ANNOUNCEMENTS
For most of the week, we run around providing security and basic needs for ourselves. But Sabbath rest is about stopping to recognize that our lives and provision ultimately come from God. And while he might be leading us through a wilderness at the moment, our ultimate future hope is in God’s plan to rescue and renew our world.
This week’s video and Scripture readings focus on the theme of Sabbath rest in the story of the Bible. The Sabbath is a weekly reminder of God’s provision in the past, and it’s meant to foster hope in God’s plan to restore all creation. Let’s allow this biblical theme to give us hope and a new perspective on the instability of our current moment.
Listen
Join Tim in a short meditation on the theme of Sabbath. You can listen to this as an individual, or as a group. If you are leading a small group or family, feel free to listen to the message and contextualize it for your needs.
WATCH
Read & Discuss
Reading & Discussion One: Genesis 2:1-3
How do you find yourself responding to this unwelcome slowdown of life? What thoughts and emotions do you experience? What fears are you aware of?
God's rest in Genesis 2 is all about filling a sacred space with his divine presence and celebrating the beauty and abundance of creation. The Sabbath practice is a way for humans to remember God’s presence and his ideal purpose for creation. What are some of the simple things you can celebrate or are grateful for? Who can you share that with this week?
Reading & Discussion Two: Exodus 16:1-36
To observe Sabbath is to rest from one’s work. But work is a good and productive thing throughout Scripture. For example, it is one of the reasons God places the human in the garden of Eden—“to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). So why would God command a Sabbath rest from work?
The first Sabbath observance takes place in the wilderness in a time of scarcity. God wants Israel not to hoard or try to control, but to trust that he is their true source of provision and life. In what ways do you try to control things in your life or environment that are not in your control? Take a moment to let go of these things and commit to trusting God to provide instead.
Reading & Discussion Three: Matthew 11:28-12:14
Jesus says that rest is found in him—specifically in following him or learning from him. What could this rest look like in your own life practically? What brings you life, makes you thrive, and/or allows you to trust and rest in God?
Jesus is not doing away with the concept of Sabbath but was defining what it meant: that the purpose of the Sabbath was mercy, and harmony or wholeness, not legalism. Does this change how you think about resting in the current situation in any way?
Interested in learning more about the theme of Sabbath in the Bible? Visit our explore page on "Sabbath."
VINE KIDS
Check out The Vine's private Facebook group on Thursday mornings at 10am for a mini-lesson from our Kids Director, Addie. Join the zoom meeting here: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/565513775
Next Sunday is Easter Sunday! This week we will remember Jesus' walk to the cross. Use the printouts below to reference and color, walking through with your children the elements to this Holy Week. Consider reading Luke 22 and 23 during your family worship or during this week."
Please feel free to print these coloring sheets to help your children be engaged during worship:
GIVE
Please feel free to give in your usual methods:
Mailing checks or cash to the church is still possible as a staff member will continue to check the mail each week.
Online Giving is available if you would like to give a one time or to setup a continual weekly offering.
If you would like to contribute to the Community Care Fund that will help families during the Covid-19 Crisis above your general tithe, please select Community Care in online giving link.
SERVE
Check in on fellow members of our church. A phone call or a text will go a long way in helping us all weather this storm.
If you are well, consider helping those in need. Give to Nourishing Network, our ministry partner in the Edmonds School District. These community guidelines and closures will affect the vulnerable in our community the hardest. Love Jesus by loving people.
Keep a close eye on your neighbors to see where you and our church can be a blessing. There are many in our communities who are not connected to a church home. This is our opportunity to be the church in real ways. Caring for those who are alone will show His love in ways we may not be able to calculate.
Help the church staff & elders stay connected with people in need. People quarantined may need deliveries. Those out of work many need financial assistance. Families suffering may need pastoral care. Our church is here to help!
Above all, pray for healing and comfort in this time of community need. This has all passed through God’s hand to us, and He will be glorified through it all.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
1 Corinthians 4:16-18
Thank you for worshiping with us! We’ll see you online next week!
