Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2

Transcription

1 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2 T h e L o r d s S e r v i c e J a n u a r y 2 8,

2 Why Have a Benevolence Offering? Every Christian church has the God given responsibility to care for each other not only spiritually, but materially as well. Our love for one another must go beyond pious talk and prayer, and when needed must involve practical acts of care, mercy, and generosity. Any church unwilling to do this faces the warning of the Apostle John: 1 John 3:13-18: "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." This kind of material care and provision was a duty embedded in OT law and is echoed clearly and repeatedly in the New Testament (Deut 24:19; Gal 6:10; Jam 2:14). Luke records that the early church was characterized by this kind of radical material generosity, even to the point of selling off some of their personal property so that they would have money and resources to give to those in need (See Acts 2:44-45). Because of their radical generosity, Luke could write of the early church "There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold" (Act 4:34). In Acts 6, we learn just how important this was in the early church. Confronted with the problem of certain widows being overlooked in the daily food distribution, the apostles commanded the church to set aside and appoint godly men (probably the origin of the office of Deacon) who were filled with the Spirit, in order to solve the problem. It was clearly a priority, and God blessed the church as they met this need. "And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem" (Acts 6:7). One way in which Redeemer seeks to meet this need is by having a separate benevolence fund. We take a quarterly offering, above and beyond the normal weekly offering, which is money designated specifically for helping those who are in need, with a priority to those inside our church. In our denomination, the deacons as a group have the responsibility to oversee and administer this fund as needs arise in our congregation and community. This Sunday we are taking our quarterly benevolence offering. Please consider (1) whether or not benevolence assistance is something that could help you if you are in a season of difficulty. We are an extended family at this church, and there is no shame whatsoever in asking for help. That is the purpose of the benevolence fund, and what we do for one another as a church. Talk to any of the deacons if you have a need. (2) Prayerfully consider giving over and above your normal contribution to the benevolence fund. May God continue to bless us as a church as we generously and sacrificially use what he has given us to be a blessing to others. 2

3 The Lord s Service January 28, 2018 Welcome and Announcements Prelude Silent Prayer of Preparation Call to Worship Psalm 46:8-10a Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. Be still, and know that I am God. Mr. Chris Stevens Opening Hymn #4 All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above (Vss. 1, 5 & 6 only) (red hymnal) =Stand, if able Bold Words=Congregation 3

4 Invocation Psalm 124:8 Pastor: Our help is in the name of the Lord, People: who made heaven and earth. Let us pray. The Greeting Jude 1:1b-2 To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Amen Response #57 Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah, O My Soul (Verse 4 only) Hallelujah, praise Jehovah, O my soul, Jehovah praise; I will sing the glorious praises of my God through all my days. Over all God reigns forever, through all ages he is King; unto him, your God, O Zion, joyful hallelujahs sing. =Stand, if able Bold Words=Congregation 4

5 Confession of Sin Zechariah 7:9-12a Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart. But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the Lord of hosts. Our Almighty, eternal God and Father, we acknowledge that we transgress your holy decrees without ceasing, and are swift to corrupt ourselves. We have not loved you or others, as we ought. We have forgotten and failed to love the marginalized and the difficult. We are ashamed of these things. We ask that you soften our hearts, open our eyes, and renew an upright spirit within us. We beseech you to have mercy upon us, through your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Increase our attentiveness to the presence of the Holy Spirit, that we may recognize our sin and unrighteousness, we may die to them wholly, and please you by daily pursuing a Godward life. Declaration of Forgiveness Proverbs 28:13 Hear the good News! Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. =Stand, if able Bold Words=Congregation 5

6 Hymn of Assurance Mercies Anew =Stand, if able Bold Words=Congregation CCLI #

7 Prayers of Intercession and the Lord s Prayer Scripture Readings Matthew 18:23-34; Psalm 42 This is the Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! Giving God Our Offerings If you are seated on the center aisle, please pass the red Visitor Pad for all visitors to sign. Note: the first tray passed is for the General Offering, the second tray is for the Benevolence Offering. Benevolence Offering Doxology 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. Amen. Sermon Text Reading Ephesians 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! Sermon The Divine Combination Mr. Chris Stevens =Stand, if able Bold Words=Congregation 7

