Song of Worship – “The Goodness of Jesus”

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

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

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”

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

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”

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”

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

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.

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!

Reflecting Together on Generosity

Prayer

Song of Worship – “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 – 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

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…

...a link to a craft…

Foyer Conversation

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.

Welcome and Scripture Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:2-3

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”

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.

Scripture Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Confession and Prayer

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

Song of Worship – “Behold the Banquet of Christ”

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

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.

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

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.

Scripture Reading – Psalm 86

Praying the Psalm for Others

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

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

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.

Lectio Divina – Matthew 28:16-20

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.

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

If you are looking for the short liturgy for sunrise service, you can find it HERE. This is our Easter celebration service! Scroll through and take your time – enjoy this day of hope and thanksgiving for the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Instructions are in italicized print as you scroll along.

Activities for Kids

Children are encouraged to participate in worship – sing along, help do readings or lead prayers, watch the videos, etc. But if the wee ones are getting antsy, here are a couple printable activities for kids this Sunday.

Foyer Conversation

Scripture Reading – Matthew 28:1-10

Song of Worship – “Glorious”

Glorious
Look inside the mystery
See the empty cross
See the risen Savior
Victorious and strong
No one else above Him
None as strong to save
He alone has conquered
The power of the grave

Glorious, my eyes have seen the glory of the Lord
Glorious, he stands above the rulers of the earth

Look beyond the tombstone
See the Living God
See the resurrected
Ruler of my heart
No one else above Him
None to match His worth
The hope of His returning
Fills the universe

Glorious, my eyes have seen the glory of the Lord
Glorious, he stands above the rulers of the earth

Glorious
Glorious
Lord, You are glorious

Opening Prayer

Lord of such amazing surprises as put a catch in our breath and wings on our hearts; we praise you for this joy too great for words. For this world unleashed in us, and us in it, with no dead ends to growing; for this resurrection wonder, which is wiser than we are and in which we see how great you are, how full of grace. Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen!

Greeting One Another

Extend some resurrection joy to one another if you haven’t already! Send a text, make a call, have a quick video chat, or send an email. Greet one another with the declaration: Christ is risen!

Call to Worship and Reflection – Isaiah 25:6-8

Song of Worship – “Christ Whose Glory”

Christ Whose Glory
Christ, whose glory fills the skies
Christ, the true, the only Light
Sun of Righteousness arise
Triumph o’er the shades of night
Triumph o’er the shades of night

Hallelujah! O praise Him whose glory fills the skies
Hallelujah! O praise the true Light
Hallelujah! O praise Him who triumphs over night
Hallelujah! O praise Jesus Christ

Christ, O radiance divine
Scatter all my unbelief
Break into this soul of mine
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief

Christ be ever on display
Bring the dark unto its end
More and more ’til glorious day
And the Light himself descends
And the Light himself descends

Scripture Reading – Romans 6:8-11

What Does the Resurrection of Jesus Mean to You?

Pay attention to the words of your brothers and sisters in the video below and how they responded to the question: What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you? Look for a word / phrase or two that capture your imagination and hold on to them.

Now take that word or phrase and turn it into prayer. Respond to God with a thanksgiving, and expression of worship, a confession, a request, or simply by resting in his presence with that word in your heart

Amen.

Homily

Song of Worship – “Because He Lives”

Because He Lives
I believe in the Son
I believe in the risen One
I believe I overcome
By the power of His blood

Amen, Amen
I’m alive, I’m alive because He lives
Amen, Amen
Let my song join the one that never ends
Because He lives

I was dead in the grave
I was covered in sin and shame
I heard mercy call my name
He rolled the stone away

Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives every fear is gone
I know He holds my life, my future in His hands

Closing Prayer

God of glory, by the raising of Your Son You have broken the chains of death and hell. Fill Your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Amen!

Doxology

Sing it loud! Sing it with joy!

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

Bonus Feature

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

Gathering Song FOR KIDS!

Don’t be a spoil sport! Do the actions!

More Kids’ Activities

Here are a few other activities for kids that you can download or access for this morning, including a couple printable coloring and activity pages:

Palm Sunday Craft Idea

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.

