Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 11.8.20

,

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 Derek in particular who prayerfully discerned this liturgy.

 

Our prayer is that this liturgy helps us to create cultures of worship in our homes or wherever we utilize them, and that as we enter into his presence and give him praise, that we are each met, blessed, and challenged, and encouraged to grow as disciples 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 Him.

 

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

 

 

From Psalm 27:4-5

 

 

One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock.

 

Let us worship the Lord!

 

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. 

 

In Christ Alone with the Solid Rock

 

 

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!”

 

 

 

Everlasting God

 

 

Great Are You Lord

 

 

 

Glorify Thy Name

 

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 our church family, neighborhood, and the world as the Lord leads.

 

 

 

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. 

 

Better is One Day

 

The Preaching of the Word:

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

 

Song of Response:

The song of response helps us to receive and apply the words that we’ve just heard through the Word.

 

Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve just heard and experienced and the questions that have been posited. The following song is one of commitment and surrender to the Lord and to his priorities and purposes. Consider the posture of your heart as you sing, and join in as you’re ready to truly say: Take my Life, Lord! Let it be consecrated unto thee! 

 

Take My Life

 

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 Philippians 1:9-11

 

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

 

 

Closing Song: 

 

Even So Come

 

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Children’s Worship 11.08.20

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

 

God Is Our Warrior

Based on: Judges 6—7

OVERVIEW:

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.) 

 

In Judges 6, the Israelites had once again turned from the one true God and sought fulfillment through the worship of false gods. So God permitted neighboring countries to overpower Israel until they finally cried out to God.

 

The Lord heard their petitions and sent a judge to lead them to victory over their enemies. Ironically, God chose to use a simple farmer to redeem Israel. Gideon wasn’t trained in the military, and yet the angel of the Lord called him “mighty warrior.” The Hebrew translation of the word gibbowr describes the warrior as strong, mighty, and impetuous (aggressive and fast-moving).

 

There are some interesting parallels between the calling of Gideon (Judges 6) and the calling of Moses (Exodus 3). Moses protests his fitness to be the deliverer of God’s chosen people asking, “Who am I?” and highlights his weaknesses for God (as if God is unaware). Gideon responds in a similar way, pointing out to God that not only is he from the weakest tribe in Israel, but he is the least of the weakest. God’s response to both Moses and Gideon is the same—”I will be with you.” It wasn’t Gideon’s skill and experience that made him fit to be a warrior; it was the Lord God. God showed Gideon that he would need to rely on God’s strength as the mighty warrior if he was to be a warrior himself.

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Introduction to read to the children: 

 

Many years after Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, the people forgot about following God’s way. A group of people called the Midianites came down to fight the Israelites. The Israelites were so scared, but God was with them. God was their Warrior! He fought and won the battle for them! Can you tell me what a warrior is? A warrior is a soldier who’s very brave and strong. Today in The Big God Story, God called Gideon to be a mighty warrior. Even though Gideon didn’t feel like a mighty warrior, he said yes to what God wanted him to do. God was able to show Gideon and all of Israel His power.

 

Watch the video:

 

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

God is our Warrior. God is with us and is strong and brave for us. God gave Gideon many signs to show Gideon that He was with him and that God was his Warrior. God may choose to give us a sign, but we can always trust and obey Him in faith. What are other ways God talks to us? Encourage kids to share their thoughts. We can trust God because He is our Warrior.

 

I wonder … How did Gideon feel when the angel appeared to him?

I wonder … Why did God tell Gideon to send so many men home?

I wonder … How is God a Warrior for me?

 

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

 

Our God protects His people and is always with us. He knows our battles and will help us in every way. He is our Warrior! When we pray to God, it’s one way we’re giving Him praise. You can tell Him whatever you want to say. I’ll start. “God, I love You so much. Thank You for always being with us and helping us in every way.” Let’s pray and thank God for being our Warrior.

 

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

 

Worship Songs:  

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY:    

 

Print and color the page.

Optional:

Yellow, orange, or red tissue paper

Glue stick

 

Write God is our Warrior on the top of the page.

