Jesus Spoke to Them in Parables
Third sunday of lent
Lent is the 40-day journey toward the cross and empty tomb. It marks a season of self-examination, repentance – a turning away from sin and establishing practices of righteousness and a commitment to the message of the cross. This year, we will be using the resource “The Message of Jesus” by Adam Hamilton.
Today, the congregation gathers together to gather in time of worship and prayer, humbly offering their gratitude to the Almighty. As Lead Pastor, Rev. David Brown, will share an impactful message centered on the theme of Jesus Spoke to Them in Parables.
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:31-40
The service will be accentuated by the beautiful, uplifting and soulful sounds of music by the talented Armstrong Chancel Choir directed by Ben Basone and Stacy Haney on the organ and piano. Together, the faithful will lift their hearts in timeless hymns of worship, including the beloved United Methodist hymns Spirit Song, Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying and Change My Heart, O God. Then the children of the congregation will also have their moment to shine, as the Children's Sunday School Program presents a special Children's Moment exploring the depths of faith. Undergirding the service is the steadfast devotion of liturgist, Jane Florer, who will lead the congregation in the Call to Worship and guide them through the appointed scripture passages. This multi-faceted celebration of praise and reverence will undoubtedly fill the hearts of all in attendance with a profound sense of gratitude and connection to the divine.
29 But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:29-37
THANK YOU FOR SHARING IN WORSHIP TODAY!
The dedicated production team of Armstrong Youth, Alex K, Kashena Rhoill, and Shanon Rice play a vital role in ensuring today's worship service was a seamless, engaging experience for all in attendance. Elevating the worship experience and ensuring the pastor's words, the choir's harmonies, and the community's prayers are shared far beyond the walls of the sanctuary. Be sure to show your appreciation by liking the church's YouTube channel and following our social media pages to stay connected!