Love Wins - "Hell (NO!)" - Rev. Russell Clark

Welcome & Opening Prayer

Good morning church!

I am Russell Clark and I am the senior minister here at Azle Christian Church. We’re so thrilled you all are here with us in worship – both here in the sanctuary and online! May we throw away that which hinders us so we can see who God says we are this morning! You are a beloved child of God!

We like for everyone to know a few things before we begin worship every week.

(1)   If you’re a guest today, we’re so happy you’re here! Filling out the attendance registration in your pew helps us connect names with faces and sharing your e-mail helps us to connect you to our weekly newsletter. There are information brochures in your pew to get to know us more and there is information about our weekly activities and calendar in your bulletin.

(2)   Second, we love our children here in worship and we always welcome them here. There is a kids corner in the back if your children need a space to move around. There is also a nursery available if you’d like.

(3)   Finally, our liturgy is posted each week on the website if you would like to follow along with our service.  

Now, may we take a moment to pray as we enter this time of worship.

Loving God – May you reach the innermost pain and suffering in our lives and take it from us so we may live new lives in you this day. Amen.

May we take a moment before we get started to greet those next to us with a hug or high five.

Opening Songs:   

Gather Us In #284

Here in this place new light is streaming

Now is the darkness vanished away

See in this space our fears and our dreamings

Brought here to you in the light of this day

Gather us in, the lost and forsaken

Gather us in, the blind and the lame

Call to us now and we shall awaken

We shall arise at the sound of our name

We are the young, our lives are a mystery

We are the old who yearn for your face

We have been sung throughout all of history

Called to be light to the whole human race

Gather us in, the rich and the haughty

Gather us in, the proud and the strong

Give us a heart so meek and so lowly

Give us the courage to enter the song

Not just in buildings small and confining

Not in some heaven light years away

But here in this place the new light is shining

Now is the kingdom, now is the day

Gather us in and hold us forever

Gather us in and make us your own

Gather us in, all peoples together

Fire of love in our flesh and our bones

Fire of love in our flesh and our bones

                                 Holy is The Lord by Chris Tomlin

We stand and lift up our hands

For the joy of the Lord is our strength

We bow down and worship Him now

How great, how awesome is He

And together we sing

Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory

Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory

The earth is filled with His glory

We stand and lift up our hands

For the joy of the Lord is our strength

We bow down and worship Him now

How great, how awesome is He

And together we sing

And everyone sing

Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory

Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory

The earth is filled with His glory

Yeah, it's rising up all around

It's the anthem of the Lord's renown

It's rising up all around

It's the anthem of the Lord's renown

Together we sing

And everyone sing

Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory

Litany of Faith – Susie Hiles

One: Lord, may the volatile, hurtful words and actions that have caused trauma to your people be thrown in the garbage.

All: May we trade our sorrows for triumph as we speak only of your love and grace.

One: Lord, may our pain and suffering become nothing compared to the new life we have in you.

All: May we find strength to stomp out that which hinders us from seeing more of you.

One: Lord, may we seek out your people who need healing and a place to call home.

All: May this place bring peace in extravagant ways. And may your Spirit of grace be poured out on everyone we meet this week. Amen.

Scripture Meditation Psalm 30:1,3; Philippians 3:10-11 – Rev. Russell Clark

“I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths…O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit.” – Psalm 30:1, 3

“I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.  If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.” – Philippians 3:10-11

One: This is the word of God for the people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.

The book of Psalms is a song of someone who has escaped the grave and seen new life after a messy existence. Paul in Philippians says this suffering and death are worth it because it leads to resurrection and this new life in Christ.

That might not be **exactly** the message you heard in your tradition or church growing up. We get anxious about a sermon on hell because hell has been used by Christians to entice fear or to shame someone, but the way Jesus talks about a hell is it is this place of sin that we throw away. Death loses its sting. This sin no longer has dominion or control over us. Hell or sin or shame or fear are all things that have NO value in our lives.

Instead of putting “the fear of God” in someone by scaring them with thoughts of hell or shaming them, we share the love and grace of God. When we do that, hell is no longer a word in our vocabulary.

And if you’re a new guest at our church, I’m sorry that you’re here for hell week.

I see everyone’s anxiety about a sermon on hell and I hope by the end of this service, you can say, “Hell…NO!” because this anxiety and fear and shame no longer has a place in our lives!

