Author: HRPC Office

Acts 2:22-24,32-36                                                                                4.23.20

So, we need a little background to set the context for this passage from the book of Acts…  We have jumped right into Peter’s sermon to the Jews from many language groups who had gathered in Jerusalem 50 days after Passover for their Pentecost festival.  Pente means 50. They have just experienced an amazing spirit-filling with the disciples suddenly able to speak in languages they could understand —  like suddenly someone speaking  your native Spanish or Twi or Kikuyu within your earshot.  Everyone’s interest is piqued, and they are all ears as Peter speaks to the crowd of Israelites from many lands.

We read this excerpt of Peter’s sermon today, jumping ahead a bit in the order of the story of the unfolding of the Christian church, because Peter gives the gospel story in a very succinct and easy to understand manner. He tells them all what they need to know about Jesus.

First:  Jesus worked deeds of power, wonders and signs in plain view of the people of Israel, proving that he was not just some clever teacher, but he was sent by God. Continue reading “Jesus Lives in the Face of Covid19” →

Prelude  

Call to Worship  (Psalm 118: 24-29 NRSV)

One:   This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Many: Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

One:   Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.

Many: The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.

One:    You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.

Many: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Call to Confession 

Prayer of Confession – Unison

O Lord our God, you are the giver of light. Let your face shine upon us and save us in your steadfast love. For though you call us to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, we have rebelled rather than obeyed and closed our ears to your teaching. We shrink from suffering, and left to ourselves, would rather retaliate than turn the other cheek. Forgive us, O God, save us from all our sin and selfishness. Let your face shine upon us and save us with your steadfast love. (silence is kept) Amen.

Assurance of Pardon & Peace Continue reading “April 5th Palm Sunday Online Worship” →