Gentle As A Lamb – Philippians 4.1-9
Philippians
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GATHERING
Prayer:
Lord, you find us gathered at this time in this way to speak and to hear your Word. But how should this happen? You know just what sort of people we are, and we know it too. Before you, we cannot deny it anyway: our hard hearts, impure thoughts, disordered desires, and everything that has come of this and still comes of it – our errors and transgressions, and so many words and deeds that do not please you and by which we can only disturb and destroy peace on earth. Thing, Lord, do not work our without your speaking and working among us. We hold solely to the promise of your grace and mercy, that Jesus Christ has come to bring good news to us, the poor, to proclaim release to us, the prisoners, and to rescue us, the sinners. We hold to this promise even right now. You can do what we cannot. You will that it be done. We believe and trust that you will do it – not because we are good and strong, but because you are. Amen.
Announcements:
The number of COVID19 cases in our immediate area is such that we will continue to only offer worship online until it is reasonably safe for us to reopen.
Until that time, we will continue to offer mid-week prayers, live videos, and email devotionals.
Online giving can be made on our About page on the church website, cokesburyumc.church which will be linked in the video description for live worship as well as checks through the mail.
Hymn 249 – Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of his glory and grace.
Prayer:
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today…
And as you taught us, so now we pray… Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
PROCLAIMING
Scripture – Philippians 4.1-9:
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Hymn TFWS 2223 – They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love:
V1. We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.
Refrain
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love;
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
V2. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand,
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land:
Refrain
V3. We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
We will work with each other, we will work side by side,
And we’ll guard human dignity and save human pride:
Refrain
V4. All praise to the Father, from whom all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus, God’s only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one:
Refrain
Sermon: Gentle As A Lamb
RESPONDING
Prayer:
Lord, direct our attention to Jesus so that we might see what you would have us be. Make us, like him, teachers of your good Word. Make us, like him, proclaimers of your Kingdom and not those of our own design. Make us, like him, loving of the last, least, lost, little, and dead. Make us, like him, silent when the world temps us to respond in the world’s terms. Make us, like him, ready to suffer. We know we cannot be like Jesus except as Jesus was unlike us, being your Son. Make us cherish that unlikeness, that we may grow into the likeness made possible by Jesus’ resurrection.
Offering – Reminder for online giving, through the mail, or the drop slot at the church.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
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SENDING FORTH
Blessing and Benediction