October 30th 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: Luke 19:1-10 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Transforming Love |
| 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:
Transforming Love
He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”
[Reading above - Luke 18:9-14]
The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus is found only in Luke’s gospel, near the conclusion of the Travel Narrative (9:51-19:27, the story of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem for suffering and death). This story continues Luke’s theme of: Who receives the kingdom of God? It would seem that even a wealthy and corrupt person can receive spiritual sight, be transformed by grace, and live according to the purposes and values of Jesus. There is good news and hope as Jesus nears Jerusalem.
Questions for Reflection:
In Luke 18:35-42, we read of a blind man who receives his sight by the transformative power of Jesus. Zacchaeus also suffers from the inability to see Jesus. In both cases, Jesus stops and connects with theses two characters, which ultimately leads to renewed vision and transformed lives. In what ways do you need clear vision? How is Jesus engaging you to open your eyes?
In Luke 18:9-14, we read of a tax collector who is humble before God and receives mercy and forgiveness. Zacchaeus takes this story another step by making amends for the injustice he has perpetrated. How is making amends part of the process of forgiveness? Is there someone you have wronged? Have you confessed your need for God’s mercy? What amends do you need to make?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Zacchaeus was not only liberated from the sins of greed and injustice, but he was also liberated from the burden of possessions. Try spending some time in prayerful reflection on the greed, injustice, and possessions that burden you. Ask Christ to liberate you from these burdens and take an action that demonstrates the way Christ has gracefully given you the transformative power of love. If you need help with this spiritual practice you may reach me at: pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
A Practice to Deepening 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
