Lesson 5: Jesus Forgives and Restores from Great Commission Publications on Vimeo.
This week our lesson begins with friends who carry a paralyzed man to Jesus. The men were helping their friend by taking him to Jesus, knowing that he was the only One who could heal him. In the midst of COVID-19, we help our friends by staying home and by pointing them to Jesus as the only One who can forgive sins. Thank you for the privilege of being in your homes once again!
Parent Page – explains the lesson focus and scripture memory, giving parents a good Bible background to go further with their kids.
Kid’s Activity – lesson coloring sheet and other activities families can do together.
Noted church statesman from Old Princeton in the 19th Century, Samuel H. Miller, asserted:
Worship is the highest act of which man is capable. It not only stretches him beyond all the limits of his finite self to affirm the divine depth of mystery and holiness in the living and eternal God, but it opens him at the deepest level of his being to an act which unites him most realistically with his fellow man.
We certainly hope, and pray, that our times of worship each week lead us into the kind of rich experiences that Miller described – that, by God’s grace, the Holy Spirit enables us to “stretch beyond self”, to deepen our connection both with the living and eternal God and with one another.
Our service this week again follows a now familiar pattern. We encourage you to take a look at the service in advance, and assign the various parts before you sit down together. As it has been for previous weeks, videos of the songs and the message have been embedded into our digital April 26 Worship Service Outline, and will be available for viewing by 8am on Sunday. These are provided as optional resources to be used when you come to them in their respective places in the service.
A .pdf of the worship outline should be printed out so that each person has the tools for participating in the service. You can find the .pdf by clicking April 26 Worship, or at the top of the Digital Worship Outline.
“May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your family. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 115.14-15)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.”
Song of Approach
Come Ye Sinners
Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched, Weak and wounded, sick and sore; / Jesus, ready, stands to save you, Full of pity, joined with power. / He is able, He is able; He is willing; doubt no more.
Come ye needy, come, and welcome, God’s free bounty glorify; / True belief and true repentance, Every grace that brings you nigh. / Without money, without money Come to Jesus Christ and buy.
Let not conscience make you linger, Nor of fitness fondly dream; / All the fitness He requires Is to feel your need of Him. / This He gives you, this He gives you, ‘Tis the Spirit’s rising beam.
Lo! The Incarnate God, ascended; Pleads the merit of His blood. / Venture on Him; venture wholly, Let no other trust intrude. None but Jesus, none but Jesus Can do helpless sinners good.
Words: Joseph Hart
Tune: Matthew S. Smith
CCLI #360938/#20167508
Prayer of Approach
[Have one person pray the Leader part aloud; all respond aloud.]
Leader: God of goodness and grace, we long for your presence, for the peace your promises bring, and for the assurances we have received through the gift of your Son.
All: May we, your people, this day and every day, have open eyes to see and open ears to hear your presence among us. Open us to your Holy Spirit, and prepare us for worship.
Invitation to Confession
~ taken from Psalm 28 and Hebrews 10
[Have one person read these verses aloud.]
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Therefore, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.
Prayer of Common Confession
[ALL Pray this prayer aloud.]
Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what for us feels like a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Silent Confession of Personal Sin & Brokenness
[Spend a moment in silent confessing prayer. If you are not sure what to pray here is a sample prayer to use as is or as a template:]
Father of Mercies, I make so many mistakes; I turn away from you so often. I need you so much. Thank you that you so loved the world that you sent Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins. Amen.
Words of Grace
~ Adapted from 1 Corinthians 15
[Have one person read this passage aloud.]
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the gospel which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved. Let us remember what has been delivered to us as of first importance through the gospel: That Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day, all in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Peter, then to the twelve, and then to more than five hundred at one time; and that he has been raised from the dead as the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. Death is swallowed up in victory! Therefore, let us be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain.
Song of Celebration
Living Hope
How great the chasm that lay between us / How high the mountain I could not climb / In desperation, I turned to heaven / And spoke Your name into the night / Then through the darkness, Your loving-kindness / Tore through the shadows of my soul / The work is finished, the end is written / Jesus Christ, my living hope!
Who could imagine so great a mercy? / What heart could fathom such boundless grace? / The God of ages stepped down from glory / To wear my sin and bear my shame / The cross has spoken, I am forgiven / The King of kings calls me His own / Beautiful Savior, I’m Yours forever / Jesus Christ, my living hope!
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free / Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me / You have broken every chain / There’s salvation in Your name / Jesus Christ, my living hope
[REPEAT]
Then came the morning that sealed the promise / Your buried body began to breathe / Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion / Declared the grave has no claim on me!
Then came the morning that sealed the promise / Your buried body began to breathe / Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion / Declared the grave has no claim on me! / Jesus, Yours is the victory, whoa!
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free! / Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me! / You have broken every chain / There’s salvation in Your name / Jesus Christ, my living hope!
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free! / Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me! / You have broken every chain / There’s salvation in Your name/ Jesus Christ, my living hope! / Jesus Christ, my living hope! / Oh God, You are my living hope.
Prayers for God’s Protection, Provision, and Guidance
[Spend a season in prayer as a group. One person should lead into and end the season of prayer. You may choose to have one person lead through all of the petitions; or you may divide the petitions up for different people to lead. But after each petition allow time for any to pray as the Spirit leads:]
Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you taught us to pray and to offer our petitions to you in his name. Guide us by your Holy Spirit, that our prayers for others may serve your will and show your steadfast love, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Let us pray for the world: God our creator, you made all things in your wisdom, and in your love you save us. We pray for the whole creation. Overthrow evil powers, right what is wrong, feed and satisfy those who thirst for justice, so that all your children may freely enjoy the earth you have made and joyfully sing your praises, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[Individual prayers may be offered aloud or in silence.]
Let us pray for the church: Gracious God, you have called us to be the church of Jesus Christ. Keep us one in faith and service, breaking bread together and proclaiming the good news to the world, that all may believe you are love, turn to your ways, and live in the light of your truth, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[Individual prayers may be offered aloud or in silence.]
Let us pray for peace: O God, whom we cannot truly love without also loving our neighbors, remove hate and prejudice from us and from all people, so that your children may be reconciled with those we fear, resent, or threaten, and may live together in your peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[Individual prayers may be offered aloud or in silence.]
Let us pray for those who govern us: Mighty God, sovereign over the nations, direct those who make, administer, and judge our laws – the president, our governor, and others in authority – that, guided by your wisdom, they may lead us in the way of righteousness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[Individual prayers may be offered aloud or in silence.]
Let us pray for the sick: Merciful God, you bear the pain of the world. Look with compassion on those who are sick; cheer them by your Word and bring healing as a sign of your grace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[Individual prayers may be offered aloud or in silence.]
Let us pray for those who sorrow: God of comfort, stand with those who sorrow and who have suffered loss, that they may be sure that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, shall separate them from your love, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
[Individual prayers may be offered aloud or in silence.]
Mighty God, whose Word we trust, whose Spirit enables us to pray, accept our requests and further those that will bring about your purpose for the earth, through Jesus Christ, who rules over all things. Amen.
Offering
Our giving is an act of worship. It is a response to who God is and to God’s grace. Giving is a way that God invites us to participate in His work. If you would like to give a tithe or offering today, you can do so by clicking: www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
Meditation on God’s Word
Scripture: Psalm 103
[Have one person read this passage aloud. Then have one person, or several people, pray for the Holy Spirit to speak through this Word and message.]
Message: Bless the Lord O My Soul (See video)
Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
Song of Dismissal
How Firm a Foundation
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! / What more can He say than to you He hath said, You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health; In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth; / At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea, As thy days may demand, shall My strength ever be.
“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid; / I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.”
“When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow / For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; / The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”
“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; / That soul, though all hell should endeavor to break, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”
Words: R. Keene
Tune: Folk Tune
Public Doman
Benediction
***
NOTES:
Passage Next Week:
Mark 6.30-44
Worship Leaders Today
Piano/Guitar: Isaiah Day
Vocalist: Rachel Bartelmay
Message: Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
Benediction: Rev. Camper Mundy, Associate Pastor
Video/Sound/Tech: Tim Nargi
Video Assist: Charley Bartelmay
Special Note on Supporting the Mission & Work of Grace Covenant:
During these extraordinary times, the life and ministry of our church will continue – even when we are not able to meet corporately for worship. We humbly but boldly ask the people of Grace Covenant to continue to give generously for the benefit of God’s kingdom here in Williamsburg and beyond.
2) Sending your check to the church offices at 1677 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg VA 23185
If you would like to make a special gift to help those from our church and community who are in need during this crisis, please write “Mercy Ministries” on the memo line of your check or select that fund when making a gift online.
The good news of Easter is so glorious it can hardly be contained in a single day’s celebration. For that reason, many expressions of the Church worldwide recognize Easter Sunday as only the first of fifty days of a season called Eastertide – the “Great Fifty Days” that lead up to Pentecost. While the liturgical calendar is not really part of the the tradition here at Grace Covenant, we can still find benefit by contemplating some of its symbolic highlights. The season of Eastertide is designed for extended celebration, for exploring the ramifications of Easter for the redemption of all creation, and for joyful Christian living.
Our service this week follows the same pattern as previous weeks, more so like those of Sundays prior to Palm Sunday and Easter.
As we have encouraged every week, please consider inviting others to join your worship time through Zoom, Skype, etc. – someone who lives by themselves, other families, etc.
Print out the .pdf of the worship outline so that each person has the tools for participating in the service. You can find the .pdf by clicking GCPC April 19 Worship, or at the top of the Digital Worship Outline.
Take a look at the service, and assign the various parts before you sit down together.
As it has been for all previous weeks, videos of the songs and the message will be embedded into our digital April 19 Worship Service Outline, and will be available for viewing by 8am on Sunday April 19. These are provided as resources to be used when you come to them in their respective places in the service.
Please know that while we are still apart, and we are likely to continue to be apart for several more weeks, we – our Staff, Session, and Deacons – continue to pray for you, and we are thankful to know you are praying for us and for one another. In particular, with an eye toward the Lord’s Day, we pray the Holy Spirit will your fill your time worship, and that if will be a day of renewal in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,fixing our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12.2)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Prayer of Approach
[Have one person pray this prayer aloud.]
God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and in truth through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Song of Approach
Arise My Soul Arise
Arise, my soul, arise, shake off your guilty fears; / The bleeding sacrifice, in my behalf appears; / Before the throne my Surety stands, / Before the throne my Surety stands, / My name is written on His hands.
Chorus:
Arise (arise), arise (arise), arise; Arise, my soul, arise. / Arise (arise), arise (arise), arise; Arise, my soul, arise. / Shake off your guilty fears and rise
He ever lives above, for me to intercede; / His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead; / His blood atoned for every race,/ His blood atoned for every race, / And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary; / They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me: / “Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry, / “Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry, / “Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”
My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear; / He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear / With confidence I now draw nigh, / With confidence I now draw nigh, /And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.
The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were sinners, Christ died for us. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Trusting in God’s faithfulness and compassion, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
Prayer of Common Confession
[ALL Pray this prayer aloud.]
Almighty Father, you raised Jesus from death to life and have crowned him Lord of all. We confess that we have not bowed before him, we have not acknowledged his rule in our lives, and we have not wholly embraced his mission for the world. Forgive us, we pray, and by your Spirit empower us to live as your faithful people, obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who rules over all things and who is head of his body, the church. Amen.
Silent Confession of Personal Sin & Brokenness
[Spend a moment in silent confessing prayer. If you are not sure what to pray here is a sample prayer to use as is or as a template:]
Father of Mercies, I make so many mistakes; I turn away from you so often. I need you so much. Thank you that you so loved the world that you sent Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins. Amen.
Words of Grace
~ Romans 4:25; 5:10; 10:9
[Have one person read this passage aloud.]
Christ has died for our sins and been raised for our justification! If, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Song of Celebration
Jesus Paid It All
I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small, / Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.” / Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; / Sin had left a crimson stain, / He washed it white as snow.
Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r and Thine alone, / Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone. / Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; / Sin had left a crimson stain, / He washed it white as snow.
For nothing good have I Where-by Thy grace to claim; / I’ll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. / Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; / Sin had left a crimson stain, / He washed it white as snow.
And when, before the throne, I stand in Him complete, / “Jesus died my soul to save,” My lips shall still repeat. / Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; / Sin had left a crimson stain, / He washed it white as snow.
Lyrics: Elvina Hall
Music: John T. Grape
Public Domain
Prayers for God’s Protection, Provision, and Guidance
[Spend a season in prayer as a group. One person should lead into and end the season of prayer. You may choose to have one person lead through all of the petitions; or you may divide the petitions up for different people to lead. But after each petition, allow time for any to pray as the Spirit leads related to each specific :]
Leader: Coming humbly and boldly, with confidence, pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. . . .
[prayers of adoration and thanksgiving]
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. . . .
[prayers of longing for God’s shalom – God’s Will on earth to be done.]
Give us this day our daily bread. . . .
[prayers for the common needs of our community]
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. . . .
[prayers for interpersonal reconciliation]
And lead us not into temptation, but rescue us from evil. . . .
[prayers for the world and for personal struggles with temptation and evil]
Leader: For the kingdom and the power and the glory are Your’s forever. Amen.
Offering
Our giving is an act of worship. It is a response to who God is and to God’s grace. Giving is a way that God invites us to participate in His work. If you would like to give a tithe or offering today, you can do so by clicking: www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
Meditation on God’s Word
Scripture: Colossians 2.6-7
[Have one person read this passage aloud. Then have either one person, or several, pray for the Holy Spirit to speak through this Word and message.]
Message: No More, No Less (See video)
Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
Song of Dismissal
Abide With Me
Abide with me; falls the eventide; / The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. / When other helpers, fail and comforts flee, / Help of the helpless, abide with me.
I need Thy presence, every passing hour. / What but Thy grace, can foil the tempter’s power? / Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? / Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless / Ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness / Where is thy sting death? Where grave thy victory? / I triumph still, abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross, before my closing eyes; / Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies. / Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; / In life, in death, Lord, abide with me.
Special Note on Supporting the Mission & Work of Grace Covenant:
During these extraordinary times, the life and ministry of our church will continue – even when we are not able to meet corporately for worship. We humbly but boldly ask the people of Grace Covenant to continue to give generously for the benefit of God’s kingdom here in Williamsburg and beyond.
Sending your check to the church offices at 1677 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg VA 23185
If you would like to make a special gift to help those from our church and community who are in need during this crisis, please write “Mercy Ministries” on the memo line of your check or select that fund when making a gift online.
As most of you are likely already aware, the Grace Covenant family suffered a loss this past week, with the passing of Ron Klause. Ron’s passing was not virus related; he had been dealing with effects of mesothelioma. Ron went to be with his Lord last Friday evening, April 10 – on Good Friday. We all continue to pray for Ro, that she will be able to mourn as one with the hope promised by Jesus. (John 14.1-3)
But Grace Covenant also celebrates a new addition! Martina & Nathan Kidwell welcomed their new son, Gabriel Elliott Kidwell, into their family, born at lunchtime last Friday, April 10. (Unfortunatly Martina also experienced the loss of her grandmother on Wednesday of this week.)
The Lord gives and takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! (Job 1.21)
Like all of you, we continue to roll with the day-to-day, uncertain of when this quarantine will be lifted, and what it will be like once it is. It would be easy to become confused by the complexities, and frustrated by the seeming politicalization of this crisis. What we do know, and what we must daily remind ourselves, is that God is in control, and that he is using this for his purposes (whatever they may be) and for the good of those who belong to Him. (Romans 8.28) We also know that God has appointed civil authorities, and that we are instructed to be praying for them. (1 Timothy 2.1-3) This is true for both the State and Federal levels, perhaps especially when it seems that their messages are not exactly the same. And we know that, as God’s people, we are not to allow the complexities nor the frustrations to divide us from one another when our perspectives are not exactly the same. In fact, it is precisely when we may have differing opinions yet continue to love and honor one another that it becomes evident to a fractured and overly-politicized world that we belong to Jesus. (John 13.34-35)
I remain thankful for the faithfulness of the Grace Covenant family. Your continued generosity enables us to continue ministering to our community; and reports of your reaching out to care for one another are encouraging. Special thanks to Jeni Mortier, who connected us together by coordinating a photo album on Easter Sunday of Grace Covenant church families. If you have not seen it, the album is available on the Grace Covenant Facebook page, and I am told you do not need a Facebook account to access and view the photos. So check it out.
While I am thankful for much, it has been pointed out to me that perhaps some are not aware of all that is still going on. So let me take a moment to fill you in.
In addition to you caring for one another, both Camper and I continue to engage in counseling, albeit mostly via Zoom. So if you, or someone you know, needs an ear, or needs to talk through something, please do not hesitate to call on us. We will be happy to be available to you.
As always, Kathy continues to handle the administrative matters, including making deposits of our offerings each week. Kathy, Cris Tewksbury, and Susan Tuttle continue to faithfully manage all of the financial aspects of the church, as always (except with appropriate social distancing practices).
Charley has kept the Youth Ministry humming along. In fact, even the Sunday we cancelled last minute, and had no services, Charley was able to hold a youth group online. He has continued to tweak and improve things each week, with the help of his key volunteers (Jamie Field, Chad & Ali Williamson, Laura Smole, and Rachel Bartelmay), holding youth groups on Sunday evening, and D-Groups during the week. Please continue to pray for our youth ministry, as not only is Charley keeping our teens connected, but some un-churched teens are checking in as well.
Starr is continuing to coordinate our Children’s Ministry activities. Some of the Sunday School teachers are continuing to reach out to the kids, and Starr has been coordinating some alternative activities. One of these activities is a weekly Storytime led by Grace Covenant member, Tara Reeves, who reads for kids from her home each Tuesday evening on Facebook Live. Perhaps the biggest challengs Starr is presently facing is the planning for VBS, which has been scheduled for June 14-19. The uncertainty of when the stay-at-home order will be lifted has Starr looking to an alternate date, or even an alternative plan should the order be extended into August. So please pray for Starr, but in your prayers give thanks to God for giving Starr to us!
Our Deacons continue to serve those in need, both in the church and in the community around us. Please pray for their work, as it almost certainly will increase the longer the quarantine lasts. Further, in addition to our Deacons, Kathy and Jennifer Allen have been helping me consider various opportunities for serving our neighbors. I am thankful for all who are giving of themselves to love those around us. This week, I am specifically thankful for all those who made non-surgical masks, that we were able to provide to The Grove and to Consulate nursing home. Oh, and I forgot to mention, Starr and Todd Lins, who heads up our ministry to the residents at Consulate, also have coordinated so that our GCPC kids can draw pictures for the residents – many of whom are not able to see family until the pandemic is under control.
Finally, I especially want to offer a shout out of thanks for Tim Nargi. Tim handles the tech stuff around the church. This is always important, but without Tim’s expertise and faithfulness we’d have been up a creek without a paddle these past several weeks.
This is an overview of what is continuing to go on here at Grace Covenant. In the near future, hopefully next week, I will develop a simple Crisis Plan list, so that all can see who is coordinating what even while we are dispersed. But please know, for now, though we long to be back together, we continue to minister in a wide array of ways.
As I wrap up this pastoral note, I want to invite you to participate in a new initiative. We have, to date, sought to provide a measure of normalcy, in our Sunday worship and our communications, without overwhelming your email boxes. However, with several weeks still ahead of us, we want to explore new ways we can provide beneficial resources to you. So what I have in mind is for you, the congregation, to email any Bible questions you may have, or theology questions, or questions about the gospel & spirituality; then Camper and I will take these questions and do short videos answering them. I’ll wrote more about this next week, but I thought we might get a start soliciting the questions. So if you have any questions, please email them to me (dennis@gracecovpca.org).
Again, and on behalf of our staff, Elders, and Deacons, I want to express my thankfulness for you all. Even more, in the midst of cultural uncertainty, I am thankful that we have a faithful and powerful God.
A: Online Giving is a method of making a donation to GCPC through a secure website, using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It is similar to the way financial transactions and purchases are done online. You can access that through this link http://www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
Q: Do I have to use online giving to give to GCPC?
A: NO, this convenient way to give is being ADDED to the many ways you now can give your gift, tithe, or other donation to the Church. You do NOT have to change the way you are currently giving to the Church, unless you wish to do so! We will continue to pass offering plates and process checks as we have been doing.
Q: Why would I want to do this? How does it help me?
A: While we all have the best of intentions, sometimes we simply miss our opportunity to give. Giving electronically is another tool to help us honor the pledge we’ve made to God and His church.
Q: Where does the money go? What am I giving to?
A: You make the choice to select the church’s general operating budget, Mercy Ministry, Global Missions, Building Fund or an Other Designated Fund.
You may make give to more than one Fund by selecting “Add Donation”.
Q: How does it work?
A: When you connect with the giving page on the Church’s website, your gift will be processed by Clover Give, a secure financial services provider. On the website is where you provide information about the source of your donation (credit card or ACH transfer from a bank account), the amount, and whether it is a one-time or recurring donation.
Q: Is it private? Will anyone see what I’m giving?
A: Only the financial secretary who normally maintains our contribution database will see your gift amounts and, as always, that information is kept private.
Q: Is it safe to give online to GCPC?
A: YES. In some ways giving online may be safer than writing a check because an electronic gift cannot be lost or stolen. Our vendor’s systems follow Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards, and donor information is never shared with anyone.
Q: How secure is this system?
A: The financial transaction is between you and a very secure system, like many that accept credit card charges, except ours is designed for churches. The Clover Give system communicates with GCPC to tell us your name and the amount of your gift but does not give us any information about your card or bank accounts. Clover Give also automatically processes your gift in the GCPC’s bank account.
Q: Can I use my credit card to give (to earn rewards, airline miles, etc.)?
A: YES, the system will accept credit cards, but we don’t recommend going into debt to give to God. As always, use credit cards wisely and pay off your balance monthly.
Q: Should I use a credit card or bank account option?
A: We encourage everyone to use the bank account option because it costs the church less to process ACH transactions vs. credit cards.
Q: Do I have to “log in” to use the online giving system?
A: NO. You do not have to use the registration and log-in function, but we encourage you to do so.
Q: Will I be charged a fee for this service?
A: NO. The church is charged processing fees, but members aren’t charged anything to give using this method. On the GCPC website giving page, there is a box you can leave checked in order to add 4% to your donation to help offset the processing fees. The fees are common in the industry and paid by all companies and churches who receive credit/debit payments.
Q: If I leave the box checked on the donation form to help offset the cost of the transaction fee, do they get tax credit for the extra amount?
A: YES, the full amount paid by the donor is considered a contribution to GCPC and meets the criteria as a deductible contribution. Always confirm your tax status with a professional.
Q: Is there an electronic giving option available that does not incur a fee?
A: YES, many financial institutions have an option that allows you to initiate an ACH transaction from your account. At many banks there is no charge for those transactions. Check with your bank to set up an online bill pay transaction through their system. GCPC does not do direct ACH transactions from your bank but we do accept checks mailed to the office. Kathy Buhl, at the Church office can provide details.
Q: Can I give one-time contributions? Can I set up recurring transactions?
A: YES, each contribution you make will be a one-time gift unless you check the “MAKE THIS GIFT RECURRING” box on the giving page.
Q: How will I know if the recurring donation has been made?
A: This requires a giver to create an account. Once an account is created a giver may login and view their giving history and see what transactions and their amounts have been processed and which are scheduled for the future, including the planned amount. You will also still receive a contribution report for tax purposes at the end of the year.
Q: How soon after my e-giving donation will the money come out of my account?
A: Normally within 48 hours of your request. US banking rules govern money moving from one bank to another. It takes a little time for your bank to release the funds, and for it to appear in GCPC’s bank account. After this has occurred you will receive a receipt and “thank you” by email.
Q: If I set up a recurring gift and need to change my level of giving, how do I do that?
A: The recurring gift option requires a giver to create an account. Once an account is created the giver may login and view their current recurring gift frequency and amount and make changes to it if desired.
Q: What kind of receipts/records will I get showing that I’ve given (for tax purposes)?
A: Per current IRS requirements, donors will receive a contribution report statement from GCPC before tax time. Givers should retain this documentation for tax reporting purposes. Always confirm your tax status with a professional.
Q: I have questions or concerns about online giving, whom can I talk to?
A: While most members are already familiar with making some payments online, some will have questions. We welcome the opportunity to help you become more comfortable with online giving. Contact Kathy Buhl at the GCPC church office and you will be directed to the appropriate person to answer your specific questions.
Q: Is this spiritually “ok”? I might feel like I’m not really giving if I set it up to come out of my account automatically by setting up a recurring gift.
A: That’s understandable. When you make the decision to use the recurring gift feature, you have made the decision and pre-committed to give in that way, the system allows you to do so electronically. You will still pray and give thanks to God during our worship service, and if the automatic aspect of recurring giving bothers you, you can write a note that you’re giving electronically on an In Touch With Grace form and place it in the contribution plate. If the automatic feature continues to bother you because you are not repeatedly making the decision to give and acting on it, then on the date you want to give, you could give electronically in place of a check or use a check.
Q: I don’t want to “pay” my contribution like a bill. When I physically write a check, I feel like I’m “giving”.
A: We have not discontinued to opportunity to give by cash or check during the congregational offering. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God doesn’t need our money and doesn’t force us to give.
If we ever feel like we’re “paying” our contribution (regardless of the method we’re using), we should consider our motives in light of this scripture.
Q: OK, how do I get started?
A: Go to our giving page http://www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving and click on “CLICK HERE TO GIVE ONLINE” to begin. That click will take you to a page where you may give a one-time gift, create a recurring donation, or sign in. If you click “SIGN IN”, that takes you to a new page where you can enter an email address and password or register for an account.
All the hopes and expectations of Christians are realized in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, making Easter the most celebrative day of the church year. Our hope is that our Easter service will offer a time of joy, celebration, and renewal in grace.
Our service this week again follows the same essential pattern of the past several weeks. The primary difference for Easter is that it is a total celebration! Our sins have been forgiven by faith in what Jesus accomplished through the Cross. Therefore, to reflect the freedom from the penalty of sin that Jesus secured for us, there is no confession of sin in our liturgy this week.
As we urge each week, perhaps especially this week, we encourage you to connect with others, invite them to join your worship time through Zoom, Skype, etc. If you know of anyone who lives alone, maybe even someone who does not regularly attend church, we would especially encourage you to reach out and invite them to join you to worship together online.
The .pdf of the Easter worship outline is provided below. A link to the .pdf can also be found at the top of the digital Easter Outline, so that each person can have a copy with all the tools necessary for participating in the service. As always, take a look at the service, and assign the various parts, before you sit down together. You’ll notice that there are several readings this week, each expressing a different testimony about seeing the risen Jesus.
Finally, as with previous weeks, the videos of the songs, the message, and the Benediction will be embedded into our April 12 Worship Service Outline, and will be available for viewing by 8am on Sunday April 12. These are provided as resources to be used when you come to them in their respective places in the service.
ALL: We know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
Song of Approach
Christ The Lord is Risen Today
Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your voice and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ has burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died, our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Hail, the Lord of earth and heaven! Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the Resurrection, thou! Alleluia!
Lyrics: Charles Wesley
Music: Lyra Davidson
Public Domain
Easter Prayer of Invocation
[Have one person pray this prayer aloud.]
Glorious God of Life, we give you thanks this day for the hope we have in Jesus – who died but is Risen, and rules over all. Grant us your presence as we worship, knowing that because he lives, we look for eternal life, assured that nothing past, present, or yet to come can separate us from your great love made known in Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord. Amen.
Song of Adoration
He Is Lord
He is Lord, He is Lord! He is Risen from the Dead and He is Lord! Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess That Jesus Christ is Lord!
Music: Anonymous
Words: based on Philippians 2.10-11
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Testimonies
The Witnesses
[Assign each testimony to different readers to read aloud, in the following order:]
Testimony of the Two Mary’s: Matthew 28:1-10
Testimony of Peter: John 20:3-9
Testimony of Mary Magdalene: John 20:10-18
Testimony of the Guards, Priests, Crowds: Matthew 28:4, 11-15
Testimony of the First Disciples: Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:30-44
Testimony of Thomas: John 20:24-29
Our Testimony of Faith
1 Peter 1:3-9
[Declared by ALL in unison.]
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade- kept in heaven for us, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this we greatly rejoice, though now for a little while we may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that our faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though we have not seen him, we love him; and even though we do not see him now, we believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for we are receiving the goal of our faith, the salvation of our souls.
Song of Easter Celebration
Man of Sorrows
Man of sorrows Lamb of God By His own betrayed
The sin of man and wrath of God Has been on Jesus laid
Silent as He stood accused Beaten mocked and scorned
Bowing to the Father’s will He took a crown of thorns
Chorus:
Oh that rugged cross My salvation Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out Hallelujah Praise and honor unto Thee
Sent of heaven God’s own Son To purchase and redeem
And reconcile the very ones Who nailed Him to that tree
(Chorus)
Now my debt is paid It is paid in full By the precious blood That my Jesus spilled Now the curse of sin Has no hold on me Whom the Son sets free Oh is free indeed! (2x)
(Chorus)
See the stone is rolled away Behold the empty tomb
Hallelujah! God be praised! He’s risen from the grave!
(Chorus)
Words and Music:
Matt Crocker & Brooke Ligertwood
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Our Response
Sharing Our Own Stories (Optional)
[Invite someone, even two or three people, to share their own faith journey – how they came to faith in Christ, and how God is still at work within:]
Praying to Our Risen Lord
[Spend a season in prayer as a group. Have one person lead, inviting others to pray, as the Spirit leads, for each petition of the provided prayer guide:]
God of life, we rejoice in the resurrection of your Son, his defeat over death, and his gift of new life. We praise you for the reflections of that new life in creation, in our new life in Christ, and in the new community you have formed from all peoples and all time. To you as the giver of new life and renewed hope we bring our prayers.
for our nation and its leaders . . .
for our community and those in it who are in need . . .
for the Church in its work and its worship . . .
for family & friends with particular needs . . .
Listening to the Word of Our Risen Lord
[Have one person read this passage aloud. Then have either one person, or several, pray for the Holy Spirit to speak through this Word and message.]
Scripture: Matthew 28:5-10
Message: The First Easter Message
Discussion (Optional)
[Discuss the following:]
How does this passage speak to you? Give special attention to the angel’s words: “Do not Fear”, “Come and See”, “Go and Tell”.
Offering to Our Risen Lord
Our giving is an act of worship. It is a response to who God is and to God’s grace. Giving is a way that God invites us to participate in His work. If you would like to give a tithe or offering today, you can do so by clicking: www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
Song of Dismissal
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne.
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns All music but its own.
Awake, my soul and sing Of Him Who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King Through all eternity.
Crown Him the Lord of love, Behold His hands and side,
Rich wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorified.
No angel in the sky Can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends His wond’ring eye At mysteries so bright.
Crown Him the Lord of life, Who triumphed o’er the grave,
Who rose victorious to the strife For those He came to save.
His glories now we sing, Who died, and rose on high
Who died eternal life to bring, And lives that death may die.
Lyrics: Matthew Bridges
Music: George Elvey
Public Domain
Benediction
***
NOTES:
Passage Next Week:
Colossians 1.6
Worship Leaders Today
Piano/Guitar: Isaiah Day
Vocalist: Rachel Bartelmay
Message: Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
Benediction: Rev. Camper Mundy, Associate Pastor
Sound/Tech & Video Editing: Tim Nargi
Video Assist: Charley Bartelmay
Special Note on Supporting the Mission & Work of Grace Covenant:
During these extraordinary times, the life and ministry of our church will continue – even when we are not able to meet corporately for worship. We humbly but boldly ask the people of Grace Covenant to continue to give generously for the benefit of God’s kingdom here in Williamsburg and beyond.
If you would like to make a special gift to help those from our church and community who are in need during this crisis, please write “Mercy Ministries” on the memo line of your check or select that fund when making a gift online.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 