04 may 2014 - CityChurch Fort Lauderdale
Transcription
04 may 2014 - CityChurch Fort Lauderdale
easter, week 3 04 may 2014 C I T Y C H U R C H Reflection “A session with me is not all a bed of roses. If you seek someone who will say only nice things, then you’ve knocked on the wrong door. I can appear harsh for I weep at the inner contortions which destroy you daily. I will expose and name these contortions and refuse to collude with your redundant self-image. In a market which clusters excitedly around the avoidance of pain and unreal idealism, such an approach may not be good for sales. But it’s good for you and overall, I laugh more than I weep for I also name your virtues, delight in your possibilities and well know that everything needed for growth, is already yours. There is much light in you to be gathered; much more than you imagine.” ! • Simon Parke, in The Enneagram: A Conversation With The World's Greatest Psychologist “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on thing and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.” • C.S. Lewis ! ! 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. 0 4 M A Y 2 0 1 4 Prelude – “Wise Up” • Words + Music: Amiee Mann (1999)! Call to Worship Psalm 18:1-2, 30 (ESV) I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Prayer of Invocation “Oh How I Need You” * 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. Lord I find you in the seeking, Lord I find you in the doubt And to know you is to love you, and to know so little else ! ! ! CHORUS I need you Oh how I need you Oh how I need you Oh how I need you Lord I find you in the morning, Lord I seek you every day Let my life be for your glory, woven in your threads of grace Light glorious light I will go where you shine Break the dawn crack the skies Make the way bright before me In your light I will find All I need all I need is you • Words + Music: Leslie Jordan, David Leonard, Paul Mabury and Stu Garrard (2012) ! ! !! *Indicates congregation standing 3. C I T Y C H U R C H First Reading * Mark 9:33-37 33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 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. 36He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” “10,000 Reasons” * 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 CHORUS Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul Worship his holy name, sing like never before O my soul, I'll worship your holy name 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. ! 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 ! 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 • Words + Music: Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman (2011) Call to Confession Please kneel for the confession Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ! 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. 0 4 M A Y 2 0 1 Corporate Confession Holy Lord, we confess that we have sinned times without number. We are guilty of pride and unbelief. We have looked for redemption everywhere but in your arms. We have not looked there because we doubt your love for us. Purge us from every false desire and evil habit. Remove anything that dims the brightness of your grace, so we may rest in the forgiveness we have in Jesus. Amen. ! Private Confession ! Assurance of Forgiveness Romans 5:1-2 (ESV) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 4 We confess corporately to show our unity even in our brokenness. 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. “Jesus, I Come” * Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus, I come; Jesus I come Into thy freedom, gladness and light, Jesus, I come to thee Out of my sickness into thy health, out of my wanting and into thy wealth Out of my sin and into thyself, Jesus, I come to thee ! Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come Into the glorious gain of thy cross, Jesus, I come to thee Out of earth's sorrows into thy balm, out of life's storms and into thy calm Out of distress into jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to thee ! Out of unrest and arrogant pride, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come Into thy blessed will to abide, Jesus, I come to thee Out of myself to dwell in thy love, out of despair into raptures above Upward forever on wings like a dove, Jesus, I come to thee ! Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come Into the joy and light of thy home, Jesus, I come to thee Out of the depths of ruin untold, Into the peace of thy sheltering fold Ever thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to thee • Words: William Sleeper • Music: Greg Thompson ! 5. C I T Y C H U R 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. C H 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 At this time children grades 1st-5th are dismissed for CityKids children's church. Prayer of Illumination Second Reading 1 Corinthians 3:18-23; 4:1-13 3:18Do 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. 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. not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; 20and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” 21So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, 22whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. 4:1This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. 6Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. 7For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? (continued) 6. 0 4 M A Y 2 0 1 4 8Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! 9For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. 10We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! 11To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. Sermon How Christianity Is Good For The World, Part 2 “It Helps You More Deeply Know Yourself” – 1 Corinthians 3:18-23; 4:1-13 Rev. Brad Schmidt, Lead Pastor A sermon is not just teaching for living; it is mainly a time when Christ encounters his people through his Word. ! Notes ! ! ! ! ! ! 7. C I T Y C H U R C 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. 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. 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. ! 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. 0 4 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 – “Take My Life” * Take my life and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to thee Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise Take my hands and let them move, at the impulse of thy love Take my feet and let them be, swift and beautiful for thee ! Take my voice and let me sing, always only for my King Take my lips and let them be, filled with messages from thee Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold Take my intellect and use, every power as you choose ! ! CHORUS Here am I, all of me Take my life, it's all for thee Take my will and make it thine, it shall be no longer mine Take my heart it is thine own, it shall be thy royal throne Take my love my Lord I pour, at your feet its treasure store Take myself and I will be, ever only all for thee • Words: William Sleeper • Music: Greg Thompson !! !! 10. 0 4 M A Y 2 0 1 4 “10,000 Reasons” * CHORUS Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul Worship his holy name, sing like never before O my soul, I'll worship your holy name 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. 0 4 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 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 Dan Franklin, Deacon Tania Gracia, Deacon Elisabeth Hunter, CityKids Ministry Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor of Missional Development Amber Peavyhouse, Ministry Coordinator 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. 0 4 M A Y 2 0 1 4 Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendar!) Mon, May 5, 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]). Thu, May 15, 7:30p – Codex Book Club Stork's Bakery & Cafe (2505 NE 15 Ave, Wilton Manors) Codex will next discuss Havisham: A Novel by Ronald Frame. For more details and to get in on the discussion, contact Phil Letizia ([email protected]). ! ! 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]). 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