GATHERING TO PRAISE GOD Sunday, February 12, 2023
Prelude
Choral Introit
Welcome
Praise Songs
The People Gather
L: Happy are those who seek God in all things, who turn from wrong and walk with God.
P: Happy are those who know God’s love, and live with joy.
L: Happy are those who share praise with a heart of pure love.
P: Happy are those who know God’s love, and live with joy.
Hymn
The People Pray
Holy Spirit, guide us as we walk in faith, guard us against the powers that would draw us away from your love.
Help us live according to your commandments, that we might live long in the land you have prepared for us.
Prompt us to seek you with our whole heart and guide us to walk in your ways, that we may carry out the vows of the covenant we share.
May our words and deeds bring life and faith to others, as we hold fast to the gift of faith.
Be near us each and every day, and bless us with your light, that our days may be filled with grace. Amen.
Special Music The Friday Hymn Singers
Children’s Moment
The People Confess Their Sin
Loving God, you call us to walk in your ways, observe your commandments, and love you as you have loved us.
You offer us abundant blessings
Yet we often turn away from you thinking we can get all we want by our own effort. Our prayers are filled with what we want and less of what you want.
We forsake the way of love and forgiveness, giving in to petty quarreling, and forsaking you more demanding way.
Forgive us, O God.
When we flee from your embrace, draw us into community with you and with one another.
Shower us with you your Spirit, that we may reclaim our purpose
and find nourishment and growth in labors of love to bring your kingdom in our midst.
Words of Assurance
God hears the confessions of our hearts and forgives generously, sharing love with all who follow in God’s ways.
It is through God’s amazing grace that we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!
The Word of God for the People of God
*Scripture *
Matthew 5:21-37
“You have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, Don’t commit murder,[a] and all who commit murder will be in danger of judgment. 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,’ they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool,’ they will be in danger of fiery hell. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift. 25 Be sure to make friends quickly with your opponents while you are with them on the way to court. Otherwise, they will haul you before the judge, the judge will turn you over to the officer of the court, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 I say to you in all seriousness that you won’t get out of there until you’ve paid the very last penny.
Message Christ’s Blessed Burdens
Pastoral Prayer
The People Bring Their Gifts
There are baskets in the back or use your online app
The People Go into The World
Hymn
Benediction
Postlude
Sermon Notes
The Prosperity Gospel is
What is the most used word in the opening verses of Jesus’ most famous sermon?
Do you believe them to be true?
When does Jesus say we will recieve our reward?
When Jesus says, “You have heard it said…” what is he referring to?
Is it Jesus’ intent to lay aside the Law as speeled out in the Old Testament?
The
Are you listening?
Jesus is calling us to a
Is it possible to live into the demanding lifestyle Jesus calls us to?