pentecost, week 20 19 october 2014 C I T Y C H U R C H Reflection “We are already in union. We are already experiencing intimacy. God doesn’t leave, we do.” • Chuck DeGroat I was lookin' for love in all the wrong places Lookin' for love in too many faces Searchin' their eyes, lookin' for traces Of what I'm dreamin' of Hopin' to find a friend and a lover I'll bless the day I discover Another heart - lookin' for love • From “Looking For Love” by Johnny Lee (1980) ! 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 9 O C T O B E R Call to Worship * Psalm 96:1-2 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Prayer of Invocation * “Satisfied” 2 0 1 4 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. All my life long I had panted, for a drink from some cool spring That I hoped would quench the burning, of the thirst I felt within ! ! Feeding on the filth around me, until my strength was almost gone Longed my soul for something better, only still to hunger on ! ! CHORUS Hallelujah! He has found me What my soul so long has craved Jesus satisfies all my longings Through his blood now I am saved! Poor I was, and sought for riches, something that would satisfy But the dust I gathered round me, only mocked my soul’s sad cry Well of water, ever springing, Bread of Life so rich and free Untold wealth that never faith, my Redeemer is to me • Words + Music: Clara T. Williams and Ralph E. Hudson (1875) ! *Indicates congregation standing 3. C I T Y C H U R C H First Reading * Hebrews 12:4-11 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 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. 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 8 “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken” * Jesus, I my cross have taken, all to leave and follow thee Destitute, despised, forsaken, thou from hence my all shall be Perish every fond ambition, all I’ve sought or hoped or known Yet how rich is my condition! God and heaven are still my own ! Let the world despise and leave me, they have left my Savior, too Human hearts and looks deceive me; thou art not, like them, untrue O while thou dost smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might Foes may hate and friends disown me, show thy face and all is bright ! Go, then, earthly fame and treasure, come disaster, scorn and pain In thy service, pain is pleasure, with thy favor, loss is gain I have called thee Abba Father, I have stayed my heart on thee Storms may howl, and clouds may gather; all must work for good to me ! Haste thee on from grace to glory, armed by faith, and winged by prayer Heaven’s eternal days before thee, God’s own hand shall guide us there Soon shall close thy earthly mission, soon shall pass thy pilgrim days Hope shall change to glad fruition, faith to sight, and prayer to praise • Words: Henry Lyte (1824) • Music: Bill Moore (2001) ! 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 9 O C T O B E R 2 Call to Confession Please kneel for the confession In spite of God’s love for us and gift of love to us, we often act in destructive and hateful ways. We close our hearts to God and disobey God’s law. Together let us confess our sin. ! Corporate Confession 0 1 4 Because sin is so pervasive in both our corporate and individual lives, Christians and non-Christians are called to come before the Father with honesty and transparency, confessing our brokenness and asking for both forgiveness and healing through Jesus Christ… …we confess corporately to show our unity even in our brokenness. Awesome and compassionate God, you have loved us with unfailing, self-giving mercy, but we have not loved you. You constantly call us, but we do not listen. You ask us to love, but we walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. God of grace, as you come to us in mercy, we repent in spirit and in truth, admit our sin, and gratefully receive your forgiveness through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. !! Private Confession ! Assurance of Forgiveness * Psalm 130:3-4, 7-8 (NRSV) If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. 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. ! O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities. !! !! 5. C I T Y C H U R C H “Come Ye Sinners” *! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! ! VERSE 1 Come ye sinners poor and needy Weak and wounded sick and sore Jesus ready stands to save you Full of pity, love and power CHORUS I will arise and go to Jesus He will embrace me in his arms In the arms of my dear Savior Oh there are ten thousand charms VERSE 2 Come ye thirsty, come and welcome God's free bounty glorify True belief and true repentance Every grace that brings you nigh ! VERSE 3 Come ye weary, heavy laden Lost and ruined by the fall If you tarry ’til you're better You will never come at all • Words: Joseph Hart (1759) • Music: Robbie Seay (2002) 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 Community Updates At this time children grades 1st-5th are dismissed for CityKids children's church. Prayer of Illumination ! ! ! 6. 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. 1 9 O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4 Second Reading Genesis 29:15-35 15 Laban said to [Jacob], “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19 Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. 21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.” 22 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. 23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. 24 And Laban gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter as her attendant. 25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?” 26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. 27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.” 28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. Laban gave his servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. 30 Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years. 29 31 When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. 32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” 33 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon. 34 Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. 35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah.Then she stopped having children. Sermon The Gospel According to Jacob and Joseph, Part 3 “The Love and Discipline of God” – Genesis 29:15-35 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. ! 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 9 O C T O B E R 2 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. 0 1 4 “The Eucharist is the definitive action practiced in the Christian community that keeps Jesus Christ before us as the Savior of the world and our Savior, and ourselves as sinners in need of being saved. The Eucharist is the sacramental act that pulls us into actual material participation with Christ (eating and drinking bread and wine) as he gives his very life “for us and for our salvation” (cf., the Nicene Creed)... The Eucharist puts Jesus in his place: dying on the cross and giving us that sacrificed life. And it puts us in our place: opening our hands and receiving the remission of our sins, which is our salvation.” • Eugene Peterson, Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places Prayers of Meditation for Those Not Communing Prayer for Those Searching for Truth Prayer of Belief Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen. Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen. Prayer for Those Overcome with Sin Lord Jesus Christ, grant that I may see in you the fulfillment of all my need and may turn from every false satisfaction to feed on you, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely and run with perseverance the race set before me, looking to you, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith. Amen. Prayer for Covenant Children (Not Yet Confirmed) Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for placing me inside your family, the church. Help me more and more to know you, to love you and to follow you as your faithful disciple. Amen. 9. C I T Y C H U R C H Gifts + Offerings Christ calls us, to give generously as a sign of gratitude for how much he has given us. Our response to his grace enables us to give sacrificially of ourselves to one another and the work of Christ’s Kingdom. Your gift is an act of personal worship to God in response to his grace in your life. The allocation of your time and money to God’s service should be a byproduct of prayer and consultation with other Christians to whom you are accountable. If you’re new to CityChurch, or are exploring Christianity, you’re under no obligation to give. However, if you call CityChurch your “home church,” consider allocating a significant portion of your tithe and offering to the community where you invest most of your time, and where others are investing in you. The offering box is located in the back of sanctuary. For your convenience, one-time or recurring gifts can be made online at: www.citychurchftl.com/giving. You may also give via text message by simply texting a dollar amount to 954.880.EASY (3279) and following the instructions. Communion Song – “How Deep The Father's Love For Us” * How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure That he should give his only Son, to make a wretch his treasure! How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns his face away As wounds which mar the Chosen One, bring many sons to glory ! Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon his shoulders Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice, call out among the scoffers It was my sin that held him there, until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished ! I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart, his wounds have paid my ransom • Words + Music: Stuart Townend (1995) 10. 1 9 O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4 “Come Ye Sinners” * CHORUS I will arise and go to Jesus He will embrace me in his arms In the arms of my dear Savior Oh there are ten thousand charms Benediction * Based on Psalm 46:7 The Lord Almighty is with you; the God of Jacob is your refuge. !! !! ! !! !! 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 9 O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4 Ministries of CityChurch CityKids CityChurch’s Children’s Ministry (Toddler & Nursery room for infants – Kindergarten & Kids Church for 1st – 5th grade) equips our children and their friends to learn and apply the Gospel. 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]). CityChurch Writers Group – Meets on the first Monday of every month 7:30p @ Brew VicPark (638 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale). For more information, contact Laura Creel ([email protected]). Ministry Team Eddie Copeland, Elder Tania Gracia, Deacon Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor of Missional Development Amber Peavyhouse, Ministry Coordinator/CityKids Ministry 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 Matt Peavyhouse (kid-friendly) Meets in Rio Vista Neighborhood Wednesday Nights 7p - Led by the Copelands (kid-friendly) Meets in Tarpon River Neighborhood 6:30p - Led by the Hunters (kid-friendly) Meets in Coral Ridge Neighborhood Thursday Nights 7:30p - Led by Phil Criag & Mark Snow Meets in Lake Ridge Neighborhood ! For more information or to join a CityGroup, contact Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]). ! Spiritual Formation Groups Join a small group of men or women who meet regularly, following the core Christian practices together. Groups meet at different times and places throughout the city. For more information or to join, contact Sara Copeland ([email protected]) for a women’s group or Eddie Copeland ([email protected]) for a men’s group. ! Christianity Explored ! Meets 10am Sundays, 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 the class, contact Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]). ! Crossroads! Meets 10am Sundays, upstairs “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 class, contact Eddie Copeland ([email protected]). 14. 1 9 O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4 Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendar!) Today, 12:45p – Taste of CityChurch After our Worship Service, we'll share a lunch together in the Fellowship Hall. You'll be able to hear stories of how God is cultivating Faith, Hope + Love in our church community and in our city. This lunch is for everyone! Sun, Oct 26, 4p – Diaconal Training First Lutheran CityChurch will be training it’s next class of deacons who administer and equip the congregation in ministries of mercy and justice. Qualifications for deacons can be found in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. If you are a member of CityChurch and would like to nominate someone as a deacon, contact Mark Snow ([email protected]). Thu, Oct 30, 7:30p – Codex Book Club Stork's Bakery & Cafe (2505 NE 15 Ave, Wilton Manors) Codex will next discuss A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. For more details and to get in on the discussion, contact Phil Letizia ([email protected]). Sun, Nov 9, 4p – New Members Seminar Interested in joining CityChurch in membership? Join our New Members Seminar at First Lutheran. Dinner included. Please RSVP with Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]). Sun Nov 16, 12:45p – Congregational Meeting Join us for this brief congregational meeting directly after the service as we look back and celebrate the past year of ministry and lay out our vision for 2015…and beyond! Sundays, 10a – Christianity Explored 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, see Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]) at the Info Table after the service. Sundays, 10a – Spiritual Formation Class Join us for “Crossroads: A Grace Filled Framework for Addicts,” a course that explores the implications of grace in addiction. We're all addicts - whether it's alcohol, sex, money, power or image - we are all addicted to something. This course will help identify, dismantle and displace the idols of our hearts and embrace the comfort, security, and hope of grace. Meets upstairs.To RSVP or for more information, contact Eddie Copeland ([email protected]). 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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