We have reached the midpoint in the Gospel according to Mark.Jesus is headed to Jerusalem. We go with Jesus on this journey. Jesus asks a lot of questionsin the gospels. In this last half of Mark, Jesus asks a LOT of questions. We are going to sit in some of these questions as part of our Lenten journey. Maybe God’s Spirit is going to use these questions to flip the switch in our heart and mind producing some Kingdom light for God’s glory and neighbour’s good!
Opening Prayer
We praise you with joy, loving God,for your grace is better than life itself. You have sustained us through the darkness; and you bless us with life in this new day. In the shadow of your wings we sing for joy and bless your holy name. Amen.
Song of Praise – Reckless Love
Cody – FCC
A Conversation on Mark 10:35-52
Gavin – HCCC/ Erik – FCC
Prayer Prompt
Simply respond to Jesus question which he asked in a few different places in Mark 10. Jesus, by his Spirit, now asks you:
What do you want me to do for you?
Talk with Jesus, as you would with a friend.
Song of Response – Our God is Greater
Jerry – HCCC
Take a quiet moment to give God thanks for what you have experienced this day. Trust him with the moments that come next. If able consider partnering with the work of our two churches. Thanks be to God for his kindness and provision! Amen.
In this conversation Pastors Erik, Shannon, and Gavin discuss chapter 10-14 of the book of Proverbs. Read those chapters, listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these four questions:
What verses or particular proverbs most caught your attention when reading this section?
How do you see the wisdom of Proverbs in this section reflected in the wisdom of Jesus in the Gospels?
What is one practical step people in the faith community could take toward living more wisely?
What simple drink OR snack would you pair with this selection of Proverbs (it’s fasting season – keep it simple!)?
Next week we continue our conversation on the Gospel of Mark discussing Proverbs 15-19. Read those chapters and tune back in next Wednesday! And don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
We have reached the midpoint in the Gospel according to Mark.Jesus is headed to Jerusalem. We go with Jesus on this journey. Jesus asks a lot of questionsin the gospels. In this last half of Mark, Jesus asks a LOT of questions. We are going to sit in some of these questions as part of our Lenten journey. Maybe God’s Spirit is going to use these questions to flip the switch in our heart and mind producing some Kingdom light for God’s glory and neighbour’s good!
Pray, Fast, Give
These are the “big 3” practices during Lent. We are actually going to start with giving and end with prayer (fast from the sermon maybe…?)
Reach out to a friend
Give a friend a call/text/fax/Facetime/email/letter/telegraph… whatever. Just spread some love and share some life as we begin!
Call to Worship
If you are with other’s read the following call to worship responsively, with one person reading the bold print and the other(s) reading the plain print.
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. (1 John 3:1)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-2)
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us–and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. (1 John 3:16)
Message – Mark 9:33-37
Erik – FCC
Song of Response – Open the Eyes of my Heart
Jerry – HCCC
Pray – ABC prayer
In Mark 10:15 Jesus says: “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” Let us prayer this simple childlike prayer as we hold open hands ready to receive God’s Kingdom!
Ask – Do it! Just ask God whatever is on your mind. What you need, want, are curious or mad about… Ask!
Be still and silent – Take 1 minute minimum. Listen. God might actually want to speak to you!
Celebrate – Celebrate who God is. Celebrate God’s many good gifts to his children. Celebrate!
In this conversation Pastors Erik, Cody and Gavin begin a conversation on the book of Proverbs, and discuss chapter 1-9. Read those chapters, listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these four questions:
What verses or particular proverbs most caught your attention when reading this section?
How do you see the wisdom of Proverbs in this section reflected in the wisdom of Jesus in the Gospels?
What is one practical step people in the faith community could take toward living more wisely?
What simple drink OR snack would you pair with this selection of Proverbs (it’s fasting season – keep it simple!)?
Next week we continue our conversation on the Gospel of Mark discussing Proverbs 10-14. Read those chapters and tune back in next Wednesday! And don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
These reflections are intended to help you pray through the day – morning, noon hour, and evening – as you enter into Lent. Carve out a few minutes for each of these reflections if you are able.
