Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  Today we are reminded that as Gods’ children we’re a part of a bigger family: God’s family! God wants everyone to be part of His family. When we choose to trust and obey Jesus, we become part of God’s family.

 

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

 

OVERVIEW:

 

Activity One: Watch the video(s)

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship: Sing 

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing the activity(s). Pray together.

Activity Four:  Bless your children 

EQUIP:  

Offers perspective and context to the lesson’s Bible passage

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them'” (Luke 15:1–2). To really understand the significance of Jesus’ message in the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son, it’s helpful to take a look at the social and religious climate of the time. The Jewish leaders looked disapprovingly on tax collectors, Gentiles, and “sinners” as morally and religiously impure. They didn’t pursue relationship with these marginalized people, nor did they attempt to introduce them to God. They were considered lost. The fact that Jesus welcomed such people into His circle and shared meals with them was unheard of and quite uncomfortable to the Pharisees and teachers.

God chose the descendants of Abraham to take the message of who He is to the entire world. It was to be through the example of their relationship with God that other nations would be able to know the one true God. They were blessed to be a blessing to all people. Instead, over time this message was hoarded and kept within the Jewish community—excluding all who fell outside the law.

Jesus rebuked the judgmental mutterings of the Pharisees and teachers by telling three different parables with one central point: God rejoices when the lost are found (and so the Pharisees should too). Every person who isn’t in relationship with God is lost. Every person who is lost matters to God, and He invites the restoration of relationship with Him. God wants everyone to be part of His family.

 

Activity 1: STORY  

The Three Lost Things. 

Intro Video:

Lost Sheep and Lost Son: 

 

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

From The Big God Story today, we heard three stories that Jesus told. They each were about things of great value that were lost but then found. There was a big celebration when the lost things were found. God loves each person He made and wants everyone to be part of His family.

 

I wonder . .  What were the three lost things?

I wonder … How do I feel when I lose something?

I wonder … How does God feel when one of His children is lost?

I wonder … What does God do or say when He celebrates that one of His children is found?

Worship Songs: 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

Option 1:   Playdough Lost items 

Supplies: Playdough

Give each child a lump of play dough. Have the kids make items related to the Bible story: a sheep, a coin, or a son. As kids work, allow them to retell the parable for the object they chose to shape. Remind kids that Jesus told these parables to teach about Himself. He gave up His own life to save people from sin. Say, “What does it mean to be lost? Being lost means not knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior

Option 2:  Make a sheep mask

Supplies: 

Paper Plates

Cotton Balls

Glue or glue sticks

Scissors

 

Directions: Cut the middle out of a paper plate, glue cotton balls around the outside. Use the middle part to make ears and glue them on. Use the mask when you sing this song to the tune of Jesus Loves Me. You may want to reinforce the paper plate with a piece of cardboard or another cut out paper plate if it gets heavy with cotton balls.

 

I am Jesus’ little lamb,

Happy all day long I am

I am His and He is mine,

For I am His little lamb.

 

Yes, Jesus loves me,

Yes, Jesus loves me,

Yes, Jesus loves me,

The Bible tells me so.

 

Option 3: Pin the Tail on the Sheep

Supplies:

Large paper with a drawing of a sheep on it. Mark where the tail is supposed to go with an X.  Tape the drawing to a wall within reach of children.

Cotton balls (1 per child)

Glue dots  1 per child)

Optional: blindfold

Directions:

Give each child a chance to try to place the sheep’s tail on the sheep. Whoever places the tail the closest to the X is the winner. Have the child close his/her eyes and try to place the tail, using a blindfold as necessary. For an additional challenge, consider gently spinning each child in a circle three times to confuse his sense of direction. Encourage the group to help cheer on each child, giving him hints if he’s getting colder (farther away) or warmer (closer). Continue this game until everyone has had a turn.

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

Begin by reading this verse from 1 John 3:1a over them: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

 

(“Child’s name”), “may you know you’re God’s child. May you know you’re loved by Him, and there is nowhere that His love can’t reach you.”

 

A Note before you begin:

 

Welcome to Gold Avenue Church’s At home Worship Liturgy; we’re so grateful to join together in Spirit as we worship! We want to give special thanks to our worship leaders: Kayleen Jasperse, Derek Sterenberg, and Marissa Walters who have been prayerfully discerning our Orders of Worship and Derek in particular who prepared this week’s order. While we would love to be together in person and  it may be somewhat difficult or even a little bit uncomfortable to worship from home, we’re reminded of the many believers around the world and throughout time that have worshipped from their homes in the wake of political and religious opposition. Our prayer is that despite the circumstances you’re able to be fully present to the Lord and that he meets with each of you richly.

 

Call to Worship: 

The Call to Worship serves to focus our attention on the living God who is present with us; it calls us to position ourselves as those who are ready to worship and ready to receive from Him. Read the following out loud as you fix your eyes on Jesus:

 

From Psalm 145:
 
I will exalt you, my God the King;
    I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will praise you
    and extol your name for ever and ever.
 
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another;
    they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
    and I will meditate on your wonderful works.[b]
They tell of the power of your awesome works—
    and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They celebrate your abundant goodness
    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
 
The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
    slow to anger and rich in love.
The Lord is good to all;
    he has compassion on all he has made.
All your works praise you, Lord;
    your faithful people extol you.
They tell of the glory of your kingdom
    and speak of your might,
so that all people may know of your mighty acts
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures through all generations.

 

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

 

Worshiping in Song:

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

 

Hosanna Praise is Rising

 

 

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

[Repeat]

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 and who is present with us as our loving heavenly father!

 

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

 

From 2 John 1:3:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.

 

Greeting One Another:

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

 

“The Lord be with you!” and in response:  “and also with you!”

 

And if you’re alone: “The Lord is with me!”

 

How Great Thou Art



O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

And when I think of God, His Son not sparing

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing

He bled and died to take away my sin

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart

Then I shall bow with humble adoration

And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

 

High and Lifted Up

 

 

Lord of all the earth

And all of heaven

I come and seek Your face

Worship You with all I have within me

Humbled by Your grace

Every heart every nation

Every tribe all creation

Will bow before Your presence and sing

You are high and lifted up

You are high and lifted up

And my soul sings hallelujah

To the Lamb

The Lamb of God

Lord of righteousness

You come in glory

Bright and morning star

All my days I’ll worship and adore You

Healer of my heart

Every prayer every cry

You alone satisfy

We will lift Your praise

Again and again

Majesty

Majesty

Jesus Lamb of God

Majesty

Majesty

Holy are You Lord

 




O Praise the Name (Anastasis)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq14jT0c4l4



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



Testimony and Family Prayer Time:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Regular offering:

 

Offering our tithes and offerings to the Lord gives us an opportunity to give back to the Lord for the ways in which he has blessed us. You can 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 https://www.paypal.com/donate/…
  3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 

 

Time of Lament:

 

As a community we just experienced a series on lament as an expression of faith. It was mostly “personal” in focus, but the Lord also calls us to corporately lament evil, injustice—anything short of his kingdom and his glory. Today, in light of ongoing and recent events, we invite you to do that via the prayer below.

 

This prayer can be used at this time, but shouldn’t be limited to this time. It is long and rich and it may take extended time for you to be fully immersed in it; to that end, feel free to come back to it, use it for your personal devotional time, or work through it however you feel led as together we pray in the fullness of God’s Kingdom.

A Prayer of Lament and Repentance for Racism

 

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, and in our nation, as it is in heaven. 

 

Lord, as we reflect on your kingdom, these thoughts come to mind:

 

Light-We give thanks and praise to you Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 

 

Righteousness, Peace and Joy-Lord, your Word teaches us that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

 

Justice-Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

 

Lord, we bring our heartache and pain to you, as we have witnessed and heard about acts of violence and hatred against our brothers and sisters of color in the past several weeks, months and many years in this nation’s history.

