A Congregation of the Reformed Church in America
Our Life, Ministry, and Mission: To Have Hearts Centered on Christ and Hearts Open to our Neighbors
January 4, 2026 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Children’s Message
*Call to Worship In the Beginning –from John 1:1-5, 9
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.
What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not overtake it.
The true light, which enlightens everyone,
was coming into the world.
*Opening Praise Songs
“New Every Morning” -CCLI #1617116
“God of Wonders” -CCLI #3118757
Call to Confession -John 3:19-20
Silent Prayer of Confession
Words of Assurance
People of God, Hear the Good News of the Gospel! By the love of God, by the blood of Christ, by the power of the Spirit, your sins are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Guide for Grateful Living -John 3:21
Offering
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
The Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Genesis 1:1‒2:3 (NIV Pew Bible, Page 1)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “IN THE BEGINNING”
Prayer of Application
*Hymn of Response “For the Beauty of the Earth” -Hymn #19; vv. 1-3, 5
INSTALLATION OF ELDER AND DEACON
Opening Prayer
Presentation
The Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator 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, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there 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.
The Vows
Installation
The Vows of the Congregation
Members of Lakeview Community Church, please rise to affirm your covenant with the elders and deacons whom God has given us. Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, do you receive in the name of the Lord, this deacon and this elder as duly elected and ordained servants of Christ?
We do, God helping us.
Do you promise to respect them for the sake of the offices for which they have been chosen and ordained?
We do, God helping us.
Do you promise to encourage and pray for them, to labor together in obedience to the gospel for the unity, purity, and peace of the church, the welfare of the whole world, and the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ?
We do, God helping us.
Beloved people of God, receive this elder and deacon as Christ’s own servants. Support them in love, that their work may bear fruit. In the name and by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, I declare that these sisters are duly installed deacon and elder in this church.
Thanks be to God.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
*Passing of the Peace
The Peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
*Closing Hymn “This is My Father’s World” -Hymn #21, vv. 1-2
*Benediction
Postlude
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs.