Welcome to Worship September 20, 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 They That Mourn"
Rev. Jayne Davis
When we can admit our need of God, when we can see that we may not be able to affect change in our situation but God may want to affect change in us… then in our mourning we find comfort. We find rest from our struggle. A releasing of the tight grip we’ve been holding on our pain. And we find the hand of God slipping into our own.
Family Question
HOW DO MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY EXPRESS SADNESS?

Jesus speaks to people who mourn (or cry) and praises them. Tears are a way to connect with God and others, and crying helps our bodies to feel better. Offering our hands, hearts, listening ears, and words to one another can be the tangible comfort of God. How do members in your family express sadness? Do you feel comfortable crying? Is it okay to cry? read more...
AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP WE RESPOND...
Responding Through Prayer
Bless those who mourn, eternal God, with the comfort of your love that they may face each new day with hope and the certainty that nothing can destroy the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful, their days enriched with friendship, and their lives encircled by your love. Amen.
Responding Through Reflection
  • What are you mourning?
  • How have you felt God’s comfort?
  • How might you speak words of blessing over one who mourns?
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.