POPULARITY
SCRIPTURE- Matthew 11:28"Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest."REFLECTION- Fr. RonMUSIC- "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" Instrumental- "Behold the Lamb" InstrumentalNOTES- thegodminute.org/lent
“Now is the Time to Worship” with “Blessed Be the Name of the Lord” PRELUDE & LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES: “Higher Ground” *HYMN “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #384 HYMN “Through It All” March 9, 2025 Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio To help support the ministry of the church, please click here https://groveportumc.org/give/
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Farmersville, Ohio February 2, 2025 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Announcements Prelude Opening Hymn - "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" - LBW #551 Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness Apostolic Greeting Kyrie Hymn of Praise - "This is the Feast" Prayer of the Day First Lesson - Jeremiah 1:4-10 Second Lesson - 1 Corinthians 12:27 - 13:13 Hymn - "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" - LBW #315 Gospel - Luke 4:21-33 Sermon - "Witness: To God's Sovereign and All-Encompassing Love" Hymn of the Day - "What Feast of Love" - WOV #701 Nicene Creed Prayers of the Church Offering Offertory - "Let the Vineyards" Great Thanksgiving Words of Institution and Lord's Prayer Distribution Post-Communion Liturgy Benediction Exodus Hymn - "Sent Forth By God's Blessing" - LBW #221 Dismissal Join us this Sunday at 10:00 A.M.! For the video version of today's service, please visit https://youtu.be/g-WdIEV6uT4 May God bless you now and always!
Sunday Worship for December 8, 2024, from Queen Anne Lutheran Church in Seattle, our 10:30 service—Pastor John Michael Barich; Guest Organist Martha Freitag. Prelude—“Hark the Glad Sound” and “Prepare the Royal Highway", David P. Dahl • Introit—Isaiah 30:19, 30; Psalm 80:1 • Gathering Hymn—Prepare the Royal Highway, ELW 264 • Candlelighting—O Come, O Come, Emmanuel , ELW 257 • First Reading—Malachi 3:1-4 • Psalmody—Luke 1:68-79 • Second Reading—Philippians 1:3-11 • Gospel—Luke 3:1-6 • Sermon—Pastor Barich • Hymn of the Day—On Jordan's Banks the Baptist's Cry, ELW 249 • Distribution Hymn—He Came Down, ELW 253 • Sending Hymn —Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, ELW 631 • Postlude—Toccata on “Nun komm der Heiden Heiland", Hugo Distler Link here to view the bulletin. Enjoying our worship recordings? Consider giving a gift to our church; go to this link.
Opening Music September 15, 2024 Worship Service PRELUDE “God So Loved the World” *OPENING HYMN “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #3840 HYMN “Open Our Eyes, Lord” September 15, 2024 Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio
Opening Music September 15, 2024 Worship Service PRELUDE “God So Loved the World” *OPENING HYMN “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #3840 HYMN “Open Our Eyes, Lord” September 15, 2024 Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio
July 28 Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS BREAKTHROUGH PRAYER: Amazing God, We pray that through the Holy Spirit Your preferred future for Groveport United Methodist Church will be made clear to us. Give us the courage we need to follow You wherever You may take us. We ask that You bind us together in love so that we can bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to our friends, families, and community. Open our eyes so that we may see the amazing things You are already doing among us. AMEN. PRELUDE “You Are My All in All” LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES *OPENING HYMN “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” CALL TO WORSHIP: L: Lord, you have searched me you know me. P: You know when I sit down and when I rise. You discern my thoughts from far away. L: I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. P: Wonderful are your works. This I know very well. L: With all your children, P: I will give you thanks and praise! HYMN “Something Beautiful” - #394 PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Holy God, we have sought to follow you without counting the costs, but our tanks are running empty and we are afraid we can't go the distance. We have hidden in the crowd, ignoring Christ's call to pick up our cross and follow him. We have hidden in the stories we tell ourselves: that we will attend to our spiritual walk some day— just not this day. Help us assess our motives and intentions, even as we ponder our need for the journey. For only then will we know if we have what it takes to finish the course in faith. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: 1 John 2:3-6 OUR TIME OF PRAYER (During our time of prayer, the altar rail is open for all who wish to come forward.) HYMN “Sanctuary” PASTORAL PRAYER THE LORD'S PRAYER OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS “Holy, Holy, Holy” *DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION CHILDREN'S MOMENTS - (All children are invited to attend Jr. Church at this time.) SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 14:25-33 SERMON “Out the Door Pricing” *CLOSING HYMN “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #384 *BENEDICTION *SENDING FORTH “As We Go” POSTLUDE “There Shall be Showers of Blessing”
Sunday Worship for May 05, 2024, from Queen Anne Lutheran Church in Seattle, our 10:30 service— Pastor Dan Peterson; Guest Organist Martha Freitag Prelude—I Know that my Redeemer Lives, settings by David Cherwien, Richard Weinhorst • Introit—Isaiah 48:20, Psalm 66:1, 2 • Gathering Hymn—All Are Welcome, ELW 641 • First Reading—Acts 10:44-48 • Psalm 98 • Second Reading—1 John 5:1-6 • Gospel—John 15:9-17 • Sermon—Pastor Dan Peterson "How Many Commandments Are There?" • Hymn of the Day—WhereLove Divine, All Loves Excelling, ELW 631 • Hymn at the Distribution —Blest Be the Tie that Binds, ELW 656 • Sending Hymn— We Know That Christ Is Raised, ELW 449 • Postlude—Thine is the Glory, Alexandre Guilmant Link here to view the bulletin. Enjoying our worship recordings? Consider giving a gift to our church; go to this link.
