Committed to Christ and His Word JOHN · Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way...
Transcript of Committed to Christ and His Word JOHN · Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way...
To know Christ personally, to mature spiritually, to build community and to show God's love faithfully.
Committed to Christ and His Word
JOHN
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Welcome
ARE YOU NEW HERE?
We especially welcome you and thank you for worshipping with us. We’re excited to be a part of what God is doing in our community and we look forward to getting to know you. If you'd like to know more about us, visit our sycamorepres.com or stop by the Welcome Center in the foyer.
A NOTE FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR We’re committed to Christ and His Word and strive to love one another. For those who are just becoming interested in Christ, you'll find space to learn and grow without the pressure to be more “spiritual.” We also provide opportunities for those who are experienced and committed to serving Christ and his Kingdom. Join us as we seek:
TO KNOW CHRIST PERSONALLY Faith begins with a personal commitment to Christ,
trusting in Him as Savior and Lord.
TO MATURE SPIRITUALLY Faith grows through commitment to His Word, studying and applying the Scriptures,
transforming every area of life.
TO BUILD COMMUNITY Faith is evident in our love for one another. Jesus said, “By this the world will know you are my
disciples, if you love one another.” This involves commitment beyond Sunday morning to small groups in which we pray and care for one another.
TO SHOW GOD’S LOVE FAITHFULLY Faith is expressed through witness and mercy.
As God’s love is shown for us in Christ, who gave his life for us, we are to show God’s love to others, giving ourselves to share Christ with them,
and serving in our community, our city, and our world.
That others might know Christ personally…
Harry D. Long, Senior Pastor
Large-print worship bulletins are available at the welcome table.
Hearing assistance devices are available at the sound booth.
The mother’s room is available during the services for nursing mothers.
Culto de adoración en español, 11:15 AM, sala tres.
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Service for the Worship of God
January 5, 2020 | 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM
REFLECTION
Before those words broke upon my mind I hated God and was angry with him because, not content with frightening us sinners by the law and by the miseries of life, he still further increased our torture by the gospel. But when, by the Spirit of God, I understood these words, “The just shall live by faith!” ‘The just shall live by faith!’ then I felt born again like a new man: I entered through the open doors into the very paradise of God. Martin Luther (1483-1546)
WELCOME
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 71) (Leader) Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
you who have done great things.
Who is like you, God?
Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
(ALL) We will praise you for your faithfulness, our God;
We will sing praise to you, Holy One of Israel;
We will tell of your righteous acts all day long.
You are
encouraged to
prepare for
worship by
quieting
your mind and
heart.
Because we
believe God
initiates with
sinners, we begin
worship
with His Word:
His invitation to
us to gather in
His name.
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HYMN OF PRAISE GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
#32
We praise our
Triune God for
who He is and
what He does.
CCLI License #338551
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PRAYER OF ADORATION
CONFESSION OF SIN (Adapted from Proverbs 3)
(Leader)
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
(ALL) Heavenly Father, we confess we forget often that you are faithful and steadfast in your love. Instead, we believe the lies of our hearts and of the evil one that you are a fickle God whose faith and love ebb and flow much like ours.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
Father, we rarely trust you with all of our heart or even most of our heart. We lean on our own understanding and work to try and accomplish what only you can accomplish. We are foolish and fickle people.
Forgive us for our lack of faith, our foolishness, and our hard-heartedness. Forgive us most gracious God for even the sins we do not know we have committed and renew in us this morning, by the power of the Holy Spirit, our love for you. Remind us through your word this morning of the grace we have shown through Christ our Savior.
Silent prayer, confessing our sin.
THE LORD ’S PRAYER (page 19)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Romans 1:16-17)
We confess our sins because we trust in the God who forgives and grants righteousness. God’s Word tells us, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Thanks be to God that the message of the Old Testament and New Testament is the same: God grants righteousness to those who trust in Jesus!
The reading of
scripture, which
exposes our sin.
Jesus is good to
lead us from the
sorrow and
shame of our sins
into the security
and joy of His
grace.
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HYMN OF ASSURANCE ANCIENT OF DAYS
By CityAlight
We rejoice in
the promise of
forgiveness!
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DECLARATION OF FAITH THE HEIDELBERG CATECHISM
(Leader) Q.1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
(ALL) A. That I am not my own, but belong
-body and soul, in life and in death—
To my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,
and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.
He also watches over me in such a way
that not a hair can fall from my head
without the will of my Father in heaven;
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him,
Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready
from now on to live for him.
