Below is the reflective, self-paced, Spirit-guided portion of our Sunday worship. It typically includes a message and prayer response or formation practice. Our churches have also begun meeting separately on Zoom for the visible, shared community, Spirit-guided portion of our Sunday worship.
We invite you to make both a part of your worship in this season!
Jerry – HCCC
Message – Christ the King (Psalm 100/John 10)
Erik – FCC
Guided Prayer – John 10
Gavin – HCCC
Grab a pen or pencil and some paper.
Close your eyes. Picture a pasture with a good shepherd and his flock. Really set the scene; use your imagination. Is it very green? Is it hilly, or mostly flat? Can you see or hear water? What does the air smell like? What temperature is it? What does the ground feel like under your feet? Give yourself some time to linger on the scene. Carefully watch the shepherd as he carefully watches his sheep. If you’re feeling artsy, draw or sketch out the scene.
After you’ve lingered on the scene for a few minutes, consider a few questions, and write down any thoughts that emerge:
What does the voice of the Good Shepherd sound like in this scene? Is it clear? Is it faint or distant? Is it nearby to you?
What’s the tone of the Good Shepherd’s voice? Is it comforting? Peaceful? Is it stern? Muddled? Indistinguishable? Unrecognizable?
Jesus talks about a thief who comes to try and steal away the shepherd’s sheep. Do you notice the thief skulking around on the landscape? What’s that character up to? How are they seeking to draw sheep away or bring harm to the flock?
Are the sheep all in one spot? Have some wandered off?
What about you…? Where are you in this scenario?
The Good shepherd wants to provide and tend and protect and care for you too. The Good Shepherd wants you to find fresh living water, and green pastures, and abundant life…. What would that look like? How do you imagine it?
What is the voice of the Good Shepherd saying to you…? Is there a specific invitation in his voice? A command? An encouragement?
After jotting down some thoughts and reflections on the scene you’ve imagined, go to prayer. Talk to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, about what you’ve pictured.
Listen some more. Is there anything more Jesus wants to say to you?
If you would like, you can close your time with this prayer:
Faithful Shepherd, You are not a hired hand who runs away at the sight of danger; Your faithfulness was tested and proven on the wood of the Cross. Accept the gift of our gratitude for Your marvelous care. Help us to hear and follow Your voice.
Watchful Shepherd, who protects the flock and searches tirelessly for those who wander from the fold, retrieve the lost and bring them home. Tend and heal their wounds.
Good Shepherd, who lays down His Life for His sheep, refresh and strengthen Your people at the spring of Living Water that never ends.
Amen.
Benediction – Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Receive this song as your sung benediction. Take a few moments to thank God for meeting with you this day!
Jerry – HCCC
We are incredibly thankful for your support! We appreciate your faithfulness in the tithes, offerings and each and every gift. We seek to steward them well in this challenging season. Thanks be to God for his provision in every season!
In addition to the worship content that will continue to be posted here each Sunday (video sermons, music, prayer and scripture reflections), both Faith Covenant Church and Holy Community are now adding a live component to their online worship services via ZOOM (10:00am for FCC, and 10:30am for HCCC). We hope adding these gatherings to our online worship increases the sense that our worship really is something we share in together, even while physically apart!
My name is honored by people of other nations from morning till night. All around the world they offer sweet incense and pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name is great among the nations,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
All around the world, across all countries, people are joining a great movement of worship and prayer as the sun rises across the earth on this Sunday morning. Even in a global pandemic! You are joining them – the Church – as you sing and pray and present offerings of praise today.
Song of Worship – “Here I Am to Worship”
Jerry – HCCC
Light of the world You stepped down into darkness Opened my eyes, let me see Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of a life spent with You
Here I am to worship Here I am to bow down Here I am to say that You’re my God You’re altogether lovely Altogether worthy Altogether wonderful to me
King of all days Oh so highly exalted Glorious in heaven above Humbly You came to the earth You created All for love’s sake became poor
Here I am to worship Here I am to bow down Here I am to say that You’re my God You’re altogether lovely Altogether worthy Altogether wonderful to me
Well, I’ll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross I’ll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross
Here I am to worship Here I am to bow down Here I am to say that You’re my God You’re altogether lovely Altogether worthy Altogether wonderful to me
Quiet and Prayer
Give yourself two minutes for some quiet and prayer as you ready to hear the sermon. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, in and out. When you are ready, make this prayer your own:
God our Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit: You are the One God. The God who created me, the God who has always loved me, the God who has placed a holy calling on my life. Make me deeply attentive to Your Words – especially those words that are uniquely for me right here and now. Open my ears. Ready my heart. Transform my will in any way that it is misaligned with Your will for me. Amen.
Sermon – Malachi
Gavin – HCCC
Questions for Reflection
Consider how attentive you have been to God’s love, praiseworthiness, faithfulness, holiness, his Word, and His goodness in the past days and weeks.How have you become “spiritually careless” amid all the worries and concerns of life?
Listen. What is the invitation God is giving you today? If you are with others, consider sharing that invitation out loud.
Take a moment to pray for yourself and for others who come to mind. Ask for a new or refreshed awareness of God’s love in your/their life.
Song of Worship – “Faithful and True”
Cody – FCC
How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You?
You are faithful, You are true You are mercy, You shine through The darkness cannot hide You It cannot hide You, Oh my God
How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You? How can I serve anyone but You?
You are faithful You are true You are mercy, You shine through The darkness cannot hide You It cannot hide You, Oh my God
You are faithful You are true You are mercy, You shine through The darkness cannot hide You It cannot hide You, Oh my God
Offering
Malachi 3:10-12 says:
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Like in the situation specific to Malachi, our acts of giving and generosity speak to our willingness to trust God with our own provision. If God can be trusted to bless us and take care of us, then we can be freed up to give: to the shared ministry of our church, and to the needs of others around us.
May your gifts today be given trusting God, and may they increase your trust in God as you see Him faithful to provide for and bless you.
In addition to the worship content that will continue to be posted here each Sunday (video sermons, music, prayer and scripture reflections), both Faith Covenant Church and Holy Community are now adding a live component to their online worship services via ZOOM (10:00am for FCC, and 10:30am for HCCC). We hope adding these gatherings to our online worship increases the sense that our worship really is something we share in together, even while physically apart!
Songs of Worship – “Strength Will Rise” and “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”
Gavin – HCCC
Strength Will Rise Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God The everlasting God You do not faint You won’t grow weary You’re the defender of the weak You comfort those in need You lift us up on wings like eagles
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God The everlasting God You do not faint You won’t grow weary You’re the defender of the weak You comfort those in need You lift us up on wings like eagles
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand
When darkness veils his lovely face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil
On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand
His oath, his covenant, his blood Supports me in the ‘whelming flood When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay
On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand
When He shall come with trumpet sound Oh may I then in Him be found Dressed in his righteousness alone Faultless to stand before the throne
On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand
Offering
Part of our worship includes the giving of tithes and offerings. Click the buttons below for more info on how to give to your church, and use this prayer as you give:
Lord, let our congregation be a witness to you: immersed in scripture, constant in prayer, joyful in worship, generous in giving. A loving, supportive community reaching out to those in need. Accept these gifts we offer, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Kid’s Story
Julia, Hudson, Hava – HCCC
Did you do the actions…? Do you think you’ll be able to remember that verse by the end of this time of worship? What about by the end of the day?
The story of Jesus and Bartimaeus that Julia read is found in Mark 10:46-52. Grab a Bible and check it out for yourself!
After Bartimaeus had called out to Jesus for mercy, Jesus asks Bartimaeus the question: “What do you want me to do for you?”
Imagine that Jesus asked you that question. What do you want Jesus to do for YOU? What are you hoping for?
Sermon – Zechariah 9:12
Cody – FCC
Questions for Reflection
Take two minutes to reflect on the sermon, ponder the questions below, and respond to God in prayer. If it’s helpful for you, play the following instrumental music (“In Christ Alone”) as you pray.
Nathan – HCCC
What do you fear?
What is the “fortress” to which you retreat when you are scared, worried, or disoriented?
What does it look like to live as a “prisoner of hope”?
Scripture Reading – Hebrews 6:18-20a
Read the following Scripture aloud.
God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us.
Song of Worship – “In Christ Alone”
Feel like singing some of that hope? Join in on declaring that it is in Christ alone that our hope is found!
Gavin – HCCC
In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My comforter, my all in all Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save ‘Til on that cross as Jesus died The love of God was glorified For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the pow’r of Christ in me From life’s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand ‘Til He returns or calls me home Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand ‘Til He returns or calls me home Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand ‘Til He returns or calls me home Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand
It has been a busy bustling week in many of our lives. Often times those we love and those we are called to live with and toward get left out as the busy builds… Take a couple minutes to reach out to someone on your mind or heart. Call, text, set up a walk or a coffee. Remember that we live life before God together!
Call to Worship – based on Psalm 103
Pick someone to be the reader. Everyone else gets one line that they repeat. Would the goodness of this one line sink into your hearts!
Leader: The response to the psalm is: The Lord is compassion and love
All: The Lord is compassion and love
My soul give thanks to the Lord, All my being bless His holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord And never forget all His blessings
The Lord is compassion and love
The Lord is compassion and love, Slow to anger and rich in mercy. As a father has compassion on his sons, The Lord has pity on those who fear Him.
