Introduction
We are definitely living in a season with rapidly changing times. But with all great change also comes the chance for great opportunity. While our option to gather at Madison Elementary on Sundays has been stopped for the time being, our mission as a church remains the same: we are a community of disciples who are being formed into the image of Jesus for the sake of the world.
Today we would like to lead you through a guided liturgy that will become our new normal for the next season of our church life together. In addition to being united in the gospel and relationships (which aren’t going away), another layer of connection can be found in our common practice and habits. By studying the same Bible passages, singing the same songs and repeating the same prayers, we are reminded of our connection that goes far beyond a common meeting space. Be creative and look for ways to incorporate children and adults of all ages who are in the room as readers and participants.
We hope that as you walk through this, you will be encouraged by God to place your hope in Him and to continue to seize the chances to be and make disciples wherever you are.
If you are able, please share on Realm or via email how God is using this time in your life and family.
Gather Together
Reality family, we have the opportunity to worship the Triune God! Listen to the words of Jesus and hear His invitation to you today.
Call to Worship
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)
Sing Together
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Singing together is a gift that allows us to both rehearse what is true and to express the cry of our soul in a unique way. Feel free to either sing along with the following playlist or have someone in the room lead you on an instrument or a cappella.
”It Is Well With My Soul”
”I Will Trust My Savior Jesus”
”Living Hope”
PRAY TOGETHER
“Humble yourself, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5-6, ESV)
Corporate Confession & Assurance
Gracious God, we confess that we have longed too much for the comforts of this world. We have loved the gifts more than the giver. In your mercy, help us to see that all the things we pine for are shadows, but you are substance; that they are quicksands, but you are mountain; that they are shifting, but you are anchor. We plead your forgiveness on the merits of Jesus Christ. Accept his worthiness for our unworthiness, his sinlessness for our transgressions, his fullness for our emptiness, his glory for our shame, his righteousness for our dead works, his death for our life. We pray in Jesus’s name. Amen.
Hear the good news: The story of Jesus is proof that God’s faithfulness to us doesn’t hinge on our perfection, our performance, or our consistency. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and wash away all of our unrighteousness. Friends, believe and declare the good news of the gospel– In Christ Jesus we are forgiven! Amen!
LEARN TOGETHER
Discussion Q’s
1. What specific situation are you trying to get “around” rather than find God’s conquering “in?”
2. What often gets in the way of you receiving God’s unconditional love for you? Shame? Guilt? Unworthiness? What helps remind you that you are loved- what people, places, activities?
3. In what ways do you try to conquer all alone rather than in community with others?
4. Practice: turn to others around you in the room and speak into their life. What do you notice in them that is their unique contribution to the Kingdom? How can you call out the love of God in them and over them?
Celebrate & Remember Together
If you have the means to celebrate communion together, please do so - remembering the broken body and shed blood of Jesus for you.
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26, ESV)
Adventure Together
In this next section, begin to dream together: what does it look like for you to be the church this week where God has placed you? What does that look like on your block, your street, at your work, in your family and with your friendships?
We would love to hear your ideas and suggestions on how you can be the Body of Christ in this new and unprecedented time. Feel free to share your ideas by emailing the staff or by posting on Realm.
Benediction - Prayer of Sending
“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Giving
Our giving at Reality is primarily an act of worship- a response to the generosity of Jesus towards us.
Prayer Requests/Needs
If you would like someone to pray for you or you need help with a need, please contact:
admin@realityolympia.com