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August 30, 2020 - Sunday Service Worship Guide

 

TOday's Announcements

Good morning Mercy Hill and happy Sunday to you!  If you're new with us, we just wanted to extend a special welcome to you.  Feel free to fill out a Connection Card to get more info or prayer.  We're glad to have you with us!

If you're tuning in for the Watch Party, you'll notice that the platform has tabs where you can find today's Worship Guide, read an online Bible, and even chat.  While we're meeting virtually like this, we'd encourage everyone to please consider taking a moment to put a comment in the chat box there.  Let us know who you are and maybe where you're tuning in from.  Say hi.  We miss you!  And as we get into the message, feel free to share other Scriptures that come to mind, prayer requests that you have, questions that you'd like answered, etc.  It would be great to interact even in this limited format.

Here are a few critical announcements to keep in mind:

  • Prayer Room: In light of the current shelter-in-place order whereby we find it hard to meet with one another in person, we wanted to create a regular and reliable online space for us to connect and pray. We are still having these weekly prayer meetings and encourage you to join us if you have a moment during your lunch break on Wednesday!  To join the prayer room this upcoming Wednesday, click the link here for the Zoom meeting information.
  • Sunday Service Afterparty: Remember to join us immediately following the Watch Party via Zoom for the Afterparty (which today will include a time for connection and prayer).  You can find a link to join in here.
  • Mercy Hill Kids Online Worship: Beginning at 11:30am today!  Go here to read more and to find a link to sign in!

- - - - - - -

  • Home Groups: Many of our Home Groups are moving to a hybrid (in-person + virtual) format.  Whatever your comfort level with meeting, you're welcome to come check one out.  Find one to join here.  You are not alone!
  • COVID-19 SOS Form: If you or anyone you know needs help during this challenging time, we'd love to do what we can!


Today's Sermon


Title: A Long Legacy of Rejection: True Christianity Has Never Been “Cool”
Text: Luke 20:9-18
Preacher: Nick Weber
Manuscript: If you appreciate following along with written material, you can find today's manuscript here.


Reflection Questions

 

  • When you hear the word "rejection" what comes to mind?  How have you experienced rejection in general (in relationships with parents, spouse, church, friends, etc.)?  In what ways has rejection marked you, would you say?
  • Imagine you were the third servant in this parable.  You've heard what happened to the first two but now the owner of the vineyard wants to send you.  What would you do?  Would you run?  Would you go?
  • In the sermon, Nick said: "If we desire to be a servant of God we should very well anticipate that we too will at times be mocked, despised, opposed, and rejected."  How do you feel about this statement?  Have you ever experienced these sorts of things because of your association with Jesus?  Why or why not?  Read Luke 6:22-23.  Why does Jesus say we are blessed when such things happen to us?  Do you really believe this?  How would you live if you did?
  • In the introduction to this sermon, Nick shared a story of a missed evangelistic opportunity.  He didn't bring up Jesus for fear of sounding weird or making things awkward.  Do you have any stories like these?  Let's commiserate together.  What happened?  Why didn't you speak up?  What were you afraid of?  What would faithfulness have looked like here? 
  • Now, share a story from the other side.  Tell of a time when you were brave for Jesus and shared.  What happened?  Why the difference between one time and the other?
  • We certainly believe Christianity is culturally relevant and that the church should labor to contextualize its truths for the present day.  But, while Christianity is culturally relevant, it will never be culturally "cool."  What are some of the dangers that arise when churches try to make the faith seem cool to the culture around them?  Have you seen this play out in churches you've been a part of in the past?  How do you think we best maintain the balance between isolation (church pulls away from culture) on the one hand and accommodation (church gives in to culture) on the other?
  • Have you ever been a "chameleon Christian"?  Have you ever made significant compromises in your discipleship to Jesus to gain the approval of man or avoid rejection?  What happened?  Are you making this "trade" even now?
  • In the sermon, Nick said that "our witness problems are fundamentally worship problems."  What did he mean by this?  Have you experienced this to be true?  How might truly believing the gospel and embracing the acceptance that is ours with God through Christ enable and energize our bold witness to others even in the face of rejection?  