The Lord is compassion and love
The love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold Him in fear; His justice reaches out to children’s children when they keep His covenant in truth
Cody – FCC
Bless the Lord (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 its 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
Your rich in love and you’re slow to anger You 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
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
Message – Numbers 14
Gavin – HCCC
Scripture Image Reflection and Guided Prayer
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem where he will be crucified. Jesus is beginning to experience more and more rejection. In Luke 13 Jesus says, “How often have I wanted to gather you together as a hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.”
Take a few moments to pray. Pray through these movements:
Where do I wander from God’s guidance and care? Name it. Confess it.
Where or how is God trying to gather me like a hen gathers chicks?
Why am I resistant to God’s care?
Simply listen for God’s invitation as God’s desire remains to gather us and care for us. If it helps, play this instrumental based on Psalm 121. There is a line that we could do well to live into, “As I come and I go, I am safe for I know, that Your care is sufficient for me!”
“He’s Ever Over Me” Nathan – HCCC
Give thanks to this God, who is like a mother hen in desire to care for us.
God, you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. And for this we are so thankful. Amen.
Offering and Thanksgiving
Sometimes our gratitude gets lost in the midst of busyness. Take a minute to Give thanks to God for all the good, the provision, the kindness and care that came your way this week. We invite to make your thanks tangible with a gift to a ministry like ours or another Kingdom work as the Spirit directs you.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your 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 the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Offering Song
Cody – FCC
Goodness of God
I love you Lord Oh your mercy never fails me All my days I’ve been held in your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God
All my life you have been faithful All my life you have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
I love your voice You have led me through the fire In darkest nights I’ve been held like no other I’ve known you as a Father I’ve known you as a friend I have lived in the goodness of God
All my life you have been faithful All my life you have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Your goodness is running after It’s running after me Your goodness is running after It’s running after me With my life laid down I surrender now I give you everything Your goodness is running after It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after It’s running after me Your goodness is running after It’s running after me With my life laid down I surrender now I give you everything Your goodness is running after It’s running after me
All my life you have been faithful All my life you have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
All my life you have been faithful All my life you have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
A Final Thought on Numbers 14
Erik – FCC
Song of Response
Cody – FCC
Way Maker
You are here moving in our midst I worship you, I worship you You are here working in this place I worship you, I worship you
You are way maker Miracle worker Promise Keeper Light in the darkness My God that is who you are
You are way maker Miracle worker Promise Keeper Light in the darkness My God that is who you are
You are here touching every heart I worship you, I worship you You are here healing every heart I worship you, I worship you
You are here turning lives around I worship you, I worship you You are here mending every heart I worship you, I worship you
You are way maker Miracle worker Promise Keeper Light in the darkness My God that is who you are
You are way maker Miracle worker Promise Keeper Light in the darkness My God that is who you are
That is who you are That is who you are That is who you are That is who you are (REPEAT)
Even when I don’t see it you’re working Even when I don’t feel it you’re working You never stop, you never stop working You never stop, you never stop working (REPEAT)
You are way maker Miracle worker Promise Keeper Light in the darkness My God that is who you are
Benediction
The Lord Bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious with you.
The Lord lift up his countenance towards you, and give you peace.
This is the September Long Weekend. It symbolically marks the passing between one season (Summer) and another (Fall). We invite you to make a little visual altar for worship today.
Take something symbolic of Summer (flowers, garden produce, camping gear, swimsuit or life jacket – whatever!) and something symbolic of Fall (leaves, school supplies, a jacket, a frozen roast or can of soup – whatever).
If you have space on a table (or the floor) put the two sets of items on separate sides with and a candle (or some kind of light) in-between. We invite this to be the setup for your time in worship. This will remind us of God’s presence.
God is present with us in the in-between!
*** If you have kids present, the Kids’ lesson is at the bottom after the Doxology. You can do it at the start, during the message or at the end. You choose! ***
The sun is setting on our Summer but God remains with us into Fall!
Gathering Song – “As the Deer” Instrumental
Take a few deep breaths. Take a moment to be still. Can you sense God with you? Ask God to draw near and show you something this next hour. Be open and ready to experience God!
As you listen to this classic song, consider – What is your soul longing for this September?
Call to Worship (responsive reading)
Come, all you whose souls thirst for the living God. We come in search of help and hope. Come, you who are acquainted with grief and difficulty. We come bearing our doubts, our wounds, and our fears. Come, you who are in need of good news. We come in search of joy, truth, and light. Come and find refuge in God your rock. Let us again praise the One who is our help and our hope.
Worship through Song
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
Where have you seen the beauty of the Lord this Summer? Take a minute to give thanks.
Where are you fearful and afraid heading into the Fall? Take a minute to bring our anxieties to Jesus, asking for his presence and strength.
