“Sloth”
by Rev. Meade
Sermon Summary:
In today’s sermon Pastor Fred continues his series on the Seven Deadly Sins with the topic of Sloth.
This is a time of social distance and isolation and a time when we need to listen to the voice of God in our lives in order to make lemonade from lemons. Our religious life is important to keep us centered and to give us hope. This is a time to reflect on how we relate to others.
The story of Mary and Martha told in Luke 10:38-42 tells of Jesus ‘ visit to their home while on his way to Jerusalem and the Cross. There was excitement surrounding his visit and Martha was busy getting everything ready. She was working hard while Mary relaxed and listened to Jesus. Martha, in her frustration, asks Jesus to tell Mary to help with the work. Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen the better part.
Sometimes sloth means having different priorities. Lent is a time to look inward and better ourselves; it is a time to come closer to God. It is a time of extreme spiritual makeover when we reflect on what brings us joy and what brings us closer to God.
Use our God given gifts. As the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 teaches us we should not hide our talents or make excuses.
Be faithful to God, listen for His voice and seek His presence.
— J. M. Hodge
Joyful, Joyful We, Adore You
Joyful, joyful we adore you, God of glory, God of love – Hearts unfold like flow’rs before you, Opening to the sun above. – Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, Drive the storms of doubt away – Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day.
All your works with joy surround you, Earth and heav’n reflect your rays – Stars and angels sing around You, Center of unbroken praise. – Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flowery meadow, flashing sea, – Chanting bird and flowing fountain, Teach us what our praise should be.
You are giving and forgiving Ever blessing, ever blessed – Well-spring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest! – Loving Spirit, Father, Mother, All who love belong to you – Teach us how to love each other, By that love our joy renew.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus, Which the morning stars began – Boundless love is reigning o’er us, Reconciling race and clan. – Ever singing move we forward, Faithful in the midst of strife – Joyful music leads us onward, In the triumph song of life.
CCLI Song # 25321Edward Hodges | Henry Van Dyke | Ludwig van Beethoven© Words: Public DomainMusic: Public DomainFor use solely with the SongSelect®. Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.comCCLI License # 11406041
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
Refrain:
Spirit, spirit of gentleness
Blow through the wilderness
Calling and free
Spirit, spirit of restlessness
Stir me from placidness
Wind, wind on the sea.
You moved on the waters, you called to the deepThen you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleepAnd over the eons you called to each thing“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.”
Refrain
You swept through the desert, you stung with the sandAnd you goaded your people with a law and a landWhen they were confounded by their idols and liesThen you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.
Refrain
You sang in a stable, you cried from a hillThen you whispered in silence when the whole world was stillAnd down in the city you called once againWhen you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.
Refrain
You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemesFrom the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreamsOur women see visions, our men clear their eyes.With bold new decisions your people arise.
Refrain
Text: © 1978, J. Manley Publishing Tune: © 1993, The Pilgrim Press OneLicense #A-731252A-731252
I couldn’t connect on streaming this morning, but so enjoyed the presentation this afernoon – a little fuzzy, but audio was excellent – kudos to Marybeth and Karen – and to you all who worked so hard on this– made my Sunday – a Sunday- which I was feeling a little berefit about -and to Rev. Meade for doing so much for us and our church and to Jay despite hurdles marches onward!! (somewhat like Christian Soldiers)
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Jay notes that Debi D. actually “filmed” and edited the service while Jay only posted Debi’s much appreciated work. Thanks Debi!.