Children’s Worship 4.19.20

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Dear Parents,

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, “We miss you!!!!” This lesson is brought to you straight from Asher and Eila’s bedroom (disregard the messes and clothing choices!). Today we are reminded of how Jesus did the will of the Father and we are called to as well, wherever we are at today and this week- I hope you will be encouraged as well!

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: Watch the video

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art or serve project. Pray together.

Worship

Game: “Father Says”

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 Luke 4, we find a mission statement from Jesus in the first message He preached in Nazareth when He said:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18–19).

Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus was “taken by the Spirit” into the desert to be prepared for all His Father had planned for Him to do. During His time of prayer and fasting, He was tempted by the Devil, but He came out of this time fully empowered to do the ministry that lay before Him. Later in Scripture we often see Jesus going off to secluded places to be alone with His Father. Jesus was one who knew better than any other the importance of solitude.

In Mark’s gospel, Jesus heals not only through the words He speaks, but also through the touch He shares. After teaching in the synagogue, He heals the sick all through the night. Coming from serving, touching, giving, teaching, and healing, He makes the time to slip away to a secluded spot to pray and receive instructions concerning the day that is before Him.

Jesus cared about following His Father’s will. In John 5:19, Jesus affirms: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

God the Father entrusted ministry to Jesus, His Son. Jesus in turn entrusted the ministry to the 12 leaders He chose. Now, the ministry is entrusted to each of us.

Jesus is fully God and fully human. He knew the limitations of being human. Because of this He made it a priority to spend time with His Father. How much more, then, do we need to spend time alone with God, our Father? We need time with God to ensure we stay on the path He has set before us and remain connected to Him. In preparation to minister to your children this week, find some time to draw away and listen to God. Take this passage and meditate on it: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). Ask God if there’s something He is specifically inviting you to do based on this Scripture.

Activity 1: STORY

Watch the story video below.

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

From today’s part of The Big God Story, we learned how important it was for Jesus to take time away to prepare for His Father’s plans for Him. He would go out to be alone and pray. God has plans for each one of us too.

  • I wonder … How did Jesus know what the Father wanted him to do?
  • I wonder … What other plans did God have for Jesus?
  • I wonder … What plans might God have for me?

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Saves into your everyday life as a family.

Today’s Worship Songs:

“Every Move I Make”: 

“I Will Praise the Lord”:

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

After your time discussing the Wonder Questions, you’ll have the opportunity to pray with and for each of the children in your group. Friends, we can pray and talk to God just like Jesus did. It’s good to be quiet and listen to things God might be telling us through His Holy Spirit. Jesus knew that He needed time with God to get ready for all the things He was going to do and to know God’s path for Him. We need time with God too, so we can see the path God has for our lives.

We can talk to God in all sorts of different ways and places and times. You can talk to God by yourself, or we can pray together as a family. Right now, let’s take some time to pray with each other. I’ll start. “Dear God, thank You for Your plans to send Jesus to earth as the promised Savior so we can be with You forever and ever. Please show us the way to live.” 

God the Father had big plans for Jesus. He prepared Jesus to care for us and show us love, which were part of His big plan for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. When we follow Jesus by choosing to love Him and trust and obey Him, we’ll see that God has big plans for our lives too. God can use us to care for people and tell them about Jesus. How do you think God may be getting you ready for the plans He has for you? After asking the question, let child(ren) take a minute to sit quietly and listen to God. Give them a piece of paper and crayons/markers. Talk together about any ideas God may have given them about plans God may have for their life- it could be something this week that they’d like to do to show God’s love or maybe a bigger picture of how they think God might be working in their lives for the future! Encourage them to draw their ideas on a piece of paper (it’s great if your whole family does this together- God is teaching all of us and we have the opportunity to model to our kids how God speaks to us! It’s also a good time to turn on some quiet music to listen to while you pray/draw)

Game: Father Says

When Jesus went about His ministry, He was careful to follow God the Father’s plans for Him, and He often spent time listening to God. Today, your kids will practice their listening and following skills in a version of Simon Says. Lead your (child)ren in a game of Father Says, modeled after Simon Says. Let’s play a game called Father Says. To play, you need to watch the leader and try to follow everything the leader is doing. Most importantly, though, you’ll need to listen carefully. Be sure to only do the things that the leader tells you to do after he says, “Father Says.”

Begin by being the leader yourself, and then invite your kids to come and lead. Command suggestions: clap your hands for joy, shout to the Lord, shake hands with your neighbor, dance for the Lord, whisper your favorite kind of pizza to your neighbor, say the ABC’s as fast as you can, etc. When the game is finished, share with them: You did an excellent job of listening. In the story we heard today, we learned how Jesus did everything His Father, God, had planned for Him, and how He always listened carefully so He could follow God’s plans exactly.

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

Walk in the ways of the Lord.

Obey His voice.

Hold tight to Him.

Love the Lord your God. (reference Deuteronomy 30)

Repeat these phrases a few times before moving on to the next portion.

The Lord will guide you.

He will comfort you.

He will give you rest.

