In our last session of spiritual discernment together, we focus on three areas of action and split into groups for each one. The areas of focus that have risen to the surface in our conversations have been: Community Connections, Youth & Children, and Music. How can our church take the next faithful steps in each of those areas?
To look at and use the worksheet to think about each focus area, click here.
Weekly Bible Study – Spiritual Discernment, part 4 (reviewing and focusing thoughts)
This week we continue working in small groups to review what we've heard and felt so far. That will help us hear/see what God has been doing for us and is leading us towards. We spend time coming up with a few key items (issues, words, activities, opportunities, challenges, interests) that are emerging from us that can lead to action.
To look at and use the group worksheet for the week, click here.
Weekly Bible Study – Spiritual Discernment, part 3
The first step of spiritual discernment is focusing on God’s presence with you and love for you. Then you ground your heart in gratitude. So what are we grateful for, in our community together as a church? We listen for key words that stand out, and we think about previous conversations we’ve had. What things were positive, and what were disappointing? We listen to our hearts tonight as we listen for the Holy Spirit.
To look at and use the group worksheet for the week, click here.
Weekly Bible Study – Spiritual Discernment, part 2
To really determine where God is calling you next requires lots of prayer, mindfulness, imagination, and openness. We also must be willing to let go of what we hold onto, if God calls us elsewhere. Some attachments we have are nurturing, some hold us back, and some can go either way, depending on our relationship with them. So does your weekly routine give you a helpful rhythm, or does your routine control you?
Scripture verses read: Hebrews 12:1; Luke 9:62; John 8:36; Galatians 5:13.
Weekly Bible Study – Spiritual Discernment, part 1
In this Bible study series, we’re thinking about how to figure out what God wants us to do. Not how to pray for God to do the things we want, but to spend time in prayer discerning where God is calling us—as individuals and as a church. Spiritual discernment has been practiced since the very beginning of Christianity. It’s usually not easy—as individuals or as a group—but it is necessary in order to grow and continue following God.
Read Acts 15:1-21 here.
Weekly Bible Study – From Crucifixion to the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:36-41
At the end of the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2, thousands of people decided to give their lives to God and follow Jesus. This week we read how that happened. When Peter gave a speech to help people in the crowd understand, he didn't try to manipulate them; he just told them the truth. Then they were "cut to the heart" and asked what to do. We'll think about what we can learn from that incredible moment.
Read Acts 2:36-41 online here.
Weekly Bible Study – From Crucifixion to the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:12-21
When the Holy Spirit filled up Jesus' disciples on Pentecost, it was a dramatic, incredible day. To explain it, Peter quotes from the Old Testament prophet Joel about what will happen when God's Spirit gets poured out. Some of it sounds great to us, but some of it might sound a little unnerving and even scary. But with God's Spirit, there is always always hope.
Read Acts 2:12-21 online here.
Weekly Bible Study – From Crucifixion to the Holy Spirit, John 14:15-21
Jesus says that if we love him, we'll obey his commands. We talk about what those are this week, but they're not easy. Fortunately Jesus said that God would send a Spirit to act as our Counselor and Advocate. So we talk about all the ways that God's Holy Spirit helps us.
Read John 14:15-21 online here.
Weekly Bible Study – From Crucifixion to the Holy Spirit, John 14:1-14
Where are we going in life, and how do we get there? In Jesus' last speech to his disciples before he was killed, he said he was going to his Father's house and would come back to take them with him. The disciples were confused because they were thinking physically and geographically. Jesus, of course, was talking spiritually—more abstract ideas than concrete ones. He wants the disciples to realize that the "way" to get where they need to go is the "Way" of Jesus. As long as we follow that Way, we will always be on the right path.
Read John 14:1-14 online here.
Weekly Bible Study – From Crucifixion to the Holy Spirit, Matthew 21:1-11
When Jesus entered Jerusalem the week he was crucified, it was a wild day. Crowds full of all kinds of people were shouting, people were wondering what was going on, and the whole city was "stirred" because of the "turmoil." We think about how that translates to our lives. When something wild happens, what do we make of it? Who are the crowds in our lives, and what are the special holy places we can go to?
Read Matthew 21:1-11 online here.
Worship Service - June 6
The livestream worship broadcast begins Sunday mornings a little before 11:00 am and is saved online afterward. (If there is ever a livestreaming problem, check our YouTube page HERE and our Facebook page HERE.)
