The Son of God Believes in You

Today we will hear a story where the disciples call Jesus the "Son of God." This is not merely pious religious language. This is political. In the ancient Roman Empire, the Caesar was called the "Son of God." It was a political statement of divine power. And that political statement led to oppression. The early Christians made a political confession. Do you want to see the true Son of God? Then don't look to the politicians who lead with violence. Look to the true Son of God, who risks using direct nonviolent action to work for a more just and loving world.

Prelude
Adam: God be with you.
All: And also with you.
 
Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen
 
Lighting of the Peace Candle – Charlie Hinkle and Adam
Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service to center ourselves around the Peace of God. Charlie will lead us in the liturgy as Gavin lights the candle…
 
Charlie: I invite you to join us in lighting the peace candle…
All: We pray for peace
in our hearts,
in our homes,
in our communities,
in our nations,
and in our worlds.
 
Scripture Readings
Matthew 14:22-33
 
*Call to Worship – Charlie
Charlie: Please join us in the call to worship…
Charlie: We welcome those of great faith, those of little faith, and those of no faith.
All: All are welcome here.
Charlie: Because no matter who you are, the storms of life often rage against us.
All: As God is with us in the storms, let us be with one another.
 
Charlie: As the storms rage, God is calling us beyond our comfort zones so that we might walk on water.
All: May we trust that God is with us, and that we are with one another. Amen.
 
Children’s Moment
 
*Passing of the Peace – Charlie
Charlie: Friends, although we are physically separated as we practice social distance, in reality we are all connected. And so we come to the point in our service where we pass the peace with one another. I invite you to open your palms up like this and imagine yourself connected to everyone watching this livestream as we pass the peace to one another.
Charlie: Beloved of God, may the peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
 
Song: Simple Gifts – Sung by Rhonda, Dave, and Jeff
 
Invitation to the Offering Adam Ericksen
 
Prayers of the People – Adam
(After each prayer, Adam will say, “God in your love” and you are invited to respond with “hear our prayers.”)
 
Community Prayer and Lord’s Prayer - Charlie
Our God,
Who art in Heaven,
Hallowed by 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 debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
 
Sermon – The Son of God Believes In You
 
*Unison Benediction – Charlie Hinkle
May God bless you and keep you.
May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
May God look upon you with kindness and bring you peace.
This day and forever more. Amen
-Numbers 6:24-26