Worship Focus 

Hanalei Bay Pier by Christine Gough

 Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church February 5, 2012 
 
Scripture Passages
 
 

Questions For
Reflection

 

 What does it mean to you to participate in the sacrament of communion?

 

Would you say that these last few months and even this past year has found you closer or farther away from God? Where do you want your relationship with God to be?

 

 

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 Sunday's Message

Holding Fast

The Rev. Dr. Steve Harrington, preaching

Friends,
     
ŠJohn Langer on Creationswap
ŠJohn Langer on Creationswap

For some people, this is super bowl Sunday. For the people of God every Sunday is super because we gather with the confidence that the God who calls us together also promises to be present in our midst. This Sunday we come again to the table of our Lord and the promise of grace. So many banquets extend their invitations based on the worthiness of those who come. God understands who we are and so chooses the opposite -- the communion table is open for those who know their need. Remember this week to bring food from your table for those who have no table as an act of worship as we gather at God's table.

 

Grace and Peace,
Steve

Theme for the Day
  
photo by Ginna Traina
Photo by Ginna Traina 

Drift: it's that subtle movement that floats us from where we thought we were to a distant and removed place. It's a slow and slight meander that takes us away. Against the drift of our lives of faith is the strong current that calls us back - that calls us home. The table of Christ is an anchor for us in the drift and distractions of the world. Let us return in this worship to the God who holds us fast and keeps us safe. 

Scripture passages
  

John 6:56-69

 

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

 

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father." Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." 

 

Psalm 18:1-6

   

I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies. The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of perdition assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.