First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship
Sunday, January 17, 2021
The Call to Worship and Invocation
This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Amen.
Morning Hymn -- Yield Not to Temptation
Performed by Bishop David L. Ellis
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.
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 -- Ephesians 3:2:11-18 KJV (2nd Sunday Epiphany Season)
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- Sweet Holy Spirit
Performed by Pastor E. Dewey Smith
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, Greg and Monica Thompson, Tim and Sarah-Ann Pennington, Ronald Rogers, III , Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Garrison, Mrs. Mary Brown and the Brown Family in the loss of her husband, Brother Joseph Brown of Kyles Temple Church, Sacramento, Mrs. Denise Prince and Family in the loss of her husband, Rev. Timothy J. Prince of Frisco, Texas
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are our light and our Salvation. Besides You, there is no one to turn to. So, we come today Father to say thank you for loving us and caring for us. Father, we pray that you will forgiver our sins and transgressions. We pray that You will have mercy and grant us another chance to live within your Word.
Father, we adore You. We love You and magnify Your Holy Name. There are many among us who are sick -- both physically and mentally. We are torn because of the evil and unrest in our society. It is our sincere prayer that You will hear us and heal this land.
We pray a special blessing on the bereaved families, that You will be with them as they face the future without their loved ones. We lift up Rev. Veronica Buckner, Your humble servant, who has been hospitalized but is now at home recuperating. Lord, as she has been a prayer warrior for us, let us know stand in the gap for her.
We praise and thank You for the life o Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a mere human man whose life You used to force people to fight for civil liberty and justice for all. Thank You Lord for this example of humility and greatness that you have given to each of us by Your divine mercy.
Lord, please intervene and hold our Church family together; give us a mind to stand together and serve you. Bless Pastor Rogers as he labors to do Your will and to lead and guide us in accordance with Your Word. We pray and ask these blessings in the matchless, wonderful name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- We Shall Overcome
Performed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Performed by The Morehouse College Choir
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
Saturday, January 23, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Zoom Check-Up Meeting. All First Church Officers are asked to attend. Zoom info will be sent to members later.
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 - Philippians 1:27(a)
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ."(KJV)
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." (NIV)
Song of Preparation -- I Know the Lord Will Make a Way
Performed by Pastor. Quinnzhahn Barnes
Sermon -- How Are You Acting?
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.