Due to the winter storm, worship at the church building is canceled tomorrow, February 8, 2015. However, we can all still worship from home! Below you can find an entire worship guide for you and your family, written by Pastor Gwyneth, and we hope this is a meaningful time for you.
Guide for Worship from Home in the Storm
Merrimacport United Methodist Church
February 8, 2015
Light of Christ Light a candle for your worship space. If you have a cross, or cross necklace, etc. place next to the candle to make a simple altar
Call to Worship Psalm 100 (If more than one, take turns reading)
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Opening Song Sing along with the YouTube link, or if you have a musical instrument pick your own music to lead! In Christ Alone
Joys and Concerns Write down or share your joys and your concerns among family members.
Scripture Reading (click on the link to read) Families could read this as a drama with narrator, Jesus and Peter Luke 9:18-25 (NRSV)
Reflection on the Scripture – pray through the Scripture in your own way or you can use the following to guide your thoughts:
As you think about your friends and family, local and national news, books, articles, etc. what do people think about Jesus? Who do people say Jesus is?
Who is Jesus to you? If Jesus appeared before you and ask, “Who do you say that I am?” how would you respond?
We have been learning about Jesus and his mission in our current sermon series. Today’s reading is about Jesus as Messiah. Read about the meaning of “Messiah” on Wikipedia or in your encyclopedia or dictionary at home.
As Christians, we know Peter was correct, Jesus is the “Messiah of God.” However, Peter’s idea of the Messiah was drastically different than what Jesus had in mind. Re-read verse 22. How does this “job description” of the Messiah likely differ from Peter’s expectations?
Jesus doesn’t just speak about his own calling as Messiah, but what that means for us as followers. Re-read verse 23-24. Journal about or discuss what these verses mean – what does it mean to “deny yourself?” What is it that Jesus is inviting us to deny? What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?” What is important to you? What is important to God? If you looked at how you have spent your money, time, thoughts, etc. in the last month what would these say about what is important to you? In what ways are you trying to “gain” more of the world that results in losing sight of what’s really important? How is God calling you to give yourself away for God and God’s Kingdom in new ways so you can experience true life?
Offering – The Lord loves a cheerful giver! Ever gift makes a difference.
Offertory: Mighty to Save Click on the link to listen to the words as you worship. Pray about / discuss how God wants you to grow in your stewardship as his disciple. What resources and gifts does God want you to share?
Doxology: New Doxology, Praise God Click on the link to listen. While the doxology is playing, follow through on how God wants you to share your gifts. If you already give to the church regularly, write out your check to mail or pay through your online banking.
Offering Prayer: O Lord, I/we open my/our heart(s) to the absolute wonder of your gifts to me/us. May these gifts provide for the opening of hearts in our church, community and world that have yet to know the amazing gift of your love. Through Christ we pray, amen.
Closing Song Click on the link to listen to the words as you worship I Am Yours
Benediction: Share the gifts of love and joy with all you meet. Let the overflowing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ set you free to serve. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good!
Sent Out Into Mission Pick one or more of these activities
Call one or more people from church to check in on them
Help a neighbor with shoveling
Write a note / draw a picture to mail to someone who could use some encouragement
Bake some cookies, etc. and bring over to a neighbor
Go through a closet and select some clothes, coats, shoes, etc. to give away