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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider the last week, and any prayer requests you may have. If you have any prayer requests to share, you can add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Dear Father, God of the living,
Thank you that Christ's revelation of himself within my soul as Lord of my life and as the living Spirit of truth and holiness testifies that he is not dead but alive forevermore. Thank you that he lives in my heart. By your grace, and by my faith in what you did, I am what I am. The resurrection is preached and I believe it. Thank you, Father! Thank you that I don't have to believe that death ends it all either for Jesus or for me! In the name of Jesus I come, thanking you for your resurrection power and asking that I may live so as to always have hope of sharing in it. Amen.
This week's lesson is on 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.
Lesson Context
The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter written by Paul to the church in the city of Corinth. The church there had major problems, and the letter was meant to help the people understand. This text comes from the next to last section of the book, where Paul discusses the resurrection. Our book says that God will raise the dead so that they are alive as a unity of body and spirit. They will be in fellowship with those who are still alive at Christ's second coming. This will be the ultimate victory of God. Some members of the church in Corinth did not believe the idea that God would raise the dead. This may have been due to pagan Greek philosophy, which viewed the body as a prison from which one's spirit desired to escape. Paul argued that God does raise the dead because God raised Christ from the dead. He recounted the many people who saw Jesus after his resurrection, alive in his body that had been dead and entombed. He considered himself the last of these witnesses.
Guaranteed Victory
For ancient Israel, the day of firstfruits, or the Festival of Weeks (for today's Jewish people, Shavuot), involved a sacrifice of the produce of the land. This was to express that all that was harvested came from God and was dedicated to God. With this offering, the faithful pledged to God not just this one offering but the entirety of their harvest. Paul says that Christ is the firstfruits, which God has provided. What was begun with Christ's resurrection will be completed with the resurrection of God's people. Christ's resurrection tells us that God is not finished. We have much to look forward to. Paul puts Christ's resurrection within the context of the entire biblical story. God intended to sustain people's lives as they depended on him. But people rebelled, and separated humans from God's sustaining power. Humanity brought death upon itself, both the loss of physical life and the ruin of God's goodness in our lives. Resurrection reverses all of this.
Plan for Victory
Paul offers a sequence of events for God's plan, though not a timeline. First, Christ was raised from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Next, those who belong to him. This could refer to the dead in Christ who are raised when he comes, those still alive when Christ returns, or both. Then, the present age, when sin and evil seem to prevail, will end. Christ's return is not something for the faithful to fear. It means resurrection life. It means the defeat of evil in all its manifestations. It means the end of suffering. It means joy and peace. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. God pronounced death as the punishment for sin. The victory of God means the end of death. God destroys death by raising his people from the dead, uniting their spirits with resurrected bodies, and bringing them into eternal, unbroken fellowship with God and with one another.
Total Victory
All of Christ's enemies will be trodden under foot. Everything is subject to the Christ with one exception: God the Father, the one who brings the enemies under the king's authority. When the plan has been completed, the Son will willingly subject himself to the Father. God becomes all in all. 
Conclusion
A Christian's mind often goes to the promise of God that death is followed by life with God in heaven. That promise is real, true, important, and a real comfort as we consider our mortality. But today's passage reminds us that there is even more to look forward to. Biblical scholar and professor N.T. Wright says life after death is followed by "life after life after death." Raised from the dead, God's people are made whole. The life to come will bring us together with all of God's people from across the ages. We can only imagine what God has in store for us.
Prayer
Great God, your ways are far above our ways. Your promises to us are more than we can imagine. May we live in the light of your promised kingdom. We look forward to seeing the promise of resurrection fulfilled. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the King James Version. 
Next week, we start the fall quarter.
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take some time to share about our last week. This includes our joys and concerns. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, you can add them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Dear Father,
Help me to live according to your Holy Scriptures. That is why I pray to you in their very words. I want to be conformed to your will, for you will what is best for me. Help me not to be puffed up against my brothers and sisters in Christ. For who sees any difference in me. We all have been freely justified by your grace, forgiven of our sins. What have I that I have not been given? I cannot boast of anything as if it were not a gift. Whatever I am or have, Father, you have given. I would not be addressing this prayer to you if you had not called me to be your servant, your child, and your warrior in prayer. Thank you for calling me. Thank you for all your gifts. You are so gracious, so kind, so bountiful, so wonderful. My God, let me walk humbly with you all my days. In the name of Jesus, who calls us to his own kingdom and glory. Amen.
This week's lesson is on 1 Corinthians 4:1-6, 17-21.
Paul’s language towards the Corinthians is sharply and appropriately judgmental. Paul founded the church in Corinth. A few years after leaving the church, Paul heard some disturbing reports about the church. They were full of pride and were excusing sexual immorality. Spiritual gifts were being used improperly, and there was rampant misunderstanding of key Christian doctrines. The apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians in an attempt to restore the Corinthian church to its foundation—Jesus Christ.
The church was plagued by divisions. The believers in Corinth were dividing into groups loyal to certain spiritual leaders. Paul exhorted the Corinthian believers to be united because of devotion to Christ. Many in the church were essentially approving of an immoral relationship. Paul commanded them to expel the wicked man from the church. The Corinthian believers were taking each other to court. Paul taught the Corinthians that it would be better to be taken advantage of than to damage their Christian testimony. 
Prayer
God, we come to you in repentance of the arrogance that we all have been guilty of at times. May we abandon our focus on our supposed entitlements and focus instead on the entitlements Jesus voluntarily gave up so that we might live with him eternally. In his name we pray. Amen!
Thought to Remember
With God as our judge, the church lives in humble fellowship.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New Living Translation. 