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark Dever, pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church (Washington, D. C.), to discuss books, ministry, and reading in the local church. Mark's book recommendations: Samuel Prime, The Power of Prayer: The New York Revival of 1858 (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/history-biography/power-of-prayer/) Andrew Bonar and Bennet Tyler, Asahel Nettleton: Life and Labours (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/history-biography/asahel-nettleton/) C. H. Spurgeon, The Greatest Fight in the World (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/church-ministry/the-greatest-fight-in-the-world/) John Bunyan, All Loves Excelling (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/christian-living/all-loves-excelling/) Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/christian-living/the-bruised-reed/) Thomas Boston, The Crook in the Lot (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/christian-living/the-crook-in-the-lot/) William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour (3 vols: https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/christian-living/christian-in-complete-armour-5/ 1 vol: https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/sermons-and-expositions/christian-in-complete-armour/) J. C. Ryle, Thoughts for Young Men (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/christian-living/thoughts-young-men/) Iain Murray, The Forgotten Spurgeon (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/history-biography/forgotten-spurgeon/) Jonathan Edwards on Revival, especially The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/history-biography/jonathan-edwards-on-revival/) Iain Murray, Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950 to 2000 (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/church-ministry/evangelicalism-divided/) J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on Mark (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/commentaries/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-10/) The Works of Richard Sibbes (7 vols: https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/collected-workssets/the-works-of-richard-sibbes/) J. C. Ryle, Light from Old Times (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/christian-living/light-from-old-times/) Iain Murray, The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1 vol: https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/history-biography/the-life-of-martyn-lloyd-jones/) C. H. Spurgeon, The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit (Vol 38, 1892), (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/sermons-and-expositions/metropolitan-tabernacle/) Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/church-ministry/the-christian-ministry/) Iain Murray, Revival and Revivalism: The Making and Marring of American Evangelicalism 1750–1858 (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/theology/revival-and-revivalism/) Iain Murray, ed., The Reformation of the Church (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/history-biography/reformation-of-the-church/) J. H. Merle d'Aubigné, The Reformation in England (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/history-biography/the-reformation-in-england-3/) John Calvin, Sermons on Ephesians (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/sermons-and-expositions/sermons-on-ephesians/) The Works of Jonathan Edwards (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/collected-workssets/the-works-of-jonathan-edwards/) The Works of John Bunyan (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/collected-workssets/the-works-of-john-bunyan-4/) C. H. Spurgeon's Autobiography (https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/history-biography/c-h-spurgeon-autobiography/) Links from this week's episode Capitol Hill Baptist Church: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/ 9Marks: www.9marks.org Connie Dever's Children's Ministry: https://praisefactory.org/ Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (Print/Digital/Both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Tell us your thoughts on this episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
Sunday Worship for December 10, 2023, from Queen Anne Lutheran Church in Seattle, our 10:30 service— Pastor Dan Peterson; Cantor Kyle Haugen Prelude—Selections from a partita on PUER NOBIS (“On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry,” ELW 249), Lynn L. Petersen (b. 1962) • It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, pianist Jenna Del Vento • Introit—Isaiah 30:19, 30; Psalm 80:1 • Gathering Hymn—O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, ELW 257 • Children's Sermon—Pastor Dan Peterson • First Reading—Isaiah 40:1-11 • Psalmody—Ps. 85:1-2, 8-13 • Second Reading—2 Peter 3:8-15a • Gospel—Mark 1:1-8 • Sermon— Finding Peace in the Midst of War; Pastor Dan Peterson • Hymn of the Day—On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry, ELW 249 • Distribution Anthem—Advent Carol, Alfred V. Fedak (b. 1953)• Sending Hymn—Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, ELW 631 • Postlude—Selections from a partita on FREU DICH SEHR, (“Comfort, Comfort Now My People,” ELW 256), Georg Böhm (1661–1733) Link here to view the bulletin. Enjoying our worship recordings? Consider giving a gift to our church; go to this link.
May 28 Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio Jonathan Mann, Pastor PRELUDE AND LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES “For All the Saints” OPENING MUSIC “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #384 “America the Beautiful” #696 Call to Worship: Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Congregational Prayer: Holy Spirit, today we remember how You came upon our church. You are the great counselor, our assurance of God's presence, and our guide. Thank You for being with us today and giving us new life. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. PRAYER “Sanctuary” LORD'S PRAYER OFFERING OUR GIFTS “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” DOXOLOGY SPECIAL MUSIC Roy Arnett SCRIPTURE Psalm 42:1-6a SERMON “Speaking to Your Soul“ Rev. Jonathan Mann CLOSING “God Will Take Care of You” #130 BENEDICTION SENDING FORTH “As We Go” POSTLUDE “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder”
May 28 Prelude and Opening Music “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #384 “America the Beautiful” #696 May 28, 2023 Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio Jonathan Mann, Pastor
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Farmersville, Ohio May 21, 2023 Graduation Sunday Announcements Prelude Opening Hymn - "All People That on Earth Do Dwell" - LBW #245 Responsive Reading Prayer of the Day Recognition and Blessing of Graduates First Lesson - Acts 1:6-14 Second Lesson - 1 Peter 5:6-11 Hymn - "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky" - WOV #752 Gospel - John 17:1-11 Sermon - "All for One, One for All" Song - "My Jesus" Apostles' Creed Offering Offertory - "We Give Thee but Thine Own" - LBW #410, v. 1 Prayers of the Church and Lord's Prayer Benediction Exodus Hymn - "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" - LBW #315 Dismissal Postlude For the video version of today's service, please visit https://youtu.be/SwBsv2kayxo May God bless you now and always!
Sunday Worship for May 14, 2023, from Queen Anne Lutheran Church in Seattle, our 10:30 service—Rev. Paul Hoffman, guest preacher; Rev. Dan Peterson presiding; Cantor Kyle Haugen. Trumpet: Neil Hubert Prelude—Four Variations for Organ on DOWN AMPNEY (ELW 804) I. Joyfully; Jan Bender (1909 –1994); Come Down, O Love Divine, Charles Callahan (b. 1951) • Introit—Isaiah 48:20, Psalm 66:1,2 • Gathering Hymn—We Know That Christ Is Raised, ELW 449 • First Reading—Acts 17:22-31 • Psalm 66:8-20 • Second Reading—1 Peter 3:13-22 • Gospel—John 14:15-21 • Sermon—Pastor Paul Hoffman • Hymn of the Day—Come Down, O Love Divine, ELW 804 • Distribution Anthem—A Prayer of St. Columba, Cecilia McDowall (b. 1951) • Sending Hymn—Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, ELW 631 • Postlude—Praeludium in D major, Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707) View the bulletin and read the sermon transcript.
Faith and LoveSCRIPTUREJohn 3: 35-36MUSIC"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (Glad) "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (instrumental) [Book reference - "Men and Angels" by Mary Gordon]
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” arranged by John Purifoy. Worship prelude presented by the First UMC Instrumental Ensemble.
PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#84) "My Faith Looks Up to Thee"Praise SongsConfession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriChoral AnthemSermon - "Born from Above" (John 3:1–17) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeHymn of Response - (#21) "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (verses 1 & 2)OffertoryDoxologyHymn of Approach (#622) "O How He Loves You and Me"Serving the Sacrament of CommunionBenedictionSinging The Lord's PrayerPostludeMy Faith Looks Up to TheeMy faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine! Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, O let me from this day Be wholly Thine. May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my faining heart, My zeal inspire; As Thou has died for me, O may my love to Thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire! While life's dark maze I tread And griefs around me spread, Be Thou my guide; Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow's tears away, Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside. When ends life's passing dream, When death's cold, threatening stream Shall o'er me roll, Blest Savior, then, in love, Fear and distrust remove; O lift me safe above, A ransomed soul! AmenLove Divine, All Loves ExcellingLove divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven to earth come down, Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, All Thy faithful mercies crown. Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art; Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter every trembling heart. Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit Into every troubled breast; Let us all in Thee inherit, Let us find Thy promised rest. Take away our bent to sinning, Alpha and Omega be; End of faith, as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty. O How He Loves You and MeO how He loves you and me. O how He loves you and me; He gave His life, what more could He give: O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me. Jesus to Calvary did go, His love for mankind to show; What He did there brought hope from despair: O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Vespers, Evening Prayer for the 6th Monday in Ordinary Time, February 13th, 2023. Thanks for praying with us, for inquiries, requests, feedback, please email singthehours@gmail.com. Visit our website www.singthehours.org. Follow us on Twitter @SingtheHours To support this work, visit www.patreon.com/singthehours, or Venmo @SingtheHours. Deus in Adjutorium – "O God come to my assistance"Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. Psalm 45 (first part)Psalm 45 (second part)Canticle: Ephesians 1v3-10Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2v13Responsory: Accept my prayer, O Lord, which rises up to you.Magnificat: Luke 1v46-55 (English, tone 8)Intercessions: Answer the prayers of your people, Lord.The Lord's Prayer – "Pater Noster"Concluding Prayers The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes), ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings and Old and New Testament Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles) are from the New American Bible © 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.
Vespers, Evening Prayer for the 2nd Monday in Ordinary Time, January 16th, 2023. Thanks for praying with us, for inquiries, requests, feedback, please email singthehours@gmail.com. Visit our website www.singthehours.org. Follow us on Twitter @SingtheHours To support this work, visit www.patreon.com/singthehours, or Venmo @SingtheHours. Deus in Adjutorium – "O God come to my assistance"Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. Psalm 45 (first part)Psalm 45 (second part)Canticle: Ephesians 1v3-10Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2v13Responsory: Accept my prayer, O Lord, which rises up to you.Magnificat: Luke 1v46-55 (English, tone 8)Intercessions: Answer the prayers of your people, Lord.The Lord's Prayer – "Pater Noster"Concluding Prayers The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes), ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings and Old and New Testament Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles) are from the New American Bible © 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.
Know any poets? Today is National Take a Poet to Lunch Day"! I've only written two poems that are really worth anything, so I probably don't qualify. lol I'll share two poems from a friend I met via Facebook which are very touching. She had given me permission to share her work on my blog over a decade ago, and I was re-blessed by them this week. Stay-On-Track Bible Reading Schedule: Today's reading is Genesis 21-25. This schedule runs Monday through Friday, and gives you the weekends to catch up or read ahead. If you use an audio Bible option, it takes less than 20 minutes to cover these chapters. Really not as daunting as it might seem. Try it here: https://www.biblestudytools.com/audio-bible/esv/genesis/ Daily Jesus Prophecy: Genesis 9:26-27 "The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem" which is fulfilled in Luke 3:23-36, tracing the lineage of Jesus through the line of Shem. Daily Scripture Writing from The Planning Woman: Today's passage is Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 with some concise directives written by Solomon. Daily Scripture Memory: This week we begin memorizing 1 Corinthians 13, with verse 1. Amy Carmichael's "If": We begin looking at this HUGE little thoughts from the main portion of this book. Today's focus is having compassion in the same way that we've been shown compassion by our Lord. Our final prayer scripture on the topic of "Witnessing" is 1 Peter 3:15. We'll read from Albert Barnes about how governing our hearts biblically chases away fear. Hymnary-"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" by Charles Wesley following the theme of compassion.
Decca Records is privileged to announce the release of a brand new album to commemorate in music the life, times and passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.Help support our show by purchasing this album at:Downloads (classicalmusicdiscoveries.store) Classical Music Discoveries is sponsored by Uber. @CMDHedgecock#ClassicalMusicDiscoveries#KeepClassicalMusicAlive#LaMusicaFestival#CMDGrandOperaCompanyofVenice#CMDParisPhilharmonicinOrléans#CMDGermanOperaCompanyofBerlin#CMDGrandOperaCompanyofBarcelonaSpain#ClassicalMusicLivesOn#Uber Please consider supporting our show, thank you!Donate (classicalmusicdiscoveries.store) staff@classicalmusicdiscoveries.com This album is broadcasted with the permission of Crossover Media Music Promotion (Zachary Swanson and Amanda Bloom).Track Listing:1 Various Artists The National Anthem (God Save The Queen) 02:402 Various Artists3 Various Artists Fanfare for the Wedding of Princess Elizabeth 01:484 Various Artists Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven 02:355 The Coldstream Guards Band The British Grenadiers 02:446 Various Artists Nimrod from Enigma Variations, Op. 36 03:217 Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Scottish Medley 07:298 The Sixteen Jerusalem 02:509 Various Artists Crown Imperial: A Coronation March 05:5710 The Sixteen I Was Glad 05:3711 Various Artists Zadok the Priest, HWV 258 05:3112 Various Artists Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer 02:5013 Various Artists Land of Hope and Glory - Arr. from "Pomp and Circumstance" March No. 1 05:5414 Various Artists Danny Boy (Traditional) Irish tune from County Derry - arr.: Chris Hazell 04:3515 Debbie Wiseman, National Symphony Orchestra Elizabeth II 03:3716 Central Band Of The Royal Air Force R.A.F. March Past 02:0117 The Band of H.M. Royal Marines A Life On The Ocean Wave 01:0318 Various Artists I Vow to Thee, my Country 04:4319 Military Wives Sing 04:0520 Vera Lynn We'll Meet Again 03:0221 Various Artists The Burial Service 14:4522 Various Artists Thou Knowest, Lord, The Secrets of Our Hearts Z. 58 02:4723 Various Artists The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended 03:2524 Various Artists The Lord's My Shepherd 03:3325 The Sixteen My Soul There Is A Country 03:5626 Various Artists O Taste and See (1952) 01:3027 Wallingford Parish Church Choir Love Divine, All Loves Excelling 04:0728 Various Artists Who Shall Separate Us? 03:0929 Various Artists Fantasia in C minor, BWV 562 04:2030 Various Artists Psalm 121 -31 Various Artists Kontakion for the Dead (Kyiv Melody) 05:2032 Various Artists Bring us, O Lord God 04:1233 Various Artists Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation 03:5934 Various Artists (Praeludium) 05:2435 Various Artists Mitte Manum Tuam (From36 Various Artists Psalm 96 - O Sing Unto The Lord A New Song 03:5537 Various Artists A Welsh Prayer 05:3738 Various Artists God Save The King (British National Anthem) 01:44
Sunday Worship for December 11, 2022, from Queen Anne Lutheran Church in Seattle, our 10:30 service. Prelude • Introit Philippians 4:4-5, Psalm 85:1 • Gathering Hymn—Savior of the Nations, Come, ELW 263 • First Reading—Isaiah 35:1-10 • Psalm 146:5-10 • Second Reading—James 5:7-10 • Gospel—Matthew 11:2-11 • Sermon—"What Is Worship?" Pastor Dan Peterson • Hymn of the Day—Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, ELW 631 • Distribution Hymn—Unexpected and Mysterious, ELW 258 • Sending Hymn—O Lord, How Shall I Meet You, ELW 241 • Postlude—Fantasy on VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN, Emma Lou Diemer (b. 1927) View the bulletin and read the sermon transcript.