 

If you have any yellow, orange or red tissue paper left from last week you can encourage the kids to tear off pieces and paste as flames on the torches.

 

As God was Gideon’s Warrior He is also ours. We can remember that as we color and decorate this page.

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Invite children to stand hands open in front of them, arms bent. Share that this is one way to receive blessings.

 

Read Psalm 32:8 aloud: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

 

May you know that God is with you. May you feel Him near you and know that He is your Warrior.

 

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Discipleship Group Update 11.04.20

Discipleship Corner

The video below is this week’s update and how you can continue to join us in prayer regarding the development of Discipleship Groups at Gold Avenue Church.

Discipleship Groups will be both a means of beginning to re-gather, and of each becoming better equipped to obey the Great Commission. We aim to grow as disciples who are being transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ who are cooperating with God in the restoration of the world as we embody, proclaim, and advance the Kingdom of God.

If you have yet to register, please do so here!

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Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 11.1.2020

,

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 Marissa in particular who prayerfully discerned this liturgy.

 

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

 

We will also be celebrating Communion together as part of this liturgy! Please make sure that you’ve got your elements ready so that you can join in!

 

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 Psalm 46:

 

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

 

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

 

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.

 

He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.

 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

Let us worship the Lord Almighty!

 

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. 

 

Lord Most High

 

 

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!”

 

 

 

Our Father

 

 

High and Lifted Up

 

 

Communion

If you are a baptized member of a church that declares Jesus is Lord, and if you are walking in the light and in pursuit of righteousness, we welcome and encourage you to join with us as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper! If you are not yet baptized or are not yet walking in the light, we encourage you to take some time to pray and reflect with the Lord or to confess and repent of your sins as His Word promises that when we confess, he is faithful to forgive! We welcome baptized children of believers to the table as parents discern they are ready, and also invite you to pray blessing over your children who are not yet ready to partake. 

 

 

 

Behold the Lamb

 

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 our church family, neighborhood, and the world as the Lord leads.

 

 

 

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. 

 

Speak O Lord

 

The Preaching of the Word:

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

 

Song of Response:

The song of response helps us to receive and apply the words that we’ve just heard through the Word. Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve just heard and experienced and ask the Lord how he might be asking you to respond; feel free to sing in response as you feel led. 

 

Even So Come

 

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 Ephesians 3:16-21

 

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: 

 

How Long, O Lord

 

 

 

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Children’s Worship 11.01.20

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

 

God Listens to Us

Based on: Joshua 10

OVERVIEW:

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.) 

 

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). What an encouragement to know our God is listening; we are called to listen in return. This is one of the most central prayers in Jewish history, otherwise known as the Shema (from the Hebrew word for “hear”). To shema is to hear the cry of one’s heart and be moved to respond. It goes much deeper than listening. It signifies a rich, attentive, and focused listening. In this prayer Israel is urged to heed that God is the one and only. Then, in the following verse, they’re called to respond to this truth by loving the Lord fully in heart, soul, and strength. To shema is to discern and react. Judaism takes this so seriously, in fact, that it’s customary for Jewish men and women to cover their eyes when they recite the Shema. By doing so, they’re ensuring full and utter concentration.

 

In Joshua 10, we see shema in a new light. As the Israelites battled for the Promised Land, God mightily showed His power, granting them victory time after time. Joshua boldly prayed that the sun would stand still in the sky in order for the battle to continue without ceasing. In verse 14, the Bible declared that God listened to Joshua. He heard and responded by seemingly altering the natural order of the universe in order to give Israel the victory. In this passage, God demonstrated how to shema . God’s actions exemplified what it looks like to not only hear, but to listen. Our God, Yahweh, models the life we are to live.

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Introduction to read to the children: 

 

God’s people had a new strong leader to follow into the Promised Land. Whom did God choose to be that leader? Children answer. Joshua, that’s right. When the people reached the Jordan River and couldn’t get across, what did God do? That’s right! God parted the water and they were able to walk safely through. When everyone had crossed, Joshua told the people to pile up 12 large rocks. From that time on, when anyone saw those rocks, what were they to remember? That’s right!  They’d be able to remember what God had done for His people.

