Order of home worship for 4/5
Instructions for Bible study can be found here.
If you'd prefer a single video to watch, you can check out The Vine's worship here
I spent several hours finding the YouTube music below and I think most people will really enjoy it.. I included some hymns that aren't in our hymnal, but will hopefully be in the new one.
We're following a little different pattern of readings than we would have with live services. Today's readings focus on the cross. Wednesday and Friday this week we will have Bible studies on Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 respectively. When we return to regular in-person services we will celebrate Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter together, regardless of the date.
WORSHIP OPENING
Welcome everyone. It's time to worship God, so let's put aside planning and worrying and whatever might distract us, and spend the next few minutes focused on the Lord.
OPENING HYMN
If you'd prefer a single video to watch, you can check out The Vine's worship here
I spent several hours finding the YouTube music below and I think most people will really enjoy it.. I included some hymns that aren't in our hymnal, but will hopefully be in the new one.
We're following a little different pattern of readings than we would have with live services. Today's readings focus on the cross. Wednesday and Friday this week we will have Bible studies on Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 respectively. When we return to regular in-person services we will celebrate Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter together, regardless of the date.
WORSHIP OPENING
Welcome everyone. It's time to worship God, so let's put aside planning and worrying and whatever might distract us, and spend the next few minutes focused on the Lord.
OPENING HYMN
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Now by this I’ll overcome--
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home--
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Now by this I’ll overcome--
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home--
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
OPENING IN THE NAME OF THE TRINITY
(There is no need to cross yourself here unless you feel comfortable with it and want to.)
Leader: "We worship in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen."
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Leader: "God is holy, and we are unholy. God is pure and we are impure. God is good and we are so often evil. Let us take a moment to silently confess our sins to God... Father, we confess that we have feared, loved, and trusted other things more than you (pause for silence).... we have not loved each other as we should (pause for silence)...we have done what is evil, and failed to do what is good (pause for silence)... forgive us for Jesus' sake."
(brief pause)
Leader: "Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. Your sins are forgiven. You are at peace with God. Amen."
PRAYER FOR BLESSING ON WORSHIP
Leader: "Be with us now as we gather in your name. Bless us through the hearing of your word. Give us hearts that are eager to believe what you promise and obey what you command, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen."
(There is no need to cross yourself here unless you feel comfortable with it and want to.)
Leader: "We worship in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen."
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Leader: "God is holy, and we are unholy. God is pure and we are impure. God is good and we are so often evil. Let us take a moment to silently confess our sins to God... Father, we confess that we have feared, loved, and trusted other things more than you (pause for silence).... we have not loved each other as we should (pause for silence)...we have done what is evil, and failed to do what is good (pause for silence)... forgive us for Jesus' sake."
(brief pause)
Leader: "Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. Your sins are forgiven. You are at peace with God. Amen."
PRAYER FOR BLESSING ON WORSHIP
Leader: "Be with us now as we gather in your name. Bless us through the hearing of your word. Give us hearts that are eager to believe what you promise and obey what you command, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen."
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Today we will continue reading the history of Jesus' passion, combining all four gospel accounts. Here is a link to the entire passion history if you missed previous weeks and would like to read it at home.
FIRST READING
Two other men, who were criminals, were led away with Jesus to be executed. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means, “The place of a skull.” They offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. They crucified him there with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Now it was the third hour when they crucified him.
Pilate also had a notice written and fastened on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.”
Many of the Jews read this notice, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek.
So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that ‘this man said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’”
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier. They also took his tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it. Instead, let’s cast lots to see who gets it.” This was so that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:
They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
So the soldiers did these things. Then they sat down and were keeping watch over him there.
People who passed by kept insulting him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”
Listen to these short comments by clicking "download file", then listen to the following hymn
STRICKEN SMITTEN AND AFFLICTED LYRICS
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, See Him dying on the tree!
'Tis the Christ by man rejected; yes, my soul, 'tis He, 'tis He!
'Tis the long-expected Prophet, David's Son, yet David's Lord;
by His Son God now has spoken: 'tis the true and faithful Word.
Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning, was there ever grief like His?
