In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Julia, and Gavin discuss the grouping of books known as the pastoral epistles – 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. Read those books (should take you about 45 minutes), 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 letter?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing Hebrews. You’re invited to read those thirteen total chapters and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three reflective questions we used today.
Kids – don’t forget to send your drawings in to your church! Have your parents snap a picture of your work and email it to your church so we can include it next week.
Kids Activity
Hey parents and kids. 2 Thessalonians has some advice for how we are to live for Jesus even in difficult times. Paul tells us to “take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
Discuss: What does it mean to take a firm stand for Jesus? What is the teaching we are to keep a firm grip on? This is a great opportunity to talk to kids about having hope in Jesus and about living lives of obedience. We find out more about that through the teaching of Scripture. Now for some fun! Find something you can stand on that is flat and only a few square feet. Maybe fold a towel in half and put it on the floor. Now have one person stand on the towel while others work to pull them off. This will probably work best with an adult on the towel while a kid tries to shake their stance. Try it standing on one foot. Try it with your arms in the air. Try it on a chair (be safe!). When we stand firm, it’s harder to be moved than if we are off-balance with our feet not planted. Plant your feet and stand firm for Jesus.
Beginning in Stillness
As you begin this morning of worship, take a few moments to sit quietly and allow yourself to focus attention on God’s presence with you. Play the song below and give yourself to noticing God among you.
Cody – FCC
Call to Worship, Songs, and Prayer
Responsive Reading – Isaiah 12:2-6
If you are meeting with others, have people take turns reading this passage, switching readers each time the text alternates between plain and bold print.
God, you are the one who saves us. We will trust in you. Then we won’t be afraid. Lord, you are the one who gives us strength. You are the one who keeps us safe. Lord, you have saved us.” People of Israel, he will save you. That will bring you joy like water brought up from wells. In days to come, the people of Israel will sing, “Give praise to the Lord. Make his name known. Tell the nations what he has done. Announce how honored he is. Sing to the Lord. He has done glorious things. Let it be known all over the world. People of Zion, give a loud shout! Sing for joy! The Holy One of Israel is among you. And he is great.”
Thanksgiving and Offering
In 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, Paul writes:
Brothers and sisters, we should always thank God for you. That is only right, because your faith is growing more and more. We also thank God that the love you all have for one another is increasing. So among God’s churches we brag about the fact that you don’t give up easily. We brag about your faith in all the suffering and testing you are going through.
The last months have been a time of plenty of testing – maybe not identical to that which was suffered by the church in Thessalonica, but still a time of trial. We are so grateful for the many ways this faith community – FCC and HCCC – have continued to show care for one another and expressed generosity and a sharing in our ongoing ministry even in difficult times. In keeping with Paul’s prayer at the end of 2 Thessalonians 1, we pray:
…that he will make perfect all that you have done by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus will receive glory through what you have done. We also pray that you will receive glory through what he has done. We pray all these things in keeping with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The buttons below will take you to more info on giving to your church.
Kids, during this time of giving and thanksgiving fill up another page in your gratitude journal: what are you grateful for today?
Sermon – 2 Thessalonians
Julia – HCCC
HERE and HERE are the links to the videos Julia mentions in the sermon.
Prayer Based on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Eternally righteous God, merciful judge of all the living, in your love you called us to share the glory of Christ. Strengthen our hearts in every good work and word, that we may be steadfast in your ways and always believe your truth. Amen.
Song of Worship – “Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies”
Cody – FCC
Christ Whose Glory Christ, whose glory fills the skies Christ, the true, the only Light Sun of Righteousness arise Triumph o’er the shades of night Triumph o’er the shades of night
Hallelujah! O praise Him whose glory fills the skies Hallelujah! O praise the true Light Hallelujah! O praise Him who triumphs over night Hallelujah! O praise Jesus Christ
Christ, O radiance divine Scatter all my unbelief Break into this soul of mine Pierce the gloom of sin and grief Pierce the gloom of sin and grief
Christ be ever on display Bring the dark unto its end More and more ’til glorious day And the Light himself descends And the Light himself descends
Benediction – 1 Timothy 1:17
The eternal King will never die. He can’t be seen. He is the only God. Give him honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Doxology
Sing it aloud!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen.
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss 2 Thessalonians. Read that book (should take you less than 15 minutes), 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 letter?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the pastoral epistles – 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus (all three). You’re invited to read those thirteen total chapters and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three reflective questions we used today.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Paul tells us to “Be kind two one another and build each other up.” Kindness goes a long way in showing each other love. How can you be kind to someone today in an extra special way? How can you work on being kind in regular ways every day? Grab some blocks, LEGO, paper, whatever you’ve got and build a kindness tower. Maybe write the verse on your tower or attach it to the top. How high can you build your kindness tower?
Call to Worship, Songs, and Confession
Scripture Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Thanksgiving and Offering
The buttons below will take you to some info on how you can give to your church.
Kids, during this time of giving and thanksgiving fill up another page in your gratitude journal: what are you grateful for today? And don’t forget to have your parents send in a picture of your journal so your drawing can get included in the service next week!
