Contemporary Worship
“The Peace of Wholeness”Contemporary Worship
May 12, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Colossians 3:12–17
Scripture for Study and Reflection: Read Colossians 3: 12-17. 1. Today we finish our sermon series “Healing Hearts: A Journey to Wholeness.” What does wholeness mean to you? What do you think it takes to make you, and/or the congregation, whole? 2. What are the virtues with which Paul tells us to clothe ourselves? Why do you think he chose those virtues? What does it mean to clothe yourself with them? 3. How is clothing yourself with virtue different than putting on the armor of God (see Ephesians 6: 10-18)? How do we know when to put on virtues versus putting on armor? 4. Paul says in verse 13 to “bear with each other.” What does he mean by that? Why is this important? Can you think of times when you struggled to bear with someone? 5. Paul says “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” What does this mean to you? Is this easy or hard to do? What are some consequences of not forgiving like this? What happens when we do? 6. Paul describes love as above all the other virtues (see verse 14 and 1 Corinthians 13: 13). Why is love so important? What does the kind of love Paul describes accomplish? 7. Paul talks about peace in verse 15. What does peace mean to you? How do you understand the Biblical description of “a peace that passes all understanding”? (see Philippians 4: 7) How can we find such peace / what is the source? How are peace and wholeness related? 8. Paul says in verse 15, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.” What is the message of Christ? How can you let it dwell within you and among others? 9. Why is it important to “sing to God with gratitude in your hearts” as Paul says in verse 16? How can gratitude lead to peace and wholeness? Prayer for the Week: Gracious and loving God, we humbly and hopefully come before you seeking the healing and wholeness only you can provide. Bind us together in perfect unity through the love of Christ as we share His message with the whole world. Let the peace of Christ keep us in tune with each other as we give the gospel room to work in all of our lives. Clothe us with righteousness and fill our spirits with forgiveness and gratitude. Grant us the peace that comes from truly being humble, hopeful, healed and whole, so we can share that peace with the world. We pray all of this in the name of the One who makes it possible, our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Power to Heal - Contemporary Worship
May 5, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Psalm 147:1–6
Read Psalm 147: 1-6. 1. The Psalmist begins by praising the Lord (Hallelujah) even amid what seems to be some difficult circumstances. Why is this praise important? Do you find it easy to praise God in difficult times? 2. Have you ever been wounded or heartbroken by others? How about by the church? What would healing look like in these situations? 3. Sometimes we choose to hang on to our anger, withhold forgiveness, and play the victim rather than allowing God to heal us. Why do we do this sometimes? 4. What are the examples, of Israel’s past healing by God, the Psalmist uses to remind us that God stands ready to help heal us again and again? Can you see any signs of God’s healing already taking place at GLUMC? How about in your own life? 5. Pastor Mick discusses the inability of humans to simultaneously praise and be angry or praise and worry. Have you ever noticed that? What does that teach us about the power of praise? How can you praise God more in an effort to worry less or be less angry? 6. Read Romans 8: 28. What does this verse mean to you? How does this verse speak to God’s desire to “heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds”? 7. Read Mark 5: 25-34. What does this teach us is the key to God’s healing? 8. Pastor Mick talked about forgiveness being the active ingredient in the healing balm of God’s love, mercy and grace. What did he mean by that? Why is forgiveness so important to healing? 9. Pastor Mick said to apply this healing balm generously to the affected areas and reapply as often as necessary until the wound is completely healed. What did he mean by that? How do we do this in real life? Prayer for the Week: Gracious and loving God, thank you for your willingness to heal our broken hearts and bind up our wounds. We confess, Lord, that we don’t always make this easy. We tend to hold on to past hurts until they fester and hurt us even more. Remind us that you have provided the healing balm, but it only works when we use it as directed. Help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us, so that all of our wounds might be healed by your love, mercy and grace. We pray all of this in the name of the One who makes it possible, our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
"So My Debts Are Paid...Or Are They?" Contemporary Worship
April 28, 2024 • Matthew 25:34–36