Invocation Prayer and Call to Worship

Jesus, when you rode into Jerusalem the people waved palms with shouts of acclamation. Grant that when the shouting dies we may still walk beside you, even to a cross. Amen.

Pause for a moment of silence. Be still – as still as you are able. Take a few deep breaths… and then click to play the audio of the call to worship, reading along and joining together in one voice as God’s people.

Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!

Songs of Worship – “Let it Rise,” “Your Grace is Enough,” and “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”

Let It Rise
Let the glory of the Lord rise among us
Let the glory of the Lord rise among us
Let the praises of our King rise among us
Let it rise, Oh let it rise

Oh let it rise!

Let the songs of our Lord rise among us
Let the songs of our Lord rise among us
Let the joy of our King rise among us
Let it rise

Oh let it rise

Your Grace is Enough
Great is your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinners heart
You lead us by still waters and to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart

So remember your people
Remember your children
Remember your promise, oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me

Great is your love and justice God
You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of your salvation
And all your people sing along

All Hail the Pow’r of Jesus’ Name
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name let angels prostrate fall
Bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all
Bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all

Let every kindred, every tribe, on this terrestrial ball
To him all majesty ascribe and crown him Lord of all
To him all majesty ascribe and crown him Lord of all

O that with yonder sacred throng we at his feet may fall
We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all
We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all

Giving and Giving Thanks

Take a minute to give thanks. If you are with others, have one person pray a simple prayer of thanksgiving. Clicking the buttons below will show you some info on how you can give to your church now.

Prayer for Offering

We bring what we have, God—our good intentions, our mixed motives, our small gifts. We offer them and we dare to affirm that they are received. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture Readings – Psalm 77:1-2 and 7-9, Isaiah 50:4-5, and Philippians 2:5-8

Play the video, read the scriptures, and allow the questions to prompt some contemplation. Bring those thoughts to God as prayer.

Scripture Reading – Matthew 21:1-11

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

“Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
    humble, and mounted on a donkey,
        and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
    Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Song of Worship – “Hosanna”

Praise is rising, eyes are turning to you
We turn to you
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for you
We long for you

‘Cause when we see you we find strength to face the day
In your presence all our fears are washed away
Washed away

Hosanna! Hosanna!
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Come have your way among us
We welcome you here Lord Jesus

Hear the sound of hearts returning to you
We turn to you
In your kingdom broken lives are made new
You make us new

Sermon

Song of Response – “Hosanna to the King”

Hosanna to the King
How deep, how wide, is the love of Christ
How tender be his mercies
His faithfulness with the morning rise
In patience He does wait for me
How high above is your wisdom Lord
How great are thoughts of eternity
Wisdom and scorn bore the cross of Christ
And on that cross you thought of me
On that cross you thought of me

Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna to the King
Hosanna,  Hosanna
Hosanna to the King

What gracious heart has embraced the earth
What splendour robed in majesty
The Sacred One ever wrapped in light
Whose beacon ever shines on me
Whose beacon ever shines on me

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord Almighty
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord Almighty
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

What vision calls out as deep to deep
What sight does the eye ever long to see?
What end lays hope for the weary plight
A God who will come and will set us free!

Announcements

• To stay up to date, please, subscribe to your church’s email list by contacting the office.
• If you missed the Bible Convo from this past Wednesday, check it out on this site. Read, Matthew 8-13, listen in to the conversation, and then contribute with your own thoughts in the comments or by engaging a friend. Next Bible Convo is next Wednesday (April 8) on Matthew 14-20.
• Zoom Youth on Tuesday, April 7, at 7:00pm. The link will be the same as last week. Contact Erik if you’re having technical difficulties.
• This Thursday is Maundy Thursday; there will be a family prayer for dinner and some suggestions for doing communion at home posted to this site. If you’re out to buy grocery supplies, pick up a bottle of wine or some grape juice and bread (or bake some at home – let’s be honest, most of you have the time…) to have communion from home.
• There will also be a Good Friday liturgy posted on this site to help walk you through that day of remembering Jesus’ passion.
• And Sunday is Easter! There will be a joyful Easter worship experience hosted here, and some downloadable resources for a sunrise service as well. And stay tuned to your church’s email and social media communication for other ways to engage during Holy Week.

