November 7th Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Welcome & Comments about Today's Music |
| Prelude: |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration: |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Ezra 1:1-7 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection: |
| Sermon: Go Up and Rebuild |
| Communion Hymn: |
| The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper |
| Hymn of Parting: |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude: |
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:
Our Story: Go Up and Rebuild
In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom, and also in a written edict declared: “Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of those among you who are of his people—may their God be with them! —are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem; and let all survivors, in whatever place they reside, be assisted by the people of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides freewill offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.”
The heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—got ready to go up and rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. All their neighbors aided them with silver vessels, with gold, with goods, with animals, and with valuable gifts, besides all that was freely offered. King Cyrus himself brought out the vessels of the house of the Lord that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the house of his gods.
[Reading above - Ezra 1:1-7]
We continue reading the Bible from beginning to end as a story of saving grace. We are following an edited version of the Bible called The Path, A Journey Through the Bible (published by Forward Movement and available from Amazon). If you are using this resource, please read chapter 15. At the beginning of our ancient faith story, we learned that “nothing is impossible with God”. This truth resonates more than a thousand years later as God’s people, scattered and in exile for over half a century, are invited to return home and make a fresh start. Most surprising of all is the way God works through kings of other nations to accomplish God’s purposes. It is not an easy return and rebuilding but change never is easy. Steps forward and backward are taken with trust in God’s grace. Do you see God at work in unexpected ways? Can you trust God’s grace in the changes of your life?
Questions for Reflection:
Please note and think through the questions at the end of chapter 15 in The Path.
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.
Video Recordings (Recorded Live)
