Instructions: The words and videos below are meant to be read and played in sequence, together forming one complete worship service. Begin by pressing play on the first video.
God Bless!
Once, long ago, God took the prophet Ezekiel to a desolate valley, an ancient battle ground, covered with the dried bones of two dead armies.
And to raise the dead to life again, God told Ezekiel: “Prophesy.”
No mighty deeds.
No magic potions.
“Prophesy.”
Which means, “to witness.” To speak truth.
Speak the truth of God even to death, and in truth, even the dead will rise again.
~Based on Ezekiel 37:1-14
Centuries later, the future witnesses to an even greater resurrection would experience another strange encounter in the desert – this time with a living man, who in one meeting had them running back to friends and family, with this message…
~ Based on John 1:35-51
Certain spaces in the prayer are left open for you to add whatever is on your heart to add.
And Let Us Pray…
Lord God, Creator, Redeemer,
We lift before you the concerns that we share with our world…
… with our nation …
… with our communities …
… our families …
… our friends …
… our neighbors …
… and ourselves …
Watch over us, and guide us in these times of uncertainty and fear, into your promise and your future.
Forgive us for all the wrong that we have done,
Willingly and unwillingly,
Knowingly or unknowingly.
Give us your grace, to resist tomorrow whatever temptation we have given into today,
To persevere in challenges we have yet to face,
To live beyond fear.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our witness in heaven, Amen.
Now, I’m pleased to introduce my father, Pastor Norman Bude, and his message for this Sunday.
Fill our hearts, and flood our souls, with one desire:
Just to know you and to make you known…
~Casting Crowns, “Thrive”
To know God, and to make God known – ONE desire.
The mission of the Church is word and sacrament. In the sacraments, we know God. In the word, we make God known.
So as you go out this week, be a witness, make God known.
thank-you so much for putting together these wonderful services for us. The songs, scripture and words you choose give such a powerful message. You and your father make a great team and we are blessed by it.
Thanks so much. Please tell Dad how much I really do love working with him on church stuff! Moreover, these services have kept me connected to church in the last months. I am the one who is blessed.
Your choice of songs and liturgy have been a life-saver for us here at the church; enhancing the theme for the day and giving us all a lot to consider as you add your insights. Thanks for the great service you are doing.
Thanks Dad! Happy to help!