easter, week 2
12 april 2015
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Reflection
“Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
• Andy Dufresne in a letter to Red, from Stephen King’s Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank
Redemption
“Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense
regardless of how it turns out.”
• Vaclav Havel, Disturbing the Peace
“And then the spirit brings hope, hope in the strictest Christian sense, hope which is hoping against hope. For an
immediate hope exists in every person; it may be more powerfully alive in one person than in another; but in death
every hope of this kind dies and turns into hopelessness. Into this night of hopelessness (it is death that we are
describing) comes the life-giving spirit and brings hope, the hope of eternity. It is against hope, for there was no
longer any hope for that merely natural hope; this hope is therefore a hope contrary to hope.”
• Søren Kierkegaard, For Self-Examination
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.
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Prelude – “No Envy No Fear”
• Words + Music: Josh Radin (2008)
Call to Worship
Based on 1 Peter 1:3-5
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has given us new life and hope.
He has raised Jesus from the dead.
God has claimed us as his own.
He has brought us out of darkness.
He has made us light to the world.
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Prayer of Invocation
“Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus” *
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.
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus
CHORUS
O! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my pardon this I see, nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea, nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing can for sin atone, nothing but the blood of Jesus
Naught of good that I have done, nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my hope and peace, nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my righteousness, nothing but the blood of Jesus
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• Words + Music: Robert Lowry (1876
*Indicates congregation standing
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First Reading *
1 Corinthians 15:1-10
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Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to
you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this
gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.
Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
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.
3 For
what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died
for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the
Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five
hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally
born.
9 For
I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church
of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder
than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
“On Jordan’s Stormy Banks” *
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, and cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land, where my possessions lie
All over those wide extended plains, shines one eternal day
There God the Son forever reigns, and scatters night away
CHORUS
I am bound
I am bound
I am bound
For the promised land
No chilling winds nor poisonous breath, can reach that healthful shore
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, are felt and feared no more
When shall I reach that happy place and be forever blest?
When shall I see my Father's face, and in his bosom rest?
• Words: Samuel Stennett (1787)
• Music: Christopher Miner (1997)
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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
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We know that nothing is able to separate us from the love of God in Jesus
Christ. Let us in freedom confess the wrong we have done.
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…
Corporate Confession
…we confess corporately to show
our unity even in our brokenness.
Please kneel for the confession
Based on Romans 8:39
Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of
sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear,
bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the
hungry and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the
oppressed and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak and
abuse the earth you made. Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your
power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of
life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.
Private Confession
Assurance of Forgiveness *
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NRSV)
Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.
For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead
has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be
made alive in Christ.
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.
“Lift Me Up” *
Lift me up when I'm down, place my feet on higher ground
Hear my prayer when I cry, give me strength and help me try
To serve you Lord is my desire, so lift me up lift me higher
Thank you Lord for your son, for his work on earth was done
On the cross at Calvary, where he hung there on a tree For my sin he paid the price, thank you Lord for Jesus Christ
• Words + Music: Rick Flight
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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.
Passing the Peace
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.
At this time children grades 1st-5th are dismissed for CityKids children's church.
Prayer of Illumination
Second Reading
1 Peter 1:1-12
1 Peter,
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.
an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the
foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,
to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
3 Praise
be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or
fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of
the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while
you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith
—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor
when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him
now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of
your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10 Concerning
this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and
with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was
pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to
them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you
by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into
these things.
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Sermon
1 Peter: A Living Hope, Part 1
“Resurrection Hope” – 1 Peter 1:1-12
Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor of Missional Development
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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.
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.
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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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Communion Song – “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
VERSE 1
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow, of turning with thee
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not
As thou hast been, thou forever will be
VERSE 2
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest
Sun moon and stars, in their courses above
Join with all nature, in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
• Words: Thomas O. Chisholm (1923)
• Music: Fernando Ortega (2006)
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CHORUS
Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
VERSE 3
Pardon for sin, and a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence, to cheer and to guide
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
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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.
For your convenience, one-time or recurring gifts can be made online at: citychurchftl.com/giving.
“On Jordan’s Stormy Banks” *
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, and cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land, where my possessions lie
CHORUS
I am bound
I am bound
I am bound
For the promised land
Benediction *
1 Peter 1:2b
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
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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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.
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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.
Children’s Church – 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]).
Ministry Team
Joshua Bruce, Deacon
Eddie Copeland, Elder
Tania Gracia, Deacon
Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor of Missional Development
Ashley Kirkman, Deacon
Jonathan Kirkman, Deacon
David Legate, Deacon
David Mahoney Deacon
Krystal Salsburg, Deacon
Rev. Brad Schmidt, Lead Pastor
Jeff Schmidt, Media Director
Dave Smith, Deacon/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.
Tuesday Nights
7p - Led by the Peavyhouses (kid-friendly)
Meets in Rio Vista neighborhood
Wednesday Nights
6:30p - Led by the Hunters (kid-friendly)
Meets in Coral Ridge neighborhood
Thursday Nights
7p - Led by Phil Criag & Mark Snow
Meets in Middle River Terrace neighborhood
Sunday Evenings
4p - Led by the Copelands (kid-friendly)
Meets in Knoll Ridge 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 a group, contact Brad
Schmidt ([email protected]).
Christianity Explored
Sundays, 10a Upstairs
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 or
to join, contact Brad Schmidt ([email protected]).
Crossroads
“Crossroads: A Grace Filled Framework for Addicts,” is 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. For more
information or to join the next class, contact Eddie Copeland ([email protected]).
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Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendar!)
Weds, April 15, 12-12:30p – Faith + Work Lunch
Upper Room Art Gallery at Riverfront (300 SW 1 Ave #123, FTL)
If you work in downtown Fort Lauderdale, join us on your
lunch break for a brief time of teaching, discussion, and
community. Lunch provided. To RSVP, contact Brad
Schmidt ([email protected]).
Sundays, 10a – 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. Meets upstairs. For
more information and to register, contact Brad Schmidt
([email protected]).
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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Office ✦ 441 NE 3 Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 | Phone ✦ 954.634.CITY
Web ✦ www.citychurchftl.com | Email ✦ [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