1. Art and Diseño

epiphany, week 5
01 february 2015
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Reflection
“Beauty will save the world.”
• Fyodor Dostoyevsky
“The heaven of Christianity is different from all other heavens because the religion of Christianity is different from all
other religions – it moves among real things. Its sphere is the street, the marketplace, the working life of the world. But if heaven be a city, the life of those going there must be a real life. Christ’s gift to us was a life; a rich and
abundant life. An abundant life does not show itself in an abundant dreaming, but in abundant living among real
and tangible objects and to actual and practical purposes.”
• Henry Drummond
Preparation
Use the time before the service as an opportunity to prepare for worship, quiet your heart, and receive Christ. Feel free
to read the reflections above. As a courtesy, please turn off your cell phone, beeper, iPod, or other noisemaker at this time.
Welcome
The ancient Celts believed that there were “thin places” on this earth; places where you could experience the
very presence of God. Worship is a “thin place” between heaven and earth where we meet with God. When we gather
for congregational worship we enter into the very presence of the Living God. No matter who you are or what you have
done, God, by his grace, is able to change your life forever. Meet with him at this “thin place”: worship.
Credits
All Scripture references taken from the New International Version (NIV), unless otherwise noted.
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Call to Worship *
Almighty God,
as we prepare to worship today,
we ask that you will stretch our imaginations
to sense the majesty and mystery of your ascension.
Help us perceive how Jesus’ presence in heaven
can give us confidence in our praying
and hope for the future.
Through Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of Invocation *
“Come And Welcome” *
From the cross uplifted high, where the Savior came to die What melodious sounds I hear, bursting on my ravished ear Love’s redeeming work is done, come and welcome, sinner, come Sprinkled now with blood the throne, why beneath your burdens groan On his pierced body laid, justice owns the ransom paid Bow the knee and kiss the Son, come and welcome, sinner, come Spread for thee the festal board, see with greatest blessings stored To thy Father’s bosom pressed, yet again a child confessed Never from his house to roam, come and welcome, sinner, come 2
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The Call to Worship is an
invitation into the unique activity of
worship. Our primary activity in
the worship service is to participate
in the gift exchange of worship
itself, by hearing God’s Word, by
offering prayers and praise, and by
receiving spiritual nourishment
offered at the Lord’s table.
The term invocation implies that
the congregation invokes, or “calls
upon,” God. In it, we express our
longing for God as well as deep
dependence and humility.
Soon the days of life shall end, I will come, your Savior, Friend Safe your spirit to convey, to the realms of endless day Up to my eternal home, come and welcome, sinner, come
• Words: Thomas Haweis (1792)
• Music: Matthew Perryman Jones (2004)
*Indicates congregation standing
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“Praise To The Lord, The Almighty” *
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near, praise him in glad adoration
Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen, how all your longings have been, granted in what he ordaineth?
Why do we sing in church? As
God's people gather for worship, we
focus our attention on God and
away from ourselves by singing
together. We respond with
thanksgiving to God, because we
have hope. And we sing because it is
the best and most complete
response that we can utter.
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper your work and defend thee
Surely his goodness and mercy, shall daily attend thee
Ponder anew, what the Almighty can do, if with his love he befriend thee
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore him
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him
Let the amen, sound from his people again, gladly for aye we adore him
• Words: Joachim Neander (1680)
• Music: 17th century German tune
Scripture Reading
Acts 1:1-11
1 In
my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken
up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he
presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period
of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them
this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak
about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
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Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
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He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
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After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
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They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood
beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has
been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
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Homily
“The Meaning of the Very Presence of Christ” – Acts 1:1-11
Rev. Brad Schmidt, Lead Pastor
Notes
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“10,000 Reasons” *
VERSE 1
The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
CHORUS
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul I'll worship your holy name
VERSE 2
You're rich in love, and you're slow to anger
Your name is great, and your heart is kind
For all your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
VERSE 3
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore
• Words + Music: Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman (2011)
The Demonstration of the Very Presence of Christ
Vision for 2015 and stories from the community.
