1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

epiphany, week 3
18 january 2015
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Reflection
“When the gods wish to punish us they answer our prayers.”
• Oscar Wilde
“The cross ultimately points not to the greatness of our worth but to the greatness of our sin… The cross sets us free
from the misguided self-love to passionately love the One who redeemed us… In the cross we find a perfect reconciling
of God’s blazing holiness, holy justice, incomprehensible wisdom, omnipotent power and unfathomable love.”
• Bob Kauflin
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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Call to Worship *
Psalm 124:8 (NRSV)
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Prayer of Invocation *
“Praise To The Lord, The Almighty” *
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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.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near, praise him in glad adoration
Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen, how all your longings have been, granted in what he ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper your work and defend thee
Surely his goodness and mercy, shall daily attend thee
Ponder anew, what the Almighty can do, if with his love he befriend thee
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore him
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him
Let the amen, sound from his people again, gladly for aye we adore him
• Words: Joachim Neander (1680)
• Music: 17th century German tune
*Indicates congregation standing
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First Reading *
Romans 6:19-23
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I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just
as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to
lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as
slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
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.
20
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those
things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get
leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
21
“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 Psalm 139:23-24 (NRSV)
The psalmist models a transparent faith with these words:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
We express our longing for God’s leading by our own transparent confession.
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.
Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too
deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can
no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment.
Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which
we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your
likeness and image; through Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
Private Confession
Assurance of Forgiveness
From Acts 13:38; Ephesians 1:7 (NRSV)
Through Jesus Christ forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. In Christ we
have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses,
according to the riches of his grace.
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.
“Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” *
VERSE 1
Jesus, Savior, pilot me, over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal
Chart and compass come from thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Chart and compass come from thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me
VERSE 3
When at last I near the shore, and the fearful breakers roar
Grant me long and peaceful rest, then, while leaning on your breast
May I hear you say to me, “Fear not, I will pilot thee”
May I hear you say to me, “Fear not, I will pilot thee”
VERSE 2
• Words: Edward Hopper (1871)
As a mother stills her child, you can hush the ocean wild;
• Music: Robbie Seay (2004)
Boisterous waves obey thy will, when you say to them, “Be still!”
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me
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Prayers of the People
After each petition of the prayer, there will be a time to pray silently.
Please join us in the following refrain:
Leader: Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
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In response to God's having
gathered us in worship, we offer
our petitions to him for the
church, the nation, the world, the
city and those who are suffering.
The Lord's Prayer Based on Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us
today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
Passing the Peace
At this time children grades 1st-5th are dismissed for CityKids children's church.
Sacrament of Covenant Baptism
Charlotte Marie Lemon Lateulade
Daughter of Daniel and Stephanie Lateulade
Prayer of Illumination
Second Reading
Luke 16:19-31
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[Jesus said to his disciples:] “There was a rich man who was dressed in
purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a
beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell
from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
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.
22
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and
was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and
cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
25
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received
bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great
chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from
there to us.’ 27 He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him
warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
(continued)
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“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said,
‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and
the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Sermon
Doubting and Seeking, Part 3
“The Problem of Hell” – Luke 16:19-31
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.
Notes
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Affirmation of Faith *
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy
Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from
the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated on the right hand of God
the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the
dead.
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When we affirm our
faith together, it reminds us that
we are part of an ancient and
global faith. This basic creed of
Christian churches, as most
familiarly known, is called the
Apostles' Creed. It has received this
title because of its great antiquity;
it dates from very early times in the
Church, a half century or so from
the last writings of the New
Testament.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Invitation to the Table
Words of Institution
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
On the night on which Jesus was betrayed, he sat at supper with his disciples. While they were eating, he took a
piece of bread, said a blessing, broke it, and gave it to them with the words, “This is my body. It is broken for you.
Do this to remember me.” Later he took the cup, saying, “This cup is God’s covenant, sealed with my blood. Drink
from it, all of you, to remember me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Distribution of the Bread + Cup
CityChurch welcomes all baptized Christians – those who are trusting in Jesus
Christ for salvation and who are members of congregations that proclaim the
gospel – to receive the Holy Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper, or
the Eucharist) with us. We will be coming forward to receive Communion.
When you come forward, tear a piece of the bread, and then dip it into the
cup.
