[image: Janet Brooks Gerloff’, On the Way to Emmaus.]
- Note from Byron – BEFORE YOU BEGIN – prepare a space for worship. There’s no need to rush or be haphazard.
~ Light a candle, the Light of the World has defeated death!
~ Have a cross in the room since we’ll be sending our problems to the Cross of Christ.
~ Put out a piece of cloth that is gold or white to commemorate the season.
~ If you’re alone, call someone and ask if you can worship Jesus together. Take turns reading each section of the service.
~ Have fun! Let children participate, and be sensible with everyone’s attention span.
~ We’ve been doing things differently for seven weeks now – maybe you’re tired of this format of worship or maybe you’ve found your groove. Both reflect reality: we may find ourselves tired of quarantine yet thriving in unexpected ways. Stay the course with worship and let the Spirit do His work. You’re doing the work of a liturgist. You’re doing the work of the Church! – worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ.
– Music for this week will be included in the FaceBook live video.
Someone read: There is nothing we’ve done this week – even if it’s criminal – that can separate us from the love of the Creator in Christ Jesus. There may be consequences to foolish decisions, but there is no condemnation in Christ. Let’s together say these truths:
Since Jesus has broken the chains of sin and death, He can rescue me and forgive my sins.
Jesus can heal me.
Jesus loves me as I am.
Jesus gives me Hope.
Jesus is Hope.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Alleluia! Christ is Risen.
The Lord is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
UNITED IN TRUTH
As an act of public worship and public witness, let us confess the faith handed down once and for all
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
— Apostles’ Creed
Creator of Heaven and Earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
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.
PRAY-SING GOD’S WORD, PSALM 116
Alleluia! The Lord is Risen indeed.
Come, let us adore Him. Alleluia!
Pick a selection or all of the verses – http://psalms.seedbed.com/psalm-116
HEARING GOD’S WORD
The Scripture passages are Acts 2:14a, 36-41;1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35
Read one or all of the passages. If you’ve got children with you, ask them to act out the Luke 24 passage.
PRAYING FOR THE CHURCH’S FUTURE
Pray for the children and youth of Grace – our future.
“Father, fill the children and youth of Grace with the Spirit of Your Son, Jesus.”
Say each name then picture the person in your mind before moving to the next name.
Lois, Micah, Naomi, Emma, Nora, David, Sophia, Noelle, Jace, Sophia, Beckett, Easton, Iva James, Colton, Rose, Paul, Amaya, Miles, Lizzie Mae, Nezzie, Sofia, Simone, Samuel, Virginia, Evie, Thomas, Karli, Grant, Cailyn, Rayana, Jack, Greyson, Caroline, Travis, Ethan, Arin, Liam, Rachel, Sami, Thomas, Grant, Whernska, Levi, Judah, Natalie, Benjamin.
OF YOUR OWN, O LORD, DO WE GIVE
When we make an offering, we give what already belongs to Christ; Of Your own, O Lord, do we give. Money is not the only offering, we can also offer our talents, abilities, and gifts to the exclusive use of King Jesus and His Kingdom. We offer every bit of ourselves in service to Christ and His Creation. We don’t want to be tone-deaf about economic crisis facing some in our church, nor do we want to presume financial instability in our church. If you are facing an economic crisis today, please let Byron know your need so your church can support you in some way. If you have financial security and even abundance, share generously with those in need. We are still receiving mail at 630 Richland Avenue, 70806, or give online at https://gracemidcity.churchcenter.com/giving
BEING SHAPED BY SCRIPTURE AND SPIRIT
Most of today’s liturgy will be led at 10AM on fb live, and will be available to watch anytime afterward at https://www.facebook.com/pg/GraceMidCity/videos/
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continue to ask the Spirit of Jesus what He is teaching us these days. Who is He shaping us to be as individuals and a church? Pray for mercy upon the sick, wisdom for leaders, and protection upon those keeping us fed and safe. Also ask the Spirit to graciously continue cultivating an environment for spiritual awakening and revival. After a time of extemporaneous prayer, pray aloud:
O God, You have made of one blood all nations of the earth, and sent Your Blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after You and find You; bring the nations into Your family; pour out Your Spirit upon all humanity; and hasten the coming of Your Kingdom; we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
BEING NOURISHED WITH THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
I plan to celebrate communion / Lord’s supper/ Eucharist (the New Testament word for “thanksgiving”) when we are gathered together again in one room. The very word “communion” speaks to our life together in community. Though we are physically scattered and cannot feast by faith together, we are spiritually gathered close, hidden together in the life of Christ.
Face the Cross in your room and let’s cast our cares upon Him.
Lord Jesus, You are our Refuge and Fortress.
— Kenyan Prayer
All our problems –
we SEND to the Cross of Christ!
All our difficulties –
we SEND to the Cross of Christ!
All the devil’s works –
we SEND to the Cross of Christ!
All our hope –
we SET on the Risen Christ!
CALLING ALL CREATURES TO WORSHIP
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all Creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. A-men.
COMMISSIONED INTO ANOTHER WEEK – Romans 15.13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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I would like to check-in with you. Please look at this calendar and see what works for your schedule: https://calendly.com/gracemidcity/pastoral-meeting
Happy First Day of the Week! Love, byron
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