Introduction
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.
REALITY Kids Materials
Each week, our regular Reality Kids curriculum which includes age specific videos, lessons and activities is posted on Realm for you and your children to use. You can find all the information and links on Realm - HERE.
If you are able, please share on Realm or via email how God is using this time in your life and family.
Gather Together
Welcome to another Sunday filled with resurrection hope! Reality family, we have the chance today to worship the Triune God- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Call to Worship
“1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south. (Psalm 107:1-3 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.
”Our God is For Us”
”Blessed Be Your Name”
”God Himself is With Us”
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
Paul tells us in Ephesians that we were dead in our transgressions and sins…
But today is a celebration because when there was nothing that we could do to resuscitate ourselves… God made us alive with Christ! Today we admit our need for Him and celebrate the brand new life he brings!
Corporate Prayer of Confession:
Leader: Lord, bring new love where our hearts have become hard.
All: Bring forgiveness where we feel hurt and where we have hurt others.
Leader: Bring mercy when we are overwhelmed by our mistakes.
All: Bring resurrection power where we lack the strength to change.
Leader: Bring your nearness when we are bored or anxious.
All: Bring new life where we are weak and tired.
Leader: Give us today a grace-filled encounter with your resurrected life.
All: Fill us with joy, confidence, and hope as we live in your death-defeating love.
Assurance of Pardon:
Reader: Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15 that: “’Death has been swallowed up in victory… Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
Leader: Friends, by the cross and by His resurrection, Jesus offers us new life and a brand new beginning!
All: Amen!
LEARN TOGETHER
Discussion Q’s
What part of the Christ hymn strikes you most? How about in the rest of the book?
What themes do you hear repeated? Where did you see the hymn repeated in the book?
How are you encouraged to re-enact the Christ hymn/Philippians in your life this week?
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
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6, 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