Think about this as we get ready for our sermon and enter our time of prayer.

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord be with you. And Also with you. Let us pray.

God of grace – we repent from the ways we have been asked to repent that have only led to more guilt than grace.

For those who have loved what they call sin more than seeing the sinner in all of us, we pray.

May we empower your beloved children of God to see who they are through you.

May they see the name you call your children: Forgiven, Free, Grace-Filled, Loved completely, OWESOME, welcomed home.

We praise you for bringing us out of our mess, for showing us new ways to see you.

May we die to the traumatic experiences we’ve had in the past and only see the freedom and true nature of your will and your ways.

Open our eyes to see who you truly are. Open our ears to hear the cries of your people. Open our hands to welcome the prodigal sons and daughters home. Open our lives to see the real, true, OWESOME lives you have waiting for us that starts TODAY.

And Lord, will you hear us as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us…

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

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.

RESPONSIVE HYMN – It is Well With My Soul #561

When peace like a river, attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well

With my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul!

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

May God haste the day when my faith shall be my sight

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll

The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend

Even so, it is well with my soul! 

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Children’s Moment – Jessie Button

Stewardship Moment – Emily Harden

Sharing Our Resources

There are many ways to support the ministries of Azle Christian Church. You can give online on our website, on Venmo, use the QR code in your bulletin, or place it in the offering plate as the deacons come by during our anthem. You can also put in a prayer request card or information card in the plate. 

Anthem – Truth be Told by Matthew West

Doxology - Praise God from whom all blessing flow; praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Offering Prayer – Susie Hiles

Series: Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, & The Fate of Every Person

Sermon: Hell (NO!) – Rev. Russell Clark

Holy Communion Meditation & Prayer – Susie Hiles

Communion Song – Seed, Scattered and Sown #395

Seed, scattered and sown,

Wheat, gathered and grown,

Bread, broken and shared as one,

The Living bread of God.

Vine, fruit of the land,

Wine, work of our hands,

One cup that is shared by all;

The Living Cup, the Living Bread of God.

Is not the bread we break,

A sharing in our Lord?

Is not the cup we bless,

The blood of Christ outpoured?

Seed, scattered and sown,

Wheat, gathered and grown,

Bread, broken and shared as one,

The Living bread of God.

Vine, fruit of the land,

Wine, work of our hands,

One cup that is shared by all;

The Living Cup, the Living Bread of God.

The seed which falls on rock

Will wither and will die,

The seed within good ground

Will flower and have life.

Seed, scattered and sown,

Wheat, gathered and grown,

Bread, broken and shared as one,

The Living bread of God.

Vine, fruit of the land,

Wine, work of our hands,

One cup that is shared by all;

The Living Cup, the Living Bread of God.

As wheat upon the hills

Was gathered and was grown,

So may the Church of God

Be gathered into one.

Seed, scattered and sown,

Wheat, gathered and grown,

Bread, broken and shared as one,

The Living bread of God.

Vine, fruit of the land,

Wine, work of our hands,

One cup that is shared by all;

The Living Cup, the Living Bread of God.

We believe Jesus Christ is the gracious host at this table.

Everyone is welcome to participate in communion. Please pass tray to your neighbor after receiving your communion cups. Please help those who need assistance. Hold cups until instructed by Elder to take in unison.

Holy Communion Words of Institution – Susie Hiles

Invitation – If you would like to make your statement of faith or become a member of ACC, you may come forward after the benediction or talk to our minister after worship.

*Announcements & Benediction – Rev. Russ Clark

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

A few announcements for this week before our benediction:

You can find information on the back of your bulletin about our weekly activities, such as Sunday School, our Ukulele Group, our Wednesday dinner and bible study, and our prayer group. In the insert, you will find our calendar to transfer to your personal calendars. We also have a google calendar on our website to add to your personal calendar.

TONIGHT we will have bible & beer at 5pm at The Harden’s home. Their address is printed in the bulletin. Bible & beer is a laid back time to get together where everyone brings snacks and whatever beverage they like to drink. It does not have to be beer, but it can be beer if you choose. We will be having a discussion centered around our current sermon series and sharing your thoughts on some of the questions that have been asked in this series.

Directly after worship we will have a special leadership meeting to discuss some important items.