He will pour His goodness and love upon you. (reference Psalm 23)

Repeat these phrases a few times. Then read the following statements as individual blessings over children before you close:

(Child’s name), may you walk in the ways of the Lord … The Lord will guide you.

(Child’s name), may you obey His voice … He will comfort you.

(Child’s name), may you hold tight to Him … He will give you rest.

(Child’s name), may you love the Lord your God … He will pour His goodness and love upon you.

Pray with your kids, asking them if they have any prayer requests and encouraging them to pray for others.  Have a blessed week!

Note: Please let us know about how your family is enjoying Children’s Worship! Take some pictures of your family participating in Children’s Worship or share a story. You can post to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or send by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com

 

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Lament as an Expression of Faith Sermons

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Background
Earlier sermons on God’s mishpat/justice explained that God’s justice includes his restoration of the whole created order. In Romans 8:22-27, Paul explains that all of creation, particularly we believers who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly, as we eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s promises. So also the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, groans! What is this groaning? In large part, it is an outflow of the fact that so much in this world, and in our lives, is not “as it should be,” nor as it will be when God brings the full redemption has promised. As we live in between the times, when the kingdom is here, but not fully here, God graciously gives us the language of lament to express our faith in him, and the coming of his kingdom (Rev. 21:4-5) in its fullness.

 

In the following video, Pastor Dave continues to introduce the topic of our upcoming sermons on Lament as an Expression of Faith.

 

 

Each week we will fill in the links below as we have the posts, so that if you want to listen to all of the sermons together you are able.  We hope that you are blessed and that your faith is strengthened!
Lament as an Expression of Faith Sermons:
4/19/20  Psalm 13  – Wrestling With God When we Feel Forgotten
At Home Liturgy Link: AHL 4/19
Sermon Link: Sermon 4/19
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Equipping Corner – A Call To Be Still

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Gold Avenue Church leadership has been noticing a recurring invitation from the Lord over the past few weeks. He seems to be calling us to be still in a time that is filled with uncertainty.  It’s important to pay attention to verses, songs, and themes that continue to come up in prayer and conversations. Often the Lord will speak to us through these consistent pieces and then it is important to ask the Lord to show us how He would have us respond. 

 

Watch this video from Pastor Gina where she shares about how to quiet yourself in God’s presence, as she reflects on Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

 

 

We pray you will be intentional in letting go of things that interfere with being quiet and still before the Lord. We trust we will all be strengthened and refreshed in His presence.  Enjoy listening to the song “Be Still” by Hillsong Worship.

 

 

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Deacons Update

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Hi Church Family from your Deacon Team! We wanted to let you know that despite not being in the church building on Sundays, we are still here and willing to help. Our role in the church is to offer resources to church members and, by extension, to our Gold Avenue Church neighborhood. We’d love to talk with you about how you are doing and to find out if there’s anything we can do to help with any physical needs you might have. 

 

With the economic downturn and general uncertainty that we are currently living in, we anticipate that there may be more financial struggles than usual. We want you to know that we’re here to help.  There are several ways of getting in contact with us. You can contact the church directly by email or phone (at the end of this post), or you can fill out the form LINKED HERE. In addition, if you have neighbors or people you know of within our community that are struggling, we invite you to refer them to the deacon team using one of the methods of contact. Make sure to include their contact info and as much information as possible.  We ask you to pray and discern if this next step is necessary for anyone, and invite as the Lord leads, as this is a time when we can all be the hands and feet of Jesus to our neighbors. 

 

In addition, we would like to connect you to a list of resources LINKED HERE. This resource list will be updated as events unfold in the next months for people who live in and around the West Side of Grand Rapids. Any suggestions for what could be added to this can also be sent to the church office using the contact information below. 

 

FInally, we want you all to know that we are praying for each and every one of you. We are living in strange times, but we are so thankful for the hope of Christ that cannot be taken from us. As well, our work is funded by the Benevolence fund, to which many of you sow into on a regular basis, thank you so much for continuing to express your generosity and helping us care for our brothers and sisters in Christ!

 

Church Contact Information: 

goldavechurch@gmail.com

616-454-8833

 

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Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy Easter Sunday 4.12.20

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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 1 Peter 1:3-9

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with his presence and his peace. Invite his presence afresh and take time to express your gratitude and thankfulness to the Lord as you feel led.

Worshiping in Song:

You can access the video of each song by clicking on the video. 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. 

Resurrecting

The head that once was crowned with thorns

Is crowned with glory now

The Savior knelt to wash our feet

Now at His feet we bow

The One who wore our sin and shame

Now robed in majesty

The radiance of perfect love

Now shines for all to see

Your name, Your name

Is victory

All praise, will rise

To Christ, our king

Your name, Your name

Is victory

All praise, will rise

To Christ, our king

The fear that held us now gives way

To Him who is our peace

His final breath upon the cross

Is now alive in me

Your name, Your name

Is victory

All praise, will rise

To Christ, our king

Your name, Your name

Is victory

All praise, will rise

To Christ, our king

By Your spirit I will rise

From the ashes of defeat

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

In Your name I come alive

To declare Your victory

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

By Your spirit I will rise

From the ashes of defeat

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

In Your name I come alive

To declare Your victory (c’mon!)

