October 2nd 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 17:1-6 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection: |
| Sermon: Increase Our Faith! |
| 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
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:
Increase Our Faith!
Jesus said to his disciples, “Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
[Reading Above - Luke 17:1-6]
In Luke 17 Jesus directs his comments away from opponents and toward his disciples. The tone is no less demanding. This group of sayings commands disciples to:
Avoid putting stumbling blocks to following the Way before other disciples, especially those who are new to Jesus’ Way of grace and peace.
Hold one another accountable in seeking repentance for sin.
Meet repentance with forgiveness no matter how many times it is needed.
Trust a little faith is enough to do what seems impossible.
Questions for Reflection:
The Greek word for stumbling is a word that means setting a trap that causes someone to trip. What kind of words and actions can trip-up the faith of others, and thus should be avoided at all costs?
Read Jesus’ comments in Matthew 18:15-17. How does this teaching help us hold one another accountable to faithfulness and preserve a community of care and forgiveness?
What examples come to mind of the way a little faith can do more than you imagine possible?
A Spiritual Practice to Try:
If you are sideways with someone at Friedens because of conflict or sin, try Jesus’ method for reconciliation in Matthew 18:15-17. If I can help or if you would like to report on this practice, please let me know at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
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.
