Sundays at SSCC: Reflections & Recap
Watch the sermon video below in case you missed the third week of our "FAMILY FEELS" series, or if you would like to re-visit the lessons we discussed. Pastor Nate Loucks delivered the sermon, which touched upon the topic of forgiveness and faith. We also celebrated the baptism of Reagan Buchanan!
PRAYER
Gracious and Loving God, we come before You today as a congregation united by faith and bound by the sacred ties of family. In Your eternal wisdom, You have woven the fabric of our lives together, teaching us that forgiveness is the thread that mends tears and bridges gaps.
As we navigate the complexities of relationships within our families, we ask for Your guidance to help us understand and show compassion towards one another. Guide us to see each other not only with our human eyes but through Your unconditional love. Grant us the strength to forgive freely, just as You forgive our mistakes.
In moments of discord, remind us that forgiveness is the balm that heals the heart and soul. May we not be held captive by anger or resentment but be liberated through forgiving, creating space for Your grace to enter.
We pray for those among us who find themselves in a state of estrangement or misunderstanding within their families. Encourage them and give them the courage to take the first step towards reconciliation. May they become vessels of your peace and reconciliation.
Bless our families with the spirit of unity and love. May our homes be havens of peace where Your presence is felt, and forgiveness flourishes. Teach us to practice patience, extend grace generously, and speak words that build rather than break.
Together, as a church family, help us model the love and forgiveness of Christ, who taught us to pray, forgive, and love without conditions. May our lives reflect the grace we have been given as we work towards reconciliation in all our relationships, inspired by Your example.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who forgives us and unites us as one family.
Amen.
As we navigate the complexities of relationships within our families, we ask for Your guidance to help us understand and show compassion towards one another. Guide us to see each other not only with our human eyes but through Your unconditional love. Grant us the strength to forgive freely, just as You forgive our mistakes.
In moments of discord, remind us that forgiveness is the balm that heals the heart and soul. May we not be held captive by anger or resentment but be liberated through forgiving, creating space for Your grace to enter.
We pray for those among us who find themselves in a state of estrangement or misunderstanding within their families. Encourage them and give them the courage to take the first step towards reconciliation. May they become vessels of your peace and reconciliation.
Bless our families with the spirit of unity and love. May our homes be havens of peace where Your presence is felt, and forgiveness flourishes. Teach us to practice patience, extend grace generously, and speak words that build rather than break.
Together, as a church family, help us model the love and forgiveness of Christ, who taught us to pray, forgive, and love without conditions. May our lives reflect the grace we have been given as we work towards reconciliation in all our relationships, inspired by Your example.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who forgives us and unites us as one family.
Amen.
PRIMARY SCRIPTURES
Micah 7:18-19 NRSV
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity,
overlooking the sin of the few remaining for his inheritance?
He doesn’t hold on to his anger forever;
he delights in faithful love.
He will once again have compassion on us;
he will tread down our iniquities.
You will hurl all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Psalm 103:10-14 NRSV
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
Colossians 3:12-14 NRSV
Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity,
overlooking the sin of the few remaining for his inheritance?
He doesn’t hold on to his anger forever;
he delights in faithful love.
He will once again have compassion on us;
he will tread down our iniquities.
You will hurl all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Psalm 103:10-14 NRSV
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
Colossians 3:12-14 NRSV
Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
QUOTES
"Naming reality can free us so much. When we deny reality or are afraid to name it, we become imprisoned by it."
- Father Paul Farren
“The difference between justice and forgiveness: To be just is to condemn the fault and, because of the fault, to condemn the doer as well. To forgive is to condemn the fault but to spare the doer. That's what the forgiving God does.”
- Miroslav Volf, Exclusion & Embrace
"The world is sinful. That’s why God doesn’t affirm it indiscriminately.
God loves the world. That’s why God doesn’t punish it in justice.
What does God do with this double bind? God forgives."
