Welcome to sojournmusic.com’s weekly worship music set list review & service recap. You’ll not only read a list of the songs we led, but also the readings and prayers from our liturgy. You can find links to the to the set lists of this church and many other churches each week in the Worship Blog Carnival at theworshipcommunity.com. And you can learn about some of the songs we sing at Sojourn Gathered each week in advance of the Sunday service by reading my “Getting Ready For Sunday” post each Thursday at Sojourn’s online journal, TravelBlog.
Photos by Chuck Heeke, from Sojourn Midtown.
Prelude: Shelter Me
Call to Worship
Welcome and Happy Father’s Day to all you dads. Summer is here and today we begin a new sermon series that focuses on rest. A popular song of about 30 years ago once said “everybody is working for the weekend”. As refreshing as a weekend or vacation can be, they only offer a temporary break from weariness. God’s invitation to rest is a greater call. Let’s stand and hear his word:
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This we declare about the Lord:
He alone is our refuge, our place of safety; he is our God, and we trust him.
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
The Lord alone is our refuge, our place of safety; he is our God, and we trust him.
-Based on Psalm 91
Let’s sing out and worship the God who offers true rest!
Song: In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross written by Sojourn’s Brooks Ritter and Rebecca Elliott. You can find this song of assurance and dedication in our Before The Throne album.
Confession:
Today we confess that we are a busy, restless and fearful people. The scriptures call us to be still and find comfort in God’s powerful promises. I’m going to read a brief section of Psalm 46 and then ask us all to be still and silent as we meditate on His word together for a few moments. Hear his word:
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress” – Psalm 46:10-11
(Extended Silence)
Song: Be Still My Soul
Assurance/Peace:
God’s greatest guarantee of promised rest is found in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Hear our Savior’s words:
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” -John 14:27
Let’ say this together:
In Christ, our fears are driven away
In Christ our sins are forgiven
In Christ we have peace with God
Song: It is Well With My Soul
Passing of Peace: We share peace with one another as God’s children. Let’s welcome each other here today as family. Let’s give a special welcome to all the dad’s here today.
Then our preacher taught from Genesis 2:1-3 on “Rest In Creation.” This was the first sermon of our Rest summer sermon series. You can hear Sojourn sermons in theSojourn Church iTunes podcast or in the Sermon Resource library at sojournchurch.com.
Song: Jesus Savior Pilot Me
Song: How Deep the Father’s Love For Us
Reading:
Let’s say this together:
We have not received a spirit that makes us fearful slaves. Instead, we received God’s Spirit when he adopted us as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. – Romans 8:15-17
God has given his family, the church, a new identity that is not marked by fear or pressure to perform; but rather we are a people who confidently rests in the strength and accomplishments of Christ. Let’s sing!
Song: O Church Arise
Benediction: May your souls be at rest because the Lord is good and faithful. Go in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.