God,
This was a strange summer, and yet your goodness was all around us. The heat of the days was a welcome gift after a long winter. The beauty of the trees that line our streets, the flowers and produce in our gardens, remind us of the life you gift.
Thank you for your sustaining generosity towards us even when we grumble. Thank you for your blessing even when we have grown quick to bock at your gifts. Be with us as we head into what is known and unknown this Fall. Teach us to trust your goodness and mercy. On our better days, we know they sustain our life. Thank you! Amen.
Giving and Giving Thanks
We have given thanks to God for his provision and we have invited God to continue to care for us into the next season. Take a minute now to offer tokens of our trust.We invite you to partner financially as well as consider how you can offer more of yourself (your time, your abilities, your heart) to God’s work this Fall.
Take turns reading (and listening) to the Scriptures as they call us to courage.If one grabs you, memorize it, and let it be encouragement this Fall!
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deut. 31:6)
The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1)
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. (1 Cor. 16:13-14)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7)
So we can say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)
And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. (1 John 4:17-18)
Song of Response – “Yet not I but through Christ in me”
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 – Numbers 6:24-26
Erskine family (minus Garrett who was hunting!)
Doxology
Whether you’re meeting with others or alone, sing this final song of praise 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
Long weekend Doxology bonus
Kids’ Lesson
In Numbers 13 we read the story of Moses sending 12 spies into the Promised Land to see what it was like. Moses wanted to know if the people living there were strong or weak. He wanted to know if there were a lot of people or not. He also wanted to know if it was good land and if there were trees and good fruit. The spies went out for 40 days and when they came back they said it was a rich land with good food. But the people who live there are strong and there are many of them. Only two of the 12 spies said the Israelites could win the land with God’s help. The other 10 spies thought it was too difficult, even for God. God was pleased with the two spies who believed, Joshua and Caleb, but he was not pleased with the spies who were afraid. Joshua and Caleb were honoured for their faith by one day entering the Promised Land, the others never did. God asks us to trust him even with things that seem really hard or even impossible. What seems really hard or impossible to you today? Share with your family and pray together that God would act on your behalf.
Now, as a fun activity, go on your own mini-scavenger hunt around your house to find these things:
Something purple – the spies brought back grapes with them.
Ten matching items (like forks) and two that don’t match (like spoons) – the 10 spies did were too afraid to trust God, Caleb and Joshua had faith.
Something really strong – the spies found that the Canaanites were very strong
Two leaves from two different trees – the spies found fruit from two trees pomegranate and fig
Something sweet – the Bible says that the land was flowing with milk and honey
For a simpler activity with kids: play a few rounds of “I spy with my little eye”
Before you get into this morning’s service , take a few moments to reach out to a couple people from the extended Church community – maybe a friend or family member who worships with another local church in another place. Send a text message, write a short email, or even make a call (remember when phones were used ONLY for phone calls…?!). If it doesn’t feel too unnatural, consider including these words (or some variation of them) as part of your greeting:
May God bless you and keep you today.
Call to Worship
The final words of the Gospel of Matthew are Jesus’ words to his disciples. They are words that remind us of who God is, who we are, and what we are called to be about as his people:
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
If you are meeting with others, read the following responsively as a prayer and call to worship:
We are here to worship you, God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We bring all that we have and all that we are to this moment of worship, acknowledging your love, grace, and mercy to us. Accept our worship, our praise, our thanksgiving and our adoration. Free us from the burden of our sin, and from the lure of those distractions which steal our attention away from You. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us – So that we may experience anew your call to share with all people the good news of Jesus Christ, the One who came to seek and to save the lost among all people. Amen.
Songs of Worship
Cody – FCC
Be the Center Jesus be the center Be my source Be my light Jesus
Jesus be the center Be my hope Be my song Jesus
Be the fire in my heart Be the wind in these sails Be the reason that I live Jesus Jesus
Jesus be my vision Be my path Be my guide Jesus
Jesus be my vision Be my path Be my guide Jesus
Be the fire in my heart Be the wind in these sails Be the reason that I live Jesus Jesus
Be the fire in my heart Be the wind in these sails Be the reason that I live Jesus Jesus
Cody – FCC
Be Thou My Vision Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me save that thou art Thou my best thought by day or by night Waking or sleeping thy presence my light
Be thou my wisdom and thou my true word I ever with thee and thou with me Lord Thou my great Father thy child shall I be Thou in me dwelling and I one with thee
Riches I heed not nor mans empty praise Thou mine inheritance now and always Thou and thou only first in my heart High King of heave my treasure thou art
High King of heaven my victory won May I reach heavens joy O bright heavens sun Heart of my own heart whatever befall Still be my vision O ruler of all
Heart of my own heart whatever befall Still be my vision O ruler of all
Kids’ Lesson
Julia – HCCC
Prayers of Confession
The object lesson Julia gave (which is a good one for adults too!) reminds us to pay attention to those things in our life we may have prioritized above or before God himself and our call to be disciples of Jesus.
