Welcome to Worship October 4, 2020
Communion Sunday
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. 

Today we celebrate the Lord's Supper. Take time now to gather bread or a cracker and a beverage setting the elements aside for Communion toward the end of our service.
Please wear a mask and bring a chair. Note: New Time
"Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness."
Dr. Jim Everette
Communion Sunday
Hunger and thirst are intense desires. It is that same intensity that we need in seeking righteousness. Grammatically Jesus expressed the two Greek verbs, "to hunger" and "to thirst," as present participles, which implies continuous action. A person doesn't stop hungering and thirsting for righteousness once he or she has committed to following Jesus. It is a constant pursuit to be more and more like Christ. The person who hungers and thirsts after righteousness wants all of God and desires to be filled to overflowing with Christ.
Family Question
WHAT DO WE DO WHEN WE NOTICE SOMEONE DOES NOT HAVE WHAT THEY NEED?

Many of the people Jesus accompanied were very hungry—for literal food, but also for justice. One understanding of “righteousness” is justice. God’s justice means we make sure everyone has what they need. When we partner with God to bring justice to the earth, we are working toward a world where living things live in right and healthy relationships. We all fight for justice in many different ways. Read more...
AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP WE RESPOND...
Responding Through Prayer
Holy God, there is none righteous but you. I come before you, asking, seeking and knocking. Teach me to walk in your righteous ways. Teach me to love you with all my heart, mind, and strength and to love my neighbor as myself. Teach me to hate sin as much as you, and to evict it from my life. I hunger and thirst for your righteousness—to become a more perfect reflection of your character. Thank you for the robe of righteousness given to me through your son Jesus Christ, and thank you for the Holy Spirit which you use to draw me closer to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Responding Through Reflection
  • Do you have that kind of passion for a truly Christian lifestyle that changes you from the inside out so that you no longer seek the praise of people but causes you to seek God's approval above everything else? 

  • What is your passionate pursuit in life? What do you hunger and thirst for? Tracking the way you spend your time and your money will reveal your answer.
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
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.