May 17 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, May 17, 2026
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:12-15; 21-26
Sermon: Waiting for the Spirit
Acts 1:12-15; 21-26
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said,
21 “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
Key Idea of the Sermon
Luke continues the story of the Risen and Ascended Jesus and his followers in his second volume, The Acts of the Apostles. The story begins with the followers waiting in Jerusalem (as Jesus instructed them just before his ascension, Luke 24:49) to receive the empowering gift of Jesus’ Living Spirit. While they wait they devote themselves to prayer and one named Matthias is chosen to return the circle of apostles to twelve. Jesus’ Living Spirit is essential to ministry, and to this empowering presence we offer our small but important gift and role. Ministry in Christ’s Spirit is a partnership. Are you ready?
Questions for Reflection
• Prayer is part of our role as disciples. Prayer is a posture of openness to Divine grace and empowerment. What mode of prayer opens you to the presence of the Risen and Living One?
• Welcoming others into the community of disciples is another role we fulfill in our partnership with Christ. Who in your circle of influence would benefit from knowing Jesus and entering into our caring and serving community of discipleship? What is your plan to welcome them?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
As you walk through each day this week keep your heart open and your attention alert to Jesus’ companionship. Who is Jesus bringing into your life to welcome into his way of grace and peace and his community of care and service?
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