Where have you allowed the stuff of life (big things, medium things, or little things) to become competition to God ? What is, rather than being another context or situation in which you love and live for God, actually crowding Him out?
What has occupied your thoughts? What have been the preoccupations of your mind lately?
Consider these things, maybe jot down a few thoughts about anything specific that needs to be addressed, then take a physical posture of humility (ie. kneeling, bowing low, holding your hands palms upward in front of you) and pray aloud:
We are sorry, God; hear our repentance for our wayward handling of life. We have squandered time, hoarded money, avoided challenges, and used others. We have borne waiting grievously, illness stubbornly, trials reluctantly, and responsibility half-heartedly. We have doubted your care, mistrusted your providence, distorted your power, and ignored your love. We have neglected our discipleship, injured our relationships, sabotaged our fellowship, and underrated your forgiveness. Forgive us now, we pray, and let us try again, sensitive to your Spirit and committed to your will. Amen.
Offering
The long journey of wonder and obedience is characterized by both receiving and giving. We acknowledge today that work and strength are both gift and responsibility. A portion of the return we receive in wages and gifts belongs to God, who first gave us the gifts of life, strength, and salvation. So we give freely with thanksgiving.
May god make both these gifts and their givers increasingly fruitful for His Kingdom purposes. Amen.
Sermon
Erik -FCC
Reflection and Response
Numbers 12 reminds us, as Erik said, that God’s promises aren’t just for individuals but for an entire community. The Christian life – the Kingdom life – is a life together. Think: team sport. The wins and the losses are shared.
For the next few minutes, pray for your faith community. Allow yourself to role the images of their faces before your mind’s eye. Remember their names before God. And pray using these prompts:
Pray for someone who is frustrated, bitter, angry, or questioning God’s ways and wisdom. Ask God to speak peace to them and remind them of His love for them.
Pray for someone who is sick or afflicted. Ask God for their healing, and for his merciful help.
Pray for someone who seems trapped by a sense of guilt, or the weight of the consequences of their own sin or misjudgement. Ask God to give them a deep sense of freedom through the Holy Spirit.
Pray for someone who is in a season of waiting – someone who is held up, stuck, or in a holding pattern. Ask God to give provision and patience.
Give thanks to God for where you have seen His goodness – not just in your own life but specifically in the lives of others. Name the special kindnesses you’ve noticed God offer to those around you (that may have even provoked a twinge of jealousy in your own heart).
And listen. Listen for the guidance of God on how you can practically, tangibly be involved in restoring and refreshing the people in your church and your community with whom you walk the long journey.
We try as best we can, to live by bread alone, or pie or cake or sweet rolls.
And then comes your word! In our hearing we are reminded that we live by every word that proceeds from your mouth, promises and gifts, blessings and threats, summons and commands, assurances and requirements.
We thank you for bread, and for the many cakes, pies and sweet rolls that inhabit our life of privilege. While we munch, give us ears, make us better listeners, give us patience with our odd utterances, give us openness to your new utterances, we vow to listen.
We pray in the name of your fleshed utterance become our bread. In Jesus’ name! Amen.
(Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth, Prayers of Walter Brueggemann)
Scripture Reading – Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.
3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,
‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”
10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Song of Worship
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 tears 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 water 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
Scripture Reflection
Julia – HCCC
Prayers of Complaint and Confession
Jerry – HCCC
God of our yesterday, our today, and our tomorrow: All is not as we think it should be; The world is askew, our lives are a mess, our relationships are in tatters, our health is frail. We fear, and fret, and fume. All is not as we think it should be. We grumble, and gripe, and complain, and shout! All is not as we think it should be! We stew in our agitations and anxieties, We store them up in our own hearts, Or we angrily lay them on the heads of others. We compulsively hold on to complaints, We are addicted to ascribing blame, We lash out at others Because the world is not as we think it should be.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy!
Have mercy on us for forgetting all the ways You have provided in the past. Have mercy on us for not choosing to turn to you with all that hurts, and disorients, and perturbs us today. Have mercy on us for failing to trust Your goodness into the future.
But, all is not as we think it should be… So, in Your mercy, hear our prayers….
Take a few moments to silently bring your concerns and complaints to God, not just because they represent real problems but also because God is truly good. He is able and willing to help.
Offering
We are always invited to bring our complaints to God. We are also always invited to place our trust in God. In fact bringing our complaints to God and not simply to the water cooler or social media is part of placing our trust in God. So to is giving tokens of our trust in the form of our tithes and offerings. Be encouraged as you give! It shows your trust in God.
Take a moment to make a gift and say thanks for God’s provision in your life. Then just listen to this beautiful rendition of a classic hymn which speaks of God’s holiness. Know that we get to trust in this Holy God and this God will indeed prove trustworthy!
Nathan – HCCC
Scripture Reflection
Song of Worship
Cody-FCC
Comfort My People Do you know? Have you not heard? Has it been told you from the first? Have you not understood from the forming of the earth, He sits enthroned above the world And spreads the heavens like a tent A place for us to live in A place for us to live
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand Do you know? Who has marked off the heavens with the breath of his word Do you know? Comfort my people Comfort my people says the Lord
He brought out the starry host And one my one he calls them by name Why do you still complain that he doesn’t know your ways? Lift your eyes, and look to see who created all of these And never more complain that he doesn’t know your ways…
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand Do you know? Who has marked off the heavens with the breath of his word Do you know?
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand Do you know? Who has marked off the heavens with the breath of his word Do you know?
Comfort my people Comfort my people Comfort my people says the Lord
You will need some paper, scissors and colouring tools.
Once Israel was freed from Egypt they find themselves in the wilderness. God’s presence is inside of a big tent called the Tabernacle. Isn’t that awesome kids? God likes to camp just like you do! On the day the tent (Tabernacle) was set up a cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. When the cloud lifted the people knew it was time to pack up and move to the next place God was leading. When it stopped and settled they knew it was time to pitch the tent (Tabernacle) and stay a while! You can read all about this in Numbers 9:15-23)
We want you to draw and colour and cutout your take on the Tabernacle. It should be quite small. No bigger than 1/4 of a piece of paper.
If you have grey (for the day cloud) or red (for the fire cloud at night) this is ideal for what will cover the Tabernacle. Take a sheet and cut it into quarters. Draw a cloud shape on the top one and cut all 4 (or do multiple pages if you want the game to be harder) together so they should be identical.
Now you should have 1 Tabernacle and at least 3-4 clouds that are larger and completely cover the Tabernacle.
The game is to place the Tabernacle under a cloud (maybe tape it to the bottom). Have one person move around all the clouds until 15 seconds have passed. Move them vigorously! Get crazy! When the time is up the ones watching guess under which cloud is the Tabernacle hiding. Take turns and have fun!
The people had to keep their eyes open for when God wanted them to stay and when God wanted them to move on. We are the same. This game helps us remember this!
Call to Worship from Psalm 114
If you are meeting with others, read the following call to worship responsively – one person reading the plain print and another reading the bold print.
When the Israelites escaped from Egypt— when the family of Jacob left that foreign land— the land of Judah became God’s sanctuary, and Israel became his kingdom. The Red Sea saw them coming and hurried out of their way! The water of the Jordan River turned away. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs! What’s wrong, Red Sea, that made you hurry out of their way? What happened, Jordan River, that you turned away? Why, mountains, did you skip like rams? Why, hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.
Songs of Worship – “Strength Will Rise” and “My Hope is Built on Nothing Else”
Gavin – HCCC
Strength Will Rise Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God The everlasting God You do not faint You won’t grow weary You’re the defender of the weak You comfort those in need You lift us up on wings like eagles
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God The everlasting God You do not faint You won’t grow weary You’re the defender of the weak You comfort those in need You lift us up on wings like eagles
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand
When darkness veils his lovely face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil
On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand
His oath, his covenant, his blood Supports me in the ‘whelming flood When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay
On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand
When He shall come with trumpet sound Oh may I then in Him be found Dressed in his righteousness alone Faultless to stand before the throne
On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand
Confession of Sins and Assurance of Pardon
Jesus says to the Pharisees and the disciples in John 10:
Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:7b-10)
In order to enter through the gate, we must confess our sins. Jesus is the gate by which we enter God’s presence. In confessing our sin, we claim the grace of Jesus and our place in the sheepfold of God. Take a few moments to confess your sins to God and ask for his gracious forgiveness. Jesus goes on to say in John 10 that he is the Good Shepherd:
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:11-12)
We have a Good Shepherd who lays down his own life that we might live. He forgives you. He welcomes you as one he knows and loves.
Sermon
Offering
Toward the end of Numbers 10, Moses invites one of his in-laws to join the rest of Israel as God is leading them on a journey to the land of promise. He makes his pitch this way (Numbers 10:29 NRSV):
“We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you’; come with us, and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised good…”
We invite you to participate in your offering today in this three-fold spirit:
it is God who has promised good for us and we simply respond in trust
the journey is one of invitation where we journey as a community in responding together to what God has planned
this journey of responding to God’s leading and promises should also be good for others in our world (“we will treat you well”)
Guiding God,
You have called us to a journey of new life in your Son Jesus by his Holy Spirit that has been sent to us as a gift. Teach us to seek your Spirit as we respond to your grace and partner together in Good News. Accept our offering as a tangible sign of trust that you have indeed “promised good”. Amen.
