Jesus’ Unconventional Meet-and-Greet. When social distancing was more than just a recommendation.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
How wonderful to see each and every one of you here today! It warms my heart to gather together as a family in Christ, ready to learn and grow. We’re so glad you’ve joined us. Let’s get started with some important announcements to keep you in the loop:
Announcements
- This Sunday: Join us after service for a potluck lunch in the fellowship hall. Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy some quality time together.
- Next Wednesday: Our mid-week Bible study will be focusing on practical ways to apply scripture to our daily lives. Don’t miss it!
- Community Outreach: We’re collecting gently used clothing for the local homeless shelter. Donations can be dropped off in the lobby.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s turn our hearts and minds toward God as we begin our service. Let’s read together from Luke 17:15-16, which reminds us of the importance of gratitude:
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.”
Call to Worship
Let’s all take a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives and offer our gratitude to God, who is the source of all good things.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Dear Lord,
We come before you today with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation. Thank you for the gift of this day, for the opportunity to gather together in your name, and for the love that binds us as a community. Open our hearts and minds to your Word, that we may grow closer to you and learn to live more like Jesus. Guide us in our worship, our fellowship, and our service to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Now, let’s lift our voices together in praise and worship! The worship team has prepared a beautiful selection of songs that will help us focus on God’s goodness and grace. Whether you prefer contemporary melodies or timeless hymns, let’s sing with joy and enthusiasm, offering our adoration to the One who is worthy of all praise.
Praise and Worship
Let’s fill this space with music that honors our Savior!
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’ll be diving into a powerful passage from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 17, verses 11 through 19. This story speaks to the transformative power of gratitude and the importance of recognizing God’s blessings in our lives.
Events in the Passage
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem and passes between Samaria and Galilee. As he enters a village, ten men with leprosy approach him, crying out for mercy. Jesus tells them to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they go, they are healed. One of them, a Samaritan, realizes he has been healed and turns back, praising God and throwing himself at Jesus’ feet to thank him. Jesus then asks, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he says to the Samaritan, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Luke 17:11-19 (NIV)
“Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
“When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.”
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.”
“Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.””
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Let’s come together now in a time of prayer, lifting up our needs and the needs of others to our loving God.
Intercessory Prayer
Father, we thank you for your healing power, as we see in the story of the ten lepers. We lift up those in our community who are struggling with illness, pain, or despair. Grant them your healing touch and fill them with your peace. Help us to be like the one leper who returned to offer thanks, always mindful of your blessings and quick to express our gratitude. For those who are struggling we ask that you, Lord, touch them with your healing hand. Give them hope where there is hopelessness and a path forward when life seems to be at a standstill. Be with those who have lost loved ones and help them through their time of grief.
Congregational Prayer Response
(All) Lord, we are grateful for your blessings. Help us to remember to give thanks in all circumstances, and like the Samaritan, to return and praise your holy name. Help us to reflect Jesus’s light to all those that we come in contact with in our daily lives.
Section 7. Offering
Giving back to God is a way for us to show Him how thankful we are for everything He does for us. We can support the work of the church through our tithes and offerings and spread His love.
Prayer of Thanks
Father, we offer these gifts as an act of worship, trusting that you will use them to further your kingdom and bless those in need.
Section 8. Special Music
Now, let’s prepare our hearts to receive a special musical offering.
Introduction to Special Music
This song is dedicated to showing love, gratitude, and devotion to our Heavenly Father.
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Section 9. Free Bible Study!
Isn’t it wonderful to dig deeper into God’s word together? I’m so excited to offer you a free Bible study that ties right in with our message today from Luke 17:11-19. It’s all about gratitude and remembering to thank God for His blessings!
The “Forgotten Thank You”
Key: Unlock Deeper Faith and Unstoppable Joy in Your Life!
Imagine you’re walking down a dusty road, feeling lost and alone. Suddenly, someone appears, offering you a helping hand and a path forward. Would you remember to thank them?
In today’s scripture, Jesus heals ten men with leprosy, a devastating disease that isolated them from society. Can you imagine their joy and relief? Yet, only one returns to express his gratitude. This wasn’t just any “thank you,” it was a heart-felt expression of praise and recognition of God’s incredible gift. This “Forgotten Thank You” key is the heart of unlocking something special. How often do we forget to acknowledge the blessings in our lives, big and small? Let’s learn from this story and cultivate a heart of gratitude that transforms our perspective and deepens our faith.
I want to bless you all today. I’m offering you a Free Bible study as our thank you for attending today.
What are some topics it will discuss?
- Deeper Dive into Luke 17:11-19.
- Unlock Deeper Faith.
- Cultivate Gratitude.
This Bible study will give you actionable ideas to take away today and everyday. Only $4.99
When you step into the pulpit, you carry the prayers of your people. Their longing for renewed hope. Their desire for deeper faith. Their yearning to hear God’s Word in a way that touches their hearts and transforms their lives.
Now picture those prayers being answered. Imagine eyes lighting up with understanding… souls stirred with passion… and spirits strengthened with courage to live out their faith every day.
This message was created to help make those dreams come true in your ministry. Not just another sermon, but a spark that brings God’s Word alive – so your congregation can grow in love, unity, and purpose.
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May Jesus pour his Grace Upon you and your family during this special time in our lives.
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