“Song Of Hope” *
All things bright and beautiful, you are
All things wise and wonderful, you are
In my darkest night, you brighten up the skies
A song will rise
CHORUS
I will sing a song of hope, sing along
God of heaven come down, heaven come down
Just to know that you are near is enough
(Just to know you and be loved is enough)
God of heaven come down, heaven come down
All things new | I can start again
Creator God, calling me your friend
Sing “Praise!” my soul to the Maker of the skies
A song will rise
Hallelujah, sing
Hallelujah, sing, sing
Hallelujah, sing, sing
• Words + Music Dan Hamilton, Chase Jenkins, Taylor Johnson and Robbie Seay (2007)
The Power for Being the Very Presence of Christ
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Call to Confession
Please kneel for the confession
In spite of God’s love for us and gift of love to us, we often act in
destructive and hateful ways. We close our hearts to God and disobey
God’s law. Together let us confess our sin.
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Because sin is so pervasive in both
our corporate and individual lives,
Christians and non-Christians are
called to come before the Father
with honesty and transparency,
confessing our brokenness and
asking for both forgiveness and
healing through Jesus Christ.
Corporate Confession
Almighty God, we confess how hard it is to be your people.
You have called us to be the church,
to continue the mission of Jesus Christ to our lonely and confused world.
Yet we acknowledge we are more apathetic than active,
isolated than involved, callous than compassionate,
obstinate than obedient, legalistic than loving.
Gracious Lord, have mercy upon us and forgive our sins.
Remove the obstacles preventing us
from being your representatives to a broken world.
Awaken our hearts to the promised gift of your indwelling Spirit.
This we pray in Jesus’ powerful name. Amen.
We confess corporately to show
our unity even in our brokenness.
Private Confession
Assurance of Forgiveness
Based on Ephesians 2:4-7 (NRSV)
Hear the good news of the gospel:
God, who is rich in mercy,
out of the great love with which he loved us
even when we were dead through our trespasses,
made us alive together with Christ—
by grace you have been saved—
and raised us up with him
and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
so that in the ages to come he might show
the immeasurable riches of his grace
in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
In Christ, by God’s grace, we are saved.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
We confess individually in order
to own our failing toward God and
toward humankind in thought,
word and deed.
Christ has given the Church
authority to declare forgiveness
of sins in his name. Because of
this, when the liturgist proclaims
that your sins are forgiven, you can
know that Christ agrees.
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Affirmation of Faith *
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy
Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from
the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated on the right hand of God
the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the
dead.
H
When we affirm our
faith together, it reminds us that
we are part of an ancient and
global faith. This basic creed of
Christian churches, as most
familiarly known, is called the
Apostles' Creed. It has received this
title because of its great antiquity;
it dates from very early times in the
Church, a half century or so from
the last writings of the New
Testament.
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.
Invitation to the Table
Words of Institution
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
On the night on which Jesus was betrayed, he sat at supper with his disciples. While they were eating, he took a
piece of bread, said a blessing, broke it, and gave it to them with the words, “This is my body. It is broken for you.
Do this to remember me.” Later he took the cup, saying, “This cup is God’s covenant, sealed with my blood. Drink
from it, all of you, to remember me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Distribution of the Bread + Cup
CityChurch welcomes all baptized Christians – those who are trusting in Jesus
Christ for salvation and who are members of congregations that proclaim the
gospel – to receive the Holy Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper, or
the Eucharist) with us. We will be coming forward to receive Communion.
When you come forward, tear a piece of the bread, and then dip it into the
cup.
Please note that we use wine in Communion. If you cannot receive wine, nonalcoholic white grape juice is also available. If you are not able to receive The
Lord’s Supper, please use this time to meditate on one of the prayers below.
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“The Eucharist is the definitive
action practiced in the Christian
community that keeps Jesus Christ
before us as the Savior of the world
and our Savior, and ourselves as
sinners in need of being saved. The
Eucharist is the sacramental act
that pulls us into actual material
participation with Christ (eating
and drinking bread and wine) as he
gives his very life “for us and for
our salvation” (cf., the Nicene
Creed)... The Eucharist puts Jesus
in his place: dying on the cross and
giving us that sacrificed life. And it
puts us in our place: opening our
hands and receiving the remission
of our sins, which is our salvation.”
• Eugene Peterson, Christ Plays
in Ten Thousand Places
Prayers of Meditation for Those Not Communing
Prayer for Those Searching for Truth
Prayer of Belief
Lord 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 understanding of you that is coherent,
convincing, and that leads to the life that you
promise. Amen.
