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 ​ T he 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 p resence 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.

FIRST AME ZION CHURCH VIRTUAL WORSHIP SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 ​ The Call to Worship and Invocation O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. This is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Father God, we come with thanksgiving in our hearts and praises for Your goodness. Thank You for another week of peace and safety in this time of learning to lean on You. Amen. Morning Hymn – On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand Scripture Reading (II Colossians 3:1-4, 8-15) Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ​ ​ 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. ​ 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. Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer – Take it to the Lord in Prayer 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, Betty Jo Smith, Tracy Parker, Pastor Vincent Parker, and the Family of Ernest Woodard, and Rev. Westley and Karen Myles, in the passing of Rev. Myles' father. ​ My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and His righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. This morning heavenly Father, I come thanking you today for being in the number one more time. Thank you, Lord. ​ Lord, we pray that you will forgive our acts, words and deeds that were not pleasing in Your sight. We pray that You will continue to lead and guide us as we face the many challenges that this life presents. We are so grateful for mercy and kindness towards us and that You have seen fit to let our lives roll on. We come now pleading for this land. We are troubled by sin and plagued by the coronavirus, other health issues, family and financial matters, and just plain sin, and we ask that You will hear our prayer and heal our land. We are confident that only Your comfort will sustain us in the days ahead. Lord, please bring comfort to the hearts of the bereaved. Let us be a blessing to them, always praying for them to overcome this time of suffering and grief. We look to you for guidance in these days as we face uncertain times. It is with this belief in Your Word that we pray in the most precious Name of Jesus. Amen. ​ ​ Song of Praise - Trouble in My Way ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Tithes and Offerings – "All things come of Thee O Lord, and of Thine own, have we given Thee ." Givelify.com (Download Givelify to your Smartphone) or mail your tithes and offerings to First AMEZ Church, 95 S. 20th Street, San Jose CA 95116 Announcements – 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 City of San Jose, our on-site services have been suspended. This includes bible study, choir rehearsals and community sponsored events. Our next on-site service will be scheduled when directed by the AME Zion Board of Bishops. ​ ​ ​ Sermonic Scripture Reading - Job 42:1-6 1Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” ​ ​ ​ Song of Preparation - Anchored in the Lord Sermon -- What Do You Say After the Avalanche ? Rev. Aaron Dallas, Associate Minister ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Performed by Alabama A&M Gospel Choir Performed by Aeolians of Oakwood University Performed by Douglas Miller Performed by Pastor Reginald Sharpe Invitation – Decision Time Now is the time when we offer Christ to you. If you wish to unite with our Church, please call (408) 688-6980. Click Icon for sound. Performed by Marvin Winans

First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship Sunday, March 28, 2021 Palm Sunday Performed by UPH (Universitas Pelita Harpan Concert Choir 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 -- The Psalms ​ ​ Performed by Todd Donovan Scripture Reading -- Philipians 2:5-11 (NIV) Palm Sunday 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: ​ 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b ] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! ​ 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ​ 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. Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer 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, Monalisa Olague, Mrs. Barbara Hill, Anthony Brown, Clarissa Moore, Beola Baker, Rolanda Rogers ​ My Heavenly Father, Thank you for another week of life and blessings. Many have suffered and died, yet you have seen fit to grant me another day. Thank you, Father . Please accept my humble plea to be forgiven for my sins against you. I come with a contrite spirit and a sorrowful heart for my shortcomings. Master, we adore you and bless your name. We know that greater is your faithfulness toward us, even in this time of pandemic and confusion. We pray for strength that we may hold us the blood-stained banner and be a living testimony of your presence in our lives. Now Father we pray for those whose names are on our payer list. We light them up to you. You know what they stand in need of and we are confident that you will supply their every need. Bless Pastor Rogers as he continues to lead us through our trying times. We praise you, we bless you, and we thank you for being our shelter in these stormy days. Amen . Song of Praise -- The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power/Because He Lives ​ Performed by CeCe Winans 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 ​ Thank You ​ Words can not express my profound gratitude for all of your calls, cards and gifts acknowledging the passing of my sister, Sarah Ann and her husband, Tim. Their passing was a great loss to my family, which has been relatively small for many years. Though "weeping may endure for the night", I am assured that joy will certainly come in the morning. Thank you again for your kindness. Frances ​ ​ HOLY WEEK -- March 28 - APRIL 3 ​ 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 ​ 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 -- Mark 11:15 ​ 15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; (KJV) ​ Song of Preparation -- For the Lord is Great and Greatly to be Praised Performed by West Angeles Church of God In Christ ​ Sermon -- Cleaning Up God's House Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor First AME Zion Church San Jose Today's Scripture -- Mark 11:15 "Cleaning Up God's House" ​ Click icon for sound Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor First AME Zion Church San Jose Cleaning Up God's House Mark 11:15 ​ Invitation to Christian Discipleship ​ T he 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 p resence 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. Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor First AME Zion Church San Jose Today's Scripture -- Luke 2:52 "4-D Vision" ​

