Virtual Worship
March 22nd, 2020
Welcome!
While we can not gather in person we can still worship as a faith community. Please leave comments and join in the conversation on our Facebook page.
We are here to accomplish our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
We are here to live into our vision of sharing God’s love to transform communities and change lives.
We are here to worship God.
March Focus Scripture: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
Announcements
- Starting tomorrow, every week day at 11:00 AM we are going to have a morning prayer broadcast via Facebook live. We invite you to join us for that, and then connect with one another in the comments.
- During this time of social distancing we are putting together a congregational care team. The goal of this team is to help us all stay connected while we can not gather together. Each member of the care team will be assigned a portion of the congregation to keep in contact with. If you are willing to be part of this team, please let Pastor Sean know.
- This is a new format and a new experience for us. We value your feedback, and we want your input on how we can improve this virtual worship experience.
Missions Moment
Today is the day that is designated as UMCOR Sunday. UMCOR stands for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and it is the arm of the United Methodist Church that responds to disasters around the world. This video gives a bit of an idea of the good UMCOR does:
To learn more about UMCOR or to give it your support you can go Here
Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer: 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.
Worship Through Giving
Clyde Flory, our worship leader, offers us these words from Life Principles Bible by Charles Stanley:
“I remember by grandfather’s words, ‘Charles, whatever you do in life, always obey God fully. If he tells you to run your head through a brick wall, go forward, expecting him to make a hole.’ I have never forgotten that advice and it has been a cornerstone of my personal ministry over the years. It reminds me that the most important counsel we can ever get comes from the Lord Himself.
Regardless of the situation or circumstance, we should go first to God for His counsel. We should remember what King Jehosphaphat told King Ahab of Israel: ‘Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.’ “
There is not a plate to pass, but we encourage you to make use of our online giving page or make your tithes and offerings through a different format.
Scripture Reading
We encourage you to read this morning’s scripture. If you do not have a bible available, then please consider reading it in one of the following translations you are most comfortable with:
Message
The Light Side Reverend Sean Johnson
Message manuscript: Here
Benediction
It has become our tradition to hold hands at the end of the service. Since we can not do that, I encourage you at some point today to reach out and connect with some one.
May you live as a child of God the Father
May you authentically follow Jesus the Son
Being filled with the Holy Spirit, may you be in the light and shine like the stars in the heavens.
May you live in peace. Amen.
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I really enjoyed the opportunity to again hear your sermon. Thank you for this wonderful message. Amen. Praise God.
Wonderful message. Sending virtual hugs to my family in Christ. Keep your light shining!
Hug
Thank you Pastor Sean. Good message in these sad times. Praying that all this will pass quickly, and that we will be a better people.
Keep that light shining through the masks many are wearing. Thank you for doing what you can. May God continue to bless you with growing strength and healing.
Amen! A lot ot to think about. Have a good day, wee k, and stay safe!
Ps Did you blow out the candles?
Thanks to all who helped put this together – especially Pastor Sean. I believe that it is the best format.
Took 2 tries to start the videos – had to remember to disable my ad blocker.
Next week, I will remember to include my offering prayer.
Miss my hugs – I will call somebody (s) today.
Replace fear with faith
HUGS! Thank you for continuing with our mission and vision.
Amen!! Thank you Pastor Sean! Your message is so appropriate for these times. May we all remember that God is the light we should follow and trust!
Well done and a big thanks to Sean and his team for putting this together. It is so important that during this time, as in all times, we keep our eyes on where our hope lies – God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Coming together as the Body of Christ to worship God is an essential part of our growth as disciples of Christ. It is times like these that we learn that the church building is not the only place to stay in touch with God and it is not the only way that the Body of Christ does the work of God. Let us all use this time to connect with God and listen. God may have a new and creative way for us to take the Light into a Dark world.
Thanks again and great job!
While I look forward to being with you again physically on Sunday mornings, I will look forward to the message God has given you each week thru this virtual gathering.
God is Good!
AMEN!
Thank you and please pray for the James family
Praying.
Thank you for keeping us alive in the faith during a time we are being tested and isolated from those who keep us built up. I pray our church will bind together, pray together and build a stronger foundation to grow on. I would like to also thank our Outreach Ministries, who faithfully continue to meet the needs of our community through their tireless commitment to do God’s work. Praise and blessings!
Wonderful & inspirational message. Thank you Pastor Sean! Jesus is the light and we need to keep our light shining in these dark times. Praying for ALL!
Hugs to all my family at NJUMC. Craig and I enjoyed this time to sit together for church. A rare and special event. We shared the sermon on FB. Praying that HIS light will shine even brighter now and forever.
Remember: You are loved!
Thank you Pastor Sean! As always, a great message.