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful
than I ever before believed, but through you I am
more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I
thank you for paying my debt, bearing my
punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness
and new life. Knowing that you have been raised
from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you
as Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Those Overcome with Sin
Lord Jesus Christ, grant that I may see in you the
fulfillment of all my need and may turn from every
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 for Covenant Children (Not Yet Confirmed)
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for placing me inside
your family, the church. Help me more and more to
know you, to love you and to follow you as your
faithful disciple. Amen.
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Communion Song – “Be Thou My Vision” *
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true Word
I ever with thee, and thou with me Lord
Thou my great Father, I thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and thou only, be first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art
High King of heaven, when victory is won
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
• Words: Ancient Irish Hymn (8th century)
• Translated to English by Mary E. Byrne (1905)
• Music: Slane, of Irish folk origin)
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Gifts + Offerings
Christ calls us, to give generously as a sign of gratitude for how much he has given us. Our response to his grace
enables us to give sacrificially of ourselves to one another and the work of Christ’s Kingdom. Your gift is an act
of personal worship to God in response to his grace in your life. The allocation of your time and money to God’s
service should be a byproduct of prayer and consultation with other Christians to whom you are accountable.
If you’re new to CityChurch, or are exploring Christianity, you’re under no obligation to give. However, if you call
CityChurch your “home church,” consider allocating a significant portion of your tithe and offering to the
community where you invest most of your time, and where others are investing in you.
For your convenience, one-time or recurring gifts can be made online at: citychurchftl.com/giving.
“10,000 Reasons” *
CHORUS
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship his holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul I'll worship your holy name
Benediction *
Based on Philippians 4:7 The peace of God,
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, remain with you always.
Just as we ordain new ministers
and send them into the world to
serve, in the Benediction, Christ
ordains you with a blessing that
equips you for service.
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VISION
THE VISION OF CITYCHURCH is the Spiritual, Social, and Cultural renewal of Fort Lauderdale.
MISSION
WE SEEK TO BE the very presence of Christ in Fort Lauderdale by cultivating a community of Faith, Hope + Love.
VALUES
Faith
Hope
Love
Because we are a Community
of Faith we value:
Because we are a Community
of Hope we value:
Because we are a Community
of Love we value:
The Gospel. The Gospel is the only
hope for humankind. The message
of the Gospel is that Christ has done
what is necessary to bring us into a
relationship with God. We keep it at
the center of everything.
The City. Christianity has always
thrived in an urban context. We love
Fort Lauderdale, and want to live,
work, celebrate, raise our families,
enjoy, and serve this great city.
Life in Community. The Trinity is at
the core of Christian truth; namely
that God himself has always been in
community – the Father and Son
and Spirit all loving, giving and
sharing with one another. We
acknowledge that we need each
other, and that the life Jesus offers
works only in connection with a
community of faith.
Mission & Movement. Because God
is the one who initiates relationships,
and sent his Son to seek and save
people, we will pursue relationships
with people in hope that they will be
restored to their Father. CityChurch
does not exist as an end in itself –
we desire to be an incubator for
church planting throughout South
Florida, in that when we grow, we
will be very intentional about
spinning off and beginning new
congregations throughout our city.
Each of these churches will partner
with us in pursuing the goal of
spiritual, social, and cultural renewal.
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Arts & Industries. We believe that
the good news of the Gospel is
about God’s redemption of this
fallen world and its cultural
expressions. We are a church that
welcomes, encourages, and equips
artists of every medium... and
therefore we will seek to offer artists
opportunities to show or perform
their work, providing
encouragement for them to grow
and develop as artists. We also
believe that the good news of the
Gospel impacts work and the
marketplace. We will encourage men
and women to use their positions,
talents, and gifts to the best of their
abilities, and to the betterment of
our city.
Social Healing. The Gospel is the
good news of Christ’s kingdom.
CityChurch seeks to partner with
local social service agencies that
assist the suffering in our own local
community. Furthermore, we will
pray for sensitivity to the mercy
needs of our community and will
seek to serve our neighbors out of
Christ’s love.
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Ministries of CityChurch
CityKids
CityChurch’s Children’s Ministry (Toddler & Nursery room for infants – Kindergarten & Kids Church for 1st – 5th
grade) equips our children and their friends to learn and apply the Gospel.
Children’s Church – The last Sunday of the month, children’s church (1st – 5th grade) does not meet. Instead, they
participate in the service. Activity bags and sermon aids are available at the registration desk before service. Contact
Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]) to get your child involved.
Faith and Arts
Our book discussion series explores the great stories of our culture and how the Gospel enters into them.