First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship Sunday, May 30, 2021 The Call to Worship and Invocation ​ This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Today w e bless your Name, Heavenly Father for the life and love that you have given us. We praise You for the blessings that You so richly bestowed upon us. Amen. ​ Morning Hymn -- Amazing Grace ​ Performed by 50 COVID Affected Countries ​ ​ 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 -- Genesis 3:1-6, 22-23 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23 Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- 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, Beola Baker, Pinky Westry, J. Johnson, David Williams, the Greater Cooper Church family, and Pastor Jawwad Love and Family Prayer by Deacon Daniel Johnson ​ Song of Praise -- I Am Confident Performed by The Gospel Music Workshop- Soloist Avis Graves, former musician The Church Without Walls, Houston 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 ​ Our 153rd Annual Conference will commence on June 10, 2021 via Zoom. The Zoom link will be distributed. Please keep Sister Aletha Johnson, our Annual Conference Delegate, in your prayers. ​ FIRST CHURCH RE-OPENING Mark Your Calendar -- On May 25 the Boards of Trustees and Stewards met and voted to approve re-opening of our Church for on-site services starting on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Please keep our Church in your prayers and be sure to tell all of your friends and family that we are anxious to see them on June 27. ​ 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. ​ Please check your text messages and email for further updates on the events and news about the schedule for all local AMEZ services. Our on-site services will resume on June 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The Sermonic Scripture -- Ephesians 2:10 and Job 1:8 Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ​ Job 1:8 Then the Lord said to Satan, have you considered my servant Job?" There is no one on earth like him, he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. Song of Preparation -- He's Preparing Me Performed by Tufts Third Day Gospel Choir, soloist Rev. Clarence Powell Sermon -- Have You Been Considered? Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 and Job 1:8 Have You Been Considered? Click icon for sound Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor ​ Text: Ephesians 2:10 and Job 1:8 Have You Been Considered? Invitation to Christian Discipleship ​ T he 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 p resence 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.

FIRST AME ZION CHURCH VIRTUAL WORSHIP SUNDAY JULY 26, 2020 C all to Worship and Invocation ​ Bless our God, O people, let the sound of God’s praise be heard, who has kept us among the land of the living, and has not let our feet slip. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you Heavenly Father for this beautiful day that you have so graciously given us. Amen. ​ Song of Inspiration – Spirit of the Living God ​ ​ Scripture Reading (Acts 20:17-28, 32 ) 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.​ ​ ​ Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer – Lord Do It 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, Brother Daniel, Sister Simone, Presiding Elder Rogers ​ Song of Praise - He Made the Difference ​ 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 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 ​ The first Quarterly Conference for this Conference Year is scheduled at 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 2, via Zoom. All officers are requested to be in attendance to give your reports. Report forms have been emailed to responsible officers. ​ Sermonic Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. (King James Version) ​ Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. ​ Song of Preparation - The Potter's House ​ ​ Sermon - Marred So He Made it Again Pastor Rogers Performed by Cocoa Seventh Day Adventist Church Performed by The Fam Ministries Performed by Donald Mallory Performed by James Bignon and The Deliverance Mass Choir ​ Let us go back this morning to the days when Nebuchadnezzar was King of Babylon -- Zedekiah ruled Judah, -- and Pharaoh Necho sat on the throne of Egypt. Imagine standing in old Jerusalem, in the Holy Land (I know those of you have visited Jerusalem can relate to this.) Just think about standing there and seeing one of the ancients, clad in flowing robes, with an expression of sadness on his countenance. The expression on the man's face makes him appear to be extremely old. This man is Jeremiah, Judah's prophet, and God's appointed spokesman to His people. Why was there so much gloom in Jeremiah's expression? ​ Well, for 40 years, Jeremiah had watched the spiritual decline and ultimate fall of Israel. He had seen the chosen people forsake God and transgress God's law. He had witnessed them willfully turn away from the fountains of living water to the broken cisterns of stagnation and death. It was a tragic time and experience in Jeremiah's life. Jeremiah was God's spokesman in the days of Judah's darkness and disaster. No prophet of old had a more thankless task. Yet, no other prophet had delivered his message of warning with greater fidelity than Jeremiah. He stood as the lonely messenger of God in the midst of criticism and opposition from his people. I can say without a doubt that Jeremiah was dismayed and discouraged. His heart broke with each passing day! ​ Jeremiah felt that there was nothing more he could do to hold off the inevitable destruction that would follow. It was at this critical juncture in history that God told Jeremiah to go down to the potter's house. This time he didn't send Jeremiah to preach a sermon! God sent Jeremiah to the potter's house to learn a priceless lesson. ​ Now, let's take a look at where God sent Jeremiah. ​ The potter's clay field was south of Jerusalem. It was outside the walls of the City, beyond