We encourage you to connect with others as much as you can during this time. We are community, even from our homes! We have a great opportunity to still have a human touch through the resources that we have available. One of those resources is our church directory. You can utilize it by calling, texting, emailing, or even mailing words of encouragement to your Church Family!
The directory is password protected to prevent contact info from being accessed by anyone that isn’t intended to have it. The user name and password are sent out each week in our weekly update email, and you can also request it by emailing Mark at mark.goldkids@gmail.com.
The Call to Worship serves to focus our attention on the living God who is present with us; it calls us to position ourselves as those who are ready to worship and ready to receive from Him. Read the following out loud as you fix your eyes on Jesus:
From Psalm 118: 1; 5-14
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever…
When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
he brought me into a spacious place.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They swarmed around me like bees,
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with his peace. Invite his presence afresh and take time to express your gratitude and thankfulness to the Lord as you feel led.
Worshiping in Song:
You can access the video of each song by clicking on the title. Participate freely and fully as you would at church: sing along, dance, kneel, listen and soak, read the included lyrics–however you feel led. You may find it fruitful to listen to a song more than once, to respond between songs with prayer, thanksgiving, meditation, or even discussion about how the Lord is at work in and through the song.
Hosanna (Praise is Rising)
Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You, we turn to You
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You, we long for You
‘Cause when we see You we find strength to face the day
In Your presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
Hosanna, Hosanna
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, Hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
Hear the sound of hearts returning to You, we turn to You
In Your Kingdom broken lives are made new, You make us new
‘Cause when we see You we find strength to face the day
In Your presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
Hosanna, Hosanna
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, Hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
‘Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away
‘Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
Hosanna, Hosanna
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, Hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
Hosanna, Hosanna
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, Hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna, Hosanna
The Lord’s Greeting:
The Lord’s Greeting serves to remind us that we are in the presence of the living God. It makes space for him to greet us as our loving heavenly father who rules and reigns as the King over all. Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:
From 2 John 1:3:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
Greeting One Another:
It might feel a little odd doing this at home, but take time to say these words to greet each other, as you shake hands, hug or elbow bump:
“The peace of the Lord be with you.” (Or if alone, say aloud: The peace of the Lord be with me.”)
Testimony/Family Prayer Time:
As you transition, take a moment to reflect on how the Lord was ministering to you through song: what lyrics stood out to you? What emotions were you experiencing? What did God reveal to you about who he is? What did God reveal to you about what he says about you? How else were you ministered to?
Share a story with those around you or to the Lord about how he was at work in worship as well as in your week. Give him glory for his goodness. If alone, you could write down your testimony.
For Family Prayer Time: Take time to pray–giving thanks, repenting, raising petition, and praying as the Lord leads. Be sure to pray for those who are sick, for health care workers and and for wisdom for our government leaders. Pray for people to remain healthy and at peace. Pray about any other needs that come to mind.
King of Kings
In the darkness, we were waiting
Without hope, without light
‘Til from Heaven You came running
There was mercy in Your eyes
To fulfill the law and prophets
To a virgin came the Word
From a throne of endless glory
To a cradle in the dirt
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
To reveal the kingdom coming
And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation
You did not despise the cross
For even in Your suffering
You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation
Jesus for our sake You died
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
And the morning that You rose
All of Heaven held its breath
‘Til that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who’d come
To the Father are restored
And the church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this gospel truth of old
Shall not kneel, shall not faint
By His blood and in His name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me, ohh
Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, three in one
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings
Praise forever to the King of Kings
It is Well
Grander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well with me
And far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can’t see
And this mountain that’s in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well
It is well
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
The waves and wind still know His name
And it is well with my soul (sing it everybody)
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul
Oh it is well with my soul (’cause of who you are)
Oh it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well Lord
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well with me
Offering and Song of Preparation:
The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord. This song time also serves to give us an opportunity to worship through giving. We’re invited to give back as the Lord has so richly given to us.
Ways to give:
TEXT– send amount to (616) 319-2259, for more options see this link
Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church and send to: 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
As you feel led, surrender your attention, your will, and your heart to the Lord and ask him to anoint your ears to hear the message and to bless you to receive and apply it.
Oceans
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
Settle in, grab your communion elements, and partake along with the body of Christ universal as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper together in response to the sermon:
Behold the Lamb
Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,
Slain for us – and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King.
The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
Torn for you – eat and remember
The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life
Paid the price to make us one.
So we share in this bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of love
Around the table of the King.
The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,
Shed for you – drink and remember
He drained death’s cup that all may enter in
To receive the life of God.