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

By Your spirit I will rise

From the ashes of defeat

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

In Your name I come alive

To declare Your victory

The resurrected king, is resurrecting me

He’s resurrecting me

Our God is good, oh

The tomb where soldiers watched in vain

Was borrowed for three days

His body there would not remain

Our God has robbed the grave

Our God has robbed the grave (yes He has, yes He has)

Your name, Your name

Is victory

All praise, will rise

To Christ our king

Your name, Your name

Is victory

All praise, will rise

To Christ our king

By Your spirit I will rise

From the ashes of defeat

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

In Your name I come alive

To declare Your victory

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

By Your spirit I will rise

From the ashes of defeat

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

In Your name I come alive

To declare Your victory

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

By Your spirit I will rise

From the ashes of defeat

The resurrected King, is resurrecting me

In Your name I come alive

To declare Your victory

The resurrected king, is resurrecting me

The resurrected king, is resurrecting me, yeah

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 we celebrate as or risen Lord on this Easter morning! 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: 

“He is Risen!” and in response: “He is Risen indeed!”

Christ is Risen

Let no one caught in sin remain

Inside the lie of inward shame

We fix our eyes upon the cross

And run to Him who showed great love

And bled for us

Freely You’ve bled for us

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with Him again

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Beneath the weight of all our sin

You bowed to none but Heaven’s will

No scheme of Hell, no scoffer’s crown

No burden great can hold You down

In strength You reign

Forever let Your church proclaim

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with Him again

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

O death, where is your sting?

O hell, where is your victory?

O church, come stand in the light

The glory of God has defeated the night

Sing it, o death, where is your sting?

O hell, where is your victory?

O church, come stand in the light

Our God is not dead, He’s alive, He’s alive

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with Him again

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with Him again

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Rise up from the grave

O Praise the Name

I cast my mind to Calvary

Where Jesus bled and died for me.

I see His wounds, His hands, His feet.

My Savior on that cursed tree

His body bound and drenched in tears

They laid Him down in Joseph’s tomb.

The entrance sealed by heavy stone

Messiah still and all alone

O praise the name of the Lord our God

O praise His name forever more

For endless days we will sing Your praise

Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

Then on the third at break of dawn,

The Son of heaven rose again.

O trampled death where is your sting?

The angels roar for Christ the King

O praise the name of the Lord our God

O praise His name forever more

For endless days we will sing Your praise

Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

He shall return in robes of white,

The blazing Son shall pierce the night.

And I will rise among the saints,

My gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face

O praise the name of the Lord our God

O praise His name forever more

For endless days we will sing Your praise

Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

O praise the name of the Lord our God

O praise His name forever more

For endless days we will sing Your praise

Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

Behold Our God

Who has held the oceans in his hands?

Who has numbered every grain of sand?

Kings and nations tremble at his voice

All creation rises to rejoice

Behold our God, seated on his throne

Come, let us adore him

Behold our king, nothing can compare

Come, let us adore him

Who has given counsel to the Lord?

Who can question any of his words?

Who can teach, the one who knows all things?

Who can fathom all his wondrous deeds?

Behold our God, seated on his throne

Come, let us adore him

Behold our king, nothing can compare

Come, let us adore him

Who has felt the nails upon his hands?

Bearing all the guilt of sinful man

God eternal, humbled to the grave

Jesus, Savior, risen now to reign

Behold our God, seated on his throne

Come, let us adore him

Behold our king, nothing can compare

Come, let us adore him

You will reign forever (let Your glory fill the Earth)

You will reign forever (let Your glory fill the Earth)

You will reign forever (let Your glory fill the Earth)

You will reign forever (let Your glory fill the Earth)

You will reign forever (let Your glory fill the Earth)

You will reign forever (let Your glory fill the Earth)

You will reign forever (let Your glory fill the Earth)

You will reign forever (let Your glory fill-)

Behold our God, seated on his throne

Come, let us adore him

Behold our king, nothing can compare

Come, let us adore

Behold our God, seated on his throne

Come, let us adore him

Behold our king, nothing can compare

Come, let us adore him

 

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

As you transition, take a moment to reflect on how the Lord was ministering to you through song: what lyrics stood out to you? What emotions were you experiencing? What did God reveal to you about who he is? What did God reveal to you about what he says about you? How else were you ministered to? 

Share a story with those around you or to the Lord about how he was at work in worship as well as in your week. Give him glory for his goodness. If alone, you could write down your testimony.  

For Family Prayer Time:  Please utilize and add your own requests to this prayer guide and also take time to pray–giving thanks, repenting, raising petition, and praying as the Lord leads. 

Song of Preparation: 

The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord. This song time also serves to give us an opportunity to worship through giving. We’re invited to give back as the Lord has so richly given to us. 

