Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 01.31.21

A Note before you begin:

 

This service was prayerfully planned and coordinated with worship planner Marissa Walters  in conjunction with the pastors.

 

Our prayer is that this liturgy helps us to create cultures of worship in our homes or wherever we utilize them. May the Lord bless you as you enter into his presence and give him praise. May we each be met, blessed,  challenged, and encouraged to grow as disciples and disciple makers of Jesus Christ.

 

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 our Lord.

 

Read the following out loud as you fix your eyes on Jesus:

 

 

 

From Psalm 30:4-5
Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

 

 

Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with His presence and His peace.  Fix your eyes and the focus of your heart on Him.

 

Worshiping in Song:

 

 

He is Exalted

 

 

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.

 

Consider sending a greeting text message to a church family member.

 

“The Lord be with you!”

 

and in response: 

 

“and also with you!”

 

And if you’re alone:

 

“The Lord is with me!”

 

 

 

As it is in Heaven

 

Enough

 

 

Baptism of Rhys Davis Blake

This week Rhys Davis Blake, son of Neil and Annah Blake and brother of Eden Blake, was baptized.

 

 

 

In baptism God seals the promises He gave when he made his covenant with us, calling us and our children to put our trust for life and death in Christ our Savior, deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him in obedience and love. God graciously includes our children in his covenant, and all his promises are for them as well as us (Gen. 17:7; Acts 2:39). Jesus himself embraced little children and blessed them (Mark 10:16), and the apostle Paul said that children of believers are holy (1 Cor. 7:14). So, just as children of the old covenant received the sign of circumcision, our children are given the sign of baptism. We are therefore always to teach our little ones that they have been set apart by baptism as God’s own children.

 

As a church family, we have a responsibility to play our part in raising Rhys to know and love the Lord. 

 

Though we cannot affirm this promise together in person, take a moment to consider the following question and to respond to the Lord:

“Do you, the people of the Lord, promise to receive Rhys in love, pray for him, help instruct him in the faith, encourage, and sustain him as part of the body of Christ? 

 

In the presence of the Lord, respond by saying: “I/we do, God helping us!”

 

If you’d like to send a note to the Blake family, you can do so at: annah.m.blake@gmail.com

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

How has the Lord been at work this week? Consider sharing your story with those around you or writing it down. Give glory to the Lord for the good work that He has done!

 

 

Take a few minutes to pray for the Blake family, our church family, neighborhood, and the world as the Lord leads.

 

Consider asking a church family member how you can be in prayer for them or inviting a church family member to pray for you.

 

 

Regular Offering:

Support ministry at Gold Avenue Church by giving to the general fund (Click the picture for more giving options):

  1. Text:  send amount (number only, no extra symbols) to (616) 319-2259 and follow prompts to give securely
  2. Give online at https://goldavenuechurch.breezechms.com/give/online or give through PayPal here.
  3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 4950

 

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. 

 

Be Unto Your Name

The Preaching of the Word:

Our current sermon series is written in connection to and alongside a helpful tool that we have developed called the Gospel Tool. Disciple Groups at Gold Avenue Church are working through lessons that are based upon the Gospel Tool, and we want to make this resource available to every listener. Click here to check out the Gospel Tool, the Visual Gospel overview, statements, & scriptures.

 

This week Pastor Gina will be drawing from the 5th paragraph of the Gospel Tool:

 

5. Rejection & Betrayal of Relationship & Role
Yet, with reckless abandon, our first parents cast off God’s loving rule, plunging the world into rebellion and inviting darkness to reign. As we’ve followed in their footsteps, no corner of the world has been spared from the devastating effects of human crookedness.

 

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

Song of Response:

The song of response gives opportunity to consider, apply, and respond what we’ve just heard from the Word. If you need to and are able, take a few minutes to process what you’ve just heard and how the Lord may be inviting you to respond. Sing in response as you feel led.

 

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

 

The Lord’s Blessing:

The Lord’s Blessing serves to make space for us the Lord to bless us to continue to walk in faithful obedience and to grow up into maturity.