Get lost with Professor Sweet as he remembers the Charles Wesley hymn Love Devine, All Loves Excelling. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/napkinscribbles/message
Opening Music from the August 14 Worship Service "Open Our Eyes Lord" "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" "Love Devine, All Loves Excelling" Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio Jonathan Mann, Pastor
Pastor Carolyn Hetrick of Grace Lutheran Church, State College, PA begins a series on the fruits of the Spirit inspired by Galatians 5:22-23. Each week, we'll explore how one of the fruits of the Spirit given to help us live the love of Christ together is seen in everyday faith. This Week: Pastor Carolyn is joined by the Rev. Aaron Decker, (he/him) a Theological Educator in Bolivia with ELCA Service and Justice (Global Mission). He has passions for world languages, textual ambiguity, and education as liberation. He lives with his cat, Moses; like in Exodus, Aaron might talk more, but Moses is definitely in charge.We talk about what it means to be church today especially in the midst of great struggle and suffering, but being church for the sake of the other. For Pastor Aaron's webpage that has many faith formation resources available in English, Spanish and Aymara, visit: http://revaarond.comToday's closing music is "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (Rowland H. Prichard/arr. Nishimura)This arrangement of the hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, is arranged by flutist Judy Nishimura, © ALRY Publications LLC, United Music & Media Publishers, www.alrypublications.com and is used with their permissionPermission to reprint, podcast, and / or stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-700989. All rights reserved.
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you. . . . — Psalm 145:1-2 In the hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” Charles Wesley describes our life in God's coming kingdom: “Changed from glory into glory . . . we [will] cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.” Living in the presence of God, we will be so filled with wonder, love, and praise for the Lord that, in a way, we won't be able to think of anything else. The celebration in Psalm 145 is similar. The psalmist is filled with praise and wonder at the beauty of God and all God's works. The writer sings about it in grand language. He says he will praise God “for ever and ever . . . every day.” He says that no one can fathom God's greatness. God's majesty is described with “glorious splendor,” and God's goodness is described as “abundant.” God is “gracious and compassionate,” and all his works “tell of the glory” of his everlasting kingdom. With such an amazing God, no wonder the psalmist is filled with praise. Because we have such a great and beautiful future promised to us, we can resonate with some other phrases in Wesley's hymn as we look forward to God's kingdom in hope: “Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be. Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee.” Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Fill us with wonder, love, and praise as we reflect on your beauty. We praise you for being such a great and loving God. Amen.
Gathering Hymn—Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!, ELW Hymn 380 • First Reading—Acts 16:9-15 • Psalm 67 • Second Reading—Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 • John 14:23-29 • Sermon, Pastor Dan Peterson: Pick One to Remember • Hymn of the Day—Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, ELW 631 • Sending Hymn—Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing, ELW 389 View the bulletin and read the sermon transcript.
Pastor Scott Schul (preaching) and Pastor Carolyn Hetrick, of Grace Lutheran Church, State College, PA discuss the prayer and lessons for the 5th Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2022:Acts 11:1-18Psalm 148Revelation 21:1-6John 13:31-35Today's closing prayer: from the World Council of Churches, at https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/prayer-cycle(Bangladesh. A Procession of Prayers: Meditations and Prayers from around the World, comp. John Carden, WCC, and Cassell, London, UK, 1998, p.179Today's music: This arrangement of the hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, is arranged by flutist Judy Nishimura, © ALRY Publications LLC, United Music & Media Publishers, www.alrypublications.com and is used with their permission. It was recorded for use by Grace Lutheran Church in State College, PA.Worship resources from www.sundaysandseasons.com, copyright 2022, Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Used with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #20807. Permission to reprint, podcast, and / or stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-700989. All rights reserved.
When You Get Knocked Down A sermon preached by Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli at Foundry UMC May 1, 2022, third Sunday of Easter. “Resilience for Times When…” series. Text: Acts 9:1-20 It's fun to discover unlikely Easter songs. Some of my faves include “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” by Charles Wesley, “I'm Coming Out” performed to perfection by Diana Ross, the Gloria Gaynor classic, “I Will Survive”—and the one that hit me this year: British band Chumbawamba's 1997 earworm, “Tubthumper” with the repeated lyric: “I get knocked down but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down.” That's a resurrection song—a resurrection resilience song. A quick online study revealed that a member of the band said the song is about “the resilience of ordinary people.” Lord knows it doesn't take long in life to “get knocked down”—in one of the many ways we might interpret that phrase: to be bullied, to lose something or someone we care about, to fail at something we tried hard to accomplish, to keep hitting obstacles and walls as you try to make progress toward a goal, to be humbled by a difficult task, or “taken down a notch (or many)” by someone who names a way we've hurt them or done harm to others. It's that last one that knocked Saul of Tarsus down. Saul—who most of us know as Paul the apostle—began as one virulently opposed to Jesus and the disciples of Jesus' Way. Saul was born to Jewish parents who possessed Roman citizenship, a privilege passed to their children. He was highly educated in Jerusalem, likely under the tutelage of the famous Rabbi Gamaliel. And he brought his considerable skill, privilege, and passion to the work of persecution. Saul was present and affirmed the murder of Stephen (Acts 8:1) and was clear in his mission to hunt down Jesus' disciples with violent intentions. (9:1) With this clear itinerary Saul sets out for Damascus and on the way—according to almost every artist who's imaged this moment—Saul is knocked off his horse on the road by otherworldly light—a common symbol throughout scripture, along with fire and cloud, for the presence of God. Saul, and those traveling with him, are aware of a voice who turns out to be none other than the risen Jesus. “Why are you persecuting me?” Just as Saul had never been able to perceive who Jesus was or welcome what he reveals and offers, in this moment Saul doesn't physically “see” Jesus but only receives the message. The encounter leaves Saul not only unable to see Jesus, but to see anything. Whether this detail means to signal metaphorically Saul's moral incapacity to perceive the error of his ways, was simply a result of encountering God's presence and power (“blinded by God's glory/shekinah”), or whether it was understood by the author as divine punishment is unclear. But regardless, Saul's perception is completely messed up—so much so that he goes, with assistance, into Damascus and fasts and prays for 3 days. While Ananias doesn't get knocked off a horse like Saul, he also gets knocked down, humbled by a