Ways to give (Click the picture for more giving options):

Online Direct: Give securely and directly through this link, the default fund is general fund, you can choose others in the drop down menu: https://goldavenuechurch.breezechms.com/give/online

Text:  send amount (number only, no extra symbols) to (616) 319-2259 and follow prompts to give securely, giving without a keyword goes to the general fund, for other fund options click the picture above for instructions

PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/…

Check: Make checks out to “Gold Avenue Church” and mail to: Gold Avenue Church, 49 Gold Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

As you feel led, surrender your attention, your will, and your heart to the Lord and ask him to anoint your ears to hear the message and to bless you to receive and apply it.

Is He Worthy

Do you feel the world is broken? (We do)

Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do)

But do you know that all the dark won’t stop the light from getting through? (We do)

Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do)

Is all creation groaning? (It is)

Is a new creation coming? (It is)

Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst? (It is)

Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? (It is)

Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?

Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?

The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave

He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave

Is He worthy? Is He worthy

Of all blessing and honor and glory?

Is He worthy of this?

He is

Does the Father truly love us? (He does)

Does the Spirit move among us? (He does)

And does Jesus, our Messiah, hold forever those He loves? (He does)

Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)

Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?

Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?

The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave

He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave

From every people and tribe (People and tribe)

Every nation and tongue (Every nation and tongue)

He has made us a kingdom and priests to God

To reign with the Son

Is He worthy? Is He worthy

Of all blessing and honor and glory?

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?

Is He worthy of this?

He is, He is

Is He worthy? Is He worthy?

He is, He is

He is worthy, He is worthy

He is

The Preaching of the Word:

Listen to the sermon below or access the audio of the sermon 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.

Living Hope

How great the chasm that lay between us

How high the mountain I could not climb

In desperation, I turned to heaven

And spoke Your name into the night

Then through the darkness, Your loving-kindness

Tore through the shadows of my soul

The work is finished, the end is written

Jesus Christ, my living hope

Who could imagine so great a mercy?

What heart could fathom such boundless grace?

The God of ages stepped down from glory

To wear my sin and bear my shame

The cross has spoken, I am forgiven

The King of kings calls me His own

Beautiful Savior, I’m Yours forever

Jesus Christ, my living hope

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free

Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me

You have broken every chain

There’s salvation in Your name

Jesus Christ, my living hope

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free

Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me

You have broken every chain

There’s salvation in Your name

Jesus Christ, my living hope

Then came the morning that sealed the promise

Your buried body began to breathe

Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion

Declared the grave has no claim on me

Then came the morning that sealed the promise

Your buried body began to breathe

Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion

Declared the grave has no claim on me

Jesus, Yours is the victory, whoa!

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free

Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me

You have broken every chain

There’s salvation in Your name

Jesus Christ, my living hope

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free

Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me

You have broken every chain

There’s salvation in Your name

Jesus Christ, my living hope

Jesus Christ, my living hope

Oh God, You are my living hope

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 me/us and keep me/us; the Lord make his face shine on me/us and be gracious to me/us; the Lord turn his face toward me/us and give me/us peace.

Closing Song: 

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!

Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!

Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Children’s Worship Lesson:

This week the lesson is: Easter of course! Enjoy going through the lesson with your family, and even if you don’t have kids you might find yourself blessed by the teachings in this lesson!!!  While you’re at it, please take some pictures of your family participating in Children’s Worship and share them with us!  You can post them to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or send by email to goldavechurch@gmail.com

*all scripture notations are from the NIV Bible

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Children’s Worship 4.12.20

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Dear Parents,

Here we are again, ready to worship with you and your children on this special Sunday! Today we celebrate Easter and new life in Christ! We pray this will be a blessed day of praising and giving thanks to Jesus! Begin with this special greeting for this special day. 

Greeting:  The Lord is with you!

Response:  And also with you!

 

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: There are three videos this week! The first video is a puppet show starring the Houtstra family. The puppets remind us of how we can have new life in Jesus. The second video features the Essenburg family and tells the Resurrection story, and the third video is an object lesson that ties it all together. 

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship:  Sing together

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art or serve project. Pray together.

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

Activity 1: STORY

(Optional Review) 

Last week we learned about how God’s Son, Jesus, rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and was adored by many who waved their palm branches and shouted Hosanna! Then the crowd turned on Him when they realized He was not going to be their earthly king and save them from their oppressors. But we know that Jesus came to be our King and Savior, the King of our lives and our Savior from sin. 

Watch the Easter puppet show video.

Watch the Easter story video.

Tie it all together with the Object Lesson video.

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

I wonder what the ladies talked about on the way to the tomb?

I wonder how Jesus could come alive?

I wonder why Mary was so sad?

I wonder how Jesus gives us new life?

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Saves into your everyday life as a family.

Today’s Worship Songs:  

One, Two, Three  

Lord, I Lift Your Name on High 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

 

Response #1

In today’s part of The Big God Story, God saved His people by sending Jesus to die on the cross and rise again and give us new life. How can we thank and praise Him for this?  Can we find ways to show God how much we love him? What can we do? Brainstorm with your child(ren) ways we can thank and praise God. Suggest drawing a picture or writing a few words. Take a look at last week’s response activity and try that if you haven’t done it already.

