Christian Liturgy 101: How One Church Worshiped October 18, 2020

by Kristen Gilles

in Liturgy & Sermons

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. You can also watch the video stream of the whole service from our Facebook page or here below (you can also see a video of our sermon alone, from Vimeo).

Our liturgy is directed by Worship Director Justin Shaffer, in collaboration with our Creative Staff at Sojourn Church New Albany, our Liturgy writers, and worship staff at the other four Sojourn Collective churches in the Louisville area. This week’s liturgy was written by Rebekah Carroll.

This Sunday Pastor Bobby Gilles preached from Matthew 21:1-17 in our series Family Values, from Matthew 19-22. To learn more about Sojourn Church, click here.

October 18, 2020 – Bobby Gilles – Modest Messiah from Sojourn Collective on Vimeo.

CALL TO WORSHIP: Liturgist
Good morning Sojourn, and peace be with you. We worship a God who can create an entire universe and all that lives within it simply by speaking the words. Hear this:

1 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers- the moon and the stars you set in place-

4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?

Psalm 8: 1-4, NLT

Yet he does care. Jesus willingly left his throne to become a humble man – to grow from baby to man, to walk dusty streets, to learn a trade – so that he could create a way for his people to grow in relationship with the father. Let’s praise our king…

—Song 1: “In Christ Alone” Key, Leader

CONFESSION/LAMENT: Band Member

Jesus came down to Earth because we needed Him, desperately. Let’s reflect on this together and spend a few minutes in prayer humbly acknowledging where we have fallen short.

Lord, we confess that we have not lived as you have taught us. We have put our longing for money, success, or happiness above our desire for you and your kingdom. We make idols out of the winning record of a team, the next promotion at work, the perfect family, the cleanliness of our home, or the latest technology.

Lord, fill our hearts with You.

We are so busy with our lives and waste time on meaningless activities that we fail to remember that our every breath comes from you. We fail to recognize moments of grace throughout our day.

Lord, fill our hearts with You.

We indulge in hateful thoughts against those we feel have offended us, and we are indifferent toward the suffering in our own neighborhoods. We forget that all people bear your image. J

Lord, fill our hearts with You.

Forgive us for thinking of ourselves before others and before you. Free us from our unreasonable expectations and lack of perspective so that we may glorify you in all we think, say, and do.

Lord, fill our hearts with You. Amen.

– Adapted from The Worship Sourcebook

—Song 2: “You Say” Key, Leader

ASSURANCE & GIVING: Liturgist
While it is true that we have sinned, it is a greater truth that we are forgiven through God’s love in Jesus Christ. Take a moment to feel the freedom in these words from John:

9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
– 1 John 4: 9-10, NLT

Nothing we have done, or could ever do, would earn the love of God, but He is gracious and gives it to us anyway. This is reason to celebrate! Let’s join our voices together to praise our beautiful savior.

—Song 3: “Beautiful Savior” Key, Leader

PASSING OF THE PEACE: Band Member
No matter what is going on outside of these walls: elections, debates, or rival football games, let us remember that we are made to be beacons of unity and peace in a divisive world.

I encourage you to rest in the peace given to you by our father, and share that peace with one another.

—————————————— [SERMON & COMMUNION] —————————————

—Song 4: “Knocking at Your Door” Key, Leader

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Reader

BENEDICTION: Liturgist
Please extend your hands…

Our Lord Jesus, the “modest messiah”, has prepared a way for us to up-end the norms of our world and create space for true unity. Let us go forth with compassionate hearts, helpful hands, and humble spirits. Go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.

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