Friends thro' fear His cause disowning, foes insulting is distress;
many hands were raised to wound Him, none would intervene to save;
but the deepest stroke that pierced Him was the stroke that Justice gave.
Ye who think of sin but lightly nor suppose the evil great
here may view its nature rightly, here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed, see who bears the awful load;
'tis the Word, the Lord's Anointed, Son of Man and Son of God.
Here we have a firm foundation; here the refuge of the lost;
Christ, the Rock of our salvation, His the Name of which we boast.
Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded who on him their hope have built.
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, See Him dying on the tree!
'Tis the Christ by man rejected; yes, my soul, 'tis He, 'tis He!
'Tis the long-expected Prophet, David's Son, yet David's Lord;
by His Son God now has spoken: 'tis the true and faithful Word.
Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning, was there ever grief like His?
Friends thro' fear His cause disowning, foes insulting is distress;
many hands were raised to wound Him, none would intervene to save;
but the deepest stroke that pierced Him was the stroke that Justice gave.
Ye who think of sin but lightly nor suppose the evil great
here may view its nature rightly, here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed, see who bears the awful load;
'tis the Word, the Lord's Anointed, Son of Man and Son of God.
Here we have a firm foundation; here the refuge of the lost;
Christ, the Rock of our salvation, His the Name of which we boast.
Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded who on him their hope have built.
SECOND READING
Those who were crucified with him also insulted him. In the same way the chief priests, experts in the law, and elders kept mocking him. They said, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself. If he’s the King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now, if he wants him, because he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
One of the criminals hanging there was blaspheming him, saying, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same condemnation? We are punished justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for what we have done, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.”
Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you: Today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene were standing near the cross.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother!” And from that time this disciple took her into his own home.
Those who were crucified with him also insulted him. In the same way the chief priests, experts in the law, and elders kept mocking him. They said, “He saved others, but he cannot save himself. If he’s the King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now, if he wants him, because he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
One of the criminals hanging there was blaspheming him, saying, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same condemnation? We are punished justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for what we have done, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.”
Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you: Today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene were standing near the cross.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother!” And from that time this disciple took her into his own home.
Now listen to the following meditation and the subsequent hymn, with lyrics below.
"How Deep The Father's Love For Us"
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
THIRD READING
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun was darkened.
At the ninth hour Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah!”
After this, knowing that everything had now been finished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I thirst.”
A jar full of sour wine was sitting there. Immediately one of them ran, took a sponge, and soaked it with sour wine. Then he put it on a stick and gave him a drink.
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished!”
Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” When he had said this, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Suddenly the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and rocks were split. Tombs were opened, and many bodies of saints who had fallen asleep were raised to life. Those who came out of the tombs went into the holy city after Jesus’ resurrection and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those who were guarding Jesus with him saw the earthquake and how he cried out with a loud voice and breathed his last, they were terrified and began to glorify God, saying, “This man really was righteous. Truly this was the Son of God.”
When all the groups of people who had gathered to see this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their chests. All those who knew Jesus, and many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and who had served him, were there, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, Salome, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
Since it was the Preparation Day, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses over the Sabbath (because that Sabbath was a particularly important day). They asked Pilate to have the men’s legs broken and the bodies taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who was crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other man.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear. Immediately blood and water came out. The one who saw it has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. Indeed, these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, “Not one of his bones will be broken.” Again another Scripture says, “They will look at the one they pierced.”
Now listen to the following message and the subsequent hymn:
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun was darkened.
At the ninth hour Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah!”
After this, knowing that everything had now been finished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I thirst.”
A jar full of sour wine was sitting there. Immediately one of them ran, took a sponge, and soaked it with sour wine. Then he put it on a stick and gave him a drink.
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished!”
Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” When he had said this, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Suddenly the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and rocks were split. Tombs were opened, and many bodies of saints who had fallen asleep were raised to life. Those who came out of the tombs went into the holy city after Jesus’ resurrection and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those who were guarding Jesus with him saw the earthquake and how he cried out with a loud voice and breathed his last, they were terrified and began to glorify God, saying, “This man really was righteous. Truly this was the Son of God.”
