Worship Sunday, March 14, 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 March 14, 2021 (PDF)
- Watch the video on Youtube or above. The premiere is at 11:00 a.m. Sunday. The video duration is 39 minutes long..
- When the video finishes join Holy Grounds Fellowship on 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 Theological Declaration of Barmen”
THE SWASTIKA CROSSED OUT AND THE CROSS RISING: A protest and witness against Nazi tyranny and any effort to take the role of God and control of the church.
THE FIRE:The suffering and death which follows from defense of the faith against tyranny, as for some of the Barmen signers. But the cross survives such persecution and the crisis of war, rising out of the flames.
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GATHERING
OPENING HYMN –
CHIMING OF THE HOUR
WELCOMING THE LIGHT
GREETINGS –Rev. Martha Shiverick
CALL TO WORSHIP — Sandy Barrow
Sometimes worship is a parade, a celebration, a gathering of people expressing their joy.
Sometimes worship is an adventure, a quest, a gathering of people searching for meaning.
Sometimes worship is a funeral, a fast, a gathering of people seeking
comfort in their grief.
Among us today are people who have come to march, people who have come to search, people who have come to weep…
Yet we all come to acknowledge God and to love each other.
Come with open minds, open hearts, open arms, that we might find that for which we have come and that which also surprises us.
Let us worship God!
CALL TO CONFESSION — Becky and Kevin Fouche
Too often our hearts are cold and without gratitude.
Too often our hands are passive and unwilling to carry out acts of mercy.
Too often our lips are pursed tightly, unwilling to speak words of love. Too often we are alienated and separated from our better self, separated and alienated from God.
Let us confess our separation and alienation; let us join together in the Prayer of Confession:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have rebelled against your love. We have not loved our neighbors, and we have refused to hear the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God says to us, “You are my chosen ones. I love you, I am proud of you. Stand firm in your renewed commitment. Know that I have forgiven you; I call you by name; you are mine. I have entered into covenant with you and will stand by you in all times and all places. Dare to live fully the life to which I have called you.” Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
CHILDREN’S SERMON — Anna Rosas
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- Lenten Symbolism
CHILDREN’S SONG
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- Hymn 399: “God Welcomes All”
THE WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION — Sandy Barrow
Almighty God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, open your word and illumine our darkened world, that we may see clearly and live faithfully by the light of your truth. Amen.
SCRIPTURE — Sandy Barrow
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- Matthew 22:34-40
34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
CHORAL ANTHEM
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- “He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need”
DECLARATION OF BARMEN – Becky and Kevin Fouche
– 8.09-8.12, 8.18, 8.21, 8.23, 8.24, and 8.27
8.09 In view of the errors of the “German Christians” of the present Reich Church government which are devastating the Church and are also breaking up the unity of the German Evangelical Church, we confess the following evangelical truths.
8.10 1. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in another way, that man is a thief and a robber. …I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” (John 10:1,9)
8.11 Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death.
8.12. We reject the false doctrine, as though the church could and would have to acknowledge as a source of its proclamation, apart from and besides this one Word of God, still other events and powers, figures and truths, as God’s revelation.
8.18 We reject the false doctrine, as though the church were permitted to abandon the form of its message and order to its own pleasure or to changes in prevailing ideological and political convictions.
8.21 We reject the false doctrine, as though the church, apart from this ministry, could and were permitted to give to itself, or allow to be given to it, special leaders vested with ruling powers.
8.23. We reject the false doctrine, as though the state, over and beyond its special commission, should and could become the single and totalitarian order of human life, thus fulfilling the church’s vocation as well.
8.24. We reject the false doctrine, as though the church, over and beyond its special commission, should and could appropriate the characteristics, the tasks, and the dignity of the State, thus itself becoming an organ of the State.
8.27 We reject the false doctrine, as though the church in human arrogance could place the Word and work of the Lord in the service of any arbitrarily chosen desires, purposes, and plans.
SERMON — The Rev. Martha M. Shiverick We Believe
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- #4 – The Declaration of Barmen
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER— Elaine Lanaris
We are confident in God’s love and mercy,
Let us pray for the world and for our needs saying,
Merciful God, hear our prayer.
Holy God, your children walk by your light, doing what is true.
In every age you call forth people of integrity to lead your people in the way of righteousness. Help pastors, elders, volunteers, and teachers fulfill their calling; give them courage to speak truth in love and shield them from the temptation to misuse their authority.
Merciful God, hear our prayer.
God, your reign encompasses all the earth, though the nations may rebel
against your justice. Save the nations from the wrath of their disobedience. Help all to dwell in peace and to promote the common good. For shalom to come to all,
Merciful God, hear our prayer.
God, you hear the cry of the sick, of those with COVID and those who have lost loved ones in the pandemic. Save them from their distress, heal them of their virus and its affects, and deliver them from suffering.
Merciful God, hear our prayer.
And now we also pray in the manner Jesus taught us to pray:
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 kin-dom 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 kin-dom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO OFFERING
O God, we want to follow all your commandments – to love only you, not worshipping the things of this world; to love our neighbor freely, not desiring for ourselves anything they possess. Accept these offerings, we pray, and teach us to be generous, giving fully of ourselves that we may truly be the body of Christ in this world. Amen.
INVITATION TO GIVE TITHES AND OFFERINGS
The Act of Gratitude
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You may donate today via credit/debit card by visiting our website at www.rivierachurch.org/give and clicking on the GIVE button or use the scan me code below with your phone camera.- You may download the free Give+ app (iOS & Android)
- You may consider setting up online payment via your bank bill pay program.
- You may also mail in your check to the church at Riviera Presbyterian Church at 5275 Sunset Drive, Miami FL 33143
If you are a member of another church, please donate to them during this time.
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://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 AND BENEDICTION – Rev. Martha Shiverick
CLOSING HYMN
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“Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound”
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
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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
PALM SUNDAY PROCESSIONAL: 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. We know that we will not be having the traditional Palm Sunday again this year. In past years, we all enjoyed meeting out on the church steps and getting the largest palm branches we could find. We enjoyed waving them as we marched into the church sanctuary to the organ music playing as we sang our loud hosannas. And… alas, not this year…… But, as we have found, being online does offer new possibilities. So…. we would like to make a video of your palms for Palm Sunday. Write a prayer on the palm of your hand and send in a photo of it or a video of your waving your palm and your palm prayer in the air. Please send in these photos and videos by March 21st.
Palm Sunday is coming, AND we will have a palm processional! A very unique and different one for a very different time in our world. Please send pictures to robertson.adams@gmail.com
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
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
Having Memorial Easter Lilies is a tradition in every church I have ever served. People donate money to the church for an Easter Lily to be placed in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday in memory or tribute to someone they wish to remember that day. The name of the person being remembered and the person who made the donation is included in the bulletin that Sunday.
BUT this year…. since we will once again be worshipping on line, Easter Lilies are not needed. This presents an opportunity to be an earth keeper and donate a tree instead. A Pine Rockland Restoration is taking place in Gould’s park, a high crime/low income neighborhood. The area is undergoing a landscape restoration and trees are being planted. For a $15 contribution, you can donate a tree. Our goal is that Riviera will donate 30 trees for Easter. Please send your donation along with the name of the person you are memorializing in the Easter Bulletin.
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”