Thank you to everyone who helped donated funds for the Night to Shine prom. Our volunteers are looking forward to this Friday and coming back here to share our experience with you.

Again, be sure to check our calendar to see everything that’s coming up this month!

Finally, If you or someone you know needs a visit OR has a prayer request OR would like home communion, you may contact the church office or contact me directly.

BENEDICTION –

Will you please rise for the benediction and receive this blessing?

Next week we will be concluding our “Love Wins” series with “The Good News is Better Than That.” Until then,

There is a word to describe the loaded, volatile, violent, dramatic situations we experience when we suffer the very real consequences of rejecting the good and true and beautiful life that God has for us.  There is a word that refers to the big, wide, terrible evil that comes from the secrets hidden deep within our hearts… all the way to the massive, society-wide collapse and chaos that comes when we fail to live in God’s world God’s way.

That word is hell.

…But that word refers to the dump.

Let us, through Christ, do with that hell what it deserves…take it to the dump.  Trash that hell that is in your life.  Throw it away. Hell? NO!

Don’t let that filth in your lives bring death and destruction any longer.

Today, this week, for the rest of your lives, and for the rest of eternity…LIVE FOR LOVE.

LOVE WINS, my friends.

There is hope. For you.  For a new day. Today.

Amen.

*Benediction Response – Spirit Song #352

 Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love; Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul

Oh, let him have the things that hold you, and his Spirit, like a dove, Will descend upon your life and make you whole

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs

Oh, come and sing the song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy

Lift your hands in sweet surrender to his name

Oh, give him all your tears and sadness, give him all your years of pain, And you'll enter into life in Jesus' name

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs

Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love; Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul

Oh, let him have the things that hold you, and his Spirit, like a dove, Will descend upon your life and make you whole

He'll descend upon your life and make you whole

Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, & The Fate of Every Person - "Heaven" - Rev. Russell Clark

Welcome & Opening Prayer

Good morning church!

I am Russell Clark and I am the senior minister here at Azle Christian Church. We’re so thrilled you all are here with us in worship – both here in the sanctuary and online! May God’s will be done in our lives here on earth as it is in heaven this morning.

We like for everyone to know a few things before we begin worship every week.

(1)   If you’re a guest today, we’re so happy you’re here! Filling out the attendance registration in your pew helps us connect names with faces and sharing your e-mail helps us to connect you to our weekly newsletter. There are information brochures in your pew to get to know us more and there is information about our weekly activities and calendar in your bulletin.

(2)   Second, we love our children here in worship and we always welcome them here. There is a kids corner in the back if your children need a space to move around. There is also a nursery available if you’d like.

(3)   Finally, our liturgy is posted each week on the website if you would like to follow along with our service.  

Now, may we take a moment to pray as we enter this time of worship.

Loving God – May we see more of who you truly are today, Lord, as we set our hearts towards you. Amen.

May we take a moment before we get started to greet those next to us with a hug or high five.

Opening Songs:      

 God be the glory, great things He hath done,

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life our redemption to win,

And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

  Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

  Let the earth hear His voice;

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

  Let the people rejoice;

Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

  And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

2

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

3

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.

When The Saints Go Marching In

I am just a weary pilgrim traveling through this world of sin

I’m getting ready for that city when the saints go marching in

Oh when the saints go marching in

Oh when the saints go marching in

O Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in

I am waiting for that chariot to swing down and I’ll step in

On the clouds I’ll ride to glory when the saints go marching in 

Oh when the saints go marching in

Oh when the saints go marching in

O Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in

Oh I know I’ll meet the Savior if my llife is free from sin

With open arms He waits to greet me when the saints go marching in

Oh when the saints go marching in

Oh when the saints go marching in

O Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in

Litany of Faith – Rick Seeds

One: All things bright show how you beautiful you are.

All: God of heaven come down!

One: All things wise show how wonderful you are.

All: God of heaven come down!

One: Even in our darkness, you will rise.

All: God of heaven come down!

One: All things new show how we can start again.

All: God of heaven come down!

One: You, Creator God, have called us your friend.

All: God of heaven come down!

One: We sing praises from our souls. For just to know you are near is enough.

All: God of heaven come down! 

Scripture Meditation Revelation 21:3 – Rev. Russell Clark

“God’s dwelling place is now among the people.”

One: This is the word of God for the people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.

The past two weeks we have been discussing heaven, hell, & the fate of every person, and asking the tough questions we all wrestle with. We like to say we know what happens when we leave this earth but we know very little. What we have discussed so far is not just about what happens after we die, but how we create heaven and we create hell by how we are living NOW on this earth.

Today we will be talking about heaven, specifically, and how God seeks to make “thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”

What is heaven like? What does Jesus and Scripture say about heaven?

Think about these questions and questions you might have about heaven as we get ready to explore them more in our sermon and enter our time of prayer.

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord be with you. And Also with you. Let us pray.

Our Father, who art in heaven, who came down from heaven to be with us and show us how to live and how to love.

Hallowed be thy name. We praise your holy name – Emmanuel, Messiah, The Word, Redeemer, Savior, Spirit, Friend, Lord, King of Kings, Yahweh, Son of God, Creator, God of Love, Resurrected One, The Light of the World, Jesus.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. May your kingdom rule in our lives. May your will guide our every move.

On earth as it is in heaven. May heaven start now. May we see your glory and presence all around us. May we “Go to Heaven!” right here and right now.

Give us this day our daily bread. Fill us up with your Word that nourishes our souls and spirits.

Forgive us our debts. As we forgive our debtors. Release the baggage that we are holding onto and those who have wronged us. Free us from the sin and shame and suffering and hell we’ve created. May we let it go now and lay it at your feet.

And lead us not into temptation. Keep us away from that which separates us from you.

But deliver us from evil. Turn us away from the roads that lead to destruction and guide us to where your love and grace and glory reign.

For thine is the kingdom. Not our kingdom but yours!

And the power. Authority in heaven is yours!

And the glory. The glory is yours!

Forever. And ever and ever and ever and ever. May your presence live forever in our hearts and may our lives be transformed daily more and more by knowing you are with us.

Lord, may you bring new meaning to this prayer we pray every week… as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us…

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

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.

RESPONSIVE HYMN –

The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty

Let all the Earth rejoice

All the Earth rejoice

He wraps himself in light

And darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice

Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands

And time is in His hands

Beginning and the end

Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One

Father Spirit Son

The Lion and the Lamb

The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

Name above all names (how great is our God, sing with me)

Worthy of our praise (how great is our God, and all will see)

My heart will sing

How great is our God

You're the name above all names (how great is our God, sing with me)

You are worthy of our praise (how great is our God, and all will see)

And my heart will sing

How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

Children’s Moment – Dan Robinson

Recognition of Elder Emeritus & Deacon Emeritus

If James Cudd, Jan Flavin, Dollene Price, and Lynda “Scottie Scott would stand as you are able, to be recognized as Elder Emeritus,

And we honor the memory of David Woodall as Elder Emeritus and Carolyn Woodall and Harry Dekin as Deacon Emeritus.

We thank you all for your many, many years of faithful service to Azle Christian Church. You will forever be a part of the history of Azle Christian Church. We hope you see the fruit of your obedience to the Lord and this church for many more years to come as our new elders and deacons continue this faithful service for generations to come. (applause)

Sharing Our Resources

There are many ways to support the ministries of Azle Christian Church. You can give online on our website, on Venmo, use the QR code in your bulletin, or place it in the offering plate as the deacons come by during our anthem. You can also put in a prayer request card or information card in the plate. 

Anthem –

Doxology - Praise God from whom all blessing flow; praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Offering Prayer – Rick Seeds

Series: Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, & The Fate of Every Person

Sermon: Heaven – Rev. Russell Clark

Holy Communion Meditation & Prayer – Becky Stults

Communion Song –

In this very room, there's quite enough love for all of us

And in this very room, there's quite enough joy for all of us

And there's quite enough hope

And quite enough power

To chase away any gloom

For Jesus, Lord Jesus

Is in this very room

In this very room, there's quite enough love for all of us

And in this very room, there's quite enough joy for all of us

And there's quite enough hope

And quite enough power

To chase away any gloom

For Jesus, Lord Jesus

Is in this very room

Yes there's quite enough hope

And quite enough power

To chase away any gloom

For Jesus, Lord Jesus

Is in this very room

In this very room

In this very room

In this very room

We believe Jesus Christ is the gracious host at this table.