 

Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:

 

From Colossians 1:9b-14
May the Lord fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light.  For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

 

Closing Song: 

 

To Our God

/by

Children’s Worship 01.31.21

Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  

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

Why Worry

Based on: Matthew 6:25-34

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts. Prayer.

Worship: Singing 

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing the activity. 

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.) 

 

Imagine asking a young child to give up a fistful of candy recently grabbed from a candy dish and now being held in a tight little fist. You can take it, but first you are going to have to pry those little fingers apart! Sometimes that is exactly the way I take my concerns to God. I hold on tightly, focusing on the problem and on my own wants and needs, forgetting about the loving God I am talking to!

 

First Peter 5:7 says to “cast all your anxiety on him.” You can’t cast away anything with a closed fist! My father used to tell me to give things to God, not with a tight fist or even a cupped hand, but palms down, fingers spread apart. Tell God about something that worries you. Then physically turn your palms down and spread your fingers apart as a reminder that you really are giving your worries to God. There’s no reason to hold on and keep worrying. He loves you, and you can trust Him!

 

When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, He described God’s kingdom, not as someone who had studied it in books, but as the King Himself. But Jesus was a King like no other! He declared that He hadn’t come to take over the world’s governments. He had come to lay claim to and to fill our hearts and minds—to change us from the inside out. That is the change that provides us with true peace when we are tempted to worry.

 

Debbie Barber

Senior Editor  (this curriculum)

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction:To read the children: 

 

Two thousand years ago in the land of Israel, there was no Internet or television. But still, news about Jesus spread far and wide. Even though there were no cars or trains, people traveled from far away just to see Jesus. People had heard that Jesus said and did amazing things, and they wanted to see for themselves what was happening!

 

As people gathered together, some people munched on food they’d brought along. Other people probably wished they had brought something to eat. Some people who  were there were sick. They wanted Jesus to make them well. Some people may not have had enough money to buy clothes and food. Nearly everyone had something to worry about.

 

Jesus walked partway up a hillside where everyone could see Him. The crowd became quiet, ready to listen to what Jesus had to say. Let’s listen too.

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

Jesus wanted the people to know that there really isn’t any point in worrying about the things they needed or even about what would happen in the future. God can do anything! He wants us to trust Him every day for every need, just like He wanted the people on the hill to trust Him!

  • What did Jesus use as examples of God’s care? (God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers.)

 

  • What did Jesus tell the people not to worry about? (What they would wear. What they would eat and drink. 

 

  • What did He tell them to do instead of worry? (Remember God’s love and care. Love and follow Him.)

 

Everyone worries at times. Sometimes I worry, too. But I know that God cares about me. God cares about you, too. You can trust Him to listen to your prayers and to be with you and help you, no matter what you worry about.

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)  says, Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Read this verse aloud and toss a crumpled-up paper into a trash can. 

Giving all our worries to God is like throwing our worries away. We do that by praying to God and remembering how much He loves us. You can trust God to always help you. He really does care about every situation in your life!

 

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITIES

#1  Cupcake Liner Flower Craft (see picture below).

 

We don’t have to worry…when we do worry, we can pray and talk to God about it. We can remember that God loves us and promises to take care of us. He takes care of ALL things, and we can be sure if He takes care of even the smallest tiniest things, that He will certainly take care of us.

 

What you need:

  • cupcake liners (different colors and sizes work best)
  • large craft stick
  • Sharpie marker
  • green cardstock paper
  • green paint
  • child’s photo
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Directions:

Start by painting or coloring the craft stick green. 

With a Sharpie marker write “God cares for me”or something like “Do not worry” on the flower stick.

Spread out and press down the cupcake liners to straighten them up a little.

Apply glue on the middle of the larger cupcake liner.

Stick the smaller one on top of the larger one.

Glue the photo inside the smaller one.

Apply glue on one end of the craft stick.

Attach the cupcake liners on the craft stick.

Cut a leaf shape out of green cardstock.

Stick the leaf on the craft stick.

