Unveiling Spiritual Insights in Sunday Worship Service
Virtual Worship FlipBook Reverence and Reflection:
The Power O f GOD'S Presence
T he virtual service led with shared messages of hope, encouragement, and community engage- ment, emphasizing the importance of service beyond worship and by echoing the pastors words, “We have entered to worship. Now this to serve,” encouraging everyone to have a blessed day. Alex expressed gratitude for the congregation’s support and their pride in being part of a black-led, multi-ethnic church. They announced the beginning of a new series that connects with the church beyond the building, especially relevant as the congregation had adapted to being outside the tradi- tional church setting. They highlighted the significance of Pentecost, the birth of the church, and the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding believers. In a heartfelt prayer, Alex asked for blessings on the message, open ears for listeners, and spoke to the heaviness felt by those affected by injustice and sin. They called for God’s kingdom to come and for the church to be a witness of love and justice. He reminded the congregation of ongoing activities, including the Sunday morning public reading of scripture and the celebration of high school graduates. They also encouraged prayer for various ministries and for Pastor Alex’s podcast, “Black like me,” which is gaining attention and contributing to a powerful movement. Throughout the service, it was emphasized, the need for the Holy Spirit to change hearts and minds, to think strategically, and to speak boldly. They shared the story of Peter and Cornelius from Acts 10, illustrating the gospel’s reach beyond the Jewish community and the importance of inclusivity in the church. Revival was also spoken about, urging those interested in joining the fellowship to reach out, and announced an upcoming outdoor service, reinforcing the theme of community and engagement beyond the church walls. In summary, the service was a call to action for the congregation to serve with love and justice, to embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to support one another in faith and community endeavors. Uniting in Faith and Action: A Call for Spiritual Renewal and Social Justice in Challenging Times
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Virtual Worship
Pete & “Re-Pete”: Peter’s Cross-Cultural Conversion
Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee
P astor Gee shares his thoughts and reflec- tions on faith, service, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowl- edges the fear and uncertainty that many are experiencing, particularly as they confront their mortality more than ever before. With the constant updates on infection and death tolls, the gravity of the situation is not lost on him. Pastor Gee also discusses the importance of service and love, especially during these try- ing times. He highlights the creative ways the community has adapted to maintain connec- tion, such as sharing meals over Zoom, em- phasizing the need to serve with love even when it’s difficult. In a moment of prayer, Pastor Gee calls upon God to be present in every home, to lift the heavy hearts, and to provide for those whose jobs are at risk. He encourages the congrega- tion to remain hopeful and active, reminding them of their duty to serve others. Despite the challenges, Pastor Gee insists on the importance of unity and setting aside differences to strengthen the community. He shares his own need for encouragement and faith, drawing inspiration from previous gen- erations who turned to God in difficult times.
He also touches on the church’s history, acknowl- edging its flaws and misdeeds, but distinguishes these from the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. He appeals to the audience in the name of Jesus, urging them to believe in redemption and unity. Pastor also further emphasizes the need for the church to be visible and proactive, using technol- ogy to reach out and minister to those in need. He recounts the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet as an example of humble service that should be emulated. In closing, Pastor Gee encourages donations to support the church’s mission, providing details on how to contribute. He leaves the congregation with a message of hope and a call to action, to exit worship ready to serve and show love differently, making a positive impact in the community and supporting the church. Throughout the message, Pastor Gee maintains a balance between acknowledging the reality of the situation and inspiring faith and action among the listeners. His words are a blend of vulnerability, encouragement, and a strong call to live out one’s faith through service and love.
