Reign of Christ Celebration Christ is King! for the Community
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
Everyone is Welcome!
Reign of Christ is King Celebration Introduction:
So much political social construct in Daniel! Today many people around the globe experience political domination, terror, and persecution. God the Father gives sovereignty to Christ the King to empower the oppressed and pursue just rule on earth as we anticipate in heaven.
Our focus is on the Lord as Creator and Sustainer of that Creation. Ps. 93:1. Although this big picture is not always visible to our mind’s eye as we meet and deal with life’s challenges, we turn our attention to this belief on Christ is King Sunday.
In Revelations we turn our attention to the timeless glory of God, the faithful ministry of Jesus Christ, the benefits of our salvation, our hope in Christ’s glorious return, the fate of those who reject Christ, and God’s rule over every earthly dominion. Theologian Rev. Dr. Greg Carey.
Jesus intentionally evades a direct answer to Pilate’s question regarding kingship. Pilate is exploiting the unfortunate dilemma that is facing Christ right now. Jesus knows that Pilate is using the moment to disturb the stability of Jewish political society. John 18:36.
Reign of Christ is King Celebration Scripture:
His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed. Dan. 7:9-14.
The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty. Ps. 93:1.
I am the Alpha and the Omega says the Lord God. Rev. 1:8.
My kingdom is not from this world. John 18:36.
Lord is King Psalm 93 song
Bill Monaghan
Prayer:
Shepherd of Israel, hear our prayer
as your Son heard the plea
of the criminal crucified with him.
Gather into Christ’s holy reign
the broken, the sorrowing, and the sinner,
that all may know
wholeness, joy, and forgiveness. Amen.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Cecil Frances Alexander (1848).
Kidzup
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.
Prayer:
As the shepherd who cares for the flock, O God,
you guide all things through Jesus
whom you have exalted over all creation as king.
Hear the prayers we offer in his name
for the creation he cherished
and that you entrust to us.
Look upon your people who rejoice in your justice and mercy,
and grant that the prayers we make
may reveal Christ’s reign in our time. Amen.
Jesus, Name Above All Names.
Nadia Hearn. (1974).
Maranatha Singers
Jesus name above all names
Beautiful Savior glorious Lord
Emmanuel God is with us
Blessed Redeemer living Word.
Prayer:
Almighty God,
you remembered the oath you swore to David
and so established a glorious realm of salvation
through Jesus of Nazareth, his heir.
Train our eyes to see your righteous rule,
that, standing firmly in hope
before the powers of this world,
we may heed your voice
and be constant in your truth. Amen.
Now thank we all our God.
Catherine Winkworth. (1636).
Cambridge Singers.
http://youtu.be/_Z2_JLqOjNY
Now thank we all our God
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom his world rejoices;
who from our mothers’ arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.
Prayer:
Most High God, majestic and almighty,
our beginning and our end:
rule in our hearts
and guide us to be faithful in our daily actions,
worshiping the one who comes
as Savior and Sovereign,
and who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen.
Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
Eph. 5:19-20.
Henry Smith (1970).
Don Moen.
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.
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!
Mothers Prayer Celebration
Mothers Prayer Celebration Introduction:
Hannah prays and says, “My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory.” I Samuel 2:1.
We compare Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 to Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55.
How does their faith in God’s mystery inspire them to praise?
Hannah takes her concerns to the Lord. She appears blessed as one of the Lord’s chosen. It is interesting that this story begins with Hannah.
Psalm 16 is a symmetric Psalm, five stanzas of two verses each. Although our mortal world is filled with many trials and tribulations, we may still turn to our Lord in prayer for strength and capacity to persevere. We may praise the Lord for the blessings He will bestow upon us as we travel through life.
The concept consistent within Hebrews is that as long as one confesses belief in the Lord, salvation will come to each of them. Hebrews summons us to spiritual alertness.
Jesus reserves some of his most essential teaching for private moments with His disciples.
Mother’s Prayer
Celine Dion
I pray you’ll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go.
Every mother’s prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she’ll be safe.
Mother’s Prayer Scripture:
1 Samuel 1:4-20, 2:1-10.
Psalm 16.
Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25.
Mark 13:1-8.
Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him. 1 Samuel 1:17.
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. Ps. 16:1. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Ps. 16:11.
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. Heb. 10:23.
Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” Mark 13:2.
Psalm 16 Song
Missionary Diocese of St. Benedict
Prayer:
Redeeming Sustainer,
visit your people
and pour out your strength and courage upon us,
that we may hurry to make you welcome
not only in our concern for others,
but by serving them
generously and faithfully in your name. Amen.
The Summons Song
John Belle and Graham Maule, Iona Community.
Sung by Robert Kochis
Wild Goose
Will you come and follow me
If I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know
And never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown,
Will you let my name be known,
Will you let my life be grown
In you and you in me?
