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

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, 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.

FIRST AME ZION CHURCH VIRTUAL WORSHIP SUNDAY , AUGUST 16, 2020 ​ C all to Worship and Invocation ​ Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. The Lord is in His Holy Temple, let all the earth be silent before him. ​ Song of Inspiration – I Will Trust in the Lord ​ ​ ​ 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 3:13-21) ​ 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. ​ Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer – What a Friend We Have in Jesus ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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, Ernest Woodard, and Mrs.Georgette Gale and Family, Mrs. Kathi Pinkard and Family, and the Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, Oakland, in the passing of their loved ones, Bishops Staccato Powell and George D. Crenshaw, and Presiding Elder Rogers ​ Most Gracious Father, It is First Church, Lord, and once more, and again we come into Your holy presence with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts. We acknowledge our many-fold blessings and our unworthiness of your grace and mercy. We pray that you will forgive us of our sins against You and that You will give us a clean heart, one that will let us serve You in spirit, truth and love. We are hard-pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. We know that You have all things in Your hands. We are persuaded that You can and will bring us through our circumstances. God, we pray for the safety and blessing of our families and friends. We petition Your direction in our lives as we go about life's day to day activities. You have been our friend and Savior and we know that You will never leave us nor forsake us. So, God, show Yourself mighty and strong in those areas where we are weak. Continue to be a hedge around us and we will forever give You the honor and praise. Amen. ​ ​ ​ ​ Song of Praise - Oh How I Love Jesus ​ 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 Board of Bishops of the AME Zion Church has announced the assignment of Bishop George D. Crenshaw as Presiding Bishop of the Western Episcopal District. Welcome, Bishop Crenshaw to California and the First AME Zion Church, San Jose. ​ Sermonic Scripture Reading - Matthew 9:2 2And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. (King James Version) ​ Mark 2:3 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a stretcher. (The Living Bible) ​ Luke 5:20 ​ 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, "My friend, your sins are forgiven." (The Living Bible) ​ ​ Song of Preparation - He's That Kind of Friend Performed by Pastor E. Dewey Smith Performed by Tramaine Hawkins Performed by Pastor E. Dewey Smith Performed by Community SDA of Englewood, NJ ​ Sermon - Friends Helping Friends Pastor Rogers CLICK SCREEN, 2 minute delay on start of sermon 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, December 20, 2020 The Call to Worship and Invocation ​ For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we pray for hope, joy, peace, and Love. Morning Hymn -- Emmanuel ​ Performed by First Baptist Church of Glenarden ​ ​ 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 -- Isaiah 7:10-14 10 Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” 12But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” ​ 13 Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? ​ 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. ​ ​ Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Lighting of the Love Candle ​ ​ ​ Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child Performed by House of Hope ​ 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, Alisha Taliafero, Brother Joe and Sister Mary Brown (Kyles Temple Sacramento), Stephanie Brown, Anthony Brown and Family, Marion Burrus and Family, Devan Bartlow, Lawrence Meeks; and, Audrey Fambro and Family, Gerald Nelson and Family, Connie Nunez and Family, and Carol Goode, in the loss of their loved ones. ​ Dear Heavenly Father, ​ As we approach the celebration of your birth, we are blessed to have your presence in our lives. Father, we adore you and worship your holy name. Dear Lord, we confess our sins and shortcomings and pray that you will forgive us. We are truly sorry for doing those things that we were not to do, and not doing those things that you commanded us to do. ​ We pray for the sick and shut-in among us. Today we ask your bountiful blessings on the Browns of Sacramento in their time of health crisis. We know that you are able to bring healing. We also ask for your mercy for those who are undertaken by sin and who don't know you in the pardon of their sins. We intercede on their behalf and pray that they will come to know you as their saving, heavenly Father. ​ As we go through the next few days, we pray that you will be with us. Please Lord, release our minds from worry and doubt and let us celebrate your birth, realizing that you are the balm that we so desperately need. Father, touch our church, please give us those things that we stand in need of, and let us learn to be content in all circumstances. Bless our Pastor and please be a hedge of protection around him. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen. Song of Praise -- Children Go Where I Send Thee Performed by The Church Without Walls Men's Chorus, Dr. Michael McFrazier, Director 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 ​ Pastor and First Lady, Rogers wish you a joyous and blessed Christmas. ​ 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 - John 3:16 ​ ​ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ​ ​ Song of Preparation -- Special Gift Performed by Bishops Yvette Flunder, Walter Hawkins and The Love Center Choir Sermon -- What Have You Done With The Gift? Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor First AME Zion Church San Jose 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, December 13.2020 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 Advent season, 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 -- Amazing Grace ​ Performed by various singers from 50 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 -- 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. ​ Second Sunday of Advent: The Lighting of the Love Candle ​ ​ ​ Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- Performed by House of Hope Men's Choir 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, Connie Nunez in the loss of her father, and Mrs. Carol Goode in the loss of her husband, Jerome Goode. ​ Dear Heavenly Father, ​ This morning we stand in the need of prayer. Each of us bows in humble submission to Your will for our lives. You are a just and forgiving God and we beg your forgiveness for our sins. Every day life as we know it has been turned upside down. Jobs are few and, for most, the financial projection is grim. Yet, Lord, we turn to you because we know you are able to heal our land. Father, we magnify Your Holy name. It is once more that we pause to tell you how much we love and adore you. We take this time to pray that you will forgive us for the sins that we have committed against thee. Dear God, First Church wants a new touch and a stirring up of our determination to serve you and to do your will. We need you to lead and to guide us. ​ Now Lord, we lift up the names on our prayer list. We ask that you keep your loving arms of protection around them. And, for those who are not on the list, but are seeking privately to have you comfort their minds, we ask that you will fulfill their needs, giving them the desires of their hearts. We pray for comfort and ease for every troubled spirit and mind. ​ As we look forward to this coming week, we do so knowing that you are our strength and our redeemer. Please Father hear our fervent prayer and be with us. This we ask in your darling Son's name, Jesus Christ. Amen. ​ Song of Praise -- Children, Go Where I Send Thee Performed by Spellman College Glee Club 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 ​ Today at 1:00 p.m., we will convene our second Quarterly Conference. All members amenable to the Conference, please be in attendance. Please go to Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84904831262 ​ ​ 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 - Ephesians 2:1-10 ​ 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the Gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. ​ 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (King James Version) Song of Preparation -- God's Grace ​ is Sufficient Performed by Bishop G. E. Patterson Meditation Performed by Rev. Renee L. Rogers Sermon -- Salvation by Grace ​ 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.

Shelter in Place Worship Guide Sunday, May 3, 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 -- Sweet, Sweet Spirit Performed by Doris Akers 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. 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 Performed by Rev. James Cleveland 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, Curtis and Faye Bomar, Jean Wilson and Family, Pinkie Westry, Brother Daniel, Lowe's Employees and Families at Cottle Store Dear Heavenly Father, We come before you on this beautiful day with thanksgiving and praise. 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, as we enter another month "Shelter In Place" we enter it with the assurance that You are with us and that You are our constant source of protection. It is with this belief in Your Word that we pray in the most precious Name of Jesus. Amen. Song of Praise - Something Got a Hold of Me Performed by Detroit Mass 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 Congratulations to Dr. Tammi Love on receiving her Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with a Biblical Perspective from Regent University. The Board of Bishops has announced that the 51st Quadrannium General Conference will be rescheduled for 2021. Details will be provided at a later date. 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 are suspended until further notice. This includes Bible Study and choir rehearsals. Our next on-site service to be announced. The Sermonic Scripture - Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. (KJV) ​ “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we don’t know what you mean. What is the Holy Spirit?” (TLB) Song of Preparation -- Holy Ghost Power Performed by the Chicago Mass Choir Sermon Pastor Rogers - The Missing Ingredient Click Music icon for sound INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP - Now is the time when we offer Christ to you. If you wish to unite with our Church, please call (408) 688-6980. Please celebrate our virtual Communion be clicking the Communion button below. COMMUNION

