May 8th 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 9:36-43 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Life Giving Acts |
| 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
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:
Life Giving Acts
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
[Reading above - Acts of the Apostles 9:36-43]
The more stories we read in the Acts of the Apostles the more we see the way the Living Spirit of Christ is able to turn the world upside down and inside out. Fishers become preachers. Enemies become friends. Those on the outside looking in have a place at the table. Life and love get the last word! The story of Tabitha is inspiring. Her service to the most vulnerable is so significant that she is brought back from heaven to continue her servant leadership.
Questions for Reflection:
The friends of Tabitha do not give-up even in the face of her death. They send for Peter to see what he can do. What are the problems we face that seem to have no solution? What are the resources of discipleship that give us hope?
There is no attempt to explain this resurrection story. How does not seem to be important. It’s meaning is what matters. What is the meaning you take from this story?
In this situation Peter simply does what he witnessed Jesus do in a similar situation. Read Mark 5:21-24, 35-42 and note the connections in the two stories. What does this story teach you about following Jesus?
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 15th:
Acts 11: 11-18 | Who are We to Hinder God?