#2      Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Jesus came to Earth and taught as God’s Son and as the King who will one day rule the world. But Jesus did not come to take over the governments of the world. He came to be the King, or ruler, of our lives. When we follow Him, He gives us peace when we are worried. He gives us everything we need! 

 

(______________), May you always know the peace Jesus gives when we give all of our worries and cares to Him!

 

/by

Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 01.24.21

A Note before you begin:

 

This service was prayerfully planned and coordinated with worship planner Derek Sterenberg  in conjunction with the pastors.

 

Our prayer is that this liturgy helps us to create cultures of worship in our homes or wherever we utilize them. May the Lord bless you as you enter into his presence and give him praise. May we each be met, blessed,  challenged, and encouraged to grow as disciples and disciple makers of Jesus Christ.

 

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 our Lord.

 

Read the following out loud as you fix your eyes on Jesus:

 

 

 

From Isaiah 42:5-9
This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
“I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.”

 

 

 

Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with His presence and His peace.  Fix your eyes and the focus of your heart on Him.

 

Worshiping in Song:

 

 

Everlasting God

 

 

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.

 

Consider sending a greeting text message to a church family member.

 

“The Lord be with you!”

 

and in response: 

 

“and also with you!”

 

And if you’re alone:

 

“The Lord is with me!”

 

 

 

Behold Our God

 

Holy Holy Holy

Glorify Thy Name

 

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

How has the Lord been at work this week? Consider sharing your story with those around you or writing it down. Give glory to the Lord for the good work that He has done!

 

 

Take a few minutes to pray for our church family, neighborhood, and the world as the Lord leads.

 

Consider asking a church family member how you can be in prayer for them or inviting a church family member to pray for you.

 

 

Regular Offering:

Support ministry at Gold Avenue Church by giving to the general fund (Click the picture for more giving options):

  1. Text:  send amount (number only, no extra symbols) to (616) 319-2259 and follow prompts to give securely
  2. Give online at https://goldavenuechurch.breezechms.com/give/online or give through PayPal here.
  3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 4950

 

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. 

 

We Fall Down

The Preaching of the Word:

Our current sermon series is written in connection to and alongside a helpful tool that we have developed called the Gospel Tool. Disciple Groups at Gold Avenue Church are working through lessons that are based upon the Gospel Tool, and we want to make this resource available to every listener. Click here to check out the Gospel Tool, the Visual Gospel overview, statements, & scriptures.

 

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

Song of Response:

The song of response gives opportunity to consider, apply, and respond what we’ve just heard from the Word. If you need to and are able, take a few minutes to process what you’ve just heard and how the Lord may be inviting you to respond. Sing in response as you feel led.

 

Revelation Song

 

The Lord’s Blessing:

The Lord’s Blessing serves to make space for us the Lord to bless us to continue to walk in faithful obedience and to grow up into maturity.

 

Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:

 

From Colossians 1:9b-14
May the Lord fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light.  For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

 

Closing Song: 

 

Doxology/Amen

/by

Children’s Worship 01.24.21

Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  

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

 

House on the Rock

Based on: Matthew 7:24-29

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts.

Worship: Singing 

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing the activity. 

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.) 

 

Ever done one of those “easy and inexpensive” building or remodeling projects? Cautioned by the awful experiences of many of my friends, I was sure a simple bathroom remodel would go off without a hitch—but I hadn’t fully appreciated the value of the foundation! And after Handyman Number One had come and gone, the licensed contractor pointed out that the foundation for the shower pan hadn’t been done correctly. The shower would have looked great for a while—and then it would have crumbled into a moldy mess beneath the daily pounding of water drops!

 

We don’t want our spiritual lives to be like that, looking great on the surface but without the right foundation. That’s why Jesus reminds us that when we value God’s Word, read it, live it out and then grow from each experience, we build a strong foundation for our lives. No storm, disaster or even shower can erode that sort of foundation!

 

This lesson is all about the Word. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the eternal Word, who came to Earth as the expression of God the Father (see John 1:1-4). Our salvation is built on the foundation of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. We can stand firm on this foundation. But God gives us more! His Word, the Bible, is the foundation on which we build strong lives.