Call to Response


1.  Sing:

2.  Pray:

If you need prayer in any way, please either: (1) request it during the Watch Party via the "Request Prayer" button; (2) fill out a Connection Card; or (3) post your request to our Mercy Hill Community Facebook Group.  We’d love to be lifting you up and caring for you in this time!

3.  Give:

If you’d like to give an offering this morning, please check out our Give page to find the best option for you!

Mercy Hill Kids

While difficult, this pandemic does create a wonderful chance for parents to step towards their God-given call as chief disciplers of their kids.  We know this may feel overwhelming and that is why we want to help!  Parents of Mercy Hill children should have already received an email from the Director of Mercy Hill Kids, Christina Lugo, regarding ways you can utilize the Gospel Project curriculum at home.  This information has also been included on our blog here.  Beyond this, each Sunday, we are also looking to host an online worship gathering for our kids.  You can check here for more details.  We'd love to have you join us!

If you have any questions or need help in any way, don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at    

Have a Wonderful Week!

 

Posted by Mercy Hill Church with
in Worship Guides

August 23, 2020 - Sunday Service Worship Guide


 

TOday's Announcements

Good morning Mercy Hill and happy Sunday to you!  If you're new with us, we just wanted to extend a special welcome to you.  Feel free to fill out a Connection Card to get more info or prayer.  We're glad to have you with us!

If you're tuning in for the Watch Party, you'll notice that the platform has tabs where you can find today's Worship Guide, read an online Bible, and even chat.  While we're meeting virtually like this, we'd encourage everyone to please consider taking a moment to put a comment in the chat box there.  Let us know who you are and maybe where you're tuning in from.  Say hi.  We miss you!  And as we get into the message, feel free to share other Scriptures that come to mind, prayer requests that you have, questions that you'd like answered, etc.  It would be great to interact even in this limited format.

Here are a few critical announcements to keep in mind:

  • Mercy Hill Men's Hike - Rescheduled!: Due to the fires, the air quality yesterday morning was considered significantly unhealthy, so we called off the men's hike and have tentatively rescheduled if for 9:00am next Saturday, August 29th. We'll provide any updates as needed in next week's church newsletter. If all goes well, please plan to join us for a morning hike on the trails around Almaden Lake Regional Park (6099 Winfield Blvd. San Jose).  Park in the free parking lot on Winfield Blvd., bring a chair as we'll have brief sharing time, then we'll pack the chairs back in the cars and head off for a refreshing hike on the beautiful trails off the lake.  We'll be done by 10:30 am.  Please plan to wear a mask and bring water with you on this hike - we hope to see you next week!  For more info see here.
  • Prayer Room: In light of the current shelter-in-place order whereby we find it hard to meet with one another in person, we wanted to create a regular and reliable online space for us to connect and pray. We are still having these weekly prayer meetings and encourage you to join us if you have a moment during your lunch break on Wednesday!  To join the prayer room this upcoming Wednesday, click the link here for the Zoom meeting information.
  • Sunday Service Afterparty: Remember to join us immediately following the Watch Party via Zoom for the Afterparty (which today will include a time for connection and prayer).  You can find a link to join in here.
  • Mercy Hill Kids Online Worship: Beginning at 11:30am today!  Go here to read more and to find a link to sign in!

- - - - - - -

  • Home Groups: Many of our Home Groups are moving to a hybrid (in-person + virtual) format.  Whatever your comfort level with meeting, you're welcome to come check one out.  Find one to join here.  You are not alone!
  • COVID-19 SOS Form: If you or anyone you know needs help during this challenging time, we'd love to do what we can!


Today's Sermon


Title: Praying through Depression
Text: Psalm 42
Preacher: Bryan Stupar (Lead Pastor of Calvary SLO Church)


Reflection Questions

 