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Virtual Worship
3 22 20 Sunday Service
Reverence and Reflection:
Worship Experience
P astor Gee, a leader in the ministry, shared a message of faith, hope, and community care during challenging times. Emphasizing the importance of fundamentals in church, Pastor Gee. humorously noted that attendees at home could take their seats, possibly after standing up in worship. Before delving into the sermon he introduced Dr. Jasmine Zapata, a colleague, leader in the ministry, and an influencer in the community. Dr. Zapata, a public health physician, was invited to discuss the significance of the virtual gathering, a precautionary measure to protect the vulnerable during a time of community spread of illness. Pastor Gee expressed pride in Dr. Zapata’s work, which includes serving as a pediatrician, author, entrepreneur, and a woman of strong faith. Pastor Gee then transitioned to the core message, focusing on the series theme “bless,” which last week emphasized beginning with prayer. This week, he. combined the ‘L’ and ‘E’ to signify ‘listening to people’ and ‘eating together’. Pastor Gee stressed the importance of building relationships and listening to others, rather than being judgmental or preachy. Reflecting on personal experiences, he. recounted leading two individuals to faith by building rela- tionships and sharing life and care, rather than just a message. Pastor G. challenged the congregation to find three people struggling in life without a strong faith connection and to pray for them daily, emphasizing the power of prayer and personal connection. He. also encouraged the congregation to stay informed and connected through the church’s social media and website, promising to share important updates as they become available. Pastor Gee con- cluded by urging the community to pray for the relevance of the body of Christ, as people will need places to gather and find hope during these times. In closing, Pastor Gee reiterated the importance of listening and leaning in to show care and concern, which can lead to a deeper understanding and ability to support others. The message was a call to action for the congregation to be present for one another, to listen, and to foster hope through faith and community support.
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Virtual Worship
3_15_20 Fountain of Life
Dr. Jasmine Zapata
Unveiling Spiritual Insights in Sunday Worship Service
T he Pastor delivers a powerful message about the importance of storytelling in faith and the goodness of God. He emphasizes that our personal stories of God’s intersection in our lives are already known to those around us, even before we articulate them. Pastor Alex encourages the congregation to embrace and share their stories, highlighting that these nar- ratives are key to leading others to faith. He acknowledges the contributions of his team, including Ryan Smith and the commu- nications team, for their support in bringing these virtual services to life. He also reminds the community of the ongoing Bible Studio on Wednesday and the updates he sends out on Tuesdays and Fridays, inviting newcomers to join the mailing list for scheduling informa- tion. The pastor stresses the importance of serving in love, which extends beyond external acts of charity to include nurturing relationships with family and engaging with the community. He shares a biblical account from John 9, where
Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, causing contro- versy among the leaders. The healed man’s simple testimony of his experience with Jesus serves as a powerful example of the impact of personal tes- timony. Pastor Alex also expresses gratitude for the con- gregation’s adaptability and generosity during try- ing times, especially in their continued support of the church’s ministries through online giving and mailing in gifts. He prays for the leadership team and the congregation, asking for God’s protection and wisdom. Pastor Alex calls for repentance and a greater fo- cus on God, urging the community to serve and share the story of God’s grace. He gives a special birthday shout-out to Jacqueline Bernice Hunt, thanking her for her service to the kingdom. The pastor’s message is a call to action for the congre- gation to tell their own stories of faith and to live out the love of God in their daily lives.
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Virtual Worship
3-29-20 Fountain of Life - Tell Me a Story
Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee
Exploring the Depths of Faith in a Virtual Easter Worship Service
I n a profound gathering, Alex shared his insights on the theme of “Witnessing Greatness,” focusing on the resurrection story and its impact on faith and life. Alex, in a series of heartfelt messages, dove into the essence of being a witness, not just in words but through the experiences and actions that tes- tify to one’s beliefs. He emphasized the importance of the Easter message, urging listeners to reflect on how they have witnessed greatness and how they aspire to do so in the future. Alex recounted the biblical narrative, contrasting the reactions of the soldiers and the women disciples to the resurrection. While the soldiers were bribed to remain silent about the miraculous event they witnessed, the women disciples’ testimony has endured through the ages. Alex highlighted the signif- icance of the women disciples, emphasizing their role and encouraging the audience to see them as more than just followers but as key witnesses to Christ’s resurrection. He also touched on the concept of being commissioned by a higher authority to share the story of God’s greatness, a task empowered by the Holy Spirit. He also shared five key points to strengthen one’s wit- ness of God’s greatness, promising to post these on the church’s Facebook page for further reflection. They offered prayers and thanks, setting a tone of gratitude and worship, while they delivered a power- ful spoken word piece, asking, “Can I get a witness?” This rhetorical question called for a response from the congregation to bear witness to Christ’s love and resurrection. Alex continued to inspire, speaking to the personal callings and challenges faced by individuals, such as family concerns, professional roles, and the impact of COVID-19. They encouraged listeners to find purpose even in adversity and to let their hearts be stirred by Jesus’ words. The session concluded with a closing prayer, expressing thanks for the worship experience and the power of the resurrection. They blessed the congregation, encouraging them to walk in the power of Christ throughout the week.