Next week's lesson will be on 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
PENTECOST SUNDAY
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND May 28, 2023 +Rev. Dave Mason 11:00 a.m. Gathering Around the Word Prelude Announcements: Choir Call to Worship: We have gathered to rejoice in our oneness in Jesus Christ! Each of us experiences faith and life in a unique Way. Yet we have one God, one faith and one baptism, and One Spirit who unites us all. Let us lift our hearts as one, in songs of praise, in prayer, and in listening for God’s Word. Even when we leave this place, let us be joined in Common concern for humanity, like that shown by Jesus Christ. Amen. INVOCATION
*HYMN God of the Ages # 331
*Prayer of Confession: Unison Jesus, we want to live like You. We cannot do that on our own. We need Your mercy and grace day after day after day. We confess our weakness; we continually give into temptation But rather than throw up our hands in failure, we choose to admit our constant need for You. Demonstrate Your power through our weakness. You have defeated our sin by Your death on the cross. Let us live in the truth of who we are in You, not who we were before. Make us holy; make us like You. Amen. *Time of Silent Prayer: *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri *The peace of the Lord, Jesus Christ be with You. And also with you. *Passing the peace Children’s chat Prayer of Illumination Scripture reading Psalm 104: 24 – 35 Debbie Durila 1 Corinthians 12: 3 – 13 Sermon “E PLURIBUS UNUM” *HYMN Come Holy Spirit # 280 Apostles Creed Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory * Doxology Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE Let Us Break Bread Together # 525 Communion Alleluia INVOCATION A Hymn of Joy We Sing ( see insert) *Hymn Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory # 354 *Benediction *Choir Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Tammy Rodgers, Blake Lindley, Adam Gill
ANNIVERSARYS: Bob & Betty Fisher SYMPATHY: To the Family Shawn Durila Nephew of Debbie Durila To the Family of Kevin Patterson Brother of Amy Molinaro To the Family of Grace Baker in England Sister of Frank Baker ANNOUNCEMENTS: Nellie Baker has requested prayers for her cousin, Don Oatman. He is having surgery for foot removal. Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. After several people stated to me that they would like to have the Joys and Concerns back in the bulletin, here they are again. Thank you for the feed back. Prayer list will also be on the back of the Joys and Concerns again.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcastro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Ricci Amos, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Helen Provenzano, Richard Ward, Donna West, Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Chuck Harton, Robert Paxton, Wiley Myers, Keith McGill, Billie Wilson, Frank and Nellie Baker, Don Oatman
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together, we take time to share our joys and concerns together. Consider your past week. If you have any prayer requests, you can add them to this post as a comment. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Almighty and everlasting God,
You are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and to give more than we desire or deserve. Pour down upon us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is convicted, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Today's lesson is on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
Our Sunday School lesson is titled Résumé of Those Called. Paul is addressing a division in the church between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.
Conclusion
Martin Luther believed that Godly wisdom was ordained by God and worldly wisdom is a human doctrine of glory which leads to the blinding of hearts. To the world the brutal execution of Jesus does not seem like a victory. God’s power and salvation is revealed in the resurrection. Prayer Father, we bow our hearts before you. Your ways are far beyond the ways of human wisdom. May we rely on your strength and wisdom as we put our trust in your Son. It is in his name we pray. Amen. Thought to Remember God's ways seem foolish to a world impressed by cleverness and success.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New International Version. 
Next week's lesson is on 2 Timothy 1:3-14.
Our guest speaker this week is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 13 How Long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How Long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? My enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. Look on me and answer me, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, so I do not sleep in death. Yet I trust in Your unfailing love for me; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, the Lord my God, for my God has surely been good to me.
Today’s guest speaker is Dr. Renny Domske.
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. Birthdays, anniversaries, the prayer list and announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS CHORAL INTROIT “40 Days and 40 Nights” CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 5 Leader: Give ear to my words, O Lord. Consider my sighings, . for to You I pray. People: Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God. In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice. Leader: In the morning I lay my requests before You. I by Your great mercy will come into Your house. People: You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil. The arrogant cannot stand in Your presence. Leader: Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness. Make Straight Your way before me. People: I by Your great mercy will come into Your house. In reverence will I bow down toward Your great Temple.
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. Birthdays, anniversaries, the prayer list and announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Please click here to view the information from our bulletin insert about contributing to the Presbyterian Church's humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS CHORAL INTROIT “40 Days and 40 Nights” CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 4 Leader: Answer me when I call You, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress. People: Be merciful to me and hear my prayer. Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself. Leader: In Your anger do not sin- -trust in the Lord. When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. People: Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O Lord. Leader: You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. People: I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Today’s guest speaker is Jack Snodgrass. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service Prelude:
ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: From Lamentations 3: 22-27, 55-58 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. I called on Your name, O Lord, From the lowest pit. 56 You have heard my voice: “Do not hide Your ear From my sighing, from my cry for help.” 57 You drew near on the day I called on You, And said, “Do not fear!” 58 O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul; You have redeemed my life.
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. C.J. Haury
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
PRELUDE: "Christ Arose"
CALL TO WORSHIP: L: ALLELUJAH! CHRIST IS RISEN! ALL: CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED! HALLELUJAH! PRAYER OF ADORATION
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Jim Agnew.
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
VOTUM and SALUTATION:
INTROIT: HYMN: “God of Grace and God of Glory” CALL TO WORSHIP: Weary and overwhelmed, we gather. God’s holy word revives us. Simple and confused, we yield. God’s word gives us wisdom. Blind and uncomprehending, we await. God’s word enlightens our eyes. More precious than gold is God’s word. Sweeter than honey are God’s commands. |
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