1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

pentecost, week 4
14 june 2015
C
I
T
Y
C
H
U
R
C
H
Reflection
“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.” • J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” • William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
“Lord, when I feel that what I'm doing is insignificant and unimportant, help me to remember
that everything I do is significant and important in your eyes, because you love me and you put
me here, and no one else can do what I am doing in exactly the way I do it.” • Brennan Manning, Souvenirs of Solitude: Finding Rest in Abba's Embrace
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
4
J
U
N
E
Call to Worship
This is the day that you have made, Lord.
Help us to rejoice in it and be glad!
Remind us of the privileges we enjoy as your people:
to come to you in these moments, to confess our sins,
to receive forgiveness and give it,
to pray and sing and listen,
to renew our fainting spirits,
to rest in all your promises.
Open our eyes to see you, Lord.
Open our ears to hear your Word.
Visit us through your Holy Spirit,
and help us to celebrate our faith. Amen. Prayer of Invocation
2
0
1
5
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.
“Holy Spirit, Truth Divine” *
VERSE 1
Holy Spirit, Truth divine
Dawn upon this soul of mine;
Word of God and inward light
Wake my spirit, clear my sight
VERSE 3
Holy Spirit, Power divine
Fill and nerve this will of mine;
Grant that I may strongly live
Bravely bear, and nobly strive
VERSE 2
Holy Spirit, Love divine
Glow within this heart of mine;
Kindle every high desire;
Perish self in thy pure fire
VERSE 4
Holy Spirit, Right divine,
King within my conscience reign;
Be my Lord, and I shall be
Firmly bound, forever free
CHORUS
Come Lord, and meet us here
Come Lord, and be ever near
• Words: Samuel Longfellow (1864)
• Add’l words + music: Phil Letizia (2013)
*Please rise in body or in spirit
3.
C
I
T
Y
C
H
U
R
C
“Lo! What A Glorious Sight” *
Lo! what a glorious sight, appears to our believing eyes
The earth and sea are passed away, and the old rolling skies
From the third heaven, where God resides, that holy, happy place
The new Jerusalem comes down, adorned with shining grace
CHORUS
How long, how long
How long will you delay
Fly swifter round, ye wheels of time
And bring the welcome day
H
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.
The God of glory down to us, removes his blest abode
We, the objects of his grace, and he the loving God
His own hand will wipe the tears, from every weeping eye
And pains, and groans, and griefs, and fears, and death itself, shall die
• Words: Isaac Watts (1707); Music: Holy City Hymns (2014)
First Reading *
Jeremiah 29:4-9
4
This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all
As the Bible is the primary
means by which God speaks to
those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build
and edifies his people, we read
houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they
and listen to the Scriptures
produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for
together in worship. In ancient
Israel and the early church,
your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they
services of worship were
too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there;
organized for the public
reading of scripture – a
do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the
practice vital to building up the
city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for
community of faith.
it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 8 Yes, this is
what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let
the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage
them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares
the LORD.
4.
1
4
J
U
N
E
2
0
Call to Confession
Christ calls us to share the heavenly banquet of his love with all
the saints in earth and heaven. Knowing our unworthiness and
sin, let us ask from him both mercy and forgiveness.
Corporate Confession
Eternal God,
in every age you have raised up men and women
to live and die in faith.
Forgive our indifference to your will.
You have commanded us to speak, but we have been silent.
You have called us to do what is just,
but we have been fearful.
Have mercy on us, your faithless servants.
Keep before us faithful people for us to follow
so that, by the power of your Holy Spirit,
we may grow in the knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
to the praise of your holy name. Amen.
1
5
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.
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.
Based on 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NRSV)
People of God, all of us together have received God’s mercy in
Christ. In Christ we are forgiven, redeemed, and made to be a
community united in faith. Thanks be to God.
5.
C
I
T
Y
C
H
U
R
C
H
“Rising Sun” *
Praise him all you sinners, sing oh sing you weary
Oh praise him all you children of God
We lift high his glory shown throughout our stories
We praise him as the children of God
CHORUS
Our great redeemer, glorious Savior
Your name is higher than the rising sun
Light of the morning, you shine forever
Your name is higher than the rising sun
Your name is higher than the rising sun
Praise his name forever, speak it loud and clear now
Oh praise him all you children of God
• Words + Music: Leslie Jordan, David Leonard, Kyle Lee and Paul Mabury (2012)
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.
6.
1
4
J
Passing the Peace
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
CityChurch Update
U
N
E
2
0
1
5
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.
Second Reading
Matthew 5:11-16
11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against
you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the
same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You
are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people
light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to
everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see
your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Prayer of Illumination
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.
7.
C
I
Sermon
The Sermon on the Mount, Part 3
“Salt and Light” – Matthew 5:11-16
Rev. Phil Letizia, Lead Pastor
Notes
8.
T
Y
C
H
U
R
C
H
A sermon is not just teaching
for living; it is mainly a time
when Christ encounters his
people through his Word.
1
4
J
U
N
E
2
0
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.
1
5
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.
9.
