Howard D. Vanderwell

How familiar are you and other members of your congregation with the Belgic Confession? Although the Belgic is one of the doctrinal standards of churches in the Reformed tradition, its language and format have tended to relegate it to a back shelf when it comes to planning worship. Many Reformed churches have had a long-honored practice of regularly preaching through the Heidelberg Catechism, but few include words from the Belgic in their liturgies.

A copy of this article, complete with graphics, is available at the end of the article.

This series of messages was prepared for the worship life of Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church for Lent 1999. Our intent during this season was to help members of the congregation to slow down the pace of life, to think reflectively and devotionally about their relationship with God by focusing on the person and work of their Savior.

WE APPROACH GOD IN GRIEF AND SORROW

Prelude: "Duet No. 2 in F Major," Beethoven unaccompanied flute and bassoon

The Call to Worship

Hymn: "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" PsH 460, PH 263, RL 7, TH 38

stanzas 1-3

Our Declaration of Trust and God's Greeting

Congregation of Jesus Christ, in whom are you trusting?

Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

The Opening of Worship

Prelude
"Jesus, Still Lead On" (Haan, Cherwein)

"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" (Burkhardt, Powell)

Reading: Psalm 90:1-2

The Call to Worship

Reformed covenantal theology and the sacrament of baptism both say that children are an integral part of the church. But our words and actions often communicate quite the opposite. In a variety of ways the church tells its younger members, "Grow up and then you'll count!"

Church worship can easily be destroyed by extremes. The same is true for the worship planning process. One extreme occurs when no one is ultimately in charge; the other occurs when everyone is. Establishing a worship committee can help churches avoid these extremes.

Carol Doran and Thomas H. Troeger. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1992.160 pages.

The moment is charged with excitement and anticipation—the beginning of the most important hour of the week. The council has had their time of prayer for this worship service. The prelude is well underway. The worshipers are in their seats, and the pastor is seated on the platform. Everything is planned and prepared and ready for worship.

Many churches send out the message that the morning worship service is the most important one by including most special events in that service. We do the opposite. Baptisms, professions, and our choral music ministry are usually part of the evening service. In addition, every six to eight weeks we try to schedule a special service of praise that focuses on lifting the congregation into a celebration of joy.