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 video of our entire service, or check it out 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 Sunday we installed Stephen Pierce to our elder team. Then Stephen preached a sermon on James 3:13-18. It was also “All Together Sunday,” an event we do a few times a year where we close the nursery and kids’ classes, and all worship together as a multigenerational family. Learn more about Sojourn Community Church here.
July 1, 2018 – James 3:13-18 – Stephen Pierce from Sojourn Collective on Vimeo.
Heaven (Gungor)
CALL TO WORSHIP
Good morning, and welcome to sojourn! It’s so good to worship all together again! I’m _____ one of the ______ 🙂 Let’s begin our service with a call to worship, celebrating God’s greatness and worth. Hear the Word of the Lord:
Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
- Psalm 150
We praise and adore God because he alone is awesome, powerful, great, and Loving! He has shown his love for us in Jesus. Let’s continue to bless his name through song, reminding one another of this good news!
Bless the Lord (Son of Man)
LAMENT/CONFESSION
We live in a world that is broken and torn apart by the effects of sin. When we’re tired and worn down, God the Father invites us to go to him with our burdens knowing he will give us rest. Let’s cry out to him together through this prayer from Scripture, please read the underlined portions aloud with me:
Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.
Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry.
I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.
-Ps. 86:1-7 (NIV)
When we cry out to God, our heavenly Father listens to his children and responds with kindness towards us. Knowing that, let’s continue to sing and cry out to him.
Satisfied in You
ASSURANCE/GIVING
God knows that will will still be hard until Jesus returns and will reward us for our perseverance. Please read the underlined words of Jesus with me, the sayings known as the Beatitudes:
One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,*
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,*
for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Matthew 1:1-12 (NLT)
Amen! As the giving baskets are passed around and we prepare our tithes and offerings, let’s sing of God’s love and faithfulness:
King of My Heart
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Just as Christ has brought us peace with the Father we now also have peace with one another. Please take a moment to greet those around you.
[Sermon]
[Communion]
Love Changes Everything
BENEDICTION
As you depart today,
may the strength of God pilot you,
the power of God uphold you,
the wisdom of God guide you.
May the eye of God look before you,
the ear of God hear you,
the word of God speak for you.
May the hand of God protect you,
the way of God lie before you,
the shield of God defend you,
the host of God save you.
May Christ shield you today.
Go in the knowledge that Christ is with you and walk in the Spirit. Peace be with you!
(Adapted from Irish prayer)