A long time ago, twelve young men left everything to follow a promise, placing their entire future on a foundation of hope. That foundation was Jesus. Their future was the Church. Never meant to be an institution or political entity, that naive group of young men would later grow into a worldwide expression of God’s commitment to heal, save, and deliver.
Jesus and Twelve Apostles
Church is NOT a building; it is People. It is where millions of People throughout the Ages have come to find Community, Rest, Peace and Remption through Jesus. ALL ARE WELCOME!
– BeyondaBuilding.
You Belong Here
Church is NOT for the Elite. It is NOT for the Perfect. Church is for ALL of Us. Church is a Place to Find Friendship and Purpose, where We can Meet Jesus and Rally around One Another.
The Lord who made you and helps you says: “Do not be afraid, my chosen one.” Isaiah 44:2.
Isaiah 44:1–5; Esther 9–10; Acts 7:1–21
I had been out late the night before, just as I was every Saturday night. Just twenty years old, I was running from God as fast as I could. But suddenly, strangely, I felt compelled to attend the church my dad pastored. I put on my faded jeans, well-worn T-shirt, and unlaced high-tops and drove across town.
I do not recall the sermon Dad preached that day, but I can not forget how delighted he was to see me. With his arm over my shoulder, he introduced me to everyone he saw. “This is my son!” he proudly declared. His joy became a picture of God’s love that has stuck with me all these decades.
You Belong Here
The imagery of God as loving Father occurs throughout the Bible. In Isaiah 44, the prophet interrupts a series of warnings to proclaim God’s message of family love. “Dear Israel, my chosen one,” he said. “I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children” (vv. 2–3 nlt). Isaiah noted how the response of those descendants would demonstrate family pride. “Some will proudly claim, ‘I belong to the Lord,’” he wrote. “Some will write the Lord’s name on their hands” (v. 5 nlt).
Wayward Israel belonged to God, just as I belonged to my adoptive father. Nothing I could do would ever make him lose his love for me. He gave me a glimpse of our heavenly Father’s love for us. – Tim Gustafson. Daily Bread.
Heavenly Father, we all come from families that are broken in one way or another. Thank You for loving us in that brokenness and for showing us what real love looks like.
God’s love for us offers us the sense of belonging and identity we all crave.
We Belong
David Lowen
Pat Benatar
We belong to the light, we belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words we’ve both fallen under
Whatever we deny or embrace for worse or for better
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Psalm 27:10
I Love You, Dad
God, the Perfect Father, will never let us down, leave us, or stop loving us. Psalm 27. 2 Chronicles 32–33. John 18:19–40.
Standing in the crowded store aisle, I struggled to find the perfect Father’s Day card. Although we had reconciled after years of a strained connection, I never did feel close to my dad.
The woman next to me groaned and shoved the card she was reading back into the display. “Why can’t they make cards for people who do not have good relationships with their fathers, but are trying to do the right thing?”
She stormed off before I could respond, so I prayed for her. Thanking God for affirming only He could be a perfect Father, I asked Him to strengthen my relationship with my dad.
I long for deeper intimacy with my heavenly Father too. I want David’s confidence in God’s constant presence, power, and protection. Psalm 27:1–6.
When David cried out for help, he expected God’s answers. Ps. 27:7–9. Though earthly parents could reject, abandon, or neglect their children, David declared God’s unconditional acceptance. Ps. 27:10. He lived with assurance in the Lord’s goodness. Ps. 27:11–13. Like most of us, David sometimes struggled, but the Holy Spirit helped him persevere in trust and dependence on the Lord. Ps. 27:14.
We will encounter difficult relationships on this side of eternity. But even when people fall short, fail us, or hurt us, we are still completely loved and protected by the only Perfect Father. – Xochitl Dixon. Daily Bread.
Lord, thank You for being a Father we can always count on.
Good Good Father
Chris Tomlin
You’re a good good father
It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
Self-searching is the means by which we bring new vision, action, and grace to bear upon the dark and negative side of our natures. With it comes the development of that kind of humility that makes it possible for us to receive God’s help, we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life, the one that did not work, for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever. – AS BILL SEES IT, pp. 10, 8.
Since most of us are born with an abundance of natural desires, it is not strange that we often let these far exceed their intended purpose. When they drive us blindly, or we willfully demand that they supply us with more satisfactions or pleasures than are possible or due us, that is the point at which we depart from the degree of perfection that God wishes for us here on earth. That is the measure of our character defects, or, if you wish, of our sins. – TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 65.
hope
This is where long-term hope is born and perspective is gained, both of the nature of my illness and the path of my recovery. The beauty of A.A. lies in knowing that my life, with God’s help, will improve. The A.A. journey becomes richer, the understanding becomes truth, the dreams become realities and today becomes forever.
Although honesty is difficult to practice, it is most rewarding. Page 163.
honest
Basic Text, p. 96. How difficult we find it to be honest! Many of us come to NA as confused about what really happened in our lives that it sometimes takes months and years to sort it all out. The truth of our history is not always as we have told it. How can we begin to be more truthful?
