March 22 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, March 22, 2026
Scripture Reading: Exodus 1:15-21
Sermon: Hearts Afire, Courage to Break Convention
Exodus 1:15-21
15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” 20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.
Key Idea of the Sermon
We are seeking more courage as disciples of Jesus as we follow him to the cross. So far, we have marveled at the courage of Mary to say Yes to God’s call to bear the Son of God. We have also been inspired by Daniel whose trust in God gave him the courage to face and overcome his enemies. We studied the story of Jacob and Esau. We were reminded that God’s grace gives us the courage to bridge gaps with humility and forgiveness. Last Sunday a familiar story from Luke challenged us to have the courage to be included in community and to include others, especially those on the outside looking in, like Zacchaeus. This Sunday we honor the courage of Shiphrah and Puah who disregarded the command of Pharaoh in favor of a higher calling and greater purpose, from God.
Questions for Reflection
• At great personal risk Shiphrah and Puah disobeyed Pharaoh’s evil commands targeting the Hebrew people. Can you identify examples in your own life or examples of others in our time and place who broke convention to do what was right?
• What are the key characteristics and motivations of those who obey God and accept personal risk on behalf of others? Do you hear God’s call on your life to speak up and take Godly action on behalf of others?
A Poem for Reflection
Courage is a decision.
We can cast out the mind’s demons.
We declare dead the terrors of
our histories and anxieties.
We sit in a circle of glowing souls,
each a sun giving life to all.
(Adapted from Drinking Pure Light by Tina Datsko de Sanchez)
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