8 The Divine Combination #1. God s Apostle #2. God s Will 3. God s Grace & Peace 8

9 Prayer of Application Sermon Hymn #691 It Is Well with My Soul (Vss. 1 & 3 only) When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. It is well with my soul; it is well, it is well with my soul! My sin O the bliss of this glorious thought! my sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my Soul! It is well with my soul; it is well, it is well with my soul! 9

10 Holy Communion Reverend Jim vondrehle Invitation to the Lord s Table We warmly welcome to the table all who trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation, have been baptized and have publicly professed their faith as members of any evangelical Christian church. We encourage families to come forward together, but ask that young children not partake of the elements until they have met with their Elders to make a profession of their faith. We encourage those not participating to spend this time reflecting on Individual Prayers for Communion on Page 15. We hope these prayers will be helpful to you as you consider your relationship to Jesus Christ and His people, the church. Affirmation of Faith The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker 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 into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into 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, (*universal) the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. =Stand, if able Bold Words=Congregation 10

11 Prayer of Thanksgiving and Consecration The Lord be with you. Ruth 2:4 And also with you. Lift up your hearts! Lamentations 3:41 We lift them up to the Lord! Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Psalm 118:1 It is right to give him thanks and praise. It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise for you are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son. As we come now to the supper which he gave to us, we ask for the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that the bread that we break and the cup that we bless would be a participation in the body and blood of our Lord. And now, with the angels, and all the company of heaven, we magnify your glorious Name, evermore praising you and singing: Sanctus Words of Institution and Breaking of the Bread Music for Meditation - Piano =Stand, if able Bold Words=Congregation 11

12 1st Communion Hymn I Will Glory in My Redeemer CCLI #

13 2nd Communion Hymn #55 To God Be the Glory 13 CCLI #

14 Prayer after Communion We give thanks to you almighty God, that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of your Son, Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Dismissal #122 God, All Nature Sings Thy Glory (Verse 4 only) God of glory, power, mercy, all creation praises thee; we, thy creatures, would adore thee now and through eternity. Saved to magnify thy goodness, grant us strength to do thy will; with our acts as with our voices thy commandments to fulfill. Benediction Benediction Response Amen, Amen, Amen Postlude =Stand, if able Bold Words=Congregation 14

15 Individual Prayers for Communion Prayer for Those Searching for the Truth Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth and the life. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen. Prayer of Belief Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you, I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared to hope. I repent of my sins of self-ruling and self-saving. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross and offering forgiveness and new life. Thank you that my sin and rebellion are Yours, and Your righteous, perfect, and obedient life is mine through faith in You. Knowing that you died on the cross and have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive and rest upon you alone as my Savior and Lord. I now resolve in humble reliance on the Holy Spirit and through the power of the gospel graciously working in my life to walk in manner pleasing to You. Amen. Prayer for those struggling with Sin Lord Jesus, grant that I may see in You the fulfillment of all my need, and may turn from every false satisfaction to feed on You, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely, and run with perseverance the race set before me, looking to You, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith. Amen. 15

16 Prayer Requests Redeemer Family: Homebound: Dale Millward The family of Reva Sharp as they mourn her loss. Fred Janke as he recovers from surgery. Fred Weber as he deals with health problems. Elaine Bostelaar as she recovers from surgery. Kathy Van Til and her family. Pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual strength as she continues treatment for cancer. Kimberly Close, sister of Katina Gibson, who is struggling with physical, emotional and spiritual difficulties. Pray that God s love and comfort would meet her in this season of need. Paul Mann (Maggie s son-in-law) as he undergoes chemotherapy for advanced cancer. Pray for physical strength, recovery and for God to reveal himself to him. Carol Smith (Beth Nussdorfer s mother) is having surgery on February 7 th for a blocked carotid artery. Pray for peace and successful surgery. Churches in our Presbytery: New City Presbyterian, Royal Oak, Michigan: Pray for the smooth transition of our new Director of Music and Worship Arts, Javier Contesse and other new administrative and children s ministry staff and for opportunities to share the love of Christ with coworkers, neighbors and friends and to invite them to New City. Praise for our 5 Year Anniversary. Knox Presbyterian: Pray for safe travel for our upcoming youth winter trips and that God s Word will be put to action in the lives of our youth at Knox. 16