Please note that we use wine in Communion. If you cannot receive wine, nonalcoholic white grape juice is also available. If you are not able to receive The
Lord’s Supper, please use this time to meditate on one of the prayers below.
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“The Eucharist is the definitive
action practiced in the Christian
community that keeps Jesus Christ
before us as the Savior of the world
and our Savior, and ourselves as
sinners in need of being saved. The
Eucharist is the sacramental act
that pulls us into actual material
participation with Christ (eating
and drinking bread and wine) as he
gives his very life “for us and for
our salvation” (cf., the Nicene
Creed)... The Eucharist puts Jesus
in his place: dying on the cross and
giving us that sacrificed life. And it
puts us in our place: opening our
hands and receiving the remission
of our sins, which is our salvation.”
• Eugene Peterson, Christ Plays
in Ten Thousand Places
Prayers of Meditation for Those Not Communing
Prayer for Those Searching for Truth
Prayer of Belief
Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and
the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost
of following you as I consider the reasons for doing
so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach
me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give
me an understanding of you that is coherent,
convincing, and that leads to the life that you
promise. Amen.
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful
than I ever before believed, but through you I am
more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I
thank you for paying my debt, bearing my
punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness
and new life. Knowing that you have been raised
from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you
as Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Those Overcome with Sin
Lord Jesus Christ, grant that I may see in you the
fulfillment of all my need and may turn from every
false satisfaction to feed on you, the true and living
bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so
closely and run with perseverance the race set before
me, looking to you, the pioneer and perfecter of my
faith. Amen.
Prayer for Covenant Children (Not Yet Confirmed)
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for placing me inside
your family, the church. Help me more and more to
know you, to love you and to follow you as your
faithful disciple. Amen.
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Communion Song – “Help My Unbelief”
I know the Lord is nigh, and would but cannot pray
For Satan meets me when I try
And frights my soul away, and frights my soul away
I would but can’t repent, though I endeavor oft;
This stony heart can ne’er relent
Till Jesus makes it soft, till Jesus make it soft
CHORUS
Help my unbelief, help my unbelief
Help my unbelief
My help must come from thee
I would but cannot love, though wooed by love divine;
No arguments have power to move
A soul as base as mine, a soul so base as mine
I would but cannot rest, in God’s most holy will;
I know what he appoints is best
And murmur at it still, I murmur at it still
• Words: John Newton (1739)
• Additional words + music: Clint Wells (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. 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 @ Sip Java (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
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CityGroups
Cultivating Faith, Hope + Love over a meal each week while partnering with our City for the common good.
Tuesday Nights
7p - Led by the Peavyhouses (kid-friendly)
Meets in Rio Vista neighborhood
Wednesday Nights
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
7p - Led by Phil Criag & Mark Snow
Meets in Middle River Terrace 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 Amber Peavyhouse
([email protected]) for a women’s group or Brad Schmidt ([email protected]) for a men’s group.
Christianity Explored
Next Class Begins February 8, 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 Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]).
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Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendar!)
Weds, Jan 21, 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]).
Thru Jan 31 – HOPE SFL’s Little Christmas House Project
CityChurch is proud to once again partner with HOPE South
Florida in the Little Christmas House coin bank project this
Christmas. This is a simple way for anyone to get involved in
HOPE South Florida, while helping to create affordable,
sustainable housing and shelter for homeless children and their
families. Pick up a house at the Info Table, fill it up with spare
change and drop it off at church or an American Nation Bank.
For more, visit: hopesouthflorida.org/all-events/little-christmas-house
Sun, Feb 1, 11:15a – Vision Sunday
Join us for this special service as celebrate what God has
called us to do in 2015. Hear the vision and join us as we
bolster our presence of faith, hope + love in this city. Mon, Feb 2, 7:30p – CityChurch Writers Group
Sip Java — formally Brew VicPark (638 N Federal Hwy, FTL)
Songwriters, poets, playwrights, authors: you are invited
to a monthly meeting of creative minds in our
community. For more information, contact Artist-inResidence, Laura Creel ([email protected]).
Sundays, starting Feb 8, 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, Amber Peavyhouse
([email protected]).
Thu, Feb 26, 7:30p – Codex Book Club
Stork's Bakery & Cafe (2505 NE 15 Ave, Wilton Manors)
Codex will next discuss Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry.
For more details and to get in on the discussion, contact
Phil Letizia ([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