welcome to church online
may 3, 2020
call to worship
family news
let us pray
Open our hearts to Your power moving
around us and between us and within us,
until Your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy,
in communities transformed by justice and compassion,
and in the healing of all that is broken.
Amen.
scripture readings
John 10:1-10; Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23
John
10:1-10
“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
sermon
communion thoughts
from dan h.
want to share communion live?
Use email or social media to invite others to join you
at a virtual meeting via facetime / zoom / skype / google hangouts
Some of the elders will also be hosting virtual Communion gatherings
offering
Giving is an aspect of our worship every week.
Donations to Shelbourne St. cover costs for ongoing ministries, expenses, staff salaries,
and support for community initiatives and programs.
If you usually give via cash or cheques, consider switching to digital methods at this time.
To make an electronic donation, send an e-transfer to donations@shelbournestreet.com
(Setting up a special question/password ahead of time is no longer
required)
Let us pray:
Lord, we thank you for all your blessings and for the joy of being able to give.
We are mindful that so many are facing financial hardships and uncertainty and lift them up to You.
We pray for wisdom to use this offering well,
in ways that bless those in need and further Your kingdom.
Amen.
parting blessing
Sisters and brothers in Christ,
God invites us to bring our doubts and fears,
our joys and concerns, our petitions and praise,
and offer them for the earth and all its creatures.
Receive these prayers, O God,
and transform us through them,
that we may have eyes to see and hearts to understand
not only what you do on our behalf,
but what you call us to do
so that your realm will come to fruition in glory.
Amen.
