Core Teaching

Matthew 5:1-12 | January 29, 2023 | Pastor Henry F. Curtis, IV

Digital Bulletin

The Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

The Call to Worship

Minister: I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord, our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:1-2)

People: For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand, I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my
God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
(Psalm 84:10)

Minister: Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good. (Psalm 122:9)

People: Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God.
(Psalm 92:13)

Minister: Blessed are they that dwell in thy house. Lord, I have loved thy habitation, the place where thy honor dwelleth. (Psalm 26:8)

People: For the Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him. (Habakkuk 2:20)

Minister: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

People: O sing unto the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord; all the earth sing praises. (Psalm 98:1, 4)

Matthew 5:1-12 (RSV)

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him.

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Abridged Decalogue

From all that dwell below the skies, Let thy Creator’s praise arise; Let thy Redeemer’s name be sung, Through every land by every tongue.

Minister: And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Nearer my God, to thee! Nearer to thee, E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me; Still all my song shall be. Nearer my God to thee, Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee.

Minister: Hear what Christ our Savior saith. Thou shall love the Lord
thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments, hang all the law and the prophets.

Online Digital Campus

• Conference Call Line: (267) 807-9659; Access Code: #843047
• Church School, Sunday at 8:45 a.m. in person and on phone.
• Bible Study, Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. via conference call line.

2022 Tax Statements

• The statements are ready to be picked up or mailed.
• Please call the church office at (216) 431-2560.
• Thank you for your financial support.

Fifth Sunday Cleveland District Fellowship Service

• Sunday, January 29, 2023, time to be announced. • Warren Chapel AME, 304 Mulberry St. Fremont, OH 43420

Midweek Prayer and Meditation (Virtual)

• Wednesday, October 12, 2022
• The premiere will air at 6:00 a.m. on YouTube and Facebook.

North Ohio Conference AME Founder’s Day Celebration

• Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
• St. John is the host church.
• The Rev. Dr. Erika Crawford, Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Dover, DE and Connectional President of WIM will be the guest preacher.

Friendship Sunday

• February 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
• Please invite your family and friends to worship at St. John.
• This is our major event in the Winter to prepare for the annual Mid-Year Convocation.
• We are asking all members to donate $200 in addition to your regular tithes and offerings.
• Thank you in advance for your support.

GCC Wants to Stop Unfair Jail before Trial

• Join the Pretrial Justice Team meeting. • Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. • Registration information will come next week.

GCC University for Members & Leaders

GCC University for Members and Leaders
• Sessions will be held on the following consecutive Sundays:

– February 26, 2023 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
–  March 5, 2023 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
– March 12, 2023 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

• Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Boulevard in Cleveland Heights.
• Training is free for GCC leaders.
• Light dinner will be provided during each training.
• Attendance at all three training sessions is required for participation.

Lent Worship Series at St. John

All services will start at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 (Ash Wednesday)
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Thursday, April 6, 2023 (Maundy Thursday)

ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County

• Don’t suffer in silence. Call for help!
• 24-Hour Hotline: (216) 623-6888; Text “4HELP” to 741741