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Virtual Worship
4-12-20 Virtual Worship Experience - Witnessing Greatness - Easter, Resurrection Sunday
Lilada Gee
Spiritual Rejuvenation in a Virtual Worship Experience with Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee
T he service began with a new series ti- tled “In the Spirit of Pentecost,” which was deemed timely given the current global events. The worship team led the congrega- tion into worship, and the attendees were encouraged to reflect on the power of the Holy Spirit. During the service, the church recognized high school seniors and celebrated June birthdays, sparing the congregation from a solo rendition of “Happy Birthday” by one of the leaders. Attendees were reminded that recordings of the services are available on the FOL YouTube channel and were en- couraged to stay updated through weekly emails or texts. A significant portion of the service was dedicated to addressing the issues faced by the black community. One of the leaders, deeply moved by recent events, called for solidarity and understanding from non- black members of the congregation. He highlighted the exhaustion and heartbreak felt by many and emphasized the need for prayer and a “black time out” from the con- stant reiteration of their struggles. He also mentioned his podcast “Black Like Me,”
which serves as a resource for non-black individ- uals to understand the black experience and the importance of cross-cultural leadership classes. The leader also expressed frustration with the lack of action from white power brokers and the general public in addressing systemic racism and its consequences. He challenged white counter- parts to listen to people of color and to under- stand the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, he pointed out the disparity in the response to missing black women compared to white wom- en, urging the church to be at the forefront of ad- dressing these issues. The service concluded with a call for unity and healing, as well as an invitation for others to join the church family in understanding. Alex thanked the congregation for allowing him to be vulnerable and to share his heart while standing on God’s word. He left the congregation with a message of hope, assuring them that healing, praise, and revival were on the horizon, but that there was still much loving, crying, and healing to be done.
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Virtual Worship
6-7-2020 Virtual Worship Experience - Tipping Tables - Jesus Purifies Worship!
Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee
A Profound Message of Spiritual Resonance
M embers of a faith community came together to share updates, worship, and listen to sermons. The event was marked by a strong sense of community and a call to action for members to reach out and ensure everyone could connect to the online worship experience. The update began with a family check-in announcement by a community leader, who expressed gratitude for the positive feedback on the virtual space and urged members to inform others about the online ser- vices. Ally G Lewis was specially mentioned for her role in organizing the day’s service and for delivering a sermon. The service included a music collage showcasing the young adult ministry’s activities, followed by a Bible study session using an audio Bible with black narrators. Participants were encouraged to join even if they could not actively engage, with a reminder to turn off their microphones and cameras.
Financial contributions were also addressed, with instructions for online giving and mailing options pro- vided during a musical interlude by Mitch, a regular musician during services.
The importance of women’s leadership within the community was highlighted, with a call to recognize and support the contributions of women and young leaders. The service also acknowledged graduating seniors, both from high school and college, celebrating their achievements. Prayers and sermons throughout the event focused on themes of trust, hope, creativity, and the presence of God during challenging times. The speakers emphasized the need for renewal, reliance on God’s spirit, and embracing new revelations and relationships. The service concluded with a benediction, leaving the community with a sense of connection and spiritual nourishment. The gathering was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of faith communities in maintaining fellowship and worship in a digital age.
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Virtual Worship
5-24-2020 Virtual Worship Experience - Bursting at the Seams A
I
The Power O f GOD'S Presence
T he community prepared their hearts for an in- spiring sermon, prefaced by a scripture reading to set the context for Pastor Gee’s message. The service was not just about spiritual nourishment but also about addressing pressing societal issues and cele- brating personal milestones. The congregation was urged to take a stand against racial injustice. A powerful statement was made, emphasizing the importance of speaking up against inequality. He highlighted the role of Nehemiah and Justified Anger in advocating for the fair treatment of African Americans and encouraged non-Af- rican Americans to join the struggle for justice at nehemiah.org. The service also included a moment of recognition for the high school seniors, with a special video tribute to Camille Miles, Noah Anderson, and Ter- rene Johnson. The church planned a socially distant celebration for the graduates, emphasizing the im- portance of community support during these chal- lenging times. Amidst the celebration, there was also a somber acknowledgment of the pain and turmoil caused by racial tensions in the country. Speakers called
for empathy, understanding, and solidari- ty with the African American community, urging white members to use their privilege to effect change and stand with their broth- ers and sisters in the fight against racism. The service concluded with a prayer, thank- ing God for the fellowship and seeking guidance and support during these trying times. The prayer extended blessings to the pastors, leaders, and all those facing chal- lenges, especially the families of George Floyd and Christian Cooper, whose lives were impacted by racial discrimination. The community was reminded of their re- sponsibility to act against injustice, with Pastor Gee leading the way through Jus- tified Anger, a program that has been ad- dressing these issues for years. The service was a blend of worship, social conscious- ness, and community support, leaving the congregation with a message of hope.