Scripture for Study and Reflection: A team from GLUMC is participating in a reentry grant program through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections; training, mentoring and grant reporting has been facilitated by All In Community. 1. What is a reentry coalition? It is a group committed to helping people reintegrate into society after incarceration. What is recidivism? It is the rate at which people return to an incarcerated state following release. Reentry Coalitions reduce recidivism and increase public safety. 2. From 2019-2020 the overall recidivism rate in Ohio was 32.7%. 3. What is life like without hope? What does restorative hope look like for our returning neighbors? 4. Why is it the local church's responsibility to lead the community in the mission of restoring hope for those impacted by incarceration? 5. Read Matthew 25: 36-40. What would God have us do for those facing barriers like lack of shelter and transportation, basic needs of clothing, food, etc.? Listen to the song, "Do Something," by Matthew West and take in the lyrics. How can you put these lyrics into action in our community? 6. What barriers do our returning neighbors face in the Grand Lake community? 7. Do you know someone who has been to jail? Are they living a stable lifestyle now? Do they need some extra support from the coalition? 8. In what way can you help in this mission? *If you would like to be involved in the Reentry Program or join the prayer team, please mark the GPS stub today or contact the church office. Prayer for the Week: Father God, we know that you are the source of all our hope. And we know there are people in our community living hopelessly, drowning in defeat. We pray that your Holy Spirit would open our eyes to see the helpless and hopeless all around us. We recognize our own nature to be judgmental of others. Help us to remove the plank from our own eyes and truly see your children. For we know the mission you have placed upon us. Provide us with strength, wisdom, and patience as we step into new relationships with returning neighbors. Help us to love like You do. We give You thanks and praise for this new opportunity to serve You. We will not let it pass us by. In your glorious name we pray. Amen
Contemporary Worship "Hopeful Hearts"
April 21, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Romans 15:12–13, Romans 15:1–6
Scripture for Study and Reflection: Read Romans 15: 1-6, 12-13. 1. What does “hope” mean to you? Why is hope important? What is life like without hope? 2. What is your hope for Grand Lake UMC as we go forward? 3. Read Isaiah 43: 19. How does that verse make you feel? Can you see it relating to Grand Lake UMC? 4. Read Romans 8: 28. Does that verse give you hope? If so, in what ways? 5. Pastor Mick talks about hope in togetherness. What does he mean by this? Why is togetherness important? How can it give us hope? 6. Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church says, “The local church is the hope of the world.” Do you agree with that? Why/why not? How are we at Grand Lake UMC providing hope to the world? 7. Pastor Mick talks about finding hope through Scripture. How do the Scriptures provide hope? 8. Read verse 13 again. How are we filled with joy and peace? What does this do for us? What might it also do for others around us? 9. In what ways is God the true source of all our hope? What do you need to do to tap into this hope more fully? How can you help others tap into this source of hope? Prayer for the Week: Almighty God, you are the source of all our hope. We find hope in the way you draw us together as a community of faith, the body of Christ, your church. We find hope for all of life’s ups and downs when we read the Scriptures. More than anything, we find hope in our relationship with you, as you fill us with joy and a peace that passes all understanding, regardless of our life circumstances. Remind us, Lord, that you are not done with us. You are always doing something new in us, whether we perceive it or not. For this, we give you thanks and praise. May our collective thanks and praise fill others with hope and draw them to you in a way that advances your kingdom and gives your glory. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Humble Hearts - Contemporary Worship
April 14, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Philippians 2:3–8
Read Philippians 2: 3-8. 1. What does humility mean to you? Why is humility important, especially in the church? 2. What does it mean to truly forgive? Why is forgiveness important, especially in the church? 3. Do you ever find it hard to ask for forgiveness and/or forgive others? If so, why do you think that is? 4. Pastor Mick said that forgiveness is transformative. What do you think he meant by that? Have you ever experienced forgiveness (whether giving or receiving) to be transformative in your life and relationships? 5. There’s a popular saying, or adage, that says, “Hurt people, hurt people.” What does this mean? Have you experienced this personally? How might this help to explain people’s words and actions in the midst of our denominational turmoil? 6. Who are you still holding in unforgiveness? How does that affect your own life? What do you need to do? 7. Pastor Matt often tells people, “I see you, I hear you, I love you; and there’s nothing you can do about it.” How does this get to the heart of the gospel? How might the church (and world) be different if we all practiced this more intentionally? 8. Why do you think Pastor Mick says that “Forgiveness” undergirds this series focusing on being “Humble, Hopeful, Healed and Whole”? What do you hope you (and the church) will learn from this series? What changes are needed, both individually and collectively, as a church? Prayer for the Week: Lord Jesus, forgive us for all the times we have been anything but humble, repentant and forgiving. Forgive us for all the times when our words and actions toward our brothers and sisters in Christ do not reveal your love to the world around us. Forgive us for all the times we have been more like stumbling blocks than building blocks for the faith of those around us. Help us do better. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, transform our hearts and our minds so we can be your true disciples, good and faithful servants who practice humility, forgiveness, reconciliation and unity. Transform us into the humble and forgiving community that you call us to be, for the building of your kingdom and the glorification of you holy name. We pray all of this, Lord Jesus, in your precious, holy and strong, strong name. Amen.
