November 5th Virtual Worship
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
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Partners in Service?
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
[Reading Above - Matthew 23:8-12]
Remember, the teachings of Jesus we witness in these passages leading to Jesus’ death bear witness to a debate within Judaism, not against it. Jesus is using these final days to clarify his way, so his disciples will know how to follow. To the essential teaching on the primacy of love in the previous chapter of Mathew, Jesus reinforces that his call to embrace the three great loves of God, neighbor, and self, are lived with humility. Jesus’ way raises up servant leaders who are humbly obedient to God and humbly compassionate to others and self.
Questions for Reflection:
On this Sunday when we gratefully remember those who have gone before us in life and death, what does it mean to you that we entrust our loved ones into God’s everlasting care?
Who among your beloved saints in heaven serve as an example of servant leadership?
A Spiritual Practice to Try:
Let’s continue the spiritual practice we began last week. Make your daily mantra: I am a loved and loving child of God. Then put this mantra into practice with at least one daily act of humble kindness for self and others.
A Practice to Focus on 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.