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Virtual Worship
5-31-2020 Virtual Worship Experience - God’s Powerful Presence in Our Lives
Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee
A lex shared heartfelt reflections on the impact of technology on church life and personal well-being. He reminisced about the deep connections formed within the church community, men- tioning individuals like Eric Porter and Novian Sims who contributed to the church’s vibrancy. He also expressed the draining effect of constant video calls, whether it’s preaching, chatting with choir members, or conducting interviews. He highlighted the fatigue that comes from focusing on a cam- era and the longing for in-person interactions, drawing on a sense of nostalgia for the times when sharing testimonies in person was common. Alex emphasized the importance of staying connected despite physical separation. He encouraged the use of various communication methods such as phone calls, emails, texts, and video chats to maintain the church’s spirit of love and outreach. Updates on Bible studies and upcoming scripture listening sessions were shared, with a reminder to keep an eye on the church’s Facebook page for details. also mentioned the preparation for virtual communion, advising the congregation to acquire bread and grape juice or suitable alternatives to participate from home. The service included announcements from about ongoing activities like Wednesday night Bible studies and a new Bible story reading program for children. He set the tone for the service with a call to worship and a preview of Pastor Alex’s message titled “New Normal Same Old God.” Pastor Alex closed with a powerful message on finding one’s orientation and focus in a disoriented world through faith and a relationship with God. They invited viewers to reach out for spiritual guidance and to join in the church’s mission. Throughout the service, various speakers shared personal anecdotes and encouraged the congrega- tion to adapt to the new normal while keeping faith central. They spoke about using social media creatively to celebrate a coworker’s retirement, and shared personal goals like getting a haircut and traveling more. The service was a blend of encouragement, instruction, and community, with a clear message of adapting to change while holding onto the constants of faith and community. Connecting Through Faith: A Virtual Worship Experience for the Soul
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Virtual Worship
4-26-20 Virtual Worship Experience - New Normal - Same Old God! - Pt. 2
Adapting to Change: A Virtual Worship Experience for Spiritual Growth
P astor Alex addressed the congregation of Fountain of Life Church, emphasizing the impor- tance of adapting to the current situation and le- veraging technology to maintain and grow their faith community. He encouraged members to en- gage with the church’s digital offerings, including watching and sharing services online, participat- ing in watch parties on Facebook, and subscribing to the church’s YouTube channel for updates. Pastor Alex called for the congregation to pivot, not just adapt, to the new circumstances. He high- lighted the church’s success in reaching more peo- ple through online services and the continued fi- nancial support from the congregation. He urged members to think creatively about how they can serve the community and develop new business opportunities that align with their faith and con- tribute to missions. The pastor also requested a small contribution from the church members: a 3-second video clip of them saying “He is risen” for a special project. He directed them to refer to an email he had sent or visit the church’s Facebook page for details. In his message, Pastor Alex reflected on the re- alness of their virtual experience, driven by the Holy Spirit, despite the physical separation. He ac-
knowledged the challenges and losses faced during the week and called for a moment of silence to honor those affected. The service included worship led by Sister Lina Archer and a call to praise with the song “Blessed Be the Rock.” Pastor Alex continued to inspire the congregation with a message of hope and action, reminding them that God is not surprised by current events and is calling His people to pivot in their relationships and ways of connecting with others. He emphasized the need for the church to pivot, not just adapt, to the changing land- scape, using tools like Zoom for Bible studies and family prayer meetings. Pastor Alex en- couraged personal outreach, such as check- ing in on neighbors and loved ones, and em- bracing the gifts and purposes God has given each individual. Pastor Alex reassured the congregation of God’s unchanging nature and His call for them to rise to the occasion, to be the church in new and innovative ways, and to serve with the gifts they have been given.
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Virtual Worship
4-5-20 Virtual Online Worship Experience - It’s Time To Pivot!
EMBRACING CHANGE AND ADAPTATION
F ollow U s O n Y ou T ube
@FoLifeChurch
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