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
Call to Worship: Psalm 147:1-6
This is a celebratory passage that still introduces the enigma of evil.
Opening Hymn: "God Loves All the Righteous," verses 1, 6, and 7
As we sing this song, we admit that this service will be difficult.
[PSH 73]
Psalm of Meditation: Psalm 88
This is the most raw and unresolved expression of grief in the Psalms; outdone, probably, only by Job 3.
Responsive Reading: Heidelberg Catechism 27
Reviewers of dictionaries and encyclopedias are apt (perhaps ungraciously) to cite lists of items not found in a new work. Such a list of omissions would be easy to produce for any liturgical dictionary especially a concise one such as Stakes. But in this case the omissions make room for inclusions that are of special interest to Reformed Worship readers.
Call to Worship: Acts 4:11-12
Opening Hymn: "Christ Shall Have Dominion"
This song contradicts the sentiments of those who hold to Objection 6.
[PsH 541,TH 439]
Prayer for Illumination:
"Lord, why does it matter what we believe? Please show us today why it matters what we believe, why you call us to be specific when we draw near to you."
Scripture: Acts 17:16-34
"If there is a God, why is this world so terrible?"
"How can we be sure that Christianity is any more valid than any other world religion?"
"If God is always with me, why do I feel as though I've never met him ? "
The first youth service at Georgetown Christian Reformed Church (CRC), Hudsonville, Michigan, was a raving success.
"We put 120 chairs up, and they weren't enough; we needed 140," said Rev. Dan Ackerman, copastor at Georgetown. "We packed the place tight."