First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship Sunday, May 9, 2021 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY The Call to Worship and Invocation ​ This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. On this Mother's Day, we thank our Heavenly Father for the life and love of every mother. We praise Your Name for the blessings that You so richly bestowed upon us. Amen. ​ ​ Morning Hymn -- Oh, How I Love Jesus ​ 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 -- 1 John 5:1-5, 11 (6th Sunday in Eastertide) 5 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. ​ 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. ​ 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. ​ 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. ​ 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? ​ 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Amen. ​ Altar Call/Pastoral Prayer -- I Still Hear Mama Praying Performed by Chester D.T. Baldwin ​ 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, Mrs. Barbara Hill, Beola Baker, J. Johnson, David Williams, and Donna Rouse and Family ​ Dear Heavenly Father, ​ It is again Heavenly Father that we approach Thy throne of grace. We come with adoration and thanksgiving for all your blessings and grace towards us. We are not worthy to gather up the crumbs from under your Holy table, yet you feed us and fulfill all our needs. ​ First Church thanks you for the mothers in our church. We thank you for the gift of motherhood. We praise and thank your namr for those women who have not birthed a child, but serve as mothers. Dear Jesus, we pray your forgiveness for all our sins, individually and collectively, as we all have sinned and fallen short of your word. Dear God, please accept our repentant spirit and grant unto us a better understanding of your will and your way. We want to be better disciples and live out your love through our lives. ​ Now God, some of us are heavy laden today -- death has taken our loved ones and we are sad. Others of us are suffering health issues and financial burdens, but we know that you have all power in your hands and that you will provide our every need. We pray Lord for the desires of our heart and we pray for a stronger determination to serve and follow thee. ​ Now as we approach this coming week, be with us Lord and give us the strength and courage that we need to face this dying world. We thank you Lord for the healing of our land from the horrible reality of the coronavirus pandemic. Open our eyes that we may see that you are the Living God and besides you there is none other. Let this be our testimony as we move forward in our homes, schools, and places of work and recreation. ​ These and many other blessings we pray in Jesus holy and righteous name. Amen and thank God. ​ Song of Praise -- Grandma's Hands ​ Performed by Y'Anna Crawley 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 Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mothers of First Church. My prayer is that God will continue to bless and keep you. Pastor Rogers ​ Please mark your calendar for June 10. That is the first day of our Zoom Annual Conference 2021. ​ 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 -- Luke 2:6-7 and John 19:25-2 7 ​ Luke: ​ 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. ​ 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ​ 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. ​ John: ​ 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! ​ 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. ​ ​ ​ Song of Preparation -- Stay with the Lord 02 - Stay With the Lord (feat. Pastor Ro Performed by Pastor Robert Lyons , Refreshing Fountain COGIC Sermon -- A Mother's Heart: Our Refuge from the Cradle to the Grave Ronald L. Rogers, Pastor Luke 2:6-7 and John 19:25-27 A Mothers Heart: Our Refuge from the Cradle to the Grave ​ ​ 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 20, 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 – Yield Not to Temptation Scripture Reading (II Corinthians 5:17-6:2) 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 6 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) ​ 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 – Lead Me, Guide Me 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. ​ Heavenly Father, We thank you for your grace and mercy. You have allowed our time to roll on, despite the threat of the coronavirus. You have kept a hedge around us and for that we are grateful. Many of us have suffered anxiety, loneliness and frustration. Our minds have been consumed by all of the news that threatens our life as we know it. Some have lost jobs and others have experienced the loss of relationships and comradery. Yet we bow before you to say thank you. Please forgive us for our sins and for our moments of doubt. We pray that we have faith so that we can wake up each morning with our minds stayed on You. Help us to be beacons of light in our families and in the communities where we live. As we look to next week with anticipation of your love and protection, we pray that you will lead and guide us in the way that you would have us to go. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen. Song of Praise - Faith Is ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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 – There will be Members Meeting with Bishop George D. Crenshaw on Tuesday night, September 22. Check your email for details. 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 - Luke 4:3 "And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread." Luke 4:6-7 ​ 6"And the devil said unto him, ‘All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it." 7"If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." ​ Luke 4:9 - 11 ​ 9 “And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: 10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: 11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” ​ ​ ​ ​ Song of Preparation - Have Faith in God Sermon -- Is Your Faith on Trial ? Pastor Rogers ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Performed by Chris Turner Performed by Velma Willis Performed by Rev. James Moore, and Gayle Arbuckle Performed by Dottie Peoples 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 on Icon for sound