May God multiply these gifts and make use of them for His Kingdom and Glory, and may He bless those who give in worship and faith. Amen.
Greet One Another
Take a few minutes to greet others in your faith community who you haven’t seen in a while – send a text, or make a quick call to check in on one other.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:26, Paul encourages people to “greet one another with a holy kiss.” Sooo… maybe send a kiss emoji? That might take explaining if they aren’t also walking through this service. Use your best judgement!
Lectio Divina with 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Erik and Cody – FCC Gavin – HCCC
May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.
Song of Worship – “Jesus Blessed Lord”
Cody – FCC
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim Hail him, the everlasting name Sing, O Church, come and bring your hearts again Bless Him, the Lord
Praise Him, Praise Him Jesus Blessed Lord
For our sins He suffered, bled and died Hail Him, the Christ, the crucified Son of Man, Son of God who bore our pain Bless Him, the Lord
Heaven’s voice, O majestic anthems ring Crown Him, the Prophet, Priest, and King Christ will come and we shall, on that day, Bless Him, the Lord
There is no other name by which we are saved Let the people rejoice, He has conquered the grave Jesus, Blessed Lord
Benediction – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Erik – FCC
Doxology
Sing it aloud!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen.
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss 1 Thessalonians. Read that book (should take you only about 15 minutes), 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 letter?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing 2 Thessalonians. You’re invited to read those three chapters and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three reflective questions we used today.
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Plants send their roots into the soil to absorb nutrients. That’s how they grow!
Kids – during the sermon time, go on a backyard hunt for some dandelions. See if you can dig up the whole root! You might have to use a small shovel to get at it. It’s amazing how long some dandelion roots are!
Remember: when OUR roots are deep in Jesus, we grow and grow in faith, and you’ll overflow with thankfulness!Remember those verses when we get to our gratitude journals during the offering!
Gathering, Songs, and Prayer
Erik – FCC (Call to Worship and Confession) Cody and Amy – FCC (Songs of Worship)
Offering
The buttons below will take you to some info on how you can give to your church.
Kids, take some time now to fill up another page in your gratitude journal: what are you “overflowing in thankfulness” for today? And don’t forget to have your parents send in a picture of your journal so your drawing can get included in the service next week!
May God multiply these gifts and make use of them for His Kingdom and Glory, and may He bless those who give in worship and faith. Amen.
Prayer for Unity
Our world is full of disunity. This is always true but we have felt this in a more obvious way these last few weeks. This is a problem as old as Cain and Abel. This is not how God intends for his children to live. Paul knows the call to unity is as important a call as any for the church.
In Paul’s letters to every single church community we have spent time with, there is a call to unity.Hear the call. Read these short verses.
To the church in Rome:
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
To the church in Corinth:
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
To the church in Galatia:
For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
To the church in Ephesus:
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
To the church in Philippi:
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
To the church in Colossae:
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Which one stands out for you? Which one calls to you a little louder than the rest?If you are in a group spend a little time talking about why the one you chose speaks loudly to you?
Use the verse to form a prayer. Maybe just repeat a line or a word and lift it to Jesus, as hope for our world.
Sermon – Philemon
Gavin – HCCC
Responding in Prayer
Take a few moments to reflect on these questions posed in the sermon, and to respond to God in silent prayer.
Charge from Colossians
A whole bunch of people from FCC and HCCC
Benediction – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.
Doxology
Sing it aloud!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen.
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss both Colossians and the wee little book Philemon. Read those books (should take you less than a half hour), 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 letter?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the letter we know as 1 Thessalonians. You’re invited to read those four chapters and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three reflective questions we used today.
When we see the wonder, the beauty of each day For all that you’ve provided and how you’ve made a way We’re praising You, God we’re praising You Oh, our Lord and God, we’re praising You
And when we see Your glory, in those who call You friend Yes we are reminded Your love it never ends We’re praising You, Oh God we’re praising You Oh, our Lord and King, we’re praising You
And when we are discouraged and trouble rules the day We have not forgotten, that You are here to stay We’re praising You, we’re praising You Oh, our Lord and God , we’re praising You
Call to Worship From Philippians
Song of Worship – “How Great Thou Art”
Cody – FCC
Oh Lord my God when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to thee How great thou art How great thou art Then sings my soul my Saviour God to thee How great thou art How great thou art
When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to thee How great thou art How great thou art Then sings my soul my Saviour God to thee How great thou art How great thou art
And when I think that God his Son not sparing Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died, to take away my sin
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to thee How great thou art How great thou art Then sings my soul my Saviour God to thee How great thou art How great thou art
When Christ shall come with shouts of acclaimation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then I shall bow in humbled adoration And there proclaim “My God how great thou art!”
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to thee How great thou art How great thou art Then sings my soul my Saviour God to thee How great thou art How great thou art
Confession and Assurance
It is important for the people of God to remember their rightful place in the God/human relationship. Let us admit where we have missed the mark, ask for forgiveness, and move on free from the burden of sin to live into the fruit of righteousness.