 

Joshua loved God very much, and he was a very good listener. When God gave him directions, Joshua did just what God told him to do. Are you good listeners? 

 

Watch the video:

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

When Joshua prayed, God listened very carefully. God caused the sun to stand still so the battle could last until the Israelites won. God listens to us today too.

 

I wonder … What did Joshua ask of God?

I wonder … What did the Israelites think when the sun stayed in the sky?

I wonder … How do I know God is listening to me?

 

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

 

God listens to all of His children! He will listen to us every time we talk to Him. Let’s close our eyes and think about God listening to our prayers, just like He listened to Joshua and kept the sun in the sky. Let’s thank God for listening to our prayers.

 

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

 

Worship Songs:  

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY:   

CD SUN CRAFT AND/OR COLOR PAGE

 

Supplies:

  • Tissue Paper Squares (orange and yellow)
  • Elmer’s Glue
  • CD
  • ribbon (optional)
  • paper plate and Q-tip (optional)

 

Directions: 

  1. Cut up the tissue paper into 1 inch squares. 
  2. Place a good amount of glue on the paper plate. 
  3. Paint a generous amount of glue onto the CD by using a Q-tip. 
  4. Then lay flat pieces of tissue paper down by overlapping them and creating the “sun rays.” Be sure to turn the tissue paper pieces sideways so that the triangle side points outward, over the edge of the CD. Be sure to cover the hole in the CD also. Completely cover the CD with tissue papers until it looks like a bright, beautiful sun!
  5. Crumble the remaining pieces of tissue paper into little balls. Grab pieces of crumpled tissue paper and glue them to the top of your tissue paper layer on the face of the CD.You could either dip the tip of the tissue paper into the glue and then stick it to the CD or paint the glue directly onto the CD using a Q-tip and then stick the tissue paper pieces onto the CD.
  6. Attach a ribbon and a suction cup to hang in a window for all to see.

  https://thekindergartenconnection.com/summer-cd-sun-craft/

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Invite children to stand hands open in front of them, arms bent. Share that this is one way to receive blessings.

 

May God walk beside you, (child’s name),and may you know He listens to you.

May you know that God is with you always.

 

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EFW 102 Update 10.30.20

Dear Friends,

We wanted to connect and share an update regarding next steps with Empowered for Witness 102 and the Foundations course makeup for EFW 101. It’s been a little over 6 weeks since we last wrote to you. Our Empowered for Witness leadership team met recently after individually doing some listening prayer around questions of if and when to offer EFW 102, which is the teaching on the Spiritual Gifts. As we gathered and shared our senses of God’s guidance, we came to a unified response. We are so grateful for the approach to ministry that we have adopted, which is the principles taught in book and conference ​Growing the Church in the Power of the Holy Spirit.​ We are thankful to God for the sense of peace and unity we enjoy while making such important decisions. have of confirmation and peace as he brought unity through our seeking of His guidance and wisdom!

Please take a few minutes to ​watch this video update​ from Pastors Dave and Gina on what has been discerned!

Below are the resources for ongoing learning that were mentioned in the video. You can click on the words to take you to the link for each resource.

●  Empowered for Witness 101 audio recordings

●  Rev. Mike Connell teachings on Activating the Gifts of the Spirit

As Pastors Dave & Gina mentioned in the update, we aren’t endorsing every aspect of Rev. Connell’s teaching, even as we highly encourage you to watch it and learn. Practice discernment and, as Paul said, “eagerly desire spiritual gifts!” (1 Cor. 14.1)

We intend to send out periodic emails to keep encouraging and updating all of you. If you are a pastor and find yourself in need of mentoring/coaching, please email ​kc@prmi.org​ subject line: Mentoring. We would love to hear from you!

Please continue to join us in praying for this course and for equipping congregations to be Empowered Witnesses!