 

Mary Davis

Senior Editor (this curriculum)

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction: An activity.

You will need a fluffy towel and some building type blocks.

 

Have child(ren) stack blocks to build towers, first on a folded up fluffy towel and then on the table. Students compare the sturdiness of their towers.

 

  • Why do you think the tower on the table was stronger?
  • What happens to a building when it is built on something that is not solid? Why?
  • Today we are going to talk about the most important part of any building!

 

To read the children: 

 

As Jesus traveled from town to town and talked to crowds of people, He taught the people many things about God. He talked about being kind and showing mercy to other people. He talked about praying to God. He talked about forgiving others. There was a LOT for the people to learn!

 

But there was something MORE Jesus wanted the people to understand! As you listen to the story Jesus told, see if you can figure out what else Jesus wanted the people to know. In the story that Jesus told, there were two men who decided to build new houses for their families.

 

Watch the video:

 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

  • What did the builders do that was the same? Different?


  • In this story, what did the builders represent?  (People.) The houses? (Our lives.) The rainstorm? (Hard times.) The rock? (The Bible.)


  • What did Jesus want people to learn from this story? (How important it is to obey what the Bible says.)

 

Let’s talk about what it means to live with the Bible as the foundation for our lives. One thing the Bible tells us is to do good things for others.  (See Galatians 6:10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do goodt to all people, especially to those who belong to the familyu of believers.) What are some specific ways to obey this verse? Children tell things they can do (be patient with others, help a parent with chores, look for ways to help someone who is having a bad day, etc.). As time permits, repeat with other commands in the Bible (tell the truth, live in peace, etc.)

 

Encourage children to pray for these things with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1 

Make a Bible Bookmark

 

We are wise when we do what God’s Word says. Put your bookmark in your Bible and use it to mark the verses you read during the week. You can remember that each time you obey God’s Word, you are building a strong foundation for your life that will help you when troubles come.

 

Supplies

  • Bibles
  • Scissors
  • Glue Sticks
  • 10-inch (25.5-cm) lengths of narrow ribbon
  • Markers

     

Give each child a Bookmark Shapes Pattern. Each child chooses a shape to use for his or her bookmark and cuts out the two matching shapes. Child glues shapes back-to-back, sandwiching one or two ribbon lengths between the shapes. Child adds his or her name and decorates shapes as desired.

Response Activity #2     

Print and Color (right click and save image)

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Jesus’ story about the wise and foolish builders reminds us of what God has given us to help us build strong lives. The Bible says that when God sent Jesus, God was showing us in real life His words to us. Our salvation is built on Jesus and what He did for us. But God gives us the Bible, too, which helps us know how to build strong lives.

 

(______________), May you grow in your foundation on God’s Word, the Bible. May your life 

 

house be built on Jesus and God’s Word.

 

/by

Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 01.17.21

A Note before you begin:

 

This service was prayerfully planned and coordinated with worship planner Kayleen Jasperse  in conjunction with the pastors.

 

Our prayer is that this liturgy helps us to create cultures of worship in our homes or wherever we utilize them. May the Lord bless you as you enter into his presence and give him praise. My we each be met, blessed,  challenged, and encouraged to grow as disciples and disciple makers of Jesus Christ.

 

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 our Lord.

 

Read the following out loud as you fix your eyes on Jesus:

 

 

 

From Psalm 9:7-11
The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;
proclaim among the nations what he has done.

 

 

Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with His presence and His peace.  Fix your eyes and the focus of your heart on Him.

 

Worshiping in Song:

 

 

He is Exalted

 

 

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.

 

Consider sending a greeting text message to a church family member.

 

“The Lord be with you!”

 

and in response: 

 

“and also with you!”

 

And if you’re alone:

 

“The Lord is with me!”

 

 

 

Behold Our God

 

Cornerstone

Do it Again

 

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

How has the Lord been at work this week? Consider sharing your story with those around you or writing it down. Give glory to the Lord for the good work that He has done!