Everyone is welcome to participate in communion. Please pass tray to your neighbor after receiving your communion cups. Please help those who need assistance. Hold cups until instructed by Elder to take in unison.

Holy Communion Words of Institution – Rick Seeds

Invitation – If you would like to make your statement of faith or become a member of ACC, you may come forward after the benediction or talk to our minister after worship.

*Announcements & Benediction – Rev. Russ Clark

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

A few announcements for this week before our benediction:

You can find information on the back of your bulletin about our weekly activities, such as Sunday School, our Ukulele Group, our Wednesday dinner and bible study, and our prayer group. In the insert, you will find our calendar to transfer to your personal calendars. We also have a google calendar on our website to add to your personal calendar.

Next Sunday, we will have bible & beer at 5pm at ________________’s house. Bible & beer is a laid back time to get together where everyone brings snacks and whatever beverage they like to drink. It does not have to be beer, but it can be beer if you choose. We will be having a discussion centered around our current sermon series and sharing your thoughts on some of the questions that have been asked in this series.

This Wednesday after dinner and bible study we will have game night. Come join us if you love saying “Farkle!”

Directly after worship we will have a lunch to celebrate all of our new members and baptisms from 2023. Everyone is invited & encouraged to attend to welcome our new members to our church family! At lunch, we will have a time for questions about our church or denomination and explain a little more about our new leadership team and what we do and why we do it.

Finally, If you or someone you know needs a visit OR has a prayer request OR would like home communion, you may contact the church office or contact me directly.

BENEDICTION –

Will you please rise for the benediction and receive this blessing?

I don’t know how to encourage you all to come next week to a sermon about hell… But next week we will be looking at hell and how Jesus talked about it and how Jesus takes us away from it. Until then…

Let’s “Go to heaven!”

May the kingdom of heaven be present for you here and now.

May we experience heaven as we have lunch together and celebrate our new members and those who have been baptized, for the lives that our being transformed daily at this church.

May you experience what heaven is like and feel the presence of God more in your lives every second of every day as you partner with God in the ongoing creation of the world.

Heaven starts now. Amen.

*Benediction Response –

 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission, perfect delight

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight

Angels descending bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

Praising my Savior all the day long

Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, & The Fate of Every Person - "Does God Get What God Wants?" - Rev. Russell Clark

Welcome & Opening Prayer

Good morning church!

I am Russell Clark and I am the senior minister here at Azle Christian Church. We’re so thrilled you all are here with us in worship – both here in the sanctuary and online! May we find the answer to our questions this morning, and may this lead us to ask new questions as we enjoy the great mystery of living a new day!

We like for everyone to know a few things before we begin worship every week.

(1)   If you’re a guest today, we’re so happy you’re here! Filling out the attendance registration in your pew helps us connect names with faces and sharing your e-mail helps us to connect you to our weekly newsletter. There are information brochures in your pew to get to know us more and there is information about our weekly activities and calendar in your bulletin.

(2)   Second, we love our children here in worship and we always welcome them here. There is a kids corner in the back if your children need a space to move around. There is also a nursery available if you’d like.

(3)   Finally, our liturgy is posted each week on the website if you would like to follow along with our service.  

Now, may we take a moment to pray as we enter this time of worship.

Loving God – May we see more of who you truly are, Lord, today as we set our hearts towards you. Amen.

May we take a moment before we get started to greet those next to us with a hug or high five.

Opening Songs:    Come Christians Join to Sing #90

1 Come, Christians, join to sing

Alleluia, Amen!

Loud praise to Christ our King,

Alleluia, Amen!

Let all, with heart and voice,

before His throne rejoice;

praise is His gracious choice,

Alleluia, Amen!

2 Come, lift your hearts on high,

Alleluia, Amen!

Let praises fill the sky,

Alleluia, Amen!

He is our Guide and Friend,

to us He'll condescend;

His love shall never end,

Alleluia, Amen!

3 Praise yet our Christ again,

Alleluia, Amen!

Life shall not end the strain,

Alleluia, Amen!

On heaven's blissful shore

His goodness we'll adore,

singing forevermore,

"Alleluia, Amen!"

