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.
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
Take a moment to catch your breath. Image your life as a boat. You have your plans. You want to sail this way and that… and then storms come along and mess things up.Where do you turn in trouble?
Hear the words of Psalm 107:23-32 (NLT)! May they bring us perspective in the storm.
23 Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. 24 They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action, his impressive works on the deepest seas. 25 He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. 26 Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. 28 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 29 He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. 30 What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! 31 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 32 Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.
Song of Worship – “Faithfulness”
Gavin – HCCC
In the breakers that storm my faith God my Rock and God my Hope, You will prevail You’re the constant in a sea of change What You’ve done and what You’ve said will never change What You’ve done and what You’ve said will never change
Great is Your faithfulness, great is Your faithfulness Always and forever Always and forever
There are memories that seize my heart But they will never steal or tear our love apart There are victories yet to come They are certain as the rising of the sun They are certain as the rising of the sun
Great is Your faithfulness, great is Your faithfulness Always and forever Always and forever
From age to age the same, Your mercy never changes Your joy it is my strength, Your goodness never changes Your goodness never changes
Great is Your faithfulness, great is Your faithfulness Always and forever, always and forever Always and forever
Message – Mark 4:35-41
Song for Reflection
Responding in Thanksgiving
We recognize that we like to “captain our own ship” and yet we know how futile this is when it comes to facing a storm. Giving helps us to open our hearts and minds to the One who is actually able to bring us through the storm. May God come near and touch our hearts and minds as we open our hands.
Response Song – “Faithful and True”
Cody and Meghan – FCC
How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You?
You are faithful, You are true You are mercy, You shine through The darkness cannot hide You It cannot hide You, Oh my God
How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You?
You are faithful You are true You are mercy, You shine through The darkness cannot hide You It cannot hide You, Oh my God
You are faithful You are true You are mercy, You shine through The darkness cannot hide You It cannot hide You, Oh my God
In this conversation Pastors Julia, Cody and Gavin discuss the Gospel of Mark, from 8:31 to the end of chapter 10 . Read those verses, 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 pick up with Mark and discuss chapters 11-13.
As you begin this time of worship and prayer, listen to the song below and allow it to be for you a prayer.
Jerry – HCCC
Scripture Reading – Psalm 119:9-18
Read the following aloud. After you’ve read it choose one line or phrase to make into a quiet word to silently repeat and hold before God for a moment or two.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Kids’ Coloring and Activity Booklets
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.
Sermon
Isaac, Erik, and Cody – FCC Gavin and Julia – HCCC
The questions that punctuated each reflection on the seed and soil were: 1. In what ways have you become hard to God and the Gospel message? 2. How can you develop a faith life that has endurance? 3. What might be dividing your focus and loyalty? What desires are you feeding? 4. What is one step you can take toward cultivating “good soil” in your life?
Take time to reflect, jot down any thoughts, and respond to God in prayer.
Offering
For all that you give us, Generous One – we give you thanks! May these offerings be an evidence of your Word becoming fruitful in our lives, and a contribution to the great work of your harvest in the world. Amen.
Song of Worship – The Goodness of God
I love you Lord Oh your mercy never fails me All my days I’ve been held in your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God
All my life you have been faithful All my life you have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
I love your voice You have led me through the fire In darkest nights I’ve been held like no other I’ve known you as a Father I’ve known you as a friend I have lived in the goodness of God
All my life you have been faithful All my life you have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Your goodness is running after It’s running after me Your goodness is running after It’s running after me With my life laid down I surrender now I give you everything Your goodness is running after It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after It’s running after me Your goodness is running after It’s running after me With my life laid down I surrender now I give you everything Your goodness is running after It’s running after me
All my life you have been faithful All my life you have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
All my life you have been faithful All my life you have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
The Sending – From 2 Peter 3:18
Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Amen.
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody and Gavin discuss the Gospel of Mark, a section of stories from 6:7 through 8:30 . Read those verses, 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 pick up at Mark 8:31 and cover the text through Mark 10.
If with another person feel free to alternate reading lines below from Psalm 96:
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised he is to be revered above all gods. Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; Bring an offering, and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in holy splendor; Tremble before him, all the earth.
Song of Worship
Cody – FCC
Be the Center Jesus be the center Be my source, be my light Jesus
Jesus be the center Be my hope, be my song Jesus
Be the fire in my heart Be the wind in these sails Be the reason that I live Jesus, Jesus
Jesus be my vision Be my path and be my guide Jesus
Prayer for Illumination
As we gather at your table As we listen to your word Help us know, oh God, your presence Let our hearts and minds be stirred Nourish us with sacred story until we claim it as our own Teach us through this holy banquet how to make love’s victory known AMEN
Sermon
Song of Response
Take a few minutes to pause and listen to this song below. What has been your focus? Come to Jesus again.
Offering
The “offering time” in church is a practical way to be an active guest at the great banquet of the kingdom with Christ. It’s a chance to participate, with joy and thanksgiving, in the great feast. In this time, remember the gifts you have received as invited guest in the kingdom meal. Equally, push yourself to offer a gift back. These gifts translate into a greater extending of God’s banquet to a greater population of peoples in our midst. May God bless you as you give.
Jerry – HCCC
Just a closer walk with thee Just a closer walk with thee Grant it Jesus if you please Daily walking close to thee Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
I am weak but thou art strong Jesus keep me from all wrong I’ll be satisfied as long As you walk, dear Lord, close to me
Through this world of toils and snares If I falter Lord who cares? Who with me my burden shares None but thee, dear Lord, none but thee
When my feeble life is o’er Time for me shall be no more On that bright eternal shore I will walk, dear Lord, close to thee
Mark Reading Challenge Update
Benediction
Thanks be to God, for you love the Christ whom you have never seen. Be glad, be open, and the Christ whom you have never seen will appear all around you. Amen.
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody and Gavin discuss the Gospel of Mark, a section of stories from 3:7 through 6:6 . Read those verses, 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 pick up at Mark 6:6 and cover the text through Mark 8:30.
Continue to read the Gospel of Mark and log your readings HERE! In a couple weeks we will include an update video with some of your highlights and reflections!
Mark For Kids
Kids (and parents) – don’t forget to break out the activity and coloring pages for this week in your kids’ packs! If you need, there are downloadable copies below.
Call to Worship – From Psalm 103
Read this invitation aloud. If you are meeting with others, have one person read the plain print, and the other(s) read what is in bold.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits— who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Bless the LORD, O my soul.
Song of Worship – “Lord I Need You”
Lord I come and I confess Bowing here I find my rest Without you I fall apart You’re the one that guides my heart
Lord I need you oh I need you Every hour I need you My one defense, my righteousness Oh God how I need you
Where sin runs deep your grace is more Where grace is found is where you are And where you are Lord I am free Holiness is Christ in me Where you are Lord I am free Holiness is Christ in me
Lord I need you oh I need you Every hour I need you My one defence, my righteousness Oh God how I need you
Teach my song to rise to you When temptation comes my way When I cannot stand I’ll fall on you Jesus you’re my hope and stay When I cannot stand I’ll fall on you Jesus you’re my hope and stay
Lord I need you oh I need you Every hour I need you My one defence, my righteousness Oh God how I need you
Scripture Reading – Mark 2:1-12
Grab a pen and paper. Imaginatively read the following Gospel passage putting yourself in the shoes of one of the members of the crowd gathered around Jesus. Pay close attention to all five of your senses, and jot down any reflections on what you notice as you participate in the story.If you’re with others, share your observations.
When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”
But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, “What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”
Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”
– What did you see? – What did you hear? – What did you feel? – What did smell? – What did you taste?
Sermon
Silent Prayer
Pause for a couple minutes to pray silently, remembering to: – give thanks for those who have carried you to Jesus over your life – pray by name for someone who is in need of the forgiveness and healing Jesus – ask for help to overcome any obstacles you are facing in being a person who loves and cares for others
Song of Worship – “How Marvelous”
Jerry – HCCC
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!
Offering
Living God, Like the crowds who saw the man on the mat receive forgiveness and healing, we too are amazed at Your goodness and Your grace. We praise You, God – in word, in song, in offerings, in obedience – for all the amazing provision and goodness you bring into our lives, and the lives of those around us. Amen.
Benediction
May God, who enables us to stand firm for Christ, And who, by his Spirit, has stamped us with his eternal pledge – a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete – May He make of us witnesses in the world to the abundant goodness of God. Amen.
Winnipeg Covenant 