 

 

Take a few minutes to pray for our church family, neighborhood, and the world as the Lord leads.

 

Consider asking a church family member how you can be in prayer for them or inviting a church family member to pray for you.

 

January Special Offering: Kids Life Bible Club

 

 

Once a month we take a special offering to support special causes the Deacons have prayerfully discerned. This month the offering will support the ministry of Kids Life Bible Club. Sharon Adema has prepared a video highlighting what the ministry is all about and how our support helps to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to elementary-aged children wherever they are.

KLBC is a non-profit(501)(c)(3), non-denominational organization that sponsors Bible Clubs in public elementary schools and other places where children gather, such as neighborhood homes, mobile home parks, and apartment buildings.

 

You can give to the special offering by:

  1. Text:  send amount space “special” (ex: 50 special) to (616) 319-2259 and follow prompts to give securely
  2. Give online: at https://goldavenuechurch.breezechms.com/give/online select special from dropdown menu or type “special” in memo line
  3. Check: write “special” in memo line

 

Regular offering:

Support ministry at Gold Avenue Church by giving to the general fund (Click the picture for more giving options):

  1. Text:  send amount (number only, no extra symbols) to (616) 319-2259 and follow prompts to give securely
  2. Give online at https://goldavenuechurch.breezechms.com/give/online or give through PayPal here.
  3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 4950

 

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. 

 

Holy Spirit Living Breath of God

The Preaching of the Word:

Our current sermon series is written in connection to and alongside a helpful tool that we have developed called the Gospel Tool. Disciple Groups at Gold Avenue Church are working through lessons that are based upon the Gospel Tool, and we want to make this resource available to every listener. Click here to check out the Gospel Tool, the Visual Gospel overview, statements, & scriptures.

 

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

Song of Response:

The song of response gives opportunity to consider, apply, and respond what we’ve just heard from the Word. If you need to and are able, take a few minutes to process what you’ve just heard and how the Lord may be inviting you to respond. Sing in response as you feel led.

 

In Christ Alone/The Solid Rock

 

The Lord’s Blessing:

The Lord’s Blessing serves to make space for us the Lord to bless us to continue to walk in faithful obedience and to grow up into maturity.

 

Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:

 

From Colossians 1:9b-14
May the Lord fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light.  For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

 

Closing Song: 

 

Christ Be All Around Me

/by

Children’s Worship 01.17.21

Dear Parents,

 

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  

 

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

 

Desert Temptation

Based on: Matthew 4:1-11

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts.

Worship: Singing 

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing the activity. 

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.) 

 

Have you ever felt that the best way to deal with temptation is to give in to it? That’s the easy way out! But Jesus was tempted and never sinned. Instead, He relied on God’s Word and obeyed in everything He did. I am not so good at resisting temptation. But I know that filling my mind with God’s Word makes obeying God much easier to do. It’s not because I’ll have a better understanding of the rules. It is simply because God’s Word allows me to fix my mind on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith (see Hebrews 12:2).

 

Long ago, Helen Lemmel wrote a hymn that is still worth singing: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim; In the light of His glory and grace.” When you feel tempted, stop and consider Jesus and His Word. He will make all the difference!

Debbie Barber

Senior Editor (this curriculum)

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction to read to the children: 

 

After Jesus was baptized, He went away by Himself to the desert. You see, it was nearly time for Jesus to begin teaching about God and His kingdom—VERY important work! The desert was a quiet place where Jesus could talk with God, His Father, and get ready.

 

Watch the video:

 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

  • What is one of the ways Satan tempted Jesus?  (Asked Him to turn stones into bread. Told Him to jump off the Temple to show that God protected Him. Offered to give Him all the kingdoms in the world.)


  • What helped Jesus to not give in to temptation? (He spent time praying to God. He knew what God’s Word says.)


  • What do you learn about Jesus from this story?

 

Sometimes we think that because Jesus is God’s Son, it was easy for Him to always do right and honor God. But Jesus was tempted just as we are! Being tempted to sin and sinning are two very different things! Even though Satan tempted Jesus in many different ways, Jesus relied on God’s Word every time. And Jesus wants us to follow His example!