Last week’s response activity:  Use a permanent marker to write “What needs to be done?” across the top of a piece of paper. Tape this to a wall. Print out the People, Heart, and Tree templates onto colored card stock and cut them out. You’ll want one of each shape per child.

Download and print the templates here: People, Heart, Tree (right click and select “download linked file”)

Jesus is our King and Savior. His greatest act of serving was to give up His life on the cross and die so we could have new life and be with Him forever. He invites us to serve others too. What does it mean to serve? Pause for responses. When we serve someone, it means we’re putting what we want aside and helping someone else. What are some ways you can serve God this week? Interact with responses. Those are great thoughts! We can serve another person, like a family member or someone in your neighborhood. Show the person shape. We can tell others about God’s love. Show the heart shape. We can serve God by caring for the animals and the world He created. Show the tree shape.

Let’s all spend a few moments asking God what needs to be done and listening to what He says. Invite children to spend a few moments praying silently, asking God how they can serve Him this week. Then, children can select a shape that best fits how they want to respond to God. Give children time to write or draw on the shape and attach it to the poster board using a glue dot. Let children know they can also leave the shape blank, if they prefer. 

Close by praying that God would help your children serve in their families, communities, and world this week.

 

Response #2

If you’d like to make an empty tomb craft here’s an idea.

Make a picture showing Jesus’ empty tomb! Draw two half circles (one small and one large, make the small one black or a dark color) for the tomb. Draw a circle for the stone that was rolled away. Let your little one cut out the pieces. Glue the tomb onto construction paper and attach the stone with a brad. Write a message on the paper maybe one of praise or thanks to God.

 

Also, here is an Easter Sunday page to color:

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

“Children, may you always remember the power of the Easter story and how Jesus brings us new life!”

Pray with your kids, asking them if they have any prayer requests and encouraging them to pray for others.  Have a blessed week and Happy Easter!

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, and you could be featured at the top of our next lesson! You can post to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or send by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com.

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Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 4.5.20

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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 118: 1; 5-14

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

    his love endures forever…

When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;

    he brought me into a spacious place.

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.

    What can mere mortals do to me?

The Lord is with me; he is my helper.

    I look in triumph on my enemies.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in humans.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in princes.

All the nations surrounded me,

    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.

They surrounded me on every side,

    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.

They swarmed around me like bees,

    but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;

    in the name of the Lord I cut them down.

I was pushed back and about to fall,

    but the Lord helped me.

The Lord is my strength and my defense;

    he has become my salvation.

Pray for the Lord to fill you, your household, and your home with his peace. Invite his presence afresh and take time to express your gratitude and thankfulness to the Lord as you feel led.

Worshiping in Song:

You can access the video of each song by clicking on the title. Participate freely and fully as you would at church: sing along, dance, kneel, listen and soak, read the included lyrics–however you feel led. You may find it fruitful to listen to a song more than once, to respond between songs with prayer, thanksgiving, meditation, or even discussion about how the Lord is at work in and through the song. 

Hosanna (Praise is Rising)

Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You, we turn to You

Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You, we long for You

‘Cause when we see You we find strength to face the day

In Your presence all our fears are washed away, washed away

Hosanna, Hosanna

You are the God who saves us

Worthy of all our praises

Hosanna, Hosanna

Come have Your way among us

We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

Hear the sound of hearts returning to You, we turn to You

In Your Kingdom broken lives are made new, You make us new

‘Cause when we see You we find strength to face the day

In Your presence all our fears are washed away, washed away

Hosanna, Hosanna

You are the God who saves us

Worthy of all our praises

Hosanna, Hosanna

Come have Your way among us

We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

‘Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day

In Your Presence all our fears are washed away

‘Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day

In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away

Hosanna, Hosanna

You are the God who saves us

Worthy of all our praises

Hosanna, Hosanna

Come have Your way among us

We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

Hosanna, Hosanna

You are the God who saves us

Worthy of all our praises

Hosanna, Hosanna

Come have Your way among us

We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

Hosanna, Hosanna

Hosanna, Hosanna

The Lord’s Greeting:

The Lord’s Greeting serves to remind us that we are in the presence of the living God. It makes space for him to greet us as our loving heavenly father who rules and reigns as the King over all. Fix your eyes on him as you read the following out loud:

From 2 John 1:3:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.

Greeting One Another:

It might feel a little odd doing this at home, but take time to say these words to greet each other, as you shake hands, hug or elbow bump: 

“The peace of the Lord be with you.”  (Or if alone, say aloud: The peace of the Lord be with me.”)

 

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

As you transition, take a moment to reflect on how the Lord was ministering to you through song: what lyrics stood out to you? What emotions were you experiencing? What did God reveal to you about who he is? What did God reveal to you about what he says about you? How else were you ministered to? 

Share a story with those around you or to the Lord about how he was at work in worship as well as in your week. Give him glory for his goodness. If alone, you could write down your testimony.  

