Following Jesus: Hard or Easy?

Through our weekly Gospel texts in Mark, we have been repeatedly challenged to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and grow into true disciples. Sometimes this can seem like an impossible task. But we are not attempting this by “our own reason or strength.” Jesus promises to be with us and share our burdens, unlike the religious leaders of Jesus’ day that talked a good line, but weren’t following the path themselves.

This Sunday we consider, “Following Jesus: Hard or Easy?” and we’ll get an encouraging word from C. S. Lewis who wrote an essay on exactly this question. We have to first consider what God is actually doing in our lives so that we can discern the meaning in life’s up and downs, joys and challenges.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “Clair de Lune”, Franklin D. Ashdown

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “God of Grace and God of Glory”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-16

Second Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28

Bells of Hope: “Lord I Want to Be A Christian”

Children’s Time

Anthem: “An American Anthem”

Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

Sermon: “Following Jesus: Hard or Easy?”, Pastor Kevin Murphy

Sermon Hymn: “Jesu, Jesu”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of the Church

Offertory: “Siciliano”, Henk Dubbink

Offering Response: “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”

The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “O Christ, your Heart, Compassionate”

Dismissal Postlude: “Festive Postlude in D”, John S. Dixon