Morning
Song for Reflection – “Give Me Jesus”
In the morning when I rise In the morning when I rise In the morning when I rise Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus Give me Jesus You can have all this world But give me Jesus
Scripture – Mark 1:35
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Invitation to Prayer
In the darkness (before daybreak) and in isolation Jesus came to prayer. Sit silently, and remember that you are in the presence of God. Remain in that stillness for a few moments, and then pray:
Now, O Lord, calm me into a quietness, that heals, and listens, and molds my longings, and passions, my wounds, and wonderings into a more holy and human shape. Amen.
Noon
Consider going for a short walk and listening to this noon time reflection with your headphones in, or simply find a quiet place and allow the audio below to help you reflect and pray.
Evening
As you sit down to begin this time of evening prayer, light a candle and have it nearby.
Scripture – Mark 8:34-37
Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Invitation to Prayer
Prayerfully consider Jesus’ questions above as he ask them directly to you: What good is it to get everything, but lose your soul? Is anything of greater value than true life?Take a few moments to answer Jesus’ questions in prayer and then read the following from the Psalms.
Scripture Reading – Psalm 90:1-6, 12
Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God. You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals!” For you, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours. You sweep people away like dreams that disappear. They are like grass that springs up in the morning. In the morning it blooms and flourishes, but by evening it is dry and withered.
At this point, extinguish the candle.
Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Song for Reflection – “I Surrender All”
Remember You are Dust
Grab the wick of the extinguished candle between your finger and thumb and gather some of the ash or soot on your fingertips. Hear these words as a reminder of the frailty of life and the need for God’s salvation.
Remember that you are dust And to dust you shall return; Repent and believe the Gospel.
As you begin this time of worship and reflection, take a moment to consider who you might encourage with some loving words today. Send two people a text or an email – or give them a call; greet them in love.Go for it. Do it now. Here’s some music for you to listen to as you do.
Scripture Reading – Psalm 136:1-3, 23-26
If you’re with others, read the following as a call and response with one person reading the bold print, and another reading the response in plain print.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever. He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love endures forever. He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.
Song of Worship – “Reckless Love of God”
Cody – FCC
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me You have been so, so good to me Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me You have been so so kind to me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the 99 And I couldn’t earn it I don’t deserve it, still You give yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me You have been so, so good to me When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me You have been so, so kind to me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the 99 And I couldn’t earn it I don’t deserve it, still You give yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God
There’s no shadow You won’t light up Mountain You won’t climb up Coming after me There’s no wall You won’t kick down Lie You won’t tear down Coming after me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the 99 And I couldn’t earn it I don’t deserve it, still You give yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God
Message – Mark 7
Kids, don’t forget to break out your coloring and activity pages as the sermon gets underway. Parents, if you need to download another copy of those pages, you can find them HERE.
Gavin – HCCC
Reflecting on Love in Mark’s Gospel
Love is the very center – the heart – of the Gospel of Jesus. Take a few minutes to slowly read through these verses that speak specifically of “love” in Mark’s telling of Jesus’ story. After each short reading there are prompts and invitations to pray.
Song of Worship – “Thy Mercy”
Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song The joy of my heart and the boast of my tongue; Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last, Hath won my affections, and bound my soul fast
Without Thy sweet mercy I could not live here Sin would reduce me to utter despair; But, through Thy free goodness, my spirits revive, And He that first made me still keeps me alive
Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart; Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground And weep for the praise of the mercy I’ve found
Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own And the covenant love of Thy crucified Son; All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine
Offering
We give not only as an act of obedience, but as an expression of gratitude and love for the gracious kindness and love God has shown to us. May God nurture love in us as we learn to give.
Benediction – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Announcement
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday – the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of preparation and a countdown to Easter. Check back here on Wednesday, February 17th, for a service you can participate in as you enter this season.
In this conversation Pastors Erik, Cody and Gavin conclude their walk through the narrative of the Gospel of Mark, discussing the Passion narrative (chapters 14-16) . Read those chapters, listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or theme most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
What does this portion of Scripture invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down with these chapters, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
We’re not altogether done with the Gospel of Mark! During the season of Lent, we will dive into the book of Proverbs and hold its wisdom up against the wisdom of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. So, for our next Bible Convo we discuss Proverbs chapters 1-9 and ask how those little nuggests square with Jesus’ way.
We have been reading Mark’s Gospel together for a few weeks now, and we’ve knocked 100 readings off of our communal goal of 300 total readings! Watch the short video below and check out some of the reflections of your community on Mark’s Gospel!
