May 10, 2020

We step aside from our Matthew series this week for a one-off Eastertide message on the practical implications of the resurrection for our daily lives.

If you’re asking yourself, “I know about Easter, but what in the world is Eastertide?”, visit The Christian Year, our artistic accompaniment to the church calendar, for a short explanation and some music, art, and written prayer for the season.

Here’s how you can prepare for this Sunday!

1. Read our text, Colossians 3:1–4.

In this season of Eastertide, what does it mean to live in light of the resurrection? What does the resurrection mean for us practically in our every day lives?

2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:

Don’t have Spotify? Click the song title below to see song on YouTube.

CALL TO WORSHIP: Revelation 1:4–6

Glory Be To God The Father (Horatius Bonar, Joel Limpic)
How Great Thou Art (Stuart K. Hine addl. verse JD Raab)

CONFESSION OF SIN: Parts Adapted from The Book Of Common Prayer:

Glorious and gracious God,
we come before You today with humble hearts.
We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed.
We have not loved You with our whole hearts,
and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

Father, forgive our blindness to Your glory.
Jesus, awaken us to Your resurrection power.
Spirit, draw near to us and lead us into life.
Remind us who You are, and who we are in You!
Let us live this next week with wide eyes and open hearts.
In the powerful name of Jesus, amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON: 1 John 3:1–2

Who You Say I Am (Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan) / I Am Loved (Jonathan Smith, Jason Ingram, Mack Brock)

PASSING THE PEACE

What is Passing the Peace?
(Click to Read)

When we’ve met as a large group on Sundays, we’ve always had a time of greeting one another after singing. Many churches call this time “passing the peace.” In some church traditions, one person will say to another, “The peace of Christ be with you” to which the other person responds, “And also with you.”

While potentially unfamiliar for some, we felt that “passing the peace” during greeting times at home could be a powerful act in this age marked by very little external peace. In Isaiah 9, Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace. He wants His kingdom to be marked by this very peace! We want to “pass” to one another this peace that only Jesus can give, especially at a time like this.

It might feel a bit cheesy, but we encourage you to actually pray the peace of God over each other during our times. We encourage you to look into each other’s eyes as you say, “The peace of Christ be with you!” and have others respond with, “And also with you.” Be open-hearted to Jesus, asking Him to fill you with His peace.

SERMON & COMMUNION

Through And Through (Will Reagan) / Before The Throne Of God (Charitie Lees Bancroft arr. Citizens, Shane & Shane)

BENEDICTION

in Preparing for Sunday

May 3, 2020

This will be Matthew week 12 at Park Church. The Gospel According to Matthew is one of the earliest biographies of Jesus, presenting Jesus not as a mere historical figure, but as “good news” for the world that should reshape every part of life.

We’ll continue in the Sermon on the Mount this week, discussing Jesus and Anger.

1. Read our text, Matthew 5:21–26.

In the next several sections of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes some of the most foundational commands in the law and shows what it looks like to be obedient from the heart. He is addressing the internal drive behind the external behavior, and is calling His new covenant people to a life that will only be possible with Spirit-filled hearts.

Here, Jesus teaches that the driving force behind the act of murder is a heart of anger. Anger is the heart-level sin that destroys relationships, families, and communities. In this new Kingdom, God’s children should be quick to pursue reconciliation and to extend forgiveness. When God’s people follow the way of their King as peacemakers and grace-givers, they will shine the light of God’s grace in the world.

2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:

Don’t have Spotify? Click the song title below to see song on YouTube.

CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 27:4–5

Praise To The Lord The Almighty (Joachim Neander, Catherine Winkworth arr. Citizens)
Grace Alone (Dustin Kensrue)

CONFESSION OF SIN:

Everlasting God,
fountain of all life and the true home of every heart:
our hearts are restless until they rest in You.
Yet we confess that our hearts have been enslaved by selfish passion and base desire.
We have sought after many things
and have neglected the one thing needful.
We have not loved You with our whole hearts;
help us to turn to You and find forgiveness.
Lead us home, that we may again find in You
our life and joy and peace.
Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Romans 5:6–8

I Am Loved (Jonathan Smith, Jason Ingram, Mack Brock)

PASSING THE PEACE

What is Passing the Peace?
(Click to Read)

When we’ve met as a large group on Sundays, we’ve always had a time of greeting one another after singing. Many churches call this time “passing the peace.” In some church traditions, one person will say to another, “The peace of Christ be with you” to which the other person responds, “And also with you.”

While potentially unfamiliar for some, we felt that “passing the peace” during greeting times at home could be a powerful act in this age marked by very little external peace. In Isaiah 9, Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace. He wants His kingdom to be marked by this very peace! We want to “pass” to one another this peace that only Jesus can give, especially at a time like this.

It might feel a bit cheesy, but we encourage you to actually pray the peace of God over each other during our times. We encourage you to look into each other’s eyes as you say, “The peace of Christ be with you!” and have others respond with, “And also with you.” Be open-hearted to Jesus, asking Him to fill you with His peace.

SERMON & COMMUNION

All Hail King Jesus (Gretzinger, Jackson, Mattis, Riddle)

BENEDICTION

in Preparing for Sunday

April 26, 2020

We’re in week 11 of Matthew at Park Church. The Gospel According to Matthew is one of the earliest biographies of Jesus, presenting Jesus not as a mere historical figure, but as “good news” for the world that should reshape every part of life.

This week, we continue in the Sermon on the Mount, discussing Jesus and the Law.

1. Read our text, Matthew 5:17–20.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching His new followers the ways of the Kingdom, and He anticipates some confusion. He was teaching about the Kingdom in ways that seemed revolutionary for His Jewish audience. It seemed like He was flipping their understanding of the Kingdom upside down. Was He attempting to ignore the instructions they had received from Moses? Was He making a break from Israel’s history and the promises of the prophets? Not by a long shot. Jesus claims that He had come to fulfill the law and the prophets.

God gave the Law to Israel in order to show them how to live in His Kingdom, to highlight their rebellious nature, and ultimately to reveal their need for a Savior who could transform their hearts. However, many of the teachers in Israel had reduced God’s instructions to a list of external behaviors. They were using their external obedience to the Law to cover up the decay that was festering in their hearts. Jesus sees straight through the pretense. He is the Savior to whom the Law was pointing, and His teachings reveal what true Kingdom faithfulness looks like. By the end of the Sermon on the Mount, it will be clear that faithfulness to God requires heart- level transformation, and that’s exactly what He had come to do.

2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:

CALL TO WORSHIP: Revelation 1:17–18

You Rose (Meditation on Revelation 1:17–18) (Rachel Buterbaugh, Joel Limpic)
The Lion And The Lamb (Brenton Brown, Brian Johnson, Leeland Mooring) / Forever (Gifford, Jobe, Johnson, Johnson, Taylor, Wilson)

CONFESSION OF SIN:

Gracious God, You have given us the law of Moses and the teachings of Jesus to direct us in the way of life. You send us Your Holy Spirit so that we can be born to new life as Your children. Yet, O God, we confess that the ways of death have a strong attraction and that we often succumb to their lure. Give us the vision and courage to choose and nurture life, that we may receive Your blessing. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Romans 3:21–25

You Keep On Getting Better (Dante Bowe, Jonathan Jay, Majesty Rose)

PASSING THE PEACE

What is Passing the Peace?
(Click to Read)

When we’ve met as a large group on Sundays, we’ve always had a time of greeting one another after singing. Many churches call this time “passing the peace.” In some church traditions, one person will say to another, “The peace of Christ be with you” to which the other person responds, “And also with you.”