17 Announcements Staffed Nursery Available - For infant to four years old. Please see a Deacon or Greeters for directions to the Nursery. Next Sunday - Pastor Scotts continues with our sermon series on the Visions and V Values of Redeemer. Candy Catechism - Catechism question of the month: What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him? 1st Quarter Benevolence Offering - Today Potluck! - Today; please join us in the Fellowship Hall for potluck and to welcome our new members, Nick Cobb, Andres Grossmann, Margaret Handel and Christi Throop. Choir Practice - After worship today and on February 4 th. We will be singing at the February 11 th service. Young Adults - Will meet on Monday, February 5 th at 6 pm at the Boerema s. Bridal Shower for Sarah Birdsey - All ladies are invited! February 17 th, 10 am to 12 pm in the fellowship hall. Sarah and Nick have a gift registry at Bed Bath and Beyond. Please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex for suggestions on what food to bring. If you would like to help with decorations or have any questions, please contact Heidi Van Til. This week at Redeemer: Men s Study - Thursday, 7:30 to 8:30 am (Life Together, The Classic Exploration of Christian Community, by D. Bonhoeffer) Ladies Book Study - Thursday, 9:30 to 11 am Prayer Gathering - Thursday, 12 noon Bauers Small Group - Thursday, 6:30pm Budget Update: Praise God for the generous giving of His people! We were able to finish the year meeting our 2017 Budget goals! 17

18 Serving Today: Communion Set Up: Kit Hinz Greeting: Buzz & Cathy Bauers, Tom & Beth Nussdorfer Music Ministry: Connie Van Til Nursery: Heidi Van Til Refreshments: Potluck Sound Board: Ralph Kott Serving on Sunday, February 4 th : Communion Set Up: Barb Weber / Kate Empie Elder: Fred Janke Greeting: Buzz & Cathy Bauers, Tom & Beth Nussdorfer Music Ministry: Connie Van Til Nursery: Berneice Gonder Refreshments: Kimberly Whims Sound Board: David Smith Want to receive Redeemer notifications & reminders? Contact the Church office at: redeemertc@gmail.com Phone: Website: 18

19 6 7 8 Men s Study January / February 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 28 Benevolence Offr. Sunday School 9 am Worship Service 10:15 am Potluck! 4 Sunday School 9 am Worship Service 10:15 am vondrele Small Group 11 Detroit Project Men s Study 10 am to 12 noon Offering Sunday School 9 am Worship Service 10:15 am New Mover Greetings 18 Sunday School 9 am Worship Service 10:15 am vondrele Small Group 25 Sunday School 9 am Worship Service 10:15 am Potluck! Men s Study 7:30 am Ladies Book Study, 9:30 to 11 am Prayer Gathering 12 Noon 5 Young Adults, 6 pm at Boerema s Bauers small group, 7:30 am Ladies Book Study, 9:30 to 11 am Prayer Gathering 12 Noon Husted Small Group 7:30 am Ladies Book Study, 9:30 to 11 am Prayer Gathering 12 Noon Bauers small group, Men s Study 7:30 am Ladies Book Study, 9:30 to 11 am Prayer Gathering 12 Noon Single MOMM Event 4:30 to 7 pm Bridal Shower for Sarah Birdsey

20 The Session (Pastor and Elders) Rev. Scott Korljan, Pastor... (773) Fred Janke... (216) Bill Morrison Fred Weber David Schafer (Emeritus) The Deacons Jerry DeVries Bob Israel Chris Millward Dennis Weise Redeemer Staff Scott Korljan, Pastor Mr. Chris Stevens, Pastoral Resident Connie Van Til, Music Ministry Deb Long, Office Administrator/Bookkeeper Redeemer Presbyterian Church 402 W. Ninth Street Traverse City, MI (231) Website: Sunday School: 9 AM Worship Service: 10:15 AM A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America 20