Jesus’s Ultimate Friendship with Us – ALELUIA!
This Sunday’s image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John’s gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.
Alleluia!
Worship Liturgy
Order of Worship & lessons
WORSHIP VIDEO
Learning Resources
LiveStream Worship
Live Sunday at 10 am
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 have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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
Acts 10:44-48 The Spirit poured out on the Gentiles
Psalm 98 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands. (Ps. 98:4)
1 John 5:1-6 The victory of faith
John 15:9-17 Christ the friend and lover
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...