25 may 2014
Transcription
25 may 2014
easter, week 6 25 may 2014 C I T Y C H U R C H Reflection “Television, two-career families, sprawl, generational changes in values – these and other changes in American society have meant that fewer and fewer of us find that the [traditional ways of relating to one another] fits the way we have come to live. Our growing social-capital deficit threatens educational performance, safe neighborhoods, equitable tax collection, democratic responsiveness, everyday honesty, and even our health and happiness...[One in five Americans moves once a year, while two in five expect to move in five years] ... Americans are right that the bonds of our communities have withered, and we are right to fear that this transformation has very real costs...[Thus] we tell pollsters that we wish we lived in a more civil, more trustworthy, more collectively caring community.” • Harvard University sociologist Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (2001) “Lee Harvey, you are a madman. When you stole that cow? I want to party with you, cowboy. If the two of us together, forget it. I'm gonna go out on a limb here. I'm gonna volunteer my leadership to this platoon. An army without leaders is like a foot without a big toe. And Sergeant Hulka isn't always gonna be here to be that big toe for us. I think that we owe a big round of applause to our newest, bestest buddy, and big toe: Sergeant Hulka.” • Pvt. John Winger (Bill Murray), in the movie Stripes ! ! ! Preparation Use the time before the service as an opportunity to prepare for worship, quiet your heart, and receive Christ. Feel free to read the reflections above. As a courtesy, please turn off your cell phone, beeper, iPod, or other noisemaker at this time. Welcome The ancient Celts believed that there were “thin places” on this earth; places where you could experience the very presence of God. Worship is a “thin place” between heaven and earth where we meet with God. When we gather for congregational worship we enter into the very presence of the Living God. No matter who you are or what you have done, God by his grace, is able to change your life forever. Meet with him at this “thin place”: worship. ! Credits All Scripture references taken from the New International Version (NIV), unless otherwise noted. 2. 2 5 M A Call to Worship 1 Chronicles 16:23-25 Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. Y 2 0 1 4 The Call to Worship is an invitation into the unique activity of worship. Our primary activity in the worship service is to participate in the gift exchange of worship itself, by hearing God’s Word, by offering prayers and praise, and by receiving spiritual nourishment offered at the Lord’s table. ! Prayer of Invocation “Sing, You Redeemed” * From the deep to the highest hill Rejoice, rejoice The ransomed nations sing of your Lord and God The triumphs of your King rejoice The term invocation implies that the congregation invokes, or “calls upon,” God. In it, we express our longing for God as well as deep dependence and humility. ! He comes and at his mighty word The clouds are fleeting past Over the land of promise they will see The glory break at last ! ! CHORUS Sing, you redeemed Sing for the Lord of glory reigns There he sits upon his ancient throne His power and his grace displays While Zion and its echoing hills Send forth the voice of praise Let his praises fill the earth While all the saints they join In choruses of triumphs still Speak only of his love • Words + Music: Phil Letizia (2007) ! ! ! *Indicates congregation standing 3. C I T Y C First Reading * Psalm 133 1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. H U R C H As the Bible is the primary means by which God speaks to and edifies his people, we read and listen to the Scriptures together in worship. In ancient Israel and the early church, services of worship were organized for the public reading of scripture – a practice vital to building up the community of faith. ! How Firm A Foundation” * How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word! What more can he say than to you he hath said You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled? ! Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed For I am thy God and will still give thee aid; I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand “When through the deep waters I call thee to go The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress ! When through fiery trials, thy pathway shall lie My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine • Words: Robert Keen (1787) • Music: Traditional American folk tune ! ! 4. Why do we sing in church? As God's people gather for worship, we focus our attention on God and away from ourselves by singing together. We respond with thanksgiving to God, because we have hope. And we sing because it is the best and most complete response that we can utter. 2 5 M A Y 2 0 1 Call to Confession Please kneel for the confession Psalm 139:23-24 (NRSV) The psalmist models a transparent faith with these words: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. We express our longing for God’s leading by our own transparent confession. ! Corporate Confession 4 Because sin is so pervasive in both our corporate and individual lives, Christians and non-Christians are called to come before the Father with honesty and transparency, confessing our brokenness and asking for both forgiveness and healing through Jesus Christ. …we confess corporately to show our unity even in our brokenness. Merciful God, you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you. We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy. We have not loved you with a pure heart, nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves. We have not done justice, loved kindness, or walked humbly with you, our God. Have mercy on us, O God, in your lovingkindness. In your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Do not cast us from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit through Jesus Christ, our Lord. ! Private Confession ! Assurance of Forgiveness Based on Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 5:17 Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace. Thanks be to God. ! ! !! ! We confess individually in order to own our failing toward God and toward humankind in thought, word and deed. Christ has given the Church authority to declare forgiveness of sins in his name. Because of this, when the liturgist proclaims that your sins are forgiven, you can know that Christ agrees. ! 