Song of Response – “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”
Gavin – HCCC
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood Just in simple faith to plunge me ‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
I’m so glad I learned to trust Him, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend And I know that You are with me, Will be with me to the end
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Call to Worship – Responsive Reading from Rev. 1:4-8
Pick someone in your midst to do the leader’s part. If you are solo do your best pastor impersonation for the leader and be yourself for the congregation…!
[CONGREGATION:] Grace and peace to you: [LEADER:] from God who was, and is, and is to come.
Grace and peace to you: from the Holy Spirit, who is before God’s throne and at work in his church.
Grace and peace to you: from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us, and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father, to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven, and every eye will see him – even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will lament before him.
Lord our God, you are the Alpha and the Omega, who was, and is, and is to come, the Almighty one. Amen.
Song of Worship
Cody – FCC
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
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 shall be
Holy, holy, holy, though the darkness hide thee Though the eye of sinful flesh 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 on earth, and sky, and sea Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty God in three persons, blessed Trinity God in three persons, blessed Trinity
Sermon
Gavin – HCCC
Song and Prayer
Cody – FCC
Lion and the Lamb
Our God is a lion, the lion of Judah He’s roaring in power and fighting our battles And every knee will bow before him Our God is the lamb, the lamb that was slain For the sins of the world His blood breaks the chains And every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb Every knee will bow before him
He’s coming on the clouds, kings and kingdoms will bow down And every chain will break as broken hearts declare your praise Who can stop the Lord Almighty?
Our God is a lion, the lion of Judah He’s roaring in power and fighting our battles And every knee will bow before him Our God is the lamb, the lamb that was slain For the sins of the world His blood breaks the chains And every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb Every knee will bow before him
So open up the gates, make way before the King of kings The God who comes to save is here to set the captives free Who can stop the Lord Almighty?
Our God is a lion, the lion of Judah He’s roaring in power and fighting our battles And every knee will bow before him Our God is the lamb, the lamb that was slain For the sins of the world His blood breaks the chains And every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb Every knee will bow before him
Who can stop the Lord Almighty? (Repeat)
Our God is a lion, the lion of Judah He’s roaring in power and fighting our battles And every knee will bow before him Our God is the lamb, the lamb that was slain For the sins of the world His blood breaks the chains And every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb Every knee will bow before him
Invitation to Pray for the ECCC
Jesus addresses seven churches, but in a sense they stand in place of any and all churches. Take a few minutes to watch this update from the ECCC president, Glenn Peterson, who shares some ways you can pray for our corner of the Church body, and then come to God with whatever prayers the Spirit lays on your heart.
Glenn – President of the ECCC
Benediction – Revelation 22:17, 20-21
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Missional Challenge
The message John relays from Jesus to the church at Ephesus contains these words: “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4-5)
Other translations use the words “remember your first love.” Jesus commends the Ephesians for many wonderful works, but he wants them to remember to love him as they did at first. Not only him but also one another. Think of the ways you once sought out Jesus, but no longer seek him. Think of the ways you used to show love to one another, but no longer practice. Identify one way you can “remember your first love.” How can you do the work of loving Jesus as you once did? Identify one way you can do the work of loving one another that perhaps you have let slide in these days of social distancing. Reach out to Jesus. Reach out to one another.
Welcome to worship today, and a special welcome to all of those from College Park Covenant Church in Saskatoon who are joining us.
Take a couple minutes to reach out and greet some friends from church who you may not have seen for a while. A quick text checking in could go a long way!
Kid’s Story
Elisabeth – HCCC
What a great story! Horton shows love and faithfulness. Despite any and all opposition Horton stays with his egg, and in the end – SURPRISE! – it proves true that this really was Horton’s egg all along! An Elephant-Bird! Even though it’s not what anyone expected! /
This story sounds something like what 1 John 3:1-2 tells us about God’s love and how we are his children – despite what others might find hard to believe:
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.
Opening Prayer
God, our Father, As your true children we gather together today, grateful for Your faithfulness to us. Receive our worship as we remember your great love. Amen.
Call to Worship
If you are with other’s read the following call to worship responsively, with one person reading the bold print and the other(s) reading the plain print.
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. (1 John 3:1)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-2)
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us–and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. (1 John 3:16)
O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever; (Psalm 136:3-9)
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:7-12)
O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:26)
Songs of Worship – “Your Love Defends Me” and “Good News”
Gavin – HCCC Cody – FCC
Your Love Defends Me You are my joy, You are my song You are the well, the one I’m drawing from You are my refuge, my whole life long Where else could I go?