First AME Zion Church Virtual Worship Sunday, July 5, 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 -- My Faith Looks Up to Thee P erformed by the Alfred Street Baptist Church, Trinity Choir 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. 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 Performed by The Aeolians Oakwood University 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 Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you, thank you, for your undying mercy toward us. We come before you with thanksgiving and praise in our hearts for this beautiful day. We are not worthy to gather the crumbs from under your table, and Lord, we pray that You will forgive us of our sins and things that we have done that were not pleasing in Your sight. We pray that You will continue to direct us, keep our hearts and minds stayed on Thee. We face many unknown obstacles, but we are confident that You will go before us and protect us on this life's journey. ​ We come again pleading for this land. We are troubled by the sin of racism and are plagued by the coronavirus. We seek Your face and ask that You hear our prayer and heal our land. Lord, as some of our communities go into yet another phase of restriction, we know that You are with us and that You are our constant source of protection. We pray this prayer in the most precious Name of Jesus. Amen. Song of Praise - Every Praise Performed by Hezekiah Walker and the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Young Adult 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 The Bay Cities District Planning Meeting will be held via Zoom, July 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Please watch your email for an invitation to the meeting. Also, 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 - Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Song of Preparation -- Great is Your Mercy Performed by Donnie McClurkin Sermon -- To Whom Much Is Given Pastor Rogers John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, once said, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” I don’t attribute this to him as an original thought, but I do credit him for expressing this truism. He not only believed this truth in theory, but he lived it. He had been given the awesome responsibility of being president of the United States of America. And, ultimately, he became the victim of a gunman in Dallas, Texas. A man born of society’s privilege, wealth, and prestige, gave up his life. Kennedy is not the only person we can recall who has made this prolific statement. ​ Andrew Young, an African American civil rights activist, former politician, and a pastor, born in 1932, put it this way: “To whom much is given, much is required - not expected, but required.” Young is still living, but it is evident that he not only made the statement, but he is willingly living it. He says, “It is a blessing to die for a cause because you can so easily die for nothing.” ​ But just for a second, notice the difference in these two statements. One says that much is “expected”; the other says, much is “required.” We can all agree that there is a big difference between being expected and being required. ​ A simple illustration of that difference is that you “expect” your children to get good grades in school, but you “require” your children to go to Church. The expectation may not happen, in fact it is defined as regarded as likely; anticipated, but the requirement, defined as “officially compulsory, or otherwise considered essential” must happen. ​ Perhaps this distinct difference is why Luke, the physician, is translated to say in Chapter 12, verse 48(b) Contemporary English Version, ​ “If God has been generous with you, he will expect you to serve him well. But if he has been more than generous, he will expect you to serve him even better.” ​ But the King James translation of this same scripture speaks strongly to this point: ​ “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” ​ The question that may be in some of our minds this morning is what is an example of someone who was “given much”? Let’s search the scriptures for an answer. ​ Turn to Genesis 12:1-6, we see where God spoke to Abram and tells him to “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” ​ Later we see in the 15th Chapter that Abram “believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Not only was Abraham blessed spiritually, but he gained immense material wealth. In fact, he was said to be rich in gold, silver, and cattle. Back in that time, having these material possessions was like being the owner of a multi-billion-dollar business. ​ Even though he was financially sound, Abraham continued to profess his faith to the Lord, and his possessions became even greater and God continued to bless him in many ways. During this time, he had shared the land where he lived and had his cattle with his nephew Lot. ​ But, Abraham continued to accumulate possessions and he was forced to separate from Lot because the land area became too small. Despite the fact that everyone associated with Abraham also had material wealth, Lot