PREPARING OUR HEARTS & MINDS FOR WORSHIP: Sadly, the destructive acts and logic of state violence and white supremacy were on display once again this week. We will, of course, continue to pray for our country and for racial justice. But as followers of Jesus we must also witness to a different way, and our worship must make space to acknowledge the reality we inhabit. For our pre-service worship activity you are invited to watch this powerful song video titled "Rose Petals". It is a lament, it's a call to confession/repentance/action for the church, and it's a call to hope and to act for a better world. You can find the lyrics to the song here.
In his new book, Who Will Be a Witness, Dr. Drew Hart writes the following about the church and our witness as that Body. After you watch the video (above), reflect for a moment on these words:
"I am committed to the church. Yet something is terribly amiss. I refuse to accept that what typically passes for Christianity in America is the actual embodiment of the faith... The church's witness is not all doom and gloom, though. There are churches that embody God's justice, love, and deliverance for their neighbors. And encounters with actual communities that take Jesus seriously--those that love their neighbors, incorporate practices for redistributing wealth, and confront and speak truthfully to those who unjustly abuse power, as Jesus himself did--are simply breathtaking and inspiring. They offer living hope. An encounter with a community living our their baptismal identity as followers of Jesus, and opting out of power dynamics that exercise domination over others, can surprise those who witness what God is doing. Jesus desires to lead us into a better way of living with others, and when people actually live that out in community, their shared life is compelling and contagious." (25-26)
MEDITATION:
(The worship video was pre-recorded, as pastor Chris was away on vacation this week)
OFFERINGS
God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory).
We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.
SENDING BLESSING
May the grace of Christ
that daily renews our lives,
and the love of God
that enables us to love all persons,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
that unites us as one body,
make us keep to discern
and prompt to obey
the complete will of God
until we meet again, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We give thanks for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness!
Though high above all things, God sees the lowly.
Even when we are in deep trouble, God makes us live again.
The love of God lasts forever!*
HYMN: The Church's One Foundation
PRAYER TIME
Offering of Prayers: Let’s take a moment to lift your prayers to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this moment of silent prayer.
Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: (based on readings from Matthew 16 and Romans 12)
Gracious God, though you are know by many names and depicted in many ways, we know you most fully in Jesus Christ, our Messiah, your Son. We thank you for forming us into the church, the body of Christ in the world. Help us to live as he taught us: loving you, loving neighbor, unified in Christ, using our varied gifts and skills in the service of ministry, until all things are transformed into what is good and acceptable and perfect. In Christ’s name we ask it, and together, as Jesus taught his disciples, we pray…
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory).
We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.
SENDING BLESSING
May God who restores,
Christ who calls,
and the Spirit who empowers
bless you
and increase your joy and gladness,
now and always.*
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How would you answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?”
What connections do you make when you reflect on these two scripture readings?
*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 131-136).
Offering of Prayers: Let’s take a moment to lift our prayers to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this moment of silent prayer.
Offering of Praises: One of the expressions of faith that we find in the scriptures and that is an important part of Christian worship, is that of offering praise. We offer our praises for what God has done for us, or what we expect or hope God will do. You are invited to take a moment to offer your praises—whatever you want to praise God for right now. Then also read the words of today’s Psalm, 67:1-7. Let us worship God, and encourage one another, with our praises.
Prayer & Lord’s Prayer:*
Almighty God, whose compassion embraces everyone, gather the outcast and the lost, heal the wounds of fear and distrust, and make us a community of reconciliation that we may embody your merciful love and rejoice in your astounding grace, in Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray saying…
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory).
We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.
SENDING BLESSING
By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we go forth to serve our neighbors, to love our enemies, and to embody God's mercy in the name of Jesus Christ.
The blessing of God, source of life, power of life, redeemer of life, be with you now and always. Amen.*
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why do you think Jesus resisted the Canaanite woman’s request at first? What do you think changed Jesus’ mind?
The woman cried out for mercy. But does she also show mercy in this story? How, or in what ways?
What are you learning about God’s mercy through this story?
*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 109-115).
God speaks peace to the faithful, to those who turn to God in their hearts.
Surely salvation is at hand for those who fear God.
