Tag Archives: prayer

Celebration, Devotion, Prayer, Reflection

Cleaning House Celebration

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

Gospel of John
Gospel of John

Introduction:
John tells us Jesus presents a performance and a promise to us in the clearing of the temple; destroy the temple and in three days I will raise it up.
In Exodus, Moses tells us that God spoke the words of redemption to him. The Ten Commandments are a Covenant within the Covenant spoken to and shared with Abraham.
In Psalm 19 Psalmist David prays the words, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians today preaches the Way of the Cross, the scandalous experience Jesus had at the hands of self centered people in society. Has much changed in our lives today?

Lord of the Heavens
Hillsong

Scripture:
Old Testament: Exodus 20:1-17.
Psalm: Psalm 19.
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
Gospel: John 2:13-22.

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.

Jesus Shall Reign
Keith Getty

Prayer Intentions: Faithful God of love,
you blessed us with your servant Son
so that we might know how to serve your people
with justice and with mercy.
We gather the needs of ourselves and others,
and offer them to you in faith and love,
seeking to be strengthened to meet them.
Prayers of the People;
Shape us and transform us by your grace,
that we may grow in wisdom and in confidence,
never faltering until we have done all that you desire
to bring your realm of shalom to fulfillment. Amen.

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord).

Be Thou My Vision
Mary Byrne
Audrey Assad

Our Father
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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 and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Handshake of Peace

Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Communion Hymn

Come to Us Creative Spirit
David Mowbray (1977).
Angel Voices

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28(ESV).

Communion

Prayer: Holy One, creator of the stars and seas,
your steadfast love is shown to every living thing:
your word calls forth countless worlds and souls;
your law revives and refreshes.
Forgive our misuse of your gifts,
that we may be transformed by your wisdom
to manifest for others
the mercy of our crucified and risen Lord. Amen.

Closing Hymn.

The Summons
John Bell

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.

The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.

Reflection

Critical Decision Reflection

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

Mark 1:9-15
Mark 1:9-15

Introduction:
Critical Decision Reflection
Mark tells us of Jesus’ Baptism, Temptation and Preaching. The common factor is one that touches all of us; the Kingdom of God is near. The “Kingdom of God is near” is the magic phrase (terms of art) that brings Jesus near to us in the Gospel messages. Through Him, in Him and with Him, we hope and pray to bring all to be right in this world. Mark, in his colorful and apocalyptic manner, demonstrates how Jesus rightfully should, and does, permeate our lives. Mark wants to deliver us into a world of kairos, time of critical decision. This is more than chronos, time of self-deprivation “giving up” something for Lent. Please Listen and enjoy the Word of God today.
In Genesis today, God communicates the promise of the covenant to Noah (yes, the Ark), his sons, and every person for all time. Of course God addresses our human need for divine reassurance, but the message goes well beyond this. Every living creature is entitled to the fulfillment of the rainbow.
The message within Psalm 15 is, Who Belongs to God? Simple answer, everyone and everything for God created all. Who is Loved by God? We all are! What do we do? It is our choice to live within His presence and do His will. Here comes the rub. Do we choose to turn toward God or away from Him? Lent reminds us that God is gracious and we are saved by Grace. The Grace is Gods gift, not our choice.
We assume the author of the Book of Peter is Peter the Apostle. Today Peters letter addresses the exiles of dispersion. Peter wants them, and us, to know that all Are Gods children and to provide guidance on how to weather difficult times.

God of the Sparrow
Jaroslav Vajda (1983).
First Plymouth Church

Scripture:
Old Testament: Genesis 9:8-17.
Psalm: Psalm 25:1-10.
New Testament: 1 Peter 3:18-22.
Gospel: Mark 1:9-15.

Amazing Love
Graham Kendrick

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.

Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
Isaac Watts (1707).

Prayer Intentions:
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.
Prayers of the People;
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, making that critical decision to follow you. Amen.

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord).

Our Father
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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 and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Handshake of Peace

Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Communion Hymn

I Danced in the Morning
Lord of the Dance
Sydney Carter (1963).

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28(ESV).

Communion

Prayer: God of our salvation, your rainbow in the clouds proclaims your covenant with every living creature. Teach us your paths and lead us in your truth, that by your Holy Spirit, we may remember our baptismal vows and be keepers of your trust with earth and its inhabitants. Amen.

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.

The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.

 

Celebration

Praise Him Celebration

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

Jesus Heals
Jesus Heals Simons Mother in Law

Introduction:
Prophet Isaiah observes our coming to and practicing faith. We all observe a person coming to faith for the first time, whether a sudden transformation or a gradual process. We acknowledge that God is the most powerful concern in our lives.
Psalm 147 is about praise. Praise the Lord. What more is there to say? God created the world and God will heal the world in its brokenness. Psalmist David uses allusion, or indirect reference, to make his point.
Paul asks the Corinthians and us, What are we willing to do so that others can see God? The local temple was a gathering place for family Celebration as homes tended to be small. Use of the temple subjected the group to the temple administration. As we should, Paul ultimately owes his life to God, not those that provide him with financial support.
Mark relates the details of Christ’s life. Jesus intervenes in the conflict between the power of evil and the power of God by doing deeds of power and preaching. Lifting, Raising, Healing. We should be there to witness and support our brothers and sisters as Christ the Healer is Lord and ruler of all.

 

We Will Rise Again
Barney Warren
David Haas
Renee Bondi

 

Scripture:
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:21-31.
Psalm: Ps. 147:1-11; Ps. 147:20.
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39.

 

Prayer: Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen.

 

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
Matthew Perryman Jones
John Newton

 

Prayer Intentions: To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.
Prayers of the People …
God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord).

 

Our Father
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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 and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Handshake of Peace

Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Communion Hymn

Servant Song
Richard Gillard (1977).

 

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28(ESV).

Communion

Prayer: Everlasting God, you give strength to the powerless and power to the faint; you raise up the sick and cast out demons.
Make us agents of healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation. Amen.

Closing Hymn

In Christ Alone
Travis Cottrell

 

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.

The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.

Celebration, Community Activity, Devotion, Health and Wellness, Prayer, Reflection

Christmas Fellowship

ALL ARE WELCOME!

You Are Invited to a

Health and Wellness Christmas Party

Nativity
Nativity

12 pm Noon Thursday December 14

Valley View Community Center

400 W Meigs St Valley NE

to Celebrate Christmas and Share in Good Food and Fellowship!

Your favorite food dish donation is welcome!

Organized by: Spirit of Peace and the Health and Wellness Team.

Contact: Karen, 402-289-2902; Rebecca, 402-359-2204;

Pastors Cathy or Michael, 402-541-7019.

Spirit of Peace, Box 245, Valley, NE

SpiritofPeace.us

 

Celebration, Mission, Prayer

Palm Sunday

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

Palms Service
Palms Service

Introduction:
Today King David heralds the coming of Easter in Psalm 118. This is one of Martin Luthers favorite psalms. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.
Jesus enters Jerusalem as a sight to behold in Matthew 21. Jesus continues to bring His message to the people. Do we heed and follow Jesus today?

Endless Light
Hillsong

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.

Scripture:
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Ps. 118:1.
The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! Matt. 21:9.

Children’s Sermon
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, a very large crowd gathered to welcome him. Some of them spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus to ride on, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Why would they do that? They were treating Jesus like a king!

The Bible tells us that the crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

The people greeted Jesus as a King that day. Today, Jesus wants to be your King, and He will be if you will allow Him to come into your heart and rule over your life. Lay down your cloak to greet your King as he comes to you in love.

Jesus, come into our lives and create in us a new heart. May we excitedly welcome You just as those that awaited Your arrival in Jerusalem did. Thank You for being here with us. We praise you Lord! Amen. – Sermons 4 Kids.

Prayer: Caught between joy and despair, we yearn for the fulfillment of God’s desire beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life. We offer thanksgiving for God’s presence with us and petitions for the transformation of the church and the world.

Prayer Intentions

Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Love-maker, day by day you sustain the weary with your word and gently encourage us to place our trust in you. Awaken us to the suffering of those around us; save us from hiding in denials or taunts that deepen the hurt; give us grace to share one another’s burdens in humble service. Amen.

Apostles Creed

Our Father

Handshake of Peace

Confession

Communion Hymn

Let Us Break Bread Together
African American Spiritual

Communion
Prayer: God of our salvation, we give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord, who came in your name and turned the lonely way of rejection and death into triumph. Grant us the steadfast faith to enter the gates of righteousness, that we may receive grace to become worthy citizens of your holy realm. Amen.

How Sweet the Name of Jesus
John Newton
Matthew Perryman Jones

Closing:
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!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Mission, Prayer, Reflection

Living Water

Living Water Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.

Everyone is Welcome! Join Us in the Mini-Park location!

SpiritofPeace.us
SpiritofPeace.us

To meet requests of believers participating in this worship service offline and requesting a more complete worship guide, I am adding more detail in this service today. This general worship style template may be applied to future worship services as needed.

Introduction:
John illustrates the role of Samaritans in the community and legitimizes the discipleship of women. Jesus builds community through inclusiveness. Overall the disciples of Jesus were not enthusiastic about including Samaritans in the fold. In the story of the woman at the well, the Samaritan woman, who is a spokeswoman for the community, has access to the water in the well in Samaria, but as a Jew, Jesus does not. The woman is recognized as growing faith. Soon Jesus will die for all believers, not only Jewish ones. The living water that Jesus promises the woman is symbolized in the water that Moses made come out of the rock in Exodus 17, is the same God’s purifying water, the Holy Spirit (7:37-39), which will purify our hearts and transform us into the people of God on earth.