Pray quietly or out loud this prayer of confession:
We are sorry, God, for our wayward handling of life. We have squandered time, hoarded money, avoided challenges, and used others. We have borne waiting grievously, illness stubbornly, trials reluctantly, and responsibility half-heartedly. We have doubted your care, mistrusted your providence, distorted your power, and ignored your love. We have neglected our discipleship, injured our relationships, sabotaged our fellowship, and underrated your forgiveness. Forgive us now, we pray, and let us try again, sensitive to your Spirit and committed to your will. Amen.
Be assured that you are forgiven and free. Also, be assured that the vitality of your faith is not up to you alone. Be confident in the words of Philippians 1:6 which says “that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Song of Worship – “Saved My Soul”
Cody – FCC
You my God have saved my soul I am yours forevermore I won’t be moved of this I’m sure You are my God and you saved my soul
I was lost when you came for me Held in chains by the enemy But you broke them in victory I am free, I am free You’re my joy and you are my hope I am saved by your grace alone I will sing of your love for me I am free, I am free
You my God have saved my soul I am yours forevermore I won’t be moved of this I’m sure You are my God and you saved my soul
Now I stand with the king of kings He has paid for my every sin And from now through eternity I am free, I am free
You my God have saved my soul I am yours forevermore I won’t be moved of this I’m sure You are my God and you saved my soul
What once was dead is now alive You gave to me the breath of life You brought me up out of the grave I’m bursting out with songs of praise
I’m bursting out with songs of praise I’m bursting out with songs of praise
You my God have saved my soul I am yours forevermore I won’t be moved of this I’m sure You are my God and you saved my soul You my God have saved my soul I am yours forevermore I won’t be moved of this I’m sure You are my God and you saved my soul
Kids’ Story and Gratitude Journals
Julia – HCCC
Offering
Kids – take some time to get started on the first page of your gratitude journals. What are you thankful for? Draw it, write about it!
Meanwhile, another way we express gratitude is through the gifts and offerings we make as part of our worship.
Sermon
Erik – FCC
Reflection and Prayer
Take the next two minutes to listen to the piece of instrumental music and quietly and prayerfully respond to God however the Spirit leads. Cast your cares on Him, thank Him, ask for help…
Nathan – HCCC
Blessing and Sending
Gavin – HCCC
Doxology
Whether you’re meeting with others or alone, sing this final song of praise aloud!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss Philippians. Read the book (should take you less than a half hour), 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 letter?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the letter we know as Colossians. You’re invited to read those four chapters and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three reflective questions we used today.
We encourage kids to participate in worship by singing along, praying, helping to do scripture readings, or even being in charge of scrolling through the site.Here are some other ideas:
Three Legged Race: Ephesians 4:4-6 talks about how Jesus makes us all one! Being unified is really important. The Bible instructs us over and over again to be unified or to be one. This is not easy to do. It requires hard work, putting others above yourself, and offering forgiveness when people wrong you. So let’s practice a little unity in a fun way…find something you can use to tie your leg to another family member’s leg and do a three legged race around your house. Notice how you have to work together to move forward. If you each pull your own way, it doesn’t work. If you talk and work as a unit, you can accomplish a lot.
Songs of Worship – “All Creatures of Our God and King”
Gavin – HCCC
All creatures of our God and King Lift up your voice and with us sing O praise Him, Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam Thou silver moon with softer gleam O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
People and nations take your part Love and forgive with all your heart O praise Him! Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear Praise God and on Him cast your care O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless And worship Him in humbleness O praise Him! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son And praise the Spirit – three in one O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below O praise Him! Alleluia! Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Responsive Reading – Based on Ephesians 2:1-4, 8-10
If you are meeting with at least one other, read the following together taking turns as one person reads the plain print, and the other reads the bold.
We all were dead because of our disobedience and many sins. We lived in sin, just like the rest of the world, obedient to darkness. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. God saved us by his grace when we believed. And we can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Song of Worship – “Starry Night”
Jerry – HCCC
From the birds that sing in the tallest trees To the human life of you and me From the desert sands to the place we stand He is God of all, He is everything
Given my life to the only one Who makes the moon reflect the sun Every starry night That was his design Given my life to the only Son Who was and is and yet to come Let the praises ring ‘Cause He is everything ‘Cause He is everything
From the autumn leaves that will ride the breeze To the faith it takes to pray and sing From the painted sky. to my plank filled eye He is God of all, He is everything
Given my life to the only one Who makes the moon reflect the sun Every starry night That was his design Given my life to the only Son Who was and is and yet to come Let the praises ring ‘Cause He is everything ‘Cause He is everything
Hallelujah! hallelujah! I believe, I believe Hallelujah! hallelujah! I believe, I believe
Given it all the the only one Who gave me hope when I had none Let the praises ring ‘Cause He is everything Given my life to the only one Who makes the moon reflect the sun Every starry night That was His design Given my life to the only son Who was and is and yet to come Let the praises ring ‘Cause He is everything ‘Cause He is everything ‘Cause He is everything ‘Cause He is everything
Let these gifts now be evidence of strength that is not our own, but that we recognize to be part of the rich resources shared with us by a generous God. Amen.
Winnipeg Covenant 