November 20th 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: Psalm 46 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Give Thanks to Our Refuge and Strength |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
If you wish to see more information about giving or to checkout our new Online Giving process, visit our GIVING page.
Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Give Thanks to Our Refuge and Strength
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
[Reading above - Psalm 46]
This song of praise is yet another proclamation of a foundational truth of our ancestral faith—God’s abiding presence sees us through any and all adversity we face. From natural catastrophe to political chaos, we can rely on Divine strength to shelter and sustain us.
Questions for Reflection:
Note Genesis 21:20, Exodus 3:12, Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5, as examples of the way God is with us. How do you experience God’s presence?
Divine presence does not prevent catastrophe and suffering. How does a God who is with us make a difference in the face of adversity?
Verses 8-11 suggest the ultimate fulfillment of God’s intentions for universal Shalom or comprehensive well-being. What does that mean to you?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Gratitude is foundational to faith in God. There are many ways to offer God thanks. Some of the common ways we offer praise include: prayer, worship, singing, journaling, going around the dinner table to list a blessing, and acting on our thanks by lending a helping hand to a neighbor. Add to this list and then choose a new way for you to offer your thanks to God. Incorporate this new practice of gratitude in your daily life.
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