SCRIPTURE READING HABAKKUK 1:12-2:5
SERMON (page 10) SERIES: HABAKKUK—LIVING BY FAITH Turn that frown upside down! Marty Cates
PRAYER OF APPLICATION THE LORD ’S SUPPER (page 11)
We boldly
proclaim what
we believe.
During the
11:00 AM sermon,
children ages 4
years through
2nd grade are
invited to Kid’s
Worship. They
will return after
the sermon.
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HYMN OF PURPOSE WE WILL FEAST IN THE HOUSE OF ZION
By Sandra McCracken
We sing
because God’s
Word calls us to
respond.
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PRAYER OF PETITION & THANKSGIVING
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (hymnal #644) May the peace of God my Father rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.
OFFERING Please sign and pass the fellowship pad.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
DOXOLOGY (hymnal #731) Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below:
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
BENEDICTION
CLOSING REFRAIN (hymnal #727)
Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness,
make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
that makes me to dwell in safety.
POSTLUDE
We give thanks
to God and bring
our needs to him.
As recipients of
his grace, we give
back to God a
portion
of what is
already his.
Jesus said, “I give
[all who believe
in Me] eternal
life, and they
shall never
perish; no one
will snatch them
out of my hand.”
John 10:28
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Sermon Outline
SERIES: Habakkuk - Living By Faith
HABAKKUK 1:12-2:5 Turn that frown upside down
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The Lord’s Supper We welcome all baptized Christians who are willing to forsake their sin and trust in Jesus
Christ for salvation and who are members of a congregation that proclaims the gospel to
take the Lord’s Supper with us. Those not receiving are invited to consider the prayers below.
Our Elders serve the elements of the Lord’s Supper, passing the elements down each row.
We will partake of each element together after all have received the element.
PRAYER FOR THOSE SEARCHING FOR TRUTH Jesus, You claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by
the cost of following You as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what You claim is true,
please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who You are. Give me an under-
standing of You that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that You promise.
Amen.
PRAYER OF BELIEF
Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You
died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my
life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place
my trust in You for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life. Amen.
PRAYER FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH SIN
Lord Jesus, grant that I may see in You the fulfillment of all my need and may turn from eve-
ry false satisfaction to feed on You, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin
that clings so closely and run with perseverance the race set before me, looking to You, the
pioneer and perfecter of my faith. Amen.
PRAYER OF COMMITTMENT
Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow You in baptism and in a life of committed disciple-
ship in Your church. Grant that I may take the necessary steps to be one with Your people,
and live in the fullness of your Spirit. Amen.
The bread is gluten-free.
All cups contain grape juice.
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MISSIONS JEFF AND PATTY BORDEN, Africans Teaching Africans (ATA)
Jeff is now in his second year as Director of ATA. There are now about 52,000 students in
18 African countries learning the Bible! He has traveled to Zambia and Kenya in the past
year, meeting and working with some of our key African leaders. Thank you very much
for your faithful prayers, support and friendship over the years!
OUR CONGREGATION
SYCAMORE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
and THE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE: In January, our prayer requests will be centered on the community.
Please pray:
1. That God will encourage the hearts of the community to come and visit Sycamore.
2. That all visitors would feel welcomed and accepted while with us.
3. That they will clearly hear the gospel proclaimed and see it lived out within our
congregation.
4. That many souls will be saved through the on-going work of the Holy Spirit in our
midst.
OUR DENOMINATION BEN ROBERTSON, REFORMED UNIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP (RUF)
WILLIAM AND MARY
OUR COMMUNITY SPRING RUN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OUR CITY We pray for health care in Metropolitan Richmond: For persons living with terminal
illnesses and for their families, friends, and communities; for persons working to find
cures for diseases.
We pray for the various needs of our
mission partners, congregation,
denomination, community and city.
Petition & Thanksgiving
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SUN Jan. 5
MON 6
TUES
7
WED 8
THR
9
FRI 10
This Week at Sycamore Worship Service Sunday School Servicio de adoración MS Youth Group HS Youth Group Prayer Meeting Men’s Bible Study Men’s Bible Study ESL MS Bible Study Elders/Membership Meeting HS Discipleship ESL Conversation VIP Lunch Out at Mellow Mushroom Knitting His Love Sanctuary open for prayer (12-6) Men’s Bible Study ESL Bible Study Hispanic Bible Study
8:30 & 11:00 AM 9:50 AM 11:15 AM 5:00 PM 6:30 PM 12:00 PM 6:00 AM 6:45 AM 9:30 AM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 9:30 AM 11:30 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 6:00 AM 10:00 AM 7:00 PM
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
We encourage our children to glorify God,
to know Him personally and learn how to
live as His beloved sons and daughters. We
welcome all children, and encourage and
support parents as they love and raise them.
