Sunday, May 1, 2022 - How can you be a Christian through anxious times?
Pre Service Music
Welcome
*Hymn 41 O Worship the King, All Glorious Above! (In Person Only)
(verses one and four)
*Awakening to God’s Presence (In Person Only)
*Hymn 41 O Worship the King, All Glorious Above! (In Person Only)
(fifth verse only)
Prayer for God’s Guidance
***
Philippians 1:12-17 Common English Bible Translation
Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that the things that have happened to me have actually advanced the gospel. The whole Praetorian Guard and everyone else knows that I’m in prison for Christ. Most of the brothers and sisters have had more confidence through the Lord to speak the word boldly and bravely because of my jail time. Some certainly preach Christ with jealous and competitive motives, but others preach with good motives. They are motivated by love, because they know that I’m put here to give a defense of the gospel; the others preach Christ because of their selfish ambition. They are insincere, hoping to cause me more pain while I’m in prison. (Question: What are the things that motivate you to live well?)
Hymn 634 To God Be the Glory (In Person Only)
(verse one only)
Philippians 1:18-20
What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad. I’m glad because I know that this will result in my release through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. It is my expectation and hope that I won’t be put to shame in anything. Rather, I hope with daring courage that Christ’s greatness will be seen in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. (Question: What motivates you in following Christ?)
Philippians 1:21-26
Because of me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work. But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better. However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake. I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith, and to increase your pride in Christ Jesus through my presence when I visit you again. (Question: What could you do daily that would help you progress in joy?)
Hymn 634 To God Be the Glory (In Person Only)
(verse two only)
Philippians 1:27-30
Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel. That way, you won’t be afraid of anything your enemies do. Your faithfulness and courage are a sign of their coming destruction and your salvation, which is from God. God has generously granted you the privilege, not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for Christ’s sake. You are having the same struggle that you saw me face and now hear that I’m still facing. (Question: What gives you strength in facing your struggles?)
Hymn 840 When Peace like a River (In Person Only)
(verse one only)
Philippians 2:1-5
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus. (Question: How do you regularly share love and joy with others?)
Offering Ourselves to God
During this time let us reflect upon the words from The Brief Statement of Faith
We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel.
Special Music (In Person Only)
The Lord’s Supper
Invitation
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
May the God of morning joy be with you!
May the God of gracious moments be with you!
Lift your hearts to God, children of love and hope!
We offer them to the one who fills us with life!
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen
Words of Institution
Distribution of Elements
(The congregation is invited to eat the bread after the prayer and drink the cup when received. The cup can be placed in holders on the pew in front of you.)
Prayer after Communion (unison)
*Closing Hymn 697 Take My Life (In Person Only)
(first & third verses)
*Benediction
Hymn List
41 O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!
634 To God Be the Glory
697 Take My Life
840 When Peace like a River
New Sermon Series Starting May 1st
Theme: The questions that gnaw at us
May 8th – How can you be a Christian with healthy boundaries?
May 15th – How does God love you when your life is messy?
May 22nd – How does God respond to your pain?
May 29th – What can God help you to let go of?
June 5th – Who is God calling you to be?
June 12th – Finding your voice when you feel like no one is listening?