Wrong, Wrecked and Redeemed! - Contemporary Worship
April 7, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • John 21:15–17
Read John 21: 15-17 (see also Luke 22: 60-62). 1. In Luke 22 we read about Peter denying Jesus. Why did he deny knowing Jesus and being one of his disciples? 2. How do you think Peter felt when he heard the rooster crow and made eye contact with Jesus? 3. Have you ever denied Jesus, or kept Jesus at a distance, in your life? Why do you think you did that? How did you feel afterwards? 4. How is Jesus redeeming Peter in today’s passage from John 21? 5. Why did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved him? What instructions does Jesus give Peter after he answers? 6. Pastor Mick said, “Jesus is letting Peter know that his mistakes do not disqualify him from his calling.” Do you agree with that? What does that mean for you? 7. Pastor Mick discussed the desire to be Humble, Hopeful, Healed and Whole. What did he mean by that? Do you feel like you need that, too? Does the church need that? Why/why not? 8. Why do you think this passage resonated so much with Pastor Mick recently? How does it resonate with you, and why? Prayer for the Week: Lord Jesus, thank you for not holding our sins and shortfalls against us. Thank you, Jesus, for doing for us on the cross what we could never do for ourselves. Thank you for redeeming us. Help us to share your redeeming love with the whole world. Amen.
"Easter Evening" Contemporary Worship
March 31, 2024 • Rev. Dr. James Wilson II • John 20:1–18
Scripture for Study and Reflection: A lot of attention is given to Easter's Sunrise, celebrating the Risen Lord; however if we read a little further, we see a powerful interaction later that Easter at sunset. 1. Read John 20: 19-21. What were Jesus' first words to his disciples? 2. How did the disciples react? What were the disciples to do? 3. Read John 20: 22-23. What did Jesus do? What did the disciples need to do? 4. What did Jesus say about forgiveness? 5. Read John 20: 24-25. What feelings did Thomas experience when he heard he had missed seeing Jesus? 6. If you were Thomas, how would you feel? 7. Read John 20: 26-29. What did Jesus do and say to help Thomas believe? 8. What was Thomas' response? Why is his response so significant? 9. Read John 20: 30-31. Why did John write his Gospel, his testimony? Which of the numerous stories of Jesus life and ministry helped you believe? Prayer for the Week: Lord, help my unbelief in the areas where doubt still reigns. Help me to believe where I have not seen. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, cleanse me from all that stands in the way of me believing. Give me the peace you gave the disciples long ago. I ask these and more in Jesus' name. Amen.
"The Messiah No One Imagined" Contemporary Worship
March 24, 2024 • Pastor Deb Ketcham • Mark 11:1–11, Psalm 118:25–28, Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 118:19
Scripture for Study and Reflection: Friday before Palm Sunday, Arrival in Bethany – John 12: 1-11 Jesus arrived in Bethany six days before the Passover to spend time with his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Sunday, The Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday) Matthew 21: 1-11, Mark 11: 1-11; Luke 19: 28-44; John 12: 12-19 On the first day of the week, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling an ancient prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). Monday, Clearing the Temple Matthew 21: 12-17; Mark 11: 15-18; Luke 19: 45-48 Jesus returned to the Temple. Tuesday, A Day of Teaching and Controversy Mathew 21: 23-24, 51; Mark 11: 27-13, 37; Luke 20: 1-21: 36 Jesus taught in parables and warned the people to watch out for the Pharisees. Wednesday – The Gospels do not mention this day. Read John 21. Thursday, Passover, The Last Supper Matthew 26: 17-30; Mark 14: 12-26; Luke 22: 7-23 In an upper room Jesus prepared both himself and his disciples for his death. Friday, Crucifixion, Good Friday Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 22: 66-23: 56 Following betrayal, arrest, desertion, false trials, denial, condemnation, beatings, and mockery, Jesus was required to carry his cross to The Place of the Skull, where he was crucified. Saturday, In the Tomb - Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb before 6:00 p.m. Friday. When the Sabbath began, all work stopped. The Gospels tell us that Jesus’ body continued to lay in the tomb throughout the Sabbath. Sunday, Resurrection Day, Easter Sunday Matthew 28: 1-10; Mark 16: 1-8; Luke 24: 1-49; John 20 Prayer for the Week: Lord Jesus, we thank you for teaching us who God is, by learning and seeing God through you. Help us be like those first disciples and help us to proclaim that you are Lord and Savior of our life. Thank you, that because of your rising, we too have the promise of eternal life. In your name. Amen.
