August 6th 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: Mathew 14:13-21 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection: |
| Sermon: What Compassion Can Do |
| 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:
What Compassion Can Do
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
[Reading Above - Matthew 14: 13-21]
Following the compilation of some of Jesus’ parables of life with God in Mathew 13, the 14th chapter tells stories of Jesus putting these truths into action. These actions of Jesus are also in response to the execution of Jesus’ mentor, John the Baptist, told in the first twelve verses of the chapter. If there was any question about Jesus’ fate prior to John’s execution that is now clarified—Jesus will also face execution from the political authorities. How does Jesus respond? He continues to teach and live the truth and power of life with God. Jesus trusted God above all else. Jesus was commited to the way of compassion no mater what. Jesus sows the seeds of grace and peace; confident they will grow.
Questions for Reflection:
Archaeological evidence from Jesus’ place and time reveals the impoverishment of his people by imperial occupation. Jesus was not just providing a picnic for his people; he was engaged in relieving their hunger. How do the policies of our governmental authorities’ impact health and well-being in our place and time? How might Jesus encourage us to adjust those policies?
Verse 14 in this passage reveals that Jesus is motivated by compassion. How does a commitment to compassion inform the way you live day to day?
Jesus takes the gifts offered, blesses them, and shares them. There is enough for all with some left over. Is Christ still able to take our gifts and multiply them to meet the need? What does that look like in our place and time?
A Spiritual Practice to Try:
Sharing meals was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry. Meals were a sacred event for Jesus. Give some thought to reclaiming mealtime as a sacred moment in your days. Maybe you want to renew a tradition of blessing the meal? Maybe you see a meal as a place to bring people together in love and unity? Maybe it is a time when we turn off our screens and talk or sit quietly? Maybe you take a meal to someone who needs it? Be creative and embrace the sacred nature of a meal.
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.