 

We lament the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis this past week.  We cry tears of grief with his family and cry out on behalf of all people of color, who once again experience acts of aggression, oppression and murder.  How long oh Lord, how long?

 

How long will prejudice and racial bias result in misinterpreting situations and result in wrongful actions and reactions?  Christ, have mercy!

 

We lament the violence and chaos that has erupted as demonstrations have become violent.  Lord, have mercy!

 

We repent of ways we have participated, knowingly or unknowingly, in the sin of racism (thinking lower of a person or group of people or harboring hatred toward them, based on the color of their skin.)  We acknowledge that racism is “not a skin problem, it is a sin problem”, and so we ask you Lord to search our hearts and reveal if any of these things are present:

 

Have I fully loved God and fully loved my neighbor as myself?

Have I caused pain to others by my actions or my words that offended my brother or my sister?

Have I done enough to inform myself about the sin of racism, its roots, and its historical and contemporary manifestations? Have I opened my heart to see how unequal access to economic opportunity, jobs, housing, and education on the basis of skin color, race, or ethnicity, has denied and continues to deny the equal dignity of others?

Is there a root of racism within me that blurs my vision of who my neighbor is?

Have I ever witnessed an occasion when someone “fell victim” to personal, institutional, systematic or social racism and I did or said nothing, leaving the victim to address their pain alone? 

 

Allow Time for Personal Reflection and Repentance Aloud, as encouraged in James 5:16: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. 

 

Father, we thank you for your forgiveness and we receive it.  We pray that you would cause your church across this nation to enter into intentional and sustained repentance and prayer, for the healing of our land, trusting in your promise “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. 

 

We pray that your church would reflect the characteristics of your kingdom: light, love, righteousness, peace, joy and justice. 

 

We praise you for the promise that you,God, will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

 

Today Jesus, we remember your words that “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.”  We welcome you Holy Spirit.  We welcome you to bring truth in our country.  We ask you to bring a mighty testimony to Jesus, through your church at this time.  

 

Father, you have always intended for your children to act as lights in dark places, to bring love that drives out fear and to love each other deeply for love covers over a multitude of sins.  Lord, help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Empower us to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with you day be day.

 

We pray for your kingdom to come more fully here on earth. Rule and reign in our lives.

 

We welcome the Holy Spirit to fill us afresh today, working in and through us, bringing peace and racial reconciliation in our neighborhood, in our nation, and the world, for your glory, forever and ever, In Jesus’ name, Amen! 

 

 

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 as we transition and prepare to enter into His Word. This may be a newer song; feel free to soak, reflect, or sing along as you feel led. 

 

Weep With Me 

 

Weep with me

Lord will You weep with me?

I don’t need answers, all I need

Is to know that You care for me

Hear my plea

Are You even listening?

Lord I will wrestle with Your heart

But I won’t let You go

You know I believe

Help my unbelief

Yet I will praise You

Yet I will sing of Your name

Here in the shadows

Here I will offer my praise

What’s true in the light

Is still true in the dark

You’re good and You’re kind

And You care for this heart

Lord I believe

You weep with me

Part the seas

Lord make a way for me

Here in the midst of my lament

I have faith, yes I still believe

That You love me

Your plans are to prosper me

You’re working everything for good

Even when I can’t see

You know I believe, yeah

Help my unbelief, oh

Yet I will praise You

Yet I will sing of Your name

Here in the shadows

Here I will offer my praise

What’s true in the light

Is still true in the dark

You’re good and You’re kind

And You care for this heart

Lord I believe

That you weep with me

Turn my lament into a love song

From this lament, raise up an anthem

Oh I’ll sing it in the darkness, oh

Turn my lament into a love song, ’cause I love You Lord

And from this lament, raise up an anthem, oh

Oh I’ll sing it in the darkness

Yet I will praise You

Yet I will sing of Your name

Right here in the shadows

Right here I will offer my praise

What was true in the light

Is still true in the dark

You’re good and You’re kind

And You care for this heart

Lord I believe

That you weep with me

Yeah you weep with me

 

The Preaching of the Word:

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. You’re welcome to sing along, to listen and reflect, to pray or journal, etc. 

 

Goodness of God

 

 

I love You, Lord

For Your mercy never fails me

All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

 

Cause all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

 

I love Your voice

You have led me through the fire

And in darkest night You are close like no other

I’ve known You as a Father

I’ve known You as a Friend

And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah

 

And all my life You have been faithful, ohh

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God, yeah

 

‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now

I give You everything

‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me, oh-ohh

‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now

I give You everything

‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it keeps running after me

 

And all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing

‘Cause all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

 

The Lord’s Blessing:

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

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

 
From Numbers 6:24-26
 
The Lord bless you 
    and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace


Closing Song

 

Doxology



Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures here below

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

 

 

 

Children’s Worship Lesson:

We welcome all to join us in participating in these lessons, whether with family or not!  Throughout these weeks at home, members of our church family have been helping to create this content, so please, check out the lessons, go back and watch the videos, many of which have been produced by our own family!  Click on the picture or check them out in the “Children / Youth” category on the blog.

 

Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  Today we are reminded that God wants us to give generously as did the widow who gave the last of her money.  God is generous to us and has given us many things like money, talents, abilities, and most of all salvation, so we can be a blessing to others.

Please let us know about how you and your family are 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

OVERVIEW:

 

Activity One: Watch the video. 

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship: Sing 

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing the activity(s). Pray together.

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 Lord speaks through numerous verses on tithing and offering in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the people requested what amount they were to give as a portion of the first fruits. The tithe, or tenth, was established as a percentage the people were to offer to the Lord. This tenth was to be the first 10 percent of all income—including harvest, cattle, the selling of property, and wages earned for each day’s work. There were three different “tenths” the people were to give—two were yearly and one was every three years. This tenth was then broken down and distributed among the priests and Levites, the treasury, and the poor. God commanded kindness and generosity in the treatment of the priests and Levites, for they would not inherit wealth from the acquiring and selling of land. As for those who were from foreign lands, or already inhabiting the land in which His people were to dwell, God directed His people to care for the strangers with kindness. To anyone who asked for help, the people were commanded by God to offer what was asked for or needed. If the people asking were refused, the Lord counted it as sin against those who declined to help.

 

Although a tithe, or tenth, is not mentioned in the New Testament, the offerings of first fruits and generosity continue. In Luke 21:1–4, Jesus talks about the heart of giving to the Lord when He compares the offerings of the wealthy and the widow who had little financially. To give generously is not a request from the Lord, but a command. For if God is the provider, then as His people we are freed to give generously to others, knowing that He is generous to us. Giving is a matter of the heart between God and His children. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Activity 1: STORY  

Watch video #1: Introductory video

Watch video #2:  Bible Story

 

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

Today in The Big God Story, Jesus was in the temple while people were giving their offerings. Jesus was pleased at the offering of the widow because even though she was poor, she gave everything she had. She gave generously to God. God is generous to us so that we too can be generous to others.

I wonder … How did the widow feel after she gave her offering of two coins?

I wonder … How has God been generous to me?

I wonder … What can I give to God?

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.

Worship Song(s): 

Here’s another song by Steve Green from his “Hide “Em in Your Heart, Vol.1) CD.  (Just a note from Mrs. Sharon: If you can find it, it’s a great way for kids to memorize Scripture. And the songs are really fun. There is a DVD of it, also. You can borrow CDs for a while if you’d like.)

