easter, week 2 12 april 2015 C I T Y C H U R C H 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. 2. 1 2 A P R I L 2 0 1 5 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 . • Words + Music: Robert Lowry (1876 *Indicates congregation standing 3. C I T Y C H U R C H First Reading * 1 Corinthians 15:1-10 1 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) 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. 1 2 A P R I L 2 0 Call to Confession 1 5 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 5. C I T Y C H U R C 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. 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 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. 6. 1 2 A P Sermon 1 Peter: A Living Hope, Part 1 “Resurrection Hope” – 1 Peter 1:1-12 Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor of Missional Development R I L 2 0 1 5 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. 1 2 A P R I L 2 0 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. 1 5 “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 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) 10. 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 1 2 A P R I L 2 0 1 5 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. 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. 1 2 A P R I L 2 0 1 5 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 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 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]). 14. 1 2 A P R I L 2 0 1 5 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). 15. 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
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