October 23rd 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: Luke 18:9-14 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Just Worship |
| 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
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Just Worship
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
[Reading above - Luke 18:9-14]
With the parables of Jesus, we look for the unexpected twist. The twist is easier to identify in this story than in others. The one who is justified or put right by God in worship is not the expected religious leader but instead is the unexpected collaborator with Rome, the tax collector. The difference that matters between these two worshipers is their humility before God. A humble spirit grows from our grateful dependence on God’s grace.
Questions for Reflection:
Read Proverbs 3:34 and Romans 12:3. How do these verses reinforce the teaching of Jesus in this parable?
Who are the people in your life who help you stay humble? Have you thanked them lately?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Reflect on your prayer time with God. Think about the words you use in prayer. Like the religious leader, are your petitions dominated by the pronouns, I/me? In this new week try beginning your daily prayer time with a simple expression of gratitude for God’s grace in your life that accepts and saves you, then allow your petitions to reflect your concerns for others. Try ending your prayer time with a few moments of quiet listening, focusing on your breath as a symbol of God’s grace moving in and through you with blessing, and then out to bless others. If you ever need help with your spiritual practice, please feel free to reach out: pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
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
