May 12th 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: Mark 3:31-35 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: The True Kindred of Jesus |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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 True Kindred of Jesus
Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
[Reading above - Mark 3:31-35]
Despite resistance from some authorities to his Way, Jesus is inundated with the needs of the people. In the third chapter of Mark’s gospel Jesus must have a boat ready as a means of escape from the crushing crowd along the shore of the Sea of Galilee (verses 9 and 10). Then, following a time of prayer when Jesus appoints the twelve apostles, the crowd of people seeking Jesus are so demanding that Jesus and the disciples do not have time to eat (verse 20). It is at this moment that Jesus’s family intervenes to restrain him (verse 21). Jesus’ family is concerned for his well-being. Jesus uses this incident as teaching moment, expanding the idea of family to all who do the will of God (verse 35).
Questions for Reflection:
Taylor Swift is a recent example of the phenomenon of fame. What drives fame in someone like Taylor Swift and how is that different or the same with the stories of Jesus in Mark chapter 3?
We do not all enjoy loving and faithful family relationships, but we can all enjoy a consistently loving and faithful relationship with God. This makes Jesus’ definition of family so appealing and helpful. How do you nurture your relationship with God and how does that influence the other relationships of your life?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
There are some tried and true ways to discern God’s will for your life: studying the Bible, seeking advice from a trusted and seasoned disciple, prayer and meditation, openness to the Divine Spirit in worship, trusting one’s gifts as a direction forward. Choose one of these methods and practice it this week. Be mindful of a sense of clarity that comes from this practice and consider making it a regular part of your spiritual life.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice.
Use the journal as a way to:
1. jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
2. respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
3. make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
4. create a to-do list of discipleship actions
5. list questions you want to explore
6. write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
