Sunday, November 21, 2021 - Abundant Living: Embracing Life

Theme: Abundant Living: Embracing Life

Hymn      All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name    (In Person Only)

Welcome

 

Prayer for God’s Presence

2 Corinthians 9:1-4                    Common English Bible Translation

It’s unnecessary for me to write to you about this service for God’s people. I know about your willingness to help. I brag about you to the Macedonians, saying, “Greece has been ready since last year,” and your enthusiasm has motivated most of them. But I’m sending the brothers so that our bragging about you in this case won’t be empty words, and so that you can be prepared, just as I keep telling them you will be. If some Macedonians should come with me and find out that you aren’t ready, we (not to mention you) would be embarrassed as far as this project goes. (Question: How has empty promises or words impacted your relationships or how you understand others?)

Soloist

2 Corinthians 9:5-6

This is why I thought it was necessary to encourage the brothers to go to you ahead of time and arrange in advance the generous gift you have already promised. I want it to be a real gift from you. I don’t want you to feel like you are being forced to give anything. What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop. (Question: How have you been encouraged in life to be grateful?)

2 Corinthians 9:7-9

Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work. As it is written, He scattered everywhere; he gave to the needy; his righteousness remains forever. (Question: When is it most difficult to be filled with gratitude?)

Hymn       Great God of Every Blessing      (In Person Only)

2 Corinthians 9:10-11

The one who supplies seed for planting and bread for eating will supply and multiply your seed and will increase your crop, which is righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God through us. (Question: What are events, situations, things, relationships that helps you to feel like you are living an abundant life?)

2 Corinthians 9:12-14

Your ministry of this service to God’s people isn’t only fully meeting their needs but it is also multiplying in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. They will give honor to God for your obedience to your confession of Christ’s gospel. They will do this because this service provides evidence of your obedience, and because of your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. They will also pray for you, and they will care deeply for you because of the outstanding grace that God has given to you. Thank God for his gift that words can’t describe! (Question: How do you live gratitude?)

Hymn        God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending       (In Person Only)

Reflection Together (In Person Only)

Offering Ourselves to God

      During this time let us reflect upon an excerpt from the Confession of 1967 (language has been modernized)

The new life takes shape in a community in which we know that God loves and accepts us in spite of who we are. We therefore accept ourselves and love others, knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace. The new life does not release us from conflict. We still have to struggle with disheartening difficulties and problems. Nevertheless, as we mature in love and faithfulness in life with Christ, we live in freedom and good cheer, bearing witness on good days and hard days, confident that the new life is pleasing to God and helpful to others.

Music       Beauty of the Earth We Gather Together      (In Person Only)

Prayer of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever. Amen

Benediction

Closing Hymn    Come, Christians Join to Sing   (In Person Only)

Hymn List

263 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!

267 Come, Christians, Join to Sing

336 We Gather Together

694 Great God of Every Blessing

716 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

Advent Series November 28th – December 19th

Theme: Finding Ourselves in Jesus’ Story

Nov 28th – Understanding Our Limits (in Hope)

            Carol: What Child Is This

Dec 5th – Discovering Our Purpose (in Peace)

            Carol: Away in a Manger

Dec 12th – Finding Our Confidence (in Joy)

            Carol: Silent Night

Dec 19th – Celebrating Our Relationships (in Love)

            Carol: O Come, All Ye Faithful