February 21, 2021

First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship

Sunday, February 21, 2021

The Call to Worship and Invocation

We give thanks and praise for your grace and mercy. Let our words and deeds be pleasing in Thy sight. This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.

Morning Hymn -- Lift Every Voice and Sing

Performed by Stanford Talisman Alumni Virtual Choir

Gloria Patri

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;

The third day he rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Scripture Reading -- 1 Peter 2:4-10 NIV (7th Sunday Epiphany Season)

4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—

5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

8 and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- Hammer Ring

Performed by Bobby Jackson, white Hill AME Zion Church, York, South

We are praying for you:

Rev. Keith Johnson, Octavian Rodriquez, Angelikka Carter, James Spaulding, Rev. and Mrs. Braxton, Dwaine Giggans,

Johnie Mae Williams, Christine Ferguson, Rev. Michael Henderson, Rev. Veronica Buckner, Mrs. Barbara Hill, Mrs. Pinky Westry, Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Sharper, the Reed Family and First AME Zion Church San Francisco in the passing of their daughter and loved one, Jill Reed, Sarah-Ann Pennington in the loss of her husband, Tim Pennington.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Song of Praise -- Lord Don't Leave Me

Performed by United AME Zion Church, Fort Mill, South Carolina

BLACK HISTORY --What I Wasn't Taught

in School

Performed by Samuel King, Word on the Curb

Tithes and Offerings

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2nd Chronicles 9:7

Visit our Gift section on the Gift tab. You may give via credit cards, PayPal and Givelify.com (Download Givelify to your Smartphone). If you prefer, mail your tithes and offerings to First AMEZ Church, 95 S. 20th Street, San Jose CA 95116

Announcements

BAY CITIES DISTRICT CONFERENCE -- First Church will host the Bay Cities District Conference via Zoom on February 27, 2021, 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon. All members are asked to attend. Pastor Rogers has asked that all participants sign in using their video and that still images, emoji or other pictures not be used. We want to create an environment of fellowship, praise, and worship and seeing each other is part of that experience. Sister Pat Henderson will welcome the Conference on our behalf, and Sister Aletha Johnson is our Conference Delegate.

Helping our Sister Church to reach the Spanish-Speaking Community

In our efforts to work as a team, helping each other in ministry, the following posting is from Brother Jose Ayala and the Espiritu Santo ministry. Please share this announcement with your family and friends.

Espiritu Santo invites you to our Spanish-speaking bible study. We meet on Tuesday and Friday at 7:00 p.m., and on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Call us on Tuesday, Friday or Sunday at (650) 704-9361 . We meet on Tuesday and Friday at 7:00 p.m., and on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Call us on Tuesday, Friday or Sunday at (650) 704-9361 to be part of this exciting study of God's Word. I hope to hear from you soon.

Brother Jose Ayala

Espiritu Santo te invita a nuestro estudio bíblico de habla hispana. Nos reunimos los martes y viernes a las 7:00 p.m., y los domingos a las 4:00 p.m. Llámenos el martes, viernes y domingo al (650) 703-9361 para ser parte de este emocionante estudio de la Palabra de Dios. Espero saber de ti pronto.

Hermano José Ayala

Re-Opening of Our Church: Please check your text messages and email for further updates on the events and news about the schedule for all local AMEZ services. In accordance with the directives of the Board of Bishops, our on-site services are suspended until further notice. This includes Bible Study and choir rehearsals. Our next on-site service to be announced.

The Sermonic Scripture - Ezekiel 3:15

“Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.” (King James Version)

Song of Preparation -- He's That Kind of Friend

Performed by Tramaine Hawkins

Sermon -- Where Am I Sitting?

Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor

First AME Zion Church San Jose

Today's Scripture -- Ezekiel 3:15

Where Am I Sitting?

Click icon for sound

Invitation to Christian Discipleship

The door of the church is open. Now is the time when we offer Christ to you. If you need to make a tough decision, now is the time. Without discussion, dialogue or debate, take that step and unite with First AME Zion Church today. Call (408) 688-6980 and First Church will celebrate with you as you make the best decision of your life.

Benediction

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy; To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.