became envious of his uncle. ​ Abraham had married Sarai and moved to Gerah. When he learns the King there was interested in his wife, to avoid any kind of conflicts in this new territory, Abraham introduces Sarai as his sister and not as his wife. The King takes Sarai into his harem as his wife and gives Abraham all kinds of animals to win his friendship and trust. Even with all of this wealth and Sarai as his wife, the King finds himself cursed by God and asked Abraham for an explanation. ​ This is when we see the turn from much being given, to much being required. Abraham tells the King the truth about Sarai and the King is forced to give Sarai back to Abraham. He gives her back and banishes Abraham and his family from Egypt. ​ After many years and life changes, God asks Abraham to make a sacrifice as proof of his faith and asks him to take his son, Isaac with him. Abraham goes with Isaac and a lamb to Moriah. ​ Finally, they arrive after three days walking and without the lamb which had gotten lost along the way. Since there is no lamb to sacrifice, God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son. ​ God was very decisive in his requirement. He wasn’t just “expecting” Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, but he was requiring that Abraham sacrifice him. ​ Church, there is a time when we must lay aside every weight and put it all on the altar for God. Because of his obedience, God restored Abraham’s wealth and reputation. ​ Abraham was not the only one of whom much was required. Sometimes when we talk about biblical characters, it seems so far-fetched. Surely, God has given some modern-day believers “much”. ​ When we consider the book of Matthew, we read of the three men whose Master had given them talents. One received five, one received two and one received a single talent. The first two men trusted that they would be favored in investing their talents, and each of them doubled their investment. But the one who received one talent must have been skeptical and he went and “digged in the earth and hid his Lord’s money.” ​ When the Lord returned he said to the first two men, “Well done; good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things and I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord.” But to the won who squandered his talents, the lord said, “Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed.” The one talent was taken from him and given to the other two men and they had abundance and the other nothing. Well Pastor that’s still old school. What about now. You remember Robert Smith, the billionaire who gave grants to pay off student loan debt for all Morehouse graduates in the Class of 2019. Smith was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. ​ His parents were school teachers. He grew up in a predominantly African American, middle-class neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. He even went to public school. He applied for an internship at Bell Labs but was told the program was intended for college students. Smith persisted, calling each Monday for five months. When a student from M.I.T. did not show up, he got the position, and that summer he developed a reliability test for semiconductors. ​ From then on, it was doubling his opportunities, and today he is a billionaire. Smith learned the principle early – to whom much is given, much is required. He worked hard to reach his personal achievements and he worked even harder to secure enough to help someone else. He knew that much was required of him as a Black man in this racist society and as a human being, spreading the love of God throughout the land. ​ Another man who lives a life that tells the story of “to whom much is given, much is required” is Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston, Texas. I first met Mayor Turner as a member of The Church Without Walls after Hurricane Katrina. On Easter Sunday, 2017, the Church’s Bingle Campus re-opened and there on the front row of worshippers was Sylvester Turner. He was Mayor at that time, and his name was legendary throughout the City. ​ He was born in 1954, in Houston, as the sixth of nine children, and was raised in the Acres Homes community in northwest Houston. Turner attended public school in Houston and later joined Harvard Law School in 1980. In an interview, Turner said, ​ “I didn’t realize I was poor, until people told me I was. My parents always found a way to make sure there was food on the table.” ​ One of the things you should know about Turner is that he was raised in the Church and remained dedicated to God. In spite of his meager beginnings, Sylvester Turner knew the scripture, “To whom much is given, much is required.” ​ Mayor Turner is a passionate speaker about God, the Bible, and Jesus’ commandment to “love thy neighbor.” He can be seen on any given Sunday morning on the front row of the sanctuary, shouting out and praising God. He lives daily to return those talents many-fold that were given to him. ​ One act of faith that was questioned by the politicians and skeptics of Houston was creating a $95,000 per year paid internship for a minority student. This was reported in October 2019 when he was in the middle of a run-off race for Mayor. Many believed that because of this act, he would fail as Mayor of Houston and serve only one term. But, God – Praise be to God, Sylvester Turner won the 2020 election and is serving a second four-year term. That is just how God works. Just as God said to Abraham, “I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you,” he did the same thing for Sylvester Turner. ​ I’m a living witness that God will bless you. I often wonder how a little boy from Jacksonville, North Carolina could wind up as the Pastor of a church and now presiding elder? But, then when I think about God and his goodness, I know just how it happened. ​ I can thank my mother, Nancy for introducing me to Jesus when I was a little tot. I can thank Jesus for blessing me. I can thank an uncle-in-law for knowing the Word of God and helping me through college. I can recall how I learned to share with others and how to give a helping hand without being asked. God is true to his word. I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread. ​ He is our rock, our strong tower – He is the wheel in the middle of the wheel. He is our bread when we’re hungry and our bridge over troubled water God is our all and all. He has given us food and shelter from the storm and the rain. We can trust and believe in God because He started it all. He gave us his Son, Jesus Christ to live among us here on earth. To be a living example of what it means to be blessed and cursed. ​ Jesus went about doing good, magnifying God by His sinless life. Jesus gave sight to the blind; he healed the sick and raised the dead. He knew that much was required of him. So, one day when God needed a sacrifice to die for the sins of man, Jesus – sweet Jesus – accepted that call. He decided to die, just to save you and me. It must have been a miserable death to hang there on a rugged cross, flanked by two malefactors. Yet, even in dying he took time to pray for them who were killing him – Father forgive them for they know not what they do. And, he hung there long enough to offer salvation to a thief giving him eternal life and telling him that “today you will be with me in paradise.” ​ What more could He do? He hung his head in the lock of his shoulders and gave up the ghost. He gave his precious life for us. To whom much is given, much is required. ​ What are you willing to give today? What is required of you? ​ You’ve been given life, a home, a family, a job, a friend, a spouse, a confidant. You’ve been given chance after chance to renew and rebuild; ​ You’ve seen it over and over again where God has blessed you and kept you from all hurt, harm and danger. ​ What have you given? My brothers and sisters much is required. ​ Take a look in the rear-view mirror of your life. Are you fulfilling your requirement? Are you worshipping week after week, only to keep the goodness of God and the life of salvation a secret to yourself? ​ You may say, I’ve never trusted in God before or believed that I was in his presence. Well, it is not too late. If you hear my voice today and you’ve not accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, this is your time to give your life to Christ. God wants to bless you. He is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20) Amen. ​ INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP - Now is the time when we offer Christ to you. If you wish to unite with our Church, please call (408) 688-6980. Please celebrate our virtual Communion be clicking the Communion button below. COMMUNION

All worship services, events, meetings, and activities have been suspended until Sunday June 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. First Church is praying for you.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE WORSHIP GUIDE SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020 Welcome to First AME Zion Church San Jose. Your presence brings us great joy. We thank God for you and pray that you are blessed by this worship experience. The Call to Worship and Invocation The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Bless us as we enter Your holy presence on this Pentecost Sunday. Morning Hymn – Yield Not to Temptation Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin; Each victory will help you some other to win; Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue, Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through. (Refrain) Ask the Savior to help you, Comfort, strengthen and keep you; He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through. Shun evil companions, bad language disdain, God’s Name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain; Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true, Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through. To him that o’ercometh , God giveth a crown; Through faith we will conquer, Though often cast down; He who is our Savior, Our strength will renew; Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through. Scripture Reading (Jeremiah 31:31-34 ) 31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “ I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” 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 -- Give Me a Clean Heart 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, Curtis and Faye Bomar, Jean Wilson and Family, Pinkie Westry, Paula Westry, and Brother Daniel 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 Lord is Blessing Me Right Now 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 Announcements Congratulations to Pastor Rogers on his appointment as Presiding Elder of the Bay Cities District. We thank God for his leadership at First Church and pray God's blessings as he leads the Bay Cities District. Regarding our Church reopening, Bishop Staccato Powell sends this message : “We concur with Bishop Kenneth Monroe’s message to encourage his people to embrace “A Place Called Wait.” . . . “A Place Called Wait” allows us time for reflection. I am urging our pastors and people to not