In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss Ephesians. Read the book (should take you less than a half hour), listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or theme most resonated with you personally as you read this letter?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the letter we know as Philippians. You’re invited to read those four chapters and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three reflective questions we used today.
We encourage kids to participate in worship as much as they are able – sing the songs, help read Scripture passages or prayer, be in charge of scrolling and clicking.
BUT – here’s a special project for you: first, read Galatians 5:22-23 (younger kids might need help understanding what some of the fruits mean). The ‘fruits of the Spirit’ show that we are following Jesus and becoming more like him. The Holy Spirit grows these fruits in us as we follow Jesus.
With a grown ups help go find as many things as possible that have fruit in them in your kitchen. Fruit snacks, ketchup (tomato is a fruit!), orange juice, yogurt, etc. The catch is you can’t use actual fruit! Now pile them all together and take a photo with your pile. When we have the fruit of the Spirit our lives are filled with these types of fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. What fruit of the Spirit do you think you have? What fruit of the Spirit can you ask God to help grow in your life?
Send your photos to your church via email and we’ll show them off next Sunday on this site!
Begin by quieting your heart and mind. Sit comfortably, with your palms faced up, remembering that this moment is a moment in God’s presence. Play the instrumental audio to accompany your moment of quietly remembering God is with you.
Nathan – FCC
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Erik – FCC
Songs of Worship – “Hymn of Praise,” “No Longer Slaves,” and “I Stand Amazed”
Cody – FCC
For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies For the love which from our birth over and around us lies
Lord of all we raise this our hymn of praise Lifting grateful hearts to you God of sky and earth Lord of endless worth We will live our lives for you
For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night Hill, and vale, and tree, and flower, sun, and moon, and stars of light
Lord of all we raise this our hymn of praise Lifting grateful hearts to you God of sky and earth Lord of endless worth We will live our lives for you
You are the God of this beautiful earth You are the Lord of the universe You are the theme of our hymn we raise high Be exalted
For thy church that evermore lifteth holy hands above Offering up on every shore Her pure sacrifice of love
Lord of all we raise this our hymn of praise Lifting grateful hearts to you God of sky and earth Lord of endless worth We will live our lives for you
No Longer Slaves You unravel me with a melody You surround me with a song Of deliverance from my enemies Till all my fears are gone
I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God
From my mothers womb you have chosen me Your love has called my name I’ve been born again into your family Your blood flows through my veins
I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God
You split the sea so I could walk right through You drown my fears in perfect love You rescued me so I can stand and sing”I am a child of God!” You split the sea so I could walk right through You drown my fears in perfect love You rescued me so I can stand and sing”I am a child of God!” I am a child of God I am a child of God
I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene And wonder how he could love me A sinner condemned unclean
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Saviour’s love for me
He took my sins and my sorrows He made them his very own He bore the burden of Calvary He suffered and died alone
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Saviour’s love for me
When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see T’will be my joy through the ages To sing of his love for me
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Saviour’s love for me
Passing the Peace
Take a few minutes to reach out your faith community via text, phone call, or a short video chat and “pass the peace.” Simply extend this word of blessing: “May the peace of the Lord be with you.”
If you receive this greeting and blessing, respond with: “And also with you.”
Offering
Clicking the buttons below will take you to information on how you can give to your church. Giving is an act of worship, and a way that we share in ministry together.
Reflecting on The Fruit of the Spirit
Gavin – HCCC
Read slowly through the words of Jesus in the slideshow below, considering what kind of “fruit” is growing in your own life. Contemplate what God has done and is doing in your life and how it is showing up in real action. You’re encouraged to use the instrumental track to accompany your reflection and prayer.
Rob, FCC
Song of Worship – “The Goodness of Jesus”
Cody – FCC
The Goodness of Jesus Come you weary heart now to Jesus Come you anxious soul now and see There is perfect love and comfort for your fears
Rest here in his wondrous peace Oh the goodness, the goodness of Jesus Satisfied he is all that I need May it be come what may that I rest all my days In the goodness of Jesus
Come find what this world cannot offer Come and find your joy here complete Taste the living waters, never thirst again
Rest here in his wondrous peace Oh the goodness, the goodness of Jesus Satisfied he is all that I need May it be come what may that I rest all my days In the goodness of Jesus
Come and find your hope now in Jesus He is all he said he would be Grace is overflowing from the Saviour’s heart Rest here in his wondrous peace
Oh the goodness, the goodness of Jesus Satisfied he is all that I need May it be come what may that I rest all my days In the goodness of Jesus May it be come what may that I rest all my days In the goodness of Jesus
Prayer and Scripture Reading – Galatians
Cody – FCC
Benediction – Ephesians 6:23-24
Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
Doxology
Give thanks one last time by singing the doxology aloud.
