Summer Sabbath Worship

It takes dozens of people to make our Sunday morning Large Group celebrations possible each and every week. As a way of showing our appreciation to these dedicated volunteers, we’re taking a break from holding a worship service this Sunday. We believe it’s important to rest and to spend time abiding in God. So, we’ve assembled the following worship materials for you and your family to use in order to worship God wherever you are this weekend.

“Church Can Happen Anywhere,” so we hope you’ll invite others to join you in reading Scripture, praying, singing, and discussing the Gospel message from Matthew 5:43-48. Remember to “Check In” to Peace Tree UMC on Facebook and Instagram. Every check-in will provide 50 gallons of clean drinking water to people in need thanks to our partnership with Causely and H2OpenDoors. Be sure to use the hashtag #givewater so that other people will know about this month’s charitable cause.

Have a safe week celebrating Independence Day and have a blessed weekend! We’ll see each of you back at the Malco Forest Hill Cinema on July 15 at 10AM as we continue our Summer at the Movies sermon series with a movie clip from Gridiron Gang starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and a message based on Ephesians 4:25-32. If you’d like to make donation to Peace Tree this week, you can give HERE, and if you have any prayer requests, then please share them with us HERE. God bless!

+Peace and Love from Pastor Kris


OPEN WITH PRAYER

Almighty God, you rule all the peoples of the earth.
Inspire the minds of all women and men to whom you have committed
   the responsibility of government and leadership
   in the nations of the world.
Give to them the vision of truth and justice,
   that by their counsel all nations and peoples may work together.
Give to the people of our country
   zeal for justice and strength of forbearance,
   that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will.
Forgive our shortcomings as a nation;
   purify our hearts to see and love the truth.
We pray all these things through Jesus Christ. Amen.
   (Andy Langford, USA, 20th Century)


READ SCRIPTURE

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
(Matthew 5:43-48, New Revised Standard Version)


DISCUSS TOGETHER

1. Have you ever prayed for your enemy? What would the world look like if we treated our adversaries like they were our neighbors?
2. How do you answer the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” What about its opposite, “Why do good things happen to bad people?” When you read the phrase, “God makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous,” how do you interpret it?
3. Is the human family complete if we leave even one person out? How can you welcome someone new into God's family this week?
4. What is God saying to you? What will you do about it?

 

REFLECT

Watch this music video for “Your Love Never Fails.” Listen to the lyrics (or sing/read them below) and consider what God is challenging you to do this week.

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VERSE ONE:
Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails
I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercies for me everyday
Your love never fails

CHORUS:
You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night
But joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

VERSE TWO:
​The wind is strong and the water's deep
I'm not alone here in these open seas
'Cause Your love never fails
The chasm was far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails

CHORUS

BRIDGE (x6):
You make all things work together for my good

CHORUS

(Written by Chris McClarney, Anthony Skinner • Copyright 2008 Thankyou Music)
 
 
CLOSE WITH PRAYER
 
Gracious and merciful God, we love you and magnify your holy name. Lord, a word from you is what we need each day. Continue directing our actions so that we may follow you ever more closely as we strive to live like your Son, Jesus Christ.
 
May God bring abundant life to all of humanity in new ways and send us forth to witness transformation. Continue to remind us that you are known by your love and that you love all people. Challenge us to pray for our enemies and to see others with your eyes. Thank you for your good and perfect love. Lord, we give you all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.

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