5. C I T Y C H U R C H “All Creatures Of Our God And King” * ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! !! VERSE 1 All creatures of our God and king Lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam Thou silver moon with softer gleam! O praise him! O praise him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! VERSE 3 Thou flowing water, pure and clear Make music for thy Lord to hear Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou fire so masterful and bright Which gives to us both warmth and light O praise him! O praise him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! VERSE 2 Thou rushing wind that art so strong Ye clouds that sail in heaven along Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice Ye lights of evening, find a voice! O praise him! O praise him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! VERSE 4 Let all things their creator bless And worship him in humbleness Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son And praise the Spirit, three in one O praise him! O praise him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! ! • Words: St. Francis of Assisi (1225) • Music: Fernando Ortega (2003) Prayers of the People After each petition of the prayer, there will be a time to pray silently. Please join us in the following refrain: Leader: Lord, in your mercy, People: hear our prayer. In response to God's having gathered us in worship, we offer our petitions to him for the church, the nation, the world, the city and those who are suffering. The Lord's Prayer Based on Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen. Passing the Peace Community Updates !! ! 6. Passing the peace is a tradition rooted in Scripture that embodies our identity as peacemakers (Matt. 5:9; 2 Cor. 5:20) and trains ours hearts, hands, and tongues in the ways of peace. 2 5 M A Y 2 0 1 Prayer of Illumination Second Reading 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 12Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 4 The prayer of illumination acknowledges the Spirit’s work in this part of worship by requesting God’s Spirit to act through the reading and preaching of Scripture. The prayer is offered for both the preacher and the listener, for both the speaking and the hearing of the Word. 15Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. Sermon How Christianity Is Good For The World, Part 5 “It Makes Community Possible” – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor A sermon is not just teaching for living; it is mainly a time when Christ encounters his people through his Word. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 7. C I T Y C H U R C Affirmation of Faith * The Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. H When we affirm our faith together, it reminds us that we are part of an ancient and global faith. This basic creed of Christian churches, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles' Creed. It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son], who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic* and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. ! Invitation to the Table Words of Institution 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 On the night on which Jesus was betrayed, he sat at supper with his disciples. While they were eating, he took a piece of bread, said a blessing, broke it, and gave it to them with the words, “This is my body. It is broken for you. Do this to remember me.” Later he took the cup, saying, “This cup is God’s covenant, sealed with my blood. Drink from it, all of you, to remember me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. ! *The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ. 8. 2 5 M A Y 2 0 1 Distribution of the Bread + Cup CityChurch welcomes all baptized Christians – those who are trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation and who are members of congregations that proclaim the gospel – to receive the Holy Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) with us. We will be coming forward to receive Communion. When you come forward, tear a piece of the bread, and then dip it into the cup. Please note that we use wine in Communion. If you cannot receive wine, nonalcoholic white grape juice is also available. If you are not able to receive The Lord’s Supper, please use this time to meditate on one of the prayers below. 4 “The Eucharist is the definitive action practiced in the Christian community that keeps Jesus Christ before us as the Savior of the world and our Savior, and ourselves as sinners in need of being saved. The Eucharist is the sacramental act that pulls us into actual material participation with Christ (eating and drinking bread and wine) as he gives his very life “for us and for our salvation” (cf., the Nicene Creed)... The Eucharist puts Jesus in his place: dying on the cross and giving us that sacrificed life. And it puts us in our place: opening our hands and receiving the remission of our sins, which is our salvation.” • Eugene Peterson, Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places Prayers of Meditation for Those Not Communing Prayer for Those Searching for Truth Prayer of Belief Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen. Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen. Prayer for Those Overcome with Sin Lord Jesus Christ, grant that I may see in you the fulfillment of all my need and may turn from every false satisfaction to feed on you, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely and run with perseverance the race set before me, looking to you, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith. Amen. Prayer for Covenant Children (Not Yet Confirmed) Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for placing me inside your family, the church. Help me more and more to know you, to love you and to follow you as your faithful disciple. Amen. 9. C I T Y C H U R C H Gifts + Offerings Christ calls us, to give generously as a sign of gratitude for how much he has given us. Our response to his grace enables us to give sacrificially of ourselves to one another and the work of Christ’s Kingdom. Your gift is an act of personal worship to God in response to his grace in your life. The allocation of your time and money to God’s service should be a byproduct of prayer and consultation with other Christians to whom you are accountable. If you’re new to CityChurch, or are exploring Christianity, you’re under no obligation to give. However, if you call CityChurch your “home church,” consider allocating a significant portion of your tithe and offering to the community where you invest most of your time, and where others are investing in you. The offering box is located in the back of sanctuary. For your convenience, one-time or recurring gifts can be made online at: www.citychurchftl.com/giving. You may also give via text message by simply texting a dollar amount to 954.880.EASY (3279) and following the instructions. Communion Song – “O Praise Him” Turn your ear to heaven and hear, the noise inside The sound of angels' awe, the sound of angels' songs And all this for a King, we could join and sing, all to Christ the King How constant how divine, this love of ours will rise Oh how constant how divine, this song of ours will rise, will rise ! CHORUS O praise him O praise him He is holy He is holy ! Turn your gaze to heaven, and raise a joyous noise The sound of salvation come, the sound of rescued ones And all this for a King, angels join to sing, all for Christ the King How infinite and sweet, this love so rescuing Oh how infinitely sweet, this great love that has redeemed, as one we sing ! Alleluia (O praise him) Alleluia (O praise him) He is holy (O praise him) He is holy • Words + Music: David Crowder (2003) 10. 2 5 M A Y 2 0 1 4 “All Creatures Of Our God And King” * All creatures of our God and king Lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam Thou silver moon with softer gleam! O praise him! O praise him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! ! Benediction * 1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as we ordain new ministers and send them into the world to serve, in the Benediction, Christ ordains you with a blessing that equips you for service. !! ! !! !! Visit Us Online Download next week's bulletin, get sermon audio, keep up-to-date with our events calendar, set up repeated giving, and more on our website (citychurchftl.com). Get updates throughout the week on Twitter (@CityChurchFTL) or by joining our Facebook page (facebook.com/citychurchftl). 11. C I T Y C H U R C H VISION THE VISION OF CITYCHURCH is the Spiritual, Social, and Cultural renewal of Fort Lauderdale. MISSION WE SEEK TO BE the very presence of Christ in Fort Lauderdale by cultivating a community of Faith, Hope + Love. VALUES Faith Hope Love Because we are a Community of Faith we value: Because we are a Community of Hope we value: Because we are a Community of Love we value: The Gospel. The Gospel is the only hope for humankind. The message of the Gospel is that Christ has done what is necessary to bring us into a relationship with God. We keep it at the center of everything. The City. Christianity has always thrived in an urban context. We love Fort Lauderdale, and want to live, work, celebrate, raise our families, enjoy, and serve this great city. Life in Community. The Trinity is at the core of Christian truth; namely that God himself has always been in community – the Father and Son and Spirit all loving, giving and sharing with one another. We acknowledge that we need each other, and that the life Jesus offers works only in connection with a community of faith. Mission & Movement. Because God is the one who initiates relationships, and sent his Son to seek and save people, we will pursue relationships with people in hope that they will be restored to their Father. CityChurch does not exist as an end in itself – we desire to be an incubator for church planting throughout South Florida, in that when we grow, we will be very intentional about spinning off and beginning new congregations throughout our city. Each of these churches will partner with us in pursuing the goal of spiritual, social, and cultural renewal. 