Welcome
Readings from the WORD
Acts 10:44-48
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Psalm 98
O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. The LORD has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
1 John 5:1-6
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.
John 15:9-17
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.
You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
Heaven and Hell 81
Because heaven as a whole and in part, from the Lord’s Divine Human, reflects a man, the angels say that they are in the Lord; and some say that they are in His body, meaning that they are in the good of His love. And this the Lord Himself teaches, saying,
Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine, so neither can ye, except ye abide in Me. For apart from Me ye can do nothing. Abide in My love. If ye keep My commandments ye shall abide in My love (John 15:4-10).
– Emmanuel Swedenborg
Sermon
Offertory (No handwritten notes please)
To Jesus Christ be glory given,
By all on earth and all in heaven,
May his dominion wide extend,
His glorious kingdom have no end.
Amen.
Prayers of the People
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Closing of the Holy Word
Benediction
Shalom To You
Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends.
May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends.
In all your living and through your loving,
Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.
WAYFARERS CHAPEL
The simplicity of architecture, glass walls, redwood trees arching overhead form a natural cathedral-like sanctuary. Tree-lined walks, lush gardens and lawns, and exquisite views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean celebrate the presence of God. Sponsored by The Swedenborgian Church and designed by Lloyd Wright, Wayfarers Chapel is dedicated to the glory of God and is a national memorial to Emanuel Swedenborg, 18th Century scientist, philosopher and theologian.
Respecting different expressions of the religious life, Wayfarers Chapel welcomes people of all faiths to Sunday Worship Service at 10 a.m., Prayer Service on Wednesdays at Noon, and to special worship celebrations and events throughout the year. The Chapel is open daily for prayer and meditation.
The natural beauty of the Chapel provides an inspirational setting for a variety of services. Wayfarers Chapel provides a ministry for couples celebrating marriages. Adults and children come for the sacrament of Christian baptism. In light of the Swedenborgian conviction that life continues after death, families ask that memorial services be held in the Chapel for loved ones.