Codex Book Club – Meets every other month 7:30p @ Stork's Bakery & Cafe (2505 NE 15 Ave, Wilton Manors). For
more information, contact discussion leader Phil Letizia ([email protected]).
CityChurch Writers Group – Meets on the first Monday of every month 7:30p @ Sip Java (638 N Federal Hwy, Fort
Lauderdale). For more information, contact Laura Creel ([email protected]).
Ministry Team
Eddie Copeland, Elder
Tania Gracia, Deacon
Rev. Rick Hunter, Pastor of Missional Development
Amber Peavyhouse, Ministry Coordinator/CityKids Ministry
Rev. Brad Schmidt, Lead Pastor
Jeff Schmidt, Media Director
Dave Smith, Deacon/Finances
Jason Smith, Elder
Mark Snow, Elder
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CityGroups
Cultivating Faith, Hope + Love over a meal each week while partnering with our City for the common good.
Tuesday Nights
7p - Led by the Peavyhouses (kid-friendly)
Meets in Rio Vista neighborhood
Wednesday Nights
7p - Led by the Copelands (kid-friendly)
Meets in Tarpon River neighborhood
6:30p - Led by the Hunters (kid-friendly)
Meets in Coral Ridge neighborhood
Thursday Nights
7p - Led by Phil Criag & Mark Snow
Meets in Middle River Terrace neighborhood
For more information or to join a CityGroup, contact Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]).
Spiritual Formation Groups
Join a small group of men or women who meet regularly, following the core Christian practices together. Groups
meet at different times and places throughout the city. For more information or to join, contact Amber Peavyhouse
([email protected]) for a women’s group or Brad Schmidt ([email protected]) for a men’s group.
Christianity Explored
Next Class Begins February 8, 10a Upstairs
Christianity Explored is an informal way to investigate Christianity or just brush up on the basics. This 7-week course
explores who Jesus is, why he came and what it means to follow him. You don't need to know anything about the
Bible. You won't be asked to read aloud, pray or sing. You can ask any question you want. For more information or
to join, contact Amber Peavyhouse ([email protected]).
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Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendar!)
Mon, Feb 2, 7:30p – CityChurch Writers Group
Sip Java — formally Brew VicPark (638 N Federal Hwy, FTL)
Songwriters, poets, playwrights, authors: you are invited to
a monthly meeting of creative minds in our community.
For more information, contact Artist-in-Residence, Laura
Creel ([email protected]).
Weds, Feb 4, 12-12:30p – Faith + Work Lunch
Upper Room Art Gallery at Riverfront (300 SW 1 Ave #123, FTL)
If you work in downtown Fort Lauderdale, join us on your
lunch break for a brief time of teaching, discussion, and
community. Lunch provided. To RSVP, contact Brad
Schmidt ([email protected]).
Sundays, starting Feb 8, 10a – Christianity Explored
Christianity Explored is an informal way to investigate
Christianity or just brush up on the basics. This 7-week
course explores who Jesus is, why he came and what it
means to follow him. You don't need to know anything
about the Bible. You won't be asked to read aloud, pray or
sing. You can ask any question you want. Meets upstairs. For
more information and to register, Amber Peavyhouse
([email protected]).
Weds, Feb 18, 6p – Ash Wednesday Service
Island City Park Preserve (823 NE 28 St, Wilton Manors)
Join the other congregations of CityChurch South Florida as
we start the Lenten season with this special service
meditating on our need of a savior and our commitment to
daily repentance and faith.
Thu, Feb 26, 7:30p – Codex Book Club
Stork's Bakery & Cafe (2505 NE 15 Ave, Wilton Manors)
Codex will next discuss Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry.
For more details and to get in on the discussion, contact
Phil Letizia ([email protected]).
Visit Us Online Download next week's bulletin, get sermon audio, keep up-to-date with our events calendar, set up repeated giving,
and more on our website (citychurchftl.com). Get updates throughout the week on Twitter (@CityChurchFTL) or by
joining our Facebook page (facebook.com/citychurchftl).
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Office ✦ 441 NE 3 Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 | Phone ✦ 954.634.CITY
Web ✦ www.citychurchftl.com | Email ✦ [email protected]
CityChurch has no formal affiliation with First Lutheran Church.
We are grateful to them for allowing us rental space at their facility.
CityChurch Fort Lauderdale is a Presbyterian congregation affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America