Central Reformed Church

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost July 5, 2020

REFLECTION

“Brokenness eliminates the need for a self-preserving agenda.”

—Julie A. Gorman, Community That Is Christian, 2nd ed.

(Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002), 198.

ORDER OF WORSHIP FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

JULY 5, 2020 9:30 am

(We invite you to quiet your homes as you prepare for worship.)

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GATHERING IN LOVE

Prelude “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” (Marty Parks) “Reflections on ‘America’” (Hugh S. Livingston, Jr.) “Heavenly Sunlight” (Gary Lanier) “If You But Suffer God to Guide You” (J. S. Bach) Welcome Votum, Call to Worship (from Psalm 124:8 and Matthew 11:28-29)

Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. People: Amen. Leader: Come, all you who are carrying heavy burdens, and Christ will give you rest. People: For he is gentle and humble in heart: in him we find rest for our

souls. Leader: Let us worship God!

Hymn “God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand”

(You are invited to sing.) God of the ages, whose almighty hand Leads forth in beauty all the starry band Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies, Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise. Thy love divine hath led us in the past; In this free land by Thee our lot is cast; Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay; Thy word our law, Thy paths our chosen way. Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way, Lead us from night to never ending day; Fill all our lives with love and race divine, And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.

The Salutation

Leader: May grace, mercy, and God’s peace be ours, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

People: Amen. Invitation to Confession

God upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. Therefore let us confess our sin with every confidence that we will be lifted up.

Prayer of Confession (unison)

Holy One, we confess to you and to each other that we are tired and weighed down by the mistakes we have made, even in our closest relationships with our friends, our spouses, and our partners. We give this burden to you, mindful of Jesus’ promise that he will give us rest. We trust in you. Amen. (moment of silence) Assurance of Pardon (from Psalm 145:8-9)

Friends, hear the good news of our faith: God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, showing compassion to all. Forgiven and freed, let us with joy share our peace with one another.

Peace

Leader: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

Reopen Central Task Force Update Musical Reflection “For the Beauty of the Earth” (Taemin Han)

LISTENING IN EXPECTATION First Lesson Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collec-tors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hid-den these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Fa-ther, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any-one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Moment Second Lesson Romans 7:15-25

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight

in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with my mind I am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh I am a slave to the law

of sin.

Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon “What’s Wrong with Me?” Rev. Larry Schuyler Prayer for a Blessing on the Word Silent Meditation

RESPONDING IN FAITH Affirmation of Faith (Apostles Creed, Ecumenical version)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he as-cended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Hymn of Response “I Come with Joy” (You are invited to sing.)

I come with joy to meet my Lord, forgiven, loved, and free, In awe and wonder to recall His life laid down for me, His life laid down for me. I come with Christians far and near to find, as all are fed, The new community of love in Christ’s communion bread, In Christ’s communion bread. As Christ breaks bread and bids us share, each proud division ends. The love that made us, makes us one, and strangers now are friends, And strangers now are friends. And thus with joy we meet our Lord. His presence, always near, Is in such friendship better known: We see and praise Him here, We see and praise Him here.

SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Meaning of the Sacrament

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Jesus is our gracious host at the table set before us. As host he welcomes any and all who love him and desire to live for him to join in this feast of love. So, come to this table, not because you must but because you may, not because you are strong but because you are weak. Come, know- ing Christ loves you and gave himself for you. Come and meet him here, for we are Christ’s Body, brothers and sisters who in our baptized lives live out his death and resurrection.

Communion Prayer

Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts! People: We lift them up to the Lord. Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: For it is holy and right to do so! Leader: Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty to give thanks to you at all times and in

all places, O Lord our Creator, almighty and everlasting God! You created heav-en with all its hosts and the earth with all its plenty. You have given us life and being, and preserve us by your providence. But you have shown us the fullness of your love in sending into the world your Son, Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, made flesh for us and for our salvation. For the precious gift of this mighty Savior who has reconciled us to you, we praise and bless you, O God. With your whole Church on earth and with all the company of heaven we worship and adore your glorious name:

Sanctus (You are invited to sing.)

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest! Leader: Most righteous God, we remember in this Supper the perfect sacrifice offered

once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ for the sin of the whole world. In the joy of his resurrection and in expectation of his coming again, we offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices. Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:

People: Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!

Leader: Send your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray, that the bread which we break and the cup which we bless may be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ. Grant that, being joined together in him, we may attain to the unity of the faith and grow up in all things into Christ our Lord. And as this grain has been gathered from many fields into one loaf, and these grapes from many hills into one cup, grant, O Lord, that your whole Church may soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

The Words of Institution

Communion

God, who transcends time and space, is the One who acts in the sacrament. Though physically separate, we commune together spiritually, affirming the reality that our bodies are engaged in worship even when we are participating from our own homes and from other places, God's peo-ple gathered through the gift of technology. Wherever we are, Christ comes to us in these gifts of the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Children are most welcome to participate in today’s communion. Receive these elements and be strengthened unto eternal life. Take, eat and drink, the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ given for you. (As you see participants come forward to receive the elements, please take the bread and the cup and commune.)