                                 Your Grace is Enough by Chris Tomlin

Great is your faithfulness, oh God

You wrestle with the sinner's heart

You lead us by still waters into mercy

And nothing can keep us apart

So, remember your people

Remember your children

Remember your promise, oh God

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough for me

Great is your love and justice, God

You use the weak to lead the strong

You lead us in the song of your salvation

And all your people sing along

So, remember your people

Remember your children

Remember your promise, oh God

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough for me

Yeah, your grace is enough

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough for me

So, remember your people

Remember your children

Remember your promise, oh God

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough

Your grace is enough for me

Yeah, your grace is enough

Heaven reaching down to us

Your grace is enough for me

God, I see your grace is enough

I'm covered in your Love

Your grace is enough for me

For me

Litany of Faith – Becky Stults

One: We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to God’s purpose

All: What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

One: Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

All: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

One: For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,

All: Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Scripture Meditation 1 Timothy 2:4 – Rev. Russell Clark

“God desires for everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

One: This is the word of God for the people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.

We’ll be continuing our sermon series today on Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, & The Fate of Every Person, based on the book by Rob Bell. Last week we talked about the prodigal son story and how that story looks different for the son receiving grace, the father giving grace, and the brother who feels left out.

But the brother has always been with the father in his house. He just had to enjoy what he’s been given. We can be in the presence of God and not know it because we are too stubborn to receive God’s blessings.

God wants us all to be reunited with God and to know of this grace and love. God wants everyone to be saved and to know this truth. Does God get what God wants?

Or are some of us beyond repair? Are some of us never going to be saved and know who God is? How does this story end?

Think about these questions and questions you might have as we get ready to explore them more in our sermon and enter our time of prayer.

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord be with you. And Also with you. Let us pray.

Lord, we lay our burdens at your feet. Take our sin and shame and sorrow because they are too great a burden for us to carry. Thank you for your death on the cross that has released this pain for us so our load may be light and we may become free to live freely in your grace.

For the complicated chaos that surround us, may you bring your enlightenment and hope to bring us to a place of joy and serenity and peace amids the chaos. May we find your blessings all around us, even in the midst of our mess.

May our roles be revived to receive your reconciliation where we are one with your resurrection and our response is to travel a new revitalizing road that removes our roots that weigh us down and ruptures the chains that bind us, where we return to you, seek new relationships in your new region, and rejoice that this radical love gives us rest. We are representatives of this great restoration in Christ Jesus.

Blessed assurance is ours today. We praise you, O Lord, for the new creation you are building in us and in this body of Christ, your church.

Lord, may you bring new meaning to these words and our lives as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us…

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

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.

RESPONSIVE HYMN – Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone, I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love

Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

My chains are gone, I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love

Amazing grace

My chains are gone, I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love

Amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, who called me here below

Will be forever mine, will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Children’s Moment – Anne Cummings

Installation of New Leaders – Rev. Russell Clark

Leadership Team –

Board Chairperson – Valerie Piercy

Vice Chairperson – Jill Breshears

Treasurer – Rick Seeds

Secretary – Dana Miller

Connections Team Chairperson – Beverly Robinson

Missions Chairperson – Linda Williams

Spiritual Growth Chairperson – Dan Robinson

Resources Chairperson – Sheila Foster

Elder Chair – Chris Piercy

Dan Robinson

Rick Seeds

Becky Stults

Nancy Robbins

Susie Hiles

Dora McDonald

Valerie Piercy

Deacon Chair – Harold Williams

Tyler Harden

Jason McDonald

Gordon Sears

Linda Williams

David Jett

Dana Miller

Lisa Sears

Sheila Foster

Junior Deacons –

Kennedy Clark

Lila Harden

Rose Thomason

Alison Musick

Havynn Woolsey

Trustee Chair – Tyler Harden

Kathy Hufstedler

Chris Piercy

Congregation Response:

One: We give thanks for the time and commitment of these leaders to minister to the various needs of our congregation and community. We seek the Lord’s guidance to show these leaders how we can care for the grieving widow, welcome the prodigal son, reach the lost sheep, and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ in 2024.

All: Lord, may you pour out your Spirit upon these leaders and guide them to be the spark that ignites all of us to be a light unto this world. Then, may we boldly take the steps to be in ministry together this upcoming year. Amen.

Sharing Our Resources

There are many ways to support the ministries of Azle Christian Church. You can give online on our website, on Venmo, use the QR code in your bulletin, or place it in the offering plate as the deacons come by during our anthem. You can also put in a prayer request card or information card in the plate. 