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
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss Galatians. Read the book (should take you about a half hour), listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or theme most resonated with you personally as you read this letter?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the letter we know as Ephesians. You’re invited to read those six chapters and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
As you make your way through today’s worship service, instructions and suggestions will be included in italics.
Kids’ Activities
We encourage parents to help their kids engage in worship. Sing the songs, dance around, help read prayers and scriptures, help by scrolling through the website.
Today, there is a kids’ story as part of worship, but if you’d like something to keep hands busy otherwise, try this:
Have kids look up 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 where Paul talks about God’s treasure shining like a light from within common clar jars (WE are the vessel that holds God’s treasure). Grab some playdough and have kids make various shapes of pots, cups, and jars. What are some ways we are like clay jars?
Foyer Convo
Gathering Song – “Holy Are You”
Jerry (HCCC)
Every morning as I wake And with each new breath I take You’re beside me even now Faithful, faithful are You Faithful are You Faithful, Your mercies they are new Faithful are You
King of heaven, Prince of peace He who set this captive free Gave his life to ransom me Worthy, worthy are You Worthy are You Worthy, all praise belongs to You Worthy are You
God of life and Lord of all Yet you hear me when I call Pick me up if I should fall Holy, holy are You Holy are You Holy, there’s no one else like You Holy are You
Welcome and Giving Thanks
Erik (FCC)
Scripture Reading – Psalm 100
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Songs of Worship – “Let Us Adore” and “Fairest Lord Jesus”
Cody (FCC)
Let Us Adore Let us adore the ever living God And render praise unto him Let us adore the ever living God And render praise unto him
Who spread out the heavens And established the earth Whose glory is manifest throughout all the earth
He is our God He is our God There is no one else He is our God He is our God There is no one else
Let us adore the ever living God And render praise unto him Let us adore the ever living God And render praise unto him
Who spread out the heavens And established the earth Whose glory is manifest throughout all the earth
He is our God He is our God There is no one else He is our God He is our God There is no one else
Fairest Lord Jesus Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature O thou of God and man the son Thee will I cherish, thee will I honour Thou my soul’s glory, joy, and crown
Fair are the meadow, fairer still the woodlands Robed in the blooming garb of spring Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer Who makes the woeful heart to sing
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight And all the twinkling starry host Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer Than all the angels heaven can boast
Beautiful Saviour, Lord of the nations Son of God and son of man Glory and honour, praise, adoration Now and forevermore be thine Glory and honour, praise, adoration Now and forevermore be thine
Prayer of Confession
Give one minute to silence now, and then turn your heart to confession.
Merciful God, We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will. We have broken your law. We have rebelled against your love. We have not loved our neighbours. And we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness – 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
Whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Song of Worship – “Lord I Need You”
Cody (FCC)
Lord I come, I confess Bowing here I find my rest Without you I fall apart You’re the one that guides my heart
Lord I need you, oh I need you Every hour I need you My one defense, my righteousness Oh God how I need you
Where sin runs deep, your grace is more Where grace is found is where you are And where you are, Lord, I am free Holiness is Christ in me And where you are, Lord, I am free Holiness is Christ in me
Lord I need you, oh I need you Every hour I need you My one defense, my righteousness Oh God how I need you
Teach my song to rise to you When temptation comes my way And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on you Jesus you’re my hope and stay When I cannot stand I’ll fall on you Jesus you’re my hope and stay
Lord I need you, oh I need you Every hour I need you My one defense, my righteousness Oh God how I need you
Silence
Give one more minute to silence, as before confession, and in your silence simply rest in the generous grace of God.
Kid’s Story
Julia and Hudson (HCCC)
Scripture Reading – 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways — in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us — I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Reflection on 2 Corinthians 8
Jeff and Darlene are members of FCC and work with partners in the Middle East and North Africa.
Jeff and Darlene (FCC)
Offering
Clicking the links below will take you to some information about how you can participate in giving to your church.
Listen to the short instrumental song, and think about how you have seen God provide for you this week. Thank Him!