We provide a safe, loving, and gospel-filled
environment for families.
Nursery: Care for infants ages 0-3 is
available during all worship services and
the Sunday School hour. Your child will
play and enjoy a lesson and a snack.
Children in Worship: We love and
value having kids in our worship service!
We encourage them to engage in the
service as they are able.
Worship Bulletins for children are,
available in the foyer on Sunday
mornings: one for children ages 3-6
and one for children ages 7-12.
Kid’s Worship for children ages 4
years to 2nd grade, during the sermon in
the 11:00 AM service. This ministry
teaches children how to worship in
church through age-appropriate lessons
and activities. We start worship
together, and just before the sermon you
are welcome to take your child(ren) to
room 15. They will be escorted back to
the sanctuary after the sermon.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Our Youth Ministry desires to see High
School (HS) and Middle School (MS)
students grow in their personal relationship
with God by journeying with them toward
spiritual maturity in a gospel-centered
community.
Both MS (grades 6-8) and HS (grades 9-12)
students meet at different times for Youth
Group, a time to fellowship and dive
deeper into understanding who God is and
who we are.
Additionally, there are weekly opportunities
throughout the year for Small Group Bible
study.
THROUGH THE ROOF
Through the Roof exists to love and serve
Jesus Christ by breaking down barriers so
that children with special needs and their
families can know Jesus and fully
participate in the body of Christ. We will
do what it takes to get them "through the
roof" to meet Jesus.
TTR provides buddies to attend Sunday
School or special events with your child,
and every Sunday, Room 24 is our Sensory
Room, a quiet place to relax and
decompress in a sensory-friendly
environment.
Growing Together
"...in Christ we, though many, form
one body, and each member belongs to
all the others." Romans 12:5
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WOMEN’S MINISTRY The Women’s Ministry seeks to enable all women, regardless of age and stage of life, to understand and grow in their relationship with Christ, to find ways to fulfill Christ’s purpose in their lives, to reach beyond themselves to minister to others, and to develop a vision for sharing Christ. Join us for bible studies and the Annual Retreat.
MEN’S MINISTRY Our men’s ministry seeks to build relationships among men so they can encourage one another spiritually, as the Bible says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Join us for bible studies and our Annual Retreat.
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY-VIPS If you are like us, there are a few things you want in life: to celebrate blessings, to share your experiences and insights, to do something worthwhile with your time and experience, and for others to know the joy of the gospel. Does this represent you? The VIPs at Sycamore offer you a host of opportunities to share, learn, and grow in God’s grace.
SMALL GROUPS
Small Groups are a primary way we are intentional about life together. Groups meet regularly to pray, study and share joys, sorrows, and struggles.
HISPANIC MINISTRY This Ministry is a loving and welcoming community that gathers for fellowship and worship in Spanish as a part of the Body of Christ at Sycamore. We worship on Sunday at 11:15 AM in room 3.
MINISTERIO ESPAÑOL Este Ministerio es una comunidad cariñosa y acogedora que se reune para adorar y tener compañerismo en Español como parte del cuerpo de Cristo de Sycamore. Nos reunimos para adorar el Domingo a las 11:15 AM en la sala 3.
For more information on any of these and more of our ministries,
visit www.sycamorepres.com.
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THANKS TO THOSE SERVING THIS SUNDAY (JANUARY 5)
8:30 Nursery 9:50 Nursery 11:00 Nursery Kid’s Worship
Becky Ulmer Beverly Wells Nicholas Wells
Linda Boynton Fatima Albaadani
Babies: Catherine Young Hannah Higley Toddlers: Stephen Evelyn Yvonne Evelyn Ana Rodrigues Julia Rodrigues
Harry Long Mary Long
8:30 Ushers 11:00 Ushers
Fran Williams Russ Allen Robyn Hoover Tony Sumner
Bill Edmunds John Bailey Michael Bailey Ralph Eynon
Serve
SERVING NEXT SUNDAY (JANUARY 12)
8:30 Nursery 9:50 Nursery 11:00 Nursery Kid’s Worship
Lisa Gabriel Fatima Albaadani
Irene Brown Fatima Albaadani
Babies: Jennifer Kruger Melissa Prior Toddlers: Emily Iniguez Linda Cooke Reagan Kruger
Becky Boone Emily Ellinghausen
8:30 Ushers 11:00 Ushers
Fran Williams Russ Allen Robyn Hoover Tony Sumner
Bill Edmunds John Bailey Michael Bailey Ralph Eynon
This is the schedule as posted online. Changes and substitutions may not be reflected.