Embrace Life - Contemporary Worship
March 17, 2024 • Kyle Houts • 2 Corinthians 1:2–5, 2 Peter 1:17–21
1. What chaos is in your life, or affecting you? 2. Read: James 1:19-20 Colossians 2:7 John 10:10 Romans 5:4-5 Mark 8:34-35 Deuteronomy 30:19 3. After reading these, how can you let Jesus calm your chaos? 4. What repeated mistakes or same choice, are you continuously choosing, over and over, that is affecting your life in a negative way? 5. Will you allow Jesus to finally lead the way? 6. How will you surrender your will to him today? Prayer For the Week: All to Jesus I surrender; all to him I freely give; I will ever love and trust him, in his presence daily live. All to Jesus I surrender, make me, Savior, holy thine; let me feel the Holy Spirit, truly know that thou art mine. I surrender all, I surrender all, all to thee, by blessed Savior, I surrender all. Amen.
"Heal Me Lord Jesus" Contemporary Worship
March 10, 2024 • Pastor Deb Ketcham • James 5:14–16, Psalm 22:1–5
1. Read Psalm 22: 1-22. In what ways have you felt these same ways? 2. Read Psalm 22: 23-31. Have you ever praised God in the midst of being forsaken, despised, mocked, insulted, and/or bullied? It’s hard. How does the Psalmist respond? 3. As we approach Holy Week, what parts of Psalm are parts of the Passion Story (of Jesus’ suffering and death)? 4. In what ways have you been healed through prayer? 5. In what way(s) has another been healed through prayer? 6. In what ways have you been able to forgive another? 7. In what ways have you been able to practice Jesus’ Rule found in Matthew 18? 8. You heard Kyle’s testimony last week. What is your testimony of how God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have worked in your life? Prayer of the Week: God of new beginnings, you wipe away our tears and set us upon a new path. Heal us Jesus. Holy Spirit permeate our lives, so that we are healed of all illnesses - of body, mind, soul, and broken relationships – through our Triune God we pray. Amen.
"Redemption" Contemporary Worship
March 3, 2024 • Kyle Houts • Hebrews 12:1–2, Isaiah 1:18, Proverbs 23:26, Philippians 2:13, Romans 8:16
Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection: 1. What is your idea of a better life? 2. What does Jesus want for you? 3. What has Jesus done for you? 4. Have you had a spiritual experience? What happened? What was it like? Read Romans 8: 1-6. 1. In what ways have you been set free through Jesus Christ? Read Hebrews 12: 1-2. 1. In what ways is God calling you to deepen or strengthen your faith? Prayer for the Week: Father, allow me to remember your words and your promise of, "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Amen.
"Letting Go of the Baggage" - Contemporary Worship
February 25, 2024 • Pastor Deb Ketcham • Matthew 11:28–30
Read 1 John 1:1 – 2:11. 1. In what ways have you been living in the darkness? 2. What have you done differently to live into the light? 3. What else might you do? 4. What is stopping you? Read Matthew 11:28-30. 1. John Wesley taught his followers to ask one another, “How is it with your soul?” So how is it with your soul? 2. In what ways are you weary? 3. How heavy is the baggage you’ve been carrying? 4. What pieces and parts can you give to Jesus? 5. What pieces and parts are you willing to allow Jesus to shoulder, to yoke with him, so He can lighten your load? 6. Ask God to help you lay your burden down at the feet of Jesus. Prayer for the Week: Jesus, help me give up my baggage, my stuff, the control I have held on to for so long. Help me to yoke up with you, allow you to shoulder the load, and give you the baggage I have clung to for so long. I thank you for the way you have worked and continue to work in my life. Amen.