the Valley of the son Ben Hinnom. The Valley of the son of Ben Hinnom marked the limit between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah. You can find this in Joshua 15:8. Jeremiah traveled to the potter's field just as he was told. When he arrived, he went to the Master Craftsman's workshop. There he watched the craftsman at work. Now, Jeremiah was fascinated by the way the craftsman constructed vessels from clay. ​ Jeremiah saw that the potter worked on a revolving wheel. It was a rotation device in the form of a horizontal disk. The disk was turned by a foot pedal. Laying right beside the potter was a large heap of potter's clay. The potter seized the clay by the handful. He threw this crude material down on the center of the revolving wheel. And, then something strange happened. The centrifugal force of the rotating wheel gradually gave shape to the clay. This process could only be completed by a skilled, master craftsman. As the clay took form, the potter used his hands to mold and fashion it according to the pattern he desired to make. There was no printed pattern before the potter, the only thing that he had to guide his hands was the picture of the finished product that was in his mind. ​ Jeremiah watched as what was once a formless mass rose into a fair and lovely vessel. With each turn of the wheel and each stroke of the potter's hand, the mass grew toward the point of perfection! Just as the vessel seemed perfect; something happened! ​ Somehow it crumbled and fell in fragments against the wheel and tumbled down to the floor! Jeremiah thought this was surely a tragedy, since the form had come so close to its perfect state. Yes, the vessel was marred in the making. ​ Now, we have to understand that the vessel was marred, but it wasn 't marred due to a lack of skill on the master craftsman's part. It wasn't marred because the potter didn't know what he was doing. The vessel was marred because there were imperfections within the clay! Yes, the imperfection came from within the elements of the clay. Something was wrong with the elements that made up the clay. Perhaps there was a pebble in the clay that caused it to shatter. Or, maybe there was a stone that came to the surface and ruined the vessel. Jeremiah may have expected the potter to fling the ruined clay aside or replace it in the large heap and take another fresh lump to begin forming a new vessel. But, no, the potter didn't throw out the ruined clay. He simply stopped and gathered up all the broken rebellious pieces — he took some from the wheel and even had to stoop down and get some from the floor; but he didn't throw any of it away. The potter gently moistened, softened, and kneaded the clay again. He removed and tossed away the pebble that had cause the first vessel to break. Then the potter placed that same lump of clay on the whirling wheel again. ​ The record says he reformed it and made it again into a fair and lovely vessel. It was more beautiful than ever and the vessel could now be used for that special purpose that the potter had in mind when he first began to form that particular lump of clay. Jeremiah had expected the potter to cast out the unruly lump of clay. In Jeremiah's mind, the potter's attempt to make the vessel had been a complete failure. Unlike Jeremiah, the potter looked at the clay with caring, tender eyes. He could seem beyond the initial blemish in the clay. That's why the master craftsman took the very same lump of clay, although it had been marred, and made it over again. He wasn't going to give up and he worked at forming that clay until he had designed it to be perfect! ​ When Jeremiah saw the work of the master craftsman and how he handled the marred clay, he knew that the parable of the potter's clay was his commissioned message. Jeremiah realized that this message would show the world that there was hope in the potter's hand. It told men and women that God is the God of a second chance. The potter's story represented God's gift to man of another opportunity; it showed how one could experience success in situations that seemed doomed to failure and how God offers redemption from disaster. ​ If you're here today and you feel like a worthless lump of clay, listen to this message carefully. The potter's story lifts the spirit and brings assurance to the soul that God will touch your life and you can start anew! Don't be fooled, God does not reject people because of their failures. People reject God by refusing to yield to His will. ​ People reject God's rebuilding power because they refuse to be made over again by the divine Potter. When we fail, it is because we do not let God remake us. ​ We reject God's divine plan for us we are like a lump of clay, being molded into vessels to be used by God. God wants to work in us, for us, and through us! We who live in this generation are not the first to be marred, and God is still restoring his people unto himself. ​ Adam, the first man on earth was grievously marred! But, in the end, God made Adam again, and Adam became a vessel unto God's honor. ​ Jacob was marred. But, God met Jacob at the brook Jabbak and made him again, and Jacob was the prince of God. ​ Peter was sadly marred. You've heard the story of how he denied Jesus, but God reshaped Peter and made him again into the powerful preacher of Pentecost! We don't have to look in the bible to see every example of God's reforming process. Each of us has witnessed God's geovistic hand touching and remaking the life of someone we know and love. Take for instance, God has taken drunkards out of the gutter and made them over again and they have gone on to win souls for Christ. Church, we are indeed the clay and the Potter's name is LOVE! The potter's wheel is the CIRCLE OF LIFE. ​ In the process of remaking our lives, Heaven's hands press us -- but they press to shape our lives. Heaven's hands even crush us at times, but they crush us because we are marred and, in order to be made anew, we must be crushed to remove some of our impurities. ​ If you're being tested today, if you're going through, remember this! Sometimes God has to break up the whole form of a man's life so that the man can begin a new life in Christ. You may not always see the benefit of God's work in your life, but I tell you -- ​ God will break up old associations so that you can experience a friendship with Jesus. ​ God will crush your old ambitions, so that you can say like Job, "For God I