“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”-Luke 22:15-16
Nineteen days, three months, and one year have passed since we met at our traditional times and observed the Lord’s Supper in our regular fashion. We have learned about ZOOM, Facebook Live, combo-cups, and tried to remember to place our contribution in the trays in the foyer. All this time, I have waited and prayed for the day we again made the body and blood of Christ the focus of our assembly. I have craved the quiet and the time for contemplation that comes as the bread and fruit of the vine are passed among the body of Christ. Thank you Lord for this day!
Early in this group’s history a decision was made to eat the Lord’s Supper prior to the sermon. In addition, the contribution would truly be separated from the communion by holding the collection prior to the breaking of bread with a song in between the two ordinances. Sermons can be emotional and, if someone responds to the invitation, climactic. It can be difficult to refocus and give the Lord’s Supper the attention it deserves. By placing it before the lesson, the congregation’s one thought can rest on the one bread. This order of services also elevates our giving. It has been a long time coming. Praise God we have remained in tact as a group during COVID. Thank you Lord for the increase. May we glorify you with our worship in reverence and awe on this day sanctified by the resurrection of your Son!
Now, we have to remember what it’s like to worship in this way! Our announcements come first but are not part of our worship. Our coming together as a church begins with an opening prayer. Here is the schedule:
Opening Prayer Jim Lahue
Scripture Reading Ryan Crouch
Song (or songs) Scott Ford
Contribution Song Scott Ford
Contribution Ronnie Johnson
Lord’s Supper Song Scott Ford
The Lord’s Supper David Muiznieks
Song (or songs) Scott Ford
Sermon Jason Sage
Invitation Song Scott Ford
Closing Song (optional) Scott Ford
Closing Prayer Jack Whitwam
Combo cups will still be provided if you are not yet comfortable with partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine from a tray. As always, the way we worship is guided solely by the word of God. Prayer (I Timothy 2:1-2), Scripture reading (Colossians 4:16), Singing (Ephesians 5:18-21), Giving (I Corinthians 16:1-2), the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), Preaching (II Timothy 4:1-2). Thank you for joining with us as we worship God, in the name of Jesus our Lord, and while filled with the Spirit!
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