assemble indoors until further notice. . . We must acknowledge the sovereignty of God. Simply stated, God is in charge, not mayors, governors, presidents, presiding elders, pastors, or bishops, for which we are delighted. Thank you for adhering to these directives. Continue to stay focused, serve faithfully, and stand firm. Please check your text messages and email for further updates on the events and news about the schedule for all local AMEZ services. Sermonic Scripture Reading -- Romans 8:28 A nd we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Song of Preparation -- That's When You Bless Me Performed by L.A. Mass Choir ​ Performed by Chris Turner ​ Performed by First Baptist Church of Glenarden's Youth Choir Sermon -- The Benefits of Delay Pastor Rogers About 35 years ago, I heard Dr. E. K. Bailey from Concord Church in Dallas, Texas preach a sermon titled, “The Discipline of Delay.” I will never forget that sermon. He preached to a crowded noon-day service of the Bay Cities Baptist Ministers’ City-Wide Revival in Oakland. So, as I prepared this week’s sermon, the Spirit led me to bring to you the importance of understanding “The Benefits of Delay.” Have you ever been on a freeway and got stuck in traffic? Sometimes it doesn’t bother you as much as others. For example, it rattles me if I’m stuck on the freeway at 9:00 and I have another hour to drive and my meeting starts at 9:30. I’m not so concerned if I’m stuck on the freeway and I don’t have any specific time to get to my destination. Well, that’s the way that most of life work. Some delays seem devastating, while others seem to hold no consequence. Today we’re going to look at several passages that teach us about delay. I’m going to tag this text, “The Benefits of Delay.” One of the benefits of delay is that it gives us an opportunity to stop and ask ourselves, “What is the reason for this delay? Why is God putting what I want to do on hold? In today’s world, man has exalted himself to the point where he believes that he is above God. Man, in general, thinks that he is the all-and-all and that God is just someone he calls “the man upstairs,” or a “higher power.” But the truth is that God is God. In fact, he is a jealous God as found in Deuteronomy 4: 23, 24 says, “So watch yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which the Lord your God has commanded you. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” Man has such a big ego that he often takes all the credit for his accomplishments. You’ve heard people say, “I pulled myself up by my bootstraps” or “I made it because I didn’t let anybody, or anything get in my way.” This kind of thinking is dangerous when it excludes the power and presence of God in our lives. God allows us to experience triumphs, victories, wins, and successes when we use those things to glorify Him. Think about the story of Mary, Martha and their brother, Lazarus. They were all Jesus’ friends. Lazarus got sick. The Greek word for "sick", implies that his sickness was serious. Death threatened him, so the sisters immediately thought of the Lord Jesus, who had healed many strangers and certainly would come to the aid of one He loved. Lazarus lived in Bethany about two miles from Jerusalem. Christ had returned to Bethany east of the Jordan; but Christ did not leave Jerusalem right away. The bible says, “ therefore" Christ did not go, not because He did not love them, but because He did love them. They expected Jesus to come to them immediately because they knew that Jesus loved them. But Jesus knew that resurrection was a better testimony to the people than healing. He waited until Lazarus was dead so that His power and might to raise him from the dead would have a greater impact. You say, "It’s a strange kind of love that waits for two days before going to heal a friend that's dying". But His delay did not mean He didn't love them. Can you imagine love on the basis of time? This is what you might say: " Lord, You have 20 minutes to meet this need and if You don't, it's clear You don't love me". That would be ridiculous. You don't measure love on the basis of time. You wonder why the Lord lets time roll on as you rot in what seems like a dead situation – a dead job, a dead marriage, a financial grave – the reason for that is so that when he raises you above those situations, you will give him the glory. Your testimony ought to be that “all things work together for good to them that love God”. In Acts 24, we find an account of one of God's delays that we often experience. We think that something we want to have happen is just around the corner. Then as we move toward it we find that it seems to move away from us, recede from us, elude us. Sometimes it takes us months or years to reach a point which we thought was right there. So we have to take time to revisit the circumstance in our mind, to reflect on these circumstances. That is the way it was with the apostle Paul in Acts 24. In this text, we find a man named Felix who was in charge of the financial affairs of Rome. When Felix, adjourned the proceedings against Paul, he could have set him free. But, instead, he commanded Lysias the centurion to take Paul to prison and to keep Paul under guard, give him some freedom, and permit Paul’s friends to take care of his needs. Because of Paul’s open testimony about Jesus, Felix’s curiosity had been awakened and, as Luke tells us, Felix knew something about Christianity, and he wanted to hear more. So he keeps Paul in custody, even though he has every legal right to set him free. Felix had his reason for keeping Paul and God