October 8th Virtual Worship
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:
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
New International Reader’s Version
You created the deepest parts of my being. You put me together inside my mother’s body. How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise you for that. What you have done is wonderful. I know that very well. None of my bones was hidden from you when you made me inside my mother’s body. That place was as dark as the deepest parts of the earth. When you were putting me together there, your eyes saw my body even before it was formed. You planned how many days I would live. You wrote down the number of them in your book before I had lived through even one of them.
The Message Version
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.
[Reading above - Matthew 18:15-20]
This passage, which reinforces the parable of the shepherd who seeks the lost sheep that comes immediately before, affirms the grace of God which values each and every one, desiring to bring all to reconciliation. Jesus offers some practical steps to bring restoration when an offense leads to division and estrangement.
Questions for Reflection:
What do you think when you hear or read that you are wonderfully and fearfully made?
How do you feel when you hear or read that you are wonderfully and fearfully made?
The United Church of Christ recognizes October 8th at Disability Awareness Week and Access Sunday. As followers of Jesus what does it mean for us to live in community when we believe all are fearfully and wonderfully made and all have different disabilities and abilities?
This week or next, maybe you would enjoy praying with and meditating on this song by Rev. Jacob Nault. Fearfully Wonderfully Beautifully Made ∙ Jacob Nault - YouTube
If you have ideas, questions, or stories to share with Friedens’ Disabilities Team, please let us know. They hope to have another panel conversation and/or a book study in coming months.
Here is a blog post written by one of our leaders Rev. John Gantt for further study and reading. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YryVQKiwQUbOBhfQx5vV8j0VteCdHV8fIvSbz_AHwoY/ edit?usp=sharing
Thank you for being on this journey of growing, learning, serving, and loving as followers of Jesus. We are grateful for you! Please feel free to connect with us about prayer concerns or questions.
A Spiritual Practice to Try
The next time a conflict arises with another disciple in our community of faith follow the steps for reconciliation set forth by Jesus. Let one of your pastors guide the process and make sure you have the compassion and determination of the shepherd who is intent on finding the lost sheep.
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