Surely my God is the strength of my soul Your love defends me, Your love defends me And when I feel like I’m all alone Your love defends me, Your love defends me
Day after day, night after night I will remember, You’re with me in this fight Although the battle, it rages on The war is already won I know the war is already won
Surely my God is the strength of my soul Your love defends me, Your love defends me And when I feel like I’m all alone Your love defends me, Your love defends me
We sing alleluia, You’re my portion, my salvation Alleluia, You’re my portion, my salvation Alleluia, You’re my portion, my salvation
Surely my God is the strength of my soul Your love defends me, Your love defends me And when I feel like I’m all alone Your love defends me, Your love defends me
Good News Turn your gaze – the kingdom of God has come near Believe that the good news is here A new day has finally come For our God has entered in power and might And robed with all goodness and light A new way has finally come
So we lift our hearts to you, our God, in wonder As we gaze upon the way of Christ our King For the cross You bore became your glory’s splendor And for all You’ve done, for who You are are, We let this good news ring
You are the joy to the brokenhearted You gave the world a love incarnate Lord, You have come to us in truth We forever hold to You
Look beyond, the Kingdom of God will come near Believe that good news will appear When that new day has finally come
So we lift our hearts to you, our God, in wonder As we gaze upon the way of Christ our King For the cross You bore became your glory’s splendor And for all You’ve done, for who You are are, We let this good news ring
You are the joy to the brokenhearted You gave the world a love incarnate Lord, You have come to us in truth We forever hold to You
Let Your joy, O Lord Be near this day Let Your joy, O Lord Be our strength Let Your joy, O Lord Be near this day Let Your joy, O Lord Be our strength
You are the joy to the brokenhearted You gave the world a love incarnate Lord, You have come to us in truth We forever hold to You You are the joy to the brokenhearted You gave the world a love incarnate Lord, You have come to us in truth We forever hold to You
Giving Thanks
Take a moment to give thanks to God for his love in whatever way seems fitting to you.
Confession of Sin and Assurance of Pardon
While God’s love is perfect, ours is not…. 1 John tells us that:
Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. (1 John 3:4-5)
Therefore, let us confess our sin:
God forgives and heals us. We need your healing, merciful God: give us true repentance. Some sins are plain to us; some escape us; some we cannot face. Forgive us; set us free to hear your word to us; set us free to serve you. Amen.
Take the next few moments to name those sins before God and ask for his healing forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 tells us that “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Trust these words of assurance: Jesus Christ died for our sins, not to satisfy an angry God but to reach out with unending love to stubborn and selfish people. We are those people. Let the power of those words sink into you, and be comforted. Your sins are forgiven!
Scripture Reading
Kirsten – College Park Covenant Church
Sermon
Cody – FCC
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help us to show with our lives that we are your children. Help us to walk in the truth as we prove that we are your children by the way we love. Loving one another is not a new instruction from you our Heavenly Father, but like all children we often need a reminder. Loving one another is not easy. Help us! Thank you for loving us before we had any inkling of returning love. Thank you for sending Jesus our older brother as the ultimate sign of love.
Amen. (based on 1 John 4:10, 2 John 5-6 and 3 John 11)
Scripture and Reflection
3 John 3 says, “I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you have walked in the truth.” (NRSV)
One of the ways we “walk in truth” is by loving one another and caring for those in need. One of the classic stories that instructs us in this is the story of the good Samaritan. Take a minute to view this fresh take on the story.
Darren – FCC
Is there someone in need in your life who you can help? Don’t think too hard. Is someone right in your path that is beat up (physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually) that you can care for in a tangible way?
Decide one way you will help AND do something!
Offering – 3 John 1-4
Hear these words as written from the pastor/writer of the letter 3 John to you (insert your name as you read)! Be encouraged to continue to be diligent in the way of Truth with your time, talent, and treasure!
The Pastor, to my good friend ______: How truly I love you! We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! I was most happy when some friends arrived and brought the news that you persist in following the way of Truth. Nothing could make me happier than getting reports that my children continue diligently in the way of Truth!
Benediction – Revelation 3:20-22
Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.
Missional Challenge
3 John verse 2 says this: Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
The challenge is this. Choose one person and commit to pray for them this week in a 3 John verse 2 kind of way. Pray that they may enjoy good health and physical vitality. Praying that all might go well with them (including their soul) might look like this: -prayers that this individual might experience peace and not anxiety -prayers that this individual might embody hope and not despair -prayers that this individual might be kept from temptation and evil and live righteously -prayers that this individual might tangibly feel the goodness of community and not the pain of loneliness
At the end of this week check in with that person and be sure to let them know you have been praying for them this week.
Winnipeg Covenant 