While potentially unfamiliar for some, we felt that “passing the peace” during greeting times at home could be a powerful act in this age marked by very little external peace. In Isaiah 9, Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace. He wants His kingdom to be marked by this very peace! We want to “pass” to one another this peace that only Jesus can give, especially at a time like this.

It might feel a bit cheesy, but we encourage you to actually pray the peace of God over each other during our times. We encourage you to look into each other’s eyes as you say, “The peace of Christ be with you!” and have others respond with, “And also with you.” Be open-hearted to Jesus, asking Him to fill you with His peace.

SERMON & COMMUNION

King Of Kings (Jason Ingram, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood) / All Hail King Jesus (Gretzinger, Jackson, Mattis, Riddle)

BENEDICTION

in Preparing for Sunday

April 19, 2020

This week, we return to our series in the book of Matthew. It’s week 10, and we’re picking up where we left off in the Sermon on the Mount, discussing “Jesus and Mission” from Matthew 5:13–16.

Why Matthew in the first place? The Gospel According to Matthew is one of the earliest biographies of Jesus, presenting Jesus not as a mere historical figure, but as “good news” for the world that should reshape every part of life. Here’s how you can prepare for this week’s 10am service stream!

1. Read our text, Matthew 5:13–16.

According to Jesus, the people of the Kingdom will experience tension and opposition in the world as they seek to be faithful to their King and His Kingdom (see 5:10–12). After all, Jesus’ mission to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth is a revolutionary movement. The temptation for His people would be to soften the edges of the Gospel and attempt to blend into the world around them—to either adapt or withdraw. To this impulse, Jesus calls His people to remember their identity and mission. Their call is not to shrink in insecurity and fear, but to shine as the beloved children of God. For it will be through their faithfulness to Jesus and their distinctive lives that God will transform the world.

2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:

CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 36:7–8

Come Thou Fount (Robert Robinson, John Wyeth)
Christ The Sure And Steady Anchor (Matt Boswell, Matt Papa) / No Longer Slaves (Joel Case, Jonathan David Hesler, Brian Johnson)

CONFESSION OF SIN: From The Book of Common Prayer:

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against You
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved You with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in Your will,
and walk in Your ways,
to the glory of Your Name. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON: 1 John 1:7–9

GREETING

SERMON & COMMUNION

Great Are You Lord (Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan, David Leonard) / Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) (Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, Salomon Ligthelm)

BENEDICTION

in Preparing for Sunday

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020

We’re back to a full preview of the service with this week’s Preparing for Sunday as we lead up to a full service online together for Easter. Here’s how you can prepare!

1. Read our text, 1 Corinthians 1:3–9.

2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:

CALL TO WORSHIP: Matthew 28:1–6

Up From The Grave He Arose (Robert Lowry arr. The Christian Year)
Is He Worthy (Andrew Peterson, Ben Shive arr. Shane & Shane)

CONFESSION OF SIN: From The Worship Sourcebook:

Almighty God, You have raised Jesus from the grave
and crowned Him Lord of all.
We confess that we have not bowed before Him
or acknowledged His rule in our lives.
We have gone along with the way of the world and failed to give Him glory.
Forgive us and raise us from sin,
that we may be Your faithful people,
obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who rules the world and is head of the church, His body. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON: From John 11:25–26:

I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die…

O Praise The Name (Anástasis) (Brock, Brown, Furtick, Joye)

GREETING, SERMON, & RESPONSE

King of Kings (Jason Ingram, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood)

BENEDICTION

in Easter Sunday • Preparing for Sunday

April 5, 2020

In these unusual days where we worship from home, the temporary focus of Preparing for Sunday is helping people who are preparing to lead their family or small group of people in their home service. If no one has taken that role in your context, we encourage you to prayerfully consider it!

Here’s how you can prepare for Sunday:

Read through our text, Luke 19:30–40.

