Sunday, May 22, 2022 - How does God respond to your pain?

Online Playlist for Sunday

*Hymn 401                           Here in This Place             (In Person Only)

(first and second verses)

 

*Awakening to God’s Presence                   (In Person Only)

*Hymn 401                           Here in This Place             (In Person Only)

(fourth verse)

Prayer for Letting Go  (responsive)                             (In Person Only)

Assurance of God’s Love  (responsive)      (In Person Only)

Hymn 749                    Come! Live in the Light!           (In Person Only)

(first verse)

Prayer for God’s Guidance

Acts 3:1-4                                    Common English Bible Translation

Peter and John were going up to the temple at three o’clock in the afternoon, the established prayer time. Meanwhile, a man crippled since birth was being carried in. Every day, people would place him at the temple gate known as the Beautiful Gate so he could ask for money from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he began to ask them for a gift. Peter and John stared at him. Peter said, “Look at us!” (Question: Have you ever struggled with self-worth?)

Hymn 749                    Come! Live in the Light!           (In Person Only)

(second verse)

Acts 3:5-8

So the man gazed at them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “I don’t have any money, but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk!” Then he grasped the man’s right hand and raised him up. At once his feet and ankles became strong. Jumping up, he began to walk around. He entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. (Question: What are you able to give others that is of worth?)

Special Music       (In Person Only)

Acts 3:9-10

All the people saw him walking and praising God. They recognized him as the same one who used to sit at the temple’s Beautiful Gate asking for money. They were filled with amazement and surprise at what had happened to him.(Question: What change in your life, or someone else’s has amazed you?)

Acts 3:11-13

While the healed man clung to Peter and John, all the people rushed toward them at Solomon’s Porch, completely amazed. Seeing this, Peter addressed the people: “You Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why are you staring at us as if we made him walk by our own power or piety? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-the God of our ancestors-has glorified his servant Jesus. This is the one you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence, even though he had already decided to release him. (Question: Where do you go looking for help with releasing your pain?)

Hymn 834                Precious Lord, Take My Hand       (In Person Only)

(verse one)

Acts 3:14-16

You rejected the holy and righteous one, and asked that a murderer be released to you instead. You killed the author of life, the very one whom God raised from the dead. We are witnesses of this. His name itself has made this man strong.That is, because of faith in Jesus’ name, God has strengthened this man whom you see and know. The faith that comes through Jesus gave him complete health right before your eyes. (Question: What are your coping mechanisms that hinder your life and which ones have brought you health?)

Hymn 834                Precious Lord, Take My Hand       (In Person Only)

(verse two)

Reflection Together        (In Person Only)

Offering Ourselves to God

During this time let us reflect upon the words from the Brief Statement of Faith

In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Special Music       (In Person Only)

Prayers 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 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

*Closing Hymn 741                Guide My Feet         (In Person Only)

(first, second, third verses)

*Benediction

Hymn List

401 Here in This Place

741 Guide My Feet

749 Come! Live in the Light!

834 Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Sermon Series – The questions that gnaw at us

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?