C
I
T
Y
C
H
U
R
C
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, non-alcoholic 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.
H
“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
Prayers of Meditation for Those Not Communing
10.
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.
1
4
J
U
N
E
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.
If you’re new to CityChurch, or are exploring Christianity, you’re under no obligation to give.
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. For your convenience, one-time or recurring gifts can be
made online. You may also give via text message by simply texting a dollar amount to
954.719.7992 and following the instructions. For more details, visit: citychurchwm.com/giving
Song of Response – “Hallelujah What a Savior” *
VERSE 1
Man of Sorrows! What a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
VERSE 3
Lifted up was he to die;
“It is finished!” was his cry;
Now in heaven exalted high
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
VERSE 2
Bearing shame and scoffing rude
In my place condemned he stood;
Sealed my pardon with his blood
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
VERSE 4
When he comes, our glorious King
All his ransomed home to bring
Then anew his song we'll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
• Words + Music: Philip Bliss (1875)
11.
C
I
T
Y
C
H
U
R
C
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.
12.
H
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.
1
4
J
U
N
E
2
0
1
5
VISION
THE VISION OF CITYCHURCH is the Spiritual, Social, and Cultural renewal of Wilton Manors.
MISSION
WE SEEK TO BE the very presence of Christ in Wilton Manors by cultivating a community of
Faith, Hope + Love
VALUES
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.
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.
The City. Christianity has always thrived in an urban context. We love Wilton Manors, and want
to live, work, celebrate, raise our families, enjoy, and serve this great city.
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.
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.
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.
13.
C
I
T
Y
C
H
U
R
C
H
CityGroups (off for the summer)
CityGroups are mid-week gatherings giving opportunity for
people to rehearse the Gospel together, live it out to one
another, and to be an extension of God’s love to our neighbors
while serving the community around us.
Mondays
7p - Led by Dan Franklin and Mary Gundlach
Hosted at the home of Dan Franklin (2832 NW 9 Ter, WM)
If you would like to be a part of this new CityGroup, contact Dan
Franklin ([email protected]) or Mary Gundlach
([email protected]) for more information.
Wednesdays
6p - Led by the Letizias
“We who follow Jesus are a sent
people, even as Jesus was sent
into the world by His Heavenly
Father. We are a community
sent on a mission together: to
keep on doing the ministry of
Jesus so that all people and all
creation might experience the
reconciliation of God. God has
designed the church of Jesus
Christ to be a ‘missional’
fellowship. The word ‘mission’
comes from the Latin word
‘missio’, which means ‘having
been sent.’ Since we have been
sent to do God's work, we are a
‘missional’ community together.”
• Mark D. Roberts
From 6-6:45pm, dinner will be on the table for everyone. Around 6:45 we'll have our time of
scripture reading and prayer. If you need to leave early after dinner, you're free to. If you can't
arrive until 7-7:30, there'll be food waiting for you and you can jump into the conversation at any
time! Whether you need to put kids to bed, get home earlier, or you get off work late, join us.
We're looking forward to our mid-week CityGroup being a place of wonderful fellowship.
For more information or to join a CityGroup, email us at: [email protected].
Text-to-Give Platform
We are excited to announce that you can now give via text message to CCWM. Simply send a text
message to 954.719.7992 with the amount you would like to give (i.e. 20). You will receive an
immediate response with a link to enter an email address and a credit/debit card number. Once you
enter this information, you will never have to enter it again, just save the number in your phone for
future giving. You can begin at anytime, and even give during our worship service! For more
information, contact us at [email protected].
Sermon Audio Available Online
If you’re interested in listening to sermons from CityChurch Wilton Manors, you can do so online
at citychurchwm.com/sermons. You can find sermons posted mid-week following each Sunday
as well as an archive of past sermons. 14.
1
4
J
U
N
E
2
0
1
5
Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendar!)
Sundays – Summer Spiritual Formation Seminars
This summer we will be offering three, two-week
spiritual formation seminars. Immediately
following our worship service, we’ll share a quick
lunch together and take part in a time of teaching
and discussion. Here are the upcoming dates and
subjects: Meditation & Memorization (June 14);
Prayer (July 19 & 26). Check out the rest of the
schedule at citychurchwm.com/formation. To RSVP,
email [email protected].
Visit Us Online Keep up-to-date with our events calendar, set up
repeated giving, and more on our website
(citychurchwm.com). Get updates throughout the week
on Twitter (@CityChurchWM) or by joining our
Facebook page (facebook.com/citychurchwiltonmanors).
Ministry Team
Rev. Phil Letizia, Lead Pastor
Dan Franklin, Pastoral Apprentice
Jeff Schmidt, Media Director
Office ✦ 3311 N. Andrews Ave. Ext., Pompano Beach, FL 33064 | Phone ✦ 754.300.7191
Web ✦ citychurchwm.com Email ✦ [email protected]
CityChurch Wilton Manors has no formal affiliation with the Island City Park Preserve.
We are grateful to the City of Wilton Manors allowing us rental space at this facility.
CityChurch Wilton Manors is a Presbyterian congregation affiliated with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church