About this Sermon |
Exodus 16:2-15, 35
After leading the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, and crossing the Red Sea on dry ground, the Hebrew people find themselves hungry. They groan and complain. God hears their cries, and provides everything they need to survive their time in the wilderness. If we think about it, God provides everything we need for this “Summer Between.”
The Rev. Dr. Rhonda Abbott Blevins is the pastor of Chapel by the Sea in Clearwater Beach, FL.
About this Series |
The Summer Between: Adventures in Liminality
liminality [lim-uh–nal-i-tee]: a state of transition between one stage and the next.
The Summer of 2020 finds us in the threshold between what was and what is yet to come. In the midst of a global pandemic, we are somewhere between lockdown and vaccine. In terms of civic life, we are somewhere between unrest and revolution.
What do people of faith do in liminal times like these?
Join First Baptist Church this summer for hope and perspective as Pastor Lisa Hood takes us on a journey through the scriptures, discovering how our spiritual ancestors navigated liminal times, and applying biblical truths for the living of these days.
Order of Worship |
(Start of each segment in parentheses)
(00:00) Prelude – “Balm in Gilead” Harriet Coppoc
(01:44) Introduction – Rev. Lisa Hood
(03:53) Welcome to Worship – Alden Swartz & Jaden Go
(04:20) Gathering Song – “Thy Word”
(Refrain) Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(Verse 1) When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
Still you’re there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear as long as you are near.
Please be near me to the end.
(Refrain) Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(Verse 2) I will not forget your love for me,
and yet my heart forever is wandering.
Jesus, be my guide and hold me to your side;
And I will love you to the end.
(Refrain) Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(05:49) Call to Worship – based on Psalm 114, by Moira Laidlaw
When Israel was delivered from Egypt
unbelievable things happened—
the sea fled, and the River Jordan turned back.
The mountains seem to skip like rams,
and the hills to frolic like little lambs.
What awesome power caused river and sea to change their course—
mountains and hills to jump and skip?
The whole earth was surely trembling in the presence of God.
Praise God who sets people free in unexpected ways
and sustains them through unexpected acts of grace!
(06:40) Hymn of Praise – “Go Down, Moses” arr. by Louis Armstrong
(Verse 1) When Israel was in Egypt’s land, Let my people go;
Oppressed so hard they could not stand, Let my people go.
(Refrain) Go down (go down) Moses, way down in Egypt’s land;
Tell old Pharaoh: Let my people go!
(Verse 2) The Lord told Moses what to do, Let my people go;
To lead the Hebrew children through, Let my people go.
(Refrain) Go down (go down) Moses, way down in Egypt’s land;
Tell old Pharaoh: Let my people go!
(Verse 3) They journeyed on at his command, Let my people go;
And came at length to Canaan’s land, Let my people go.
(Refrain) Go down (go down) Moses, way down in Egypt’s land;
Tell old Pharaoh: Let my people go!
(Verse 4) Oh, let us all from bondage flee, Let my people go;
And let us all in Christ be free, Let my people go.
(Refrain) Go down (go down) Moses, way down in Egypt’s land;
Tell old Pharaoh: Let my people go!
(10:12) Invitation to Prayer – Rev. Hood
(12:00) Special Music – “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” – Alden Swartz
(14:07) Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer – Rev. Hood
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
(16:30) Scripture Reading – Exodus 16:2-15,35
(20:54) Sermon – “Adventures in Liminality: Between the Wander Years” – Rev. Dr. Rhonda Abbott Blevins
(33:17) Communion – Rev. Hood
(35:12) Hymn of Promise – “When Peace Like a River” (verses 1, 2, & 4)
(Verse 1) When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
(Refrain) It is well (it is well), it is well (it is well)
It is well, it is well with my soul.
(Verse 3) My sin- O, the bliss of this glorious thought,
My sin- not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain) It is well (it is well), it is well (it is well)
It is well, it is well with my soul.
(Verse 4) And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend
“Even so” – it is well with my soul.
(Refrain) It is well (it is well), it is well (it is well)
It is well, it is well with my soul.
(38:16) Offering & Announcements – Rev. Hood
(42:18) Benediction – Rev. Hood
(43:08) Postlude – Melanie Manges
Worship Leaders in this Service:
- Rev. Dr. Rhonda Abbott Blevins, Guest Pastor
- Alden Swartz, Worship Leader & Vocals
- Melanie Manges, Piano
- Mr. Matt Hood, Director of Music Ministry
- Rev. Lisa Williams Hood, Senior Pastor
- Mr. Aurie Swartz, Director of Communications & Technology
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