The word "liturgy" means "work of the people." Instead of providing a product for you to passively consume, we are inviting you to participate in a weekly experience. By praying and singing and reading out loud, through sitting and standing and listening, we hope to engage you in the active act of worship. We may be physically separated during this time, but by participating in the same acts of worship each week, we are connected to one another through a common experience.
God – we gather in your presence.
Father – we long for more of you.
Jesus – we place you at the center.
Holy Spirit – come and fill our time together.
Help us to be fully present here,
to your word, to one another,
and to the world you love.
Amen.
https://vimeo.com/435187290
Join Anderson by standing and reciting alongside.
The text of lectionary passage for you to read aloud as you remain standing.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:15-25a (NIV)
https://vimeo.com/435158929
Sermon Questions
Take some time to listen to the Spirit and respond in prayer, however you feel led.
Let’s live generously to bless the poor and those in need in our community. If you are someone in need of financial help, please reach out.
“A Prayer for Courage” – Lauren Gaskill
Jesus I am overwhelmed by the courage you showed during your time here on Earth. It inspires me to want to be courageous too, but I know I can’t do that without you. Lord help me trust in you completely, even when fear threatens to weaken my faith. You are greater and you are stronger than anything I will ever face. So when the time comes for me to be brave, help me remember you are always with me. Give me a courageous heart — a heart that does the right thing even if it’s afraid. A heart that walks boldly with confidence into whatever you call me to do.