Sunday Worship Service for September 13, 2020

BULLETIN

Worship Sunday September 13, 2020
KICK OFF SUNDAY
MATTHEW

Good Morning!

Welcome to our online worship. We’re delighted that you joined us today.

Even when we’re physically apart, the Holy Spirit unites us as one community! Even when we can’t go to church, we are the church!

Let us know you worshiped with us today by filling out the Friendship Form located below on this page.  If you are joining in via Facebook, please check in or leave us a comment so we know you are worshiping with us today.

Don’t forget to keep checking our various social media outlets, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, for up-to-date information.

GATHERING

OPENING HYMN

• • Hymn 12: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”

CHIMING OF THE HOUR & WELCOMING THE LIGHT – Ellen Anderson / Walter Busse

WELCOME – Rev. Martha M. Shiverick

CALL TO WORSHIP — Dr. Walter Busse, Director of Music

One: Give praise to God!
All: Praise the Lord, for it is God who saves…
One: It is God who forgives…
All: It is God who delivers…
One: It is God who teaches us what unconditional love is…
All: Give thanks and praise to the Lord!
One: Let us Worship God!

CALL TO CONFESSION — Elder Kathy Stults, Clerk of Session

As loving parents have compassion for their children,
God has compassion for us.
Confident in God’s love, let us confess our sins.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Gracious and loving God,
you lived for us – we have not lived for you.
You have forgiven us – we have not forgiven others.
You have loved us – we have not loved ourselves nor have we loved one another.
Forgive us, O God.
Help us to forgive.
Help us to live for you.
Help us to love in the manner that Christ taught us. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

People of God, our sins are forgiven.
God is merciful and gracious and is Lord of us all.
Reconciled to the God who loves us, let us live and love as God does.

COMMISSIONING OF ANNA E. ROSAS, Riviera’s Youth Education and Outreach Assistant – Rev. Martha M. Shiverick

Anna, you have been with us for several months in a very unusual time of our world and in church history.  As we all learn to live into this age of COVID with the changes the church must make to serve God and God’s people, you came to us to serve as our assistant to youth and outreach. And you have adapted and created on line experiences serving the youth of all ages and you continue to plan and adapt ways to reach and minister to our children. We thank God for your presence with us and commission you to the work you are now already doing.

Let us pray:

God, we thank you for sending Anna Rosas to us with the gifts of cheerfulness and compassion, excitement and passion for your church, and a love of the ‘kiddos’ that she serves.  We commission  her into the ministry she serves as Youth Education and Outreach Assistant.  You have called her to educate, comfort, and care for us and we are so grateful.  We ask that you continue to fill her with wisdom, and patience, and love; that you keep her faithful to your Word, that she may, with gladness teach, comfort, counsel, and guide your people toward discipleship in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Be with us all as we work together with Anna to be the church of today and the future, sharing the love of Christ with the world. Amen.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Anna E. Rosas

COMMISSIONING OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS & DISCIPLESHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS — Anna E. Rosas

We are called to a beautiful ministry. Full of words, full of wisdom and full of service.

Our Lord, who came among us to serve, calls us to faith and a life of gratitude.

You stand among us to render a particular service, a gift from God to equip us in the work of ministry. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: the teacher, in teaching; the planner, in planning; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

God has called you for such a time as this.

For such a time full of Zoom and social distancing

For such a time of thinking outside of the box has become the norm.

For such a time when normalcy has been upended.

For such a time as this.

God equip your people to the tasks you have called them. Fill them with wisdom and knowledge as they serve in Christian Education and on the Discipleship committee. Grant them insight and creativity. Listen to their prayers as they take on this task during a global pandemic. Remind them constantly that you are with them, equipping them step by step.

Educators and and Members of the Discipleship team receive this blessing.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing you are beloved children of God, and that God has called you to serve. Amen.

THE WORD

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

Lord, by the power of your Holy Spirit open our understanding that we may receive the Word of life. Amen.

COMMISSIONING OF RIVIERA’S MUSIC MINISTRY  — Dr. Walter Busse

God of all creation…

Your servant, St. Augustine, wrote that when we sing (or play an instrument) for your glory, it is akin to “praying twice.” Dear Lord, we sing to you a new song because you have done marvelous things. We are in awe of the works of your salvation! We proclaim this love as evident in every sound produced. We will sing your praises and worship you all the days of our lives. We shout because the joy you give is uncontainable! We praise you with the harp (and ukulele) and with the sound of singing. You are an awesome God. We choose to worship you in spirit and truth in all that we do.

Let us pray…

For all members of Riviera’s music ministry, we ask that you, the God of glory, be always present with those whom you have called into this unique service. We pray that our efforts will bring your people closer to you through your profound gift of music. Be it through singing or playing of instruments, we ask that you help us to seek growth and perfection in our technique, and purity of heart in our intention, so that our praises proclaim your presence with power. With every sound that we make, grant us, and all who hear our song, a new awareness of your beauty and grace. We pray that all music is to glorify your great name. Make us worthy to join our praises with the hosts of heaven.

Amen.