- Miroslav Volf
- Father Paul Farren
“The difference between justice and forgiveness: To be just is to condemn the fault and, because of the fault, to condemn the doer as well. To forgive is to condemn the fault but to spare the doer. That's what the forgiving God does.”
- Miroslav Volf, Exclusion & Embrace
"The world is sinful. That’s why God doesn’t affirm it indiscriminately.
God loves the world. That’s why God doesn’t punish it in justice.
What does God do with this double bind? God forgives."
- Miroslav Volf
REFLECTIONS & QUESTIONS
- Pastor Nate discussed the issue of unresolved anger and frustration within his family. Can you recall a time in your own family where a similar situation was left unresolved and instead of addressing the issue, you or another family member chose to ignore it?
- Just like a small dandelion growing in a yard, issues in our lives can also multiply if left untended. Have you ever felt frustrated or angry because you did not address an issue that ended up growing?
- Forgiveness is essential for nurturing beautiful relationships and emphasizes its role in overcoming pain and navigating difficult relationships. What primary hurdles have you experienced that get in the way of showing or receiving forgiveness?
- Identifying and naming our reality can assist us in recognizing and expressing our emotions and situations. This can liberate us from being trapped by our circumstances. Reflect on experiences where you have been hurt. Can you clearly articulate and name those instances so that others can comprehend the pain you felt?
- Forgiveness involves releasing the debtor from their debt and not letting past actions affect current perceptions. This can be challenging. Who have you struggled with most in forgiving in your life?
- Just like unconditional parental love, forgiveness and love are connected and not reliant on getting something in return. Consider other aspects of your life and relationships that can thrive and last without needing something in return.
- Embracing forgiveness, which is born out of love for God and others, can lead to a hopeful future despite the risks involved in love and relationships. How do you believe having a stronger faith in God can aid in your ability to forgive others?
- Self-forgiveness is crucial because we often buy into unrealistic expectations of perfection. We can feel like pathways of reconciliation and restoration are unattainable. Do you struggle more with forgiving yourself or others? Why do you think that is?
- Acknowledging current challenges while maintaining hope for improvement is crucial in the journey towards forgiveness and a better future. What are you currently hopeful about in your life and faith?
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
Finances can be stressful, no matter where you are in life or how much (or little) money you have. The good news is that you can escape the bondage of financial stress and experience the true freedom that God has for you. FreedUp is proven to help find real financial freedom and spiritual growth.
Want to engage in FreedUp with an in-person group? Join Pastor Nate Loucks on Monday for six weeks starting on September 9th.
What is FreedUp? FreedUp is a stewardship training program. It offers culturally-current resources to help guide and equip believers to manage money in healthier ways, through Biblical wisdom. It’s for people in any financial situation, from in-debt to wealthy. The app addresses all the components of financial stewardship, including Earning, Giving, Saving, Spending, and Debt.
Cost: Individuals and Couples can download the FreedUp app for $19.
The class will go for six weeks. Register here.
Want to engage in FreedUp with an in-person group? Join Pastor Nate Loucks on Monday for six weeks starting on September 9th.
What is FreedUp? FreedUp is a stewardship training program. It offers culturally-current resources to help guide and equip believers to manage money in healthier ways, through Biblical wisdom. It’s for people in any financial situation, from in-debt to wealthy. The app addresses all the components of financial stewardship, including Earning, Giving, Saving, Spending, and Debt.
Cost: Individuals and Couples can download the FreedUp app for $19.
The class will go for six weeks. Register here.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- State Street High School Ministry will kick off again on Wednesday, August 28th! The fun goes from 6-8 PM.
- The Annual State Street Fall Event is on Sunday, September 8th. This year, we'll be meeting at the Brighton Street Green Space from 11-2 PM!
NEEDS
- The Pax Center Wish List - The food pantry is in need of jelly, syrup, cereal, and instant potatoes this week. If you go grocery shopping, please consider picking up an extra item and dropping it off at the food pantry.
- Student Ministry snack list - State Street students could use your help to provide snacks and/or meals for their meetings. Use the following link to sign up on a date that works for you. Go here.
GIVING
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