Naomi (college junior):
When I came to college as a freshman, I was really excited about the new experience. But I couldn't believe how lonely I was. I missed my family and friends, of course. But Sunday was especially bad, because I really missed my church.
Interviewer:
What did you miss about your church?
That's the question underlying this theme issue of Reformed Worship.
Call to Worship: Mark 12:28-31
This is Jesus' statement about the two greatest commandments. Thus the service begins with a foil that the minister can use later on in the sermon.
Opening Hymn: "Christ Is Alive!" (another foil)
[RSH 413, PH 108]
Law:
Read responsively the Ten Commandments, alternated with some of our Lord's moral teachings (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount). You'll find a good example on page 1013 of the worship edition of the 1987 Psalter Hymnal.
My husband and I have been church youth leaders for almost eight years—maybe that's longer than people should.
It's not that I don't love the job. There are times when we're coming home in our van and the whole vehicle bounces with the life of the kids in the back, singing and laughing and teasing. At moments like that I know there's nowhere I'd rather be. Sometimes the kids say some really moving things to Tom and me too—things that make us think we're being what we should be, people they can trust.
Call to Worship: John 8:34-36 and 1 Corinthians 6:12
Run these two passages together—e.g., "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed...Am I not free?")
Law: Galatians 5:1-15
This passage deals with Christian freedom and obligation.
Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 61:1-3
This is a tremendously liberating passage!
Hymn of Gratitude: "Make Me a Captive, Lord"
[PsH 546, PH 378, RL 442, TH 687]
Anyone who takes a close look at the history of the Christian church in the United States and Canada cannot help but be struck by the many ways in which our cultural and ethnic diversity has enriched and blessed us. We are truly a body that has been influenced by people of "every tribe, language, and nation."
Hymn of Repentance: "Out of Need and Out of Custom"
[PsH 259]
Law:
Read a selection of verses from Proverbs regarding sons and daughters honoring their moms and dads.
Prayer for Illumination:
"We confess that sometimes going to church is something we have been conditioned to do. Some of us might not even want to be here today, but felt we had to come. Speak to each of us individually. Call us by name. Your sheep hear your voice when you call them by name."
Sound the Bamboo is the trial edition of the new hymnal of The Christian Conference of Asia (formerly the East Asia Christian Conference). It is to be the successor to the 1963 EACC Hymnal, prepared by D.T. Niles, which was internationally respected, especially in Western ecumenical circles, but which has had little impact on the worship of local Asian congregations.
Call to Worship: 1 Corinthians 1:20-24,19,25 (in that order)
You should memorize and practice delivering the words of this passage, since it is a very powerful piece of oratory. Read the verses dramatically, with appropriate gestures.
Opening Hymn: "Come, All Who Fear the Lord God"
This hymn already reflects the fact that this service will be anti-scientism—though not anti-science.
[PsH 240]
Law: Job 28
