Worship March 29, 2020 -  A Service of Worship, Reflection & Renewal

Fifth Sunday in Lent March 29, 2020

Watch the service. Click here.

Greeting and Prayers

God of compassion and grace,  

be with us in times of peril and separation. 

 Be with us in times of spiritual desert and isolation.  Be our guide and our salvation and lead us forth into the light once more.  Amen.

A Reading from Isaiah

 Have you not known? Have you not heard?  

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary;

 his understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.  

Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young 

will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord 

shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint. 

                                                            Isaiah 40:28-31

A Reading from Matthew
 At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.  
All things have been handed over to me by my Father; 
and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to 

whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 
 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble
 in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 


                                                       Matthew 11:25-30

Self Forgiveness Mar 22, 2020

Worship on Sunday, March 22 …

It may be the hardest of all, but it all begins here!

Watch and listen to the on-line Service Here:

╬ Self Forgiveness

For many – most? – this is hardest of all.  Blessed by the Spirit of God we can find incredible strength to forgive in cases of extreme injury and grievous hurt – to ourselves, to others, to God’s world.  But too often we find ourselves incapable of extending that same blessing to ourselves.  We know all the truth of us and in our failings and brokenness can find ourselves unworthy, irredeemable.  Yet the truth is, our ability to live in the grace of forgiveness may well begin here.

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.

Let’s explore together the need to forgive ourselves, and how we might set ourselves – an others – free!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY ------------
God of all, you know the whole truth of us, yet love us still.  Teach us to love and value ourselves, to extend the blessing of forgiveness to ourselves.  For only from there can we begin to share that blessing with others.  Amen.

READINGS ----------------------
First Reading:  Isaiah 55:6-9
6 Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Psalm 51:1-4,6
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment.
6 You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Second Reading:  Romans 7:14-25
14 For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin. 15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. 17 But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.  21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, 23 but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Gospel:  Matthew 11:25-30
25 At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.  28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Unforgiveness Mar 15,2020

Worship on Sunday, March 15 …

We have the power to forgive, but we also wield a power to imprison, to bind and to stop grace short:

click here to listen to the late service 

click here to listen to the early service audio  

click here to listen to the Sermon Audio

click here to listen to the Childrens Sermon Audio

╬ The Power of Unforgiveness

Forgiveness has the power to remove shackles and chains, to “set the prisoner free.”  God is forgiving and calls forth forgiveness.  Jesus models a way of forgiveness, but reveals also the consequences of “un-forgiveness.”  If we are unforgiving, Jesus says, we cannot receive forgiveness ourselves.  What do we do when we can’t, or won’t, forgive?

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings. 

Let’s explore together places of unforgiveness and how we might set others, and ourselves, free!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org


PRAYER OF THE DAY ----------------
God of life, teach us and guide us your truth.  Teach us the power we wield in forgiving and in failing to forgive.  Teach us the healing and blessing that comes from setting others free, as surely as we live in the grace our your forgiveness ourselves.  Make us peacemakers in your world.  Amen.

READINGS --------------------------
First Reading:  Micah 7:18-20
18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of your possession?  He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in showing clemency.  19 He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot.  You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.  20 You will again show faithfulness to Jacob and unswerving loyalty to Abraham, as you have sworn to our ancestors from the days of old.

Psalm 25:11-18
11 For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.
12 Who are they that fear the Lord?  He will teach them the way that they should choose.
13 They will abide in prosperity, and their children shall possess the land.
14 The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress.  18 Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.

Second Reading:  Ephesians 4:25-5:2

25 So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not make room for the devil. 28 Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, 32 and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Gospel:  Matthew 6:7-15

7 "When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  9 "Pray then in this way:  Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  10 Your kingdom come.  Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.  14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The Way of Forgiveness March 8, 2020

Worship on Sunday, March 8 …

In all things, we can look to Jesus the embodiment of the Godly life.  The Way of Jesus is …

click here to listen to the late service 

click here to listen to the early service audio  

click here to listen to the Sermon Audio

click here to listen to the Childrens Sermon Audio

╬ The Way of Forgiveness

Jesus teaches powerfully about what it is to be separated from God and what it means to receive forgiveness.  He reveals that rebellion against the way of God will have consequences.  Breaks and breaches will come between people and God and amongst ourselves.  Jesus shows us a “way” that leads to forgiving and being forgiven, but requiring both: “Forgive and you will be forgiven.”