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

 

#1 Activity Sheet/Coin Rubbings

Directions:  Find the hidden items in the picture, then color the picture. For more fun gather some different size coins and crayons and do some coin rubbings in the margin of the paper.

#2 Optional Game:  Give It Away

Supplies

  • Satchel or pouch (small)
  • Coins (handful)
  • Timer or game buzzer

Set Up:  Place coins inside satchel or pouch.

 

God is generous and has given us so much! We can give too. We can use our money, our gifts, our time—everything in our lives to care for the people and things around us. God’s generosity spurs us toward generous giving. In this game, children will need to give away what they’ve received as fast as they can!

 

Gather children together and sit in a circle on the floor. Today in The Big God Story, we heard about what it means to be a generous giver—to share and give what we’ve been given with others. Now we’re going to play a game that’s like Hot Potato. You’ll try to give away what you’ve been given as quickly as possible. Once you receive the pouch of money, pass it along as fast as you can so it gets into someone else’s hands before the timer goes off.

 

To start the game, we’ll pass the pouch around the circle from person to person as quickly as possible. When you hear the timer or game buzzer, you must stop. Whoever has the coins in his hands when the buzzer sounds will be out for the rest of the round. (Or, just continue without letting anyone sit out.) We’ll continue until there’s only one person left. Encourage children who’ve been eliminated to cheer for the children who are remaining. Repeat the game as time allows.

 

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

God has been generous to us so we can be generous to others. As a family, bless each other. Encourage your kids to speak blessing words over you or each other as you do the same for them. 

 

(Person’s name) may you know and experience God’s love this week as you look for ways to give generously and love others, just as God has loved you.

Thank you for joining us for Children’s Worship today, we hope you enjoyed it and we’ll see you next week!

A Note before you begin:

 

Welcome to Gold Avenue Church’s At home Worship Liturgy; we’re so grateful to join together in Spirit as we worship! We want to give special thanks to our worship leaders: Kayleen Jasperse, Derek Sterenberg, and Marissa Walters who have been prayerfully discerning our Orders of Worship and Kayleen in particular who prepared this week’s order. While we would love to be together in person and  it may be somewhat difficult or even a little bit uncomfortable to worship from home, we’re reminded of the many believers around the world and throughout time that have worshiped from their homes in the wake of political and religious opposition. Our prayer is that despite the circumstances you’re able to be fully present to the Lord and that he meets with each of you richly.

 

Call to Worship: 

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

 

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

 

From Psalm 8:

 

Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
    in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants
    you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
    to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?
You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels
    and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
    you put everything under their feet:
all flocks and herds,
    and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
    and the fish in the sea,
    all that swim the paths of the seas.
Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

 

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

 

Worshiping in Song:

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

 

Build Your Kingdom Here

Build Your kingdom here

Let the darkness fear

Show Your mighty hand

Heal our streets and land

Set Your church on fire

Win this nation back

Change the atmosphere

Build Your kingdom here

We pray

Come set Your rule and reign

In our hearts again

Increase in us we pray

Unveil why we’re made

Come set our hearts ablaze with hope

Like wildfire in our very souls

Holy Spirit come invade us now

We are Your Church

And we need Your power

In us

We seek Your kingdom first

We hunger and we thirst

Refuse to waste our lives

For You’re our joy and prize

To see the captive hearts released

The hurt, the sick, the poor at peace

We lay down our lives for Heaven’s cause

We are Your church

And we pray revive

This earth

Build Your kingdom here

Let the darkness fear

Show Your mighty hand

Heal our streets and land

Set Your church on fire

Win this nation back

Change the atmosphere

Build Your kingdom here

We pray 

Unleash Your kingdom’s power

Reaching the near and far

No force of hell can stop

Your beauty changing hearts

You made us for much more than this

Awake the kingdom seed in us

Fill us with the strength and love of Christ

We are Your church

Oh, and we are the hope

On earth

Build Your kingdom here

Let the darkness fear

Show Your mighty hand

Heal our streets and land

Set Your church on fire

Win this nation back

Change the atmosphere

Build Your kingdom here

We pray

Build Your kingdom here

Let the darkness fear

Show Your mighty hand

Heal our streets and land

Set Your church on fire

Win this nation back

Change the atmosphere

Build Your kingdom here

We pray

 

The Lord’s Greeting:

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

 

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

 

From 2 John 1:3:

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

 

Greeting One Another:

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

 

“The Lord be with you!” and in response:  “and also with you!”
And if you’re alone: “The Lord is with me!”

 

My Hope is Built

On Christ the Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ the solid rock I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath His covenant and His blood

Support me in the ‘whelming flood:

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ the solid rock I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

O may I then in him be found.

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless we stand before His throne.

On Christ the solid rock I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

On Christ the solid rock I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Jesus There’s No One Like You

VERSE 1

There is no song we could sing

To honor the weight of Your glory

There are no words we could speak

To capture the depth of Your beauty

CHORUS

Jesus, there’s no one like You

Jesus, we love You, ever adore You

There’s no one like You

Jesus, we love You, ever adore You, Lord

VERSE 2

There is no sinner beyond

The infinite stretch of Your mercy

How can we thank You enough

For how You have loved us completely?

BRIDGE

All we have

All we need

All we want is You

Do It Again

If this is a newer song for you, feel free to listen and soak in the lyrics; join along as you feel comfortable. 

Walking around these walls

I thought by now they’d fall

But You have never failed me yet

Waiting for change to come

Knowing the battle’s won

For You have never failed me yet

Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I’m still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You’ve never failed me yet

I know the night won’t last

Your Word will come to pass

My heart will sing Your praise again

Jesus, You’re still enough

Keep me within Your love

My heart will sing Your praise again

Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I’m still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You never failed

Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I’m still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You never failed me yet

I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains

And I believe, I’ll see You do it again

You made a way, where there was no way

And I believe, I’ll see You do it again

I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains

And I believe, I’ll see You do it again

You made a way, where there was no way

And I believe, I’ll see You do it again

I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains

And I believe, I’ll see You do it again

You made a way, where there was no way

And I believe, I’ll see You do it again

I’ll see You do it again

Oh-oh

Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I’m still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You never failed

Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I’m still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You never failed me yet

And You never failed me yet

I never will forget

You never failed me yet

And I never will forget

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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. 

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 https://www.paypal.com/donate/…
  3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 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.

 

Lord Reign in Me

[Verse 1]

Over all the earth, You reign on high

Every mountain stream, every sunset sky

But my one request, Lord, my only aim

Is that You’d reign in me again

[Chorus]

Lord, reign in me, reign in Your power

Over all my dreams, in my darkest hour

‘Cause You are the Lord of all I am

So won’t You reign in me again

[Verse 2]

And over every thought, over every word

May my life reflect the beauty of my Lord

‘Cause You mean more to me than any earthly thing

So won’t You reign in me again

[Chorus]

Lord, reign in me, reign in Your power

Over all my dreams, in my darkest hour

‘Cause You are the Lord of all I am

So won’t You reign in me again

The Preaching of the Word:

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. You’re welcome to sing along, to listen and reflect, to pray or journal, etc. 

 

Way Maker

You are here, moving in our midst

I worship You

I worship You

You are here, working in this place

I worship You

I worship You

You are here, moving in our midst

I worship You

I worship You

You are here, working in this place

I worship You

I worship You

You are

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

You are

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

You are here, touching every heart

I worship You

I worship You

You are here, healing every heart

Healing every heart

Oh, I worship You

Jesus, I worship You

You’re turning lives around

You are here, oh, turning lives around

I worship You

I worship You

You mended every heart

You are here, and You are mending every heart

I worship You, yeah

I worship You

And You are

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

Yeah You’re the way maker

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

Yeah sing it again You are, yeah

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

Oh it’s who You are, Jesus, yeah

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

Sing that is who You are

Oh, that is who You are

And that is who You are

Oh, and that is who You are

That is who You are

Lord Jesus, that is who You are

That is who You are (oh, He lifts you up)

That is who You are

That is who You are

My Jesus, yeah

Miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

Yes it is yeah, it’s who You are

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness (hey)

My God, that is who You are

Let’s sing this together

Even when I don’t see it, come on, even when

Even when I don’t see it, You’re working

Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working

You never stop, You never stop working

You never stop, You never stop working (come on)

Even when I don’t see it, You’re working

Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working

You never stop, You never stop working

You never stop, You never stop working (oh)

Even when I don’t see it, You’re working

Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working

You never stop, You never stop working

You never stop (yeah oh), You never stop working

Even when I don’t see it, You’re working

Even when I don’t feel it (yeah), You’re working

You never stop, You never stop working

You never stop, You never stop working (You’re the way maker, yeah)

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

Yeah, yeah

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

Sing that is who You are

Oh, that is who You are

That is who You are

Oh and, that is who You are

That is who You are

Yeah, and that is who You are, yeah

That is who You are

Oh, that is who You are

That is who You are

Oh it’s who You are, now Jesus

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

You are

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

Oh, His name is above

His name is above depression

his name is above loneliness

Oh, His name is above disease

His name is above cancer

His name is above every other name

Yes it is

That is who You are

(That is who You are)

That is who You are

(That is who You are) Jesus

And that is who You are

(That is who You are)

Oh I know that is who You are

That is who You are

 

The Lord’s Blessing:

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

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

 

From Numbers 6:24-26

 

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

 

Closing Song

 

Step By Step

Oh God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

Oh God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

I will seek You in the morning

And I will learn to walk in Your ways

And step by step You’ll lead me

And I will follow You all of my days

 

Children’s Worship Lesson:

Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  Today we are reminded about how Jesus taught us to pray. One of our teachers, Kelli Boender, reads us a story about the Lord’s Prayer!

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

OVERVIEW:

 

Activity One: Watch the video

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship

Activity Three:  Respond to the story by doing the “Praying Hands” activity. Pray together.

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.)

Before looking at the account of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew chapter 6, we find in the preceding chapter Jesus teaching His disciples through the Beatitudes. He teaches them by laying out the foundation of the kingdom of God—contrasting it with the kingdom of this world. Jesus’ statements beginning with, “You have heard it said …” and ending with, “But I tell you …” paint the picture of what is required of all who choose to be in God’s kingdom.

“Lord, teach us to pray …” (Luke 11:1–13). Jesus answered this request by teaching the disciples—and us—how to pray. He begins to frame and model prayer for us by establishing how we’re to approach God the Father: “Our Father in heaven …” (Matthew 6:9). The word Jesus uses for Father in Aramaic is the informal word Abba —translated to mean “daddy.” “Hallowed be your name” establishes who God is and retains the authority of the I AM. “Your kingdom come, your will be done …” (verse 10). We’re to ask our heavenly Father to usher in His coming kingdom—which Jesus had just outlined with the Beatitudes. When we pray for His coming kingdom, our hearts can begin to desire the things that are important to Him—and get to know the heart of our Daddy. “Give us today our daily bread …” (verse 11). The Father cares for our needs, for He is our provider and will give us what we need in each day. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (verse 12). Jesus offers us forgiveness of sins. For as we’ve been forgiven, by the same measure we must forgive others who hurt or sin against us—in forgiveness is freedom. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (verse 13). As we journey through this world, we’ll be face to face with decisions that will affect our lives, and often, the lives of others. We need the guidance and covering of the Lord to go before us.

Jesus is the way to the kingdom of God. He came to fulfill the law, and His words bring hope. In light of this truth, as we pray, we can pray expectantly as we ask God to usher the ways of His kingdom into this world and our lives.

Activity 1: STORY

Watch video.

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

Today in The Big God Story, Jesus teaches us about praying to God His Father. No matter where we are, or what we’re doing, we can always talk with God. God loves us and He wants us to talk with Him.

I wonder … What did the disciples talk with God about?

I wonder … What do I want to talk with God about?

I wonder … How does it feel to know God always listens to 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.

Worship Songs:

All three of these are Lord’s Prayer songs. Feel free to listen to them and pick one that your kids would like! You may even consider trying to memorize it as a family, so we picked ones that all have the exact words of the prayer to help!

 

 

And here is a children’s worship favorite (especially the motions!)

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

“Praying Hands”

 

Supplies

 

  • Scissors
  • Card stock (1 sheet per child)
  • Yarn (2′ per child)
  • Tape
  • Clothespins (1 per child)
  • Hole punch

 

Prepare Ahead

Print one Praying Hands template for each child and cut them out. Punch holes where indicated around the edge of the hands. Cut the yarn into two-foot lengths, and place tape around the end of one side of the yarn to make threading through the holes easier. Tie the non-taped end to one of the holes on the hands so children will have a starting point when threading the string through the other holes.

Relate

When Jesus taught His friends to pray to God, He explained that they could pray to Him about everything. God listens. Let’s take a moment to think about different things in our own lives that we can talk with God about. Pause for a moment. Hand our hand template. You can use the yarn to thread or weave through the holes. As you work your yarn through the holes in the hands, you may want to think about what we’ve learned about talking to God from The Big God Story today.

As the children weave, continue the conversation about prayer. God wants us to talk with Him. Does that surprise you? What would you like to talk with God about? What do you usually talk with God about? Are there hard things to talk with God about? When they finish threading, hang them up. Take some time and talk to God on your own, then feel free to hang yours also. We’ll leave our hands up to remind us that God listens when we talk to Him.

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

Share the following words from Philippians 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

As a family, bless each other. Encourage your kids to speak blessing words over you or each other as you do the same for them. 

(Child’s name , may you remember that God wants to hear from you this week.

End this time together with a blessing over your whole family:

May you know that God listens to you. May you remember to talk with Him about everything.

 

A Note before you begin:

 

Welcome to Gold Avenue Church’s At home Worship Liturgy; we’re so grateful to join together in Spirit as we worship! We want to give special thanks to our worship leaders: Kayleen Jasperse, Derek Sterenberg, and Marissa Walters who have been prayerfully discerning our Orders of Worship and Marissa in particular who prepared this week’s order. While we would love to be together in person and  it may be somewhat difficult or even a little bit uncomfortable to worship from home, we’re reminded of the many believers around the world and throughout time that have worshiped from their homes in the wake of political and religious opposition. Our prayer is that despite the circumstances you’re able to be fully present to the Lord and that he meets with each of you richly.

Also, make sure you check out the video at the end of this liturgy to hear a little bit about where we are headed with our sermons!

 

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 90:1-2

 

Lord, you have been our dwelling place

    throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born

    or you brought forth the whole world,

    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

 

Let us worship our everlasting God!

 

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. We invite you to turn up the volume and to participate freely and fully: sing along, dance, kneel, listen and soak, read the included lyrics–however you feel led. You may find it fruitful to listen to a song more than once, to respond between songs with prayer, thanksgiving, meditation, or even discussion about how the Lord is at work in and through the song. 

 

Everlasting God

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever

Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint

You won’t grow weary

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever

Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint

You won’t grow weary

You’re the defender of the weak

You comfort those in need

You lift us up on the wings

Like eagles

Our God, You reign forever

Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

‘Cause You are, You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint

You won’t grow weary

You’re the defender of the weak

You comfort those in need

You lift us up on the wings

Like eagles

From everlasting to everlasting

God, You are everlasting

The Lord’s Greeting:

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

 

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

 

From 2 John 1:3:

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

 

Greeting One Another:

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

 

“The Lord be with you!” and in response:  “and also with you!”

 

And if you’re alone: “The Lord is with me!”

 

Our God

Water You turned into wine

Opened the eyes of the blind

There’s no one like you

None like you

Into the darkness You shine

Out of the ashes we rise

There’s No one like you

None like you

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome in power

Our God, Our God

Into the darkness you shining

Out of the ashes we Rise

No one like you

None like you

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome in power

Our God, Our God

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome in power

Our God, Our God

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

Then what can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome in power

Our God, Our God

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome in power

Our God, Our God

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us?

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

Then what can stand against?

Then what can stand against?

Stronger

There is Love

That came for us

Humbled to a sinner’s cross

You broke my shame and sinfulness

You rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny

Through the storm

And through the fire

There is truth that sets me free

Jesus Christ who lives in me

You are stronger

You are stronger

Sin is broken

You have saved me

It is written

Christ is risen

Jesus You are Lord of all

No beginning and no end

You’re my hope and my defense

You came to seek and save the lost

You paid it all upon the cross

So let Your Name be lifted higher

Be lifted higher

Be lifted higher

A Mighty Fortress

Our God is, a consuming fire

A burning holy Flame, with glory and freedom

Our God is, the only righteous judge

Ruling over us with kindness and wisdom

We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You

A mighty fortress is our God

A sacred refuge is Your Name

Your Kingdom is unshakable

With You forever we will reign

Our God is, jealous for His own

None could comprehend, His love and His mercy

Our God is exalted on His throne

High above the heavens

Forever He’s worthy…

We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You

So we can set our hearts on You

Lord we will set our hearts on You!

Testimony/Family Prayer Time:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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. 

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 https://www.paypal.com/donate/…
  3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 

Special Offering: BSM (Bridge Street Ministries)

Once a month we take a special offering to support special causes that the Deacons have prayerfully discerned.  This month’s special offering is for Bridge Street Ministries (BSM), formerly known as Bridge Street House of Prayer. BSM’s mission is ‘Building a bridge between the streets and the church;’ they minister to families and youth in the neighborhood with after school programs and neighborhood support. You can give to the special offering by:

  1. Text:  send amount space special (ex: 50 special) to (616) 319-2259 and follow prompts to give securely

  2. Give online: select special from dropdown menu or type “special” in memo line

  3. Check: write “special: BSM” in memo line

 

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.

 

Holy Spirit Living Breath of God

Holy Spirit, living Breath of God

Breathe new life into my willing soul.

Bring the presence of the risen Lord

To renew my heart and make me whole.

Cause Your Word to come alive in me

Give me faith for what I cannot see

Give me passion for Your purity.

Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me.

Holy Spirit, come abide within

May Your joy be seen in all I do—

Love enough to cover ev’ry sin

In each thought and deed and attitude

Kindness to the greatest and the least

Gentleness that sows the path of peace.

Turn my striving into works of grace.

Breath of God, show Christ in all I do.

Holy Spirit, from creation’s birth

Giving life to all that God has made

Show Your power once again on earth

Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways.

Let the fragrance of our prayers arise.

Lead us on the road of sacrifice

That in unity the face of Christ

Will be clear for all the world to see.

The Preaching of the Word:

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. You’re welcome to sing along, to listen and reflect, to pray or journal, etc. 

 

We Look to You

VERSE 1

Deliver us from evil, Lord;

We sojourn in a broken world

Though evil hands give rise to war,

Remind us this is not our home

We look to You, we look to You,

Sovereign King of all the earth

We look to You, we look to You;

In Your strength we will endure

In Your strength we will endure

VERSE 2

Deliver us from evil, Lord;

Our hearts so quickly run astray

Temptation crouching at the door

To turn us from the narrow way

We look to You, we look to You,

Christ the conquering Son of God

We look to You, we look to You;

Lord, complete what You’ve begun

Lord, complete what You’ve begun

VERSE 3

Deliver us from evil, Lord;

The devil’s seeking to devour

With trembling hearts we hear his roar,

But Your strong arm will crush his pow’r

We look to You, we look to You,

Come and end his earthly reign

We look to You, we look to You;

Lord, deliver us, we pray

TAG

We look to You, we look to You

You will come again to reign

We look to You, we look to You

All the earth will bow in praise

The Lord’s Blessing:

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

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

 

From Numbers 6:24-26

 

The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace

 

Closing Song

 

He Will Hold Me Fast

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;

When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.

I could never keep my hold through life’s fearful path;

For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;

For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.

Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast;

Precious in his holy sight, He will hold me fast.

He’ll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last;

Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;

For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.

For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast;

Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast.

Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast

‘Till our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last!

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;

For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.

Click the photo below to learn more about tithes and offerings:

Children’s Worship Lesson:

 

This week we’ll be hearing about when Jesus walked on water: LINK HERE. 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

Where are We Headed with our Sermons?

Check out the video below from Pastor Gina:

Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  Today we are reminded with our children of how God is near. He is with us wherever we go. Even when we don’t realize it, Jesus is always near to His friends, because He is God. All we have to do is trust Him. 

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

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: Watch the video. This video is provided by the Sisson family.

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship

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

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 today’s passage, Scripture tells us it was not until the fourth watch of the night that Jesus met His disciples out on the water. We know from the account in the gospels that the men had been fighting against wind and waves for quite some time. Judging from when Jesus sent them out and when He came to them, they had been on the sea for anywhere from eight to twelve hours. We can be sure these men were exhausted.

When they saw Jesus, He was walking on the water. They cried out, “It’s a ghost!” They may have feared losing their lives out on the sea. It was a common belief at the time that people saw ghosts as they were approaching their own death.

 

Jesus called out to them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Peter responded to Him asking for proof. “If it’s you, let me come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus answered. And Peter went.

 

Peter walked out to meet Him, but he took his eyes off Jesus and instead looked to the seemingly impossible circumstances. He immediately began to sink. As Peter cried out to the Lord, “Save me!” Jesus instantly reached out and grabbed him. Jesus was close to Peter in what seemed like his greatest time of need.

 

Truly, Peter was safe the entire time. But his perception was that he was in dire straits. He took his focus off the truth, forgetting what was real and instead believing the circumstances. Regardless, Jesus is always near.

 

Our world is in the midst of very trying times financially, politically, and relationally. These trials aren’t just global—they’re reaching each one of us personally. It’s hard to have faith that we will not sink or be swallowed up by the circumstances of this world and our current situations. Try to remember: What was true of God in the past is true of Him still. He is very present and very near to you. He will not leave you, abandon you, or give you away. You have been chosen, redeemed, and adopted by Jesus—and you are His. He will walk with you through each moment, every day. He will provide a path for you to follow. Trust in Him; He is near.

 

Activity 1: STORY

 

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

In this part of The Big God Story, the disciples learned that Jesus was near to them. Peter was afraid during the storm, but Jesus saved him. God is always near, and we can trust Him.

 

I wonder … What would it feel like to be on a boat during a big storm?

I wonder … How was it possible for Jesus to walk on water?

I wonder … What would I think if I saw Jesus walking on the water?

 

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.

Worship Songs:

New one:

“Be Bold, Be Strong”

 

Former worship songs all in one place:

 

”He’s Able”

https://youtu.be/Whgmpd2WFR0

 

“He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands” (not the super traditional one, but we were looking for one with “the wind and the rains” lyric- feel free to just sing it, but include that verse!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXrqnfcW_Y8

 

“I Will Make You Fishers of Men”

https://youtu.be/UKYespl69ZA

 

“Peter, James, and John in a Sailboat”

https://youtu.be/KECzcedLeSU

 

“Tell the World That Jesus Loves You”

https://youtu.be/HZG7BVDU8kA

 

“Every Move I Make”: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPvnZILn6EY

 

“I Will Praise the Lord”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5EC22vjUdg

 

“Were You There?“

https://youtu.be/rJ3uK0NH1IE

 

“One, Two, Three”   

https://youtu.be/MIf9jv4pVTM

 

“Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”

 https://youtu.be/JnXLuG-tXak

 

“Hosanna Rock”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5582z642wFY

 

“Shout Hosanna”

https://youtu.be/rem79QoAwtY

 

“The Children Cry Hosanna”

https://youtu.be/Xgf4pkQKTTE

 

“Who You Say I Am”

https://youtu.be/Y0LHTDVy5C0

 

“Hey Jonah, Jonah”  to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me”

Jonah, Jonah have you heard?

Said the Lord, go preach my Word.

Jonah said, “That’s not for me!”

Took a ship and fled to sea.

 

Chorus:

Hey Jonah, Jonah, 

Hey Jonah, Jonah,

Hey Jonah, Jonah,

You should obey the Lord.

 

Though he thought he’d get away

Soon the ship began to sway

Jonah said, “It’s for my sin,

Pick me up and throw me in!”

 

Chorus

 

When it seemed that he would drown,

Came a fish and gulped him down,

Jonah said, “Lord, I’ll obey,

Tell the folks about your way!”

 

Chorus:

Lord, I’ll obey you.

Lord, I’ll obey you.

Lord, I’ll obey you.

I will obey the Lord.

 

“This Little Light of Mine” by Listener Kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKkbIZtqhyQ

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

 

#1 Coloring/Activity Page:

 

Print out using card stock. Color, maybe add some disciples to the boat, then cut out. Attach Jesus to a popsicle stick and cut open the slit so Jesus can walk on water to the boat.

 

#2 This looks like a fun way to review the story and fun to eat, too.

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

 

As you begin, pray Psalm 145:18 over the children.

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

 

Ask the child(ren) to join you by finishing each phrase with “God is near!” Use the phrases below, or tailor your phrases to be more specific to each child. 

 

When you’re feeling scared … (children) God is near!

When you don’t know what to do … (children) God is near!

When you need a friend … (children) God is near!

When you want to talk … (children) God is near!

When you’re laughing out loud … (children) God is near!

When you’re singing a song … (children) God is near!

When you’re eating a meal … (children) God is near!

When you’re feeling alone … (children God is near!

When you call out to Him … (children) God is near!

When you leave this place … (children) God is near!

 

When you’re finished, ask children to follow your lead as you raise your hands as if you’re giving something to God. With hands raised, pray this blessing over the group:

 

May God show you that He is near, and may He guide you so you can share His love with others.

 

A Note before you begin:

 

Welcome to Gold Avenue Church’s At home Worship Liturgy; we’re so grateful to join together in Spirit as we worship! We want to give special thanks to our worship leaders: Kayleen Jasperse, Derek Sterenberg, and Marissa Walters who have been prayerfully discerning our Orders of Worship and Derek in particular who prepared this week’s order. While we would love to be together in person and  it may be somewhat difficult or even a little bit uncomfortable to worship from home, we’re reminded of the many believers around the world and throughout time that have worshiped from their homes in the wake of religious and political opposition. Our prayer is that despite the circumstances you’re able to be fully present to the Lord and that he meets with each of you richly. 

 

Call to Worship: 

The Call to Worship serves to focus our attention on the living God who is present with us; it calls us to position ourselves as those who are ready to worship and ready to receive from Him. Read the following out loud as you fix your eyes on Jesus:

From Hebrews 4:14-16

 

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 

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 to turn your heart toward worship.

 

Worshiping in Song:

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

 

How Great is Our God

The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty

Let all the Earth rejoice

All the Earth rejoice

He wraps himself in light

And darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice

Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands

And time is in His hands

Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One

Father Spirit Son

The Lion and the Lamb

The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

Name above all names

Worthy of our praise

My heart will sing

How great is our God

You’re the name above all names

You are worthy of our praise

And my heart will sing

How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

The whole world sings, the whole world sings

How great is our God

How great is our God

How great, how great is our God

 

The Lord’s Greeting:

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

 

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

 

From 2 John 1:3:

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

 

Greeting One Another:

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

 

“The Lord be with you!” and in response:  “and also with you!”

 

If worshiping alone: “Lord, thank you that you’re with me!”

 

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

This is Amazing Grace

Who breaks the power of sin and darkness

Whose love is mighty and so much stronger

The King of Glory, the King above all kings

Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder

And leaves us breathless in awe and wonder

The King of Glory, the King above all kings

This is amazing grace

This is unfailing love

That You would take my place

That You would bear my cross

You lay down Your life

That I would be set free

Oh, Jesus, I sing for

All that You’ve done for me

Who brings our chaos back into order

Who makes the orphan a son and daughter

The King of Glory, the King of Glory

Who rules the nations with truth and justice

Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance

The King of Glory, the King above all kings

This is amazing grace

This is unfailing love

That You would take my place

That You would bear my cross

You lay down Your life

That I would be set free

Oh, Jesus, I sing for

All that You’ve done for me

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy, worthy, worthy

This is amazing grace

This is unfailing love

That You would take my place

That You would bear my cross

You lay down Your life

That I would be set free

Oh, Jesus, I sing for

All that You’ve done for me

All that You’ve done for me

High and Lifted Up

Lord of all the earth

And all of heaven

I come and seek Your face

Worship You with all I have within me

Humbled by Your grace

Every heart every nation

Every tribe all creation

Will bow before Your presence and sing

You are high and lifted up

You are high and lifted up

And my soul sings hallelujah

To the Lamb

The Lamb of God

Lord of righteousness

You come in glory

Bright and morning star

All my days I?ll worship and adore You

Healer of my heart

Every prayer every cry

You alone satisfy

We will lift Your praise

Again and again

Majesty

Majesty

Jesus Lamb of God

Majesty

Majesty

Holy are You Lord

Testimony and 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 some time to pray–giving thanks, repenting, raising petition, and praying as the Lord leads for our church family, our neighborhood, and the world. 

 

Song of Preparation and Receiving of the Offering: 

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. 

 


You are invited to continue 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 https://www.paypal.com/donate/…
  3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504

 

Goodness of God

Verse 1

I love You Lord

Oh Your mercy never fails me

All my days

I’ve been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

I will sing of the goodness of God

Chorus

All my life You have been faithful

All my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

I will sing of the goodness of God

Verse 2

I love Your voice

You have led me through the fire

In darkest nights

You are close like no other

I’ve known You as a father

I’ve known You as a friend

I have lived in the goodness of God

Bridge

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now, I give You everything

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

The Preaching of the Word:

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. You’re welcome to sing along, to listen and reflect, to pray or journal, etc. 

 

Yes and Amen

Father of kindness
You have poured out of grace
You brought me out of darkness
You have filled me with peace
Giver of mercy
You’re my help in time of need
Lord I can’t help but sing
Faithful you are
Faithful forever you will be
Faithful you are
All your promises are yes and Amen
All your promises are yes and Amen
Beautiful Savior
You have brought me near
You pulled me from the ashes
You have broken every curse
Blessed redeemer
You have set this captive free
Lord I can’t help but sing
Faithful you are
Faithful forever you will be
Faithful you are
All your promises are yes and Amen
All your promises are yes and Amen
Faithful you are
Faithful forever you will be
Faithful yes you are
All your promises are yes and Amen
I will rest in your promises
My confidence is your faithfulness
I will rest in your promises
My confidence is your faithfulness
I will rest in your promises
My confidence is your faithfulness
I will rest in your promises
My confidence is your faithfulness
Faithful you are
Faithful forever you will be
Faithful yes you are
All your promises are yes and Amen
All your promises are yes and Amen
All your promises are yes and Amen

The Lord’s Blessing:

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

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

 

From Numbers 6:24-26

 

The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace.

