Welcome to Worship | September 6, 2020
Over the next several weeks, we will be 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. 
"Finding True Happiness"
Dr. Jim Everette
What kind of student are you? Who has been your favorite teacher? What has been the lasting impact of that teacher and what you learned?

Jesus is the expert Teacher. He taught the vitality of relationships over the ritual of religion. Live such that at the end of each day, when you sit by your bed at night to consider the day and pray, you are at peace with yourself, your family, your neighbor, and God. And, thank God for the way you have served as God’s love, joy, grace and peace that day.
Holy Communion
This morning you will have the opportunity to partake in the Lord's Supper. Jesus used common everyday elements as he instituted this powerful symbolic act of love with his disciples. Use your typical drink and bread as we remember together the sacrifice of our Savior.
"Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:26-29
As an act of worship we respond...
Responding Through Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to sing out my faith and trust in you. Help me to carry your truth with me within my heart and to rejoice within a new life. Help me to remember the importance of love and to indulge in it. As I grow, help me understand the kindness of friendship, the wonder of intimacy and the warmth of a loving embrace. Guide me so that I do not miss out on a single drop of heaven and can drink in the joy of everlasting life. 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
Responding 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.
Tailgate Worship Gathering
Sunday, September 13 | 6:30PM | FBC Activities Center