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.

The way of forgiveness is simple, but far from easy!  Let’s gather and talk about it … and don’t forget:  Spring Ahead on March 8!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org


PRAYER OF THE DAY ---------------l creation, in your Christ you reveal the way of forgiveness as a way of being for your people in daily living.  As we ourselves experience your redeeming grace, inspire us and strengthen us to meet the world and the experiences of life with a spirit of healing, reconciliation and forgiveness.  Amen.

READINGS ----------------------
First Reading:  Daniel 9:4-10
4 I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, "Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong, acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.  7 "Righteousness is on your side, O Lord, but open shame, as at this day, falls on us, the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away, in all the lands to which you have driven them, because of the treachery that they have committed against you. 8 Open shame, O Lord, falls on us, our kings, our officials, and our ancestors, because we have sinned against you. 9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him, 10 and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by following his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.

Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
2 Lord, hear my voice!  Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!  For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.
8 It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.


Second Reading:  Acts 10:34-43
34 Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ — he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Gospel:  Matthew 18:21-35
21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23 "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.  26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.  28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.' 29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

God’s Forgiveness March 1, 2020

Worship on Sunday, March 1,2020

We enter into the season of Lent, and a series focused on “Forgiving and Forgiven.”  Today we give thanks for the ultimate source of all forgiveness …

click here to listen to the late service 

click here to listen to the early service audio  

click here to listen to the Sermon Audio

click here to listen to the Childrens Sermon Audio

╬ God’s Forgiveness
God is the well-spring, the ultimate source of all forgiveness.  There is a forgiveness in God that may well be beyond our capacity to achieve in our own experience of life in the world.  Yet in God, is the wonder of forgiveness, full and complete.  This is the One who separates from us anything that might separate us from God, from one another and from God’s world.  “As far as east is from west,” says the Psalmist.  From a distance, we hear the loving invitation:  repent, “turn” and receive the embrace of forgiveness.

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.

This may be the aspect of theology and faithful living with which people struggle the most.  Let’s explore it together in the sojourn of Lent!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY --------------
God of grace, you invite us to repent of anything that threatens to separate us from your love and goodness.  Help us to live in the blessing of your forgiveness and to share it as freely as we receive it from your hand.  Amen.

READINGS -----------------------

First Reading:  2 Chronicles 7:11-17
11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king's house; all that Solomon had planned to do in the house of the Lord and in his own house he successfully accomplished.  12 Then the Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: "I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house so that my name may be there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time.

Psalm 103:6-17
6 The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who revere him;
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.
14 For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for mortals, their days are like grass; they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who revere him, and his righteousness to children's children.

Second Reading:  1 John 1:5-10
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Gospel:  Matthew 9:2-8
2 And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." 3 Then some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." 4 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" — he then said to the paralytic — "Stand up, take your bed and go to your home." 7 And he stood up and went to his home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday Service

February 26, 2020

click here to listen to the service 

Transfiguration Feb 23, 2020

Worship on Sunday, February 23 …

We come to the culmination of the Epiphany revelation:  the mountaintop experience of Transfiguration!

click here to listen to the late service 

click here to listen to the early service audio  

click here to listen to the Sermon Audio

click here to listen to the Childrens Sermon Audio

╬ Transfiguration

The Transfiguration is a pivotal experience in the lives of Jesus’ disciples, as it is in our own lives and faith journey.  It profoundly captures the deeper meanings of our whole celebration of Epiphany light – the revealing, the “making-known” of God.  The Gospels describe a mystical, mountaintop experience in which certain of Jesus’ followers see him transfigured before them.  In the story, Jesus’ appearance changes dramatically, he looks different to them.  In reality, a veil is lifted from their understanding and they see him in a new light.  It is an invitation to awaken to the true reality of Christ as the One promised by the prophet – Immanuel, “God with us,” in the flesh.  And it is an invitation for them – and for us – to be transformed by that revealed identity. 