Communication from the Heart - Contemporary Worship
February 18, 2024 • Pastor Deb Ketcham • Mark 7:1–23
Read Ephesians 4:4-7, 11-17 and Mark 7:1-23. Communication is like 'a process by which information is confused by individuals through a conflicting system of emotions, behaviors, backgrounds, and desires.' The six distinct messages heard when we speak are: 1. What we mean to say; 2. What we actually say; 3. What the other person hears; 4. What the other person thinks he or she hears; 5. What the other person says about what we said; 6. What we think the other person said about what we said. Taken from "Relationship Principles of Jesus" by Tom Holloday In what ways do previous conflicts, misunderstandings, or pinches make sense now? There are ways we can stop anger from pouring out of our mouths. Which do you use? First, take 4 deep breaths. Second, step back and take 5 or 10 minutes to calm down. Third, pray for the other person. Fourth, eat. Sometimes we get angry when we are hangry, like the Snickers commercial. Fifth, stop blaming others for how we feel, and own our own feelings. Sixth, watch and control the tone and volume of our own voice. Seventh, focus on a solution, not on the problem. Eighth, learn to accept some things can’t be changed, at least at that moment. What are ways you can help the church feel and be safe for all? Prayer for the Week: Lord, help me communicate better. Help me step out in faith and learn to reconcile. Lord, help me reflect Christ not only at church, but all areas of my life. Amen.
Jesus’ Rule - Contemporary Worship
February 11, 2024 • Pastor Deb Ketcham • Matthew 5:23–24, Hebrews 12:14–15, Matthew 18:15–17, 2 Corinthians 5:17–19
Read Matthew 5: 23-24. 1. Have you witnessed anyone going to another during a worship service to make amends? 2. How would you feel if someone came up to you during the offering to make an apology? Read Hebrews 12: 14-15. 1. What are some of the disagreements, issues, and problems which have spread throughout our church? 2. How did they make you feel? 3. Did you and others feel defiled? 4. People can agree to disagree and live in peace. Read Matthew 18: 15-17a. 1. Why is it so hard for others to follow Jesus’ Rule? 2. Why is it so hard for you to live into Jesus’ Rule? 3. Have you ever asked that your complaints, about another in the church, remain confidential? 4. What does Jesus’ Rule say to do instead? Paul wrote to the Galatians, “Take care that you yourselves are not tempted (or pulled in to something) too.” What will you do the next time a friend comes to you with a complaint or comment that someone did something negative? Will you help them follow Jesus’ Rule and ask, “Did you talk to the person?” If the answer is no, ask, “Will you go to them and share your hurt, pinch, or concern?” If the answer is still no, you may offer to go with them as a neutral party. If your friend still refuses to go, remind them of Christ’s Rule. If they still won’t try to reconcile the problem/issue, they themselves are the issue. This is a hard teaching by Jesus, but necessary for the church to be a safe place for all. Prayer of the Week: Jesus, we love so many of your teachings, especially that you love us; but you also have some very hard ones. Help us reflect upon our part of allowing conflicts, disagreements, resentments, or pinches to perpetuate in our church. Help us follow your Rule. Amen.
Forgiveness - Contemporary Worship
February 4, 2024 • Kyle Houts • Matthew 6:9–15
Read Matthew 6: 5-15 1. The Lord’s Prayer is broken down into four sections, regarding how one should pray to God. Jesus taught the first thing is to offer praise to God. Do you begin your prayers with praise, or do you get right down to the reason for your prayer? How might your prayers begin if you began with praise? 2. The second part of Jesus’ prayer is to ask God for your needs. What are the needs you generally pray for? 3. Third, Jesus taught us to pray/ask for our forgiveness, as we have forgiven others. This is tough. What sin did another commit against you that seems unforgiveable? 4. Read John 21: 15-19. Jesus forgave Peter for denying and abandoning Jesus. I invite you to ask Jesus to help you forgive those who have hurt and abandoned you. 5. The fourth part of the Lord’s Prayer is asking God to help you not sin.