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 treasureHow 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.
