FOTFD - January 20, 2008
January 20, 2008
Each week, as we write this email, I confess that one of the biggest challenges is to find a way to create new words that describe the Lord’s Supper. The varying topics and themes that we create, in the sermon and in prayertime, when planning worship easily lend themselves to new thoughts and ideas that we can share with you each week. While communion is our primary purpose for gathering, it is also the same thing every week. There is power in the simplicity and ritual of that feast of remembrance. But it is also very easy to get distracted because of our familiarity with it. How do we keep the Supper special, keeping the importance God asks of us?
This week, I thought of a song that I like by the group FFH that really helps me to personalize the reason that Jesus died. This morning I share a part of it with you. Take some time and think about the words and what they mean to you. If you like, send your thoughts back and share with me how they affect you as well.
We are excited to be part of this church family with you. I hope that these thoughts help you to come prepared to worship God together this Sunday. Now join me as we “Focus on the First Day.”
God bless,
Mike
Communion
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Those were my nails
That was my crown
That pierced Your hands and Your brow
Those were my thorns
Those were my scorns
Those were my tears that fell down
And just as You said it would be
You did it all for me
After You counted the cost
You took my shame, my blame
On my cross
- On My Cross - FFH
Sermon
“Yada, Yada, Yada” (Bob Chisholm)
Proverbs 18:21
Our lives in America today are full of noise: TV, radio, IPods, traffic, construction, and talk. I talk, you talk, they talk, we all talk. Technology was enabled us to easily and quickly communicate with anyone in the world with email, cell phones, IM and text messaging. But what are we saying? And is anyone really listening? Sunday morning, Bob looks at how we communicate with one another and that while we have gotten extremely efficient, perhaps we don’t really listen to each other anymore. Join us as we explore the true meaning of the “yada, yada, yada.” It will be “gold, Jerry, gold.”
Prayer Time
Romans 12:1-2
Our Prayertime is relocating within our worship service to now be a time of invitation for us all. The invitation and prayertime that will follow the sermon each week is not just for those that feel called to confess to their brother and seek the prayers of the church, although that is always open to anyone who needs it. It is also a time to share publicly with your spiritual family what God is doing in your life. Seek the prayers of this church or offer praise to God for what He has done for you. Prayertime is open, come as you are.
Sunday Evening
“The Last Man Standing” (Matt Mazza)
American Idol, Big Brother and Amazing Race, why is our society so infatuated with reality TV? We seek to honor above all else the “The Last Man Standing” the man or women who conquerors everything and everyone else to be victorious. The more we strive to do it on our own the more destruction within our relationships and ultimately ourselves we create. God created us not to be alone, but with the essential need for others in our lives. Join us Sunday night as we talk about the dangers of being the “Last Man Standing.”
We are encouraged to be a family of believers that choose to come together each week in worship. Come this Sunday with a desire to not just come to church, but come to truly be the church.