Cody (FCC)
Reflecting Together on Generosity
Gina, Bruce, and Erik (FCC) Brittany, Astrid, Jason, and Gavin (HCCC)
Prayer
Erik, FCC
Song of Worship – “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me”
Gavin, HCCC
What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer There is no more for heaven now to give He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus For my life is wholly bound to His Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine Yet not I, but through Christ in me
The night is dark but I am not forsaken For by my side, the Saviour He will stay I labour on in weakness and rejoicing For in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me Through the deepest valley He will lead Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome Yet not I, but through Christ in me
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven The future sure, the price it has been paid For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon And He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeated Jesus now and ever is my plea Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free Yet not I, but through Christ in me
With every breath I long to follow Jesus For He has said that He will bring me home And day by day I know He will renew me Until I stand with joy before the throne To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus All the glory evermore to Him When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Benediction – Galatians 6:9 and 18
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Doxology
Sing it loud, even if you’re flying solo!
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
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss 2 Corinthians. Read the book (should take you less than an hour), listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or theme most resonated with you personally as you read this letter?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the letter we know as Galatians. You’re invited to read those six chapters and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
As you make your way through today’s worship service, instructions and suggestions will be included in italics.
As part of this service, we will share communion together from our homes. If you have bread and grape juice or wine, gather those elements together now so they are ready for that portion of the service.
Kids’ Activities
We encourage our kids to be involved in worship – to help with reading scripture and prayers, to sing along to songs, to be the official scroller of the page for the morning, etc. Here are a couple things you might also enjoy:
First, an action song, based on 1 Corinthians 13:13…
Take a couple minutes to reach out to those in your faith community with a call, a text, a video chat, an email, etc. Remember those who might be feeling alone and extend the peace of Christ to them.
Welcome and Scripture Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:2-3
Erik, FCC
Silence
Kids are funny…. Take 30 seconds to pause, find a comfortable position on your couch, or your deck, or wherever you are sitting. Be silent. Close your eyes. Take a couple deep breaths in and out, and remember the presence of God and the worshipping community of saints who are with you in faith.
Songs of Worship – “10,000 Reasons” and “Who You Say I Am”
Gavin and Mark, HCCC
10,000 Reasons Bless the Lord, oh my soul Oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I’ll worship Your Holy name
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning It’s time to sing Your song again Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the Lord, oh my soul Oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I’ll worship Your Holy name
You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger Your name is great and Your heart is kind For all Your goodness I will keep on singing Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord, oh my soul Oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I’ll worship Your Holy name
And on that day when my strength is failing The end draws near and my time has come Still my soul will sing Your praise unending Ten thousand years, and then forevermore
Bless the Lord, oh my soul Oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I’ll worship Your Holy name
Who You Say I Am Who am I that the highest King Would welcome me? I was lost but He brought me in Oh His love for me Oh His love for me
Who the Son sets free Oh is free indeed I’m a child of God Yes I am
Free at last, He has ransomed me His grace runs deep While I was a slave to sin Jesus died for me Yes He died for me
Who the Son sets free Oh is free indeed I’m a child of God Yes I am In my Father’s house There’s a place for me I’m a child of God Yes I am
I am chosen Not forsaken I am who You say I am You are for me Not against me I am who You say
Who the Son sets free Oh is free indeed I’m a child of God Yes I am In my Father’s house There’s a place for me I’m a child of God Yes I am
Scripture Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Giving and Giving Thanks
Take some time to give thanks. As you participate in worship through giving your offerings and as you listen to the hymn below, prayerfully consider how God has shown his faithfulness to you in the last week and give thanks.
O God, whose will it is that all Your children should be one in Christ; we pray for the unity of Your Church. Pardon all our pride and our lack of faith, of understanding and of charity, which are the causes of our divisions. Deliver us from narrow-mindedness, from our bitterness, from our prejudices. Save us from considering as normal that which is a scandal to the world and an offence to your love. Teach us to recognize the gifts of grace among all those who call upon you and confess the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sermon – 1 Corinthians
Clayton, FCC
Song of Worship – “Behold the Banquet of Christ”
Cody, FCC
As we gather at your table As we listen to your word Help us know oh God your presence Let our hearts and minds be stirred Nourish us with sacred story ’till we claim it as our own Teach us through this holy banquet how to make love’s victory known
Turn our worship into witness in the sacrament of life Send us forth to love and serve you Bringing peace where there is strife Give us Christ your great compassion To forgive as you forgave May we still behold your image in this world you died to save
Behold! Behold the banquet of Christ The banquet of Christ
Grant us vision gracious Spirit seeking guests to share that feast Where triumphant love will welcome those who had been last and least There no more will envy blind us Nor will pride our peace destroy As we join with saints and angels to repeat the sounding joy
Behold! Behold the banquet of Christ The banquet of Christ
Sharing Communion
Gavin, HCCC
Play the instrumental audio track below, and, after you have shared in the grace meal, take a minute to silently pray, responding to God however the Spirit leads you to respond in this moment.