live, and for God, I'll die." ​ God will sever some of your old ties through afflictions and failure, suffering and sorrow so that you can build a new life with him. A new life filled with new opportunities, responsibilities, and possibilities for good and for God. Yes, Church it is important that we — like Jeremiah — visit the potter's house. No matter what state you're in, you need to go by the potter's house. ​ Tramaine Hawkins reminded us, "You don't have to stay in the shape that you're in, the potter wants to put you back together again!" Listen! ​ You who are broken — stop by the potter's house. You who need mending stop by the potter's house. Give him the fragments of your broken life — my friend. The potter wants to put you back together again! Remember our scripture, Jeremiah 18:4 ​ And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it . ​ Click icon for sound Invitation to Christian Discipleship ​ T he 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 p resence 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. ​ ​ Performed by Jessy Dixon

FIRST AME ZION CHURCH VIRTUAL WORSHIP SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 ​ The Call to Worship and Invocation We have come into this virtual place of worship and gathered in His name to worship Him. This is the day that the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. ​ Heavenly Father, please receive us today, empty pitchers to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Give us the love for one another that we so desperately need to face this world of hate and deceit. Reveal unto us Your perfect will and grant us Thy peace. Morning Hymn – I Am Thine, O Lord Scripture Reading (Hebrews 11:1-6 NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. 3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. 4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. 5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.”[a ] For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. ​ ​ 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. ​ 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. ​ Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer – Sweet Hour of Prayer 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, Betty Jo Smith, Joe and Mary Brown, Kyles Temple AMEZ, Sacramento, and Pastor Rogers ​ Today our Heavenly Father, we come with a praise of gratitude and thanksgiving in our hearts. We bless your name and thank you for the wonderful gift of life. We praise and thank you for allowing your darling Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. We love you and beg your forgiveness of our sins. We acknowledge Lord God that we have sinned and fallen short of your Glory. We ask for strength to stand against these evil and wicked times and to be lights that shine brightly as a witness to your presence in our lives. ​ Now, God as we look toward another week, we pray your blessings on those who are less fortunate. We pray your mercy on those who do not know you in the pardon of their sins, and we pray for blessings on those who stand in the gap and intercede for the lost. ​ Bless our Church dear God, and please continue to give our Pastor the strength and courage to lead us. Speak to the hearts of those who have gone contrary to your Word in their thoughts, words, and deeds. Bless First Church in all of those things that we stand in need of and give us a determination to carry on. Let us not grow weary in well-doing. These and other blessings we ask in the Name of Jesus. Amen. ​ Amen. ​ ​ Song of Praise - Bless Somebody Else ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Tithes and Offerings – "All things come of Thee O Lord, and of Thine own, have we given Thee ." Givelify.com (Download Givelify to your Smartphone) or mail your tithes and offerings to First AMEZ Church, 95 S. 20th Street, San Jose CA 95116 Announcements Today is Pastor Appreciation Sunday. This celebration was established in 1992 with the mission of uplifting and encouraging pastors, missionaries and religious workers. And, in 2020, they could probably use a little more encouragement than normal. Pastor we salute you and pray for God's continued blessings as you serve First Church, the Bay Cities District, and mankind through your ministry. ​ ​ A Message from our Voter Registration/Project 100 Coordinator, Susan Rigmaiden ​ Every member of First Church is encouraged to vote and to spread the word to your friends, family and neighbors about the importance of casting your ballot. This site will allow you to track your ballot as to when you will receive it, all the way until when it's processed. Go to https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status/wheres-my-ballot ​ Thank you to Sylvia Stokes who is also keeping First Church abreast of voting facts. Here's information provided by Sylvia that will help us stay on target for this election. Remember, vote as if your life depends on it. ​ All registered voters in California will receive a ballot by mail. However, in-person voting locations will be available to voters. Polling locations may be found online by visiting the Secretary of State's My Voter Status tool . Vote early! ​ California voters can vote before Election Day. The early voting period runs from Monday, October 5, 2020 to Monday, November 2, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live. Early voting and vote-by-mail ballot drop off locations may be found on the Secretary of State's Early Voting website . What to bring If you've voted in California before, you don't need to show ID. If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't include your driver's license number, California ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number on your registration, you may be asked to provide ID when you vote. Acceptable forms include: copy of a recent utility bill, the sample ballot booklet you received from your county elections office or another document sent to you by a government agency, a US passport, driver license, official state identification card, or student identification card showing your name and photograph. Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. ​ 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 of the AME Zion Church, our on-site services have been suspended. This includes bible study, choir rehearsals and community sponsored events. Our next on-site service will be scheduled when directed by the AME Zion Board of Bishops. ​ ​ ​ Sermonic Scripture Reading - Ephesians 4:1-7 ​ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. ​ ​ Song of Preparation - My Soul Says Yes Sermon -- Every Child of God Has A Calling Pastor Rogers ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Performed by Rick Betts Performed by Radiance Acappella Performed by Kurt Carr Invitation – Decision Time Now is the time when we offer Christ to you. If you wish to unite with our Church, please call (408) 688-6980. Click Icon for sound. Performed by Marvin Winans Performed by The Chicago Mass Choir Click Icon for sound Click Icon for sound.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 Givelify -- Mobile Giving Go to App Store for details Give your treasure, time and talent! ​ Please continue your financial support of First Church during this time. We will continue meeting our financial responsibilities so that we will be ready to serve you when the shelter in place is lifted. First Church invites you to share your time and talent with us. If you have extra time on your hands or a talent to share, let us know. Email: firstlady@firstamezionsj.org Text: Volunteer 1 (408) 688-6980

SHELTER-IN-PLACE WORSHIP GUIDE SUNDAY, March 22, 2020 Today is our first Shelter In Place Worship Service. You may worship at a day and time that is convenient for you. Please invite those who are sheltered in place with you to be part of this worship experience. This is a great opportunity for you to evangelize and let others be a part of First Church. The Call to Worship and Invocation Give unto the LORD the Glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Morning Hymn – O How I Love Jesus [Refrain] Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me. There is a name I love to hear; I love to sing its worth. It sounds like music in my ear, the sweetest name on earth.[Refrain] It tells me of a Saviour's love who died to set me free. It tells me of His precious blood, the sinner's perfect plea. [Refrain] It tells of one whose loving heart, can feel my deepest woe, who in each sorrow bears a part that none can bear below. [Refrain] Scripture Reading (Psalm 100) 1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. 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. 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. Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer – Most Gracious Father, It is again that Thy servants come before you with Thanksgiving in our hearts. We thank you for your peace in the midst of turmoil and for your saving Grace. We are sorry for our sins against You and beg Your forgiveness. As we face this test of disease in our land, we pray that you will hear our prayer, O Lord. Incline Thine ear to us and grant us Thy peace. Father we pray for our families and friends and for all those who have suffered sickness or lost loved ones due to the Coronavirus. We know that you are a physician and that you can deliver us, and we claim the victory in your precious Name. Please bless First AME Zion Church, our members and leaders as they stand as a witness for You in this time when some unbelievers see no hope. Thank you Lord for all that you have done in our lives and all that you will do. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen. Song of Praise - Hold to God's Unchanging Hand Tithes and Offerings – Givelify.com (Download Givelify to your Smartphone) or mail your tithes and offerings to First AMEZ Church, 95 S. 20th Street, San Jose CA 95116 Announcements – 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 City of San Jose, our on-site services will be suspended on March 22 and 29. This includes bible study and choir rehearsals for that period. Our next on-site service will be on the first Sunday, April 5, 2020. Sermonic Scripture Reading - Matthew 27:46 Hymn of Preparation - Were You There ? Sermon This week we will continue with our series on the Seven Last Sayings from the Cross. On the three Sundays before this message, our text taught us from the first Three Sayings from the Cross that (1) God is the God of Forgiveness, (2) God is the God who gives Salvation, and (3) God is the God of Affection. Today we will see that God hears our cries of Anguish. Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani ? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Our Topic for Today: ANGUISH As we approach this scene, we see that Jesus had done all that he could for us and now it was time to turn himself to his ultimate act and that was to die. He was alone and felt abandoned. We can understand Him crying out in Anguish and asking, “My God, my God, Why Hath Thou Forsaken Me?” Let’s look at what had happened to Jesus before this scene. He had suffered intensive physical pain, he had been whipped on Thursday night, beaten. On Friday morning they placed the cross on his shoulder and forced him to carry it up to Calvary. Because Jesus had said he was a king, they gave him a crown of thorns and pushed them into his head until he was bleeding. These were three of the darkest hours in history. It was not a cry AGAINST God, but a cry TO God. “My God, my God, why hath thou forsaken me?” Jesus knew what it was to be deserted. You remember that he had been deserted by his family. Jesus could handle the disciples abandoning him and his brothers and sisters not showing up. He could handle all of the religious folks walking around the cross and making fun of him. But this was the hardest thing to comprehend. He wasn’t sure he could handle being abandoned by God. On the surface it seems as if Jesus’ faith had failed. Hasn’t your faith failed at times and you believed that God had left you? Listen to the words carefully, he said, “MY GOD, MY GOD.” The double expression in the words of kinship, “My God, My God,” reveals his undying faith, his unhesitating faith, his unwavering faith in God. The renowned theologian, Charles Spurgeon puts it this way. “Even if you have forsaken me, I have not forsaken YOU.” Jesus knew that his mission was to die for a sin-sick world, and the hour that he had been living to die for had come and he faced it with certain knowledge. Jesus had to be forsaken, so we can be forgiven. Again, Jesus had to be forsaken, so we can be forgiven. The bible says in Isaiah 53:4, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. “ It tells us in the 5th verse, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” This assures us that we will always know the presence of God and have God’s help. You don’t believe me, then read Matthew 28:29 – “And I will be with you always.” Matthew who records the extreme loneliness of Jesus ends his Gospel with this promise of eternal companionship – “And I will be with you always.” Never, ever are we alone in our darkest moment. Never, ever are we alone in our suffering. Never, ever are we alone in the mist of our pain. One song writer put it this way, “I’ve seen the lightning flashing and heard the thunder roll. I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, trying to conquer my soul. I’ve heard the voice of Jesus, telling me still to fight on. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.” First Church you need to take this Word and hide it in your heart. “God turned against his son at that moment, so that he would not turn against you.” It was all a part of God’s plan – the crown of thorns on Jesus blessed head; the stripes on his bleeding back; the heavy cross on his shoulders, the final hour of his suffering. It was all for you – all for me. Our future and hope depended on this sacrifice. When you feel alone, abandoned, deserted, afraid – remember Jesus’ example. Cry out in the morning, in the mid-day, in the evening and in the darkest hour – My God, my God. Make it personal, God is your God. In God you will find Forgiveness. God is the God of your Salvation, God is a God of Affection, and God is your comfort in times of Anguish. Let nothing drive you from your faith in God. God is the same, yesterday, today and forever more. Amen. Invitation – Decision Time (If you wish to unite with our Church, please call (408) 688-6980.) 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. Expect the Best, Pastor Rogers [Videos may have some pop-up ads appear. Click on the video to turn the ads/video off.] Performed by CRC Worship Performed by Rev. Fleetwood Irving Performed by Alfred Street Baptist Church Performed by The Peguero Sisters Performed by Jessy Dixon

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FIRST AME ZION CHURCH VIRTUAL WORSHIP SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2020 Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for your presence today. God is great and greatly to be praised. Join with us as we lift our hands in praise and worship. Kneel with us as we give reverence to His presence and ask Him to abide with us. It is our sincere prayer that something will be said today that will enrich your life and help you to strengthen your walk with Christ. And, if you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we invite you now to extend your hand virtually to us and to give your heart to Christ. C all to Worship and Invocation O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. Come, sing praises to God! Rejoice in His presence! For He is our God: a Father to the fatherless, and the defender of all who need protection; the One in whom the lonely find a home, and the prisoner finds release. Bless the Lord, the God of our salvation, who sustains and strengthens us. Song of Inspiration – Jesus Will Scripture Reading (Acts 16:1-6, 9, 10 NIV) 1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers. 6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 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. 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. Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer – The Battle Is Not Yours Its the Lords 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, Brother Daniel, Sister Simone, Presiding Elder Rogers Our Beloved Heavenly Father, It is once more and again that we come into your Holy Presence. We come with a bowed head and a heart heavy with remorse for the sins that we have committed against Thee. We beg your forgiveness and ask that you renew within us a spirit to be more steadfast in keeping your commandments and doing your will. As we go into another week of uncertainty and doubt, we ask that you lead and direct us. We pray that you will be a hedge of protection around us. We pray that your loving hand will guide us away from those things of the world that would hurt us and that you steer us to your place of safety and refuge. Lord, we pray for those who are less fortunate. Those who find themselves on the margins of life. Those who feel lonely and afraid. We ask that you will give us the courage to extend our hand to them so that they might see your love and tenderness through our actions and deeds. Heavenly Father, We bow before you with a contrite spirit as we approach Your throne of grace. Father, we pray for our families and friends and for all those who are sick and suffering through the Coronavirus. We know that you are a physician and that you can deliver us, and we claim the victory in your precious Name. Please bless First AME Zion Church, our members, and our leaders as they stand as a witness for You. We pray special blessings for our Pastor and Presiding Elder, Rogers that he will remain steadfast and unmovable as he serves you. Amen. Song of Praise - Don't Wait 'Til the Battle is Over 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 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 Givelify.com (Download Givelify to your Smartphone) or mail your tithes and offerings to First AMEZ Church, 95 S. 20th Street, San Jose CA 95116 ​ Sermonic Scripture Reading - 1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed for the people spake of stoning him because the soul of all the people was greived , every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. (King James Version) Song of Preparation - Jehovah Sabaoth (God of Angels Armies) Sermon - Pastor Rogers Getting Fit for the Battle: Encourage Yourself I like this scripture and history of David because it reminds us of how we are to encourage ourselves. Yes, it’s good when people encourage you – but there are times when people you have trusted and befriended get so bitter you just have to encourage yourself. That’s what happened to David. This kind of “defeat” can happen so fast that you forget that the battle is not yours – it’s the Lords! So, in your dismay, you start trying to please this one—and that one – and this group – and the other group – and, as Yolanda Adams says, “life has no meaning” and, even more than that, life starts to play tricks on you. Sometimes it seems like everything we touch goes wrong! We – like old man Job – sit around and scratch our heads and wonder where we