Grace and Peace,
Stephanie, Pastor Dave and Pastor Gina
The Empowered for Witness Leadership Team

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Discipleship Group Update 10.28.20

The video below is this week’s update and tells how you can continue to join us in prayer regarding the development of Discipleship Groups at Gold Avenue Church. Please take a minute or two to watch and pray!

Discipleship Groups will be both a means of beginning to re-gather, and of each becoming better equipped to obey the Great Commission. We aim to grow as disciples who are being transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ who are cooperating with God in the restoration of the world as we embody, proclaim, and advance the Kingdom of God.

There was a special email that went out last Friday morning. We are in need of your responses! Please read that email and fill out registration so we can get you in the right group for you! Responses are due Friday, October 30!
Click  this link to read the email. 
.
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Prayer Walking Restarting

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Is anyone excited to go prayer walking as a group again?!? If so then we have good news: This Saturday, October 31 from 10am-12pm we’re starting back up after a long hiatus due to Covid-19. In our previous post about Prayer Walking, we encouraged everyone to be prayer walking their neighborhoods regularly so hopefully doing that has been life giving and fruitful for everyone. Going out as a group is very special and so we are looking forward to praying and worshiping together as we share in the joy of the Lord.

A small group of us went out to try it out before officially launching, and it was such a joyous occasion! Read on below:

We went out with the guidance that we were to pave the way for more prayer walking and for God to move in preparing hearts of people that we’ll interact with on future occasions. It was a beautiful Saturday morning and we were able to pray in unity as we listened to what the Holy Spirit was saying and followed His leading. Even as we prayed, we met neighbors and blessed them and were blessed in return. Just with our small group we talked and prayed with a dozen people around the neighborhood.

Prayer walking is for everyone and we encourage everyone to come! If you haven’t done this kind of outreach before, this group is a great way to try it out. We go out without an agenda or a script, sometimes we are led to pray for the neighborhood, sometimes we meet neighbors and get to know them, and we always pray for people, whether directly or not. It’s a wonderful way to practice gifts that the Lord gives, it’s great because we all need practice and the world needs what we have to offer from the Lord. People are always blessed by God when we go out and so are we. So come and we’ll enjoy working for the Lord together!

Our previous post has a live CALENDAR which can be viewed any time incase you’d like a reminder of when we’re going out as a group. We’ll gather no matter the weather, we love those sunny days but rain or snow aren’t a hinderance when the goal is to pray! You may sync this calendar on your favorite device using the instructions here: Prayer Walking Calendar

Lastly, you may wonder why we chose Halloween as our starting time. We’d like to walk around blessing the neighborhood with the light of Christ on a day that normally is dedicated to darkness. After this, we’ll plan on going out every other Saturday for the rest of 2020, and we’ll re-evaluate and let you know what the 2021 schedule will be toward the end of this year. We hope to see you at Prayer Walking!

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Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 10.25.20

,

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 prayerfully discerned this liturgy.

 

Our prayer is that this liturgy helps us to create cultures of worship in our homes or wherever we utilize them, and that as we enter into his presence and give him praise, that we are each met, blessed, and challenged, and encouraged to grow as disciples 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 Him.

 

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

 

 

From Psalm 99:

 

The Lord reigns,
let the nations tremble;
he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
let the earth shake.
Great is the Lord in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.
Let them praise your great and awesome name—
he is holy.
The King is mighty, he loves justice—
you have established equity;
in Jacob you have done
what is just and right.
Exalt the Lord our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.

 

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. 

 

Hosanna Praise is Rising

 

 

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!”

 

 

 

10,000 Reasons Bless the Lord

 

 

Your Great Name

 

Worthy of it All

 

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 our church family, neighborhood, and the world as the Lord leads.

 

 

 

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. 

 

Refiner’s Fire

 

The Preaching of the Word:

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

Song of Response:

The song of response helps us to receive and apply the words that we’ve just heard through the Word. Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve just heard and experienced and ask the Lord how he might be asking you to respond; feel free to sing in response as you feel led. 

 

Even So Come

 

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 Ephesians 3:16-21

 

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: 

 

Doxology

 

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Children’s Worship 10.25.20

,

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

 

God Leads the Way

Based on: Joshua 1; 3—4

 

OVERVIEW:

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.) 

