CCLI license #1913561
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Lakeview P.C. pastors are participating with the Circle of Faith pastors in a joint ‘live-streamed’ service which can be viewed via http://facebook.com/circlestpete at 11:00 a.m. and/or http://circle.faith/youtube at a later time. Circle of Faith also streams a Contemporary service with Communion each week and can be viewed at 10:00 am via http://facebook.com/circlestpete
Question for Reflection
After Jesus caught Peter in the water, was Jesus’ question, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” a reproach? When we are facing a great difficulty, do we doubt God’s power? Do we doubt ourselves? Can you recall other biblical stories, or a story from your own life, when God reached out to rescue or to overcome doubt and fear with the gift of increased faith?
Prelude
Call to Worship (from Psalm 105)
Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good!
We proclaim here and now the marvelous works of our God!
Let our hearts leap for joy, O people of God.
We proclaim here and now the marvelous faithfulness of our God!
God's ways are not our ways. God's works are too wonderful to behold.
We proclaim here and now the marvelous works of our God!
A Prayer of Approach
God of mysterious ways, you take our fears and turn them into triumphs. You remind us that you are always with us and that we do not need to fear the wind and waves of life. Encourage us to step out of the boat; to come across these difficulties to your redeeming and transforming love. Give us courage and strength, joy and peace for all the times ahead. AMEN.
Music Hymn- All Creatures of Our God and King
1 All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
2 Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
3 Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest us both warmth and light,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
4 Thou fertile earth, that day by day
Unfoldest blessings on your way,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them God's glory also show!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Prayers of the People
Call to Reconciliation
The deepest longing of our hearts is to be forgiven and embraced by our God. As we confess our sins, God speaks peace to us and makes us whole. Join me, as we pray together, saying,
Unison Prayer for Forgiveness
In truth, God of silence and seas, we are more adept at making waves than calming storms. We find it easier to push people out of the boat, rather than make room for those who are different from us. And our lives are such a whirlwind of activity, that we do not notice your presence or hear your sheer silence singing your shalom to us.
Have mercy on us, God of patience. Grab hold of us to keep us from drowning in our oceans of temptations. Give us the words to speak of your hope to others. Fill our hearts with the love of Jesus Christ, which is nearer to us than we dare to imagine.
Silent prayer
Assurance of Pardon
Immediately, immediately! your sins are forgiven, your life is restored, and grace becomes your guide through this life. Thanks be to God! We are not left alone, but take heart in the forgiving love of our God. Amen.
Invitation to Giving
There are many ways to respond to God's faithfulness, love, and mercy in our lives.
We come now, seeking to be faithful disciples of Jesus, and to respond to God.
Not only with our lips, but with our lives and with our treasure we will proclaim that you are in our midst, Loving God. Amen
Donations can be mailed to Lakeview Presbyterian Church at 1310 22nd Av S, St Petersburg, FL, 33705 or given online through our website @lakeviewpresbyterianchurch.org
Music "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" by Andre Crouch
The blood that Jesus shed for me
Way back on Calvary
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
For It reaches to the highest mountain and
It flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
It soothes my soul and calms my fears
And wipes away all of my tears
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power.
For It reaches to the highest mountain and
It flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose
It will never lose
For It reaches to the highest mountain and
It flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose,
It will never lose,
It will never lose its power.
Scripture
Jesus Walks on Water is the subtitle added to this passage of scripture. A version of it is also in the Gospels of Mark and John. However, there is a marked difference in Matthew's version and I would re-title this passage "Peter Walks on Water"
Matthew 14:22-36 New Living Translation
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
Sermon Believe that YOU can do it. Rev. Phil Miller-Evans
Music Love Lifted Me
Closing Prayer
God, by the bread of heaven and the cup of life, you make us one body. Bind us together by your spirit that we might live into your hopes for us, a community centered in Christ and rich in compassion, commitment, courage, and care. May it be so. Amen and amen
Benediction
Go
with God. Go in peace.
Go with Christ. Go in faith.
Go in hope. Go in love.
Go with the Holy Spirit.
Postlude-Lord Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing