Children’s Worship 05.30.21

Dear Parents,

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

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

Who’s the Greatest?

Based on: Mark 9:33-37; 10:13-16

EQUIP:  

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

 

I’m encouraged to judge, vote on or rank pretty much everything I see— performances, people, news stories, you name it! And I’m expected to rank them by our culture’s values: success, education, wealth and beauty. Those standards can easily affect my estimate of who’s worthy—even in God’s kingdom!

But here is the good news: When Jesus came, He replaced these commonly accepted values with just one new kingdom value—servanthood. Being the servant of all requires no success, no education, no wealth and no beauty—any of Jesus’ followers can be the greatest, even me!

When I include and value each person—building that person up by my words and acceptance—I show the world Jesus’ radically opposite value system. When I serve others, forgetting myself completely instead of wondering who’ll notice my servanthood, I can be great in Jesus’ eyes!

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video of the story.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction to read to the children:  This story is in two parts. The first part is explained below. The second part is watching the video.

 

Before class, tape a sheet of butcher paper to table top. Draw a simple path and several trees alongside the path. As you tell the story, follow the directions to use Lego figures or action figures to demonstrate the Bible story actions.

 

 

Jesus and His friends had been walking back to Capernaum, which seemed to be their favorite place to stay. (Place several figures to represent Jesus and His disciples walking along the path.) But as they walked, Jesus overheard something: Some of His friends were arguing, probably in low voices to keep Jesus from hearing!

Soon they arrived at the house where they were going and took off their coats.  (Put figures at the end of the path with the disciples facing Jesus.)  Jesus asked His disciples, “What were you all arguing about on the road?” Perhaps Jesus’ friends had thought they had kept Jesus from hearing them argue. But He had heard them!

The disciples must have felt pretty uncomfortable. They probably wondered, _How can we tell Jesus that we were arguing about which of us is going to be the GREATEST in His kingdom? _ Even though there were things about Jesus and His kingdom that the disciples didn’t understand, they certainly DID understand that their arguing showed how selfish they all were! The things they’d been saying to each other were NOT going to please Jesus!

Jesus sat down. He knew what the disciples had argued about. And He knew that they were confused about the very DIFFERENT kingdom Jesus had come to bring to Earth! Jesus leaned in to talk with His dearest friends. It was time to set them straight! Jesus looked at His disciples. “If you want to be first,” He told them, “you need to become a servant to all.”

What do you think the disciples thought about being servants? Could Jesus be joking? Nobody listens to servants! they probably thought. Jesus’ disciples wanted to be LEADERS. They didn’t want to be SERVANTS! This wasn’t at ALL the kind of kingdom Jesus’ friends were looking for! Why is Jesus saying these things?!

Jesus knew the disciples didn’t understand what He had said, so He called to a little child, “Come here.” He stood the little child in the middle of the room where everyone could see. (Add a figure to represent the child.) Then Jesus held the child and said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me.” Jesus meant that children are so important that they should be welcomed just as Jesus would be welcomed

No matter who we are, we all have value in God’s eyes.

Jesus may have realized that the disciples still didn’t understand what being the greatest or the most important means. So on another day not long after this, Jesus helped His friends learn more about who is important and who isn’t.

Watch video:

 

Conclusion to read to the children:

Jesus taught His friends that EVERY person is important to God. Because God values us and loves us, He wants us to show other people the same kind of love. Read 1 John 4:11 aloud. “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Instead of worrying about who is the best, we can serve others with no worries—and be the greatest in God’s kingdom!

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

    • What were Jesus’ friends arguing about? (Who was going to be the greatest.) What did Jesus tell them?  (To be the greatest, serve others.)
    • What did Jesus do when His friends chased the kids away? (Invited the kids to come to Him. Said God’s kingdom is for them!)
    • What did Jesus’ friends learn? (Jesus loves children. God values every person.)
    • What are some reasons we know to value other people? (God loves them. God made them. God wants them to be part of His family.)
    • What are some ways we can show that we value others? (Listen when they talk, even if we disagree. Treat others fairly. Be friendly to kids who might be lonely.
  • Let’s pray now and ask God to show us how to value and love others.

Encourage children to pray for God to help them with something they need this week in their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

Worship Songs:

Activity #1  Print and color

 

Activity #2  Print and color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

Sometimes we all want to be first or to be the best at something. Jesus’ words help us understand that being first doesn’t mean we’re greater or more important than others. In God’s eyes, because He loves us all, we are all valuable to Him. And because God values and loves all of us, He wants us to value others by treating them in loving ways.

 

This week remember that God values you and values others. 

 

(______________), may you look for ways that God can use you to treat someone in a loving way.

/by

Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 05.23.21

A Note Before you Begin:  

 

This service was prayerfully planned and coordinated with worship planner, Marissa Walters,  in conjunction with Worship Coordinator, Kayleen Jasperse, and the pastors.

 

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

Call to Worship: 

The Call to Worship serves to focus our attention on the living God who is present with us; it calls us to position ourselves as those who are ready to worship and ready to receive from our Lord.

 

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

 

From 1 Corinthians 15:54-56:

 

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

 

“Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”

 

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

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

 

Worshiping in Song:

 

Christ is Risen

The Lord’s Greeting:

The Lord’s Greeting serves to remind us that we are in the presence of the living God. It makes space for him to greet us as our loving heavenly father who rules and reigns as the King over all and who is present with us as our loving heavenly father!

 

Fix your eyes on him as you read these words from  2 John 1:3 aloud:

 

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

 

Greeting One Another:

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

 

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

 

“The Lord be with you”

 

and in response: 

 

“And also with you”

 

And if you’re alone:

 

“The Lord is with me”

 

Graves Into Gardens

 

Thank You Jesus

 

Worthy of it All

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Regular Offering:

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

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

 

Song of Preparation

The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord.  Continue to fix your eyes on Jesus and surrender your attention and heart to him as we transition and prepare to enter into His Word. 

 

Our Father

 

The Preaching of the Word:

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

This week we are blessed to receive the Word of the Lord from Cody Zuiderveen who has been worshipping with us and participating in our Discipleship Groups with his family. Check out the video below to hear a little bit more about Cody:

 

 

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

Song of Response:

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

Resurrecting

The Lord’s Blessing:

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

 

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

 

From Numbers 6:24-26:

 

The Lord bless you
and keep you;

 

the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;

 

the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace

 

Closing Song: 

Doxology

/by

Children’s Worship 05.23.21

Dear Parents,

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

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

Lunch for Everyone

Based on: Mark 6:30-44

EQUIP:  

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

 

I don’t know about you, but when I find myself in difficult circumstances, I often become pretty absorbed with finding solutions to my problems. When life gets uncomfortable for us, thinking about other people’s needs doesn’t come very naturally!

 

But Jesus wants us to give our problems to Him—and then get busy serving others. How do we do that when we’re worried, anxious or frustrated? I’ve found that one very simple way is to pray for people. Prayer helps me forget about myself for a while and think about others—and about God. The amazing thing is that when I do this, I end up feeling so much better myself—and I often end up with some surprising blessings!

 

In the story about Jesus feeding the 5,000, we see that Jesus not only cared for the physical hunger of the people, but He also cared for their hungry souls. Mark tells us in his Gospel that Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus’ compassion led Him to teach the good news about God, despite His own need for rest. Jesus showed us then and He shows us now that He is the true Shepherd sent by God. Jesus gladly provides for all our needs.

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video of the story.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction to read the children:

Jesus’ friends had traveled to many villages to tell everyone about God’s kingdom—and now they had returned home, tired and hungry but triumphant! They probably couldn’t wait to sit down and eat with Jesus and tell Him all that had happened! But as usual, they weren’t alone. In fact, so many people were coming and going that they didn’t even have time to eat! So Jesus said, “Come with Me. We’ll go to a quiet place and get some rest.” So Jesus and His disciples got in a boat.

 

But the people who had seen them leave began to run along the shore, keeping an eye  on the boat on the water! And as they ran, more and MORE people joined them! By the time Jesus and His friends got to the “quiet place,” it held an even BIGGER crowd than the crowd they had left behind! They weren’t going to get dinner or rest anytime soon! What do you think the tired disciples thought when they saw the crowd?

 

Watch video:

 

Conclusion to read to the children:

Everyone in this Bible story needed something! Jesus and the disciples needed to rest. The crowd of people needed to know about God, and they needed food! Despite His own needs, Jesus wasn’t mean or unselfish or uncaring. He always put others’ needs ahead of His own.

 

We may think that before we help someone else, we need to meet our own needs first. But that’s not what Jesus did, and that’s not what Jesus tells us to do. We need to look at things differently. When we follow Jesus, we have different attitudes and actions. 

 

Romans 12:10 tells us what our attitude should be like. (Read aloud Romans 12:10). “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

 

We can have an attitude just like Jesus’, and we can show love by helping others in need.

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

  • Why were people in Bible times so anxious to see Jesus and hear Him teach?
  • When Jesus saw the big crowd, what did He do to help them? (Taught them about God. Fed them.)
  • How did the disciples meet others’ needs, even when they were hungry, too? (Gave out food. Obeyed Jesus.)
  • Let children tell briefly of a time when they helped someone, even when it wasn’t convenient. (Take out the trash,  help pick up someone else’s mess,  play with a younger brother or sister when you want to be alone.)

 

  • Let’s pray now and talk to God and ask Him to show us how to help others and then be willing to do it.

Encourage children to pray for God to help them with something they need this week in their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

Activity #2  Print and color

 

 


 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

This week remember that God will use you to help others.

 

(______________), may you look for ways that God can use you to help someone else in need. 

/by

Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 05.16.21

A Note Before you Begin:  

 

This service was prayerfully planned and coordinated with worship planner, Marissa Walters,  in conjunction with Worship Coordinator, Kayleen Jasperse, and the pastors.

 

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

Call to Worship: 

The Call to Worship serves to focus our attention on the living God who is present with us; it calls us to position ourselves as those who are ready to worship and ready to receive from our Lord.

 

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

 

From Colossians 1:15-22

 

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
    He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
 for through him God created everything
    in the heavenly realms and on earth.

 

He made the things we can see
    and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
    Everything was created through him and for him.

 

He existed before anything else,
    and he holds all creation together.
Christ is also the head of the church,
    which is his body.

 

He is the beginning,
    supreme over all who rise from the dead.
    So he is first in everything.

 

For God in all his fullness
    was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
    everything to himself.

 

He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
    by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

 

 

This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.

 

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

 

Worshiping in Song:

 

Our God Saves

The Lord’s Greeting:

The Lord’s Greeting serves to remind us that we are in the presence of the living God. It makes space for him to greet us as our loving heavenly father who rules and reigns as the King over all and who is present with us as our loving heavenly father!

 

Fix your eyes on him as you read these words from of Jesus John 10:10 aloud:

 

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 

Greeting One Another:

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

 

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

 

“The Lord be with you”

 

and in response: 

 

“And also with you”

 

And if you’re alone:

 

“The Lord is with me”

 

You Have Won Me

 

Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me

 

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Regular Offering:

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

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

 

Special Offering for May: Bridge Street Ministries

Once a month we take a special offering to support special causes the Deacons have prayerfully discerned. This month’s special offering is for Bridge Street Ministries. Please read a bit about BSM from Derek Sterenberg below:

Bridge Street Ministries exists to build bridges between the streets and the church. We are a Christian based ministry operating and serving in the West Side of Grand Rapids. We provide the youth of our neighborhood with a safe place to grow socially, spiritually and academically. We believe that young people today will grow to become leaders in our community, and this is why we follow a Discipleship Pathway that begins in middle school and continues into college years. We firmly believe that God is actively manifesting His kingdom in our neighborhood and our desire is to see His shalom felt throughout Grand Rapids.

You can give to the Special Offering by:

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

 

Song of Preparation

The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord.  Continue to fix your eyes on Jesus and surrender your attention and heart to him as we transition and prepare to enter into His Word. 

 

Wonderful Merciful Savior

 

The Preaching of the Word:

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

 

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

Song of Response:

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

Living Hope

The Lord’s Blessing:

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

 

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

 

From Numbers 6:24-26:

 

The Lord bless you
and keep you;

 

the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;

 

the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace

 

Closing Song: 

This is My Father’s World

/by

Children’s Worship 05.16.21

Dear Parents,

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

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

Wake Up Little Girl!

Based on: Mark 5:21-43

EQUIP:  

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

 

When I am having a difficult day or have received some bad news, what is my first response? I know that I should turn to God, but sometimes I think first of myself and get upset. Only later do I remember to turn to God.

 

The stories of Jairus’s daughter and the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak encourage me to be more confident in my faith. Jairus believed that if he could just get Jesus to see his daughter, then she would be healed. The woman believed that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ clothes, her suffering would be gone. These were ordinary, everyday people, but they had extraordinary faith!

 

Psalm 17:6 is a great reminder for me to call on God. And when I do, I know that He will answer me. There isn’t a prayer that gets ignored by God. Spend some time letting God know what is on your heart.

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video of the story.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction to read the children:

 

As Jesus and His friends arrived in town, a crowd  gathered around them. And a man named Jairus  desperately pushed his way toward Jesus. Jairus  was an important man in town. He was an official in the synagogue where everyone in town gathered to worship and to learn about God’s Word. When Jairus finally got to Jesus, Jairus fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come and put His hands on his daughter so that she could be healed. You see, Jairus’s daughter was so sick that Jairus was afraid she would die if she didn’t get Jesus’ help! What do you think your parents would do if you were so sick that they thought you might die? Jairus must have believed that Jesus could help his daughter, so he was glad when Jesus started with him toward his house.

 

Watch video:

JESUS, (English), Jesus brings Jairus’ Dead Daughter Back to Life

 

Conclusion to read to the children

Jairus and the woman must have been so glad that they had believed in Jesus and asked Him for help, even when it seemed as if Jesus was too busy or there was no hope! Sometimes when we have problems or even BIG worries, we might stop believing that Jesus can help us. We might even forget to ask for His help! But listen to what Psalm 17:6 tells us to do. (Read verse aloud.) “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” When we call on God, it means we pray to Him. He answers! We can be confident that He will give us what we need. He doesn’t always answer in the way we expect—sometimes He might say “No” or “Later” or “Here’s something better!”

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

  • What did Jairus want Jesus to do? (Heal his sick girl.)
  • What did Jesus say to Jairus when his friends told him his daughter was dead? (Don’t be afraid. Believe.)
  • What are some ways God might answer our prayers? (He might say “Yes,” “No,” “Wait a while” or even “I have something better.”) God can also answer our prayers by reminding us that He really loves us!
  • What are some things kids your age can talk to God about? (A bully at school. Good things that happen. Kids making fun of you. Trouble with brother or sister.)

Let’s pray now and talk to God about something that is a problem in our life and to trust Him to answer our prayers in the best way.

Encourage children to pray for God to help them with something they need this week in their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

Jesus Loves The Little Children

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY

#1 Print and Color

Activity #2  Prayer Pocket

Supplies

  • Scissors
  • Glue sticks
  • Markers
  • Hole punch
  • Yarn or narrow ribbon
  • Craft sticks

Give each student a Prayer Pocket sheet. Students cut out Prayer Pocket along the solid lines. Students fold in the side flaps along the dotted lines and put glue on them. Then students fold the back up. Students decorate the front and back of their pocket and then use hole punch to make holes at the dots. Students thread yarn or narrow ribbon through holes and tie ends to make a hanger. Give each student several craft sticks to write one-word prayer requests (family, friends, pet, school, sports, etc.). Students place craft sticks inside their pockets.

