March 30, 2008 Worship Service

FINAL DRAFT

Team: Edwards, Zoo, Plybon, Clodfelter, Lis, Dougherty, Voss

Prelude (10:25)

Psalm 130 (New Tune)

Our Historic Faith: Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 13 (Questions 33 & 34)

Q 33. Why is he called God’s “only Son” when we also are God’s children?
A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God—adopted by grace through Christ.

Q 34. Why do you call him “our Lord”?
A. Because—not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood—he has set us free from sin and from the tyranny of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul to be his very own.

God is Calling Us to Worship

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God– that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

In Christ Alone

Welcome and Announcements

Worshiping God by Giving

Not What My Hands Have Done

Welcoming One Another (Children are dismissed to Children’s Church at this time.)

Laden with Guilt

Worshiping God by Hearing His Word: Judges 17-18 “Men without Chests”

Prayer of Confession

O Lord, you are our Father, and we are but earth and mire; You are our Creator, and we are the work of your hands; You are our shepherd, and we are your flock; You are our Redeemer, and we are the people you have bought back; You are our God, and we are your inheritance. Therefore, do not be angry against us, to correct us in your wrath. Do not recall our sin, to punish it, But chastise us gently in your kindness. Be mindful that your name is upon us, That we hear your mark and badge. Undertake the work you have already begun in us by your grace,That the whole earth may recognize that you are our God and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pardon for Sinners (“The Intercession of Christ” from The Belgic Confession)

Since the apostle for good reason wants us to get rid of this foolish fear- or rather, this unbelief- he says to us that Jesus Christ was “made like his brothers in all things,” that he might be a high priest who is merciful and faithful to purify the sins of the people. For since he suffered, being tempted, he is also able to help those who are tempted. And further, to encourage us more to approach him he says, “Since we have a high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has entered into heaven, we maintain our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to have compassion for our weaknesses, but one who was tempted in all things, just as we are, except for sin. Let us go then with confidence to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace, in order to be helped.” The apostle also says that we “have liberty to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus. Let us go, then, in the assurance of faith….”Likewise, “Christ’s priesthood is forever. By this he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him who always lives to intercede for them.” What more do we need? For Christ himself declares: “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to my Father but by me.” Why should we seek another intercessor? Since it has pleased God to give us his Son as our Intercessor, let us not leave him for another- or rather seek, without ever finding. For when God gave him to us he knew well that we were sinners. Therefore, in following the command of Christ we call on the heavenly Father through Christ, our only Mediator, as we are taught by the Lord’s Prayer, being assured that we shall obtain all we ask of the Father in his name.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen

Celebration of The Lord’s Supper

Deacon’s Offering

Psalm 42

God Sending Us with His Benediction

Holy Week at GPC

What is Holy Week?
Holy Week refers to the week which begins with Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter Sunday during which the church remembers the events and words spoken by Jesus twenty centuries ago.

Why participate in Holy Week services?
As I’ve celebrated Easter lately, it has grown increasingly difficult to capture all that Easter means during an hour and a half worship service on Easter Sunday. Emotionally, it feels like too much to take in: the anticipation at the meal on Thursday evening, the shock of the betrayal, denial, and abandonment, the devastation on Golgotha, the finality at the tomb on Friday, and the thunderstruck hope and joy on Sunday. This year we will remember the events of Holy Week by celebrating Palm (or Passion) Sunday, Holy (or Maundy) Thursday, Good Friday (Tenebrae), and Resurrection (or Easter) Sunday. Both Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday will be celebrated during our regular worship times. In addition, we will hold special services on Thursday and Friday evening from 7-8pm.

What are the services?

• Palm Sunday (10:30 am on March 16). Found in Matthew 21, Palm Sunday remembers Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem upon a donkey colt which in effect identified him as the promised Son of David. Recognizing this, some in the crowd spread palm branches in Jesus’ path while others laid their cloaks on road and the crowd ran ahead of Jesus shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
• Holy (Maundy) Thursday (7 pm on March 21). Sundown on Holy Thursday begins the Triduum (tree do ‘em) or “three days.” Holy Thursday is oftentimes referred to as Maundy which is taken from the Latin “mandatum” or “commandment.” After washing his disciples’ feet and instituting the Lord’s Supper, Jesus told his disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).” On Holy Thursday, we will gather and recount Jesus’ last words to his disciples and celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Holy Thursday concludes with recalling the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.
• Good Friday or Tenebrae (7 pm on March 22). Tenebrae is Latin for “shadows.” During the Good Friday service we will remember Jesus’ last words, his crucifixion, and death.
• Resurrection (Easter) Sunday (10:30 am on March 23). Resurrection Sunday remembers the truth that the tomb was empty because the Lord Jesus had conquered death by rising from dead. Jesus’ resurrection confirms for us that he is the Son of God, that he accomplished the work of saving his own, and that we too share in the hope of the resurrection and the promise of new life by our faith in him.

Childcare, as usual, is provided during our Sunday worship services. However, childcare is not provided for Holy Thursday or Good Friday service. Both Thursday’s and Friday’s services are quiet and more somber in their mood. Because of this somber mood, it may feel like too much of a challenge for parents to monitor young children. I want to encourage you to try it out. It has been my experience, that children pick up on the unfamiliar feel of the service and respond surprisingly well. How will they learn unless given opportunity? Not only is this a worship experience, but it is a teaching opportunity.

As you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, you may want to reflect on the following passages and hymns:

• Read John 12-21. These chapters recount the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
• Read through the following hymn lyrics. Teach the tunes to your children. “All Glory, Laud, and Honor,” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “What Wondrous Love is This,” “Morning Sun,” “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” or “Up from the Grave He Arose.”
• On Palm Sunday: Read: Psalm 24, Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 11, and John 19.
• On Holy Thursday: Read: Jeremiah 31:31f, Matthew 26, Mark14, Luke 22, John 13-17.
• On Good Friday: Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 18-19.
• On Resurrection Sunday: Matthew 27-28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, 1 Corinthians 15.

