February 28, 2021

First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship

Sunday, February 28, 2021

The Call to Worship and Invocation

We give thanks and praise for your grace and mercy. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. 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 105 Voices of National HBCU Concert 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 -- Romans 6:15-23 (3rd Sunday in Lent Season)

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- Pray for Me

Performed by Rev. Cleophus Robinson

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,

We come before Your Holy Presence with adoration in our hearts. You have been so gracious and loving to us and You have been better to us than we have been to ourselves. It is Your grace and mercy that have brought us through this trying time.

Lord, we bow today to pray for those who need You to heal their bodies. We pray for those who are troubled in their minds. We ask for special grace for our sisters and brothers who don't know how they will make it financially in this critical time in their lives. We pray for the homeless and for the hopeless. You are a shelter in the time of a storm, a bridge over troubled water, and You are our refuge and strength. We are leaning and depending on you to provide for us, even when we have become doubtful. Father, You know all about us and You know what we stand in need of.

Father God, please put your loving arms of protection around the bereaved. Hold the Sharper-Reed families in Your precious hand, and guide Sarah Pennington as she faces the future without the companionship of her husband, Tim.

Now, as we move forward as a Church, help us to trust and believe in you for the future of this Church and lead and guide each of us to work together on one accord. Thank You Jesus for supplying our needs. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Song of Praise -- I Will Trust in the Lord

Performed by Pastor E. Dewey Smith

BLACK HISTORY --Kids Explain Black History

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 -- Thank you to all who Zoomed in on the District Conference. Special thanks to Sisters Pat Henderson and Aletha Johnson for representing our Church on the program.

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 - Acts 16:30-31

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (King James Version)

Song of Preparation -- Have Faith in God

Performed by Gayle Arbuckle

Sermon -- The Faith That Saves

Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor

First AME Zion Church San Jose

Today's Scripture -- Acts 16:30,31

The Faith that Saves

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.