For We Are Many

40 Days of Abundant Life

By Rev. David Bonnema, March 12, 2023

9:30am

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Opening Songs - “Amazing Grace”/“At Your Name” - Kelly & Will McGlenn

Time of Greeting

Children’s Message

Sermon - “For We are Many” - Rev. David Bonnema

The story begins with a detailed description of a disturbed man. What do you notice about him?

When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and on his knees in front of him. —Mark 5:6

The man is in need of healing, but is terrified of the healer. Why?

Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is ,” he replied, “for we are many.” —Mark 5:9

This man doesn’t respond with his true name because he sees no separation between himself and his inner demons.

The man, newly healed by Jesus, wants to become his disciple. But Jesus refuses and says “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had on you.” —Mark 5:19

You are not your illness. You are not the worst parts of you. Jesus calls you by your true name— beloved child of God.

Anthem - “Hallelujah for the Cross”

Offering - Rev. Dana Seiler

Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Song - “Graves into Gardens”

Benediction


11:00am

Prelude “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” Powell - Ginger Wyrick, organ

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Call to Worship - Rev. Dana Seiler

  • Leader: We gather together—
  • People: the seekers, the dreamers, the shooting-star wishers, in hopes of seeing God.
  • Leader: We gather together—
  • People: the curious, the hungry, the loving, the lonely, in hopes of finding peace.
  • Leader: We gather together—
  • People: those who are thirsty and those with water to spare, in hopes of finding justice.

*Hymn - “Open My Eyes That I May See” - #324 -3 verses

Prayer of Confession
Eternal God, we come to you today in gratitude for the many good things in our lives. We enjoy all that You have given us - sometimes so much that we get comfortable and complacent in our blessings. Transform us into people of action, eager to leave the comfort of our lives to take on new challenges, to meet new people, to learn new things, and to grow in our faith. Help us to be everything that You have created us to be so that we may live lives of faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Declaration of Forgiveness

Passing of the Peace

Anthem - “The Potter’s Hand” Larson - Unity Choir

Sermon - “For We are Many” - Rev. David Bonnema

The story begins with a detailed description of a disturbed man. What do you notice about him?

When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and on his knees in front of him. —Mark 5:6

The man is in need of healing, but is terrified of the healer. Why?

Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is ,” he replied, “for we are many.” —Mark 5:9

This man doesn’t respond with his true name because he sees no separation between himself and his inner demons.

The man, newly healed by Jesus, wants to become his disciple. But Jesus refuses and says “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had on you.” —Mark 5:19

You are not your illness. You are not the worst parts of you. Jesus calls you by your true name— beloved child of God.

Anthem - “I Know I've Been Changed” Belfield - Unity Choir

Offering

Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer

Doxology

Affirmation of Faith
We believe in a merciful God, a God who does not keep score, a God who wants good for us. We believe in a creative God, a God who would heal with mud, a God capable of seeing what we cannot. We believe in a saving God, a God who heals, a God who greets our questions with patience, a God who sends us out with hope in our step. What wondrous love is this! Amen.

Hymn - “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart” - STF #2140 V 1-3

Benediction

Postlude - “Chancel Radiance, Op. 661” Kern