CITY REFORMED CHURCH Gospel Community Mission

CITY REFORMED CHURCH Gospel Community Mission

REFLECTIONS Finally, there is the equally mind-boggling mystery of the intrinsic paradox of love: somehow in love you give yourself away, not just your time or work or possessions or even your body. You put yourself in your own hands and hand it over to another. And when you do this unthinkable thing, another unthinkable thing happens: you find yourself in losing yourself. You begin to be when you give yourself away. You find that a new and more real self has somehow been given to you. When you are a donor you mysteriously find yourself a recipient-of the very gift you gave away. ~Peter Kreeft There are no real personalities apart from God. Until you have given up yourself to Him you will not have a real self. Sameness is to be found most among the most 'natural' men, not among those who surrender to Christ. How monotonously alike all the great tyrants and conquerors have been; how gloriously different are the saints. But there must be a real giving up of the self. You must throw it away 'blindly' so to speak. Christ will indeed give you a real personality; but you must not go to Him for the sake of that. As long as your own personality is what you are bothering about you are not going to Him at all. The very first step is to try to forget about the self altogether. Your real, new self (which is Christ's and also yours, and yours just because it is His) will not come as long as you are looking for it. It will come when you are looking for Him...Keep back nothing. Nothing that you have not given away will be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ, and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity [cover art] Christ Creating Fresco Suchevitsa Monastery, Romania

CHILDCARE A nursery for infants and small children is located in the classroom outside the sanctuary. CITY REFORMED CHURCH HAPPENINGS City on a Hill City on a Hill (COAH) is hosting a BBQ for their neighborhood and they are hoping to gather 170 volunteers for it. It will be on 7/23 and I think it would be a great opportunity for community groups to connect outside of their normal meet ups as well as a great opportunity if you haven't had a chance to serve the under-served in our community. I attached a flyer that explains its details. Note that volunteers are needed from 4 pm - 7 pm for cleanup if you're unable to attend all day. If you're willing and able, please contact the COAH's point person, Brooke Chapman - bchapman@cityonahillmilwaukee.org. Riverwest Food Pantry--On Saturday, 7/30, there will be another opportunity to serve our city at the Riverwest Food Pantry. Please RSVP with jtangb@gmail.com if you're interested. The commitment is from 7:50 am - 11 am. Attached to this email is the flyer to this event as well as the previous announcement. Learning to Talking about Race-- There is an opportunity for facilitator training at the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion. This is a great opportunity for folks interested in learning how to facilitate conversion on9 culturally sensitive topics and your skills will probably be applied in the form of our upcoming film series. CRC is willing to cover the costs of the program if you're interested in attending. It is Monday, August 22 (5:30pm- 8:30pm). or more details and if you're interested, please contact christinakatt@gmail.com Deacon Assistants One of the primary roles of the deacons is to support the physical needs of the congregation. As our church grows, in order for us to continue to do this well, we are hoping to recruit and train some of you as diaconal assistants. If you would be interested in learning more about what it looks like to come alongside each other, please contact one of the deacons (Kelli Sieplinga, Austin Ramirez, Christina Katt or Alex Lau). We will be setting up an informational and training session soon for those interested in serving in this capacity.

PRELUDE GREETING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP July 24 th 2016 Ordinary Time Minister: People: The Lord be with you. And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP based on Matthew 11:28-30 We have gathered in this place to worship, because Jesus invites us to come! We come as we are, with our faith and our doubts, with our successes and our failures, because Jesus invites us to come! We come with what we have, bringing with us the events and experiences of this past week, because Jesus invites us to come. Let us hear Jesus' invitation: Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Let us worship God together. PRAYER OF ADORATION

Oh Great is Our God Words and Music: Brian Eichelberg

2012 E On The Eye Chart/ CCLI Song #7035497

7 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies Music: Luke Morton, 2012 Words: Charles Wesley, 1740

8 Sacred Reading ~Psalm 138 Hearing Scripture read aloud is an act of worship. It has been the practice of the church for thousands of years to have portions of the Bible read during worship services. The assumption behind this practice is that we are people who need to be shaped by all of God s word I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. 4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth, 5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. 6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. 8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.. Reader: People: The grass withers and the flowers fall. but the Word of our God stands forever

