July 5, 2020 Order for Worship

5^th Sunday after Pentecost

GATHER & PRAISE

Return to the Lord, who led us out of bondage, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. Trust in the Lord, whose promises are always proven true. Find rest in the Lord, for Christ takes our burdens off our shoulders. Together, let us worship the Lord! Lyrics for the hymn are provided in the description on the YouTube page.

CONFESS

Family, God’s Spirit gives us a constant source of mercy, comfort, and reconciliation. With confidence in the forgiveness that follows, let us confess to God where we have fallen short.

Pray aloud in unison with others who are gathered, both in body and spirit.

No matter how much we like to fool ourselves, we can’t do it all on our own. The struggles of life overwhelm us. Wounded relationships overwhelm us. Sickness and disease overwhelm us. Violence overwhelms us. Systemic brokenness in the fabric of our communities overwhelms us. We confess that sin and death overwhelm us. 

Forgive us where we have strayed from your loving arms and ease our burdens, Lord. Take from us that we cannot bear on our own and save us from ourselves! Lead us to Jesus Christ, who offers us peace in the midst of pain. Restore us, Lord, and create a new heart within us.

RECEIVE PEACE

Family, receive this Good News. God gives us rest. God gives us peace. God gives us forgiveness. Be at peace with God and one another, for in Christ, we are all forgiven.

CHILDREN’S SERMON

Please click here for today’s family page.

Please click here for today’s activity page.

Please click here for today’s coloring page.

PRAYER REQUESTS

If you would like to share a joy or prayer concern, please email Pastor Dan at dan@tequestapres.org and your request will be shared in next week’s worship packet. Prayer requests will remain for 3 weeks unless updated. 

• For all impacted by the COVID-19 virus. For our medical professionals, paramedics, firefighters, and police officers. For those suffering from illness or facing treatment.
• For peace in our communities and opportunities for reconciliation. For the softening of hearts and the desire for justice. For the willingness to have conversations that lead to understanding, reconciliation, and healing.
• Our leaders at every level, for wisdom and discernment as they make difficult decisions, for our Session and deacons.
• For those burdened with stress and anxiety during this time, as well as those who facing financial uncertainty.
• Chet Downs, Chris Patterson, Conrad Newton, Beverly Mayer’s granddaughter Sara Navis’s baby Bryson who was born premature, Tim Brown (Carol Taylor’s son-in-law), the Sparger Family, Sharon Gordon, Mia Villegas, Joan and Ken Stuart, Families who have lost loved ones; Adrian Salsman (cousin of Candace Morgan), Brian Overfield.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Bob Brighenti – Jul 4, Dave Chandler – July 4, Michael Barry – 8, Bretta Jahna – Jul 10, Robert Brandon – Jul 11, Jeanne Lofquist – Jul 11

SERMON SERIES

Godly Rest: Practicing Sabbath to Strengthen our Faith

What does it mean to practice Sabbath? For some, it’s the day we rest from work, go to church, or spend time with our families. But in the Bible, practicing the Sabbath is more than taking breather from our daily routine. It’s an opportunity to focus on our relationship with God in order to grow closer to Christ and share his love with others. In this series, we will explore how practicing Sabbath not only allows us to rest in the Lord, but also gives us the means to strengthen our faith and follow Christ in our daily lives.

SERMON

Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 11:28-30 

Sermon: Give it Up

PRAYER FOR OUR NATION

Gracious God, you have made all of the peoples of the earth for your glory. You invite us to serve you in freedom and in peace. Give to the people of our nation a zeal for justice and the strength for forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will. 

Although the whole world is united in our need for your love, you have led us to reside in the United States of America, whose independence we celebrate this weekend. In this time of celebration, we ask that you give us the courage and strength to pursue the freedom you give us in Jesus Christ. Free us from our brokenness and free us to follow Christ’s way of love, reconciliation, and peace wherever we go. We ask this in the name of the one who welcomes all to be free. Inspire us to live and worship in your freedom and for the sake of your Kingdom.  

In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

GIVE BACK

As we continue to be the Body of Christ in the midst of the COVID crisis, we proclaim that nothing can separate us from God and one another! With that confidence, we give thanks for the gift of generosity that allows us to continue to follow Christ as a congregation through any season. With gratitude, let us return a portion of what God has given us. You can give by clicking the “Donate” button or by mailing a check to our church office at:

FPC Tequesta