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings. 

We celebrate on this festival Sunday, even as we prepare ourselves for the journey of Lent!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY --------------
Almighty God, the resplendent light of your truth shines from the mountaintop into our hearts. Awaken us in the transfiguration of your Son to the transformation you seek to work in all of us.  Illuminate the world with your image, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

READINGS --------------------------------

First Reading:  Exodus 34:29-35
29 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; 34 but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Psalm 99
1 The Lord is king; let the peoples tremble!  He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name.  Holy is he!
4 Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Extol the Lord our God; worship at his footstool. Holy is he!
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called on his name.  They cried to the Lord, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud; they kept his decrees, and the statutes that he gave them.
8 O Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings.
9 Extol the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy.

Second Reading:  2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
12 Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, 13 not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. 14 But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. 15 Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; 16 but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.  4:1 Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.

Gospel:  Luke 9:28-36
28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" — not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. 

Teach us to love and to serve Feb 16, 2020

Worship on Sunday, February 16 …

The central Epiphany revelation:  Jesus proclaims, “I am the way, the truth and the life!”  

click here to listen to the late service 

click here to listen to the early service audio  

click here to listen to the Sermon Audio

click here to listen to the Childrens Sermon Audio

╬ Way, Truth, Life
“Prepare the Way of the Lord!” The early followers of Jesus referred to themselves as “people of the Way.”  They identified themselves as disciples of the Christ, the messiah of God.  Obeying Christ’s command, they ordered their lives and actions according to “The Way” revealed in the life of the One.  They understood that true discipleship is less a set of beliefs than it is a Way of being in the world, a Way characterized by the goodness and love, forgiveness and compassion embodied in Christ … a way and a truth that leads to life!

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.  

It is a blessing to dwell in these Epiphany revelations with all of you!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY ----------------
God of grace, your Son reveals to us the Way to live as your people in this world.  Make your Way our way.  Teach us to love and to serve, to forgive and to bless as he does.  Amen.

READINGS ---------------------------

First Reading:   Isaiah 43:15-21
15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.  16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 18 Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.  19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  20 The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, 21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.

Psalm 86:8-13
8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

Second Reading:   1 John 4:7-21
7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.  13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.  God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21 The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.

Gospel:   John 14:1-12
14 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."   8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.

Way, Truth, Life Feb 9, 2020

Worship on Sunday, February 9 …

The “Way, Truth, Life”  revealed in Christ involves several extended teachings from Jesus on what it is to live as his disciples.  Perhaps none is more widely known than the Sermon on the Mount.   

click here to listen to the late service 

click here to listen to the early service audio  

click here to listen to the Sermon Audio

click here to listen to the Childrens Sermon Audio

╬ Blessed Are You

Jesus shares with his followers profound teachings on blessing.  The Beatitudes define what it means to live as the people of God, following the way and the truth revealed in Christ.  They speak to values and priorities that often contradict norms of the culture.  In the language of the Testament, the “makar” (Grk.) – the “blessed one” – is not the most favored, on whom fortune or circumstance has smiled.  Rather, one who is truly blessed has the Kingdom of God foremost at heart, and finds satisfaction in God –  independent of the world, regardless of circumstances.  This one, Jesus says, knows true blessing.  This one is free, indeed!

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.  

To live in Christ is to live in blessing!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org


PRAYER OF THE DAY --------------
Lord, take us to the mountain top.  Lead us out, onto a wide and level plain.  In all times and circumstances, teach us what it means to live your way.  Bless us with your truth, and with the wisdom and courage to embrace it.  Amen.

