In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody and Gavin discuss the Gospel of Mark, a section of stories from 1:21 through 3:6 . 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 3:7 and cover the text through Mark 6:6 (concluding just before Jesus sends out the twelve).
Welcome to the Gospel of Mark! As Winnipeg Covenant Churches we journey with one of the gospel accounts each year from Christmas through Easter. Julia is going to introduce our Mark reading challenge. It is a fun way to push a communal reading of the gospel but the best reason to read is it will change you!
Mark Reading Challenge
Julia – HCCC
For more on the Mark Reading Challenge click here.
Mark For Kids
We want all ages to be engaged by an encounter with Jesus in the gospel according to Mark. There is a kids reading guide which highlights an abridged reading of the gospel and we encourage you as parents and families to engage as a whole family. There are also Mark activities packages that correspond to each Sunday of our series. You can print from the link below or you can contact your church office to get the copies you need for your kids.
Lord, A voice came crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight.” We too prefer a straight path but we work our hardest to prepare our own way. Change us! Turn our eyes to Jesus. A voice came from the heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with whom I am well pleased.” We like affirmation but mostly when it is us being affirmed. Change us! Turn our eyes to Jesus. A voice calls to us, “Follow me…” We like having followers but following feels uncomfortable. We like our control. Change us! Help us say yes to you! In your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Take My Life
Cody – FCC
Take my life and let it be Consecrated Lord to thee Take my moments and my days Let them flow in ceaseless praise Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move At the impulse of thy love Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for thee Swift and beautiful for thee
Take my silver and my gold Not a mite would I withhold Take my intellect and use Every power as thou shalt choose Every power as thou shalt choose
Take my will and make it thine It shall be no longer mine Take my heart it is thine own It shall be thy royal throne It shall be thy royal throne
Take my love my Lord I pour At thy feet its treasure store Take myself and I will be Ever, only all for thee Ever, only all for thee
Take my love my Lord I pour At thy feet its treasure store Take myself and I will be Ever, only all for thee Ever, only all for thee
Message – Part 1 (Mark 1:1-8)
Gavin – HCCC
Scripture Reading – Mark 1:9-20
Read this portion of Mark aloud. If you’re with others take turns reading, switching at the paragraph breaks.
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Message – Part 2 (Mark 1:9-20)
Erik- FCC
Offering
Today’s text ends with Jesus inviting disciples to join in the inbreaking Kingdom. We do this in many ways. We do this with our heads, hearts, hands and yes bank accounts. Maybe giving to God’s work is something that you have done for as long as you can remember. We are grateful for your partnership. Maybe giving to God’s work is something brand new to you or something you have never even thought was for you. We would be so bold to challenge you to give. Give something, give regularly from now until Easter and see what God does to you in this practice.
God, we return to you these gifts that came from your hand. It is you who gives us minds and hands and bodies that are able to help us earn a living. We thank you for this! We want to be a part of what you are doing in this world. Use our gifts join in the new creating you are doing in the world. Amen.
He Knows My Name
Jerry – HCCC
I have a Maker He formed my heart And before even time began My life was in his hands
He knows my name He knows my every thought He sees each tear that falls And He hears me when I call
I have a Father I have a Father He calls me His own He’ll never leave me No matter where I go
He knows my name He knows my every thought He sees each tear that falls And He hears me when I call
Benediction
As God is at work, may we have eyes to see and hearts and hands ready to partner. As God calls may we say, “yes”! Jesus, give us strength and courage, by your Spirit to join you. Amen.
Announcements
Don’t forget to check out the Mark Reading Challenge material here. Read Mark! Encounter Jesus!
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody and Gavin begin a new series of conversations on the Gospel of Mark, starting with a short introductory section in chapter 1, verses 1-20 . 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 1:21 and cover the text through Mark 3:6.
Take two minutes to sit still before you begin your morning of worship. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths in and out. Allow your mind to catch up to your body. Maybe you were just making pancakes for kids, or trying to send off a quick email, or folding some laundry – but NOW you’re here for the purpose of worship and prayer. You’re in the presence of God. When you’re ready, thank God for His presence with youand begin.
