Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit
Color Esperanza by Diego Torrez - El Dorado
Welcome
Lovely Day by Bill Withers - El Dorado
Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
“How Can LA First UMC Change in Response to Climate Change?”
Tuesday August 27th 5:30-7pm PST on Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2471381512?omn=84151124818
Sabbath Sunday:
Labor Day Weekend, we will be observing one of our 4 Sabbath Sundays of the year, to give our Worship Team and our Breakfast Ministry team a week to rest. There is no Breakfast Ministry or Worship Service on Sept 1st.
Take the weekend to rest how you see fit. Remember, as the Nap Ministry reminds us, rest is an act of resistance and revolution. Take the time to visit another church, take a morning hike, brunch with friends, or even sleep in. Recharge yourself. We will see you all again Sunday, Sept 8th!
Please Update Your Contact Information
As we continue to grow and serve our community, it is essential that we keep accurate and up-to-date records for all of our members. Please provide Debbie Bowlus with any changes to your address, email address, or any other relevant details. This helps ensure you receive timely updates about church events and services. It also helps us provide better support and outreach to our congregation.
TOP 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS
VENMO: https://account.venmo.com/u/LAFirstUMC1
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE:https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d
Kid City Events This Summer:
Buy a ticket now for Kid City’s Fundraiser Luncheon: Click Here
Can’t make it? Consider giving a donationto support Kid City in spreading radical welcome with future first-gen college students! Hope to see you soon!
Under the state of emergency declared to help the housing crisis, LA County is creating more job opportunities and making the application process easier than ever.
Learn more at homeless.lacounty.gov/emergency
The Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $30 per month subsidy for home internet service, expired at the end of April.
Check out how to Stay Connected at GetConnectedLosAngeles.lacity.org
CALL TO PRAYER:
Be Here To Love Me by Townsend Van Zandt - El Dorado
Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together.
You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.
New Testament Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20, NRSV
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power; 11 put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, 12 for our[a] struggle is not against blood and flesh but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present[b] darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.[c] 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on the evil day and, having prevailed against everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand, therefore, and belt your waist with truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness 15 and lace up your sandals in preparation for the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,[d] take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,[e] 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!
Sermon: "Gearing Up…" - Rev. Lisa Williams
HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time. Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.
The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now, with the confidence of the children of God, let us pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
MUSIC DURING OFFERING AND COMMUNION:
Waymaker by Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu (Sinach) - El Dorado
Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you,
God refuses to be God without you.
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!
