Worship and Bible Study for Sunday, July 26, 2020

Dear Salem Church Family,

I am honored to worship with you today in a variety of ways. Outdoor worship will take place on front lawn today at 9:00am. I encourage to consider bringing an umbrella and possibly a small tarp or trash can liner. The grass will be wet. Also, please review the protocols and guidelines we have adopted for outdoor worship.

– You are encourage to bring all you need to be comfortable for the duration of the service. i.e. lawn chairs, sun protection, water.

– The lawn has indicators for where family should consider gathering. We are mindful of the healthy distances necessary to keep people safe.

– Face coverings must be properly worn at all times throughout the service.
– We will refrain from singing as a congregation

– The church buildings will be closed. This includes the restrooms.
Thank you for your understanding and willingness to go the extra mile in these ways to ensure that we all stay safe.

We also have Bible Study today at 11:00am. Carol Harwood will be facilitating our conversation around 1 Corinthians 13 through Zoom.

Lastly, I have composed a brief order of worship as guide for your personal worship. Please remember that the blue links will redirect you to youtube and you may have to watch a short advertisement before the hymns begin.

Now may our hearts be united as honor and glorify our great God with our sincere praise.

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Order of Worship for Sunday, July 26

Call to Worship: Psalm 33

The Lord loves righteousness and justice, the earth is full of his unfailing love.
By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

….

Opening Hymn: How Firm a Foundation

Opening Prayer:

Righteous and Almighty God, we long to worship you today. Shape our lives and refine our hearts with your love. Purify us with your spirit that we may reflect your grace in our words and in our actions. We long to be faithful and fit for your kingdom. In the power of your Son, our Savior, may we shine with your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

….

Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 12:4-11

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. — Heb 12:4-11

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Pastoral Prayer:

Holy God, with heads bowed and hearts open we present ourselves at your seat of mercy. You know our daily joys and sorrows and you give us grace to bring our needs before you. Our world – our lives need your peace.

Move in those places were strife and tension and conflict have skewed our ability to see and hear one another. Heal the sick and mend the brokenhearted.

Strengthen our doctors, nurses, and first responders that may continue to be agents of your healing with a tenderness that reflects the compassion you have for your children. Inspire those who lead and govern that their work may reflect your wisdom and care.

Refresh our faith and refine your church that we may become agents of your grace and heralds of your great love. Receive our prayers today for we trust in your goodness. . . And now with confidence of children of God, let us pray our Lord’s Prayer. . .

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today 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 glory, forever. Amen.

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Scripture Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. — Mal 3:1-4

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Message: Turn up the Heat

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Closing Hymn: More Precious than Sliver

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Benediction:

Be strong in the truth of God, persistent in your commitment to Christ, and open to the Holy Spirit. Live without fear. Love without reserve. And may the grace God, the love of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen.

 

Blessings,
-Pastor Kent

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