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
This is the day that the Lord has made.
December 29, 2024 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude “Greet Now the Swiftly Changing Year” -Hymn #400
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer
O Lord, make us thankful for all the possibilities ahead in this new year. In the face of so much chaos, despair, and fear, give us wisdom, courage and discernment. Help us to see how, in our circumstances, we can contribute toward peace, faith, and love. And give us the willpower to translate our desires into action for the Kingdom of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
*Opening Hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” -Hymn #348
*Call to Worship
God of our life, through all the circling years,
We trust in you.
In all the past, through all our hopes and fears,
Your hand we see.
With each new day, when morning lifts the veil,
We own your mercies, Lord, which never fail.
God of the past, our times are in your hand;
Abide with us, Lord.
Lead us by faith to hope’s true promised land;
Be now our guide.
With you to bless, the darkness shines as light,
And faith’s fair vision changes into sight.
God of the coming years, through paths unknown,
We follow you.
When we are strong, Lord,
leave us not alone; our refuge be.
Be for us in life our daily bread,
Our heart’s true home when all our years have sped. Amen.
Memory Candle – Light for loved ones who have passed away.
Children’s Message Pastor Rick Admiraal
*Opening Praise Songs
“Here I Am to Worship” -CCLI #2296522
“New Every Morning” -CCLI #1617116
Call to Confession –Psalm 78:56-58
Silent Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
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 –Romans 12:12
Offering Ourselves and our Gifts “Abide with Me” -Hymn #466
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
The Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Lamentations 3:19-24 (Pew Bible Page 1177)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS”
Our Response to God
Prayer of Application
*Profession of Faith: The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) (One of four standards of belief in the Reformed Church in America)
Q & A #1
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
That I am not my own, but belong – body and soul, in life and in death – to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.
*Hymn of Application “How Great Thou Art ” -Hymn #553
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.
*Closing Praise Song “Go Tell It on the Mountain“ -CCLI #3266032
*Benediction
*Postlude “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” -Hymn #457
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs.