September 11th 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 15:1-7 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Who is Welcome? |
| 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:
Who is Welcome?
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance
[Reading above - Luke 15:1-7]
This teaching challenges disciples to remember that Jesus is a host who welcomes and rejoices with those who have been rescued and restored and those who have yet to be rescued and restored. In the community of the Good Shepherd grace bridges the gaps and opens hearts to reconciliation.
Questions for Reflection:
In verse 2 the word “welcomes” in Greek can suggest hosting. What does it mean to you to think of Jesus as Host?
The shepherd in the parable does not act like a shepherd normally would. This shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep alone and vulnerable in the wilderness and does not return to them when the one is found and rescued. What do you think Jesus is teaching us with this parable of reversal?
Is the way to remain always with the Good Shepherd to follow the Shepherd wherever the Shepherd goes? Might this be the way we ourselves are rescued and restored?
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