 

Closing Song

 

Doxology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBBnOJpclMQ

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures here below

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

 

Click the photo below to learn more about tithes and offerings:

Children’s Worship Lesson:

This week we’ll be learning about how Jesus calmed the storm, which is very applicable for the times we’re in now: LINK HERE. 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

Dear Parents,

Thanks for joining us again as we do Children’s Worship from home!  Today we are reminded of how God shows us His power in many different ways. Jesus took care of people and helped those who needed Him. When Jesus healed the blind man, it showed God’s power to everyone. We, too, and our children can think of some ways we see God’s power in our own lives.  Brainstorm with children different areas in their lives where they see God’s power.  For example: “I see God’s power in my family. I see God’s power in the healthy body He made for me.  I see God’s power in the friends I have in my life.”  God’s power is everywhere.  Let’s help our children to see God’s power in their lives. 

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

OVERVIEW:

Activity One: Watch the video. This video is provided by the curriculum we are using, 

Activity Two: Discuss the story using provided questions as prompts

Worship

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

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.)

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:1–3).

 

The narrative continues with Jesus healing the man and giving him sight. His life was completely transformed. In Jewish culture of the time, most trades would be very difficult to perform without sight. The testimony of the blind man’s neighbors indicates that this man couldn’t practice a trade. Instead, he sat and begged.

 

This healing wasn’t just the gift of sight; it was also the gift of dignity and purpose. The man was now free to learn a skill, a trade that could take him off the street—freed from a life of begging and dependence upon the compassion of those who passed by. With his sight, he had a new position within his community. This man was now known by something other than his blindness.

Scripture tells us the people in the man’s community questioned him about what had happened. The religious leaders didn’t intimidate the blind man. When questioned, he answered boldly and with confidence in the truth. When he was thrown out of the synagogue, he was met by Jesus and proclaimed his faith in Him as Lord. The man who was once a blind beggar was now a man with physical and spiritual sight. He was completely transformed as a result of knowing Jesus and experiencing the power of God in his life. His new life was now on display for the world to see and know the power of God.

 

Read John 9:1–12.

 

How ridiculous would it have been for this man, who was given sight, to return the very next day to the place where he would sit and beg? If he were to wake up the next morning, put on his beggar’s clothes, and place a blindfold around his eyes, wouldn’t you think he was crazy? At the very least, you’d have to think he was completely unaware of his transformation.

Pause for just a moment and think. Is there any area in your life where you’re still wearing beggar’s clothes? Are you living with the feeling of being trapped by circumstance or how you once lived? If we looked to the Lord Jesus as our model for all our life, how different would life be? How would our lives impact the lives of others? Would we be known by the things that enslaved us, or by the One who had freed us?

 

This week, as you’re preparing for this lesson, may God reveal to you just how special you are. Ask Him to release you from the things that bind you and keep you from living in the freedom He has given you. May the power of our Lord be on display within your heart and in your life.

Activity 1: STORY

Watch video.

Activity 2: DISCUSSION

In today’s part of The Big God Story, we heard just how powerful God can be in our lives. God made you special. He gave you everything you have so other people can see His love and power in your life.

 

I wonder … What would have happened to the blind man if Jesus hadn’t stopped and healed him?

I wonder … What did the blind man think when Jesus put mud on his eyes?

I wonder … What was the first thing the blind man saw?

I wonder … When have I seen God do something powerful?

 

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.

Worship Songs:

New one:

 

”He’s Able”

https://youtu.be/Whgmpd2WFR0

 

Former worship songs all in one place:

 

“He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands” (not the super traditional one, but we were looking for one with “the wind and the rains” lyric- feel free to just sing it, but include that verse!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXrqnfcW_Y8

 

“I Will Make You Fishers of Men”

https://youtu.be/UKYespl69ZA

 

“Peter, James, and John in a Sailboat”

https://youtu.be/KECzcedLeSU

 

“Tell the World That Jesus Loves You”

https://youtu.be/HZG7BVDU8kA

 

“Every Move I Make”: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPvnZILn6EY

 

“I Will Praise the Lord”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5EC22vjUdg

 

“Were You There?“

https://youtu.be/rJ3uK0NH1IE

 

“One, Two, Three”   

https://youtu.be/MIf9jv4pVTM

 

“Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”

 https://youtu.be/JnXLuG-tXak

 

“Hosanna Rock”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5582z642wFY

 

“Shout Hosanna”

https://youtu.be/rem79QoAwtY

 

“The Children Cry Hosanna”

https://youtu.be/Xgf4pkQKTTE

 

“Who You Say I Am”

https://youtu.be/Y0LHTDVy5C0

 

“Hey Jonah, Jonah”  to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me”

 

Jonah, Jonah have you heard?

Said the Lord, go preach my Word.

Jonah said, “That’s not for me!”

Took a ship and fled to sea.

 

Chorus:

Hey Jonah, Jonah, 

Hey Jonah, Jonah,

Hey Jonah, Jonah,

You should obey the Lord.

 

Though he thought he’d get away

Soon the ship began to sway

Jonah said, “It’s for my sin,

Pick me up and throw me in!”

 

Chorus

 

When it seemed that he would drown,

Came a fish and gulped him down,

Jonah said, “Lord, I’ll obey,

Tell the folks about your way!”

 

Chorus:

Lord, I’ll obey you.

Lord, I’ll obey you.

Lord, I’ll obey you.

I will obey the Lord.

 

“This Little Light of Mine” by Listener Kids:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKkbIZtqhyQ

 

Activity 3: RESPONSE ACTIVITY 

 

Mud Painting or Chocolate Pudding Painting

Jesus instructed the blind man to put mud on his eyes and wash them in the river. When the man obeyed, his sight was restored. Children can finger paint with chocolate pudding to get a feel for the consistency of mud and act out the story as you read. Give them a picture of a face outline and tell them to spread “mud” on the eyes when you read that part. When the man washes in the river and receives his sight, ask the children to wipe the “mud” away and shout, “Thank you Jesus! I can see!”

Blindfold

You can give children a small taste of blindness by letting them make a blindfold. Cut an eye mask from poster board and punch a hole on both sides. Tie a string through both holes to fit the size of the child’s head. Ask the children to put the masks on and give them some simple tasks such as eat a snack, drink juice or walk to the door. Discuss how it feels to do everyday tasks without being able to see. Read Jesus’ instructions to the blind man. Have the children say, “I will obey Jesus,” and pretend to wash their faces in water and remove the mask. Try the tasks again and compare the relative difficulty of accomplishing them with and without sight.

Coloring Page:

Friends, Jesus is God. Jesus showed His disciples that He is powerful and that they can follow Him by trusting and obeying Him. All week, you can ask Jesus to show you how to trust and obey Him more and more too.

Activity 4: CLOSING BLESSING 

 

A blessing to pray over your child(ren):

 

Explain that they’ll receive a blessing and can place their hands out and open in front of themselves, as if cupping them together to hold water. This is simply a posture that demonstrates they’re ready to receive from God.

 

May God give you the strength and courage to put your faith into action as you see His power at work in your life.

A Note before you begin:

 

Welcome to Gold Avenue Church’s At home Worship Liturgy; we’re so grateful to join together in Spirit as we worship! We want to give special thanks to our worship leaders: Kayleen Jasperse, Derek Sterenberg, and Marissa Walters who have been prayerfully discerning our Orders of Worship and Kayleen in particular who prepared this week’s order. While we would love to be together in person and  it may be somewhat difficult or even a little bit uncomfortable to worship from home, we’re reminded of the many believers around the world and throughout time that have worshiped from their homes in the wake of political opposition. Our prayer is that despite the circumstances you’re able to be fully present to the Lord and that he meets with each of you richly. We will also be celebrating Communion during this At Home Liturgy, so please make sure you’ve got some wine/juice and bread/crackers on hand so that we can join in together. 

 

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 33:18-22

 

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,

    on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

to deliver them from death

    and keep them alive in famine.

 

We wait in hope for the Lord;

    he is our help and our shield.

In him our hearts rejoice,

    for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,

    even as we put our hope in you.

 

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. We invite you to turn up the volume and to participate freely and fully: sing along, dance, kneel, listen and soak, read the included lyrics–however you feel led. You may find it fruitful to listen to a song more than once, to respond between songs with prayer, thanksgiving, meditation, or even discussion about how the Lord is at work in and through the song. 

 

Come Thou Fount Come Thou King

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace

Streams of mercy, never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise

Teach me some melodious sonnet sung by flaming tongues above

Praise the mount, I’m fixed up, on it

Mount of Thy re- deeming love

I was lost in utter darkness ’til You came and rescued me

I was bound by all my sin when Your love came and set me free

Now my soul can sing a new song, now my heart has found a home

Now Your grace is always with me

And I’ll never be a- lone

Come, Thou Fount, come, Thou King; Come, Thou precious Prince of Peace

Hear Your bride, to You we sing, come, Thou Fount of our bless- ing

Come, Thou Fount, come, Thou King; Come, Thou precious Prince of Peace

Hear Your bride, to You we sing, come, Thou Fount of our bless- ing

O, to grace, how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love

Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts a- bove

Come, Thou Fount, come, Thou King; Come, Thou precious Prince of Peace

Hear Your bride, to You we sing, come, Thou Fount of our bless- ing

Come, Thou Fount, come, Thou King; Come, Thou precious Prince of Peace

Hear Your bride, to You we sing, come, Thou Fount of our bless- ing

 

The Lord’s Greeting:

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

 

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

 

From 2 John 1:3:

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

 

Greeting One Another:

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

 

“The Lord be with you!” and in response:  “and also with you!”

 

If worshiping as one: “Lord, thank you that you are with me!”

 

On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

Whoa-oh, The Solid Rock

On Christ the solid rock I stand

Whoa-oh, The Solid Rock

All other ground is sinking sand

When darkness veils his lovely face

I rest on His unchanging grace

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

Whoa-oh, The Solid Rock

On Christ the solid rock I stand

Whoa-oh, The Solid Rock

All other ground is sinking sand

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

When He shall come with trumpet sound

O may I then in Him be found

Dressed in His righteousness alone

Faultless to stand before the throne

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

Whoa-oh, The Solid Rock

On Christ the solid rock I stand

Whoa-oh, The Solid Rock

All other ground is sinking sand

Mighty to Save

Well, everyone needs compassion

A love that’s never failing

But let mercy fall on me

Well everyone needs forgiveness

The kindness of a Savior

The hope of nations

My Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is Mighty to save

He is Mighty to save

Forever

Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me

All my fears and failures

And fill my life again

I give my life to follow

Everything I believe in

And now I surrender

(I surrender)

Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is Mighty to save

He is Mighty to save

Forever

Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is Mighty to save

He is Mighty to save

Forever

Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Jesus

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is Mighty to save

He is Mighty to save

Forever

Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is Mighty to save

He is Mighty to save

Forever

Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Jesus

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Jesus

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Jesus

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Jesus

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Jesus

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Our God is mighty to save. He is our risen King who deserves all our praise and all the glory, and he is also with us all the time and in all things. The next song may be a new one, so feel free to listen and soak in the rich lyrics or sing along as you feel led. 

Christ is Mine Forevermore

Mine are days that God has numbered

I was made to walk with Him

Yet I look for worldly treasure

And forsake the King of kings

But mine is hope in my Redeemer

Though I fall, his love is sure

For Christ has paid for every failing

I am His forevermore

Mine are tears in times of sorrow

Darkness not yet understood

Through the valley I must travel

Where I see no earthly good

But mine is peace that flows from heaven

And the strength in times of need

I know my pain will not be wasted

Christ completes his work in me

Mine are days here as a stranger

Pilgrim on a narrow way

One with Christ I will encounter

Harm and hatred for his name

But mine is armour for this battle

Strong enough to last the war

And he has said he will deliver

Safely to the golden shore

And mine are keys to Zion city

Where beside the King I walk

For there my heart has found its treasure

Christ is mine forevermore

Come rejoice now, O my soul

For his love is my reward

Fear is gone and hope is sure

Christ is mine forevermore!

Come rejoice now, O my soul

For his love is my reward

Fear is gone and hope is sure

Christ is mine forevermore!

Come rejoice now, O my soul

For his love is my reward

Fear is gone and hope is sure

Christ is mine forevermore!

And mine are keys to Zion city

Where beside the King I walk

For there my heart has found its treasure

Christ is mine forevermore

Christ is mine forevermore

Christ is mine forevermore

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 some time to pray–giving thanks, repenting, raising petition, and praying as the Lord leads for our church family, our neighborhood, and the world. 

 

Offering: 

This time serves to give us an opportunity to worship through giving we are are invited to give back as the Lord has so richly given to us.


You are invited to continue 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 https://www.paypal.com/donate/…
  3. Mail a check payable to Gold Avenue Church at 49 Gold Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Celebration of the Lord’s Supper:

Gather your wine/juice and bread/crackers and join in with the video below. Again, communion from home may feel a little bit awkward, but we’re reminded of so many of our brothers and sisters who throughout the world and throughout history have celebrated communion with great joy from their own homes and in difficult circumstances. May the Lord bless you richly through this meal. 

All baptized followers of Jesus Christ are invited to participate in Communion. Parents, we welcome you to discern when your children are ready to participate, as we welcome them to join in this family meal where God seals his covenant love for each of us.

 

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid Ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,

Fullness of God in helpless babe.

This gift of love and righteousness,

Scorned by the ones He came to save

Till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death,

This is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath,

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man,

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

 

The Preaching of the Word:

Click on the play button below the picture to listen, or click here to go to the stand-alone sermons page.

 

Response:

If this sermon has brought some difficult things for you and if you’d like to talk or pray with someone, please do contact Pastor Jaleesa at pastorjaleesa.gold@gmail.com so that she can speak with you or refer you to a Care Elder. We’d love to pray with you! 

The Song of Response serves to make space for us to respond to the message the Lord has given. Feel free to take a moment to ask the Lord how he might be inviting you to respond and follow accordingly. You’re welcome to sing along, to listen and reflect, to pray or journal, etc. 

 

Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea

A great High Priest whose name is love

Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hands

My name is written on His heart

I know that while in heav’n He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see Him there

Who made an end of all my sin

Because the sinless Savior died

My sinful soul is counted free

For God the Just is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb

My perfect, spotless Righteousness

The great unchangeable I AM

The King of glory and of grace

One with Himself, I cannot die

My soul is purchased by His blood

My life is hid with Christ on high

With Christ my Savior and my God

One with Himself, I cannot die

My soul is purchased by His blood

My life is hid with Christ on high

With Christ my Savior and my God

With Christ my Savior and my God

With Christ my Savior and my God

 

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 Romans 15:13

 

May the God of hope fill me/us with all joy and peace as I/we trust in him, so that I/we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Closing Song

 

It is Well With my Soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well

With my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

Children’s Worship Lesson:

This week we’ll be learning about how Jesus calmed the storm, which is very applicable for the times we’re in now: LINK HERE. 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