  • Describe your personal experience with depression.  Have you ever felt like the psalmist here?  Tell the story.
  • Have people ever made you feel spiritually small for dealing with depression? Have you ever made others feel that way for their struggle with it? How does this Psalm push back on the notion that spiritually mature people don’t deal with depression? What other examples from Scripture and church history might back this up? Is this truth encouraging or discouraging for you. Explain.
  • Look closely at the verses in this Psalm again.  What do we learn here about the various causes of depression?  What sorts of things cause you to struggle with it?
  • How has the disruption of recent days (whether by COVID-19, social unrest, wildfires, etc.) tempted you towards despair and depression?  How have you personally tried to fight against it?
  • In his sermon, Bryan made note of the fact that we all have to do something with grief in one way or another or it will eat us up inside.  What are some of the unhealthy ways our culture and even we ourselves try to deal with grief?  What strategies for more effectively dealing with depression do we learn from this Psalm here?  Which of these strategies seems most insightful and helpful to you?
  • In this Psalm we see how the psalmist talks to his heart rather than listens to it.  He is here seeking to reinvigorate his hope with the declaration of God's truth.  How has listening to your heart gotten you in trouble in the past?  What is your heart saying now that you need to speak the truth of God's word and gospel into?

Call to Response


1.  Sing:

2.  Pray:

If you need prayer in any way, please either: (1) request it during the Watch Party via the "Request Prayer" button; (2) fill out a Connection Card; or (3) post your request to our Mercy Hill Community Facebook Group.  We’d love to be lifting you up and caring for you in this time!

3.  Give:

If you’d like to give an offering this morning, please check out our Give page to find the best option for you!

Mercy Hill Kids

While difficult, this pandemic does create a wonderful chance for parents to step towards their God-given call as chief disciplers of their kids.  We know this may feel overwhelming and that is why we want to help!  Parents of Mercy Hill children should have already received an email from the Director of Mercy Hill Kids, Christina Lugo, regarding ways you can utilize the Gospel Project curriculum at home.  This information has also been included on our blog here.  Beyond this, each Sunday, we are also looking to host an online worship gathering for our kids.  You can check here for more details.  We'd love to have you join us!

If you have any questions or need help in any way, don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at    

Have a Wonderful Week!

 

Posted by Mercy Hill Church with
in Worship Guides

August 16, 2020 - Sunday Service Worship Guide


 

TOday's Announcements

Good morning Mercy Hill and happy Sunday to you!  If you're new with us, we just wanted to extend a special welcome to you.  Feel free to fill out a Connection Card to get more info or prayer.  We're glad to have you with us!

If you're tuning in for the Watch Party, you'll notice that the platform has tabs where you can find today's Worship Guide, read an online Bible, and even chat.  While we're meeting virtually like this, we'd encourage everyone to please consider taking a moment to put a comment in the chat box there.  Let us know who you are and maybe where you're tuning in from.  Say hi.  We miss you!  And as we get into the message, feel free to share other Scriptures that come to mind, prayer requests that you have, questions that you'd like answered, etc.  It would be great to interact even in this limited format.

Here are a few critical announcements to keep in mind:

  • Mercy Hill Men's Hike: Mercy Hill men, mark your calendars for a morning hike on the trails around Almaden Lake Regional Park (6099 Winfield Blvd. San Jose) next Saturday, August 22, at 9:00 am.  Park in the free parking lot on Winfield Blvd., bring a chair as we'll have brief sharing time, then we'll pack the chairs back in the cars and head off for a refreshing hike on the beautiful trails off the lake.  We'll be done by 10:30 am.  Please plan to wear a mask and bring water with you on this hike - we hope to see you next week!  For more info see here.
  • All Church Prayer: Today's All Church Prayer meeting will be hosted in-person at the Wilson's residence and will take place in their yard for a safe, socially-distanced meeting (RSVP required). If you need the location details you can request that when you RSVP and a member of our team will get back to you. For any planning to attend, we ask that you please respect the county's guidelines by committing to self-screen before arrival and socially distance and wear a mask while present.  We know this is hard, but we thank you in advance for your understanding!  For more on this, you can check out our reopening document here. To RSVP, please fill out the form here.  (Note: we may have to cap attendance, so be sure to register as soon as you can to save your seat!)
  • Foster The Bay Interest Meetings: Our church is a partner with Foster The Bay, an organization that inspires local churches to develop a sustainable, effective foster care ministry. They're hosting virtual interest meetings during this season and we'd encourage anyone to attend and find out about unique ways to care for a child in the foster care system. Interest meetings provide a low-pressure, no commitment opportunity for you to learn more.  To sign up for a virtual interest meeting, click the link here. Once you fill out the form, you will receive an email with the Zoom meeting link for the date you choose.
  • Sunday Service Afterparty: Remember to join us immediately following the Watch Party via Zoom for the Afterparty (which today will include a time of celebrating communion, singing, and prayer).  You can find a link to join in here.
  • Mercy Hill Kids Online Worship: Beginning at 11:30am today!  Go here to read more and to find a link to sign in!