Prayer:
Timeless One,
you create all moments of our lives,
giving each its meaning and purpose.
Strengthen us to witness continually
to the love of Jesus Christ,
that we may hold fast in times of trial,
even to the end of the ages. Amen.
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!
Veterans Day Reflection
Wednesday, November 11. Veteran’s Day (U.S.).
We Give Thanks today for those who answered the call to service, and Pray for Peaceful Resolution to conflicts in our world.
Please Share Your Intentions and Reflections with Pastor …
Spirit.Peace@outlook.com
I Still Believe Veterans Day Song
performed by Tussing Elementary
Song of Thanks and Hope for America and Our Military Heroes
Memorial Day Prayer for Our Military and Military Families
Heavenly Father, Today is yours. We thank you for giving us this beautiful opportunity to honor the men and women who so bravely served this country in the past as well as in the present. Father we ask you to bless and strengthen those brave souls who selflessly give of themselves without asking anything in return. We ask you to heal our wounded warriors who returned home in pain after they gave their all for this great land. Bless them. Restore their souls. Heal their bodies. Bring salvation to the lost.
Father we ask you to bless the families of our military who stay behind while their loved one goes into battle. Keep them safe and provide for their needs according to your abundance. Lord, we pray for a special blessing upon the families whose loved one gave his or her life to this country. Keep them safe and comfort their hearts.
Lord, we ask you to anoint our Chaplains and others who bring the Word to our military. Bless their ministry and bring a great harvest of souls from their efforts.
Father, we ask you to forgive the sins of this nation as well as the sins of the leaders who have forgotten how to pray. Have mercy on all Americans and bring us to a state of repentance in these difficult times. We ask you to forgive our pride as a nation and deliver us from the evil that has come upon us. You alone are righteous and holy. You alone are worthy of praise. We thank you for hearing our prayer! In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
– Rev. Sandra Rone Mireles.
Scripture:
When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. Mark 13:7.
Measure Contribution Celebration for the Community
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
Everyone is Welcome!
Measure Contribution Celebration introduction:
A widow without a husband often can not find the financial means to meet her earthly obligations. This becomes a stigma that enlarges the vulnerability. How well put the story of Naomi and Ruth demonstrates this stigma and the clear logic they used to deal with and overcome the unfortunate situation. This well planned human response to misfortune should be recognized and respected.
The psalm delivers to us a doxology, praise for the Lord, despite the the misfortune that exists throughout all time due to man’s earthly plight. Happiness is elusive, joy and contentment are difficult to experience. Our Lord will remain with us and not abandon us despite all our tribulations, some brought on as a result of our own devices. Our humanly experiences on Earth are measured small in time compared to the eternal reward.
Hebrews looks into the human response to the reality of faith formation, believing in a powerful Creator God and eternal reward despite the misfortunes experienced in a mortal earthly existence. The importance of the New Covenant Jesus refers to in the Last Supper can not be missed or understated. Indeed we are to celebrate that spirit of atonement and our promised reward that will be waiting for us.
The financially impoverished widow gives all that she has trusting it is the correct action to take with her material possessions. We have a lesson to learn as we do not find the Scribes of Biblical times willing to do the same, nor can many of us follow her example today, as the sacrifice is great.
Be filled with Joy and Peace that surpasses all our human and earthly understanding!
Scripture:
My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Ruth 3:1.
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Ps. 127:1.
Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Heb. 9:28.
Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. Mark 12:43.
Psalm 127 Song
– performed by Christian Scripture Praise Worship – Esther Mui
Prayer:
Providing God,
you journeyed with Ruth
and comforted Hannah
when their lives were burdened by grief.
Grant us faith to believe you will provide a future
where we see none,
that bitterness may turn to joy
and barrenness may bear life. Amen.
Spirit of God
Words: George Croly, 1854
Music: Karl Digerness, 2006
performed by City Church San Francisco
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart,
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.
I ask no dream, no prophet-ecstasies;
No sudden rending of the veil of clay;
No angel vision, no opening skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.
Prayer:
God of life, we praise you for your abiding presence
from generation to generation,
blessing your people,
strengthening us to lives of service,
empowering us to witness.
Hear the prayers we offer on behalf of your creation.
Grant that as we serve you now on earth,
so we may one day rejoice with all the saints
in your kingdom of light and peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Creed.
– performed by The Crossing at St. Paul’s
Prayer:
God our redeemer,
in sustaining the lives of Naomi and Ruth,
you gave new life to your people.
We ask that from age to age,
new generations may be born
to restore life and nourish the weak,
by returning to you
those things we once thought ours. Amen.
To the Cross I Cling
performed by Village Church
No day of my life has passed that has not
Proved me guilty in your sight.
The best I have to offer are these filthy rags
And yet you love me.
All things in me call for my rejection.
All things in You plead my acceptance.
I am guilty but pardoned by grace I’ve been set free.
I am ransomed through the blood you shed for me.
I was dead in my transgressions, but life you brought to me.
I am reconciled through mercy,
to the cross I cling.
Prayer:
God of widows and strangers,
you protect the oppressed and forgotten
and feed the hungry with good things.
You stand among us in Christ, offering life to all.
Give us open hearts and minds
to respond with love to the world,
caring for those for whom you care. Amen.
Jesus I Come
performed by Greg Thompson
Out of my bondage, sorrow and night,
Jesus, I come; Jesus I come.
Into Thy freedom, gladness and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of my sickness into Thy health,
Out of my wanting and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
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!
At this feast in Isaiah, the Lords providence and power are on display. God is preparing to judge and to save. But God does it in a way utterly unlike any earthly royal host. He swallows death.
As we celebrate All Saints Day, Revelations proclaims the victory of God and the victory over evil and death that is ours in Christ Jesus. We can take heart that our loved ones lie safely in his care as we wait on His return.
Lazarus gets another chance at life as a result of Jesus commanding him to “Come out.” What would we do if we were to die today and receive another chance to live as the Lord granted Lazarus?
Scripture:
This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah 25:9.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. Ps. 24:10.
It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Rev. 21:6.
Unbind him and let him go. John 11:44.
Psalm 24 Song – performed by Sons of Korah
Prayer:
God of unfailing light,
in your realm of glory
the poor are blessed,
the hungry filled,
and every tear is wiped away.
Strengthened by this vision,
may we follow in the way of holiness
that your Son made known in life and death. Amen.
I Want to Walk as a Child of the LIght –
Notre Dame Lit Choir Alumni
Prayer:
All blessing, honor, and glory,
all wisdom, praise, and thanks be yours,
O God of our salvation!
We pray in communion with all the saints on earth and heaven,
with the martyrs and the faithful in all ages,
and in the name of the Lamb who was slain,
who alone is worthy of worship. Amen.
The Creed.
– performed by The Crossing at St. Paul’s
Prayer:
Bless us with your healing presence;
make us hungry for justice;
strengthen our faith;
and increase our love for others,
especially those we find it most difficult to love. Amen.
Sing with all the Saints in Glory –
Hymn to Joy – Bankson
Prayer:
Source of all being, beginning and end,
we praise you for those who have served you faithfully.
For the sake of Jesus Christ,
replenish our hope in your eternal kingdom,
that we may have life in all its fullness,
unfettered by the fear of death. Amen
I heard the voice of Jesus calling
John Bell – Wild Goose
http://youtu.be/Wv5oocnQNLo
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!
Love the Lord Great Commandment Celebration introduction:
Here Deut. 6 encourages us to engage in love of the Lord with all we may imagine. Of course we will engage and demonstrate our love in the Lord to our neighbors, call on and encourage them to do the same.
Ps. 119 is a psalm of repetition that demonstrates the concept that we are what we engage in thought, behavior and willingness to follow in the tenets of our faith.
In Heb. 9., Jesus addresses Jewish tradition in order to present a clear direction that adopts the concept that He is both the High Priest and the sacrificial lamb.
Jesus is a gifted storyteller as told to us throughout Scripture, here in Mark. Here we have a scribe, clearly one of a class of people that follow behind and criticize Jesus at the time, who appears to agree with Jesus. This is remarkable that a follower of traditional Jewish law within a group generally opposing Jesus would demonstrate support for the Messiah and what He stands for in front of the people. Mark 12.
Scripture:
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Deut. 6:5.
Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD. Ps. 119:1.
How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God! Heb. 9:14.
Great Commandment: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. Mark 12:30.
Psalm 119 Song –
Zion Christian Press
– brought to you by the letter Aleph
Prayer:
Providing God, you journeyed with Ruth and comforted Hannah when their lives were burdened by grief. Grant us faith to believe you will provide a future where we see none, that bitterness may turn to joy and barrenness may bear life. Amen.
Blessed Assurance
Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Music: Phoebe P. Knapp, 1839-1908
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
Prayer:
Redeeming Sustainer, visit your people and pour out your strength and courage upon us, that we may hurry to make you welcome not only in our concern for others, but by serving them generously and faithfully in your name. Amen.
The Creed.
– performed by The Crossing at St. Paul’s
Prayer:
Bless us with your healing presence; make us hungry for justice; strengthen our faith; and increase our love for others, especially those we find it most difficult to love. Amen.
I’d Rather have Jesus
Performed by Buller, Ballzer and Aichele
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or land,
Yes, I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
Prayer:
Beloved Companion, you deal with us kindly in steadfast love, lifting up those bent low with care and sustaining the weak and oppressed. Release us from our anxious fears, that we, holding fast to your commandments, may honore you with all that we are and all that we have. Amen.