dangerous call from God. Saul's reputation preceded him and Ananias—a disciple of Jesus—knows he is a clear target. But Ananias is called by God to seek Saul out and lay hands on him—a ritual act that, in scripture, is often a sign of healing, blessing, call, and affirmation of gifts through the power of Holy Spirit. Imagine for just a moment that you are Ananias. (If it helps, imagine not Saul but a present day, murderous despot in the scenario) You are a disciple of Jesus who's been trying to faithfully follow the Way even midst violent persecution. You know this guy wants to kill you. You know what he's done to others. You learn this murderer is the one God chooses to do important Kin-dom work. And you are asked to help make it happen. If I were Ananias, I would have some big feelings. But Ananias, the one who began his response to God saying, “Here I am, Lord,” does what is asked. He goes to Saul, greets him as a member of the family, and blesses him. (9:17 “Brother Saul”) What happens next is given little texture in the story, but I can only imagine what it must have been like to witness such a conversion. Was it the faith, courage, and open arms of Ananias that were the tipping point for Saul? Some Spirit-fueled epiphany that Ananias and other disciples were not soulless enemies, but fellow children of God? Was it the experience of being shown mercy by Jesus? Whatever it was, Saul was baptized into a new life. And Ananias witnessed the power of God's mercy and love in the life of even one such as Saul. What can we learn from Saul and Ananias about resurrection resilience for the times when we get knocked down? Notice that Saul spends three days in prayer and fasting and Ananias engages in conversation with God, naming his concerns and receiving guidance for his discernment. It sounds so basic, but when you feel most alone, most ashamed, most confused or afraid—God is with you, loving you, ready to spend some time with you, and to help you. When you get knocked down, turn to God, bring yourself into God's presence, ask your questions, throw your tantrums, cry your eyes out, or just feel the strength of Mother/Father God holding you. And listen. Pay attention to the message or discernment you receive in prayer. In the story for today, clarity about how to go forward comes quickly. That isn't often the case in our lives. But it does come when we remain aware and attentive that God is up to something in us and through us—and that God wants to help us. In my experience, proverbially “getting up” after being knocked down can sometimes be a very slow process. It is difficult, holy work to heal from grief or trauma, to truly receive God's grace and release from guilt and shame. It takes time and is holy work to allow God's grace to work in new ways in us that set us on a new course. Healing and change take time and intention. Turning to God provides the grace we need for resilience when we've been knocked down. In prayerful encounter with God several things are possible: 1. God will help us be honest about what has happened. We can rationalize things, we can fall into old patterns of self-blame, we can take too much or too little responsibility, or try to ignore whatever has knocked us down. But in the presence of God, there's nothing you can hide—what you did or didn't do, what you are or aren't responsible for, what does or doesn't matter most, and on it goes. If you are open, God will reveal to you the truth. And ALL of the truth is bathed in God's love and mercy. 2. God will help us learn what we need to learn from the experience and will help us get up. Part of this is to recognize our need and seek out and connect with people and other resources that will give us strength to rise and keep going. A few examples: You can love and rely on both Jesus and your therapist. You can receive grace from God and support from church, friends, or a social service agency. You can practice receiving God's love, others' love, and self-love. 3. God will help us engage differently in the world as a result of God's guidance through the struggle. At the very least, we will be aware of how awful it is to be knocked down and perhaps more perceptive to others having that experience. We might even focus more on offering others a hand to get back up instead of piling on with disdain, judgment, or indifference. If there are things we need to change in our own behavior or perspective so that we stop doing harm to others or to ourselves, God's grace will indeed help us. // Of course there are those in the church—both in the pews and in the pulpit—who continue to use their power and privilege to persecute others and do harm. Photos of Putin lighting his Easter candle as the Russian Orthodox Patriarch presided in a pristine, ornate sanctuary won't let us forget… Saul's persecutions were religiously driven or at least religiously rationalized. But today we are reminded that even for Saul, new life and the opportunity to use his powers for good and not for harm became possible. If it can happen for Saul and those like him through the ages, it most definitely can happen for you. And there are also powerful images of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine celebrating Easter last weekend. An image of a family with young children walking alongside barricades on their way to a service, people of all ages lined up in front of a bunker in a bombed out city with their traditional food baskets to be blessed, an Orthodox priest blessing Easter cakes at a humanitarian aid facility… These images of Christian hope in a time of war are, for me, powerful reminders that turning to God, relying on the love and grace and community of God and God's people can help us keep going even in the worst moments of life. You will get “knocked down” in life, sometimes in unimaginably painful ways, but with God you'll always be given grace—and companions on the journey—to help you get up again. There's nothin' gonna keep you down. Thanks be to God. https://foundryumc.org/archive/resilience-for-times-when
# Introduction Is there a more important *thing* in the universe than *love*? Of course there are many other important, even vital commodities, things such as water and time, existence and awareness. But what is more powerful, more desirable, and so also in this fallen world more perverted, more defined and redefined to death, than love? The Ten Commandments can be categorized as love for God (first four) and love for neighbor (last six). The Greatest Commandment is to love God, the second is to love our neighbors. The first part of the fruit produced by the Spirit in believers is love. The Spirit and love were related together in the last part of Romans 5:5. In that case it isn't Spirit-produced love but it is love poured out by the Spirit. It isn't man's love for God, or neighbor, but God's love for man. The reason we love at all is because we are made in the image of the God of love. God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). What other than love moved God to create the cosmos and in particular to create other persons? His love is glorious like a fountain: it overflows. There is no *need* in His love; His love is always *source*, always abounding, always sloshing over. His love is more powerful than the gravity that holds the stars in place and keeps the planets in their orbits. His love, between the three eternal Persons, and then out is like the sun of our solar system. And perhaps because it is so deep, divine, determinative, it dares shallow men for simplistic treatment. Unbelievers call attraction love, or good feelings love, or appreciation of certain qualities love. Many Christians in response have said that love is not a feeling *at all*, but it is an action. They've tried to pin it all on *agape*, as if the Spirit invented the word rather than inspired the use of it. But both of these have problems. The worldly view makes it seem that love is mostly a *response*; and sure, response