Welcome in the precious name of Jesus!
“Take heart, it is I; be not afraid.”
Matthew 14:24 says “the wind was against them…” The disciples had been straining against strong winds and tumultuous waves for hours. In the darkest night. It was now nearing dawn. They were worn out, grumpy and afraid. Their perception of reality was skewed. Fear and being worn out messed with their ability to trust God.
So, what is messing with your faith? Are circumstances and the current issues making it hard for you to believe in Jesus’ ability to care for you and our world? We, too, need to hear Jesus’ voice calling out to us in the darkness, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Thanks to the Ascension Praise Band for their excellent music! Thank you for continuing to share it with us. We also are pleased to share our worship service with them as they go through their time of transition. Also thank you to Candidate Lisa who always does an excellent job!
These are trying times! Remember to pray for yourselves, for each other and for the leaders of our congregation and church body. Keep our national and local leaders in your prayers. We keep Joni, Linda, Shirley, Mike and others with special needs and concerns in our prayers. Remember: You all are cared for and prayed for by name.
May God grant you encouragement, hope and joy through our worship together!
Pastor Bruce
Sanctuary by Ascension’s Praise Band
Psalm 85:8-13 — read by Craig Bjorklund
Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His faithful, to those who turn to Him in their hearts.
Surely His salvation is at hand for those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, and will make a path for His steps.
The Gospel of Matthew 14:22-33:
Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning He came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not fear.”
Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
APOSTLES’ CREED – led by Pastor Bruce
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.