For Family Prayer Time:  Take time to pray–giving thanks, repenting, raising petition, and praying as the Lord leads.  Be sure to pray for those who are sick, for health care workers and and for wisdom for our government leaders.  Pray for people to remain healthy and at peace. Pray about any other needs that come to mind.  

King of Kings

In the darkness, we were waiting

Without hope, without light

‘Til from Heaven You came running

There was mercy in Your eyes

To fulfill the law and prophets

To a virgin came the Word

From a throne of endless glory

To a cradle in the dirt

Praise the Father, praise the Son

Praise the Spirit, three in one

God of glory, Majesty

Praise forever to the King of Kings

To reveal the kingdom coming

And to reconcile the lost

To redeem the whole creation

You did not despise the cross

For even in Your suffering

You saw to the other side

Knowing this was our salvation

Jesus for our sake You died

Praise the Father, praise the Son

Praise the Spirit, three in one

God of glory, Majesty

Praise forever to the King of Kings

And the morning that You rose

All of Heaven held its breath

‘Til that stone was moved for good

For the Lamb had conquered death

And the dead rose from their tombs

And the angels stood in awe

For the souls of all who’d come

To the Father are restored

And the church of Christ was born

Then the Spirit lit the flame

Now this gospel truth of old

Shall not kneel, shall not faint

By His blood and in His name

In His freedom I am free

For the love of Jesus Christ

Who has resurrected me, ohh

Praise the Father, praise the Son

Praise the Spirit, three in one

God of glory, Majesty

Praise forever to the King of Kings

Praise forever to the King of Kings

It is Well

Grander earth has quaked before

Moved by the sound of His voice

Seas that are shaken and stirred

Can be calmed and broken for my regard

And through it all, through it all

My eyes are on You

And through it all, through it all

It is well

And through it all, through it all

My eyes are on You

And it is well with me

And far be it from me to not believe

Even when my eyes can’t see

And this mountain that’s in front of me

Will be thrown into the midst of the sea

And through it all, through it all

My eyes are on You

And through it all, through it all

It is well

And through it all, through it all

My eyes are on You

And it is well

It is well

So let go my soul and trust in Him

The waves and wind still know His name

So let go my soul and trust in Him

The waves and wind still know His name

So let go my soul and trust in Him

The waves and wind still know His name

The waves and wind still know His name

And it is well with my soul (sing it everybody)

It is well with my soul

It is well with my soul

It is well

It is well with my soul

Oh it is well with my soul (’cause of who you are)

Oh it is well with my soul

It is well with my soul

It is well

It is well with my soul

It is well

It is well with my soul

It is well

It is well with my soul

And through it all, through it all

My eyes are on You

And through it all, through it all

It is well Lord

And through it all, through it all

My eyes are on You

And it is well with me

Offering and Song of Preparation: 

The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord. This song time also serves to give us an opportunity to worship through giving. We’re invited to give back as the Lord has so richly given to us. 

Ways to give:

  1. TEXT– send amount to (616) 319-2259, for more options see this link
  2. Give online at here: Direct Online Giving
  3. Give via PayPal: PayPal Giving
  4. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church and send to: 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 

As you feel led, surrender your attention, your will, and your heart to the Lord and ask him to anoint your ears to hear the message and to bless you to receive and apply it.

Oceans

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

So I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine

The Preaching of the Word:

Listen to the the sermon below or click here:  Sermon Audio Recording

Communion:

Settle in, grab your communion elements, and partake along with the body of Christ universal as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper together in response to the sermon:

 

Behold the Lamb

 

Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,

Slain for us – and we remember

The promise made that all who come in faith

Find forgiveness at the cross.

So we share in this bread of life,

And we drink of His sacrifice

As a sign of our bonds of peace

Around the table of the King.

The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ,

Torn for you – eat and remember

The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life

Paid the price to make us one.

So we share in this bread of life,

And we drink of His sacrifice

As a sign of our bonds of love

Around the table of the King.

The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,

Shed for you – drink and remember

He drained death’s cup that all may enter in

To receive the life of God.

So we share in this bread of life,

And we drink of His sacrifice

As a sign of our bonds of grace

Around the table of the King.

And so with thankfulness and faith we rise

To respond, – and to remember

Our call to follow in the steps of Christ

As His body here on earth.

As we share in His suffering

We proclaim Christ will come again!

And we’ll join in the feast of heaven

Around the table of the King

Song of Response:

The Song of Response serves to make space for us to respond to the message the Lord has given. Feel free to take a moment to ask the Lord how he might be inviting you to respond and follow accordingly.