can be a part of it. The pietist view makes it seem that love is a *duty*; again sure, love is a command to men. Yet in Romans 5 love is a *force*, and an energy that creates shameless hope, an effectual gift that is and leads to glory. The gospel in Romans 5:6-11 is three hundred proof. The gospel of God's love in potent overflow will put hope on your chest. The gospel is the power of God to salvation because love is stronger than death. You don't have to read this paragraph as a Calvinist, but that's just making extra work for yourself. Man is simply in no condition to be offered God's love, nor does man *want* God's love, nor is he capable of asking for it apart from God's initiative, unconditional love. You could read this paragraph looking for a self-esteem boost, trying to find inherent worth in men that caused God to send His Son to the cross. But you would have to read the Ego Massaged Paraphrase to find that (which doesn't exist). Here is love vast as the ocean. The glory isn't that a fish can be made wet, the glory of the ocean is that it makes wet everything it touches. Three things: our condition (verses 6-8), our chances (verses 9-10), and our attitude (verse 11). # Our Condition When Christ Died (verses 6-8) The key in these three verses is found in the repetition of "Christ died." It is that He died to show God's love and not because we were lovely. Verse 6 shows our condition at the time of Christ's death. > For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6, ESV) We were **weak** and **ungodly**. More words pile on as the paragraph progresses, but "weak" (ἀσθενῶν) at least means that we lacked the strength to do anything for ourselves; we wouldn't be the ones chosen by a team captain. “Ungodly" (ἀσεβῶν) means we are in the opposite state of what God made us for. The weak and ungodly share a lack of glory, a falling short of God's glory, and it was at that **time** Christ died. To say **at the right time** could be a reference to the “fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4) on the historical timeline (1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 1:3). But the context here shines light on the right time *when we needed it*. He died when no one else would have. Verse 7 follows up on the surprise. > For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— (Romans 5:7, ESV) The indefinite subjects make a general case. People just don't die for jerks on purpose, because it is unusual for people to die for others they like. The **righteous** and the **good** are the sorts of people you'd respect. They would be the sort of person that you'd want to keep around being a positive influence. Even for that kind of man though, such a sacrifice rare. It's an adverb party, **scarcely, perhaps** with **dare**, meaning that it's really improbable. These should be added onto our condition as what we're not. This is the setup. We're not even like this. So we are weak, ungodly, unrighteous, and evil; as Orwell might have written, double-plus-ungood. Which is what makes the centerpiece of the paragraph so striking. > but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, ESV) On display is not just God's grace, righteousness, and power. God shows His own **love** to us. Love comes, to be clear, while we were **sinners**, a summary term, the cherry on top of the depravity dung pile of our ingratitude and self-righteousness. Love is made known in the sending and sacrifice of the Son for sinners. > God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:8–10, ESV) On to grow on: God is not glorious because forgiven rebels love Him, but because He loves rebels into forgiveness and *glory*. God's love bestows loveliness. God loves the unlovely into salvation and abundant life and hope and eternal blessing. This is radical love, radical in both senses of rooted and thoroughly effective. Love turns rebels into rejoicers. # Our Chances Because Christ Lives (verses 9-10) As "Christ died" came twice in verses 6-8, so here in verses 9-10 see the double use of “much more...saved" (πολλῷ μᾶλλον, a phrase used four times in this chapter alone). It builds on love. > Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Romans 5:9, ESV) Peace with God is a present reality based on "having been justified by faith" (verse 1), and the same thing here. Justification is **by His blood**, a way to speak about His death, and it has ongoing and certain blessings: **we will be saved**, future tense, **from the wrath**. It is the end time judgment, and once truly saved then certainly saved. Much more is that future for real. The argument is from the greater to the lesser; it's also called an *a fortiori* argument: “used to express a conclusion for which there is stronger evidence than for a previously accepted one” (New Oxford American Dictionary). > For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10, ESV) Another, and last term: weak, ungodly, unrighteous, bad, sinner, **enemies**. We were on the wrong side of God. Yet He sent His own **Son**, a word used for the first since chapter 1 (Murray), reminding us of the Triune love at work. We were spiritually dead, disobedient, ungrateful, and hostile. We were rebels against His glory, and deserving of His glorious wrath. But *much more love*. Christ's death reconciled us and Christ's life, His resurrection (see 4:25) means we have life. # Our Attitude As Reconciled Rebels (verse 11) "More than that" is just okay, but in full it would be “Not only but also.” > More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:11, ESV) After reading verses 6-10 we should be humble, duh. And as true as that is, Paul doesn't call for an acknowledgement of our worm status. **We also rejoice**! Here is the third **rejoicing**/exulting in the chapter. We rejoice in hope, we rejoice in trials, we rejoice in God. We were rebels, and therefore we did not rejoice in the glory of God (verse 2), we could not rejoice in our trials (verse 3), we would not rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ (verse 11). Paul apparently doesn't mind the repetition. Rejoicing is **through our Lord Jesus Christ** (also verse 1), making this a bookend of the section. It also connects peace to reconciliation with God. # Conclusion Some of the current so-called intellectual dark web exhortations, especially to men, include: get discipline, endurance, find meaning in suffering. But those messages, as counter-empathetic as they are, do not include *love*. Love is not a motivation, either as recipients or givers. It certainly isn't *divine* or *eternal* love. Also, we have to do it all on our own, no grace, no *gift* of glory. Real endurance and hope comes not by our own bootstraps but by His blood. The demonstration of love from this paragraph: it is Trinitarian, it is effectual (on the unlovely for their redemption and rejoicing), it is sacrificial, it is exponential as in eternal. It is much more love than we could have asked or imagined. One of my favorite John Bunyan questions: > Couldst thou (sinner) if thou hadst been allowed, thyself express what thou wouldst have expressed, the greatness of the love thou wantest, with words that could have suited thee better? (_All Loves Excelling_, 37) ---------- ## Charge There is nothing in Romans 5:6-11 about our love for God or for our brothers; there is no command or exhortation. That does not mean that there is no application. The first application is, say *Amen!* Then there's follow up. He loved us (1 John 4:9-10, Romans 5:8), so, beloved, we ought to love one another (1 John 4:11). When the Spirit pours out God's love in our hearts we are filled to overflow. ## Benediction: > [A]ccording to the riches of his glory may he grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16–19, ESV)
Rev. Doug Nicely discusses with Gary Duncan 1 Corinthians “The Love Chapter". Pastor Nicely also shares insights of a related hymn, “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”.
