Worship for Sunday, September 20, 2020

Good Morning Salem Church. Salem Church is preparing to offer indoor worship beginning October 4th. Please continue to pray for our church leaders who will meet again this week to plan how we can best return to the sanctuary safely.

And now church family. let us rejoice in the day the Lord has made. Offering God the worship, adoration, and praise of all our hearts.

Blessings,

-Pastor Kent

….
Order of Worship for Sunday, September 20, 2020

Call to Worship: Psalm 25
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from old – according to your love remember me, for you are good.

Hymn: 10,000 Reasons

Opening Prayer:

Holy God, by your grace allow us receive your prefect love which drives away all fears. Lead your church in the path of righteousness and teach your children to delight in your way. Renew us with your Holy Spirit that we may extend compassion toward friend and enemy alike. Reveal to us your Holy Word and grant us the courage to carry the light of your love into this community. Receive our worship for we desire to honor you. All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Scripture Lesson: 1 John 4:13-19
1 John 4:13–19 (NRSV): 13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19 We love because he first loved us.

Pastoral Prayer:

Gracious and loving God, we are your children simply because of your love. When we needed a savior, you sent us your son. In him, we live and move and our lives have eternal significance. With thanksgiving we turn our hearts toward you. With a humble spirt we lift our prayers in your presence.

Storms are raging all around us, literally and spiritual we are flooded with disorder, despair, and destruction. Quiet our hearts, and strengthen our resolve to seek and show your compassion in the midst of chaos and devastation. O Lord, wars, strife, and tensions continue to strain and sever relationships among nations, across communities, and in our homes.

Calm our fears with your presence and allow us to feel your peace. Continue to strengthen and equip our leaders, our military, our police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics to be agents of reconciliation and dispensers of hope. Heavenly Father, viruses, cancers, and illness swarm all around us attempting to infect, injury, and break our bodies.

Heal us from the external and internal forces that seek to drain our energy and rob our joy. Bless the skill and work of our doctors, nurses, and health professionals that they may partner with you in bringing healing and wholeness to your children. Above all, remind us of your faithfulness, O God. When we needed a savior, you sent your son. May we follow Jesus in way to leads to life – the way marked by your unconditional love. In name of Jesus, we offer this our prayer. Amen.

Scripture Lesson: Matthew 5:38-48
Matthew 5:38–48 (NRSV): 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Message: Salt & Light – Perfectly Seasoned

Hymn: How Firm a Foundation

Benediction:
Love the Lord, hold fast to God, so that you may flourish in all you do. And may the wisdom of God, the love of Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirt shine brightly in you this day and always. Amen.

Kent Smith, Pastor
Salem United Methodist Church
Weaverville, NC
(828) 645-6014

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