WELCOME TO WORSHIP!
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude – "How Great Thou Art”
Silent Meditation: It’s easy to plan things that we’re good at because we’ve done them many times. But often, the most wonderful things that happen to us are unplanned. We have to make sure that we don’t get so focused on what we do plan, that we can't recognize God's unexpected surprising work. We must be on the lookout for the new things God is doing, and then have the courage to follow.
Hymn of Praise – “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
Old Testament Reading – Psalm 138
Graduate Recognition
Prayers of the People
Offering Invitation
Anthem – “He Touched Me” alto sax solo
New Testament Reading – Acts 2:42-47
Sermon – “Fresh Expressions of the Holy Spirit”
Hymn of Response – “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”
Benediction Song
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Postlude – “Cortège”
--- Open and read the full worship bulletin for our service today by clicking HERE.
--- The kids activity sheet for today can be viewed, downloaded, and printed here!
--- Are you new to the church or the area? Say hello on our Guest Info form here.
--- Is there something we can be praying about for you or others? Share a Prayer Concern, and you can mark how private you would like it to remain, by clicking here.
--- Get weekly updates, encouragements, and info by signing up here.
--- Giving offerings and tithes can be done securely with a card by clicking here.
Worship Service - May 30
The livestream worship broadcast begins Sunday mornings a little before 11:00 am and is saved online afterward. (If there is ever a livestreaming problem, check our YouTube page HERE and our Facebook page HERE.)
WELCOME TO WORSHIP!
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude – "Holy, Holy, Holy”
Silent Meditation: We can't walk up to someone who speaks a different language and expect them to understand what we're saying. Even when you do speak the same language, if you’re not talking in a way someone can understand, then they won’t understand you. If we really want people to hear the good things we’re trying to say, we have to speak in a way that can be received—whether it’s for strangers, family members, coworkers, or neighbors
Hymn of Praise – “Come, Thou Almighty King”
Old Testament Reading – Psalm 116:1-7, 17-19
Call to Prayer
Prayers of the People
Offering Invitation
Anthem – “Great Is Your Name” quarter
New Testament Reading – Acts 2:14-18, 36-39
Sermon – “We’re Supposed to Help Everyone Know God’s Love”
Hymn of Response – “Creator God, Creating Still”
Benediction Song
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Postlude – “Recessional” on ST. ANNE
--- Open and read the full worship bulletin for our service today by clicking HERE.
--- The kids activity sheet for today can be viewed, downloaded, and printed here!
--- Are you new to the church or the area? Say hello on our Guest Info form here.
--- Is there something we can be praying about for you or others? Share a Prayer Concern, and you can mark how private you would like it to remain, by clicking here.
--- Get weekly updates, encouragements, and info by signing up here.
--- Giving offerings and tithes can be done securely with a card by clicking here.
Worship Service - May 23
The livestream worship broadcast begins Sunday mornings a little before 11:00 am and is saved online afterward. (If there is ever a livestreaming problem, check our YouTube page HERE and our Facebook page HERE.)
WELCOME TO WORSHIP!
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude – "Do Lord” handbells
Silent Meditation: For anything you work on in life—projects, school, faith, job—if you put in nothing, then you’ll get back nothing. If you put in a little, you’ll get back a little. If you put in everything you've got, you'll be amazed at the results. When you give your whole life to God and let it be filled with the Holy Spirit, then you’ll experience the incredible. But only if you’re willing to put in everything and let miracles happen.
Hymn of Praise – “Love Divine”
Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 61:1-3, 10-11
Call to Prayer – “Spirit of the Living God” chorus
Prayers of the People
Offering Invitation
Musical Offering – "Anthem of Hope” handbells
New Testament Reading – Acts 2:1-8, 11b
Sermon – “Needing More Pentecost”
Hymn of Response – “Let Every Christian Pray”
Benediction Song
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Walk in the Spirit of Love.
Postlude – “Voluntary in D”
--- Open and read the full worship bulletin for our service today by clicking HERE.
--- The kids activity sheet for today can be viewed, downloaded, and printed here!
--- Are you new to the church or the area? Say hello on our Guest Info form here.
--- Is there something we can be praying about for you or others? Share a Prayer Concern, and you can mark how private you would like it to remain, by clicking here.
--- Get weekly updates, encouragements, and info by signing up here.
--- Giving offerings and tithes can be done securely with a card by clicking here.