Cody, FCC
Benediction – 2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Doxology
Sing aloud, even if you’re alone, and join God’s people in thanksgiving.
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
In this conversation (our second installment in the “Dear Church…” series), Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss 1 Corinthians – the first letter of a pair of New Testament epistles written to a people in the Greek city of Corinth. Read the book (should take you about an hour), listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or theme most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the letter we know as 2 Corinthians. You’re invited to read that section of text and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
As you make your way through today’s worship service, instructions and suggestions will be included in italics. Get a cup of coffee and settle in for this time of worship with your community.
Foyer Conversation
Song of Worship – “King of My Heart”
Let the King of my heart Be the mountain where I run The fountain I drink from Oh, He is my song Let the King of my heart Be the shadow where I hide The ransom for my life Oh, He is my song
You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh
And let the King of my heart Be the wind inside my sails The anchor in the waves Oh, He is my song Let the King of my heart Be the fire inside my veins The echo of my days Oh, He is my song
You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh
You’re never gonna let, never gonna let me down You’re never gonna let, never gonna let me down
You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh
When the night is holding on to me, God is holding on When the night is holding on to me, God is holding on
Greet One Another
Take a couple minutes to reach out to those in your faith community with a call, a text, a video chat, an email, etc. Remember those who might be feeling alone and extend the peace of Christ to them.
Call to Worship
If you are meeting with others, have on person read the plain print, and the other(s) read the bold.
Teach us your way, O LORD, that we may walk in your truth; give us undivided hearts to honor your name. We give thanks to you, O God, with our whole heart, and we glorify your name forever. For you, O LORD, are a God merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Invitation to Silence
Scripture Reading – Romans 6:1-4
Song of Worship – “There is a Green Hill”
Confession and Assurance
The proof of God’s amazing love is this: while we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in him, we dare to approach God with confidence. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.
God of our salvation, our rescue, our health: all things are yours, and when we bring hearts, hands, and voices to worship, we bring you what is yours. Yet we do not serve you as we ought, and the world is deeply torn by all the tensions and outright conflicts that come from worshiping less than yourself. Our good will towards others has no firm foundation and crumbles at the first tremor of real testing. In our personal affairs and our larger judgments, we try to heal deep wounds with superficial cures. Holy and loving God, forgive us. Confront us with your way of righting wrong, your strange and wondrous work of redemption through the sacrificial love of Jesus. Amen.
Song of Response – “My Burden is Easy”
Come to me, you who are weary And I will give you rest Come to me, you who are weary And I will give you rest
Take my yoke upon you For I am humble and gentle in heart And my burden is easy My burden is easy Take my yoke upon you And I will teach you For my burden is easy My burden is easy
You will find rest You will find rest You will find rest for your soul
Giving and Giving Thanks
Take some time to give thanks. If you are with others, name aloud some of the things for which you are grateful on this day. If you’re alone, try writing out a list.
Clicking the buttons below will take you to some info on how you can give to your church now.
Using language captured from the psalm, take a few minutes to pray for others, embedding the names and situations of those who come to mind or seem to “fit” within these intercessions:
Guard ______’s life, for they are faithful to You (v.2)
Have mercy on ______, O Lord, for they call to You all day long. (v.3)
Bring joy to your servant, ______, O Lord, for they trust in You. (v.4)
May ______ know and believe that You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. (v.5)
Kids’ Activities
Take a few moments and look up Romans 3:23 and Romans 13:14. Read these verses to your kids and explain that even if we do good things we still can’t ever be perfect so we need the grace of Jesus to cover us. Print off the two colouring pages and have your kids colour them in. When they are done, cut out the clothes and place them over the boy and girl as an object lesson showing Jesus’ grace is enough.
Another fun activity: Have kids put on as many of their clothes as possible. Layer! Layer! Layer! When they are done, ask if all their shirts and pants would keep them warm on the coldest day of the year. Answer: Nope! They would need snowsuits and boots. Even then we can’t stay outside without special protection on the coldest days. Jesus’ grace covers us with the forgiveness we need because we can’t do it ourselves.
Sermon
Before listening to the message today we invite you to gather a few things to assist in our full senses encounter of God’s grace:
Gather a favourite scented candle, essential oil, incense stick, or even Febreze if you are in a pinch. This will help with the reflection at the mid-way point in the message.