Anthem – Good to Me by Audrey Assad      

Doxology - Praise God from whom all blessing flow; praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Offering Prayer – Becky Stults

Series: Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, & The Fate of Every Person

Sermon: Does God Get What God Wants? – Rev. Russell Clark

Holy Communion Meditation & Prayer – Becky Stults

Communion Song – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing #16

Come Thou fount of every blessing

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace

Streams of mercy never ceasing

Call for songs of loudest praise

Teach me some melodious sonnet

Sung by flaming tongues above

Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it

Mount of Thy redeeming love

Here I raise my Ebenezer

Here by Thy great help I've come

And I hope by Thy good pleasure

Safely to arrive at home

Jesus sought me when a stranger

Wandering from the fold of God

He to rescue me from danger

Interposed His precious blood

(Precious blood)

Oh, that day when freed from sinning

I shall see Thy lovely face

Clothed then in blood washed linen

How I'll sing Thy sovereign grace

Come my Lord, no longer tarry

Take my ransomed soul away

Send Thine angels now to carry

Me to realms of endless days

Oh, to grace how great a debtor

Daily I'm constrained to be

Let Thy goodness like a fetter

Bind my wandering heart to Thee

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it

Prone to leave the God I love

Here's my heart, oh take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts above

Here's my heart

Oh take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts above

We believe Jesus Christ is the gracious host at this table.

Everyone is welcome to participate in communion. Please pass tray to your neighbor after receiving your communion cups. Please help those who need assistance. Hold cups until instructed by Elder to take in unison.

Holy Communion Words of Institution – Becky Stults

Invitation – If you would like to make your statement of faith or become a member of ACC, you may come forward after the benediction or talk to our minister after worship.

*Announcements & Benediction – Rev. Russ Clark

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

A few announcements for this week before our benediction:

You can find information on the back of your bulletin about our weekly activities, such as Sunday School, our Ukulele Group, our Wednesday dinner and bible study, and our prayer group. In the insert, you will find our calendar to transfer to your personal calendars. We also have a google calendar on our website to add to your personal calendar.

Night to Shine is a unforgettable experience. It’s a prom for special needs persons on Friday, February 9. We are still looking for volunteers for this event. The deadline to sign up to volunteer is February 1.

We are also the drink sponsor for this event and drinks for this event will cost around $300. If you would like to make a love offering, to help the cost of this you may leave a note that says “NTS.”

Next Sunday after worship we will have a lunch after worship to celebrate all of our new members and baptisms from 2023. Everyone is invited & encouraged to attend to welcome our new members to our church family! Everyone is asked to bring an appetizer or finger foods to share.

This Saturday Food Hub is back! Be here at 8am to help distribute food to our community!

And directly after worship is our Disciples Women’s Ministry meeting for any women who would like to join.

Finally, If you or someone you know needs a visit OR has a prayer request OR would like home communion, you may contact the church office or contact me directly.

BENEDICTION –

Will you please rise for the benediction and receive this blessing?

We will be continuing our discussion on heaven, hell, and the fate of every person next week, and I hope to see you all next week, but until then…

May we think about what God’s purpose is, what God wants.  May we have the hope that all of God’s children one day find the embrace of God’s loving arms.  And may we live out this hope with the people in our lives.  May you choose to love with a mother’s unconditional love.  May you choose to love like our God loves.  Because LOVE WINS. Amen.

*Benediction Response – Weave #495

Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, & The Fate of Every Person - "Join the Party"

Welcome & Opening Prayer

Good morning church! 

I am Russell Clark and I am the senior minister here at Azle Christian Church. We’re so thrilled you all are here with us in worship – both here in the sanctuary and online! May we hear God telling us a new story today!

We like for everyone to know a few things before we begin worship every week.

(1)   If you’re a guest today, we’re so happy you’re here! Filling out the attendance registration in your pew helps us connect names with faces and sharing your e-mail helps us to connect you to our weekly newsletter. There are information brochures in your pew to get to know us more and there is information about our weekly activities and calendar in your bulletin.

(2)   Second, we love our children here in worship and we always welcome them here. There is a kids corner in the back if your children need a space to move around. There is also a nursery available if you’d like.

(3)   Finally, our liturgy is posted each week on the website if you would like to follow along with our service.  

Now, may we take a moment to pray as we enter this time of worship.

