Prodigal Celebration Reflection

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

Prodigal Celebration Reflection Introduction:
The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Often told, almost as often misunderstood!
In Luke, Our Lord rejoices when a sinner is welcomed back into the community. Although we focus our attention on the younger son in the parable, for he was the prodigal loss to the family when he took his inheritance and squandered it; we should now focus on the behavior of the older son, for he becomes lost in his selfishness, not perceiving this event and forgiving as his father does. How do we react to the shepherd welcoming the lost sheep back into our fold?
In Joshua, it is the children of the Israelites fleeing Egypt that are delivered to the promised land, a whole generation has passed in wandering. The Lord keeps his promise. The people must keep their promise in living by the Covenant. Today we are in the Season of Lent and must remain focused on our Lenten journey. We are all saved by our belief in Jesus.
In our psalm, being blessed or happy is a way of living life. As we are forgiven for our sins, we must forgive others. Confession of our sin is imperative. Forgiveness is assured. Our restoration is cause for celebration! Upon receiving our forgiveness we must teach others from our experience.
In our 2nd Corinthians letter, Paul has already engaged strong words in rebuking the Church of Corinth, which is now reacting to Paul’s prior letter of rebuke. Forgiveness and Reconciliation is the order for the day on the part of both sides. Paul and Corinth are two small portions of the entire world. The Love of Our Lord for all His children in all our world as we know it is great and immense. Given this large perspective, surely Paul and Corinth can come to learn to love one another once more.

Prodigal Celebration Reflection Scripture:
The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” Josh. 5:9.
Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. Ps. 32:10.
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5:20.
“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” Luke 15:31.

There’s a Spirit in the Air
Brian Wren (1969).

There’s a spirit in the air,
telling Christians everywhere:
‘Praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working in our world!’

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.

Fight the Good Fight with All Thy Might
John S. B. Monsell (1863).
performed by Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Fight the good fight with all thy might.
Christ is thy strength and Christ thy right.
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
thy joy and crown eternally.

Prayer:

My brothers and sisters:
reconciled to God by the mercy of Christ,
we pray with confidence for the needs of the church and the world.
Through Christ you make us a new creation, O God,
for with him we pass from sin to the new life of grace.
Accept our prayers in the warm embrace of your compassion,
and welcome all people to the festive banquet of your table,
where we may rejoice in your love
and celebrate the inheritance you have given to us.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Henry Van Dyke (1907).
performed by London Community a Gospel Choir

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

Prayer:

God of patient love,
you await the return of the wayward and wandering
and eagerly embrace them in pardon.
Through baptism you have clothed us with the glory of Christ
and restored our inheritance:
give us generous hearts
to welcome all who seek a place
at the table of your unconditional love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You Are My All in All

You Are My Strength When I am Weak
Dennis L. Jernigan (1990).
performed by Nicole Nordeman

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Oh, Your name is worthy
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!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!