went wrong. If by chance you fall somewhere within these words, then I come to tell you this. God has placed you wherever you are for a purpose and HIS will must be done! In 1st Samuel, Chapter 16, we find that God was sick of Saul reigning as King of Israel. So, HE sent the Prophet Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be King. Jesse had eight sons, but God chose David, the youngest. Now God knew that David would obey him because he had already used David. And we read in Chapter 17 that David smote Goliath with his slingshot and took Goliath’s sword and cut his head off. Th ere are some Goliaths still around. That’s the way it is today – you are trying to do what’s right and stay strong, but those “Goliaths” in your life won’t leave you alone. You may say to yourself, “I thought I had gotten things together, but Goliath keeps messing with me . I went to work on Friday and Goliath met me at my job.” Church, Unfortunately, we all face some Goliaths! So, in spite of what men or animals had tried to do to David -- he always came out ahead because God had ordained that he would be king of Israel. Now here in this scripture text, we find David at Aphek with the Philistines. This time he was trying to fight against Saul. But, because of jealousy, he and his men were sent back home to Ziklag without going into battle. When they arrived home they discovered that, while they had been away, the enemy had come in and burned their city and took their wives and children captive to sell them as slaves in Egypt. Chapter 30, verse 4 says: “Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.” In other words, they cried until they could not cry anymore. This brings us to our scripture text 1 Samuel 30:6, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” David realized that he could place little confidence in people. They were talking about “stoning” him. But because David knew that what had happened to his people while he was away was not his fault, he went to God in prayer. David took strength from the Lord. David knew that sitting there crying was not the answer to his problems. Feeling sorry for himself was not the solution to his trouble. The men were mad and wanted to kill him, but David took courage in the Lord. The Word says, “And David inquired at the Lord.” What happened was that for a short time, David had let God’s promise to him slip from his mind. So, he began to despair. Listen, First Church, we must not lose sight of the promise. What promise? “I will never leave you or forsake you. As I was with Moses, so shall I be with thee.” David had been commissioned by the Lord to do a work . Remember First Church’s Mission Statement and what Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20, 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” I don’t care what men say or do, don’t let fear cause you to lose sight of what God has commissioned you to do or on his PROMISE. You’ve got to be prayed up because people will try to harm you. If you’re not prayed up, you’ll fall into their traps. Listen, David almost fell for the Okie-Doke when they tried to stone him to death. But, thanks be to God, he remembered to encourage himself. And, when he did, he remembered he could not die then because God’s purpose had to be done and his Word must be fulfilled. I know you are afraid sometimes. I hear the lions roar, but we serve a mighty God and he can shut the lion’s jaws. When life seems hard to bear, just ask the question that David asked, “What would you have me to do?” David prayed to God: “What shall I do?” Have you ever been at that point? “Lord here I am – standing out here on your Word. What shall I do? Shall I sit still, or shall I move? Shall I pursue? Church, trials and dangers come in your life where the only wise thing to do is to be quiet, patient, and passive. Your strength is in your ability to sit still. I hear somebody saying, “I can’t sit still Pastor. I’ve got to fight my battle.” Well, I told you earlier, it is not your battle. You belong to God and when satan is attacking, it’s God’s battle. God says, “Be still and know that I am God .” Yes, after David returned home to see the destruction and realized that his own wives had been taken -- David prayed and asked the Lord, “Shall I chase them? Will I catch them?” And, the Lord answered, “Yes.” Church, because David had a little talk with the Lord, responded to God’s direction, encouraged himself, and remembered the promise, he was blessed and the men who wanted to stone him were blessed through David. They got their families back and all their goods, and everything that the enemy had taken from them. Another man who can testify as to God’s presence with us in battle is Daniel. You know Daniel. He was the one in the lion’s den. Listen to Daniel’s testimony as he tells us what happened to him. Daniel says, • They tried to beat me down, but I didn’t stop praying. • It was my duty to pray three times a day – Psalm 55:17 says that ‘I am to pray evening, morning and noon.’ So, I prayed and cried, and cried and prayed and the Lord heard my voice. • They threw me in the lion’s den. I didn’t fight. I didn’t cuss them out. I just laid down and went to sleep. I made a pillow out of that old lion because it was not my battle to fight him. We’ve had some doubtful times, but I’m here to encourage us to keep our trust in the Lord. We’re going to make it through our trials and tribulations. We have seen him at work. We are confident that He is with us. God has been with us all of our lives and He is still in the blessing business. We know what God can do. When things seem impossible, encourage yourself. The Roberta Martin Singers put it this way: Have you any rivers that you think are uncrossable? Have you any mountains that you can’t tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible, and He’ll do, what no other power, Holy Ghost Power, can do. Have you any afflictions that seem incurable and the doctors have done all they can do? God specializes in healing all kind of diseases, and He’ll do what no other power, Holy Ghost Power, can do. My brothers and sisters, whatever the battle is in your life, you have to be like David and Daniel, get fit for the battle, and encourage yourself. Amen. 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. Performed by First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Youth Choir ​ Performed by Yolanda Adams Performed by Howard University Gospel Choir Performed by Donald Lawrence and Oakwood University Church, Brittany Stewart, Soloist Invitation to 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. Performed by Jessy Dixon Click icon for sound Performed by Jessy Dixon

