Faith like a Mustard Seed
The mustard seed becomes a great shrub that shelters the birds, recalling ancient images of the tree of life. We’d expect a cedar or a sequoia, but Jesus finds the power of God better imaged in a tiny, no-account seed. It’s not the way we expect divine activity to look. Yet the tree of life is here, in the cross around which we gather, the tree into which we are grafted through baptism, the true vine that nourishes us with its fruit in the cup we share. It may not appear all that impressive, but while nobody’s looking it grows with a power beyond our understanding.
Alleluia!
LiveStream Worship
Live Sunday at 10 am
Worship Liturgy
Order of Worship & lessons
Learning Resources
Worship Liturgy
ATHERING
Call to Worship and Welcome
Opening Song
Greeting
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you
Prayer of the Day
O God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
WORD
First Reading:
Epistle:
Gospel Acclamation
Gospel:
Message
Message Hymn – interspersed between readings
Apostles Creed
Prayers of the Faithful Pr D+ and/or Reader lighting candles ??
Sharing Christ’s Peace Pr D+
Offering
Offering Prayer
Announcements Pr D+
SENDING
Blessing
Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.
Thanks be to God.
Postlude Sunghee
Readings & Psalm
Ezekiel 17:22-24 The sign of the cedar, planted on the mountain of Israel
Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 The righteous shall spread abroad like a cedar of Lebanon. (Ps. 92:12)
2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17 In Christ, a new creation
Mark 4:26-34 The parable of the mustard seed
Find all livestreamed services on Grace’s YouTube channel
Celebrate Holy Communion together “virtually”.
Please join with other worshipers and the pastors for this Sunday’s Communion service at 11:00 on ZOOM via computer, tablet or smart phone.
You simply need to have ready your own wine, grape juice, or apple juice as you choose, in a separate glass for each person. And have a piece of bread of your choice, or wafer, or cracker as you choose. If you didn’t receive an email to join us this Sunday, you may find the ZOOM login information to login by entering your name and email in the green form.
Offerings of Thanksgiving
While we are keeping physical social distance, there are still options for you to continue bringing your offerings to God and support the ministries of Grace.
Giving Options:
- Mail a check to church address below
- Online bill pay through your bank
- Online giving – Orange button
Learning Resources
Learn more with the additional resources in this post. Click through this post to find the materials.
Nativity Event 2021
Drive-through Nativity Story Saturday, December 18, 5:00pm - 8:30 pm This year we will again tell the story of Jesus' birth outside in lights, art, music, and a living creche scene. Come enjoy a colorful lighted series of signs and characters that show and tell the Biblical Nativity story with classical Christmas carols as you pass slowly through the parking lot. The story of Christ's birth will be told in lighted signs and figures lining the path from the entry of the Grace...