Welcome to Worship September 13, 2020
In our sermon series, we are exploring the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. What Jesus taught often runs counter to the voices around us, to the story that the world tells us is true. But every lesson is abundant with wisdom and practical instruction; “Be-Attitudes” that Jesus wants to use to shape us, to Flip the Script on our lives and show us what true happiness looks like. We worship together united by the Spirit of God present with you this day. 
"Blessed are the Poor in Spirit"
Rev. Becca Jones
Jesus’ reactions were often exactly the opposite of what people anticipated them to be. In the Beatitudes he gave blessings to those who found themselves on the margins and redefined things in kingdom of God. The first blessing given as the foundation for all the others was for the poor in spirit. Do you find yourself poor in spirit, recognizing your own need of God’s grace-filled blessings today? 
Family Question
WHAT DOES OUR FAMILY DO WHEN SOMEONE HAS BIG FEELINGS?

Jesus says true honor, belonging, and power (God’s kingdom!) belong to the poor, the humble, the ones without. Jesus calling poor people “blessed” was the opposite of their expectations. We all feel poor in spirit sometimes—discouraged or powerless. What does your family do when someone is feeling powerless or feeling overwhelmed with big feelings? read more...
AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP WE RESPOND...
Responding Through Prayer
Dear Lord, We try so hard to be self-sufficient, to be "rich in spirit." But ultimately when our efforts rely on ourselves we fail. By your grace, help us to realize just how much we need you. We come to you, not full of riches or full of pride, but empty, needy, truly poor in spirit.

Lord, you are faithful and meet us in our poverty. You not only meet our needs, but you pour out blessings to numerable to count. You take our poverty of spirit and give back the riches of your Spirit. When we are weak, you uphold us. When we are afraid, you comfort us.  

All praise be to you, dear Lord, because you invite those who are needy into your kingdom so that you might bless them with your inexhaustible riches. Amen
Responding Through Reflection
Take time this week to see joy and happiness in people and situations you might not normally notice. Do you base your happiness on the comforts of this world or do you have an inner joy and happiness that is rooted in a profound awareness and gratefulness for the love of God poured out for you?
Responding Through Giving
Trusting in God with all we have, we give to support the work of God's church because we believe in our mission to share God's love with our community and world in the name of Jesus. Give online or by mail. Giving allows us to keep being the church, even in the absence of our physical presence. Mail to: 411 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. How To Give Online
Respond Through Connecting
God desires to have a relationship with you! He has given us ways to know Him better through His son, Jesus Christ. Knowing God and having faith in Jesus is a personal and individual decision for each person. Do you have questions about being in a relationship with God? We would love to talk with you and help you begin or deepen your faith journey.
The Beatitudes from The Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:1-12

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said:
  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Blessed are those who mourn,  for they will be comforted.
  • Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
  • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,  for they will be filled.
  • Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
  • Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
  • Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
  • Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets.