May 17, 2020 Worship
Words of Approach
~ Isaiah 41.9-10
[Have one person read these verses aloud.]
You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you: “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Prayer of Approach
[Have one person pray this prayer aloud.]
Holy God, we come to worship you today. We come to sing, pray, and listen. You always hear us. Help us to hear you. Amen.
Song of Approach
All Creatures of Our God and King
All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam, O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along, O praise Him! Alleluia! Thou rushing morn in praise rejoice, Ye lights of evening find a voice, O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless, And worship Him in humbleness. O praise Him! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son And praise the Spirit, Three in One. O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Words: Saint Francis of Assisi
Music: Traditional German Tune
Public Domain
Affirmation of Our Faith
Apostle’s Creed
[Watch the video. Those wanting to recite along with the video can use the words below.]
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 into hell. 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.
* NOTE: “The word “catholic” means “universal”;
when spelled with a small “c” it is not in any way
a reference to the Roman Catholic Church.
Invitation to Confession
[Have one person read these words as an invitation to confession of sin and brokenness.]
In spite of God’s love for us and gift of love to us, we often act in destructive and unworthy ways. We close our hearts to God and disobey God’s law. Together let us confess our sin:
Responsive Prayer of Confession
[Spend a season in prayer as a group. One person should take the Leader part, which is italicized; others will reply the parts marked in BOLD Print.]
Lord, you said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
Forgive us our lukewarm love and our disobedience.
Lord, you said, “You may ask for anything in my name.”
Forgive us when we think we need to solve our own problems.
Lord, you said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
We confess that our lives are often consumed by worry and anxiety.
Lord, you said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”
Forgive us our fruitless lives, Lord.
Lord, you said, “You must testify, for you have been with me.”
We confess, Lord, that we have been too often silent.
Lord, you said, “Love each other as I have loved you.”
In this and in so many other ways, we confess our failures and shortcomings. 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
~ 1 John 4.10-11
[Have one person read this passage aloud as a declaration of our pardon of sin.]
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Song of Adoration
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss – The Father turns His face away, As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders; Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life – I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.
Songwriter: Stuart Townend
© 1995 Thankyou Music
CCLI #360938/#20167508
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
Prayers for God’s Protection, Provision, and Guidance
[Spend a season in prayer as a group. Pray as the Spirit leads and/or use the provided prayer guide:]
Coming humbly and boldly, with confidence, pray:
- Peace for those who are anxious and/or afraid
- Comfort for those who have lost loved ones
- Healing for those who are ill and hurting
- Wisdom, discernment, and unity for leaders (government, medical, church)
- Endurance for First Responders & Medical Professional laboring to save lives
- Provision for those facing unemployment and financial loss
- Protection for those at home where home isn’t a safe place
- Encouragement for those trying to balance adjusted work and family needs
- Unity in Christ’s Church, as people are passionate yet with differing perspectives
- God’s Glory, as he is working out his purpose through this pandemic
Meditation on God’s Word
Scripture: Matthew 12.46-50
[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: All in the Family (See video)
Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
Song of Dismissal
Jesus Cast a Look On Me
Jesus cast a look on me, Give me sweet simplicity Make me poor and keep me low, Seeking only Thee to know
All that feeds my busy pride, Cast it evermore aside Bid my will to Thine submit, Lay me humbly at Thy feet
Make me like a little child, Of my strength and wisdom spoiled Seeing only in Thy light, Walking only in Thy might
Leaning on Thy loving breast, Where a weary soul can rest Feeling well the peace of God, Flowing from His precious blood
In this posture let me live, And hosannas daily give In this temper let me die, And hosannas ever cry!
Words: John Berridge
Music: Matthew Perryman Jones
© MPJ Music.
CCLI #360938/#20167508
Benediction
***
NOTES:
Passage Next Week:
Luke 24.36-53
Worship Leaders Today
- Piano/Guitar/Vocals: Isaiah Day
- Message: Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
- Benediction: Rev. Camper Mundy, Associate Pastor
- Video/Sound/Tech: Tim Nargi
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.
You can make your gifts in two ways:
1) Online at www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
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.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 