Click the link above to experience with us our first Mt. Olive Zoom Worship experiment (March 22, 20202). It sure wasn't GREAT. But it was SO GOOD!! What a JOY to be together again. Thanks be to GOD!!
A) INTRODUCTIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS by Pastor Todd
It is GOOD that we are here together. It is GREAT that we are able to find a way to be together under these circumstances. In the next 6 Weeks we will be asking, which is our greater calling? To be GOOD? Or to be GREAT? At the dinner table our children pray: GOD is Great and GOD is Good. Some will say that one of those is ONLY possible for God. To be GREAT. They suggest that it is better to learn to live in GOD's IMAGE. To be GOOD. To follow in Christ's footsteps. Who encouraged goodness more than greatness. But that's a sermon for another day. However, in the next 6 Weeks we will reflect on 6 Values that I am Calling COMPANIONSHIP VALUES. About following in Christ's footsteps. Especially now. And practicing GOODNESS. As Christ was GOOD. As in GOOD News. GOOD News we are called to share. Especially now.
Who is Mt. Olive Lutheran Church?
We are a VEHICLE through which the Gospel (Good News) is Spread!!!
In the next 6 weeks we will be intentional about being a VEHICLE that will deliver CONFIDENCE, COMPASSION, and COMPANIONSHIP to a tremendously anxious COMMUNITY, remembering that God is our REFUGE & STRENGTH.
Number 1: We will do whatever we need to do to protect and promote the Health of our Mt. Olive People. If anyone doesn't have insurance and they are anxious about getting tested and treated. Let me know. Let us know. NOW. God will open doors. We will find a way to help. If you have a fever or a cough or trouble breathing. Get tested. And God will open doors to pay for it. And we will find a way to help. That's my #1 job right now. Promoting the health of our Mt. Olive People. And that also means we won't gather in groups of more than 10. We will self-quarantine and practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart. And. At least for the next two weeks, council says. Stay away from the church. Unless you are helping feed hungry neighbors.
Number 2: We will do whatever we can to do to protect and promote the Health of our Mt. Olive Congregation. In times of need, God's people find a way to become MORE Generous. Not LESS. We know our TITHES are needed more, not LESS. And we learn to GIVE ONLINE. Maybe even more than our tithe. In the next six weeks I will be tithing 100% of the income I receive from Mt. Olive back to Mt. Olive. Longer. If needed. More. If needed. Especially if we are committed to the health of our neighborhood at Mt. Olive too.
We will do whatever we can do to protect and promote the Health of our Mt. Olive People, our Congregation, and our Neighbors. More about those Companionship Values next week. THIS WEEK we are delighted to have with us one of our Companionship gurus from Pathways to Promise. Rev. Jermine Alberty. He will be sharing a short reflection with us in a bit. Right now. Let's pray. Jackie?
B) RESPONSIVE PRAYER by Jackie Leatch, President
Oh God, your are our refuge and our strength, We pray for our nation and the world as we face new uncertainties around the novel coronavirus. Protect the most vulnerable among us, especially all who are currently sick or in isolation. Grant wisdom, patience, and clarity to health care workers, especially as their work with others puts them at great risk. Guide us as we consider how best to prepare and respond in our families, congregations, workplaces, and communities. Give us courage to face these days not with fear but with compassion, concern, and acts of service, trusting that you abide with us always; LORD, in your mercy: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
Oh God, you are a Mighty Fortress in times of need. It is good for us to gather as your beloved in community. We treasure your presence with us in word and meal, song and prayer. Be with us in these days when gathering together as often as we would like is not possible. When we must be apart for reasons of safety, we trust that you surround us all within your sheltering wings. Encourage us to connect as we are able, reach out to our neighbors in need and be persistent in prayer; LORD, in your mercy: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
Jesus, you are our Companion in all of Life's Journeys. Bless our conversation as we reflect on Psalm 46 and other scripture. Remind us that you have taught us how to walk with others as a Companion, and that you encourage us to grow together in faith as Companions. Keep us healthy and keep us safe. But mostly, be our refuge and strength, not only in times of trouble and need, but at all times and in all places. LORD, in your mercy: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
This we pray, dear Lord, trusting in your holy and everlasting Companionship, in this life and in the life to come. AMEN
C) First SONG led by Pastor Todd
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, HeartSong Cedarville University
A mighty Fortress is our God, A Bulwark never failing; Our Helper He amid the flood, Of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe, Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabbaoth His Name, From age to age the same, And He must win the battle
Oh – oh, Oh – oh, Oh – oh, Oh – oh.