When all the groups of people who had gathered to see this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their chests. All those who knew Jesus, and many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and who had served him, were there, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, Salome, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
Since it was the Preparation Day, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses over the Sabbath (because that Sabbath was a particularly important day). They asked Pilate to have the men’s legs broken and the bodies taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who was crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other man.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear. Immediately blood and water came out. The one who saw it has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. Indeed, these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, “Not one of his bones will be broken.” Again another Scripture says, “They will look at the one they pierced.”
Now listen to the following message and the subsequent hymn:
Man of Sorrows
Man of sorrows Lamb of God
By His own betrayed
The sin of man and wrath of God
Has been on Jesus laid
Silent as He stood accused
Beaten mocked and scorned
Bowing to the Father's will
He took a crown of thorns
Oh that rugged cross,
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honor unto Thee
Sent of heaven God's own Son
To purchase and redeem
And reconcile the very ones
Who nailed Him to that tree
Oh that rugged cross
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honor unto Thee
Now my debt is paid
It is paid in full
By the precious blood
That my Jesus spilled
Now the curse of sin
Has no hold on me
Whom the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
Oh that rugged cross
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honor unto Thee
See the stone is rolled away
Behold the empty tomb
Hallelujah God be praised
He's risen from the grave
Oh that rugged cross
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honor unto Thee
Praise and honor unto Thee
Man of sorrows Lamb of God
By His own betrayed
The sin of man and wrath of God
Has been on Jesus laid
Silent as He stood accused
Beaten mocked and scorned
Bowing to the Father's will
He took a crown of thorns
Oh that rugged cross,
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honor unto Thee
Sent of heaven God's own Son
To purchase and redeem
And reconcile the very ones
Who nailed Him to that tree
Oh that rugged cross
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honor unto Thee
Now my debt is paid
It is paid in full
By the precious blood
That my Jesus spilled
Now the curse of sin
Has no hold on me
Whom the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
Oh that rugged cross
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honor unto Thee
See the stone is rolled away
Behold the empty tomb
Hallelujah God be praised
He's risen from the grave
Oh that rugged cross
My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out
Hallelujah
Praise and honor unto Thee
Praise and honor unto Thee
CREED
Or you can recite the words. For fun, try to do it from memory. If you need help, click here. Here's a musical version by Rich Mullins.
OFFERING
At this time you may write a check and mail it church, as described on this page, which also tells you how to set up online giving.
Also, if you'd like to offer your time, there is still plenty of raking and other outdoor work to do at the church. Contact Jake Laete to get specific instructions, or start with areas closest to the building.
CONNECTION CARD SUBSTITUTE
Instead of a connection card, leave an encouraging comment on our Facebook page! Or call a friend from church later.
PRAYER
Take a moment to ask for prayer requests.
BLESSING
Leader: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and always. Amen.
Or you can recite the words. For fun, try to do it from memory. If you need help, click here. Here's a musical version by Rich Mullins.
OFFERING
At this time you may write a check and mail it church, as described on this page, which also tells you how to set up online giving.
Also, if you'd like to offer your time, there is still plenty of raking and other outdoor work to do at the church. Contact Jake Laete to get specific instructions, or start with areas closest to the building.
CONNECTION CARD SUBSTITUTE
Instead of a connection card, leave an encouraging comment on our Facebook page! Or call a friend from church later.
PRAYER
Take a moment to ask for prayer requests.
- Remember to include prayers of thanks and prayers asking for things, both for you and for others.
- Remember to ask for spiritual blessings as well as physical blessings.
- It is fine to have a short prayer. It doesn't need to sound super-fancy or ultra spiritual, just speak to God from the heart.
- Bring these thanks and requests to God in your own way, then close
- Leader: "Bless the Yang family as Lindsay delivers her new child soon. Be with our community, our nation, and our world, and help us to get through this coronavirus situation. Use to bring about the good of your church on earth, and open our eyes to the ways we might be a blessing to those around us. Be with all who work in healthcare, first responders, and food suppliers, restaurants. Be especially with our elderly and shut-in members."
- Say the Lord's Prayer
BLESSING
Leader: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and always. Amen.
