Welcome!
Thank you so much for joining us at Grace and Peace Church! Below you’ll find song lyrics, scriptures, sermon notes, and information relating to this week’s service! Also take a minute to fill out our connect form. If you are new we have a FREE MUG for you at the welcome table.
We’re so glad you’re here with us!
Grace & Peace to you!
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Announcements;
Advent Guide is available digitally or for you to print out here or under the home page if you need to access it during the week. This is a great way to dig into the true meaning of the season.
We encourage you to light the candles each night in your home as journey through the teachings.
*Lectio Divina journals are back
Lasting Change Haiti Stories
https://lastingchangehaiti.org/stories
“SIMPLE CHURCH” is our theme for this season of Grace and Peace Church. We are trying to simplify our setup and breakdown in order to lighten the demand on volunteers each week and focus on the core elements of what it means to gather and be the church.
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Pray for Baylee;
I would love your prayers as I navigate these exciting times. Here’s what I’d ask you to join me in lifting up:
• The continuing rehabilitation and recovery from the flooding here, as the people continue to rebuild
• For peace in Myanmar as the war continues and worsens.Please continue to pray for God’s wisdom over the leaders and an end to this civil war and destruction.
• Continual growth for our church and youth ministry, and blessings over the English center.
• Good health, wisdom, and discernment as I continue to teach, learn Thai, attend college courses, and train my dogs.
• For the students at school and those in the English club, along with their families to sense the love of the Lord
• No more exploding pipes, loss of pressure, and other plumbing issues .
• Provision, especially in finances, for the Victory ministry as well as myself.
• the upcoming women’s conference happening in India in June.
• the upcoming women’s conference happening in Bangkok in January I can’t wait to catch up with many of you over the holidays.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support—it means the world to me. God bless!
With love and sincerity,
Baylee
Lasting Change Haiti
Pray for Absolu and his leadership team as they serve.
Pray for the witness of love as they serve the community.
Pray for the small business loan to help Kecheline and that she is able to help others in the process.
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Weekly Bible Study Guide and Q’s connected to the sermon;
Spend time reframing what God says about your new identity this week.
What the Lord says about you;
• I am a valuable person. — Luke 12:6-7
• I can have a positive outlook on life, even if my circumstances are difficult. - Romans 5: 1-5
• I can have a healthy self-image because God made me. — Genesis 1:27
• I have the ability to love others unconditionally and accept them for who they are. — 1 Peter 4:8
• I can be sensitive and caring to others. — Philippians 2:3
• I can treat others fairly and unselfishly. — Micah 6:8
• I have many talents that I can use effectively. — Ephesians 2:10
• I am grateful for this opportunity to grow and become a better person. - 2 Peter 3:18
• I can forgive those who have wronged me. - Colossians 3:12-14; Ephesians 1: 3-9
• I can learn to be patient and sensitive to those who are not. - 1 Corinthians 13:4
• I can learn not to take myself so seriously. — Proverbs 17:22
• I can begin to see life with more hope because I have the power to change. - Ephesians 3:20
• I can be a competent, prepared and enthusiastic worker. - Colossians 3:23
• I can learn to be more open-minded and flexible. — Proverbs 14:30
• I can be more attentive to the needs of others. — Galatians 5:14
• I can be a confident and self-assured person because I know who lam. - Hebrews 4:16
• I don't have to be in control of my circumstances and other people because God is in control. — Jeremiah 32:17
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Sunday Gathering Liturgy
Psalm 139
1 You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
St. Francis of Assisi: Make me an instrument of your peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.Amen.
The Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.Offering Prayer
Compassionate Father, thank you that you are our strength and our song, you fill our hearts with joy. May we give our offerings to you with gladness and joy. Everything we have belongs to you and we rejoice to give some of your abundant gifts back to you. Bless the tithes and offerings we give today. Let the majesty of the Father be the light that guides us, the compassion of the Son be the love that inspires us and the presence of the Spirit be the power that empowers us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.THE LORDS PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Offer Prayers of Intercessions, Petitions, or Thanksgivings to the Lord either silently or aloud. After each person shares we simply acknowledge by saying “Lord hear our prayer.”
THE GENERAL THANKSGIVING
Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us:
For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea,
We thank you, Lord.For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,
We thank you, Lord.For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,
We thank you, Lord.For health and strength to work, and time to rest and worship,
We thank you, Lord.For all who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity,
We thank you, Lord.For all who earnestly seek after truth, and all who labor for justice,
We thank you, Lord.For all that is good and gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.For the communion of saints, in all times and places,
We thank you, Lord.Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;
To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father,
and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen
SERMON NOTES & RESOURCES
We typically preach through the LECTIONARY READINGS — To gain further reading click here https://wordtoworship.com/lectionary/acna
Title; “Water to Wine”
“Epiphany is a time to reflect on how Christ's light shines in people's lives, regardless of their status.”
John 2:1-11
The Wedding at Cana
2 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.
9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
QUESTION; Growing up what rules, spoken or unspoken, did your family have around alcohol?
Joel 3:18
“In that day the mountains will drip new wine,
and the hills will flow with milk;
all the ravines of Judah will run with water.
A fountain will flow out of the Lord’s house
and will water the valley of acacias.
Also look into; Amos 9:13-14 + Jeremiah 13:12
John 19:25-35 “Woman, wine & water.”
Ephesians 5:18 — Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit
Proverbs 23
29Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?”
1 Corinthians 6:12 — "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.
It’s about wisdom.
ACTION STEP
We have to remember Jesus brings about holiness and grace.
What area of your life do you need more joy in the Lord?
The option to give toward the ministry we partner with in Haiti is always available…
GUIDE FOR MAKING A RULE OF LIFE
John 15:5
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
What is a rule of life?
A rule of life is a discipline by which I order my worship, work, and leisure as a pleasing sacrifice to God.
Why do you need a rule of life?
I need a rule of life because my fallen nature is disordered, distracted, and self-centered. A rule of life helps me to resist sin and establish godly habits, through which the Holy Spirit will increasingly conform me to the image of Christ.
What is included in a rule of life?
In addition to Scripture, prayer, and worship, a rule of life includes witness, service, self-denial, and faithful stewardship of my time, money, and possessions.
Why is prayer an essential part of a rule of life?
Through prayer, I rely upon God for strength, wisdom, and humility to sustain and guide me in my rule of life. Without the love of God and the power of his Spirit, I will not attain to the fullness of Christ.
If you’re looking for a great simple way to study the Bible check out this resource; https://throughtheword.org
Number one task of a Christ follower; Stay in that rhythm of receiving nourishment. A tree doesn’t work to receive but we choose what soil and if it’s near water source or in the care of a constant gardener.
We use Lectio Divina Journals as a guide for our daily spiritual formation. If you would like to journey with us you can order a journal here (link below) or pick one up at the welcome table at church.
https://www.lectiodivinajournal.com/buy/lectiojournal-nodates
Connect
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