally regarded by Biblical scholars as a communal lament. It was likely used after the time of the exile to Babylon (about 500 years or so before the time of Jesus) during a worship service of penitence and intercession. The community of faith was appealing to God for deliverance from hardship that had persisted for quite some time (note verse 15). This ancient hymn draws a sharp contrast between the eternal nature of God and the mortal condition of humanity. This spiritual truth is humbling and a cause for hope for those seeking Divine deliverance.
Questions for Reflection:
This psalm focuses on the greatness and majesty of God. Why is it important to remember how great is God and how small are we? How is this humble truth a cause for hope and joy?
“Turning” is an action word used twice in this hymn (verses 3 and 13). This action is central to repentance and being transformed by Divine grace. What do you need to turn from in order to turn toward God? The psalmist also petitions God to turn from punishment to compassion. How do you understand God’s turning?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
This is a week for thanksgiving! Speak, sing, and pray your gratitude to God. Let that atitude spill over in the people in your life who bless you in small or big ways. Say thank you to customer service reps, leave an appreciative note for your mail carrier, pay for the person behind you in the drive thru line, smile and wave to your neighbors, give a high five to the children in your life, hug a friend or family member, give an extra treat to your faithful pet companion. Make thanksgiving an everyday and fun spiritual practice!
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