 

Jesus obeyed God, His Father, and NEVER sinned. Because He never sinned, He was the only One who could take the punishment for our sins so that we could join God’s family. He loved you and me that much! 

 

After discussing the Wonder Questions, you’ll have the opportunity to pray with and for each of the children.

 

What will you do the next time you feel tempted to sin? (Read the Bible. Remember verses about obeying God.) God promises to help us when we pray. He will help us to show our love for Him by obeying His Word. Let’s pray and ask God to help us obey Him by doing the things He wants us to do. 

 

Encourage children to respond with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE

#1  

 

God’s Word tells us many good things to do. But sometimes, we are tempted to do wrong things instead of what is right. When we are tempted, God promises to help us. God gave us the Bible as one great way to help us remember what is right.

 

Supplies

  • 5×8-inch(12.5×20.5-cm) index cards
  • Markers
  • Scissors
  • Glue Sticks

Give each student a large index card. Each student chooses one phrase from Verse Sheet to cut out and glue to the bottom of his or her index card. Student draws a picture of him or herself obeying the instruction on their card and adds his or her name to the card. Students decorate their cards as desired. Then students tape cards together to make an accordion-fold class book. Read through the book together, showing each student’s picture.

#2      Print and Color:

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

(Name) ____________________ May you know you can rely on God’s Word to tell you the best way to live. And when you are tempted, may you rely on God’s promise to help you do what is right and follow Jesus’ example. He will help you because He loves you!

 

Try substituting the word “us” for the word “you” to include yourself in the blessing as well.

 

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The Visual Gospel and The Gospel Tool

 

Knowing the Gospel is key to being a disciple of Jesus. As we seek to grow as disciples who make disciples, we have created two related tools to help us all grow as and make disciples.

The Visual Gospel overview, statements, & scriptures:

The Visual Gospel is a visual tool which presents a summary of the Gospel in picture form. This is a tool that we hope can be used to easily remember and share the Gospel story, which we find through all of Scripture.

Click here to download the PDF of the Visual Gospel.

 The Gospel Tool (40 Thought Units).

We have also developed a more in depth discipleship tool that we call The Gospel Tool. Our current sermon series is written in connection to and alongside this tool, and Discipleship Groups at Gold Avenue Church are working through 40 lessons that go along with the sermons and the Gospel Tool. These sermons can be found here: Gospel Tool Sermons. The accompanying sermons are numbered to correspond with the numbers found in the various paragraphs of the Gospel Tool.

Click Here to download the PDF.

 

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Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 01.10.21

A Note before you begin:

 

This service was prayerfully planned and coordinated with worship planner Marissa Walters  in conjunction with the pastors.

 

Our prayer is that this liturgy helps us to create cultures of worship in our homes or wherever we utilize them. May the Lord bless you as you enter into his presence and give him praise. My we each be met, blessed,  challenged, and encouraged to grow as disciples and disciple makers of Jesus Christ.

 

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 our Lord.

 

Read the following out loud as you fix your eyes on Jesus:

 

 

 

From Lamentations 3:19-24
I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

 

 

Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with His presence and His peace.  Fix your eyes and the focus of your heart on Him.

 

Worshiping in Song:

 

 

Our God Saves

 

 

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.

 

Consider sending a greeting text message to a church family member.

 

“The Lord be with you!”

 

and in response: 

 

“and also with you!”

 

And if you’re alone:

 

“The Lord is with me!”

 

 

 

All I Have is Christ

 

Hosanna

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

How has the Lord been at work this week? Consider sharing your story with those around you or writing it down. Give glory to the Lord for the good work that He has done!

 

 

Take a few minutes to pray for our church family, neighborhood, and the world as the Lord leads.

 

Consider asking a church family member how you can be in prayer for them or inviting a church family member to pray for you.

 

Regular offering:

Support ministry at Gold Avenue Church by giving to the general fund (Click the picture for more giving options):

  1. Text:  send amount (number only, no extra symbols) to (616) 319-2259 and follow prompts to give securely
  2. Give online at https://goldavenuechurch.breezechms.com/give/online or give through PayPal here.
  3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 4950

 

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. 