Gather a pitcher with water and a large bowl or basin. This will be for the after message reflection in which we are invited to remember our baptism and to feel God’s grace wash over us.
The Conversion of St. Paul – Parmigianino
Song of Worship – “In Christ Alone”
Announcements, Benediction, and 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
We went all the way through Matthew, and are starting a new series reflecting on the New Testament letters in a series called “Dear Church…..” In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss Romans – the first letter in the New Testament canon. Read the book, listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or theme most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
St. Paul at his Writing Desk – Rembrandt
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the letter we know as 1 Corinthians. You’re invited to read that section of text and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
As you make your way through today’s worship service, instructions and suggestions will be included in italics. Get a cup of coffee and settle in for this time of worship with your community.
Foyer Conversation
Kids’ Activities
Kids are encouraged to participate in worship by singing, helping with reading, scrolling through the site, etc. But, here are a couple activities you might want to also do with your kids this Sunday:
Have a conversation with your children about how you came to hear and know about Jesus. The Great Commission is all about telling others about Jesus – let your kids know that telling others has made a difference in your life.
Song of Worship – “Jesus Blessed Lord”
Jesus Blessed Lord Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim Hail him, the everlasting name Sing, O Church, come and bring your hearts again Bless Him, the Lord
Praise Him, Praise Him Jesus Blessed Lord
For our sins He suffered, bled and died Hail Him, the Christ, the crucified Son of Man, Son of God who bore our pain Bless Him, the Lord
Heaven’s voice, O majestic anthems ring Crown Him, the Prophet, Priest, and King Christ will come and we shall, on that day, Bless Him, the Lord
There is no other name by which we are saved Let the people rejoice, He has conquered the grave Jesus, Blessed Lord
Greet One Another
Take a couple minutes to reach out to those in your faith community with a call, a text, a video chat, an email, etc. Remember those who might be feeling alone and extend the peace of Christ to them.
Call to Worship
If you are meeting with others, have two people take turns alternate reading the call to worship – one person reading the plain print, and the other the bold.
We gather to worship the God who speaks a good word, who tells us the story of our beginnings and opens up the promise of never-endings. We gather to worship the God who embodies a good Word, who shows us through Jesus Christ what impact a faithful, good, and loving life can make. We gather to worship the God who spreads the good word, who enables us through the Spirit’s power to go forth in mission. We join voices in praise of our great and gracious God
Song of Worship – “Great Things”
Come let us worship our King, come let us bow at His feet He has done great things See what our Savior has done, see how His love overcomes He has done great things He has done great things
Oh, hero of Heaven, You conquer the grave You free every captive and break every chain Oh God, You have done great things We dance in Your freedom, awake and alive Oh Jesus, our Savior, Your name lifted high Oh God, You have done great things
You’ve been faithful through every storm, You’ll be faithful forevermore You have done great things And I know You will do it again, for Your promise is “Yes and amen” You will do great things God, You do great things
Hallelujah God, above it all Hallelujah God, unshakable Hallelujah, You have done great things Hallelujah God, above it all Hallelujah God, unshakable Hallelujah, You have done great things You’ve done great things
Song of Worship – “Jesus We Love You”
Old things have passed away Your love has stayed the same Your constant grace remains the cornerstone Things that we thought were dead Are breathing in life again You cause your Son to shine on darkest nights
For all that you’ve done, we will pour out our hearts This will be our anthem song Jesus we love you Oh, how we love you You are the one our hearts adore
The hopeless have found their hope The orphans now have a home All that was lost has found its place in you You lift our weary head You make us strong instead You took these rags and made us beautiful
Scripture Reading – Psalm 16
Testimonies
Below are a couple reflections from friends on how they were struck by the events and happenings of Holy Week in the last days. What most caught your attention in the stories of Jesus time in Jerusalem, his death, and resurrection?
Prayer
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.
Song of Worship – “Build My Life”
Giving and Giving Thanks
Take some time to give thanks. If you are with others, name aloud some of the things for which you are grateful on this day. If you’re alone, make a list. Clicking the buttons below will show you some info on how you can give to your church now.
Listen to the audio of the guided scripture meditation, and then watch the video below to hear a couple people reflect aloud on what they heard God speaking through this passage.
The Great Commission – He Qi
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Song of Response – “Holy, Holy, Holy”
This is an instrumental music track, but the lyrics are included below – the intention is for you to sing!
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee; holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, who wert and art and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see, only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea; holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Announcements and Benediction
Doxology
Whether you are alone or with a few others, sing the doxology aloud to conclude your time of worship.
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
Winnipeg Covenant 