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

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

Gathering Song – “Inheritance”

Inheritance
You are my inheritance
You are my highest end
Lord what could ever take the place of you?
Though the world that moves around me
It will choose a different path
I walk along this narrow way of truth

May it be as you have said
May this trust bring forth peace
May it be as you have said
May your guiding hand not cease

Oh the many times I struggle
The many times I fail
To love with all my heart, with all my soul
Oh forgive my wayward hunger
Forgive the lack of space
How can I take you in when I am full?

When you find yourself in plenty
Do not forget the poor
The Lord he gives enough for both of you
When you find that you are lacking
Do not forget the Lord
When the need is met you’ll know that your God knew

Lead us to the promised land
As we faithful follow near
You are the promised land
Our inheritance is here
You are the promised land
Our inheritance is here
You are the promised land
Our inheritance is here

You are my inheritance
You are my highest end
I walk along the narrow way of truth

Opening Prayer

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.

Responsive Reading – Adapted from Psalm 118

If you are meeting with others, have one person lead by reading the plain print while the others respond with the words in bold print.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
His love endures forever
Open for us the gates of righteousness;
We will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter.
We will give you thanks, for you answered us;
You have become our salvation.
The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Songs of Worship – “Your Name,” “God of Wonders,” and “Great Are You Lord”

Your Name
As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your name

Your name is a strong and mighty tower
Your name is a shelter like no other
Your name – let the nations sing it louder
‘Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your name

Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You
and glorify Your Name

God of Wonders
Lord of all creation
Of the water, earth and sky
The Heavens are Your Tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high

God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth

Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And when I stumble into darkness
I will call Your name by night

Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth

Great Are You Lord
You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken
Great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise to You only

And all the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You, Lord

Scripture Reading – Isaiah 35:3-10

Giving and Giving Thanks

Take some time to name some of the things you are grateful for today – write them down and make a list, or, if you are with others, share them aloud.

Generosity and giving are part of worship and part of our lives as disciples. Clicking the buttons below will show you some info on how you can give to your church now.

Prayer for Offering

Loving God, may our sense of belonging within a community of faith nurture the longing to be your faithful servants. Teach us to build a partnership with your Spirit that advances the ways of generosity and grace. Accept our giving and receive our gifts. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture Reading – Matthew 20:29-34

As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

“Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.

Kids’ Activity

Have kids use this activity during the sermon video (below). For this activity you will need a blindfold, a blank sheet of paper, and markers or pencil crayons. Examples of what could be used for a blindfold:

• Sleep mask (do people still use these?)
• T-shirt tied loosely around eyes
• A strip of paper tapped around the head.
• Eyes closed tightly with the promise not to peek

First, set out the paper and markers/pencil crayons in front of each child so they are able to reach without seeing. Have the children put on their blindfold of choice and have them start drawing a crowd of people. Once they start becoming restless, they can take the blindfold off. Have them look at what they have drawn. Turn the paper over and have the children a crowd of people again with the blindfold off.

Possible reflection/discussion questions:
– Have the children compare the pictures.
– Was it easier with our without the blindfold? What difference did it make?
– How did it feel trying to draw with the blindfold? Was it frustrating?
– Can you image the joy of the men Jesus healed? What do you think they said when they could see?

Sermon

Contemplative Prayer

Take some time to prayerfully respond to Jesus question as though he is directly asking you: “What do you want me to do for you?” If you like, you can play the audio below for some instrumental music to accompany your contemplation and prayer.

Benediction

May the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.

Announcements

• To stay up to date, please, subscribe to your church’s email list by contacting the office.
• Wednesday, April 1st: Another Bible Convo on Matthew 8-13 will be posted on this site. Read the chapters, listen in, and participate in the comments or by calling up a friend.
• Tuesday, March 31st: Youth Zoom Call at 7:00pm. Link for the call and instructions will be emailed out.
  Holy Community:
• Wednesday, April 1st: Lectio Divina via Zoom at 7:30pm. Link for the call and instructions will be emailed out.
• Donations to the community cupboard are being encouraged in this time of need! Drop non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and maybe even toilet paper (!) off in the cupboard any time.
• Our benevolence fund can be given to anytime by designating gifts to that fund. If you are in need of a little financial help in this time, contact Gavin and we would love to offer help as we are able.
  Faith Covenant:
• Pastor Erik will be hosting a ZOOM meeting for this on Thursday at 10am. The link to join the meeting will be on our weekly email, simply follow the link to the meeting. This is an interactive bible study on 1 Peter along with prayer for the church. All are welcome to join in.
• Prayer night has been moved to Thursday instead of Tuesday as youth will be meeting on ZOOM the last Tuesday of March (when prayer night normally happens). There is so much to pray about. Feel free to join in. We will pray through scripture together and we will pray for our church and world. The link to join the meeting will be on our weekly email, simply follow that link to join the meeting. All are welcome to join in.

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

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 – “Untitled Hymn”

Untitled Hymn
Oh Father, be honoured here
Oh Father, be honoured here
Oh Father, be honoured here
Oh, our God, oh, our God
Be honoured

Oh Jesus, be the center here
Oh Jesus, be the center here
Oh Jesus, be the center here
Oh, our God, oh, our God
Be the center

Oh Spirit, move in us we pray
Oh Spirit, move in us we pray
Oh Spirit, move in us we pray
Oh, our God, oh, our God
Move in us

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Oh, our God, oh, our
God Be praised

Greet One Another

Take a couple minutes to reach out to those in your faith community with a call, a text, an email. Remember those who might be feeling alone and extend the peace of Christ to them.

Opening Prayer

O God, you are our only true refuge, our steadfast shelter. We seek you and need you and yearn for you. Even when we run from you; even when we wander long and far from your heart and squander our blessings and talents; even then you continue to call us home. We want to come home to you, O God, and to each other. Show us the way; be the path; return us to the calm and peace of resting in your love. Amen.

Responsive Reading – Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26

If you are meeting with others, have one person lead by reading the plain print while the others respond with the words in bold print.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—
His faithful love endures forever.
the sun to rule the day,
His faithful love endures forever.
and the moon and stars to rule the night.
His faithful love endures forever.
He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever.

Songs of Worship – “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” and “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

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 support 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

There is no other, no one I know
No other rock to stand upon

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

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

Silence and Prayer

Pause – give a minute to sit in silence and stillness. Take a deep breath, in and out.

Take a few minute to replay the unfolding of your week before your minds eye. As you recall your week, pay close attention to the kinds of strong emotions that occured, and to any thoughts that you spent a lot of time dwelling on. Bring those thoughts and feelings before God, and tell him about them.

Try to distill a prayer for yourself this week down to a simple sentence – 3-10 words – and bring that simple prayer to God.

Now, replay your week in front of your mind’s eye a second time. As you recall your week this time, pay close attention to other people who catch your attention in the replay. Remeber their names and faces, and hold those people, one at a time, before God. Pray for them using simple, short prayers.

Now pause again, taking another minute for silence and stillness. Take a deep breath, in and out. And when you’ve finished, pray as Jesus taught his followers to pray:

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Amen.

Offering

Giving is part of worship and part of our lives as disciples. Clicking the buttons below will show you some info on how you can give to your church now.

Prayer for Offering

Loving God, may our sense of belonging within a community of faith nurture the longing to be your faithful servants. Teach us to build a partnership with your Spirit that advances the ways of generosity and grace. Accept our giving and receive our gifts. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lectio Divina – Matthew 14:22-33

During this time of scripture reflection and sacred listening, we invite you to sit back, maybe jot some notes, or just look at the artwork image as your prayerfully consider.

Kids: raid the recycling bin or your craft supplies for a piece of paper. Your task is to make the best paper boat you can make! You will have about 30 minutes (a little longer than your favourite tv or Netflix show), so make it elaborate, decorate it, or even try making a few varieties while you listen to the Bible story.

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

After you have finished the guided time of sacred reading and reflection, take some time to journal a few thoughts, or, if you are meeting with others, to share with one another what God might have been illuminating for you.

Announcements and Benediction

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.

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