 

Wonderful Merciful Savior

 

The Preaching of the Word:

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

Communion:

Song of Response:

The song of response gives opportunity to consider, apply, and respond what we’ve just heard from the Word and the Communion that we’ve just received. If you need to and are able, take a few minutes to process what you’ve just heard and how the Lord may be inviting you to respond. Sing in response as you feel led.

 

Before the Throne of God Above

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l-_K8Ywsck

 

The Lord’s Blessing:

The Lord’s Blessing serves to make space for us the Lord to bless us to continue to walk in faithful obedience and to grow up into maturity.

 

Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:

 

From Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 

Closing Song: 

 

To Our God

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Children’s Worship 01.10.21

Dear Parents,

 

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  

 

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

 

John the Baptist

Based on: Matthew 3:1-17

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts.

Worship: Singing 

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing the activity. 

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.) 

 

Matthew 3 tells of Jesus’ ministry debut. John announced that the King, the One God’s people had been waiting for, was on the way. It was time to prepare for His coming by repenting, or turning from sin and doing what was right. It is the same for us today! When we repent of our sin and begin to do what is right, we welcome Jesus as our King. And continuing to obey Him is the sign of a true follower of Jesus the King.

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction to read to the children: 

  • When you have free time, what do you like to do?
  • What are some other things that kids your age like to spend their time doing?
  • Today we are going to talk about how the things we do, say and think can show our love for God.

Long before Jesus was born, God promised His people that someday He would send a Savior to show God’s love and take the punishment for people’s sins.

Many years later, God sent a message about this Savior to a priest, or leader in the Temple, named Zechariah. The angel said that Zechariah would have a son named John who would tell people about the Savior God had promised to send.

 

Just as the angel had said, Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, did have a son. They named him John. When John grew up, he lived in the desert near the Jordan River. What do you think might be hard about living in the desert?

 

The time came when God let him know it was time to do what he was born to do. That’s when John began to preach in the desert. 

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

What do you think the people at the river that day said when they saw and heard what happened? How exciting it would have been! God’s voice declared that His promised Son had come!

 

John may have looked different and eaten strange foods, but God used him to be the one to get people ready for Jesus. When we hear stories about Jesus, we can remember that He was glad to follow God and do what God wanted Him to do. We can follow God, too, in the things we do, say and think.

 

Wonder Questions:

 

  • What was something unusual about John? What did he like to eat?
  • What did John want people to know? (To change their hearts and lives because Jesus was coming soon.)
  • Why do you think Jesus wanted to obey God? (He wanted to follow God. He knew God’s ways are the best ways.)

 

Jesus is the Savior the people had been waiting for. To prepare for Jesus’ coming, John told the people that they needed to stop doing wrong and start doing what was right. When we believe that Jesus is the Savior, stop doing wrong and start doing what is right, we show that we love God.

 

After discussing the Wonder Questions, you’ll have the opportunity to pray with and for each of the children.

 

What is something you can do this week to show your love for God? (Help my little sister or brother. Talk to Him. Help carry in the groceries. Obey mom and dad.) Let’s pray about that right now.

 

Encourage children to respond with their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Song:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE

 

ACTIVITY #1  Make a grasshopper craft

Needed: Clip clothespin

Green marker

Green pipe cleaners

Googly eyes

Glue (hot glue would be best)

 

Directions:  Color clothespin with green marker. Bend the legs and attach to the clothespin. Glue on the googly eyes and antennae.



Response Activity #2      Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

May you always remember to show your love for God in what you do, say and think. 

 

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Discipleship Group Update 01.06.21

 

Be sure to watch this video for more information about the lessons for our Discipleship Groups! And as an additional reminder, there was an invitation given this past Sunday in the sermon by Pastor Gina that if anyone is interested in joining our Discipleship Groups to contact Stephanie McClain at stephaniemc.gold@gmail.com by Saturday, January 9, 2021!

 

 

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