 

God is constantly at work leading His people through others. Joshua 1 opens with God abruptly recognizing Moses’ death and commanding the Israelites to cross the Jordan River. Highlighting the new leader links Joshua to the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible, the books of the law). There is no doubt the torch has been passed from Moses to Joshua. Throughout Exodus and Numbers, we see Joshua worked closely with Moses. In Exodus 24:13, he is referred to as Moses’ aide—his right-hand man. Moses continuously made prophetic hints toward Joshua’s future as a leader.

Prior to Numbers 13:16, Joshua was known as Hoshea, which means “salvation.” However, Moses changed his name to Yhowshuwa (Joshua), which means “Yahweh saves” in Hebrew. This is appropriate to the call God placed on the life of Joshua. He was to be a witness to God’s saving power as he led God’s people into the Promised Land, reminding them at all times to trust, obey, and follow the Lord God.

When Moses laid hands on Joshua, the transition of leadership was complete. Joshua became “filled with the spirit of wisdom” (Deuteronomy 34:9), drawing Moses’ life of leadership to a close. Joshua was prepared to follow God’s leading, and in turn model godly living for the nation of Israel.

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Lead children in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds.

 

Introduction to read to the children: 

God’s people, the Israelites, were on a great journey. It all started in Egypt. God promised to take His people out of Egypt and to a new home where they’d be free to worship Him. To lead them out of Egypt, God had to help His people in a very special way. Do you remember what that special way was? Now, God is going to help them again in a special way. What do you think God is going to do this time?

 

Watch the video:

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

 

Today in The Big God Story we saw how God led His people to the Promised Land. Throughout the journey God was with His people and performed many wonderful miracles. The people piled 12 large stones together as a way to remember God and tell His stories to their children.

 

I wonder … How would I feel if I saw a river split in half?

I wonder … What would I have said after entering the Promised Land?

I wonder … How does God lead me?

 

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

 

I’m so thankful that God leads me. I want to trust in Him and follow Him. It’s such a blessing that we can praise God for who He is and bring our requests to Him in prayer.

 

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

 

Worship Songs:  

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY:    ROCK THE PAINT AND/OR COLOR PAGE

 

Needed: small smooth stones or rocks, paint, paintbrushes. markers 

 

You can do this project very simply with what you have on hand or for a more involved and permanent rock here are some suggestions.

 

How to Paint Rocks to Achieve Success

Pick smooth, flat rocks. You can decorate any rock, but it’s harder to decorate ones with ridges. If you can’t find them in nature, the craft stores sell them as do home improvement centers.

 

Wash the rocks before decorating them. You want to remove dirt so that it doesn’t mess your design. You can wash several at once with dish soap and leave in a colander to drain and dry.

 

Seal the rock before painting on it. Use a clear brush on or spray sealer. This helps so that the rocks (which are porous) don’t suck the life out of your markers. Another option: prime with white paint to help the colors that you paint on top appear more vibrant.

 

Paint your design on top and use several coats . . . let dry between layers. Use an outdoor or multi-surface paint to help them hold up to the elements.

 

Use small brushes or a stylus to make small details and/or dots.

 

Use oil based paint pens and Sharpies to write on your rocks. Just make sure to let fully dry before any writing.

 

Finish off your rocks with a coat (or two or three) of Mod Podge Outdoor. This will help protect your beautiful painted rocks from the elements.

 

(Say) Joshua used stones from the Jordan River to remind the people what God had done for them and how he led them safely across the Jordan River. God still safely leads us today when we trust in HIm.  Let’s paint our stones with colors, words, or pictures that remind us about what God has done for us. 

 

If children cannot think of anything, suggest that they paint the words “God Leads”.  Some other things they might want to paint: rainbow, cross, flower, church, river with dry ground, etc..

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Exodus 15:13 says, “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”

 

Explain that we can bless each other by speaking the following words:

 

May you trust that God will lead you and guide you with His unfailing love and amazing strength all of your life.

 

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