February 14, 2021

First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship

Sunday, February 14, 2021

The Call to Worship and Invocation

This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. In this new year, we pray for renewed hope and love in our land. Dear Heavenly Father, teach us how to pray and how to obey Your Holy Word. Amen.

Morning Hymn -- Lift Every Voice and Sing

Performed by Kurt Carr Singers

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 -- Jeremiah 10:1-7 NIV (6th Sunday Epiphany Season)

1Hear what the LORD says to you, people of Israel.

2This is what the LORD says: "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them.

3For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. 4They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.

5Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."

6No one is like you, LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.

7Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.

Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- I Know the Lord Will Make A Way

Performed by Bishop G.E. Patterson and

Rose Marie Rimson Brown

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, Tim and Sarah-Ann Pennington, Mrs. Barbara Hill in the passing of her brother, 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.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of coming to your holy throne. Father we adore you, we love you and we give you glory and honor on this Sunday morning. You have truly been better to us than we have been to ourselves, and for that we are thankful.

Our prayer and petition today is for the many who have been affected by the global pandemic. We pray for them, for their healing, for their restoration, and for their understanding of your marvelous grace and mercy towards them. We pray that your will be done as many of us struggle in making the decision to get the vaccination. Please speak to our hearts and calm our fears.

We pray this morning a special prayer for our Church, all of our members, and the many family and friends that we share our faith in you with during this time. We know Heavenly Father that our witness is the only light of you that many of them see and we ask for strength and fortitude as we strive to live a life exemplary of our life as your disciples.

Now Father as we face next week, give us the courage to "fight" on despite the challenges that we face. Let us continue to march on until sure "victory is won" in our lives and we cross that chilly Jordan River and stand before you.

These and many other blessings we pray in Jesus holy and righteous name. Amen.

Song of Praise -- Where You Running Sinner

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

BLACK HISTORY -- A Look at Our History:

Robert Smalls

"My race needs no special defense for the past history of them in this country proves them to be equal of any people anywhere. All they need is an equal chance in the battle of life.”

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

Happy Valentine's Day -- First Church loves you.

Wednesday, February 17 is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday, in the Christian church, the first day of Lent, occurring six and a half weeks before Easter (between February 4 and March 11, depending on the date of Easter). Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season.

Lent begins on February 17. Lent is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, the night before Easter Sunday. The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, mortifying the flesh, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and self-denial.

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.

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 - Nehemiah 8:3

3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until mid-day — before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. (King James Version)

Song of Preparation -- Peace be Still

Performed by Rev. Lawrence Roberts

Sermon -- How to Listen to God's Word

Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor

First AME Zion Church San Jose

Today's Scripture -- Nehemiah 8:3

"How to Listen to God's Word"

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.