August 23 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Scripture Reading: John 15:1-11
Sermon: Vine and Vine Grower
John 15: 1-11 (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)
1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Key Idea of the Sermon
The many names and titles of the Divine throughout the Bible help to express the qualities and characteristics of God. Today’s teaching identifies Jesus as the Vine and God as the Vine Grower. These titles emphasize the Divine as the source of life, growth, and fruitfulness. Our connection to the Divine is necessary for a fruitful life. This connection is rooted in God’s graceful love and produces love for God, self, and others. This fruitfulness makes our joy complete. Disciples are known by their love and joy!
Questions for Reflection
• How have you experienced “pruning” in the experiences of your life? How has that pruning made you more “fruitful”?
• How do you understand Jesus’ words, “apart from me you can do nothing”? How are you an extension of Jesus the Vine?
• This passage contains a bold promise: “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”. What do those who abide in Christ ask for? How does Jesus’ prayer in John 17 model this promise?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Let the Season of Pentecost be a time of making disciples. Who in your circle of influence would benefit from knowing the grace and peace of Christ? Look for the opportunities Christ gives you to share why following the Way matters. Invite those who show an interest in discipleship to worship and serve with you.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
