September 17th 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: Matthew 18:21-22 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Limitless |
| 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:
Limitless
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
[Reading above - Matthew 18:21-22]
By this time in Mathew’s gospel, Jesus has begun the journey to Jerusalem. He has been honest with his disciples that suffering and death await him there, along with resurrection. Like his mentor, John the Baptist, who was executed by Herod Antipas, Jesus’ fate is sealed. Rome maintains its peace through intimidation and violence. Crucifixion was the ultimate expression of intimidation and violence. Jesus knows that this sort of evil can breed an evil response. Jesus seeks to break the bloody cycle of vengeance. He commands his followers to meet evil with the greater power of good, to overcome sin with Divine grace and forgiveness. In fact, Jesus promises his abiding Spirit so that forgiveness might be limitless.
Questions for Reflection:
Think of a time when you were granted the graceful gift of forgiveness. How did that feel? How did that change you?
Overcoming evil with good, extending forgiveness repeatedly, and meeting violence with nonviolence, is often considered naïve and impractical. Consider what Jesus accomplished on the cross, Rev. Dr. King’s non-violent response to hatred and racism that led to the civil rights act, and Nelson Mandela’s and Desmond Tutu’s dismantling of apartheid. How might this commitment to peace through justice be applied to our place and time?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Peaceful protest of injustice, advocacy with our elected officials to change unjust systems, and contributing to caring organizations that are offering a hand-up to folks who are suffering, are three tools we have available as patriotic and responsible citizens in our democracy. Prayerfully consider which of these tools for peace with justice is part of your calling as a disciple. Follow through with action by participating in the work of the Friedens Moving Outward Ministry Team. Read the weekly Friedens’ e-news to find opportunities to get involved.
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
