Prepare for Worship – Being There for a Friend: Comfort in Death, Part 1 (Jul. 11-12)

It’s an awkward moment. You finally got a chance to sit down with your friend who just lost a loved one. The ice has been broken and the chit-chat has died down. There’s a heaviness to the air that hangs just over your head. What do you say? How should you act? Can you even relate?

This week we get the first of a two-part message entitled “Being There for a Friend: Comfort in Death.” To us on earth, death can seem frighteningly final. But scripture tells us that death is not the end – and for the Christian, it is not even really to be feared. Our scriptures this week show us that we can lean on God in our sorrow, that He has power over life and death, and that He will not leave us stranded.

As a side note, look for two things to be different this weekend. 1) Matt will be leading again on Saturday night as I attend my Grandmother’s 90^th birthday celebration in PA, and 2) the stage will be up as we prepare for Crocodile Dock (VBS) next week!

The readings for this week:
Old Testament:  Psalm 55: 1-8
New Testament:  Romans 8: 31-39
Gospel:  John 5: 24-29

Sunday
Gathering:  “What We’ve Come Here For”
Opening:     ”Come, Now is the Time”
                     “Sanctuary”
Offering:     “Your Love, O Lord”
Closing:      “Forever”
Sending:    “Your Grace is Enough”

Saturday
Opening:  “Come, Now is the Time”
                  “Your Love, O Lord”
Prayer:    “Sanctuary”
Closing:   “Forever”
Sending:  “Your Grace is Enough”