September 4th 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 14:25-33 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection: |
| Sermon: The Cost of Discipleship |
| 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:
The Cost of Discipleship
Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
[Reading Above - Luke 14: 25-33]
On the heels of a teaching about welcoming all into discipleship, Jesus reminds the large crowds following him that “everyone is welcome” does not mean anything goes. There is a high cost to discipleship—disciples must put God and God’s values first. Those values are helpfully summarized in the greatest commandments: love God with all that you are and love your neighbor as yourself.
Questions for Reflection:
Jesus loved to use rich imagery and parables in his teaching. Life with God as our Leader defies easy explanation. In this case, Jesus uses hyperbole to startle those who are considering the life of discipleship. Trusting God above all and putting God first does not come at the exclusion of other relationships but it does demand a consistent commitment to God that shapes all other relationships and interactions. How does your commitment to God shape your relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and the wider world?
How does embracing your identity and mission as a loved and loving child of God empower you to be liberated from the possessiveness of possessions?
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.