Many of us find it the easiest to be honest in prayer. With our fellow addicts, we sometimes find that we have a hard time telling the whole truth. We feel certain that we will not be accepted if we let others know us as we really are. It is hard to live up to the “terminally hip and fatally cool” image so many of us portrayed! In prayer, we find an acceptance from our Higher Power that allows us to open our hearts with honesty.
As we practice this honesty with the God of our understanding, we often find that it has a ripple effect in our communications with others. We get in the habit of being honest. We begin to practice honesty when we share at meetings and work with others. In return, we find our lives enriched by deepening friendships. We even find that we can be more honest with ourselves, the most important person to be truthful with!
Honesty is a quality that is developed through practice. It isn’t always easy to be totally truthful, but when we begin with our Higher Power, we find it easier to extend our honesty to others.
Just for Today: I will be honest with God, myself, and others. – (c) 2018. NA World Services.
Praise Him Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Jesus Heals Simons Mother in Law
Introduction:
Prophet Isaiah observes our coming to and practicing faith. We all observe a person coming to faith for the first time, whether a sudden transformation or a gradual process. We acknowledge that God is the most powerful concern in our lives.
Psalm 147 is about praise. Praise the Lord. What more is there to say? God created the world and God will heal the world in its brokenness. Psalmist David uses allusion, or indirect reference, to make his point.
Paul asks the Corinthians and us, What are we willing to do so that others can see God? The local temple was a gathering place for family Celebration as homes tended to be small. Use of the temple subjected the group to the temple administration. As we should, Paul ultimately owes his life to God, not those that provide him with financial support.
Mark relates the details of Christ’s life. Jesus intervenes in the conflict between the power of evil and the power of God by doing deeds of power and preaching. Lifting, Raising, Healing. We should be there to witness and support our brothers and sisters as Christ the Healer is Lord and ruler of all.
We Will Rise Again
Barney Warren
David Haas
Renee Bondi
Scripture:
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:21-31.
Psalm: Ps. 147:1-11; Ps. 147:20.
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39.
Prayer: Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen.
How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
Matthew Perryman Jones
John Newton
Prayer Intentions: To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.
Prayers of the People …
God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come 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. (Book of Concord).
Our Father
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; 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. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Handshake of Peace
Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.
Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Communion Hymn
Servant Song
Richard Gillard (1977).
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28(ESV).
Communion
Prayer: Everlasting God, you give strength to the powerless and power to the faint; you raise up the sick and cast out demons.
Make us agents of healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation. Amen.
Closing Hymn
In Christ Alone
Travis Cottrell
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. Numbers 6:24-26.
The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.
Palm Sunday
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Palms Service
Introduction:
Today King David heralds the coming of Easter in Psalm 118. This is one of Martin Luthers favorite psalms. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.
Jesus enters Jerusalem as a sight to behold in Matthew 21. Jesus continues to bring His message to the people. Do we heed and follow Jesus today?
Endless Light
Hillsong
Prayer: God of wilderness and water, your Son was baptized and tempted as we are. Guide us through this season, that we may not avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing, through the cleansing depths of repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.
Scripture:
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Ps. 118:1.
The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! Matt. 21:9.
Children’s Sermon
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, a very large crowd gathered to welcome him. Some of them spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus to ride on, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Why would they do that? They were treating Jesus like a king!
The Bible tells us that the crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
The people greeted Jesus as a King that day. Today, Jesus wants to be your King, and He will be if you will allow Him to come into your heart and rule over your life. Lay down your cloak to greet your King as he comes to you in love.
Jesus, come into our lives and create in us a new heart. May we excitedly welcome You just as those that awaited Your arrival in Jerusalem did. Thank You for being here with us. We praise you Lord! Amen. – Sermons 4 Kids.
Prayer: Caught between joy and despair, we yearn for the fulfillment of God’s desire beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life. We offer thanksgiving for God’s presence with us and petitions for the transformation of the church and the world.
Prayer Intentions
Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Love-maker, day by day you sustain the weary with your word and gently encourage us to place our trust in you. Awaken us to the suffering of those around us; save us from hiding in denials or taunts that deepen the hurt; give us grace to share one another’s burdens in humble service. Amen.
Apostles Creed
Our Father
Handshake of Peace
Confession
Communion Hymn
Let Us Break Bread Together
African American Spiritual
Communion
Prayer: God of our salvation, we give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord, who came in your name and turned the lonely way of rejection and death into triumph. Grant us the steadfast faith to enter the gates of righteousness, that we may receive grace to become worthy citizens of your holy realm. Amen.
How Sweet the Name of Jesus
John Newton
Matthew Perryman Jones
Closing:
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. Numbers 6:24-26.
We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!
Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!
Health and Wellness
Low Glycemic Index Presentation
Low Glycemic Index
Pastor Cathy Hanus presents and prepares a healthy nutritious low glycemic index salad.
Where else does the believer find such pastoral service?
Come Join Us for a discussion of natural healthy nutritious ingredients prepared in an appropriate manner supporting holistic Health and Wellness.
Healthy Nutritious Low Glycemic
All Are Welcome!
Exercises and Fellowship follow.
Spirit of Peace Pastor Michael Hanus
