All Saints' Day service

Our congregation has observed All Saints' Day as one service (not two like we normally have on a given Sunday) for a few years, and we continued that observance this past Sunday on November 6th, 2011.

In years past we have filled the service with life-changing elements such as baby dedications and a remembrance slideshow of those saints who have past on before us from that particular year.

This year, we added a candle lighting to the remembrance slideshow. We had one person light all of the candles. First, we lit the Christ candle to commence the moment of remembrance. Then for each person, a candle was lit. It was very moving to be able to think upon those who we knew and, in a sense, have them involved in the service as we meditate on God and His ways.

Here is the order of worship from this Sunday's service:

Prelude
Let There Be Praise (Occasional Adult Choir)

Welcome and Opportunities to Give, Serve, & Connect


Opening Song w/ Scripture Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9
Praise to the Lord, The Almighty 


Offertory Set (prayer/music)
Open The Eyes of my Heart (Kids For Christ Choir)

Homily (Pastor Bob Adelsperger)

Responsive Hymn
O God, our Help in Ages Past


Christ Candle Lighting, Liturgy, & Remembrance Slideshow


Song of Preparation
My Jesus, I Love Thee (vs. 1 & 2 only)

Communion (served, not processional this week)
Revelation Song


Closing Song
Doxology




We had a prayer for the benediction and it was also the prayer for our pitch-in/potluck that we had prepared in the basement of the facility for us all to fellowship afterwards.

The All Saints' Day service is a special time we gather together with those believers living locally to reflect and meditate on the precious time we have with one another; to make the most of each moment. The Lord gives and He takes away. For all is rightly His to give and to take. It is all His anyway.

Worship reflection 10-02-11 .2nd service.

2nd service @ 10:50am


Scripture Reading --> 1 Peter 1:1-3


Prelude --> "Create in Me a Clean Heart" (Keith Green)

Welcome & Worship in Song --> "Not to Us" (Reeves, Tomlin); Scripture Reading --> 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; "Open the Eyes of my Heart" (Baloche); "Your Name" (Baloche, Packiam)

Scripture Reading --> Philippians 1:1-6


Offertory/Offertory Song --> "Hosanna" (Brooke Fraser)

Message

Song of Preparation --> "Worthy is the Lamb" (Zschech)

Communion/Communion Song --> "Create in Me a Clean Heart" (Keith Green)

Closing Song --> "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" (Townend)

Opportunities to Give, Serve, & Connect

Benediction
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Reflection
The Scripture readings are bolded because they all came together to lead up to the sermon. All of these Scripture readings are greetings at the beginning of letters in the New Testament.

We began the service with 1 Peter 1:1-3 read by Aaron, our youth pastor, and he led us in prayer. "Create in Me a Clean Heart" was a time of contemplation to prepare hearts for worship in song. This was my first time leading it in this church. It was suggested by a friend on the team. Although it's my first time leading it in this church, it's written by Keith Green from back in the 70s/80s. Here are the lyrics:

Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me


Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord
Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me


"Not to Us" transitioned into the worship song set. In this song we proclaimed that basically, God is God and we are not. It's a thought and action we as Christians have to continually do-- to make our hearts and minds afresh in knowing the humility displayed by our Redeemer Jesus Christ; that He is the grace that is greater than all our sin...and we can do absolutely nothing to try and trump His Ultimate Sacrifice.

Chris read 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 while Ryan played the intro to "Open the Eyes of my Heart" in the background. This song can lead us to petition God with earnest to show us His glory; to show us His holiness. As the song came to close, Ryan transitioned via acoustic into "Your Name" with Dave and myself coming in on keys and piano respectively. In this song, we claim the LORD of lord's Name as a "strong and mighty tower" as it stems from Proverbs 18:10.

I read Philippians 1:1-6 before the Offertory Prayer, then the band played "Hosanna" during Offertory. The lyrics, like the pericope, look forward to return of "the King of Glory coming on the clouds with fire"and is hopeful in all four verses. In the chorus and bridge, the lyrics push and beg for cleansing and healing and saving from The Only One Who can--Jesus Christ.

After the message, we sang "Worth is The Lamb" for the song of preparation for receiving Communion together. I appreciated the format for this song with Verse 1, Verse 2, and then the chorus sung twice. It was short and yet the words and music lingered as we entered into a time of reflection in receiving Communion.