Scripture Reading – Galatians 4:4-5
If you are meeting with others, take turns reading, switching readers each line.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.
Song of Worship – “Hope for Everyone”
Jerry – HCC
Hear the angels sing There’s hope for everyone To announce our King There’s hope for everyone What good news they bring There’s hope for everyone Angels sing There’s hope for everyone
They came from afar There’s hope for everyone Wise men saw the star There’s hope for everyone Shepherds heard the choir There’s hope for everyone From afar There’s hope for everyone
We are waiting on the promise For the One who lights the darkness Bending low to be among us Bring Your glory in the highest
Come let us adore There’s hope for everyone On the manger floor There’s hope for everyone What are you waiting for There’s hope for everyone Come adore There’s hope for everyone
We are waiting on the promise For the One who lights the darkness Bending low to be among us Bring Your glory in the highest, Jesus
Come let us adore There’s hope for everyone On the manger floor There’s hope for everyone What are you waiting for There’s hope for everyone Come adore There’s hope for everyone
Scripture Reading – Psalm 148
Read it aloud!
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies! Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all the armies of heaven! Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you twinkling stars! Praise him, skies above! Praise him, vapors high above the clouds! Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being. He set them in place forever and ever. His decree will never be revoked.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, young men and young women, old men and children.
Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven! He has made his people strong, honoring his faithful ones— the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
Homily on Psalm 148
Reflecting on The Advent and Christmas Season
Take some time to consider where you noticed the movement of God in your life over the Advent and Christmas season. Get a pen and a piece of paper, hit play on the song below, and prayerfully jot out some reflections on one (or more) of the following questions:
When did God seem especially close over these past weeks? When did He seem distant?
What caught your attention in the Advent and Christmas seasons about the way God works in the world?
What character from the Christmas narratives most captured your imagination and why?
To what has God been inviting you over the past weeks?
What truth do you need to hold on to from these past weeks as we approach a new year?
Jerry – HCCC
Offering
Living God: Thank you that you are the Light of the World, the source of our hope, our peace, our joy, and all true love. Your word says that the earth is Yours, and so is everything in it; the world and all its people belong to You. Everything we have belongs to You – our very lives belong to You. At the end of a strange and difficult year, we now offer back to You a portion of what You have given us. This we do as an act of worship, as a thanksgiving for Your provision, and as an expression of our ongoing trust in You into the future. Amen.
Song of Sending – “The Blessing”
May the words of this song be a prayer for you, as well as a reminder and encouragement to you as we approach the end of this year. God is with you. He is for you.
Songs of Praise: Let Us Adore and Fairest Lord Jesus
Cody FCC
Scripture: John 1:1-5 (NLT)
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
We all need this reminder more often than not. This has been a strange year, and part in parcel, a strange Christmas. Perhaps we better than ever identify with the lonely, uncomfortable, displaced, missing friends and family, Mary and Joseph. And yet, there is maybe also an invitation to allow the joy of Jesus to overwhelm us and melt what is frozen or freezing up in each of us.
We close our quiet Christmas morning worship with these encouraging words penned over 75 years ago at the close of WWII. They are as sturdy, kindly pastoral to us as they certainly were to a world trying to rebuild itself after all kinds of trouble:
“If we today in the midst of a time of world struggle wish to celebrate Christmas properly, then two things dare not happen. First, we dare let the joy of Christmas be corrupted by thoughts about the horrors of the present time and by anxiety about the still greater ones that may yet come. Then the devil would have gained what he wants. With a Christianity that has no more joy in its heart he has an easy game. The only thing that he really fears are those who carry the real joy of Christmas in their heart. For against them he is powerless. All evil thrives only in joylessness…
The second thing, however, is just as important: that we are not sucked into an artificially Christmas joy, that so-called Christmas joy which is gone two days after Christmas, which lasts about as long as the candles we burn on the Christmas tree… dear friends, we wish to have, if I may so express it, a solid Christmas joy, not just a little candlelight with a Christmas tree fragrance, but a storm lantern that does not go out even when it is blown upon from all sides.”