Jesus

There is a truth older than the ages

There is a promise of things yet to come

There is one born for our salvation

Jesus

There is a light that overwhelms the darkness

There is a kingdom that forever reigns

There is freedom from the chains that bind us

Jesus, Jesus

Who walks on the waters

Who speaks to the sea

Who stands in the fire beside me

He roars like a lion

He bled as the Lamb

He carries my healing in His hands

Jesus

There is a name I call in times of trouble

There is a song that comforts in the night

There is a voice that calms the storm that rages

He is Jesus, Jesus

Who walks on the waters

Who speaks to the sea

Who stands in the fire beside me

He roars like a lion

He bled as the Lamb

He carries my healing in His hands

Messiah

My Savior

There is power in Your name

You’re my rock and my Redeemer

There is power in Your name

In Your name

You walks on the waters

You speaks to the sea

You stands in the fire beside me

You roars like a lion

You bled as the Lamb

You carries my healing in Your hands

Jesus, there is no one like You

Jesus, there is no one like You

The Lord’s Blessing:

The Lord’s Greeting serves to make space for us to receive the Lord’s blessing to equip and empower us to receive his word, to be obedient to it, and to walk it out in his grace and favor.

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

From Numbers 6:24-26:

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

God is Able

God is able

He will never fail

He is almighty God

Greater than all we seek

Greater than all we ask

He has done great things

Lifted up

He defeated the grave

Raised to life

Our God is able

In His name

We overcome

For the Lord

Our God is able

God is with us

God is on our side

He will make a way

Far above all we know

Far above all we hope

He has done great things

Lifted up

He defeated the grave

Raised to life

Our God is able

In His name

We overcome

For the Lord

Our God is able

God is with us

He will go before

He will never leave us

He will never leave us

God is for us

He has open arms

He will never fail us

He will never fail us

Lifted up

He defeated the grave

Raised to life

Our God is able

In His name

We overcome

For the Lord

Our God is able

Lifted up

He defeated the grave

Raised to life

Our God is able

In His name

We overcome

For the Lord

Our God is able

For the Lord

Our God is able

For the Lord

Our God is able

Children’s Worship Lesson:

This week the lesson is: Palm Sunday! Enjoy going through the lesson with your family, and while you’re at it, please take some pictures of your family participating in Children’s Worship and share them with us! You can post them to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com

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Children’s Worship 4.5.20

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Dear Parents,

Here we are again, ready to worship with you and your children! Today we celebrate Palm Sunday with a lift-the-flap book. In addition to the Palm Sunday story we will read the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection to be prepared for celebrating Easter next week! May you and your family be blessed as we remember this Holy Week.. 

OVERVIEW:

 

Activity One: Watch the video. The lesson today is “Palm Sunday.” The Adema family has prepared a video for this lesson. Say hello to some more of your Gold Ave. friends.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing an art or serve project. Pray together.

Worship:  Sing 

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

EQUIP:  

(It’s not an activity, but just a little background on the story for you, the parent, to read.)

The significance of the triumphal entry is magnified by the fact that the story is recorded in all four gospel accounts. Matthew 21:10 tells us, “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’” Jerusalem was quaking with anticipation when Jesus made His entry. The population of the city would most likely have tripled due to those who had come to celebrate Passover. In addition, there were 10 times the usual number of Roman soldiers to guard against any potential uprising from the Zealots. So, it was with soldiers watching, people bustling, and the city almost bursting at the seams that Jesus made His way toward Jerusalem.

Preparing to come down the hillside from the Mount of Olives, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy from Zechariah 9 and sent His disciples to untie a donkey and bring it to Him. The normal pomp and circumstance that would accompany a king entering a city were absent as Jesus approached on a humble donkey with His ragtag disciples following. The tradition of waving palm branches and crying “Hosanna” began 200 years earlier, following the reign of a bloodthirsty Syrian king named Antiochus Epiphanes. After many years, the Maccabees drove the Assyrian army and Epiphanes from Jerusalem. The people spontaneously celebrated by waving palm branches. From that point forward, the palm branch symbolized deliverance from oppression.

The gospel of Mark tells us that as Jesus entered, “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Mark 11:8–9). The Jewish people had hope that Jesus would be the one to overthrow the foreign rule of Rome; but Jesus was coming with an entirely different kingdom in mind.

Truly, there is no one like Jesus, for no one else would weep compassionately for people who He knew would not only reject Him, but also soon crucify Him. He displays that same compassionate lTruly, there is no one like Jesus, for no one else would weep compassionately for people who He knew would not only reject Him, but also soon crucify Him. He displays that same compassionate love for us.

This week, take time to consider the conscious or unconscious decisions you make in regard to Jesus being your King. Are there areas of your life where you set limits or hold back from relinquishing your will to His will? Even if it feels a bit uncomfortable, talk with Jesus about the difficulties you experience in this area. Openly share with Him your feelings and listen for what He may have to say.

Activity 1: STORY

(Optional Review) 

Last week we learned about how God saved Esther AND the Jewish people when Esther  courageously went to the king. God had gone before Esther, and the Jewish people were saved. God used Esther to help preserve His promised Savior.

Watch Palm Sunday video.

 

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

Ask your child to imagine what it must have been like to be in Jerusalem when Jesus came riding through the streets like a parade. The people cried, “Hosanna!” as a way to praise Jesus. 

  • I wonder … How would you have felt to see Jesus ride into town on a donkey?
  • What did the people say and do when they saw Jesus riding into town?
  • What do you think “Hosanna” means?
  • Why do we call this day Palm Sunday?
  • What were some other things that happened during Jesus’ last week of His life?
  • What does this mean for you and me?
  • I wonder … What do you say or do when you praise Jesus?

