Worship Sunday, February 28, 2021
Good Morning! Welcome to Riviera’s worship service. Today we continue with our Lenten Sermon Series on The Confessions and we are delighted that you are connecting with us in our digital sacred space united as one community!
Let us know you worshiped with us this morning by filling out the Friendship Form.
If you are joining us via Facebook or YouTube, please check in or leave us a comment so we know you are worshiping with us. Don’t forget to keep checking our various social media outlets, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
HELPFUL LINKS FOR THIS WEEK:
- Download today’s Bulletin: Riviera Presbyterian Church Bulletin Script February 28, 2021 (PDF)
- Watch the video on Youtube or above. The premiere is at 11:00 a.m. Sunday. The video duration is 38.5 minutes.
- When the video finishes, join Zoom at 11:45 a.m..: (Zoom ID 829 1129 7119 PW 056833)
- Let us know you attended worship with us today / submit a prayer of praise or concern
- See a list of Lenten Season activities, devotionals and classes for now through Easter Sunday, which is April 4th.
We Believe – The Apostles’ Creed 
THE SOMBER BROWN COLOR: The difficulty and rigor of early Christianity under persecution; also the monastic tradition.
THE PURPLE ARCHES: The entrances to caves or catacombs, where early Christians met in secret; also the shape of Gothic church windows.
THE ANCHOR CROSS: Security in Christ, as found by the apostles, some of whom were fishermen.
THE FISH: An ancient symbol for the Christian faith, perhaps a secret code mark. Letters of the Greek word for fish can be used as the first letters in the phrase “Jesus Christ God’s Son Savior.”
THE CHALICE: The Lord’s Supper, and thus the earnest and simple fellowship of the early church.
THE UPSIDE-DOWN CROSS: Peter, chief of the apostles, who, in legend, is said to have been crucified upside-down because he thought himself unworthy of a death like his Master’s.
GATHERING
OPENING HYMN –
CHIMING OF THE HOUR
WELCOMING THE LIGHT
GREETINGS –Rev. Martha Shiverick
CALL TO WORSHIP — Michelle Garcia and Stephanie Godoy
One: God is our shepherd, our leader and provider.
All: God leads us in the right path, showing us how to live life centered on our faith.
One: God is our shepherd, guiding us even in darkness.
All: Surely goodness and mercy will pursue us as we follow God’s way.
Let us worship God!
CALL TO CONFESSION — Michele Ready
When we pass through deep waters or go through times of fiery trial, the Lord our God is with us. With confidence in God our creator and redeemer, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION unison
Almighty God, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed.
God of grace help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our redeemer.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Do not fear, says the Lord, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. God is doing a new thing; now it springs forth! By the grace of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
CHILDREN’S SERMON — Anna Rosas
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- Lenten Symbolism
CHILDREN’S SONG
THE WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION — Michelle Garcia and Stephanie Godoy
Prepare our hearts, O God, to accept your Word. Silence in us any voices but your own, so that we may not just hear your Word but also be inspired and evolved by it; and we will live in a way that others will know we are your people. Amen.
SCRIPTURE —Michelle Garcia and Stephanie Godoy
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- Mark 8:31-35
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said this all quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life for my sake, and for the sake of the Gospel, will save it.”
CHORAL ANTHEM
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- Come to the Water
THE APOSTLES’ CREED — unison — Michele Ready
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; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended in to 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 the life everlasting. Amen.
SERMON — The Rev. Martha M. Shiverick
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- Lent #2 – We Believe – The Apostles’ Creed
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER – Mimi Sutherland
Loving God you cause rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Hear our prayers for the world:
For the hungry and the overfed,
may we have enough;
for the mourners and the mockers,
may we laugh together;
for the victims and the oppressors,
may we share power wisely;
for the peacemakers and the warmongers,
may clear truth and stern love lead us to harmony;
for the silenced and the propagandists,
may we speak our words in truth;
for the unemployed and the overworked,
may our mark on this earth be kindly and creative;
for the troubled and the secure,
may we live together as wounded healers;
for the homeless and the pampered,
may our homes be simple, warm, and welcoming;
for the vibrant and the dying,
may we all die to sin and live to love.
We pray all this in Jesus’ name who taught us to also pray in this manner:
For the Lord’s Prayer, we appreciate the diverse traditions and backgrounds that make up the Riviera family of faith and encourage you to use whatever words for this prayer are meaningful for you.
Our Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO OFFERING
What will it profit us to gain the whole world and forfeit our life? With all humanity let us make our offering to God, trusting not in worldly gain, but us God’s sustaining grace. God, accept these offerings with the dedication of our lives, that we may be for the world a sign of your abiding love.
Amen.
CHARGE & BENEDICTION – Rev. Missy Shiverick
You are invited to Holy Grounds Fellowship Gathering via Zoom shortly after the worship service. Get yourself a cup of coffee or tea and reconnect with us at 11:45 am – Zoom Meeting ID: 829-1129-7119 | Passcode: 056833
This is a time to reconnect with one another and if you are new to our worship service we extend an invitation to join us and introduce yourself. We would love to meet you!
The 2021 Per Capita is $37 per member. Each church is asked to pay this
annual apportionment. If you would like to help us defray the cost, we welcome your donation. You may donate online
https://www.rivierachurch.org/give under Per Capita.
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God, ye hosts in heaven above; Praise God, the Trinity of Love. Amen
CHARGE & BENEDICTION – Rev. Martha Shiverick
CLOSING HYMN
NOTES
Thank you for worshipping online today. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to fill out the Friendship Form on our website to let us know you worshiped with us today and you may also share any prayer requests or joys which will be sent to our pastoral care team. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please send us an email at rivierachurch@gmail.com
Don’t forget to fill out the Friendship Form below, or leave us a comment on Facebook so we know you worshiped with us today. Please include any prayer requests you have which will be sent to our pastoral care team.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY: Join us every Sunday morning for Online Adult Bible Study Class, via ZOOM. 10:00 am – 10:30 am. This is a great opportunity to study Sunday’s sermon passage with Pastor Missy. Meeting 860-148-3445 Password: 2708.
UKULELE REHEARSALS: Ukulele Rehearsals are held on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of the month at 12:30 pm. If you are interested in participating, please email: rivierapresmusic@gmail.com
ANTI RACISM: March 5-7, 2021: “Breaking, Blessing, Building: A Call for the Common Good” is a national gathering, in which Riviera Church leadership will be participating online, as part of our commitment to being a Matthew 25 Congregation.
Despite the physical space that separates us these days, we believe our virtual togetherness can make all the difference. Will you join us March 5-7 for the 2021 NEXT Church National Gathering as we Break, Bless, and Build: A Call for the Common Good?
Register: https://nextchurch.net/product/national-gathering-registration/
Schedule: https://nextchurch.net/gathering/2021-national-gathering/#schedule
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING:
The pandemic has stretched the Church in many ways — but we are still very much … here. Although it was surely hard at first, we have expanded our thinking, and our doing, in new and innovative ways to close the distance, and be together. We have continued to worship. We have continued to build and shape community; we have continued to take care of one another. And on top of all that, we have continued to come together to serve those in need; both here in our own community and all over the world through our participation in special offerings and in the spirit of shared mission. Despite the difficulty, struggle and loss, the Church continues to declare its presence in the world, through different means, certainly, but toward the same purpose.
Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The 3 programs supported by OGHS(One Great Hour of Sharing) – PDA(Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, PHP(Presbyterian Hunger Program, and SDOP(Self-Development of People – all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
The Mission Committee has set a challenge goal of $400 for the 2021 OGHS Offering and in light of the challenges we have witnessed over the past year they encourage you give strong consideration of participating in this offering; if you are able.
https://rivierachurch.org/give/
MISSION: SDG – Learn more about this Zoom event series here. The next night of Mission:SDG is Wednesday, March 24th at 6:30 pm. Register using this link on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/missionsdg.
RIVIERA FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY: will be distributing food on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon on the east entrance of the sanctuary. Our Current Needs: Canned Veggies, fruits, soups, and tuna, pasta sauce, peanut butter, and granola bars. Donations can be dropped off at the church Fellowship Hall doors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. If you are ordering the food to be delivered please schedule them for Tuesdays or Thursdays. –Thank you.
Lenten Sermon Series: A Season of Confession: During Lent we will focus on the Book of Confessions, containing historical statements of what we as a church believe; how these confessions have helped form Riviera’s social justice ministries for the past 75 years; and how they are leading us in the present. Come and be a part of this journey through our history and rejoice in the light of God’s presence and new possibilities in your life.
- February 21 — Lent #1 – We Believe – The Nicene Creed (today)
- February 28 — Lent #2 – We Believe – The Apostles’ Creed
- March 7 – Lent#3 – We Believe – The Reformation Confessions
- March 14 – Lent #4 – We Believe – The Declaration of Barmen
- March 21 – Lent #5 – We Believe – The Confession of 1967
- March 28 – Lent #6 – We Believe – The Confession of Belhar
The practice of daily devotion during Lent emphasizes on deepening one’s faith through study and prayer. I hope you find these devotionals helpful in your faith journey.
LENTEN DEVOTIONAL LINKS:
- Lenten Prayers from Bread for the World 2021:
https://www.bread.org/Lent - PCUSA The Presbyterian Hunger Program:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/tread-lightly-for-lent/ - Presbyterian Today – Shalom: The Way to Justice:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/today/lent2021/lent-week-1/ - Presbyterians for Earth Care:
https://presbyearthcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-Lenten-Devotional- web.pdf
COPYRIGHT NOTICES
Video and audio was performed and recorded by various members of the church’s staff and family for the purpose of providing online worship to the members of Riviera Presbyterian and others who view the link. Reprinted/streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-713957. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT © 2021 RIVIERA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. All rights reserved.
- Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing
Hymn 475. Public domain. - God Welcomes All,
#72484 Contributors: John Bell Text: © 2008, GIA/Iona Community / WGRG - Come to the Water,
Hymn 145. Public domain. - Kum ba Yah,
Hymn 472. Public domain.
VIDEO COPYRIGHT
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- ANTHEM – “Royalty free video clips provided by Mixkit.co, Videezy.com and Videvo.net”
