E-vangelism: spreading the Good News via the World Wide Web!)
Each week, this page will be updated with a brief summary of Sunday's worship service.
The most recent Sunday services appear below.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Today's worship service was held in the Fellowship Hall (3rd Sunday of the month). Our hosts for a delicious breakfast were the ladies in the Salt & Light Bible Study.
Hymns sung included "We Sing To You, O God," "We Are God's People," and "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love"
Darrell Meeks had today's Children's Moment. Remember last week when the children talked about Valentine's Day? There were three little words expressed on almost every greeting between friends and loved ones: "I Love You!" Everyone loves to hear those words. Do we say them enough? Probably not. There are two little words that are important to express also. They are: "Thank you!" Think of someone you could thank, and do it! Have you thanked God today? Tell him right now!
Wendell Clark read today's Scripture Lesson, Colossians 4:2-18.
Pastor Ty's sermon began with a short review of the last few he's done. In Colossians, Paul writes to the new believers in Colosae, strengthening their new faith by telling them he will continue to pray for them. He reminds them to follow Christ's example, who lived to serve others, not to be served.
The Colossians were only a few of the many believers who were beginning their Christian walk through life. Paul named several to emphasize his point. A community of believers is important.
Salvation does not depend on church attendance. The true mission and existence of the church is to share our faith, not only by attending church, but by then going out into the community to make God known to even more. Bear witness to the good news in the Gospel.
Jesus' last prayer before his betrayal by Judas was for us! He prayed, "My prayer is not for them (his disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." -- John 17:20,23,26.
As a shepherd seeks a lost sheep, so God seeks and saves the lost.
Like a woman who searches for a lost coint until it is found,
So God rejoices over one soul restored to wholeness.
As a father receives a returning a wayward son,
so God welcomes us, and lets the past be the past.
Therefore let us praise God in thanksgiving that we are received.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Happy Valentines, Day!
Scout Sunday
Ware's Chapel welcomed several area Boy Scouts, leaders, and their families to worship service this morning. The American flag was presented and the congregation recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Scouts also helped with the offering and read scripture.
Today's Scripture Lesson was Colossians 3:18-4:1.
Hymns sung included: "Not I, But Christ," "I Want Jesus to Walk With Me," and "Center."
Melody Reynolds had today's Children's Moment. She talked with the kids about giving Valentines. Many had ideas of what a message written by God on a Valentine would say. It would surely include the word Love because 1) the first Commandment is to LOVE God, 2) he wants us to LOVE one another, 3) and God demonstrated how much he LOVES us by sending his son to us.
Pastor Ty noted that today's Scripture Lesson probably seems out-dated to us. The fact that Paul addressed new rules in relating to women, children, and slaves was revolutionary for his day! Wives, children, and slaves were seen as "property."
Paul taught that there is no hierarchy (no one greater than another) in Christ's kingdom. So if all are brothers and sisters in Christ, it follows that this should be true in all relationships.
Christ came to serve, not to be served. This should be our goal with one another and between husbands, wives, children, employers, employees. This is often hard to do! Being selfish by nature, we find happiness and fulfillment when others "serve" us. But don't you become a slave to them by thinking that way?
Follow Christ's example. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of serving: to lay down your life for your brother or sister.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What are the relationships where you might need to relate in the name of the Lord Jesus?
2. How do your relationships witness to being raised to new life in Christ?
3. Are you looking to serve or be served?
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Hymns sung today included: "Shout To The Lord," "Jesus Calls Us," and "Take My Life, and Let It Be."
Steve Heitzman read today's Scripture Lesson, "Colossians 3:1-17.
Vivian Clark had today's Children's Moment. Today may be special in several people's minds who follow professional football, but to one child who doesn't, tonight's game on TV, he thought, was a show on "bowling." Are you cheering for either team to win? Viv made favors for each youngster of a football banner with the words: "Team God." Belonging to this team guarantees you a win if you belong! Team God will always win the game against "Team Sin."
Pastor Ty recalled his sermons from the last few Sundays on man's traditions to gain salvation and God's path to salvation. Continuing those thoughts ...
Wouldn't you agree that a person's greatest need is to feel loved and accepted? One tries to get along with others, follow established rules, do what's expected. But do your efforts always end with acceptance of the one whose favor you're seeking?
Paul told the Colossians in today's Scripture Lesson to "set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things" (Vs. 2). The very nature of Christ's death on the cross means acceptance (salvation) !
We are to be witnesses to what it's like to be raised in Christ. "Put to death ... whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Vs. 5). Think of this as getting rid of old clothes (old ways) that don't fit you anymore.
"Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices" (Vs. 9). One of the most loving things you can do sometimes is tell someone the truth.
"As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Vs. 12). Let the peace of Christ change hearts.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ..." (Vs. 15,16). When the Word lives in you, it will live out of you. Knowing is not the same as doing. Without doing, knowledge is wasted. Be a witness for Christ.
After a few moments of meditation on how to be a witness for Christ in their own lives, the congregation was served communion by Pastor Dan Gildner, assisted by Pastor Ty, Joanna Nerderman, Bob and Pixie Brown.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Having a 5th Sunday in a month means a special offering, usually saved-up loose change. This month the congregation instead brought in food pantry items for Wesley Community Center. Being the last Sunday of the month also meant that everyone who celebrates a birthday or anniversary in January was wished today in song a happy one! The altar was graced by a beautiful floral arrangement from yesterday's funeral service for Don Wigger, Sr.
