May 1st 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: Acts of the Apostles 9:1-6 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection: |
| Sermon: The Way Forward |
| 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:
The Way Forward
Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
[Reading above - Acts of the Apostles 9:1-6]
Last Sunday in the fifth chapter of Acts we learned two spiritual truths that are practiced in the story of Saul’s experience of transformation. First, Peter insisted that disciples of Jesus must obey God over human authorities. Second, Rabbi Gamaliel rescued the apostles from execution by reminding the authorities that what is of human origin will fail and what is Divine will endure. In today’s story we meet a disciple named Ananias who obeys God’s command to mentor Saul, trusting that Saul’s transformation is of Divine origin.
Questions for Reflection:
How have you come to follow Jesus? Was it a sudden change or a process of awakening or something else?
How does our highest level of commitment to God in Christ inform and guide all of our other obligations and responsibilities?
What is an example in your life of something that at first seemed uncertain but over time proved to be Christ working in your life?
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship:
We are using an ancient spiritual practice called Lectio Divina. This is a prayerful way of reading a scripture passage with mindfulness of Christ’s Living Spirit in the words. Try this practice with today’s scripture lesson. At the beginning of the week please slowly read through these verses a few times in an attitude of prayer. Pay attention to a word or phrase that stands out. Then apply this word or phrase to the challenges and opportunities of each day in the week. At the end of the week look back and give thanks for the way Christ has helped you live as a more faithful disciple. If you need help or guidance, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Sermon title and text for May 8th:
Acts 9:36-43 | Life Giving Acts