March 23, 2008 Worship Service, Easter Sunday

FINAL DRAFT 

Team: Tami Ellis (leader); Natalia LaCroix (piano); Zoo (guitar); Scott Plybon (bass); Ryan Clodfelter (trumpet); John DeBoer (male vocal); Kim Baum, Kim Lis, Randy Bechtold, Kristin Dougherty (female vocals)

Rehearsal: Saturday, March 22, 8:30am

Order of Service

Prelude

Rejoice

Welcome

Leader: Christ is risen!

Congregation: The Lord is risen, indeed!

Our Historic Faith: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 12

Q31. Why is he called “Christ,” meaning “anointed”?
A. Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who perfectly reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God for our deliverance; our only high priest who has set us free by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually pleads our cause with the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the freedom he has won for us.

Q32. But why are you called a Christian?
A. Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for all eternity.

God is Calling Us to Worship

Scripture Reading: John 20:1-18

All Glory, Laud and Honor (#235)

Be Unto Your Name

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

Christ the Lord is Risen Today (#277)

Announcements

Welcoming One Another (Children are dismissed to Children’s Church at this time.)

Worshiping God by Listening to His Word: Judges 16:23-31 “The Death that Delivered”

Worshiping God by Giving

Arise, O God, and Shine 

God Sending Us with His Benediction

And Can it Be

March 21, 2008 Good Friday Service (Tenebrae)

FINAL DRAFT
Team/Leader: Davis and DeBoer

Order of Service

Scripture Reading: John 12:34-50

Prayer

Jesus, I Come

Extinguishing the First Candle: Luke 23:26-31

Thou Who Wast Rich

Extinguishing the Second Candle: Luke 23:32-34

God Be Merciful to Me

Extinguishing the Third Candle: Luke 23:38-42

There is a Fountain

Extinguishing the Fourth Candle: John 19:26-27

Worshiping God by Listening to His Word: “Woman, Behold your son.”

Corporate Prayer

Extinguishing the Fifth Candle: John 19:28

Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted

Extinguishing the Sixth Candle: Mark 15:34-36

O Sacred Head Now Wounded (piano only?)

Extinguishing the Seventh Candle: Luke 23:46

As a Deer (guitar only?)

Extinguishing the Eighth Candle: John 19:30

When I Survey

Extinguishing the Ninth Candle: John 19:31-42

There is no dismissal or benediction. Worshipers leave in darkness and quiet.

March 20, 2008 Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday); 7pm

FINAL DRAFT

Team/Leader: Davis and DeBoer

Call to Worship: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Song: “How Great Is Our God”

Sermon: “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not…” John 1:5

Lighting the First Candle: Matthew 26:17-19

Lighting the Second Candle: Matthew 26:20-29

Celebration of the Lord’s Supper

Lighting the Third Candle: John 13:1-12

Song: “My Jesus I Love Thee”

Lighting the Fourth Candle: John 13:33-35

Lighting the Fifth Candle: John 14:1-11

Lighting the Sixth Candle: John 14:15-18

Song: “Come Thou Fount”

Lighting the Seventh Candle: John 14:25-31

Lighting the Eighth Candle: John 15:1-17

Lighting the Ninth Candle: Matthew 26:31-46

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:47-56

There is no dismissal. After this reading, the congregation quietly leaves the sanctuary.

March 16, 2008 Worship Service

Final Draft

Team/Leader: Baum
Palm Sunday remembers Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem announced by the crowds shouting “Hosanna!” Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week.

Order of Service

Prelude

    Hail to the Lord’s Annointed 

Welcome and Announcements

Our Historic Faith: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 11

Q 29. Why is the Son of God called “Jesus,” meaning “savior”?
A. Because he saves us from our sins. Salvation cannot be found in anyone else; it is futile to look for any salvation elsewhere.
Q 30. Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only savior Jesus?
A. No. Although they boast of being his, by their deeds they deny the only savior and deliverer, Jesus. Either Jesus is not a perfect savior, or those who in true faith accept this savior have in him all they need for their salvation.

God is Calling Us to Worship

Scripture Reading: Psalm 24

Corporate Prayer

Ministry of Song

Hosanna

He is Exalted

Behold the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) 

Worshiping God through Giving

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us OR What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Welcoming One Another (Children are dismissed to Children’s Church at this time.)

Worshiping God by Listening to His Word: Judges 16:1-22 “The Fall of Samson”

God Sending Us with His Benediction

Prince of Peace 

March 9, 2008 Worship Service

FINAL DRAFT

Below is the order of service for March 9. Please let me know what you think by commenting.

Order of Service

Prelude Song/Music

Great God of Wonders

Our Historic Faith: Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 10

Q27. What do you understand by the providence of God?
A. Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which he upholds, as with his hand, heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty— all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but from his fatherly hand.

Q28. How does the knowledge of God’s creation and providence help us?
A. We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from his love. All creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they can neither move nor be moved.

God is Calling Us to Worship

O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Welcome and Announcements

God’s Work among the Nations – Missions Minute: Matt Lievens

Worshiping God by Giving

Arise O God, and Shine

Welcoming One Another (Children are dismissed to Children’s Church at this time.)

Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Purify My Heart

Worshiping God by Hearing His Word: Judges 14:1-15:20

Mission’s Offering

Great God of Wonders

God Sending Us with His Benediction

Jude 24, 25

 

FYI: This Sunday is what I affectionately call, National Sunday School Sunday because people forget to reset their clocks. It’s Daylight Savings Time.