READINGS ---------------------------
First Reading:  Isaiah 60:1-6
60 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.  2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.  3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.  4 Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms.  5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.  6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come.  They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Psalm 112:1-9
1 Praise the Lord!  Happy are those who revere the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.

2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.

4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.

5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.

6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.

7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.

8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever

Second Reading:  Acts 13:44-52

44 The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. 46 Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"  48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. 49 Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Gospel:  Matthew 5:1-16

5 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.  6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.  8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  11 "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.  14 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Who Am I? Feb 2, 2020

Worship on Sunday, February 2 …

click here to listen to the late service 

click here to listen to the early service audio  

click here to listen to the Sermon Audio

click here to listen to the Childrens Sermon Audio

As we continue to explore the “Way, Truth, Life”  revealed in Christ, we come to that pivotal question of faith:

╬ Who Am I ? 
In one of his most profound teachings on discipleship, Jesus asks those with him, “Who do people say that I am?”  They respond with the speculation – the “word on the street” – about this one who is creating such controversy.  But Jesus follows with an even more challenging question, one that rings in the air in our day and time: “Who do YOU say that I am?”  It is on this that everything else depends.  How we answer this question determines virtually everything else in the lives we lead.  Who will Jesus be for us?

 Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings. 

Our calling is to seek our true identity in Christ  A blessed Epiphany to you all!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY ------------------

Lord, you call us to name you and proclaim you through the whole of our lives.  Help us to hold to the truth of you and to follow as you lead.  Help us to live your way in the world. Amen.

READINGS ---------------------------

First Reading:  Isaiah 9:2-8
1 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.  3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.  5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.  6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.  He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Psalm 13
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?  How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long?  How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!  Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,

4 and my enemy will say, "I have prevailed"; my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.

5 But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

6 I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Second Reading:  Acts 22:6-15
6 Paul said, "While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 8 I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' Then he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.' 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 I asked, 'What am I to do, Lord?' The Lord said to me, 'Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do.' 11 Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus.  12 "A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, 13 came to me; and standing beside me, he said, 'Brother Saul, regain your sight!' In that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. 14 Then he said, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice; 15 for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard.

Gospel: Mark 8:27-38
27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" 28 And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 29 He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." 30 And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.  31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Branches of the Vine Jan 26, 2020

Worship on Sunday, January 26 …

click here to listen to the late service 

click here to listen to the early service audio  

click here to listen to the Sermon Audio

click here to listen to the Childrens Sermon Audio

As we continue with our Epiphany series – “Way, Truth, Life”  – we explore a central teaching about what it is to be rooted in God through God’s Christ.  

╬ Branches of the Vine

“I am the true vine!” Jesus uses images of vines and vine dressing – resonant in the life of the people – to reveal powerful truths about life in God.  They speak to us, as well, about living faithfully today … trusting ourselves to the ministry of the Vine Dresser; abiding in the One who is at once the source and unity of all people and all creation.  God’s invitation to us in Christ is simply to remain connected: “Stay connected to the vine,” Jesus says.  Remain rooted in the Source of all goodness and grace, and we will have life!

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.  

Stay connected!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY ------------
God of creation, you are the well-spring and source of all life.  Help us to discover ourselves rooted and growing in you.  Help us to bear fruit as  branches of the vine of life, through which you bless all the earth:  Jesus Christ, our savior and lord.  Amen.

READINGS ---------------------------
First Reading:   Hosea 14:4-7
4 I will heal their disloyalty; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.  5 I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily, he shall strike root like the forests of Lebanon.   6 His shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like that of Lebanon.  7 They shall again live beneath my shadow, they shall flourish as a garden; they shall blossom like the vine, their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

Psalm 80:7-15
7 Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

8 You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.

9 You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land.

10 The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.

11 It sent out its branches to the sea, and its shoots to the River.

12 Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?

13 The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.

14 Turn again, O God of hosts; look down from heaven, and see.

15 Have regard for this vine, the stock that your right hand planted.

Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 3:1-9
3 And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? 4 For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely human?  5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. 9 For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building.

Gospel:   John 15:1-9
15 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.