 

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Saves into your everyday life as a family.

 

Today’s Worship Song:  Since it´s Palm Sunday here are a few fun songs to help praise Jesus.

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

 

In today’s part of The Big God Story, God saved His people by sending Jesus to die on the cross and rise again. How can we thank and praise Him for this?  Can we find ways to serve others to show God how much we love him. Here is an idea to think of ways to serve others and two art projects to remind us of this last week of Jesus’ life.

 

Use the permanent marker to write “What needs to be done?” across the top of a piece of paper. Tape this to a wall. Print out the People, Heart, and Tree templates onto colored card stock and cut them out. You’ll want one of each shape per child.

Download and print the templates here: People, Heart, Tree (right click and select “download linked file”)

Jesus is our King and Savior. His greatest act of serving was to give up His life on the cross and die so we could be with Him forever. He invites us to serve others too. What does it mean to serve? Pause for responses. When we serve someone, it means we’re putting what we want aside and helping someone else. What are some ways you can serve God this week? Interact with responses. Those are great thoughts! We can serve another person, like a family member or someone in your neighborhood. Show the person shape. We can tell others about God’s love. Show the heart shape. We can serve God by caring for the animals and the world He created. Show the tree shape.

 

Let’s all spend a few moments asking God what needs to be done and listening to what He says. Invite children to spend a few moments praying silently, asking God how they can serve Him this week. Then, children can select a shape that best fits how they want to respond to God. Give children time to write or draw on the shape and attach it to the poster board using a glue dot. Let children know they can also leave the shape blank, if they prefer. 

 

Close by praying that God would help your children serve in their families, communities, and world this week. 

 

Palm Sunday page to color: 

Palm Sunday Activity to do:

Supplies to make 2 Hosanna Branch Wavers:

 

  • Green construction paper- 4 sheets
  • 4-8 ice-cream/pop sticks
  • Cellotape
  • A pencil
  • Scissors

 

  • Glue sticks or glue dots

 

Instructions:

  1. Outline your child’s hand on the green construction paper. (Make a minimum of 6 outlines. 8-10 will make your child’s waver really wave!)
  2. If your child is old enough to use a pair of scissors, allow him/her to cut around the hand print outlines. Otherwise, leave this part to the adult supervising the craft.
  3. Now stick the hand print outlines two on each row and build on upwards.
  4. Finally tape two ice-cream sticks to the bottom of the “branch” securely with the cello-tape. (I stuck two ice-cream sticks on top of each other and made the kids’ handles thicker.)

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

“Children, may you always celebrate Jesus as your King!”

Pray with your kids, asking them if they have any prayer requests and encouraging them to pray for others.  Have a blessed week!

 

Note: Please let us know about how your family is enjoying Children’s Worship! Take some pictures of your family participating in Children’s Worship or share a story. You can post to the Gold Avenue Church Facebook page or send by email at goldavechurch@gmail.com

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Holy Week Family Guide

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Easter 2020 is not looking like it usually does within the local church.  Even though this year looks different for all of us, as believers, we have reason to celebrate! We have resurrection hope that no outside circumstances can take away. There are many people in our communities and around the world who don’t have the luxury of “extra time” to celebrate, but there are some also who do.

 

Heather Sterenberg prepared this downloadable guide which gives daily readings and activities for you to participate in and lead your families through Holy Week well. She’s included all the sources in a page at the end of the plan. Holy Week 2020 begins with Palm Sunday, April 5 and concludes on April 12, Easter Sunday. 

 

We pray you’ll be blessed to participate in celebrating and remembering our Lord Jesus Christ and His great sacrifice and love for each of you.

Holy Week Family Guide

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Lent Readings, the Bible Project, & Zoom Part 2

The Discipleship Team invites you to connect with others as you continue in the Lent Readings that were provided at the beginning of Lent. Here is the GAC Lenten Calendar 2020 and Lenten Invitation (ways to engage with the readings). There will be a Zoom meeting on Saturday morning to connect and discuss, more info on that below!

For a little less than an hour on Saturday morning, join with others in our faith community and look at the remainder of the book of Matthew.  The Bible Project is an online resource that is a helpful tool when used alongside Scripture readings. Please watch the following video on Matthew Chapters 14- 28. 

Please plan to watch the video ahead of our meeting time and think through the following questions. A good discipline to engage in is journaling. Try journaling your answers as you read and watch the video. We hope to see you Saturday morning!

 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Think about 2 or 3 things that stuck out to you in the video. 
  2. What do you notice about humanity and God’s Kingdom?

 

Additional Questions to Ponder and Apply (Not required for discussion):

  1. What are some practical ways to apply the Word of God to your life?
  2. How did the Lent readings of these same chapters help you grow in your relationship with God?

 

Zoom Call information for Saturday, April 4 at 10am:

Join Zoom Meeting (click this link and follow prompts)
https://zoom.us/j/180715024

Meeting ID: 180 715 024

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,180715024# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,180715024# US (New York)

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