Hymns sung included: "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," "Open My Eyes, Lord," and "Be Thou My Vision."
Sarah Barker read today's Scripture Lesson, Colossians 2:16-23.
Pastor Ty referred to several verses from the above in his sermon, as he compared the restrictions of man's self-made traditions to win God's approval (religion) vs. justification of the cross (the Gospel) related by Paul to the Colossians.
Jesus said of the Pharisees: " ... These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." -- Mark 7:6,7
Religion sets boundaries, draws lines. Those in authority gain power and control by wielding the threat of punishment for breaking rules. Man's traditions say one has to work their way "up" to God. A person's life can become one of deception, trying to escape being discovered as unworthy, and worrying if you're working hard enough to be loved.
The Gospel tells us Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. His sacrifice on the cross justifies and glorifies the sinner. It is the sinner's assurance of being loved. No other action is required.
That assurance, however, should lead the believer to a different way of life, knowing you are holy in God's sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Hymns sung included: "My Hope Is Built;" "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken;" and "Center" with accompaniment by Pastor Ty on the guitar.
Pastor Ty had today's Children's Moment. He brought a pillow which he held on his lap, but it wasn't for a nap! Although, as he explained to the kids, resting is good for you. Even God rested on the seventh day after creating the world in six days. Resting restores your strength and allows you to forget about worries for a time. Come to Jesus to rest your soul.
Vivian Clark read today's Scripture Lesson: Colossians 2:1-15.
The congregation listened to and were shown the words of a song made popular by the group Queen called "Under Pressure."
Pastor Ty admitted to being a procrastinator. (This writer is also.) Talk about being under pressure! "Pressure" can cause a person's spirit to fold. Or freeze them from action. There's the inward self-imposed pressure to live in a way that's counter-culture. But being under pressure can sometimes bring out the best in us.
Pressure comes in a variety of forms and intensity. The Colossians worshipped many different gods and religions. If one didn't fill their need, they chose another on whim. Gentiles were being told that to follow Jesus, they had to be circumcized and follow Moses' laws. But then along came the apostle Paul who said all they needed to do for salvation was to accept the belief that Jesus Christ had died on the cross for their sins, making all other outward demonstrations of self-worth unnecessary.
Keeping God as the base in all you do provides resistance against pressure. As affirmation of this, the congregation recited The Apostles' Creed, which is:
"We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
We apologize for any inconvenience. Recap of this worship service was not available.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Hymns sung today included "Praise to The Lord, the Almighty" and "I Stand Amazed in the Presence." The last hymn was a new one "Not I, But Christ."
Melody Reynolds had today's Children's Moment. What is an offering? she asked. One child said "when you give money." Yes, that's what we usually think of. We may also offer our services, or share a talent, or other items of value. Jesus told his followers that the offering from the woman who gave all she had -- 2 coins -- was greater than that from the wealthy who selfishly kept some of their money for their own purposes. Jesus gave his life as an offering to God, full payment for our sins. All he asked in return was for us to love God with our whole hearts. Since the children were remaining in worship for the offering later (no Children's Church today), Melody gave them each a coin to put in the offering to remember all that Jesus gave us.
Joanna Nerderman read today's Scripture Lesson, Colossians 1:15-20.
Pastor Ty showed the video, "Come To Christ" before his sermon.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." -- John 1:1
This verse may help one understand the concept of the Trinity. He -- meaning Jesus -- was with God from the beginning. Jesus was (and is) the authority on God, on God's word. How do you respond to authority? Do you accept it easily? Do you come back to it after realizing that to go against authority is harmful? God planned from the beginning to have a relationship with man. But man refused God's authority and sinned. The first time was when he ate the forbidden apple.
God's new plan: send his son, Jesus.
Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful." -- John 15:1,2
Are you connected to the vine? If not, what are you connected to? With full authority from God, Jesus could have abused his authority. But he instead lived a life of service. Staying connected to Jesus means staying on the right path. We are reconciled with God through him.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Continue to grow in knowledge of the Word and bear fruit for the kingdom.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!
It may be a new year, but the congregation always enjoys singing these old favorites that were sung today: "Amazing Grace," "Victory In Jesus," and "How Great Thou Art."
Vivian Clark had today's Children's Moment. She admitted 2012 came in even though she didn't stay awake to welcome it! Some of the kids said they did celebrate its arrival! A new year means a fresh start, a blank slate, a chance to make better choices. We can look back at past mistakes and learn from them. Becoming a Christian and accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior means a fresh start too. Jesus accepts our request for forgiveness and remembers our sins no more!
Sarah Barker read today's Scripture Lesson, Colossians 1:1-14.
Paula Schlotterbeck sang a beautiful solo "Be Born In Me" while the offering was taken.
Pastor Ty said he would be using scripture from Colossians for his sermons during Epiphany, which is the time between Advent and Lent. The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the people of Colossae to encourage them in their new faith. Most of them were Gentiles. They embraced the changes that being Christian brought to their lives. Paul had never met them, but he was convinced of their faith by the good works they were doing. Do your actions identify you as a Christian? Actions speak louder than words. God will lead you down a new path, to new habits. As you progress through your faith journey, remember people are watching you. Is your life, your attitude, your behavior, and the choices you make evidence of the difference God has made in you?