See passage
(Click to Read)
When He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as He rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Practice singing or playing through our songs:

Download Chords (PDF)Download Lyrics (PDF)

CALL TO WORSHIP

Lord I Need You (Carson, Maher, Nockels, Reeves, Stanfill)
Yet Even Now (Joel Limpic) / One Thing Remains (Christa Black, Brian Johnson, Jeremy Riddle)

CONFESSION OF SIN

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Jesus, Strong And Kind (Buchanan, Farren, Robinson, Thompson)

PASSING THE PEACE, SCRIPTURE READING, SERMON VIDEO, PRAYER, & COMMUNION

Doxology (A Cappella) (Louis Bourgeois, Thomas Ken)

BENEDICTION

in Preparing for Sunday

March 29, 2020

If you’ve been reading Preparing for Sunday for any amount of time, you’ll notice that it’s a little simpler now than it used to be! After moving our Sunday Worship online for families and smaller groups of people to walk through together, what used to be available on Thursdays in Preparing for Sunday has been enhanced and has now become the bulk of what people access to use on Sundays.

The new, temporary focus of Preparing for Sunday is preparing people who are preparing to lead their family or small group of people in their localized, home services. You may not think that’s you at first, but the “Church Scattered” requires many more people to take up the responsibility to lead their families or groups in worship. You may choose to prayerfully consider that role.

In summary, Preparing for Sunday has been simplified to a list of our three-ish songs (now including chords and lyrics downloads) and the main passage we’ll study. For those who would like to prepare in advance for reading Scripture to your group or leading them in this week’s music, here’s how you can prepare for Sunday:

Read through our text, Matthew 5:1–12.

See passage
(Click to Read)
Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Practice singing or playing through our songs:

Download Chords (PDF)Download Lyrics (PDF)

CALL TO WORSHIP

Build My Life (Barrett, Kable, Martin, Redman, Younker)
Your Name Is Good (Psalm 54) (Joel Limpic, Scott Mills)

CONFESSION OF SIN

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Come Ye Sinners (Joseph Hart arr. Robbie Seay)

PASSING THE PEACE, SCRIPTURE READING, SERMON VIDEO, PRAYER, & COMMUNION

Doxology (A Cappella) (Louis Bourgeois, Thomas Ken)

BENEDICTION

in Preparing for Sunday

March 22, 2020

If you’ve been reading Preparing for Sunday for any amount of time, this new version of our weekly post may look a lot different to you. Suspending our weekly gatherings has caused numerous shifts in how we do ministry at Park Church, and amongst the biggest changes has been moving our services online for families and smaller groups of people to walk through together. For this reason, what used to be available on Thursdays in Preparing for Sunday has now become the bulk of what people will access to use on Sundays for worship together (though we’ve improved that as a resource).

The new, temporary focus of Preparing for Sunday is this: preparing people who are preparing to lead their family or small group of people in their localized, home services. If you’re thinking, “That’s not me!”, don’t click unsubscribe just yet! The Church Scattered requires many more people to take up the responsibility to lead their families and/or groups. You may consider dedicating a little time to pray about that if you haven’t already.

Preparing for Sunday has been simplified to a list of three-ish songs and the main passage we’ll study. It’s really simple, but by moving the rest of the service content to Sunday’s larger post that includes the sermon video, we also hope to emphasize the corporate nature of the service and have groups and families enjoy those things together. So, for those who would like to prepare in advance for reading Scripture to your group or leading them in this week’s music, here’s how you can prepare for Sunday:

Read through our text, Isaiah 9:1–7.

See passage
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time He brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; You have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of His burden, and the staff for His shoulder, the rod of His oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Practice singing or playing through our songs:

Download Chords (PDF)Download Lyrics (PDF)

CALL TO WORSHIP

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Matt Boswell, Charles Wesley) / Psalm 32:7 (Mark Wilkins)
Cornerstone (Bradbury, Liljero, Morgan, Mote, Myrin)

CONFESSION OF SIN

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Living Hope (Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham)

PASSING THE PEACE, SCRIPTURE READING, SERMON VIDEO, PRAYER, & COMMUNION

Doxology (A Cappella) (Louis Bourgeois, Thomas Ken)

BENEDICTION

in Preparing for Sunday

March 15, 2020

Instead of our previously-planned service with Isaiah 9:1–7 and Matthew 4, we’ll be in Psalm 46 this week. Here’s the content of our service:

1. Read our text, Psalm 46.

2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:

In addition to or instead of Spotify, you can also click the title of each song below to see a video (with lyrics if available).

CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 145:8–13, Greeting:

To those who feel the goodness and mercy of God today, and to those who don’t; to those who love His Kingship and Kingdom, and to those who struggle to believe in Him or surrender to Him, may we all hear and respond to the voice of Jesus the King, calling us today: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Rejoice The Lord Is King (Joel Limpic, Charles Wesley) This Is My Father’s World (Maltbie Davenport Babcock arr. Gungor)

CONFESSION OF SIN: From The Worship Sourcebook:

Merciful God, in Your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. We abuse Your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and turn them into bonds of oppression. Lord, have mercy upon us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve You in the world as agents of Your reconciling love in Jesus Christ. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Isaiah 53:4–5

Way Maker (Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu)

GREETING, SERMON, RESPONSE & COMMUNION

All Hail King Jesus (Gretzinger, Jackson, Mattis, Riddle) King Of Kings (Jason Ingram, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood)

BENEDICTION

in Preparing for Sunday

March 8, 2020

This is the seventh week of our series in Matthew. In the scope of the whole book (and our greater, three-part series), this week marks the end of the introduction to the story (Matthew 1:1–4:11) and the beginning of the first grand section (Matthew 4:12–7:29), which we’ve titled “The Upside Down Kingdom”. This week we see Jesus begin to invite people into His kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven.

As a reminder, the Gospel According to Matthew is one of the earliest biographies of Jesus, presenting Jesus not as a mere historical figure, but as “good news” for the world that should reshape every part of life. As we continue to engage with this book this Sunday, here’s how you can prepare your heart in advance:

1. Read our text, Matthew 4:12–25.

This story marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and introduces us to the core message of Jesus: “Turn to me, The Kingdom of Heaven is here.” Jesus is announcing to the world that He is God’s chosen King, and He has come to establish God’s reign on Earth as it is in Heaven. The message is profound, and it demands a response. Either people will believe that He is the King and turn to Him, or they will reject Him as King and continue going their own way. In the story, we see the powerful transformation that is experienced by those who believe His message and follow Him. The arrival of Jesus and His Kingdom is good news for the world, and His invitation continues to extend today through His people to all nations and all generations, “Follow me.”

2. Read, pray, and sing through the service:

CALL TO WORSHIP: Joel 2:12–13, Greeting:

To those who feel half-hearted
and to those whose hearts are full;
To those who sin and need a Savior
And to those who wonder if God is really good.
May we together hear the gracious and merciful voice of Jesus
calling out to us today:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Yet Even Now (Joel Limpic)
You Keep On Getting Better (Dante Bowe, Jonathan Jay, Majesty Rose)

CONFESSION OF SIN: From The Book of Common Prayer:

Most merciful God
whose Son, Jesus Christ, was tempted in every way, yet was without sin,
we confess before You our own sinfulness;
we have hungered after that which does not satisfy;
we have compromised with evil;
we have doubted Your power to protect us.
Forgive our lack of faith; have mercy on our weakness.
Restore in us such trust and love that we may walk in Your ways
and delight in doing Your will. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Isaiah 55:1–3

O Come To The Altar (Brock, Brown, Furtick, Joye)

GREETING, SERMON, RESPONSE & COMMUNION

Jesus, Strong And Kind (Buchanan, Farren, Robinson, Thompson)
Revive Us Again (Hall, Husband, Mackay, Ragland) / Sometimes By Step (Rich Mullens, David (Beaker) Strasser)

BENEDICTION

in Preparing for Sunday