SELAH SUNDAYS: **Online Only Worship**
No In-Person Worship for the month of August!
Sundays @ 8:30 am PST | THROWBACK WORSHIP!
Sundays @ 10:45 am PST | ONLINE ONLY JOINT WORSHIP
- Join on YouTube or Facebook Live!
- Join on ZOOM (hosted by Grace UMC of Los Angeles)!
THROWBACK SERVICE!: #WorshipWithAWorkout – Yoga Edition
This service is a throwback to February 2021, as we continue to encourage our congregation and community to practice the spiritual disciplines of exercise and meditation through the COVID-19 pandemic! In addition to song and liturgy, Rev. Melinda Teter Dodge (https://instagram.com/beingthechurchlb) leads us in a Level 1 Yoga session that includes scripture, meditation and prayer that we can do from our homes! For the yoga portion of worship, have prepared: –
- yoga mat or beach towel
- An additional towel or blanket (if possible)
- A bottle of water & comfortable clothing.
Rev. Melinda is an ordained United Methodist clergyperson, serves the Being the Church Movement in Long Beach (@beingthechurchlb) and leads Yoga in the Park (YIP!) on Sundays. Yoga in the Park offers a simple yoga practice that honors the roots of yoga and the Christian tradition. The practice is intended to help us all breathe a little more deeply, open our hearts a little more fully and to bring together our minds, souls, bodies (and hearts). ❤
Opening Prayer
We gather here today to grow, learn and change as a group. As we begin our Bible study, we ask that you help all of us to gain a better understanding of your truth. We lay down our hearts, minds and lives before you. We ask that you move among us and help us to feel safe with one another: to think, ask for help and to question. Helps us to share our life with you and grow in our knowledge of your Word. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 71:1-6 (Common English Bible)
I’ve taken refuge in you, Lord.
Don’t let me ever be put to shame!
2 Deliver me and rescue me by your righteousness!
Bend your ear toward me and save me!
3 Be my rock of refuge
where I can always escape.
You commanded that my life be saved
because you are my rock and my fortress.
4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked;
rescue me from the grip of the wrongdoer and the oppressor
5 because you are my hope, Lord.
You, Lord, are the one I’ve trusted since childhood.
6 I’ve depended on you from birth—
you cut the cord when I came from my mother’s womb.
My praise is always about you.
Summary:
In the Bible, Selah is “a pause to breathe in new life.” Taking time to rest is a biblical requisite for holiness. In God, we we find our rest and recovery for tomorrow.
In this scripture, the Psalmist reminds Israel that God is their protection. Before God brings us out in rescue, God protects us from the clutches of the wicked.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- The scripture reminds Israel that from birth, God is their protection? What do you/we need protection from today? How has God been your/our protection? What do you pray for protection from right now?
- What does this scripture teach you about protection?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?
Discipleship Huddle Questions:
- How is it with your soul?
- How does your soul prosper?
Closing Prayer
God of all nations, you call your church to be a light on a hill. Empower us to be the church you call us to be. Give us not only the words to speak life but also the hands of comfort and the arms of care that others might discover they are known and loved by you. Amen.