August 21, 2020


520 Washington Avenue
Savannah, Georgia 31405
PLANS FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
The text for Sunday, August 23 is Matthew 16:12-20 and the sermon topic is, “Faith That Shapes Identity.” Martin Thielen writes in his provocative book, What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: “The question of Jesus’ identity is vividly raised in Matthew 16. In this story Jesus asks his disciples, ‘Who do people say that that the Son of Man is?’ After the disciples answer this question, Jesus asks them a second, more important question. It’s perhaps the most important question Jesus ever asks. ‘Who do you say that I am?’ In short, Jesus asks his disciples to make a verdict about his identity. For Christian believers the most important question in life is not, What career should I choose? Or, Whom should I marry? Or, Am I financially secure? Instead, the most important question in life is, Who is Jesus Christ to me?”
Worship will include a solo by Heidi Bindhammer singing, “Steal Away to Jesus.” This spiritual song
along with many others confess faith in Jesus while also containing hidden messages to enslaved people to run away on the Underground Railroad. The hymn, “At the Name of Jesus,” was written by Caroline
Marcia Noel, and published in The Names of Jesus and Other Verses for the Sick and Lonely.
An adult class meets on Sundays by Zoom, with informal fellowship at 9:00 a.m. and a free-wheeling class that will engage the Matthew 16:12-20 text led by Howard Crawford. Newcomers are always welcome, and if you don’t receive the Zoom link on Saturday, email [email protected] and the link will be sent to you.
Looking ahead… A new program year is around the corner. Rally Day, September 13 will be re-imagined this year. Past years included a kick-off fellowship breakfast and an All-Church Assembly, while the service of worship featured a bagpiper, commissioning of Sunday School teachers and youth group advisors and recognizing 50-year members. Send us your ideas and suggestions!
Take a look at Gay and Peter's video below in preparation for our re-opening! We are proud to have our second Beta test this weekend with safety as our main priority. We can't wait to welcome you back to First and we are taking all precautions this weekend with our next test. This is one step closer to our family reunion at the church! We can't wait to see you all soon!
--SCW

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