9:30am Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Opening Song - “Trust in You” - Kelly & Will McGlenn Time of Greeting Children’s Message Songs - “I Surrender All” and “God, I Look to You” Sermon - “The Faithful Approach to Suffering” Today’s question from the congregation: Why do bad things happen to good people? (Eg. Cancer, school shootings etc.) How do we explain – especially to those who doubt - an all powerful God and horrible things happening to innocent people? Ordered Love: God Others Possessions St. Augustine argues that all evil comes from mixing up this order. The Cynical Approach To Suffering: But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the that is done under the sun. —Ecclesiastes 4:3 The Faithful Approach To Suffering: So do not throw away your ; it will be richly rewarded. You need to that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. —Hebrews 10:35-36 What current trial do you have to endure? When faced with evil, draw near and persevere. Offering and Prayer - Rev. Dana Seiler Closing Song - “Goodness of God” Benediction 11:00am Prelude - Jeff Perks Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Call to Worship - Rev. Dana Seiler Leader: Friends, let us worship God today, for God is great! People: God has blessed us with life, with faith, and with community. Leader: Let us worship God today, for God is good! People: God forgives us, and encourages us, and loves us. Leader: Let us worship God today, People: because we are God’s people. Hymn - “Come Sing, O Church, In Joy” - #430 Prayer of Confession Gracious God, the world around us is a mess. We don’t keep Your commandments to love each other, to honor our parents, to not kill and steal and covet. Then we want to blame You for the disasters we have created, for the tragedies around us, instead of turning to You for answers. We come before You in need of healing; the healing of our bodies and souls, the healing of our relationships, the healing of our pride and fear and apathy. Lead us to reconciliation, through the power of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness Passing of the Peace Anthem - “The Lord’s Prayer” - Doug Phillips Sermon - “The Faithful Approach to Suffering” Today’s question from the congregation: Why do bad things happen to good people? (Eg. Cancer, school shootings etc.) How do we explain – especially to those who doubt - an all powerful God and horrible things happening to innocent people? Ordered Love: God Others Possessions St. Augustine argues that all evil comes from mixing up this order. The Cynical Approach To Suffering: But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the that is done under the sun. —Ecclesiastes 4:3 The Faithful Approach To Suffering: So do not throw away your ; it will be richly rewarded. You need to that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. —Hebrews 10:35-36 What current trial do you have to endure? When faced with evil, draw near and persevere. Anthem - “Peace in the Valley” - Doug Phillips Offering Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer Doxology Affirmation of Faith - 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. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again 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 the life everlasting. Amen. Closing Hymn - “Lord, When I Came Into This Life” - #522 Benediction Postlude