John 1:9-18The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.(John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.Back in the day, when your Pastor Mark and his brother were little and rambunctious, I was known to say, “What on earth are you guys doing?!” Have any of you said that to your kids or grandkids? I think it is appropriate that on this second Sunday after Christmas that we stop and ask God, “WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?” Something incredulous has taken place.After all, why would God leave the glory of heaven with its choir of angels…with its peaceful harmony; heaven where there is no suffering, no tears, no death? Why would God leave all of that to come to earth as a dependent and weak baby, to be born in a stable to a teenage girl, born amidst the smells and grunts of animals, and with a surrogate father? Why would God do that? What on earth is God doing?Well, the reason God is on earth was cast early on, there in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve decided they wanted to be like God and so ate the forbidden fruit; Then Cain killed his brother; and then throughout human history when people constantly disobeyed God -- the need for salvation – was evident. The wages of sin is death…Even the chosen ones—God's own people disobeyed. Moses killed his enemy; the great King David committed adultery; there were wars and more wars; there was even a golden calf -- unfaithfulness was rampant. Sin—missing the mark—had become the human way, even for the chosen people of God.But, God, being loving and abounding in grace, didn't give up on the creation or its people. Instead of just turning everything into a giant, flaming cinder, God made a series of promises through centuries of prophetic voices.WHAT ON EARTH IS GOD DOING AT CHRISTMAS? God is keeping those promises. Here is how we remember a few them: A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. Isaiah 700 years before the birth of Jesus told of his coming: Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel (God with us.) Here is my servant…my chosen, in whom my soul delights…he will bring forth justice to the nations.Over and over again God looked upon creation through tearful eyes, and God made promise after promise of a Savior, of a Messiah; of Immanuel.What on earth was God doing that first Christmas? God was keeping a promise to save creation; to save God's own people; to save you and me.But, that wasn't all: God came to earth to PROVE A LOVE. And not just any sort of love. This was something very special: LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVES EXCELLING, JOY OF HEAVEN TO EARTH COME DOWN!This love come down to earth excels all other love! Jesus said it best when he told Nicodemus: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, SO THAT EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM MAY NOT PERISH BUT MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. That takes a divine/stubborn kind of love. A love that is willing to die for its fulfillment. A love that requires sacrifice in order to be fulfilled, and it is a love that Jesus showed his followers then, and it is the same love that he shows you and me today.Jesus told his disciples that because he loved them, that he would go to Jerusalem and would die for them, but they didn't get it. They asked, “Who does that?” Who would die for a sinner like me? Who deserves that sort of love?The Baby Jesus born in Bethlehem was proving God's love. That he would leave the Father and the glorious company of heaven to be born as one of the humans he came to save was proving a love beyond comprehension. Perhaps St. Paul said it best: In Jesus all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. And through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, by making peace though the blood of Jesus. The body and blood of Jesus -- given and poured out – that proves a love that has no bounds. WHAT ON EARTH IS GOD DOING? God is keeping a promise; God is proving a love; and, God is shining a Light.God is shining a light on this dark and weary world. And it is dark and weary for sure. Especially in these days of a deadly virus;in these days of hunger and disease and all sort natural disasters;in these days of gun violence run rampant;in these days of all of the “isms” that afflict humanity; in these days of wars and rumors of more wars—it is a dark & weary time.But, light has come my friends. There was light that first Christmas – it hung as the guiding Star over the manger in Bethlehem, and it continues to shine over us.Again, hear Isaiah's words, “I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations.” And, “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”And in the majestic words of John, chapter one, “All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Ah, yes, there it is—the darkness did not and will not overcome this light that shines through the resurrected life of Jesus.There are many references in scripture to Jesus being the light of the world, and so he is. He is the light of our Christmas Eve's silent night candles. He is the light that gives hope to many through our food pantry gifts; our bags of blessings; our meals to the sex workers in Indy; through all of our mission-focused giving; he is the light that gives hope to our friends in Haiti.He is the light that gives hope as we fight injustice, illness suffering and death.And so, as we soon leave the Christmas season we go knowing that God, ON EARTH has kept a promise; that God has proven a love; and that God has shined a light on this dark but wonderful world. We go into this new year sharing that love and living in that light. Amen.
Methodist hymn writer Charles Wesley was born on this day, 1707, in Epworth England. His hymns include “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” and “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 33: 11Trust is the posture of the Christian. We must make every effort to trust in the heart of Jesus. Age to age He has a plan for us. His broken wounded heart knows are needs and knows our brokenness. Let us place our trust in Him.GOD MOMENTJesus I trust in You! MUSIC"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling""O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine"
We are recording our in-person worship service (10:45 AM on Sunday) each week for folks who can't join us in person. This is the Audio-only version recorded for Sunday, July 4, 2021. It is also available in Video format through our YouTube channel. Click on the "Notes Icon" (the little image of a notepad) to get the sermon study notes for this week. ORDER OF SERVICE: Sing our opening songs, "Standing on the Promises of God” and "His Way with Thee" (on-screen lyrics in the video recording). Listen to the message "The Second Coming” (Part B), preached by Pastor Dave Marksbury from Revelation 19:14-21. This message is part of the multi-week sermon series "Revelation: God's Final Call." (Prior messages in the series are available in both video and audio-only recordings). Sing: "Come, Thou Almighty King” and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.” Join us in prayer, listen to the church announcements and a "One Year Bible Reading" update. The service features a mini-movie, “The Land of The Free,” in celebration of Independence Day, remembering the American declaration of independence on July 4, 1776. Our closing song is "When We All Get to Heaven."
Charles Wesley was a veritable fount of hymns. He provided a wealth of theologically sound hymns that helped undergird his brother John's ministry and the growth of the Methodist movement in England and America. The popularity and soundness of his work is still seen today as many of his hymns, such as this favorite, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (evidenced by the many melodies to which it has been set), are found in modern day hymnals. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 by Robert J. Morgan. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com
Our bodies may be a real pain, but they are where our redemption happens. Sermon by the Rev. Ryan Slifka, hymn "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" by St. George's music team.
Airing originally on March 4, 2021 on WYXR 91.7 FM in Memphis, TN, this episode of Faithfully Memphis features Bishop Phoebe Roaf in conversation with Tami Sawyer. Sawyer is a Shelby County Commissioner and Chair of Education in her hometown of Memphis, TN. She is a social justice activist who is Chair of the Memphis NAACP Legal Defense Fund, leader of #Takeemdown901 and recipient of the Ebony Power 100 Award. Follow Tami on Twitter @tamisawyer and Instagram @TamiSawyer901. Listen to her podcast Black Steel Magnolia wherever you listen to podcasts. Have a question for the Stump the Bishop segment? Please email Minister of Communication Emily Austin: eaustin@episwtn.org Featured Music: "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" performed by The Riverside Choir "O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing" by Reawaken (Acoustic Hymn)
Rev. Emily Penfield turns to John for today's episode as she explores Peter's denial of Jesus before the crucifixion and the forgiveness when Jesus returned to the disciples on the fishing boat. Scripture: John 13: 33-38; 21: 1-9 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Soloist: Kenny Williamson Keith Organist: Andy Plummer Pianist: Lynn Miles Songs: "O! For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" (1739) by Charles Wesley "My Jesus, I Love Thee" (1964) by William Featherstone "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling" (1880) by Will Thompson "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (1747) by Charles Wesley CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving
Music: "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" ext: 87 87 D; Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt. Music: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811-1887. Contributors: HYFRYDOL, Rowland Pritchard, Charles Wesley "As We Gather At Your Table" Contributors: Carl P. Daw, Jr. Text: © 1989, Hope Publishing Co. All music reproduced and streamed with permission from ONE LICENSE, license #A-723939. Musician: Thomas Conroy Celebrant: Fr. Joe Keenan Lector: Thomas Conroy Today's readings (via USCCB): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111520.cfm
We have resumed our in-person worship service (10:45 AM on Sunday) and are recording them each week for folks who can't join us in person. This is the Audio-only version recorded for Sunday, October 18, 2020. It is also available in Video format through our YouTube channel. Click on the "Notes Icon" (the little image of a notepad) to get the sermon study notes for this week. ORDER OF SERVICE: Sing along with our opening songs, "I Stand in Awe” and “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (on-screen lyrics in the video recording). Listen to the message "Tribulation Believers” preached by Pastor Dave Marksbury from Revelation 7:1-17. This message is part of the multi-week sermon series "Revelation: God's Final Call." (Prior messages in the series are available in both video and audio-only recordings). Sing along with our worship team: "Blessed Assurance" and "O That Will Be Glory.” Join us in prayer, listen to the church announcements and a "One Year Bible Reading" update. Our closing song is "I'll Live for Him."
June 28, 2020 1 John 4:16 Pastor Brent Walker The post June 28, 2020 – All Loves Excelling appeared first on Central Church of the Nazarene.
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
THY KINGDOM COME is a call to prayer, started in England just five years ago by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, which has now become a global movement. Each year, for ten days between Ascension Day (21 May) and Pentecost (31 May) there's a world-wide invitation for Christians everywhere to pray that more people will come to know Jesus, and experience His love and His power in their life. Emma Buchan is the Project Director for Thy Kingdom Come, working for the Archbishop of Canterbury, with Chris Russell who is the Archbishop's advisor on Evangelism and Witness - she joins us to explain exactly what Thy Kingdom Come is aiming to do - and her own story is in itself an example of the life-changing power of prayer. We also have extracts from last Thursday's Thy Kingdom Come Launch Service, marking the start of this year's ten days of prayer. It was led by the Chaplains to the Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, together with members of the Defence Christian Community. Listen out for some helpful words about prayer, from the Rt Rev'd Paul Mason, the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Armed Forces - and there's some familiar words prayed in a very different way - by frontline workers from many walks of life - and three people talk directly about the importance of prayer in their own life. The website for all the FREE resources is www.thykingdomcome.global Search your App Store for Thy Kingdom Come app for your phone or tablet (it's FREE) and the Daily Hope FREE phone line is 0800 804 8044 - it's available 24/7 and has Thy Kingdom Come prayers and hymns included in the options when you dial in. And we have more of your requested hymns - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, specially for Geoffrey and Helen Taggart of Cross Four Ways, who were married in the Royal Chapel on 23rd May 1970 and Give Me Oil in My Lamp, for Mrs Helen Kennaugh in Ramsey, who wants to be reminded of her Sunday School days! Another popular hymn - How Great Thou Art - is also included between today's speakers If you'd like to request a favourite hymn for inclusion in a future programme, email me judithley@manxradio.com I'd love to hear from you!
Annoucements, prayer, and a sermon on 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13. Thanks to Heidi for reading the scripture passage. Thanks also to Jesse Daugherty for singing Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Christian Hearts in Love United, and Boundless Grace and Abbie Mulder for playing the piano. Boundless Grace is sung with permission from the author and composser of that song, Seth Koerner. To hear more songs by Seth Koerner click on this link: https://sethkoerner.bandcamp.com/album/psalms-hymns-and-spiritual-songs. All scripture quoted in this podcast comes from the NIV.
This is the conclusion to a two-part series on the imagery of one of Peter's first letters in the New Testament. Scripture: 1 Peter 2:2-10 Worship Leader/Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Scripture: Linda Thacker Organist: Andy Plummer Guitarist: Kathy Morgan Songs: "Solemn Processional" by Leon Boellmann "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (1747) by Charles Wesley "Rock of Ages" (2015) by NewSong "My Hope Is Built" (1834) by Edward Mote CCLI 20178353 To donate to Woodlawn UMC, visit https://www.woodlawnbham.com/giving/
It's Holy Week! Rev. Emily Freeman and friends are here with your Palm Sunday worship service! Scriptures: Matthew 21:1-11; 26:14-56 Scripture: Eliza Penfield, Terry Hall, Lynn Miles Duet: John and Jane Somerset Pianist: Lynn Miles Sermon: Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield Songs: "All Glory, Laud and Honor" (820) by John Mason Neale "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" (1873) by Jeanette Threlfall "Holy City" (1892) by Frederic Weatherly and Stephen Adams (Michael Maybrick) "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (1747) by Charles Wesley CCLI 20178353
The first sermon in a series called "All Loves Excelling." This one is based on John 2 in which Jesus turns water into wine.
In this episode we reflect on the satanic attack that poisons our heart and worship – also known as the "Cain" tactic – and how to counter this strategy with the divine remedy and gift of priesthood. Resources: – "Why Men Hate Going to Church" by David Murrow (http://a.co/4GF1nzK) – "The God Who Loves You: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" by Peter Kreeft (http://a.co/3V2xY48) – "Faith, Hope, Love" by Josef Pieper (http://a.co/blv5vJV) (Note: Not light reading; requires some background in philosophy/theology, but a worthwhile read for any Catholic) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-furrow/message
The second stanza of Charles Wesley's classic hymn, "All Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is missing from many hymnals. This stanza, which gives an account of "Christian Perfection" as a second blessing (a second act of grace that follows justification and regeneration), challenges many ideas on the ultimate outcome of the Christian life.
The second stanza of Charles Wesley's classic hymn, "All Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is missing from many hymnals. This stanza, which gives an account of "Christian Perfection" as a second blessing (a second act of grace that follows justification and regeneration), challenges many ideas on the ultimate outcome of the Christian life.
Extreme Makeover: Changing Your Appearance vs. Changing Your Character Songs and Hymns: `Come, Christians, Join to Sing `Thank You `This Is a Mothers Prayer `Love Divine, All Loves Excelling