Gathering Preview | Psalm 77
GATHERING | 02/21
100 YEAR CELEBRATION | CALL TO WORSHIP
How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in peace! It is like the finest oils poured on the head, sweet-smelling oils flowing down to cover the beard, Flowing down the beard of Aaron, flowing down the collar of his robe. It is like the gentle rain of Mount Hermon that falls on the hills of Zion. Yes, from this place, the Eternal spoke the command, from there He gave His blessing—life forever.
Psalm 133 (The Voice)
Almighty God, you have called the church into being and have gathered us into one family. By the power of your Holy Spirit help us to live in unity and peace with all your children. May our actions this day be fruit of our faith in your kingdom. In the name of Christ. AMEN.
SONG | THE LION AND THE LAMB
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
1 Corinthians 3:5-17 (NLT)
For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
SONG | LORD I NEED YOU
PRAYER OF ASSURANCE
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (CSB)
Sanctuary” BY Paige McNally
I sit in the 100-year-old sanctuary today and hear the sighs and sniffles of my brothers and sisters. I wonder how much weeping you have heard in this space, Lord. How many groans and pains and prayers? How many victories and celebrations have You heard? And how many tears of joy have dropped onto these floors? These wooden pews have provided respite to so many- Physical rest for our bodies, as our souls have rested under the leadership of those our God has chosen to shepherd us so well. These stained glass windows have filtered colored light and provided physical beauty in situations where beauty wasn’t otherwise evident. This is the sanctuary where wedding covenants were made and where women have rocked and swayed with babies in their bellies and we have been introduced to teeny ones once they finally come. This sanctuary has housed funerals where choked goodbyes were whispered one last time. The altar has given stage to the beautiful feet of those bringing good news, both in preaching and song. Oh the altar where heads have been dunked in beautiful baptism and babies were dedicated to the Lord. This place isn’t the church, but this place houses the church. This place is sacred. This place is a sanctuary.
SONG | HOPE IN JESUS
SCRIPTURE READING -PSALM 77
EMOTIONS-SADNESS & DEPRESSION
I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. I sought the Lord in my day of trouble. My hands were continually lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak.
Selah
You have kept me from closing my eyes; I am troubled and cannot speak. I consider days of old, years long past. At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders. “Will the Lord reject forever and never again show favor? Has his faithful love ceased forever? Is his promise at an end for all generations? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”
Selah
So I say, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. God, your way is holy. What god is great like God? You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. With power you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
Selah
The water saw you, God. The water saw you; it trembled. Even the depths shook. The clouds poured down water. The storm clouds thundered; your arrows flashed back and forth. The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind; lightning lit up the world. The earth shook and quaked. Your way went through the sea and your path through the vast water, but your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Psalm 77
THIS IS THE WORD OF THE LORD.
COMMUNION
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said,“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11.23-26) Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. (For the bread) “This is the body of Christ, broken for you.” (For the juice) “This is the blood of Christ, shed for you.” The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
SONG | FOREVER
PRAYER FOR PARTNERS
SONG | GREAT ARE YOU LORD
BENEDICTION
Be held in the center of God’s will today and know the joy freedom, and power of walking by faith in the faithfulness.
PEACE BE WITH YOU. And Also with You