12 january 2014 - CityChurch Fort Lauderdale

epiphany, week 2
12 january 2014
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Reflection
“Men do change, and change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like the stealthy
perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass.”
• John Steinbeck “It is never too late to become what you might have been.”
• George Eliot
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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.
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Credits
All Scripture references taken from the New International Version (NIV), unless otherwise noted.
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Prelude – “From This Valley”
• Words + Music: Joy Williams, John Paul White and Phil Madeira (2013)
Call to Worship
Based on Psalm 89:1-2
We will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with our mouth we will make your faithfulness known
through all generations.
We will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. Prayer of Invocation
“How Marvelous” *!
I stand amazed in the presence, of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how he could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean
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.
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.
CHORUS
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!
He took my sins and my sorrows, he made them his very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary, and suffered and died alone
When with the ransomed in glory, his face I at last shall see
’Twill be my joy through the ages, to sing of his love for me
• Words: Charles H. Gabriel (1905)
• Music: Chris Tomlin (2006)
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*Indicates congregation standing
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First Reading *
Luke 7:40-50
40Jesus
answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41“Two
people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five
hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him
back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43Simon
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.
replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44Then
he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did
not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not
give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on
my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her
great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48Then
49The
Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50Jesus
said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
“Before The Throne Of God Above” *
Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high priest whose name is Love, who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on his hands, my name is written on his heart
I know that while in heaven he stands, no tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see him there, who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied, to look on him and pardon me
CHORUS
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise the One, Risen Son of God
Before him there the Risen Lamb, my perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I Am, the King of Glory and of Grace
One in himself I cannot die, my soul is purchased with his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high, with Christ my Savior and my God
• Words: Charitie Bancroft (1863)
• Additional words: Shane Barnard (2007)
• Music: William Bradbury (1861)!
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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.
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Call to Confession
Please kneel for the confession
When we come into the holy presence of God, our own humanity is laid
bare. When we stand in the living presence of truth, our own falsehood is
revealed. People of God, let us acknowledge who we are and ask our everpresent God to forgive us. Corporate Confession
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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.
God of grace, we confess that we have elevated the things of this world
above you. We have made idols of possessions and people and used your
name for causes that are not consistent your purposes. We have permitted
our schedules to come first and have not taken the time to worship you.
We have participated in systems that take life instead of give it. We have
been unfaithful in our covenant relationships. We have yearned for, and
sometimes taken, that which is not ours, and we have misrepresented
others’ intentions. Forgive us, O God, for the many ways we fall short of
your glory. Help us to learn to live together according to your ways
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Private Confession
We confess individually in order
to own our failing toward God and
toward humankind in thought,
word and deed.
Assurance of Forgiveness
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.
Colossians 2:13-14
When you were dead in your sins ... God made you alive with Christ. He forgave
us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which
stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
“Be Thou My Vision” *
VERSE 1
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
VERSE 3
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and thou only, be first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art
VERSE 2
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true Word
I ever with thee, and thou with me Lord
Thou my great Father, I thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one
VERSE 4
High King of heaven, when victory is won
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
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• Words: Ancient Irish Hymn (8th century); Translated to English by Mary E. Byrne (1905); Music: Slane, of Irish folk origin
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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.
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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.
Community Updates
At this time children grades 1st-5th are dismissed for CityKids children's church.
Prayer of Illumination
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Second Reading
Colossians 3:1-17
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.
1Since,
then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand
of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in
God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5Put
to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and
greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life
you once lived. 8But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and
filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no
Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12Therefore,
as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against
someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in
perfect unity.
15Let
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be
thankful. 16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all
wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And
whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through him.
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Sermon
How People Change, Part 1
“Idols of the Heart” – Colossians 3:1-17
Rev. Brad Schmidt, Lead Pastor
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A sermon is not just teaching for
living; it is mainly a time when
Christ encounters his people
through his Word.
Notes
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Affirmation of Faith *
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy
Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from
the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated on the right hand of God
the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the
dead.
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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.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
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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.
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*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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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.
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“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.
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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 – “Fall Afresh”
Awaken my soul, come awake
To hunger, to seek, to thirst
Awaken first love, come awake
And do as you did, at first
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CHORUS
Spirit of the living God come fall afresh on me
Come wake me from my sleep
Blow through the caverns of my soul
Pour in me to overflow
Spirit come and fill this place
Let your glory now invade
• Words + Music: Jeremy Riddle (2001)
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“How Marvelous” *
He took my sins and my sorrows, he made them his very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary, and suffered and died alone
CHORUS
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!
Benediction *
Based on 2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of Christ, which daily renews us, and the love of God, which
enables us to love all, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, which unites us in
one body, make us eager to obey the will of God until we meet again,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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 Elisabeth Hunter ([email protected]) to get your child involved.
Students
CityChurch’s Student Ministry (6th-12th grade) equips our young people and their friends to learn and apply the Gospel.
The boys meet weekly with Phil Craig and Dan Franklin and the girls meet weekly with Diandra Hoskins and Amanda
McPhail. Once a month everyone comes together for a big outreach event. Contact a leader at
[email protected] to get your student 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]).
Ministry Team
Eddie Copeland, Elder
Phil Craig, Student Ministries
Dan Franklin, Deacon and Student Ministries
Tania Gracia, Deacon
Diandra Hoskins, Student Ministries
Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor of Missional Development
Elisabeth Hunter, CityKids Ministry
Amanda McPhail, Student Ministries
Rev. Brad Schmidt, Lead Pastor
Jeff Schmidt, Media Director and Ministry Coordinator
Dave Smith, Deacon and Finances
Jason Smith, Elder
Mark Snow, Elder
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CityGroups
Cultivating Faith, Hope + Love over a meal each week while partnering with our City for the common good.
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Tuesday Nights
7:30p - Led by Mark Snow (kid-friendly)
Meets in Victoria Park Neighborhood
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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.
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Christianity Explored !
Meets Sundays, starting Jan. 26, 10a @ The Yellow House (just south of First Lutheran on NE 3rd Ave.)
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. Meets upstairs. For more
information and to register, contact Brad Schmidt ([email protected]).
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Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendar!)
Today, 12:30p – 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!
Sat, Jan 25, 7:30p – Kelley McRae in Concert
The Hunters’ House (1353 Middle River Drive, FTL)
CityChurch Wilton Manors is proud to welcome back Kelley
McRae live in concert as part the Island City Series. Tickets are $10
each, and very limited. For more on Kelly and her music,
visit citychurchwm.com. For tickets and more details,
contact Phil Letizia ([email protected]).
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Sundays, starting Jan. 26, 10a – Christianity Explored
Yellow House (just south of First Lutheran on NE 3 Ave)
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 and to register, contact Brad Schmidt
([email protected]).
Sundays, starting Jan. 26, 10a – Spiritual Formation Class
Discipleship Explored is an 8-week DVD based course that
studies the book of Philippians and looks at what it means
to follow Jesus. Meets upstairs.To RSVP or for more
information, contact Eddie Copeland ([email protected])
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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