- - - - - - -

  • Home Groups: Many of our Home Groups are moving to a hybrid (in-person + virtual) format.  Whatever your comfort level with meeting, you're welcome to come check one out.  Find one to join here.  You are not alone!
  • COVID-19 SOS Form: If you or anyone you know needs help during this challenging time, we'd love to do what we can!


Today's Sermon


Title: The Vineyard and the Stone: Making the Most Critical Decision of Our Lives
Text: Luke 20:9-18
Preacher: Nick Weber
Manuscript: If you appreciate following along with written material, you can find today's manuscript here.


Reflection Questions

 

  • In our text, Jesus sees Himself as God's last appeal to a people who have long resisted and rejected Him.  As one commentator puts it: These people in our text here “face the most critical decision of their lives” (TNTC).  Do you agree?  Why the use of such extreme language?  What have you personally made of Jesus?  What have you done with His claim on your life?  How have you responded to His offer of amnesty and reconciliation?
  • Do you find this parable of the vineyard and the subsequent discussion of a rejected stone to be comforting and encouraging or convicting and a bit frightening?  Why?  What stands out most to you in these verses?  Explain.
  • In verse 13, after all that's gone down with his servants to this point, the owner of the vineyard asks himself: "What shall I do?"  Are you surprised by his response?  How would you have responded?  What do we learn about the heart of God for us in this?  How would you apply what we learn of God here to your own life?  What should this revelation of God's "maniacal mercy" touch, influence, and change for you?
  • One commentator writes: “Since the beginning of creation humanity has sought to be like God without obeying [Him] (Gen 3:5), to become lords of Eden rather than stewards of it.  What is the sum total of human history if not the attempt to rid the universe of God so that humanity can rule supreme?  The tenants of the vineyard are the ultimate expression of human rebellion: they kill the heir and seize the inheritance for themselves” (PNTC).  Do you agree with his summary of human history?  How have you seen this same sort of thing at work in your own life—both before you came to Christ and even after?  In what ways are you tempted even now to act as a "lord of Eden" instead of as a steward of it?
  • How do you interpret your "unanswered" prayers?  Do you sometimes feel like God is stingy, like He's holding back, like He has to be wrangled into showing you kindness?  How does this text push against these false notions?  Elisabeth Elliot writes: "God will not protect you from anything that will make you more like Jesus."  How might this help us understand what God is up to even when life is still hard?
  • Look back at the last week, month, year.  What would you say has been the cornerstone of your life?  What are you building your life upon and around?  Is it Jesus or something else?
  • In the sermon, Nick said, "When it comes to what you will make of Jesus you essentially have two choices: (1) Either you can stumble and fall over Him and ultimately be crushed by Him; or (2) you can stumble and fall upon Him and ultimately be built back up in Him."  Which of these are you experiencing most now?  How has God been moving you from the first to the second?

Call to Response


1.  Sing:

2.  Pray:

If you need prayer in any way, please either: (1) request it during the Watch Party via the "Request Prayer" button; (2) fill out a Connection Card; or (3) post your request to our Mercy Hill Community Facebook Group.  We’d love to be lifting you up and caring for you in this time!

3.  Give:

If you’d like to give an offering this morning, please check out our Give page to find the best option for you!

Mercy Hill Kids

While difficult, this pandemic does create a wonderful chance for parents to step towards their God-given call as chief disciplers of their kids.  We know this may feel overwhelming and that is why we want to help!  Parents of Mercy Hill children should have already received an email from the Director of Mercy Hill Kids, Christina Lugo, regarding ways you can utilize the Gospel Project curriculum at home.  This information has also been included on our blog here.  Beyond this, each Sunday, we are also looking to host an online worship gathering for our kids.  You can check here for more details.  We'd love to have you join us!

If you have any questions or need help in any way, don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at    

Have a Wonderful Week!

 

Posted by Mercy Hill Church with

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