Although we are back on-campus for worship, you, your family and friends may connect to our worship service on Zoom by clicking HERE or you can join us on YouTube at youtube.com/graceumcla!
Join us as we welcome special guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Wheeler (https://www.kennethwwheeler.com)!
Grace UMC prepares for Sunday worship by reading the scripture for the coming Sunday’s sermon. Below, you fill find questions that can be used for Bible Study, small groups or personal devotion. Let the scripture speak in to your life! Expect great things!
Opening Prayer (Wesley Covenant Prayer)
O God, Searcher of all our hearts,
you have formed us as a people and claimed us for your own.
As we come to acknowledge your sovereignty and grace,
and to enter anew into covenant with you,
reveal any reluctance or falsehood within us.
Let your Spirit impress your truth on our inmost being,
and receive us in mercy, for the sake of our Mediator, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Scripture: Galatians 3:26-28 (New International Version)
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Special Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Kenneth Wheeler
A retired ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Wheeler is a sought-after preacher, public theologian, and writer. He is a guest lecturer on pastoral leadership in the 21st century at Wartburg Theological Seminary, where he received a Doctor of Divinity Degree honoris causa. Kenneth is an in-demand preacher for the National observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Most of his writings, sermons, and lectures focus on faith, race, and social justice. Wheeler is a respected elder and mentor to young pastors and seminarians.A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Pastor Wheeler earned a B.A. in Religion from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and an M.DIV from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. Rev. Wheeler is the author of the recently published book US: The Resurrection of American Terror.
Summary:
For the season of Lent, we journey with Jesus through the wilderness. As Jesus’ was prepared for his public ministry in the wilderness, through the season of Lent, God prepares us for how to live in the Resurrection. Embrace Lent and learn to live with Jesus!
In this scripture, the Apostle Paul teaches that there is no separation in the Body of Christ. Though demonic forces are determined to divide us, there are no walls in Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- In this scripture, Paul teaches that through baptism, all believers are one in Christ. Why does the church too often resist this message? How should being “clothed in Christ” change the way we walk, talk and live? How different would church and society be if we embraced this message?
- What does this scripture teach about walls?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?
Discipleship Huddle Questions:
- How is it with your soul?
- How does your soul prosper?
Closing Prayer
God who surprises us, help us to be surprised by an encounter with you. Keep us attentive to your presence as we go about our week.