They said to him, Lord, open our eyes. Matthew 20:33

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1 They said to him, Lord, open our eyes. Matthew 20:33 T h e L o r d s S e r v i c e J a n u a r y 2 7,

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 Welcome and Announcements The Lord s Service January 27, 2019 Prelude Silent Prayer of Preparation Call to Worship Isaiah 2:3 Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. Pastor Chris Stevens Opening Hymn #101 Come, Thou Almighty King Invocation Psalm 124:8 Pastor: Our help is in the name of the Lord, People: who made heaven and earth. Pastor: Let us pray. The Greeting Jude 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 3

4 Response #57 Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah, O My Soul (Vs. 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. Confession of Sin Zechariah 8:16-17 These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord. Holy and merciful Father, we have not kept your law and lived as your children. Instead we have sinned in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved truth and justice, but have pursued selfishness. Father, for the sake of Christ, who suffered and died on our behalf, have mercy on us and forgive us for our love of the world, for all the laziness and unrighteousness that remains in us, for our neglect of your holy ways, and for any dishonor we have brought your name. Turn us to your throne of grace. Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. 4

5 Hymn of Assurance Not in Me 5

6 Prayers of Intercession and the Lord s Prayer Pastor Scott Korljan Scripture Reading 1 Peter 1:17-23 This is the Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! Giving God Our Offerings (The first tray is for the General Offering, the second tray is for the 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 Matthew 20: And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day. 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, What do you want? She said to him, Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom. 22 Jesus answered, You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink? They said to him, We are able. 23 He said to them, You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father. 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, You know 6

7 that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. 29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David! 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David! 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, What do you want me to do for you? 33 They said to him, Lord, let our eyes be opened. 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. This is the Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! Sermon The Cross Creates Confusion and Compassion Pastor Chris Stevens 7

8 Sermon Notes: Questions for Discussion: 1. Why does Jesus so clearly tell them about the cross now? 2. Why is ignorance so dangerous? 3. How has thinking much of my outward self hindered me? 8

9 Prayer of Application Sermon Hymn #296 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name (Verse 3 & 6 only) Ye seed of Israel s chosen race, ye ransomed of the fall, hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all; hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all. O that with yonder sacred throng, we at his feet may fall; we ll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all; we ll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all. Holy Communion 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. Affirmation of Faith Heidelberg Catechism Question and Answer #1 What is your only comfort in life and death? That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil, and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation, therefore by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready, always, to live for him. 9

10 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 Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of his glory, the whole earth is full of his glory, the whole earth is full of his glory. Holy is the Lord. Words of Institution and Breaking of the Bread Prayer after Communion Gracious God, you love us, have chosen us, and redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and dwelt among us, and who gave His life willingly for our salvation. Give us joy in His coming, and greater hope in His coming again. Until that day, help us by your Holy Spirit to go into this world to love and serve you and others in His name, and for His glory. Amen. 10

11 Post Communion Hymn May the Peoples Praise You You have called us out of darkest night, into Your glorious light, That we may sing the wonders of the risen Christ. May our every breath retell the grace that broke into our strife With boundless love and deepest joy, with endless life. May the peoples praise You, let the nations be glad! All Your blessing comes that we may praise, may praise the name of Jesus. All the earth is Yours and all within, each harvest is Your own, And from Your hand we give to You, to make Christ known. May the seeds of mercy grow in us for those who have not heard, May songs of praise build lives of grace to spread Your Word. May the peoples praise You, let the nations be glad! All Your blessing comes that we may praise, may praise the name of Jesus. This our holy priv lege to declare Your praises and Your Name to every nation, tribe and tongue Your church proclaims. May the peoples praise You, let the nations be glad! All Your blessing comes that we may praise, may praise the name of Jesus. Holy, Holy, is the Lord Almighty. Worthy, worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Holy, Holy, is the Lord Almighty. All creation praise Your glorious Name. May the peoples praise You, let the nations be glad! All Your blessing comes that we may praise, may praise the name of Jesus. May the peoples praise You, let the nations be glad! All Your blessing comes that we may praise, may praise the name of Jesus. Benediction Benediction Response Amen, Amen, Amen Postlude 11

12 Prayer Requests Redeemer Family: - Laura Millward, praise for a good doctors report and healing. - Dale Millward, homebound. - Maggie Carins as she moved to Glen Eagle. - Carol Smith (Beth Nussdorfer mother), for healing. - Judy (CJ s mother), for strength and peace. - David Delgado, for healing as he continues through the trials of chemotherapy. - John VanTil, recovery from repeated shoulder surgery. - Kimberly Close (sister of Katina Gibson), for God s mercy in her struggles. - Paul Mann (Maggie s son-in-law), for God to reveal Himself to him. - Ann Nelson (Christi Throop s daughter-in-law), for healing and strength. - Dave Racine (Roger s father), for healing & strength; and for peace & confidence for his wife Barb. And for God to make Himself known to them both. Churches in our Presbytery: Great Lakes Presbytery: Praise for Scott McDerman, First Presbyterian (Bad Axe, Michigan) who will be ordained and installed on Saturday, January 26. Teaching Elder Bryant McGee who will be installed as assistant pastor at Christ Church (Grand Rapids, Michigan) on January 27. And Teaching Elder Matt Luchenbill who will be installed as an assistant pastor at New City (Royal Oak, Michigan) on February 17. Praise for newly received Under Care: Aaron Korvemaker, Tedd Sutton and Licensure Ryan Potter. Pray for Teaching Elder Rick Green, without call and Good Shepherd PCA (Valparaiso, Indiana) as they begin the process of seeking a new pastor. Want to receive Redeemer notifications & reminders? Contact the Church office at: redeemertc@gmail.com Phone: Website: Redeemer Facebook (Redeemer PCATC) 12

13 Announcements Staffed Nursery Available - For infant to four years old. Please see a Deacon or Greeters for directions to the Nursery. Sunday School - For all ages starts at 9 am Candy Catechism - Question of the month: 1) What is the chief end of man? Benevolence Offering - Today Congregational Meeting - Today immediately following our worship service. Potluck - Today after our Congregation Meeting. Men s Study - Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. What sins do we turn a blind eye to even though they sent Christ to the cross? Ladies Book Study - Identity Theft (Reclaiming the Truth of who we are in Christ) meets Thursday February 7 th at 9:30 am or 7 pm at the church, and will cover chapters 6-7! Hygiene Pantry Drive - This is the last Sunday for the Hygiene Pantry Drive for Love Thy Neighbor. Missions Meeting - Thursday, January 31 st at 4 pm. Save the Date! - Youth/Family trip to Avalanche Bay on February 9 th, 2019 Love Thy Neighbor - Grand Traverse Region (formally Love INC) is looking for an Executive Director. If interested submit resume to lovethyneighborft.org. This week at Redeemer: Congregation Meeting - Today, after worship Potluck - Today, after Congregational Meeting Men s Study - Thursday, 7:30 am Prayer Gathering - Thursday, 12 noon Missions Meeting - Thursday, 4 pm 13

14 January 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 27 Sunday School 9am Worship Service 10:15 am Congregational Meeting Potluck! 3 Sunday School 9am Worship Service 10:15 am vondrehle Small Group 10 Sunday School 9am Worship Service 10:15 am Stevens Small Group February 2019 Wednesday night studies 5:45 pm, food & childcare provided Men s Study, 7:30 am Prayer Gathering, 12 noon Missions Meeting, 4 pm 7 Men s Study 7:30 am Ladies Book Study, 9:30 am & 7 pm Prayer Gathering, 12 noon Bauers Small Group 6:30 pm Men s Study 7:30 am Prayer Gathering, 12 pm Husted Small Group 6:30 pm Youth/Family Event at Avalanche Bay Single MOMM 4:30 7 pm 14

15 Serving Today: Communion Set Up: Nikki Millward Greeting: Forbes & Barb Husted, Ralph & Teresa Kott Music Ministry: Connie VanTil Nursery: Berneice Gonder Refreshments: Potluck! Sound Board: CJ Weber Serving on Sunday, February 3 rd : Communion Set Up: Ron & Cindy Sabotka Greeting: Ron & Cindy Sabotka, Ralph & Teresa Kott Music Ministry: Connie VanTil Nursery: Heidi VanTil Refreshments: Jenny Morrison Sound Board: David Smith 1 st or 2 nd time visitor? Have a Prayer need? Want to be on our weekly newsletter? Want more info about ministry or service at Redeemer? Please fill out and place in the Offering plate. Thank You! Date: Name: Best Contact (Call/Text): Address: City: State/Zip: How did you hear about us: Music Copy License Number: st Time Guest: 2 nd Time Guest: Regular Attendee: Member:

16 If you would like to be prayed for please fill out and place in the Offering Plate Prayer Requests: Share with Prayer Team: Private: The Session (Pastors and Elders) Rev. Scott Korljan, Pastor Rev. Chris Stevens, Associate Pastor Buzz Bauers Fred Janke Chris Millward Bill Morrison Fred Weber David Schafer (Emeritus) The Deacons Jerry DeVries Bob Israel Tim Schramm II Dave VanDyk Redeemer Staff Scott Korljan, Pastor Chris Stevens, Associate Pastor Connie Van Til, Music Ministry Deb Long, Office Administrator/ Bookkeeper Send me information about : Becoming a Christian Baptism Membership Serving on a Team Small Groups Other 16 Redeemer Presbyterian Church 402 W. Ninth Street Traverse City, MI (231) Website: redeemertc@gmail.com Facebook@Redeemerpcatc Sunday School: 9 AM Worship Service: 10:15 AM A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America