First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship Sunday, October 4, 2020 The Call to Worship and Invocation ​ We come into your house this morning, praising your faithfulness, giving thanks for your mercy, seeking your joy. Heavenly Father, we magnify and lift your Holy Name. We thank you for this day of life and vow to worship You with a heart of praise. Fill us with Your peace today. Amen. ​ ​ ​ ​ Morning Hymn -- Holy, Holy, Holy ​ ​ ​ Performed by Cape Town Massed 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 -- Matthew 26:26-36 ​ 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. 30 And when they had sung an hymn , they went out into the mount of Olives. 31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. 33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. 36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. ​ Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- I Need Thee 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, Rev. Wesley and Karen Myles, in the passing of Rev. Myles' father, and all those who are suffering with COVID-19. ​ Dear Heavenly Father, ​ We come before you on this Sunday morning with thanksgiving and praise. Father, we adore You and magnify Your Name. You are greatly to be praised for laying down your life for us, our sins and our transgressions. Lord, we pray that you will forgive our acts, words and deeds that were not pleasing in Your sight. We pray that You will continue to lead and guide us as we face the many challenges that this life presents. We come now with a fervent plea for this land. We have come short and are not worthy to gather the crumbs from under your Holy table, yet You feed and comfort us and for that we are grateful. Now Lord, we leave this place of worship with a renewed spirit and commitment to love one another and to serve You. Amen. Song of Praise - The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power Performed by First Baptist Church of Glenarden 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 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ October is Pastors Appreciation Month. Please remember our Pastor in your prayers. 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 African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is committed to increasing civic participation by actively participating in the voting process. Project 100 initiative is to have all of the AME Zion churches actively engaged in the voting process. ​ Special thanks to Barry and Sylvia Stokes for volunteering to assist those who need assistance in getting their ballots to the poll. The Sermonic Scripture - Psalm 30:5 ​ For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. ​ ​ Song of Preparation -- This Morning When I Rose Performed by Deborah Joy Winans Sermon -- In The Morning Pastor Rogers Click Music Icon for Sound Invitation to Christian Discipleship ​ T he 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 p resence 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.

First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship Sunday, January 10, 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 -- Pass Me Not ​ Performed by Pastor E. Dewey Smith ​ ​ 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 -- Ephesians 3:1-12 NIV (1 st Sunday Epiphany Season) ​ 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— ​ 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, ​ 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. ​ 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, ​ 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. ​ 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. ​ 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. ​ 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, ​ 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. ​ 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, ​ 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. ​ Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- Pray for Me Performed by The Late Pastor Rance Allen 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, ​ We kneel before you today, asking for your forgiveness of our sins and transgressions. The thank you for the opportunity to assemble once again to give thanks and praise unto your Name. Heavenly Father, we do not consider ourselves worthy to gather the crumbs from under Thy holy table, yet you have had mercy upon us and granted us favor in Thy sight. Today we pray for those on our prayer list and plead that you will cover and protect those who are sick and be a comfort to those who have lost loved ones. We know that Your comfort will sustain them and minister to their brokeness in this hour of grief. First Church needs you, Lord. We need your guidance and your direction. Teach us oh Lord how to praise and worship you in the spirit of oneness and give us a renewed spirit for serving you. As we go forward in the week ahead, do not let us faulter, be our buckler and shield. Bind our hearts together with your love that we may stand as a church united to fulfill our mission to reach souls for Christ. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen. ​ Song of Praise -- Thank You Lord Performed by Bishop Paul Morton and Mary Mary 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 ​ Please mark your calendar for Saturday, January 23, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Zoom Check-Up Meeting. All First Church Officers are asked to attend. ​ 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 37:1-5 ​ 1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, ​ 2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. ​ 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. ​ 4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. ​ 5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: ​ (King James Version) Song of Preparation -- Oh to be Kept by Jesus Performed by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Houston TX - Dr. Marcus Cosby, Pastor Sermon -- A Message for the Hopeless ​ Click icon for sound Invitation to Christian Discipleship ​ T he 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 p resence 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.