Anthem “Communion Hymn” (Mary Pickens Opie)

Hungry and thirsty, Lord, I come to Thee, Here lowly kneeling, Thy sacred feast before. Strengthen my spirit with Thy food divine, As now Thou feed's me with the bread and wine. Come to me, Savior, in this holy hour, Shed Thou upon me all Thy wondrous love, That I may ever dwell within Thy light, And come before Thee stainless, pure, and white. Jesus, my Savior, look with loving eye As from my heart I make this humble cry. Give of Thyself, dear Lord, that I may be Filled with Thy grace, throughout eternity. Amen.

Thanksgiving After Communion (from Psalm 103, with additions)

Leader: Brothers and sisters, since the Lord has now fed us at his table, let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving! Bless the Lord, O my soul, People: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Leader: Bless the Lord, O my soul, People: and do not forget all his benefits — Leader: who forgives all your iniquity, People: who heals all your diseases, Leader: who redeems your life from the Pit, People: who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Leader: The Lord is merciful and gracious, People: slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Leader: He does not deal with us according to our sins, People: nor repay us according to our iniquities. Leader: For as the heavens are high above the earth, People: so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; Leader: as far as the east is from the west, People: so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Leader: As a father has compassion for his children, People: so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,

Leader: who did not spare God’s own Son, but gave him up for us all, and will also give us all things with him. People: Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord, from this time forth forevermore. Amen.

Post-Communion Prayer During the prayers each week, we remember our neighboring faith communities and their leaders. Today we are praying for the staff and congregation of Highland Hills Baptist Church.

Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Loving God, you have fed and nourished us with the bread of life and the cup of blessing. We are renewed for your service. Help we who have shared Christ’s body and received his cup, to be faithful disciples so that our daily living may show your kingdom and our love be your love reaching into the world. We are mindful to pray for your people and our world… We ask these things in your most holy name, saying the prayer our Lord taught us...

The Lord’s Prayer (unison)

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, forever. Amen.

DEPARTING IN JOY Hymn “O My God and King and Savior” (hymn on next page) (You are invited to sing.)

Benediction and Blessing

Leader: Whoever you are, wherever you go in God’s wide world, Whatever happens to you of good or ill, always remember that . . . People: Jesus is Lord! Leader: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of

the Holy Spirit be with you always. People: Amen.

Postlude “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (Michael Burkhardt)

“O My God and King and Savior”

WORSHIP NOTES New to Central? Thank you for joining us online today. Central Reformed Church is located on the corner of College and Fulton in the Heritage Hill neighborhood of downtown Grand Rapids. Our mission is to connect all people to God and to one another through scripture, sacrament, song, and service. We have been in ministry for almost 180 years and are a part of the Reformed Church in America, a Chris-tian denomination that began in New Amsterdam (now New York City) in 1628. We look forward to be-ing able to worship with you in person once the Covid-19 crisis is over. Until then, please stay safe. Second Hour: We will not be meeting for second hour or virtual coffee hour today. Enjoy the holiday weekend! In Our Prayers: our visitors (we thank God for you!); our nation, now 244 years old; safety for those traveling this weekend; all those battling cancer; all those ministering to and caring for the sick and grieving; all who are unemployed; all those discouraged and anxious. Sunday Morning Prayer: You are welcome to join us in prayer on Sunday mornings from 9:00-9:15 am via Zoom, led by member Geraldine Pringle. To join, please click on this link—https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85675194544?pwd=Nkc0K3VIMVN5eDhwQ3RRYktqelhGZz09 —or go to www.zoom.us/join and enter the meeting ID (856 7519 4544) and password (888874). Next Sunday, July 12: Join us for our live stream worship service at 9:30 am. Preservice music will begin at 9:20 am. We continue our summer sermon series on the Book of Romans. Rev. Steven D. Pierce will be preaching with a sermon titled “Faithful Living,” based on Romans 8:1-11. Please invite others to join you online. Media Connections: Today’s service is available via live stream through our website at centralre-formedchurch.org. Audio of past sermons is also available. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram: @centralreformed. Giving: Thank you for your continued financial generosity to Central. As always, you are welcome to mail your gifts to the church office. (Staff check the mailbox a couple of times a week.) Online donations are also gratefully received. To make a one-time or recurring gift either via credit card or via your bank account, please visit www.centralreformedchurch.org/give and click on the purple “Give Now” button, which will take you to Tithely, Central's online giving platform.

Cover Art: Psalm 85 © John August Swanson | Eyekons “God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand” words: Daniel Crane Roberts; music: George William Warren

“I Come with Joy” words: Johann Franck; music: Johann Cruger “O My God and King and Savior” words: Rae E. Whitney; music: W. Moore’s The Columbian Harmony

Central Reformed Church

10 College Avenue NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

616.456.1773 centralreformedchurch.org

Connecting all people to God and to one another through scripture, sacrament, song, and service.

WORSHIP LEADERS Preacher: Rev. Larry Schuyler

Liturgist & Celebrant: Rev. Steven D. Pierce Director of Music Ministries: Taemin Han

Guest Organist: Katha Petroelje First Lesson Reader: Duncan MacLean

Vocalist: Sofia Vazquez Maccio Ringer: Patsy Troost

Flutist: Sydney Troost Trombonist: Paul Troost

Video Tech: Alex Grigoriev Sound Tech: Nick Loubert