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Nursery room C/D
Nursery room B
Nursery room A
Room 13
Room 12
Room 10
Room 15
Room 24
Room 4
Room 2
*as of Sept 2019
0-1 years
*2-3 years
*4-5 years
Grades 1-2
Grades 3-4
Grade 5
Kid’s Worship
Sensory Room
Middle School
High School
CHILDREN - 9:50 AM on Sunday.
Kid's Sunday School teaches that it is the gospel,
not good behavior, that changes everything.
Includes time of worship & music for all classes.
Sunday School To deepen our understanding of Scripture
and our love for God through thoughtful
and engaging studies of God’s word.
YOUTH - 10:00 AM on Sunday.
Middle School students (grades 6-8) and High
School students (grades 9-12) meet to study God's
word and be encouraged to grow in their faith.
ADULT - 10:00 AM on Sunday
- Learning to Love the Psalms
Learn to love some of the greatest treasures the
Lord has given through a study of their themes,
structure, and beauty.
Room 3
- Parenting
The purpose of parenting, our calling as
parents, and the fuel for our journey as parents.
Room 25
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NEW ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
Learning to Love the Psalms (Room 3)
Led by Brian Kaman and Chris Gramm
The Book of Psalms is one of the greatest treasures the Lord has given to His people. Through these sacred poems, God has given us a rich songbook and a divinely inspired guide for our prayers. In this teaching series, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey provides an overview of the Psalms with the specific goal of learning to love them through a study of their themes, structure, and beauty.
Parenting (Room 25)
Led by Peter Martin, Trevor Roberts and Marty Cates
There are two things to be said about parenting: One is, that few things in life rise to the level of importance as being chosen by God, as His instrument, to be part of the forming of the soul of a child. The second, is that parenting is hard. The hope of this class is to look at the purpose of parenting, our calling as parents, and the fuel for our journey as parents.
Highlights
BUDGET
December Goal: $139,316
December Giving: $140,661 100%
(as of December 31)
Financial Information
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Spiritual Care
If you'd like to speak to someone about what it means to know Jesus Christ or you have a
spiritual need or question, please speak to one of our elders. The primary responsibilities
of our elders are oversight, shepherding, and spiritual care for the community at
Sycamore. If you are interested in speaking with a trained counsellor, we support Wellspring
Christian Counselling. You can contact them at www.wellspringrva.com or 804-306-0504.
PRAY WITH US
Fill out the prayer card from this bulletin and drop it in the offering plate.
To sign up for our church-wide prayer chain, go to sycamorepres.com and click on
Community, then click Prayer.
Our church staff meets weekly to pray over requests and praises.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.
PRAYER OF BELIEF
Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life.
But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me.
Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me.
I repent of my sins and now place my trust in You for my salvation.
I accept the free gift of eternal life. Amen.
Harry D. Long, Senior Pastor Marty Cates, Associate Pastor of Family & Youth Ministries Ambrose Winfree, Assistant Pastor of Hispanic Ministry Becky Boone, Director of Kid ’s Ministry Michael Breakall, Director of Worship Christine Bates, Assistant Director of Youth & Discipleship Evan Maddox, Assistant Director of Youth & Outreach Sandra Learned, Administrative Team Leader Kate Maguire, Administrative Assistant Margarita Wallace, Administrative Assistant
STAFF
Dave Antoline* Jim Bates* Rob Cross* Brian Kaman Glenn Kurtz Peter Martin Rob Nettles* Dave Prior*
Dennie Pritchard* Amish Ray Stephen Righter* Trevor Roberts Phil Rohrer* Jim Shefferly Jim Ulmer Gene Whitehead
*active session
ELDERS
Tyler Burgess Jim Hankins Pat Murphy Kevin Newman
Steve O’Brien Scott Shefferly Frank Stokes John Vick
DEACONS
Office Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Mon-Fri Phone: 804-794-0238
510 Coalfield Road Midlothian, VA 23114 sycamorepres.com
A congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)pcanet.org
Announcement, Newsletter, and Ministry Moment Requests (by 12:00 PM on Wednesday) [email protected]