Fruit of the Tree Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Introduction:
Jesus finds Himself in the wilderness after His Baptism. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into a confrontation with the temptations offered by Satan. Jesus emerges victorious. How do we measure up?
In Genesis we visit the well known Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. Satan, under the guise of a serpent, uses persuasive deceit to rob the vulnerable Eve and then Adam of a Life of Ease in Paradise. How do we engage or better yet disengage Satan in our lives?
Psalm 32 is associated with the Rite of Penance. Confession and a contrite heart fits in with the practice of humility necessary to live rightly before God.
In Paul’s Letter to the Romans, he wants to make the point that we are responsible for our sins even though we may be helpless to stop them.
Given the knowledge we discuss and glean in faith today, how will we manage ourselves as we live in the future?

Morning has Broken

Eleanor Farjeon (1931).
Cat Stevens

 

Scripture:
The Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden …”. Gen. 2:16.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Ps. 32:5.
Just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. Rom. 5:18.
Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'” Matt. 4:10.
Prayer: God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

Just as I am

Charlotte Elliot (1823).
Antrim Menninger Choir

 

Prayer: Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing, we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others, offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.

Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.

We Believe

Newsboys

 

Prayer: Dear Lord God of mercy, your word was the sure defense of Jesus in his time of testing. Minister to us in the wilderness of our temptation, that we who have been set free from sin by Christ may serve you well into life everlasting. Amen.

God be with You

Jeremiah Rankin (1880).
Jim Reeves

 

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
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