So we share in this bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of grace
Around the table of the King.
And so with thankfulness and faith we rise
To respond, – and to remember
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ
As His body here on earth.
As we share in His suffering
We proclaim Christ will come again!
And we’ll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King
Song of Response:
The Song of Response serves to make space for us to respond to the message the Lord has given. Feel free to take a moment to ask the Lord how he might be inviting you to respond and follow accordingly.
Jesus
There is a truth older than the ages
There is a promise of things yet to come
There is one born for our salvation
Jesus
There is a light that overwhelms the darkness
There is a kingdom that forever reigns
There is freedom from the chains that bind us
Jesus, Jesus
Who walks on the waters
Who speaks to the sea
Who stands in the fire beside me
He roars like a lion
He bled as the Lamb
He carries my healing in His hands
Jesus
There is a name I call in times of trouble
There is a song that comforts in the night
There is a voice that calms the storm that rages
He is Jesus, Jesus
Who walks on the waters
Who speaks to the sea
Who stands in the fire beside me
He roars like a lion
He bled as the Lamb
He carries my healing in His hands
Messiah
My Savior
There is power in Your name
You’re my rock and my Redeemer
There is power in Your name
In Your name
You walks on the waters
You speaks to the sea
You stands in the fire beside me
You roars like a lion
You bled as the Lamb
You carries my healing in Your hands
Jesus, there is no one like You
Jesus, there is no one like You
The Lord’s Blessing:
The Lord’s Greeting serves to make space for us to receive the Lord’s blessing to equip and empower us to receive his word, to be obedient to it, and to walk it out in his grace and favor.
Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:
From Numbers 6:24-26:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
God is Able
God is able
He will never fail
He is almighty God
Greater than all we seek
Greater than all we ask
He has done great things
Lifted up
He defeated the grave
Raised to life
Our God is able
In His name
We overcome
For the Lord
Our God is able
God is with us
God is on our side
He will make a way
Far above all we know
Far above all we hope
He has done great things
Lifted up
He defeated the grave
Raised to life
Our God is able
In His name
We overcome
For the Lord
Our God is able
God is with us
He will go before
He will never leave us
He will never leave us
God is for us
He has open arms
He will never fail us
He will never fail us
Lifted up
He defeated the grave
Raised to life
Our God is able
In His name
We overcome
For the Lord
Our God is able
Lifted up
He defeated the grave
Raised to life
Our God is able
In His name
We overcome
For the Lord
Our God is able
For the Lord
Our God is able
For the Lord
Our God is able
Children’s Worship Lesson:
This week the lesson is: Palm Sunday! Enjoy going through the lesson with your family, and while you’re at it, please take some pictures of your family participating in Children’s Worship and share them with us! You can post them to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com
00Gold Avenue Churchhttp://goldavenuechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/GAC-Logo-V5-nbmod-300x300-1.pngGold Avenue Church2020-04-04 16:55:002020-04-04 16:55:00Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 4.5.20
Here we are again, ready to worship with you and your children! Today we celebrate Palm Sunday with a lift-the-flap book. In addition to the Palm Sunday story we will read the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection to be prepared for celebrating Easter next week! May you and your family be blessed as we remember this Holy Week..
OVERVIEW:
Activity One: Watch the video. The lesson today is “Palm Sunday.” The Adema family has prepared a video for this lesson. Say hello to some more of your Gold Ave. friends.
Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts
Activity Three: Respond to the story by doing an art or serve project. Pray together.
Worship: Sing
Activity Four: Bless your children
EQUIP:
(It’s not an activity, but just a little background on the story for you, the parent, to read.)
The significance of the triumphal entry is magnified by the fact that the story is recorded in all four gospel accounts. Matthew 21:10 tells us, “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’” Jerusalem was quaking with anticipation when Jesus made His entry. The population of the city would most likely have tripled due to those who had come to celebrate Passover. In addition, there were 10 times the usual number of Roman soldiers to guard against any potential uprising from the Zealots. So, it was with soldiers watching, people bustling, and the city almost bursting at the seams that Jesus made His way toward Jerusalem.
Preparing to come down the hillside from the Mount of Olives, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy from Zechariah 9 and sent His disciples to untie a donkey and bring it to Him. The normal pomp and circumstance that would accompany a king entering a city were absent as Jesus approached on a humble donkey with His ragtag disciples following. The tradition of waving palm branches and crying “Hosanna” began 200 years earlier, following the reign of a bloodthirsty Syrian king named Antiochus Epiphanes. After many years, the Maccabees drove the Assyrian army and Epiphanes from Jerusalem. The people spontaneously celebrated by waving palm branches. From that point forward, the palm branch symbolized deliverance from oppression.