9 In Christ Alone 1. In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light my strength my song This Cornerstone this solid Ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love what depths of peace When fears are stilled when strivings cease My Comforter my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand 2. In Christ alone who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save Till on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live 3. There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious Day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin's curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ 4. No guilt in life no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand Keith Getty Stuart Townend CCLI License # 1115008

10 Call to Confession 1 John 3:16-18 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 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. Prayer of Confession Almighty and merciful God, we have sinned against you, in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with all our heart. We have not loved others as you have loved us. We are truly sorry. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be. That we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Silent Confession You are invited to personalize your confession as you pray silently. Sing to Confess

11 To Thee I Come Words: Samuel Medley, 1738-1799 Music: Clint Wells, 2006

12 Assurance of Pardon 1 John 4:16-18 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. Thanks be to God! SONG OF ASSURANCE 2007 Clint Wells Music, used under CCLI License #11150089

13 RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION Now to the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God. be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS The offering is a way for Christians to participate in the mission and ministry of the church. Christians offer a sacrificial portion of their resources time, talents, possessions as an act of faith and gratitude in response to God s grace. Offerings are a part of our worship service as an opportunity for the regular, proportionate and generous giving of the resources God has given us. If you are a guest today you, please feel under no compulsion to give. Offertory Prayer: PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE GOD SPEAKS TO US Philippians 1:8-11, ESV For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God!

14 GOD S WORD AMONG HIS PEOPLE Pastor Chris Ganski Sermon Series: Learning Christ Love and Sanctified Vision

COMMUNION Guidelines for Reception of Communion Communion, also called The Lord s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all committed followers of Jesus Christ to partake of this sacrament: those who are baptized members of a congregation that proclaims the gospel, who are at peace with God and with their neighbor, and who seek strength to live more faithfully for Christ. If you are not a Christian, or if you are not prepared to share in this meal, we encourage you to spend this time in prayer. We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with His people, the church. Invitation to the Lord s Table Confession of Faith I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Prayer of Thanksgiving Minister: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Minister: Lift up your hearts! People: We lift them up to the Lord! Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise. Blessed are you, strong and faithful God. All your works, the heights and the depths, echo the silent music of your praise. You gave us breath and speech, that all the living might find voice to sing your praise, and to celebrate the creation you called good. So now with all the powers of heaven and earth we sing the ageless hymn of your glory: [Prayer continues with congregation singing Sanctus] 15

16 2009, Brian T, Murphy, used by permission WORDS OF INSTITUTION The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Minister: Therefore we proclaim the mystery of the faith. All: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Minister: Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. All: Therefore let us keep the feast. Distribution of the Bread and Cup Minister: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Pastoral Prayer Lord s Prayer:

17 All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen Prayers of Meditation for Those Not Communing If you are not able to receive Communion, please use this time to meditate on one of the following prayers. Prayer for Those Searching for Truth Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. 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 hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen. Prayer of Commitment Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you in baptism and in a life of committed discipleship in your church. Grant that I may take the necessary steps to be one with your people, and live in the fullness of your Spirit.

18 Fairest Lord Jesus Words: German Hymn, 1677 Music: CRUDADERS HYMN, 1842 1. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son, Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown. 2. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring: Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer who makes the woeful heart to sing. 3. Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling starry host: Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer than all the angels heaven can boast. 4. Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Words: Isaac Watts, 1707 Music: Lowell Mason, 1824 When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most,i sacrifice them to His blood. See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown? Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Be Thou My Vision 19 Words: Eleanor H. Hull, 1912 Music: Trad. Irish Melody

20 BENEDICTION Minister: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. People: Amen. DISMISSAL Minister: Let us go forth to seek the peace of Milwaukee as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. People: Thanks be to God! Halleluiah! Halleluiah! POSTLUDE Musicians Christina Katt, piano Alex Lau, voice Rusty Dahler, guitar Jon Reimer, cello Dave Ribbens, bass Stay connected with CRC online cityreformedchurch.org facebook @cityreformed