James Tissot, The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes
Kids, don’t forget to break out your coloring and activity pages as the sermon is underway. Parents, if you need to download another copy of those pages, you can find them HERE.
Call to Worship
As you read the words of Ezekiel 34:11-15 (NLT) imagine God speaking these words to you.
11 “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep. 12 I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day. 13 I will bring them back home to their own land of Israel from among the peoples and nations. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel and by the rivers and in all the places where people live. 14 Yes, I will give them good pastureland on the high hills of Israel. There they will lie down in pleasant places and feed in the lush pastures of the hills. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign Lord.
Take a moment of silence to remember you have a Good Shepherd.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, We come once again in front of our screens to worship. This is not how we wish it to be. We long to gather in groups. We would love to gather as 5,000 people to hear you teach us. We would settle for dozens of people. May our longing for your word not be diminished under these days of restrictions. Instead, may we find ourselves like the crowds of Mark, seeking you, running after you, following you, calling for you. Meet our needs this hour and in all hours to come as one who is a loving shepherd of his sheep. Amen.
Song of Worship – “Bless the Lord Oh My Soul”
Cody – FCC
Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul worship his holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I’ll worship your holy name
The sun comes up its a new day dawning It’s time to sing your song again Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul worship his holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I’ll worship your holy name
Your rich in love and you’re slow to anger You name is great and your heart is kind For all your goodness I will keep on singing Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul worship his holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I’ll worship your holy name
And on that day when my strength is failing The end draws near and my time has come Still my soul will sing your praise unending Ten thousand years and then forevermore
Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul worship his holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I’ll worship your holy name
Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul worship his holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I’ll worship your holy name
Song of Worship – “Let Us Adore” and “Fairest Lord Jesus”
Cody – FCC
Let Us Adore Let us adore the ever living God And render praise unto him Let us adore the ever living God And render praise unto him
Who spread out the heavens And established the earth Whose glory is manifest throughout all the earth
He is our God He is our God There is no one else He is our God He is our God There is no one else
Let us adore the ever living God And render praise unto him Let us adore the ever living God And render praise unto him
Who spread out the heavens And established the earth Whose glory is manifest throughout all the earth
He is our God He is our God There is no one else He is our God He is our God There is no one else
Fairest Lord Jesus Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature O thou of God and man the son Thee will I cherish, thee will I honour Thou my soul’s glory, joy, and crown
Fair are the meadow, fairer still the woodlands Robed in the blooming garb of spring Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer Who makes the woeful heart to sing
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight And all the twinkling starry host Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer Than all the angels heaven can boast
Beautiful Saviour, Lord of the nations Son of God and son of man Glory and honour, praise, adoration Now and forevermore be thine Glory and honour, praise, adoration Now and forevermore be thine
Prayer Exercise
Take a few moments to write down or name out loud who you believe Jesus Christ to be. You can use full sentences or simply names for Jesus Christ. Once you have thought of a few names or a couple sentences, tell Jesus in prayer who you believe him to be. By naming our belief in Christ, we give him praise and we recognize that he is Lord and we are not.
Message – Mark 6:30-44
Julia – HCCC
Responding in Thanksgiving
Jesus provides the disciples with the food he calls them to give. He says, “you feed them” and then he supplies the means to do it. What does Jesus instruct you to give? Whatever it is, trust that he will provide you the means, financial or otherwise, to obey.
Song of Praise – “How Marvelous”
Jerry – HCCC
How Marvelous
I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene And wonder how He could love me A sinner, condemned, unclean
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful Is my Savior’s love for me!
He took my sins and my sorrows He made them His very own; He bore the burden to Calvary And suffered and died alone
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful Is my Savior’s love for me!
When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see ‘Twill be my joy through the ages To sing of His love for me
How marvelous! O how wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful Is my Savior’s love for me!
Benediction
Go in peace, believing that you are not like a sheep without a shepherd. You have a good shepherd, Jesus the Christ. Amen
In this conversation Pastors Erik, Cody and Gavin discuss the Gospel of Mark, chapters 11-13 . Read those chapters, listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or theme most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
What does this portion of Scripture invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down with these chapters, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For our next Bible Convo we will finish our cruise through the Gospel of Mark and discuss chapters 14-16.
Winnipeg Covenant 