Second 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 The World's Most Important Sermon.
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And 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 the sake of righteousness, 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 People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it 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.
Matthew 5:1-16
The service will be accentuated by the beautiful, uplifting and soulful sounds of music by the talented Armstrong Chancel Choir directed by Ben Basone, Armstrong Bell Choir directed by Chester Imhausen 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 Seek Ye First, He is Exalted and My Hope Is Built. 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, Victoria Rhodus, 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.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you who behave lawlessly.’
Matthew 7:21-23
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!