Day by Day
Prayer by English Bishop St. Richard 1270.
Godspell 1971.
Stephen Schwartz and John Michael Tebelik
http://youtu.be/dWQEUzOACm4
Day by day, oh, dear Lord, three things I pray.
To see thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, Follow thee more nearly, day by day.
Day by day, day by day; Oh, dear Lord, three things I pray.
To see thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, Follow thee more nearly, day by day.
Prayer:
Eternal God, teach us to love you not only in mind and heart but also in purpose and action, that we may love the children of the earth, in Jesus Christ. Amen.
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!
For Lutherans, and other Protestant denominations, Reformation Day is an important holiday. Reformation Day is traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday in October. This day celebrates the beginning of the Reformation. The Reformation officially began with Martin Luther posting ninety-five theses on the door at the entrance to the Castle Church in the town of Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517 AD.
Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk, doctor of theology, and resident of Wittenberg, has the distinction of rediscovering the fundamental tenants of Christian faith, which at the time set the stage for a confrontation within the Church that would eventually lead to the Reformation.
History of the Reformation
The historical trends that brought about the Reformation began centuries before its actual occurrence. Some fundamental causes stem from the Church’s departure from the foundational teachings of Christ regarding a believer’s relationship with God, believers’ relationships with one another, and the means by which we receive salvation. It is professed that by the fifth century AD, about the time Rome fell, the Church adopted many practices contrary to the teachings of Christ as found in Biblical Scripture.
There are three notable perceived errors in doctrine standing out as major flaws in direct opposition to the teachings of Christ. These became the basis for Martin Luther’s ninety-five theses. The first error created a priesthood that acted as mediator between the believer and God, suggesting that direct communication between ordinary man and the Almighty was impossible. The second error established a pontiff, the pope, who would exercise authority over the entire Church. The third error related to the attainment of salvation through penitent works and charitable acts, rather than through the miracle of faith in Jesus Christ.
Faith alone is the foundational answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” The doctrine of justification by faith alone is at the center of Reformation theology, and remains critical for all believers today. This doctrine is continually under assault, yet without it, there is no real gospel message.
Text gleaned and summarized from the written teaching of Martin Luther and interpretation of Biblical Scripture.
Faith Makes You Well Celebration for the Community
Traditional Modern Blend Theme
Everyone is Welcome!
Faith Makes You Well Celebration introduction:
Job is challenged to see everything in his life from a fresh perspective. Job 42.
Evil destroys the wicked. The wicked will receive what is coming to them. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants. Satan does not take more than the leash the Lord keeps him on allows. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Ps. 34.
Hebrews offers explanation to the people. This priest will bring to fruition the long awaited hope for a New Covenant. From his vantage point as One living in the presence of the living God, He can affect a change in heart that will allow all of us to draw near to God as well. Heb. 7.
We focus on establishing Jesus’ identity and mission, and blind Bartimaeus appears in the narrative as a man who truly “sees” Jesus. As a story about healing we see someone experiences a problem, there is a factor that complicates matters, Jesus effects the cure, the result is confirmed, and then there is a response to the miracle. Mark 10.
Church’s One Foundation
– lyrics – Samuel J Stone 1866
– music – Samuel Sebastian Wesley
The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation By water and the Word:
From heav’n He came and sought her To be His holy Bride;
With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died.
Scripture:
The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10.
Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. Ps. 34:21-2.
For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. Heb. 7:28.
Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:51-2.
Psalm 34 Song – performed by Gospel Welpetz
Prayer:
Eternal One, whose thoughts and ways are not ours, you alone are God, awesome, holy, and most high. School us in the ways of faith and wisdom, that we, like Job, may learn to truly see and hear, and in humility find blessing. Amen.
PRAYER is the soul’s sincere desire.
James Montgomery 1818
Charles Wesley
http://www.hymnary.org/media/fetch/182816
PRAYER is the soul’s sincere desire, Uttered or unexpressed;
The motion of a hidden fire, That trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The falling of a tear;
The upward glancing of an eye, When none but God is near.
Prayer:
Friends in Christ, God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs. Loving our neighbors as ourselves, we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions on behalf of the church and the world. Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.
The Creed.
– performed by The Crossing at St. Paul’s
Prayer:
Creator God, you are wrapped in light as a garment, clothed with honor and majesty. Enlighten us with true faith and humble obedience that seeks to serve others in your name. Amen.
Joy to the World
Isaac Watts 1719
– performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir & USAFR
Joy to the World, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Most High, your Anointed One offered himself freely as witness against our sin. As you delighted to call him your Son, give us the courage to bring you equal delight by our willingness to drink the cup of sacrifice on behalf or our sisters and brothers, and, with them, offer you praise unceasing and lives transformed as true heirs of your grace-filled realm. Amen
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!