And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed, His truth to triumph through us: (2x) Oh – oh, Oh – oh, Oh – oh, Oh – oh.
A Mighty Fortress is our God, His Kingdom is forever! (4x) His Kingdom is forever!! (4x) One little word shall fell him
D) LITURGY led by Corey Brown
We gather together and share a CREED to remember that in God, we have a Companion who will never fail us and will be with us always. Will you share with me the Apostle's Creed?:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
When the disciples didn't know how to PRAY in the face of the challenges ahead of them, they asked Jesus for help. He said, "Pray this way!" Will you share with me 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 and ever. Amen.
E) FIRST LESSON led by Helen Beaujour
PSALM 46:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Amen.
F) Second SONG led by Pastor Jamie
You Don't Have to Worry, by Kirk Franklin
You don't have to worry and don't you be afraid Joy comes in the morning, troubles they don't last always For there's a friend named Jesus who will wipe your tears away And if your heart is broken, just lift your hands and say Oh, I know that I can make it; I know that I can stand No matter what may come my way My life is in your hands;
So when your tests and trials; They seem to get you down And all your friends and loved ones; Are nowhere to be found Remember there's a friend in Jesus, Who will wipe your tears away And if you heart is broken; Just lift your hands and say Oh, with Jesus I can take it With Him I know I can stand; No matter what may come my way My life is in your hands;
G) SECOND LESSON led by Keith Green
PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
G) REFLECTION led by Rev. Jermine Alberty
It's OKAY to be NOT OKAY, Just ... REFOCUS!!
H) Third SONG led by Tanya Browne or Dolphene Davis
The Lord is my LIght and My Salvation, Lillian Bouknight, #132 Red Hymnal
The Lord is my light and my salvation. The Lord is my light and my salvation. The Lord is my light and my salvation, Whom shall I fear? Chorus: Whom shall I fear, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, whom shall I fear?
In the time of trouble, He shall hide me. In the time of trouble, He shall hide me. In the time of trouble, He shall hide me, whom shall I fear? Chorus: Whom shall I fear, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, whom shall I fear?
Wait on the Lord and be of good courage. Wait on the Lord and be of good courage. Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, He shall strengthen thine heart. Chorus: Whom shall I fear, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, whom shall I fear?
J) COMMUNION Companionship Assignment by Alicia Brown
We haven't figured out yet how to do Communion this way. Via Zoom. So for a couple of weeks we'll give you a communion assignment instead. Always in 2 parts.
Part 1: Jesus is the Bread of Life
SPEND your first fifteen minutes EVERY DAY one on one with Christ, your Companion.
And SPEND fifteen minutes SOMETIME THIS WEEK one on one with one other person, a Companion. Or two or three.
Use Pastor Todd's Blog as a Resource. He's writing a reflection every day. And this service is on the Blog too.
Part 2: Jesus is the Vine, We are the Branches
REACH OUT and INVITE two people to join us next Sunday. But do it this way first. Ask them: HOW CAN I PRAY FOR YOU THIS WEEK? Just that. And if you never get around to inviting them because there was so much to talk about and pray about, that's great.
HOW WILL YOU CONNECT? You might, in the next days ahead, want to do it this way. Send a digital recording. Or Skype. Or Face Time. Or Zoom. Or Facebook. Or Instagram. Or text. Or even call on the phone the old-fashioned way. But face to face. At home. Is great too!!
K) BENEDICTION by Lakeesha Browne
OLD IRISH BLESSING
May the Road Rise to Meet You, may the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your field.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the
Palm of His Hand!
May God bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
MISSION
The Mission of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church is:
To serve as a vehicle through which the Gospel is Spread.
Go in Peace and Serve the Lord:
Thanks be to God
SENDING PEACE
Peace Be with You.
And also with you!!
You Don't Have to Worry, by Kirk Franklin
You don't have to worry and don't you be afraid Joy comes in the morning, troubles they don't last always For there's a friend named Jesus who will wipe your tears away And if your heart is broken, just lift your hands and say Oh, I know that I can make it; I know that I can stand No matter what may come my way My life is in your hands;
So when your tests and trials; They seem to get you down And all your friends and loved ones; Are nowhere to be found Remember there's a friend in Jesus, Who will wipe your tears away And if you heart is broken; Just lift your hands and say Oh, with Jesus I can take it With Him I know I can stand; No matter what may come my way My life is in your hands;
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