The gospel of Mark tells us that as Jesus entered, “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Mark 11:8–9). The Jewish people had hope that Jesus would be the one to overthrow the foreign rule of Rome; but Jesus was coming with an entirely different kingdom in mind.
Truly, there is no one like Jesus, for no one else would weep compassionately for people who He knew would not only reject Him, but also soon crucify Him. He displays that same compassionate lTruly, there is no one like Jesus, for no one else would weep compassionately for people who He knew would not only reject Him, but also soon crucify Him. He displays that same compassionate love for us.
This week, take time to consider the conscious or unconscious decisions you make in regard to Jesus being your King. Are there areas of your life where you set limits or hold back from relinquishing your will to His will? Even if it feels a bit uncomfortable, talk with Jesus about the difficulties you experience in this area. Openly share with Him your feelings and listen for what He may have to say.
Activity 1: STORY
(Optional Review)
Last week we learned about how God saved Esther AND the Jewish people when Esther courageously went to the king. God had gone before Esther, and the Jewish people were saved. God used Esther to help preserve His promised Savior.
Watch Palm Sunday video.
Activity 2: DISCUSSION
Ask your child to imagine what it must have been like to be in Jerusalem when Jesus came riding through the streets like a parade. The people cried, “Hosanna!” as a way to praise Jesus.
I wonder … How would you have felt to see Jesus ride into town on a donkey?
What did the people say and do when they saw Jesus riding into town?
What do you think “Hosanna” means?
Why do we call this day Palm Sunday?
What were some other things that happened during Jesus’ last week of His life?
What does this mean for you and me?
I wonder … What do you say or do when you praise Jesus?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Saves into your everyday life as a family.
Today’s Worship Song: Since it´s Palm Sunday here are a few fun songs to help praise Jesus.
Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY
In today’s part of The Big God Story, God saved His people by sending Jesus to die on the cross and rise again. How can we thank and praise Him for this? Can we find ways to serve others to show God how much we love him. Here is an idea to think of ways to serve others and two art projects to remind us of this last week of Jesus’ life.
Use the permanent marker to write “What needs to be done?” across the top of a piece of paper. Tape this to a wall. Print out the People, Heart, and Tree templates onto colored card stock and cut them out. You’ll want one of each shape per child.
Download and print the templates here: People, Heart, Tree (right click and select “download linked file”)
Jesus is our King and Savior. His greatest act of serving was to give up His life on the cross and die so we could be with Him forever. He invites us to serve others too. What does it mean to serve? Pause for responses. When we serve someone, it means we’re putting what we want aside and helping someone else. What are some ways you can serve God this week? Interact with responses. Those are great thoughts! We can serve another person, like a family member or someone in your neighborhood. Show the person shape. We can tell others about God’s love. Show the heart shape. We can serve God by caring for the animals and the world He created. Show the tree shape.
Let’s all spend a few moments asking God what needs to be done and listening to what He says. Invite children to spend a few moments praying silently, asking God how they can serve Him this week. Then, children can select a shape that best fits how they want to respond to God. Give children time to write or draw on the shape and attach it to the poster board using a glue dot. Let children know they can also leave the shape blank, if they prefer.
Close by praying that God would help your children serve in their families, communities, and world this week.
Palm Sunday page to color:
Palm Sunday Activity to do:
Supplies to make 2 Hosanna Branch Wavers:
Green construction paper- 4 sheets
4-8 ice-cream/pop sticks
Cellotape
A pencil
Scissors
Glue sticks or glue dots
Instructions:
Outline your child’s hand on the green construction paper. (Make a minimum of 6 outlines. 8-10 will make your child’s waver really wave!)
If your child is old enough to use a pair of scissors, allow him/her to cut around the hand print outlines. Otherwise, leave this part to the adult supervising the craft.
Now stick the hand print outlines two on each row and build on upwards.
Finally tape two ice-cream sticks to the bottom of the “branch” securely with the cello-tape. (I stuck two ice-cream sticks on top of each other and made the kids’ handles thicker.)
Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING
A blessing to pray over your child(ren):
“Children, may you always celebrate Jesus as your King!”
Pray with your kids, asking them if they have any prayer requests and encouraging them to pray for others. Have a blessed week!
Note: Please let us know about how your family is enjoying Children’s Worship! Take some pictures of your family participating in Children’s Worship or share a story. You can post to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or send by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com
