July 3rd Virtual Worship
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:
I Am Sending You
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’
[Reading Above - Luke 10: 1-11]
In the coming months we will follow the story of Jesus in the Gospel According to Luke. The passages are appointed by the Revised Common Lectionary. It can be helpful to read these stories with three timeframes in mind: 1) the time of Jesus, the first third of the first century; 2) several decades later as Luke was writing his account of Jesus; and 3) our own time. In these sermons I will expand on the importance of three words in relation to these timeframes: transformation, fidelity, and relevance. Today’s story emphasizes the empowerment of disciples.
Questions for Reflection:
What does it mean to you to describe yourself as a disciple of Jesus?
What word or phrase or image best describes the way you follow Jesus?
How do you invite others to know and be transformed by the grace of God in Jesus? Ask Christ to open your eyes and heart to someone who needs the good news of grace.
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.
Sermon title and text for July 10th:
Luke 10:30-37 | Caring Neighbors