12. Arts & Industries. We believe that the good news of the Gospel is about God’s redemption of this fallen world and its cultural expressions. We are a church that welcomes, encourages, and equips artists of every medium... and therefore we will seek to offer artists opportunities to show or perform their work, providing encouragement for them to grow and develop as artists. We also believe that the good news of the Gospel impacts work and the marketplace. We will encourage men and women to use their positions, talents, and gifts to the best of their abilities, and to the betterment of our city. Social Healing. The Gospel is the good news of Christ’s kingdom. CityChurch seeks to partner with local social service agencies that assist the suffering in our own local community. Furthermore, we will pray for sensitivity to the mercy needs of our community and will seek to serve our neighbors out of Christ’s love. 2 5 M A Y 2 0 1 4 Ministries of CityChurch CityKids CityChurch’s Children’s Ministry (Toddler & Nursery room for infants – Kindergarten & Kids Church for 1st – 5th grade) equips our children and their friends to learn and apply the Gospel. Worship Service (10:30-11a) – Before our 11:15a corporate worship service, children of all ages are invited to gather upstairs for this brief but interactive worship experience that includes music, a kids-offering, and a relevant message about Jesus. Parents are encouraged to attend. Children’s Church (during sermon) – The last Sunday of the month, children’s church (1st – 5th grade) does not meet. Instead, they participate in the service. Activity bags and sermon aids are available at the registration desk before service. Contact Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]) to get your child involved. Faith and Arts Our book discussion series explores the great stories of our culture and how the Gospel enters into them. Codex Book Club – Meets every other month 7:30p @ Stork's Bakery & Cafe (2505 NE 15 Ave, Wilton Manors). For more information, contact discussion leader Phil Letizia ([email protected]). CityChurch Writers Group – Meets on the first Monday every month 7:30p @ Stork's Bakery & Cafe (2505 NE 15 Ave, Wilton Manors). For more information, contact Laura Creel ([email protected]). Ministry Team Eddie Copeland, Elder Dan Franklin, Deacon Tania Gracia, Deacon Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor of Missional Development Amber Peavyhouse, Ministry Coordinator and CityKids Rev. Brad Schmidt, Lead Pastor Jeff Schmidt, Media Director and Volunteer Coordinator Dave Smith, Deacon and Finances Jason Smith, Elder Mark Snow, Elder 13. C I T Y C H U R C H CityGroups Cultivating Faith, Hope + Love over a meal each week while partnering with our City for the common good. ! Tuesday Nights 7:30p - Led by Mark Snow Meets in Sailboat Bend Neighborhood !! ! Wednesday Nights 6:30p - Led by the Hunters (kid-friendly) Meets in Coral Ridge Neighborhood 7p - Led by the Copelands Meets in Rio Vista Neighborhood Thursday Nights 7p - Led by Phil Craig Meets in Riverland Neighborhood For more information or to join a CityGroup, contact Jeff Schmidt ([email protected]). Spiritual Formation Groups Join a small group of men or women who meet regularly, following the core Christian practices together. Groups meet at different times and places throughout the city. For more information or to join, contact Sara Copeland ([email protected]) for a women’s group or Eddie Copeland ([email protected]) for a men’s group. ! Christianity Explored ! Christianity Explored is an informal way to investigate Christianity or just brush up on the basics. This 7-week course explores who Jesus is, why he came and what it means to follow him. You don't need to know anything about the Bible. You won't be asked to read aloud, pray or sing. You can ask any question you want. For more information on the next class, contact Brad Schmidt ([email protected]). ! Discipleship Explored! Meets Sundays, 10a Upstairs @ First Lutheran Join us for “Crossroads: A Grace Filled Framework for Addicts,” a course that explores the implications of grace in addiction. We're all addicts - whether it's alcohol, sex, money, power or image - we are all addicted to something. This course will help identify, dismantle and displace the idols of our hearts and embrace the comfort, security, and hope of grace. To RSVP or for more information, contact Eddie Copeland ([email protected]). 14. 2 5 M A Y 2 0 1 4 Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendar!) Sun, June 1, 5-8p – New Members Seminar Interested in joining CityChurch in membership? Join our New Members Seminar at First Lutheran. Dinner included. Please RSVP with Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]). Mon, June 2, 7:30p – CityChurch Writers Group Brew VicPark (638 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale) Songwriters, poets, playwrights, authors: you are invited to a monthly meeting of creative minds in our community. For more information, contact Artist-in-Residence, Laura Creel ([email protected]). ! ! ! ! Sun, June 8, 12:45p – Taste of CityChurch After our worship service, we'll share a lunch together in the Fellowship Hall. You'll be able to hear stories of how God is cultivating Faith, Hope + Love in our church community and in our city. This lunch is for everyone! Sundays, 10a – Spiritual Formation Class Join us for “Crossroads: A Grace Filled Framework for Addicts,” a course that explores the implications of grace in addiction. We're all addicts - whether it's alcohol, sex, money, power or image - we are all addicted to something. This course will help identify, dismantle and displace the idols of our hearts and embrace the comfort, security, and hope of grace. Meets upstairs.To RSVP or for more information, contact Eddie Copeland ([email protected]). 15. Office s 441 NE 3 Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 | Phone s 954.634.CITY Web s www.citychurchftl.com | Email s [email protected] CityChurch has no formal affiliation with First Lutheran Church. We are grateful to them for allowing us rental space at their facility. CityChurch Fort Lauderdale is a Presbyterian congregation affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America