July 23, 2023: Close Encounters of the God Kind

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Video: there were technical problems that resulted in a lower-quality video than usual.

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

Reverend Dr. Desi Larson

  • Prelude: “Andante Sostenuto,” music by Robert Lau; Pauline Olsen, organ
    © 2013 Lorenz Corporation
    ONE LICENSE #A-741127
  • Introit: “Here I Am, Lord,” music and words by Dan Schutte, adapt. by Carlton R. Young; Trinity Singers
    © 1981 OCP
    ONE LICENSE #A-741127
  • Hymn 71: “Glory Be to the Father (Gloria Patri),” music by Henry W. Greatorex, 1851
  • Hymn 533: “We Shall Overcome,” African-American Spiritual adapt. by William Farley Smith (1986)
    © 1989 United Methodist Publishing House
    ONE LICENSE #A-741127
  • Hymn 418: “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder,” African-American Spiritual adapt. by William Farley Smith (1986)
    © 1989 United Methodist Publishing House
    ONE LICENSE #A-741127
  • Offertory: “Sweet is the Name of Jesus,” music by George F.Handel from the Opera “PTOLEMY” arr. By John F. Wilson; Pauline Olsen, organ
    © 1967 Hope Publishing Company
    ONE LICENSE #A-741127
  • Celebrating Our Faith: Andy Pitts
  • Hymn 95: “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow”, words by Thomas Ken, 1674, music attr. to Louis Bourgeois, 1551
  • Special Music: “Minuet and Dance of the Blessed Spirits,” music by Christoph Willibald Gluck, arr. by Donald Peck; Carlos Xavier, flute; Donna Grubbs, piano
    © 1984 Carl Fischer, Inc.
  • Scripture Reading: Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Neva Smith
  • Sermon: “Close Encounters of the God Kind,” Pastor Desi Larson
  • Hymn 206: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” words and music by Kathleen Thomerson
    © 1970, 1975 Celebration
    CCLI # 2564464
  • Benediction Hymn 338: “Where He Leads Me,” music by John S. Norris, words by E. W. Blandy, 1890; Trinity Singers
  • Postlude: “Acclamation,” music by Lyndell Leatherman; Pauline Olsen, organ
    © 2013 Lorenz Corporation
    ONE LICENSE #A-741127

Sermon Outline

Close Encounters of the God Kind

Key Scriptures

Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place–and I did not know it!” (Genesis 28:16)

O LORD, you have searched me and known me. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? (Psalm 139:1, 7)

I. Unexpected Encounters

• Family stories
• Dreams
• Thin spaces

II. Unexpected Places

• בית אל “Beth-El” God’s house
• Dwelling Places

III. Kinds of Encounters

• Close encounters
• Unexpected encounters

IV. Unexpected Calls

• Abram and Sarai
• Jacob
• Moses and Miriam
• Paul – 1st Corinthians 2:1-5
• You! Us!

Wesleyan Quadrilateral

V. Discerning Divine Encounters and Calls

• Wesleyan Quadrilateral
• Spiritual Senses
• Blessings: All things work for good….

1Corinthians02v01to12_2023
1Corinthians02v01to12_2023 http://www.agnusday.org/