Welcome to Sojourn’s weekly worship music set list review & service recap. You’ll not only read a list of the songs we led, but also the readings and prayers from our liturgy. And if you’d like to see how we incorporate liturgical art and lead the responsive readings, watch the embedded Facebook Live video of our entire service, originally streamed on the Sojourn New Albany Facebook page. Our liturgy is written by worship director Justin Shaffer in collaboration with worship directors at other Sojourn churches. This week’s sermon is from Acts 14:15-22. It comes from Pastor Jonah Sage. Learn more about Sojourn Community Church here.
Song Shelter Me written by Buddy and Julie Miller.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Good morning church! Today we gather not in our own power or because of ritual, but we gather today because the Father has called and invited us. As he has called us here today let us hear from the Word of the Lord…
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.” – Ephesians 1:3-6 (NLT)
Song Come Ye Sinners written by Joseph Hart and Brooks Ritter.
CONFESSION OF SIN
Even great and godly men have within them the capacity for great sin. This only illustrates the need for our Saviour. Let’s pray this text together.
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
(pause/Selah)
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
(pause/Selah)
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
-Psalm 51:1-4
Let’s continue to cry out for mercy, as we sing.
Song Psalm 51 written by Rebecca Dennison.
CELEBRATION OF ASSURANCE
Hear the word of the Lord:
“Remember these things, O Jacob,
and Israel, for you are my servant;
I formed you, you are my servant;
O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud,
and your sins like mist;
return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
—Isaiah 44:21-22, NRSV
God has recreated you if you are in Christ, and brought you new life. He forgives and redeems you. Take hold of this forgiveness, and live your life in the Spirit of Jesus.
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The apostle Paul shows us how Christians are to relate to each other in Romans 15:
welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
-Romans 15:7
This means not only saying “I’m glad you’re here” but also, “you belong here.”
There’s a place for you here.
Earlier this year, a man in a wheelchair visited one of our services
He had to use the restroom, and we had the opportunity to tell him he could not
We realized our building communicates you’re welcome here as long as you can walk
There are other stories like this and they are all heart breaking
Jesus tells us he came for the sick, not the well.
This means the church is not a luxury ship for christians.
The church is a rescue vessel for the broken
We give so this mission can move forward.
We are raising 100k on February 12th so stories like this one don’t happen anymore
WE are not giving to make this a fancy lounge for Christians
We are giving so that all God’s children, all broken, all needy, can be welcomed here.
Let’s say this prayer together and the giving buckets will be passed:
Lord, we are the light of the world, a city on a hill
Grant us greater love for the lost, the broken, the suffering.
In the presence of each other, we bring you this offering
Grant us greater faith and generosity that this might become a place where all are welcomed.
Song God Is Good written by Dustin Kensrue
PASSING OF THE PEACE
We see the goodness of God at the foot of the cross. God has given us peace through the blood of Jesus, so let’s greet one another with the peace of Christ.
[Sermon]
[Communion]
Song Steadfast written by Sandra McCracken
Song The Blood Never Loses its Power written by Andrae Crouch
BENEDICTION
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever – so go now in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you! -Psalm 121:5,7-8