Hang your pockets somewhere you see often. Before bedtime or when you wake up, take out one of your craft sticks and talk to God about what is written on the stick. God loves it when we talk to Him. The Bible says that when we talk to God, He will answer us. I’m glad that God listens to me when I pray and that He is never too busy to hear me.

 

Activity #3  Print and Color

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

This week remember that God will always listen to you when you call to Him. There isn’t a prayer spoken that God doesn’t hear.

 

(______________), may you know that God always hears and answers prayer.

 

/by

Regathering Update 05.12.21 (Family Gathering Details)

Read our full guidelines here: Covid-19 Regathering Guidelines We’ll keep this document updated to reflect the latest guidance.

We are excited to see you at our Family Gathering THIS Sunday, May 16, 2021, from 3-5PM, at Gold Avenue Church. We anticipate that it will be a joyful time of reconnecting and hearing more about what to expect when we regather for Sunday morning worship on June 6, 2021. Here is what we will do when we meet on Sunday: 

We will meet outside at 3:00pm on what looks to be a beautiful spring day, to enjoy fellowship and reconnecting. The south-east parking lot will be roped off to create a space for this, other areas that can be used are the patio on the east side of the building or the park across the street. Red lanyards will be available for people who would like to fellowship outside, but are very cautious. They are a visual reminder that the person wearing one would like to have people around them wear a mask and keep 6 feet of distance.

We will then move inside through the main doors on California St. We will be checked in before finding seats as a way to test our check-in system. Every other row of seating will have been removed in order to help with physical distancing. The floor space in the alcove on the south side of the sanctuary will be reserved for families with small children. Families may bring a picnic blanket and/or beach chairs so they can sit with their children.

Throughout our time inside we will hear from the Regathering Team about what our guidelines for regathering will be, and what we can expect when we regather for Sunday Worship. We will hear about the new interim positions that have been created to aid in our regathering, for which we are all very excited about. We’ll share more about what our testimony time will look like as we regather, and we’ll end with joyful worship. We are very excited to meet to talk about these things and that our regathering will begin in just a few short weeks on June 6!

Lastly, please keep in mind that there is still a pandemic going on, so things will continue to look different for a while. Below are the guidelines that the Regathering Team has prayerfully and carefully discerned regarding how our Gold Ave Church family can safely resume in-person services in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to create as safe of an environment as possible and reasonable. We respectfully ask for much grace and ask that we all make every effort to follow the guidelines set forth by Paul in Ephesians 4:2-3   “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” First is a short infographic that summarizes our guidelines, and after that is the full document which explains each point in more detail. You are invited to view this ahead of the family gathering if you desire to.

 

Read our full guidelines ahead of the gathering here: Covid-19 Regathering Guidelines – Please note that since publishing these guidelines on Wednesday, there has been new guidance from the CDC and the State of Michigan, lifting mask wearing requirements for those who have been fully vaccinated in most circumstances (still subject to local guidance). As the Regathering Team is constantly monitoring these and prayerfully discerning how to apply them to our situation, this has led to a change in our guidelines. Since we will not be monitoring who has been vaccinated or not; our mask wearing requirement has changed to a recommendation to wear masks for all those who have not been vaccinated. We realize that some who have been vaccinated may choose to continue to wear a mask, while others may have health or other legitimate reasons for not wearing a mask, or not being vaccinated. In an effort to maintain unity and avoid any needless division, we ask to please not make assumptions about whether someone is or is not vaccinated by whether or not they are wearing a mask or not. Another addition is that there will be a limited number of N95 or KN95 masks available for those desiring a higher degree of personal protection.

Note that there will not be an open discussion time during the gathering. Please send questions to the regathering team at gold.regathering@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

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Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 05.09.21

A note before you begin:  

 

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

 

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

Call to Worship: 

The Call to Worship serves to focus our attention on the living God who is present with us; it calls us to position ourselves as those who are ready to worship and ready to receive from our Lord.

 

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

 

From Psalm 24:7-10:

 

Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.

Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory.

 

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

 

Worshiping in Song:

 

This is Amazing Grace

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 these words from 2 John 1:3 aloud:

 

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

 

Greeting One Another:

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

 

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

 

“The Lord be with you”

 

and in response: 

 

“And also with you”

 

And if you’re alone:

 

“The Lord is with me”

 

King of Kings

 

I will Follow

 

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

Please be in prayer for Pastor Dave, Anne, Pieter, Sarah, Rachel, and Matthew Westra as they received word on Wednesday, 5/5 that their brother-in-law and uncle, Dave Mantel (married to Pastor Dave’s sister, Christine), passed away Tuesday evening after a long and painful battle with cancer. Dave’s passing is a tremendous loss as he leaves behind his wife Christine and their 4 children. You can read more about the Westra’s brother-in-law and uncle  here.  If you would like to send a card, you can access the Westra’s address in the church directory directly from your Weekly Update email.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Regular Offering:

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

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

 

Song of Preparation

The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord.  Continue to fix your eyes on Jesus and surrender your attention and heart to him as we transition and prepare to enter into His Word. 

 

Refiner’s Fire

 

The Preaching of the Word:

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

 

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

 

Song of Response:

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

Build Your Kingdom Here

The Lord’s Blessing:

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

 

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

 

From Numbers 6:24-26:

 

The Lord bless you
and keep you;

 

the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;

 

the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace

 

Closing Song: 

We Love You Lord | We Exalt Thee

 

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Children’s Worship 05.09.21

Dear Parents,

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

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

Sleeping Through the Storm

Based on: Mark 4:35-41

EQUIP:  

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

 

During the worst year of my life, I received a unique gift: a tiger swallowtail butterfly. It had been rescued from the middle of the busiest, dirtiest street in the city, plucked from certain death in an improbable way and placed in a take-out box. In an impossible place, this delicate creature had rested and been graced with a rescue as it rested. Its presence in my hands reminded me of the lack of rest in my own life as I scrambled to fix everything myself, on my own terms.

 

As Jesus slept through the howling wind and crashing waves, His peaceful nap reminds us that He had made this water and called forth this wind— they were His! Jesus’ actions astonished His disciples, mainly because they didn’t fully understand yet who He was. Today, we have complete information about Him. Knowing fully that He is the Savior sent by God, we also must answer His questions: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). He is still Lord, still able!

 

From the outside, the peace Jesus offers us may look as improbable as a butterfly resting in the middle of a busy street—or as Jesus Himself sleeping peacefully through a storm! But as we rest in His peace, we receive the ability to sit tight in the middle of the worst possible situation, trusting Him to do more than we can imagine!

 

Activity One:  Read the intro. Watch the video of the story.

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

Worship: Singing 

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

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

 

 

Activity 1:  STORY

 

Introduction to read the children:

Jesus and His friends were near the Sea of Galilee. They were with a huge crowd of people who had come to see Jesus. All day long, Jesus was teaching and healing. He and His friends were getting tired, but even when it got late, the people stayed. They weren’t going anywhere!

 

Jesus turned to His friends and said, “Let’s get into the boat and travel to the other side of the sea.” This would give Jesus and His friends a chance to rest before another crowd of people gathered!

 

Watch video:

 

 

Conclusion to read to the children

 

Jesus proved that He has power over all of creation. He can keep us safe in any storm. He can give us peace in any scary situation. Show bike lock. Does your bike have the ability to keep itself safe from being stolen? No! That’s why you lock it up. Then you have peace of mind that it is safe! In the same way, when times are hard and scary, there is no one like Jesus to depend on. When we ask for His help and remember His power, it gives us peace of mind in scary times.

Our Bible verse today tells us the BEST way to lock onto that peace! Read aloud Philippians 4:6.  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”  Don’t worry! In every situation, we can pray and trust Jesus! When we thank Him and trust Him, He gives us peace. He helps us feel safe and cared for.

 

Activity 2:  DISCUSSION

  • Why do you think Jesus continued to sleep during such a bad storm? (He knew God would take care of them. He knew He had power over the storm.)
  • Why did Jesus’ friends think He didn’t care about them? How did Jesus show them He would help them when they asked?
  • Why do you think Jesus’ friends were so amazed when He stopped the storm? (They didn’t realize He had power over wind and waves. They didn’t realize how powerful He really was.)
  • What do you think a kid who needs peace should do? (Ask a trusted person for help. Pray.) What does Philippians 4:6 tell us to do? (Tell God your worries.)
  • What are ways to have peace when you are worried or afraid? (Pray. Believe Jesus. Trust God. Thank God for His help.)

Let’s pray now and ask God for peace for something that is bothering us and to trust Him to take care of it.

Encourage children to pray for God to help them with something they need peace with this week in their own words. Then, transition into a time of prayer for personal requests.

 

Worship Songs:

 

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY #1

Jesus Brings Peace Crayon Resist Art

 

Help kids remember this Bible story about Jesus calming the storm and bringing peace for the disciples and for us, too, with this craft.

 

Supplies

  • white crayon (or a wax candle)
  • watercolor paint
  • cardstock or watercolor paper
  • paintbrushes

 

Instructions:

  1. Have children write (or you write) “Jesus gives me peace,” or Jesus gives me peace in scary times,“ or the verse Phillipians 4:6 on the cardstock using a white crayon.
  2. Paint over the cardstock with watercolor paint.
  3. Let dry, and voila! Crayon resist art!

 

Activity #2  Print and Color

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING

 

This week when I’m at work or home, I’m going to talk to God about things that worry me. I’ll pray that you remember to talk to God, too.

 

(______________), may God bless you with His peace this week and forever!

 

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Regathering Update 05.05.21

Please join us for our Family Gathering NEXT Sunday, May 16, 2021, from 3-5PM. We anticipate that it will be a joyful time of reconnecting and hearing more about what to expect when we regather for Sunday morning worship on June 6, 2021. We’ll share more details in next week’s update so be sure to check it out!

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Gold Avenue Church At Home Worship Liturgy 05.02.21

A note before you begin:  

 

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

 

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

Call to Worship: 

The Call to Worship serves to focus our attention on the living God who is present with us; it calls us to position ourselves as those who are ready to worship and ready to receive from our Lord.

 

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

From Philippians 2:5-11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

 

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

 

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

 

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

 

Worshiping in Song:

 

There is a Name

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 these words from 2 John 1:3 aloud:

 

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

 

Greeting One Another:

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

 

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

 

“The Lord be with you”

 

and in response: 

 

“And also with you”

 

And if you’re alone:

 

“The Lord is with me”

 

Jesus There’s No One Like You

 

To Our God

 

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Regular Offering:

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

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

 

Song of Preparation

The Song of Preparation serves to prepare our hearts to receive the Word of the Lord.  Continue to fix your eyes on Jesus and surrender your attention and heart to him as we transition and prepare to enter into His Word. 

 

Open the Eyes of My Heart

 

The Preaching of the Word:

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

 

Access the audio of the sermon here: Sermon Audio Recording

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 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.  God’s 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. 

 

Song of Response:

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

Glorify Thy Name

The Lord’s Blessing:

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

 

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

 

From Numbers 6:24-26:

 

The Lord bless you
and keep you;

 

the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;

 

the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace

 

Closing Song: 

 

Doxology

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