Where God dwells, steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Faithfulness springs up from the ground and righteousness looks down from the sky.
God gives what is good and we respond with abundant praise!*
HYMN: "Tu Amor"
PRAYER TIME
Pause for individual prayers: Take a moment to silently lift your prayers and praises to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this time of silence.
Prayers of Intercession:* God of power and love, you are with us in every circumstance of this life. We thank you for your steadfast faithfulness. We thank you for the gift of your peace, which comes to us even in times of chaos and fear, trouble and doubt. We thank you for your powerful arms of mercy that grasp us when we are sinking. We put our trust in you, for you alone can save us.
We ask for your power and love to overwhelm the chaos of the nations. Send your encompassing shalom to restore and repair all that is torn and broken. Give us faith and courage to follow Christ so closely that divisions are dismantled, reconciliation is accomplished, and love casts out all fear.
Increase mutual understanding and a sense of unity in our community. In our personal relationships bring healing where there is estrangement and hurt. In our relationship to your creation, give us creativity and perseverance as we work to be faithful stewards of all you have made.
We entrust to your providence and care all those who suffer. To one struggling with doubt, increase faith. For those caught in the grip of anxiety and uncertainty, grant the calm rest that your peace alone gives. And for all who face illness, pain, or even death, we pray for restoration and wholeness to fill them—in heart, mind, and body.
You alone can save us, almighty God; hear our cries to you, we pray. We ask all things in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray saying…
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and forever. AMEN.
SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 14:22-23
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
MEDITATION & COMMUNION
OFFERINGS
God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory).
We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.
SENDING BLESSING
Step out in faith, trusting that the God who has called you is able to keep you from falling and holds you in love. May the steadfast love and faithfulness of God surround you; the peace of Christ enfold you; and the Holy Spirit encourage you, now and forever.*
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples ahead while he stayed to pray alone?
How have you noticed Jesus coming toward you in the midst of stormy experiences?
Matthew’s gospel may offer another possibility for understanding “little faith.” How does it feel to hear Jesus encouraging us in our faith rather than scolding us for a lack of faith?
Have you noticed any examples of “little faith” this week? Share with those around you.
*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 103-108).
This Sunday we will offer a simplified worship time that will focus on a study of the letter to the church at Rome. We will not celebrate Communion today (it will take place next Sunday).
Thank you for worshiping with us!
CALL TO WORSHIP
Saving God, we come to you this day from times that are hectic. We are pulled in many directions. Open our hearts to receive you. Deliver us from the temptation to just give up and flounder in the rough waters of life. Reach out to us with your strength and power and bring us closer to you. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(From Ministry Matters, Worship Connection August 2 2020)
PRAYER TIME
Mosaic Mennonite Conference Prayer Focus: This week all congregations in Mosaic Mennonite Conference are praying for school administrators who are making necessary and difficult decisions about the start of school this fall. We also pray for teachers and other school employees as they prepare for the school year. Pray for wisdom, clarity, safety, and cooperation as they work together to ensure the best for our children’s education as well as the public safety.
Pause for individual prayers: Take a moment to silently lift your prayers and praises to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this time of silence.
The Jesus who invites all to come to him, also teaches us to pray. So let us join together with the words of the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and forever. AMEN.
SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 14:1-15:7
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2 Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3 Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
5 Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6 Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.
7 We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to God.”
12 So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
13 Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. 19 Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others fall by what you eat; 21 it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. 22 The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed are those who have no reason to condemn themselves because of what they approve. 23 But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat, because they do not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
15 We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
MEDITATION: Romans Part 2 (The Bible Project)
A poster that gives an overview to the book of Romans can be downloaded HERE.
OFFERINGS
God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory).
We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.
SENDING BLESSING
May there be love and understanding in our hearts and in our world.
May peace and friendship offer shelter from life's storms.
May we be released from our deep fears and our fruitless guilt.
May we have the courage to speak truth against violence and suffering.
Guiding Spirit, bless our journey with these good companions, that we may be drenched with the longing for peace, to make justice blossom on earth. Amen.
(From Diane Zaerr Brenneman, Words for Worship 2, 155)
Friday, August 28, 2020 at 10:23AM 