I Believe in the Living God: Sermons on the Apostles’ Creed, Emil Brunner, 1945.
Christmas Charge
HCCC, FCC, and friends,
May we come to know, from the tip of our head to the bottom of our new Christmas sock wrapped toes: the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
Because of Jesus, may we become a storm lantern of inextinguishable joy for a banged up world to see. Amen!
Join us on ZOOM at 6:30pm for our Christmas Eve service! Have a candle at the ready as we will, all together, light them as we celebrate the way “love’s true light” makes its way into the world in the person of Jesus. The link is not publicly posted for security reasons – please check your church’s weekly email for the link, or contact so that you can join!
In this conversation Pastors Erik, Cody and Gavin discuss the Christmas texts of the Gospels (Luke 1-2:20, Matthew 1-2, and John 1:1-18), and they have a darn good time doing it! Read those texts, and then listen to OR WATCH the conversation! That’s right – our Christmas Special is available as video as well! Care to see Erik in a Grinch hat and a Christmas onesie…? Enjoy, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on these passages of Scripture.
Don’t forget to join your church for the first portion of worship each week via ZOOM. Faith Covenant meets for some online face-to-face connection at 10:00am, and Holy Community meets at 10:30am. Contact your church for the ZOOM link!
4th Sunday of Advent
Advent simply means “coming”. It is the season in which we remember and wait for the coming of Christ Jesus our Lord. We remember when he came to earth, born in Bethlehem, all those years ago. And, we wait with anticipation and readiness for Christ to come again. Join us on this 3rd week in this month long journey as we wait and watch for Jesus!
Advent Hymn
“O Come O Come Emmanuel” is said to be nearly 1200 years old, making it one of the oldest if not the oldest of Advent/Christmas hymns. Play the video below and enter into these ancient lyrics of holy longing.
Cody – FCC
Scripture
Our Advent hymn is partly based off of the prophetic word given by Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14. It says this:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us).”
This is the same prophesy that Matthew says is fulfilled when Jesus is born in Bethlehem (Matthew 1:23). Imagine the joy of those who were waiting so long for this prophesy to be realized…
Before you move ahead with the reflection below, take a moment to reflect yourself: 1. What lyrics or turns of phrase from the song (above) caught your attention? 2. What emotions/thoughts come from the name of God: “Immanuel (God with us)” during a pandemic? 3. Are you sensing God with you today? 4. What is heavy for you today, and where do you need the Lord himself to give you a sign he is there in the middle of it with you?
Reflections on “O Come O Come Emmanuel”
Cody – FCC
Prayer of Welcome
Gavin – HCCC
Offering
God is the giver of all good and perfect gifts. We will, one day, be able to meet together again. That too will be a sign of “Emmanuel” God with us. Until that time we urge you to remain faithful to worshipping God through your finances. These gifts speak to our conviction that God continues to be with us even in exile. If God is still here then he surely is worthy of every act of worship we can offer.
Prayer: May you bless these gifts, Lord, as well as these the givers. We pray and trust in your holy, worthy, and everlasting name…Immanuel… AMEN
Benediction – Isaiah 40:5
The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Announcement
Join us on Christmas Eve at 6:30 for a service of carols, candlelight, and good news. Have some candles ready for you and your family as, even though we are meeting via ZOOM, we will still be letting light shine forth as we celebrate through the beautiful tradition of Christmas Eve candle lighting. Watch your church’s email for the link to the service, or contact us for more information!
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody and Gavin discuss the book of Daniel, chapters 10-12. Bringing it on home! 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: It’s a Christmas Special! We’re reading and discussing the Gospel’s “Christmas” narratives from Matthew, Luke, and John as well getting down to some good old fashioned Christmas tomfoolery!
Don’t forget to join your church for the first portion of worship each week via ZOOM. Faith Covenant meets for some online face-to-face connection at 10:00am, and Holy Community meets at 10:30am. Contact your church for the ZOOM link!
3rd Sunday of Advent
Advent simply means “coming”. It is the season in which we remember and wait for the coming of Christ Jesus our Lord. We remember when he came to earth, born in Bethlehem, all those years ago. And, we wait with anticipation and readiness for Christ to come again. Join us on this 3rd week in this month long journey as we wait and watch for Jesus!
Song of the Season – “Joy to the World”
Cody – FCC
Joy to the world, the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart, prepare him room And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing And heaven, and heaven and nature sing
Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns Let men their songs employ While fields and floods, rocks hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy Repeat, repeat the sounding joy
No more let sins and sorrows grow Nor thorns infest the ground He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found Far as the curse is found Far as, far as the curse is found
He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness And wonders of his love And wonders of his love And wonders, wonders of his love
What word, phrase, or line catches you? What joy does this express this Advent season? Take a moment to text or email a line(s) to a friend or family member who could use this joyful reminder!
Reflection – Advent 3
Julia – HCCC
Scripture Reading
Read aloud these words from Psalm 98.
Psalm 98
1 Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! 2 The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! 3 He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
4 Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! 5 Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, 6 with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!
7 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy 9 before the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness.
Offering
We desire that this offering express careful and willing sharing on our part, with fruitful blessing on God’s part, as together we seek to build God’s kingdom among the nations and God’s will among all peoples, through Christ the Lord. Amen.
Responding in Prayer
Gavin – HCCC
Stand up. Physically reposition your body. Turn your face and your gaze upward. Lift up your hands – hold them in front of you with your palms faced up; Or lift them straight over your head. Heck, “raise the roof” if the Spirit leads…. Recognize that God is looking on you in deep and sincere love. From this position take 30 seconds or a minute to simply hold a feeling of joy in your heart. Pray this way in an enthusiastic voice:
God of Life – I turn myself – my whole life – to You. With joy for the freedom there is in You… With joy for how you’ve come to make Your blessings flow…. I turn myself – my whole life – to You. Amen.
Closing Song – “Hope for Everyone”
Jerry – HCCC
Hear the angels sing There’s hope for everyone To announce our King There’s hope for everyone What good news they bring There’s hope for everyone Angels sing There’s hope for everyone
They came from afar There’s hope for everyone Wise men saw the star There’s hope for everyone Shepherds heard the choir There’s hope for everyone From afar There’s hope for everyone
We are waiting on the promise For the One who lights the darkness Bending low to be among us Bring Your glory in the highest
Come let us adore There’s hope for everyone On the manger floor There’s hope for everyone What are you waiting for There’s hope for everyone Come adore There’s hope for everyone
We are waiting on the promise For the One who lights the darkness Bending low to be among us Bring Your glory in the highest, Jesus
Come let us adore There’s hope for everyone On the manger floor There’s hope for everyone What are you waiting for There’s hope for everyone Come adore There’s hope for everyone
Benediction
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise the words of prophets, 21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.
23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
Announcements
HCCC and FCC Christmas Carol Concert: Mark your calendars for December 19th, 7:00pm! A live concert via ZOOM for the whole family to enjoy some homegrown Christmas music sung or performed by your friends. It will be a good time! Invite friends. See your church’s weekly e-mail for zoom link.
Christmas Eve Service: Join us for a virtual Christmas Eve service including candle lighting (provide your own candles). More details to come.
Christmas Cheer BINGO: As Jesus’ people, our lives to be are signs of his Kingdom here and now. When we love our neighbours in Jesus’ name, we reveal the hope, peace, joy and love of Christ and his reign. We become like an early answer to the prayer “Come, Lord Jesus” which God will one day answer perfectly.
Print off these Christmas Cheer BINGO cards, and see what you can do to be part of sharing the goodness of Jesus Christ with others this season. Have some fun with it. See what you can do!
Winnipeg Covenant 