Be Not Afraid

Bob Dufford
performed by John Michael Talbot

 

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.

Scripture Readings
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42

Prayer: Faithful God of love, you blessed us with your servant Son so that we might know how to serve your people with justice and with mercy. We gather the needs of ourselves and others, and offer them to you in faith and love, seeking to be strengthened to meet them.

Prayer Intentions

Shape us and transform us by your grace, that we may grow in wisdom and in confidence, never faltering until we have done all that you desire to bring your realm of shalom to fulfillment. Amen.

Apostles Creed

Our Father

Handshake of Peace

Confession

Communion Hymn

Let Us Break Bread Together
African American Spiritual

Communion

Prayer: Enduring Presence, goal and guide, you go before and await our coming. Only our thirst compels us beyond complaint to conversation, beyond rejection to relationship. Pour your love into our hearts, that, refreshed and renewed, we may invite others to the living water given to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Crown Him with Many Crowns

Matthew Bridges (1851).

Blessing:

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.

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Horatius Bonar (1846).

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!

Community Activity, Health and Wellness, Mission, Prayer

St Patrick Arts and Crafts

St Patrick Missional Community Arts and Crafts
Spirit of Peace plans to celebrate St Patrick’s Day early on Thursday afternoon March 16th.
After a Health and Wellness presentation at Noon, we will gather all interested volunteers to visit the residents at Golden Living in a St Patrick’s Day presentation there with history, prayer, arts and crafts. Conclusion at 4:00 is expected.

St Patrick Angel
St Patrick Angel

Volunteers, Planners and Donations are welcome.
Spirit of Peace Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus may be contacted at 402-541-7019 or through SpiritofPeace.us

Community Activity, Health and Wellness, Mission, Prayer

St Patrick Health and Wellness Activity

St Patrick Health and Wellness Activity

Spirit of Peace plans to celebrate St Patrick’s Day early on Thursday afternoon March 16th.

Everyone in the community is invited to a free health and wellness presentation, lunch and exercise program following.

Corned Beef Cabbage Red Potatoes
Corned Beef Cabbage Red Potatoes

 

If you have a favorite St Patrick themed side dish you are welcome to bring it to the meal and discuss it if you like.

The presentation starts at noon on March 16, the meal follows at about 12:20 and anyone interested in discussing and participating in the exercise is welcome at about 1:20.
Valley View Community Center 400 West Meigs St. Valley NE.

At 3:00 anyone interested in visiting the residents at Golden Living may join us in a St Patrick’s Day presentation there with history, prayer, arts and crafts.
Conclusion at 4:00 is expected.

Volunteers, Planners and Donations are welcome.
Spirit of Peace Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus may be contacted at 402-541-7019 or through SpiritofPeace.us

Celebration, Prayer

Lords Salvation

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

Introduction:
Grace, the Good News and Righteousness all meet here among us today. As children of God We Share in the Good News. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16.
As believers, let us see the world through eyes and wisdom more trusting and accepting of truth than Nicodemus.
Abram and Sarai lived as resident aliens depending upon the goodwill of strangers while traveling in obedience to to God. This vulnerable wedded couple pose as siblings in order to save their mortal lives. The focus of this story is about what God is doing for them and their faith despite their vulnerabilities.
Our Psalm Song of Ascents confesses that God made All Heaven and Earth, therefore all representations of other gods are false. Despite the trials and tribulations that travelers find along their journey they must acknowledge and trust in the Lord.
In his letter to Romans, Paul is affirming In God We Trust. God sent His son to save us, all of us, Jews and Gentiles. It is our belief and common faith that connects us to Abraham.
The Good News is the Word of God. Amen.

The Summons

John Bell
– performed by Spirit and Song

 

Scripture:
I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. Gen. 12:2.
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Ps. 121:2.
For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham. Rom. 4:16.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16.

What Wondrous Love is This

Con Que Pagaremos
Anonymous
– performed by Fernando Ortega

 

Prayer: God of the Living, from whom we pass from the shadow of death
to the light of the resurrection. Remain with us and give us hope that, rejoicing in the gift of the Spirit who gives life to our mortal flesh, we may be clothed with the garment of immortality, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Praise You in this Storm

Casting Crowns

 

Prayer: God of the Covenant, You call us to be fruitful servants within creation, and to offer our lives as the foundation of Your realm. We lay before you the desires of our hearts, that we may be transformed by their fulfillment.

Grant, O God, that the prayers we offer may be Your channel for new and abundant life not only hoped for, but worked for, through faithful word and deed. Amen.

I Love to Tell the Story

Katie Hankey (1866).

 

Prayer: God of Amazing Compassion, lover of our wayward race, you bring to birth a pilgrim people, and call us to be a blessing for ourselves and all the world.
We pray for grace to take your generous gift and step with courage on this holy path, confident in the radiant life that is your plan for us, made known and given in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing:
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!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Prayer, Reflection

Fruit of the Tree

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!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!