"Create in Me a Clean Heart" was played & sung during the time of the bread and the cup being served. Next time, I might not have any words at all.

As a response to us receiving the body and blood of Christ, we sung "How Deep The Father's Love for Us" by Stuart Townend. Here are the lyrics for reflection:

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
and 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


Dave played an interlude between each verse that blended them together nicely. A key change from D to E ended Verse 2 and began Verse 3. We culminated the song by repeating the last phrase in Verse 3 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.


We ended the service with Opportunities to Give, Serve, & Connect which I think I like better, but I'm okay with having them at the beginning or end of service. Comments?

Looking forward to next week's service with the Scripture Drama during both services.

To God be all the glory.

Worship reflection 10-02-11 .1st service.

1st service @ 8:30am


Prelude Music

Scripture Reading --> 1 Peter 1:1-3


Call to Worship -->  "Come Thou Fount" vs. 1 & 3, "All Creatures of our God and King" vs. 1, 4, 5

Scripture Reading --> 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
Prayer of Adoration

Hymns of Praise --> "We Gather Together", "O Worship the King"

Scripture Reading --> Philippians 1:1-6
Offertory Prayer
Offertory/Offertory Music --> "Jesus, Name Above All Names" (Adult Choir)

Message

Song of Preparation --> "There's Something About That Name"

Communion

Closing Song --> "Doxology"

Opportunities to Give, Serve, & Connect
Benediction
Postlude Music
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Reflection
The Scripture readings are bolded because they were each a part of the sermon today. All of the readings are greetings from letters in the New Testament. Having Scripture read throughout the service set up the sermon quite well.
A look ahead: next week (10-09-11) we'll be having a Scripture drama  in both services.

Each greeting from each read pericope blended with the next set of songs. "Come Thou Fount" is an invitational song, welcoming our Lord into our midst and reading 1 Peter 1:1-3 talks of the grace of Jesus Christ and His coming again. Transitioning out of "Come Thou Fount" and leading into "All Creatures of our God & King" tells the story of how we invite Jesus with us, while calling everything that has life and breath to come and worship our King of kings.

First Corinthians 1:4-9 talks of the grace of Jesus Christ and the hope of His second coming. There was prayer, then I asked the congregation to join in singing and praising our God in proclaiming Him as our God as "We Gather Together". Our togetherness leads us to surrender our whole lives to our one and only Savior, Jesus Christ. We culminated this song set with the hymn, "O Worship the King".

The adult occasional choir had their first performance this Sunday during 1st service. They sang "Jesus, Name Above All Names" with men and women alternating parts in a round. Peg signed during the song. It was a privilege to hear & watch them worship right along with them this morning.

"There's Something About That Name" was the song of preparation for Communion. It's a slower song that slows down our hearts and minds to focus on the bread and the cup. The lyrics and melody encourage contemplation on the cross. Here are the lyrics:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
There's just something about that Name
Master, Savior, Jesus
Like the fragrance after the rain
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Let all Heaven and earth proclaim
kings and kingdoms will all pass away
but there's something about that Name


The new computer and program for media were up and running smoothly this morning and I really appreciated the scriptures on the slides as well as the background variations with the lyrics of each song.

We sung the "Doxology" as the response to receiving Communion together. I hope to incorporate this song within the worship time more frequently.

To God be all the glory.

Worship reflection 09-25-11 .2nd service.

2nd service @ 10:50am


Prelude --> "Hosanna (Praise is Rising)"

Welcome & Worship in Song --> "I Lift my Eyes Up" Scripture Genesis 17:1-7 "God of Wonders" "We Fall Down"

Offertory Prayer
Offertory Song --> "Give Us Clean Hands"

Message

Closing Song --> "Our God"

Member Induction
Benediction
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Reflection


Media's new computer system, ProPresenter, was up and running for the 10:50 service! Quite a few approached me commenting on how much they liked the backgrounds. Seeing the screen during practice, I personally appreciated how fluid the transitions were between slides. I'm looking forward to taking more time in researching and learning about the breadth of media material available for worship services. If you're interested in the creative process of running the media on Sunday mornings, please contact Aaron Thompson or me, and we'd love to get you connected.

"I Lift my Eyes Up" was originally going to be "Firm Foundation", but I made a quick switch at the last minute. Hopefully we'll worship the Lord singing that song sometime soon.

Having Louanne and Andrew reading the longer scripture was very helpful. Usually when there is a longer scripture, I try to make it more intriguing to those listening. With designated parts, Louanne as the so-called narrator/author and Andrew as so-called spoken LORD, I feel it left more of an impression on me. I often picture myself as one in the congregation as the scripture is being read, and imagine myself watching and listening to those reading allowed the Word of God-- this helps me try to see what we do on stage from the perspective of the congregation. Scripture needs to read when we come together, so I desire it to be presented as best as possible.

Proclaiming the wonders of God as we sing in awe, "God of Wonders", then purge pride and resolve to humility by stating "we fall down, we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus" connected so much how of most of our daily lives go, does it not? We go about our day, thinking of the things we have to do. We take credit for the credit we feel is due to us. And as we travel home thinking the day was a success, the Holy Spirit overpowers our prideful selves with conviction and reminds of us The One to Whom all credit is due...Jesus Christ our Risen Savior Lord. What a proclamation to share in together!

As we offered our tithes and offerings, we asked God to renew us, to cleanse us, to make us humble in "Give Us Clean Hands".

"Our God" was our closing song that led us into the member induction of one family in our church, the Isenburgs.

Worship reflection 09-25-11 .1st service.

Each week, from now on, I'm hoping to post reflections from the previous Sunday services. This helps me to process the flow of each service, the elements involved, highlights, and looking for innovative ways to improve for Sundays to come. I will recall and comment on both worship services.

Community was the theme for 09-25 and will also be the theme for 10-02.
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1st service
Prelude (Organ)

Announcements

Call to Worship --> Read & Response with Psalm 95:1-7 (from The Worship Sourcebook)

Hymn of Response --> "The Family of God" (Refrain, sung twice)

Scripture Reading --> Genesis 17:1-7
Prayer of Adoration

Hymns --> "His Name is Wonderful" & "O How He Loves You and Me"

Offertory Prayer
Offertory  (song played & sung) --> "El Shaddai"

Message

Closing Song --> "Blest be the Tie that Binds"

Benediction
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Reflection
This was the first Sunday we used the new computer for media purposes. Unfortunately, we were unable to have it ready for first service. This next week, we should have it ready to display lyrics, videos, photos, and any other media necessary as a helpful component to the both services.

Because of the absence of lyrics projected on a screen, we used hymnals. It was nice to use them for a change. This encouraged me to think of sometime having a hymn-sing. If anyone is interested in doing that, please contact me.

All of the songs seemed familiar to everyone. However, I think the rain influenced some to feel a little tired. I'll have to keep weather in mind to help encourage all of us as we join in worshipful singing to God, our Lord, Creator, Redeemer and Friend.

Inquiring After God, reflection

These are some thoughts I had while reading Ellen T. Charry's Inquiring After God.

God can be known exclusively through self-revelation; allowing others to notice His existence through means emanating solely from Him and Him alone (18). Such revelation may be manifest in the creative order (general revelation) or in God's interaction with His creation in particular instances, such as those instances recorded by Scripture (special revelation).

Knowledge that we learn, all from God, and our love that we learn, all from God, are within a continuum; or at least should be something like this:

Our knowledge of love about (to seek) God and our love of knowledge about (to seek) God should be "always grow[ing]" (18). As both knowledge and love of Him grow within us (only because of His Holy Spirit working in us, of course), both knowledge and love of Him are symbiotic, in that they constantly benefit one another. In this way, it seems to me that the symbiotic relationship between knowledge of God and love of God (as one person would seek Him) is similar to how we are called to serve one another. Here are a few examples from Scripture... Matthew 5:38-42 "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow." Eccelsiastes 4:9-12 "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ephesians 4:29 "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." All in all, our knowledge and love of and for God should never diminish, but with a willing eagerness in joy, both will grow for His glory.

An Occasional Choir

Throughout this summer season, I will be preparing formatted information, music, rehearsal dates, and performance dates for a choir at PFBC.

If this piques your interest, feel free to read the following:

Essentials

• believe that Jesus Christ is your Savior
• ample experience singing in choir(s)
• desire to share your love for God and musical gift
• ability, or desire the ability, to blend with others vocally
• strong desire to learn more about God 

I will be posting more information about choir at PFBC as the summer progresses. 

Please email me with any questions:  bethany.colgrove@gmail.com

blessings,

Bethany