May 22nd 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 16:9-15 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Disciples Together |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Disciples TogetherDuring the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.
[Reading above - Acts of the Apostles 16:9-15]
Following the story we studied last Sunday in Acts 10 and 11, the Way of Jesus is moving toward a gentile audience in gentile lands. Paul’s mission is emphasized as he takes the good news of God’s transformative grace in Christ to Asia Minor and Europe. In this week’s story there is no controversy about the gentile mission, in fact a Greek woman of Thyatira, named Lydia, becomes a disciple and a leader in the church. God sees no distinctions, why should we?
Questions for Reflection:
Refresh your memory of last week’s story by reading Acts 10:34-35; 11:17-18. What is the significance of this new understanding of the early church and its leaders?
Why is it that we disobey God and allow distinctions to divide the one human family?
How can we be instruments of grace in Christ to bring healing and understanding?
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 29th:
Acts 16:16-24 | Breaking Chains