CHORAL ANTHEM

• • What Does the Lord Require of You?  Accompanied by Riviera Ukulele Ensemble

SCRIPTURE Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness

1. 1. 21. Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church[a] sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”
      22. Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven[b] times.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

1. 1. 23. “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.
      24. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents[c] was brought to him;
      25. and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.
      26. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’
      27. And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
      28. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii;[d] and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’
      29. Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’
      30. But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.
      31. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
      32. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
      33. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’
      34. And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt.
      35. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

SERMON — Rev. Martha M. Shiverick

• • ‘Forgiveness – It’s more than Debts and Debtors!’

THE RESPONSE

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Let us pray for this world God so loves, saying,

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God, your unfailing love has been the source of our strength these past months. It has led us though the troubled waters of this pandemic gripping our world. In your infinite love, you hear our cries and are with us.

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our global community – that we learn to live for each other in peace and cooperation, and share collective responsibility for all our brothers and sisters regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion.

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our country, the State of Florida, and the county of Miami-Dade. As we are in our hurricane season, we can be for each other the calm in storms and the gentle breezes within the mighty winds.

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who suffer in their minds, bodies, or souls. Be with those who need your healing touch from the COVID virus and for their families who are caring for them. Be with those who are frightened, who are alone, and who are caring for others. And God, be with those who grieve. May there come a time when their grief is mixed with a thanksgiving for the love they shared with those now gone. And help us, who are the church be what is needed to be a balm in this time.

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

And now let us also pray in the manner Christ taught us praying:

THE LORD’S PRAYER

For the Lord’s Prayer we appreciate the diverse traditions and backgrounds that make up the Riviera family of faith, and encourage you to use whatever words for this prayer are meaningful for you.

Our Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS — Rev. Martha M. Shiverick

CALL TO OFFERING Rev. Martha M. Shiverick

Thank you God, for the opportunity to share in your creative and restorative work among people. Because you have blessed us, we have much to give. These offerings express our gratitude and our aspirations to be more fully your own loyal community. Amen.

INVITATION TO GIVE TITHES AND OFFERINGS

The Act of Gratitude

1. 1. You may donate today via credit/debit card by visiting our website at www.rivierachurch.org and clicking on the GIVE button
   2. You may download the free Give+ app (iOS & Android)
   3. You may consider setting up online payment via your bank bill pay program.
   4. You may also mail in your check to the church at Riviera Presbyterian Church at 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami FL 33143

If you are a member of another church, please donate to them during this time

DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God, ye hosts in heaven above;
Praise God, the Trinity of Love. Amen

PRAYER FOR BEGINNING OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION Rev. Martha Shiverick

HYMN 

• • • Hymn 321: “The Church’s One Foundation” 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING 

https://bit.ly/rpcsunday

MOVE INTO ZOOM MEETING TO HEAR THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT AND TO VOTE ON ELDERS CLASS OF 2023 AND THE 2021 NOMINATING COMMITTEE

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY MODERATOR

DECLARATION OF A QUORUM

NOMINATIONS FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

ELECTION OF ELDERS FOR THE CLASS OF 2023

ELECTION OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS CLASS OF 2021

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

You are invited to stay in the zoom meeting for fellowship time after the congregational meeting.

NOTES

• • Don’t forget to fill out the Friendship Form below, or leave us a comment on Facebook so we know you worshiped with us today. Please include any prayer requests you have which will be sent to our pastoral care team.

  • Join Mission@TheMovies. First, watch “To Breathe Free” — a movie that follows the 5-year journey of a Syrian family fleeing the war in Homs to the refugee camps in Jordan and starting a new life in Washington, D.C. —  and then sign up on Eventbrite to join a community discussion about the issues around immigration to America, on Wed., Sept. 23.
    • We watch separately: https://vimeo.com/225871896
    • We Reflect Together:  https://bit.ly/3ltS21h

  • Adult Bible Study. Join us next Sunday Morning for Online Adult Bible Study Class, via ZOOM. 10:00 am – 10:30 am. This is a great opportunity to study Sunday’s sermon passage with Pastor Missy. Meeting 860-148-3445

  • Grab a cup of coffee and join us after the worship service on Zoom Holy Grounds to connect with others in the Riviera church family.  Sundays at 11:45 a.m.

  • Riviera’s Food Pantry Ministry will be distributing food on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon on the east entrance of the sanctuary.

    • Our Current Needs:  Canned Veggies, fruits, soups, and tuna, pasta sauce, peanut butter and granola bars

    • Donations can be dropped off at the church Fellowship Hall doors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. If you are ordering the food to be delivered please schedule them for Tuesdays or Thursdays. –Thank you.

–Thank you.

COPYRIGHT NOTICES

Video and audio was recorded by various members of the church’s staff and family for the purpose of providing online worship to the members of Riviera Presbyterian and others who view the link.

Reprinted/streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE#A-713957. All rights reserved.

• Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
  PUBLIC DOMAIN
  TEXT: Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867, alt.
  MUSIC: Welsh folk melody; arr. Caniadau y Cyssegr, 1839

• What Does the Lord Require of You?
  #60048 List
  Type: Words and Music; First Line: What does the Lord require of you?
  Contributors: Jim Strathdee
  Tune: © 1986 Desert Flower Music/Jim and Jean Strathdee Text: © 1986 Desert Flower Music/Jim and Jean Strathdee

• The Church’s One Foundation
  PUBLIC DOMAIN
  TEXT: Samuel John Stone, 1866, alt.
  MUSIC: Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1864

Copyright (c) 2020 Riviera Presbyterian Church, Miami FL