1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

pentecost, week 2
31 may 2015
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Reflection
“For some reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the Beatitudes. But, often with tears in their
eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course, that's Moses, not
Jesus. I haven't heard one of them demand that the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, be posted anywhere.
"Blessed are the merciful" in a courtroom? "Blessed are the peacemakers" in the Pentagon? Give me a break!”
• Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country
“If we were to set out to establish a religion in polar opposition to the Beatitudes Jesus taught, it would look
strikingly similar to the pop Christianity...of North America.”
• Tony Campolo
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 – “A Few More Years Shall Roll”
• Words: Horatius Bonar (1842)
• Music: George W. Martin (1862)
Call to Worship
Isaiah 41:9-10
We gather today to worship God who tells us:
You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest
corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast
you off”; do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I
will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right
hand.
Prayer of Invocation
“Oh How I Need You” *
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
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
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
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First Reading *
Exodus 19:1-9a
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On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that
very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from
Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the
desert in front of the mountain.
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 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the
mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people
of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you
to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured
possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These
are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So
Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had
commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So
Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
9 The
Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking
with you and will always put their trust in you.”
“Come Thou Fount” *
Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above
Praise his name I'm fixed upon it, name of thy redeeming love
Hitherto thy love has blessed me, thou hast brought me to this place
And I know thy hand will bring me, safely home by thy good grace
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God
He, to rescue me from danger, bought me with his precious blood
O to grace how great a debtor, daily I'm constrained to be
Let thy goodness like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee
Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above
• Words: Robert Robinson (1758)
• Music: John Wyeth (1813)
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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
Based on 1 John 2:1-2 (NRSV)
The apostle John wrote: My little children, I am writing these things to you so
that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,
and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. In the strength
of this assurance, let us confess our sins to God.
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.
O gracious and gentle and condescending God,
God of peace, Father of mercy, God of all comfort:
we confess before you the evil of our hearts; we acknowledge that we are too inclined toward
anger, jealousy, and revenge, to ambition and pride,
which often give rise to discord
and bitter feelings between others and us.
Forgive us this sin
and permit us to partake of the blessing
you have promised the peacemakers,
who shall be called the children of God.
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.
Hebrews 10:10; Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 66)
We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ
once for all. This is God’s gospel promise: to forgive our sins and give us
eternal life by grace alone because of Christ’s one sacrifice finished on the
cross.
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“All The Poor And Powerless” *
VERSE 1
All the poor and powerless
And all the lost and lonely
All the thieves will come confess
And know that you are holy
And know that you are holy
VERSE 2
All the hearts who are content
And all who feel unworthy
And all who hurt with nothing left
Will know that you are holy
CHORUS
And all will sing out, hallelujah
And we will cry out, hallelujah
Shout it
Go on scream it from the mountains
Go on and tell it to the masses
That he is God
• Words + Music: Leslie Jordan and David Leonard (2011)
Prayers of the People
After each petition of the prayer, there will be a time to pray silently.
Please join us in the following refrain:
Leader: Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
In response to God's having
gathered us in worship, we offer
our petitions to him for the
church, the nation, the world, the
city and those who are suffering.
The Lord's Prayer Based on Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us
our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For the kingdom, the power, and
the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
Passing the Peace
Prayer of Illumination
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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.
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Second Reading
Matthew 5:1-12
1 Now
when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he
began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed
are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed
are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets
who were before you.”
12 Rejoice
Sermon
The Sermon on the Mount, Part 1
“The Beatitudes, Part 1” – Matthew 5:1-12
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.
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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.
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.
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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 – “How Long”
VERSE 1
How long, O Lord, shall I complain
Like one that seeks his God in vain?
Canst thou thy face for ever hide
And I still pray, and be denied?
VERSE 3
How long shall my poor troubled breast
Be with these anxious thoughts oppressed?
And Satan, my malicious foe
Rejoice to see me sunk so low?
VERSE 2
Shall I for ever be forgot
As one whom thou regardest not?
Still shall my soul thine absence mourn
And still despair of thy return?
VERSE 4
Whatever my fears or foes suggest
Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest;
My heart shall feel thy love, and raise
My cheerful voice to songs of praise
CHORUS
But I have trusted in thy grace
And shall again behold thy face, behold thy face
• Words: Isaac Watts (1719)
• Music: Karl Digerness (2008)
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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.
“Come Thou Fount” *
Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above
Praise his name I'm fixed upon it, name of thy redeeming love
Benediction *
Based on Philippians 4:7
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, our
Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit, remain with you always.
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.
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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.
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. To get
your child involved contact us at [email protected].
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
Jennifer Beyland, Deacon
Joshua Bruce, Deacon
Eddie Copeland, Elder
Tania Gracia, Deacon
Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor of Missional Development
Ashley Kirkman, Deacon
Jonathan Kirkman, Deacon
Stephanie Lateulade, Administrative Assistant
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
Joanne Smith, Deacon
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.
Summer Break: CityGroups are currently off for the summer and will convene in August.
Tuesday Nights
6:30p - Led by the Schmidts (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 us at [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
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 the next class, contact us at [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!)
Church Health Survey
To further our ministry objectives, this summer we are
assessing the gifts and opportunities of our congregation
and we need everyone who is apart of CityChurch to help
out! Fill out a brief survey at citychurchftl.com/survey by
midnight on June 8. Thank you in advance for your
participation!
Sun, June 7, 5-7p – A Night of Prayer and Worship
Home of Brad and Laine Schmidt (700 SE 8 St, FTL)
Join us for pizza, community, and worship as we pray
through our vision the summer. This first Prayer and
Worship Night will focus on our vision for spiritual
renewal in our city. Childcare thru age 4 (Parents, RSVP to
[email protected] by June 5).
Weds, June 24, 6p – Beach Night
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park (1100 Seabreeze Blvd, FTL)
Join us for a cookout and fun activities at Fort Lauderdale
Beach. Meet us at the area surrounding the volleyball
courts (near south end of parking lot). Bring your own
food (to be grilled by our resident grill masters) and
drinks. Park in the metered Fort Lauderdale Beach
Parking Lot.
Sun, July 12, 5-7p – A Night of Prayer and Worship
Location TBA
Join us for pizza, community, and worship as we pray
through our vision the summer. This second Prayer and
Worship Night will focus on our vision for social renewal
in our city. Childcare thru age 4 (Parents, RSVP to
[email protected] by July 10).
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. if you’re
interested in joining an upcoming class contact us at
[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