Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 07.12.20
A Note before you begin:
Welcome to Gold Avenue Church’s At home Worship Liturgy; we’re so grateful to join together in Spirit as we worship! We want to give special thanks to our worship leaders: Kayleen Jasperse, Derek Sterenberg, and Marissa Walters who have been prayerfully discerning our Orders of Worship and Kayleen in particular who prepared this week’s order. While we would love to be together in person and it may be somewhat difficult or even a little bit uncomfortable to worship from home, we’re reminded of the many believers around the world and throughout time that have worshiped from their homes in the wake of political and religious opposition.
Our prayer is that despite the circumstances, you’re able to be fully present to the Lord, to be caught up into the journey that we’re on as God’s people, that you find ways to cultivate beautiful worship in your homes and in your families, and that he meets with each of you richly.
Call to Worship:
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 Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with his presence and his peace. Invite him to stir up worship 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 video. We invite you to turn up the volume and to participate freely and fully: 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.
Christ is Risen
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 and who is present with us as our loving heavenly father!
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 Lord be with you!” and in response: “and also with you!”
And if you’re alone:
“The Lord is with me!”
Open Up the Heavens
Better is One Day
All Who are Thirsty
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.
Take a few minutes to pray for your church family, neighborhood, and the world as the Lord leads.
This week we also specifically ask that you pray for Bridge Street Ministries along with Gold Avenue Church members Derek Sterenberg and Marissa Walters as they lead this year’s Immersion Trip. Special thanks to Derek for sharing some specific requests below:
- Pray for the 50(ish) students and their leaders from Youth for Christ, Treetops Collective, and Corinth Reformed Church to be receptive to God’s call to be rebuilders in their own communities.
- Pray for us and our ministry partners at Madison Square Church, The Edge Urban Fellowship, New City Kids, The Potter’s House School, and Navigators who will all be leading the group in immersive experiences that highlight what following Jesus looks like in their neighborhoods.
- Pray for students who make commitments to follow Jesus on this trip!
- We are strictly practicing social distancing and wearing masks. Please pray for a safe experience for all students, volunteers, and partners. It’s also going to be hot. Pray for health and endurance as we meet outside each day.
Regular offering:
Support ministry at Gold Avenue Church by giving to the general fund (Click the picture for more giving options):
- Text: send amount (number only, no extra symbols) to (616) 319-2259 and follow prompts to give securely
- Give online at https://goldavenuechurch.breezechms.com/give/online or via PayPal
- Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Song of Preparation:
The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord. Continue to fix your eyes on Jesus and surrender your attention and heart to him as we transition and prepare to enter into His Word.
Build My Life
The Preaching of the Word:
You can access the sermon recording here: Sermon Audio Recording
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. You’re welcome to sing along, to listen and reflect, to pray or journal, etc. This is also a longer song, so also feel free to conclude as you’re ready.
Hosanna
The Lord’s Blessing:
The Lord’s Blessing 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
Closing Song:
Build Your Kingdom Here