had His reason. God was using Felix as an instrument to carry out His purpose with Paul. This is the work of a loving, heavenly Father who is concerned with a beloved son. Remember that Paul, by disobedience, despite the consistent warnings of the Holy Spirit, had chosen the pathway which led to bonds and imprisonment. He had disobeyed the direct command of the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem. While imprisoned, Paul had time to reflect on his situation. There is a very instructive lesson here for us. It is simply that when we disobey God and are later forgiven, as Paul was forgiven and restored, that forgiveness does not change the pathway we have chosen. God doesn't eliminate the trials and the difficulties we have deliberately created for ourselves. He forgives us and what the forgiveness does is to restore to that pathway all the power and joy and gladness that was our experience before we walked in disobedience. You find that this is what happens here with Paul. When he was restored to the fellowship of his Lord by the appearance of the Lord Jesus to him in prison in Jerusalem, that pathway of imprisonment was not canceled. He remains a prisoner, and ahead of him lie two long, weary years of waiting in Caesarea, and three more in Rome, as a prisoner of the Lord. God doesn't eliminate that, but he does transform it into a fruitful and profitable experience for the apostle. The testimony here is that, even though he was bound as a prisoner, the fullness of God's power and glory is able to work in him just as freely through the channel of imprisonment as it did when he was free. The imprisonment was not comfortable. It added a good deal of agony and heartache to the apostle's own experience. But he accepted it as God's provision for him and found it to be no less the instrument of God's working and power than anything else he had experienced before. "God's delays are not God's denials". They are usually the means, which God uses to prepare us for something better. My God is always at work for the good of His people, and He is working in all things. One of the reasons that we have so much trouble realizing that there are rewards to enduring delays is that we are always in a hurry and God isn’t. Without a doubt, one of the lessons in God's school hardest to grasp is the rewards of God’s delay in our lives. In 1 Kings 17, Elijah found himself in a horrible situation. Can you imagine how Elijah must have felt when the brook that carried a stream of water, dried up? Remember in another sermon I told you it was alright to ask God WHY? Well here is a perfect example. Elijah asked, "Lord didn't you tell me to come here?" "How can I be in the center of your will and have a dried-up brook?" Can you imagine the thoughts that must have raced through Elijah's mind "Has God forgotten me? Have I taken a wrong step? Should I begin to make my own plans?" My, brothers and sisters, could it be that you're sitting by a drying brook today in the form of a diminishing business that is only a mirage? Are you wondering how you are going to exist after the water has disappeared? Then listen to these encouraging words, "And the word of the Lord came unto Elijah saying. Arise and get thee to Zarephath, . . . behold I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. " (2 Kings 17:9) Just sit tight! The testimony is that God's direction will surely come, guiding you to the next place of His provision, and proving to you that while the Lord never comes before His time, He never comes too late. As the old folks used to say, “He’s an on-time God, yes He is.” Too often we worry when we should wait, and we resist when we should resign. Often God's delays are explained when we recognize that God is teaching us the need for patience. This includes the things that perplex us and that pain us. The way God teaches us to be patient and wait on His rewards is to test and try us. The only way we can learn patience is to surrender and let God have His way. Perhaps the hardest place to be patient is in the furnace of suffering. A member who admitted that she had “many issues” asked her pastor, "Why has God made me this way"? He answered, "God has not made you. . . He is making you". Church, God continues to make us – to give us a better understanding of his will and of his way. God guides us through hard times and troubles. Every experience, every ordeal, every test, makes us more like His Beloved Son. Are you frustrated about a delay that you are enduring right now? Maybe God is speaking to you as He spoke in Hebrews 10:36, “You have need of patience that, after you have done the will of God, you shall receive the promise”. God’s delay in my life is not His denial. First Church learn to accept your delays, not as denials, but as opportunities for enrichment and advance. The ultimate reward is to be more and more like Jesus every day. To live this life so that we can sit at the right hand of the Father. Our reward is more than temporal. Our reward for remaining steadfast and unmovable even in the time of delays is the reward of Eternal Life on that day when we shall hear our Father say, “Good and obedient servant, good and disciplined servant, good and faithful servant, well done. Amen. Invitation to Discipleship The door of the church is open. Now is the time when we offer Christ to you. If you want to be a living sacrifice unto God, now is the time to make that decision. 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. Expect the Best, Pastor Rogers Performed by Andre' Crouch and Marvin Winans Performed by Pastor E. Dewey Smith