Loving God – May we see more of who you truly are, Lord, today as we set our hearts towards you. Amen.

May we take a moment before we get started to greet those next to us with a hug or high five.

Opening Songs:        

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy riven side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save me from its guilt and power.

2

Not the labor of my hands

Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;

Could my zeal no respite know,

Could my tears forever flow,

All could never sin erase,

Thou must save, and save by grace.

4

While I draw this fleeting breath,

When mine eyes shall close in death,

When I soar to worlds unknown,

See Thee on Thy judgment throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee.

Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think You're like

But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night

And You tell me that You're pleased and that I'm never alone

You're a good, good Father

It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are

And I'm loved by You

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Oh, and I've seen many searching for answers far and wide

But I know we're all searching for answers only You provide

'Cause You know just what we need before we say a word

You're a good, good Father

It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are

And I'm loved by You

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Because You are perfect in all of Your ways

You are perfect in all of Your ways

You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

You are perfect in all of Your ways

Oh, You're perfect in all of Your ways

You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Oh, it's love so undeniable

I, I can hardly speak

Peace so unexplainable

I, I can hardly think

As You call me deeper still

As You call me deeper still

As You call me deeper still into love, love, love

You're a good, good Father

It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are

And I'm loved by You

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

And You're a good, good Father

It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are

And I'm loved by You

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

You're a good, good Father

It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are

And I'm loved by You

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

(You're a good, good Father)

You are perfect in all of Your ways (it's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are)

(And I'm loved by You)

You are perfect in all of Your ways (it's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am)

Litany of Faith – Nancy Robbins

One: Heaven came down and glory filled my soul.  At the cross, my savior made me whole.

All: Our sins have been washed away.  Our night has turned to day.

One: When I was wandering in darkness, Jesus, my savior, I met.

All: O, what a tender, compassionate friend.  He met the need of our hearts.

One: With joy I am telling, he has made all darkness depart!

All: O, what a wonderful, wonderful day, today.  Today is the day you have saved us.

Scripture Meditation Luke 15:31 – Rev. Russell Clark

“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life, he was lost and has been found.” 

One: This is the word of God for the people of God. 

All: Thanks be to God.

We are starting a new sermon series today called Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, & The Fate of Every Person. This series is based on the book by Rob Bell with the same name. Rob Bell confronts some of the questions about eternity that I know many of you have been thinking because I’ve heard you ask them.

Questions like, “How can God be this loving God who wants us to be with him through God’s grace offered freely, without our own merit…but if you don’t respond the right way then you will be tortured forever? What?!”

When this book came out in 2011, people literally judged the book by its cover. They assumed what Rob Bell was saying without even reading the book. They didn’t like him questioning the existence of hell or asking the tough questions. Rob Bell was eventually asked to step down from the church HE founded. He was an up-and-coming author who was labeled a heretic for asking the questions that many people are thinking. 

Well, guess what? At this church, we don’t have to fit a certain mold so we shall approach these tough questions together!

We’ll be talking about the story Jesus tells us through the prodigal son parable in our sermon. For now, let us go to the Lord in prayer.

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord be with you. And Also with you. Let us pray.

Loving God, for the ways in which we have fallen short this week, we’re sorry. For the times we didn’t love like we should, we ask your forgiveness.

May we seek your face and the ways we can live out your love this week. Let us invite others to experience the love and grace you offer us freely.

For the times we’ve been like the older brother – jealous and stuck in the mud – let us show grace.

For the times we have strayed like the younger brother – let us know we can still find our way home.

Thank you for your grace that surpasses our own understanding. Thank you for your love that knows no bounds.

Your glory and wonder surround us. May we pay attention to your works all around us. Let us open our eyes to the party you have waiting for us.

Lord, may you reveal yourself to us as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us…

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

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.

RESPONSIVE HYMN – 

Mighty to Save

 Everyone needs compassion

A love that's never failing

Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness

The kindness of a Saviour

The hope of nations

Saviour (He can move the mountains)

And my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save

Forever, Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Come on, sing it out

So take me as You find me

All my fears and failures

And fill my life again

I give my life to follow

Everything I believe in

And now I surrender, I surrender

Saviour, He can move the mountains (my God)

My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save

Forever, Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Come on, lift up a shout of praise

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We're singing for the glory of the risen King, Jesus

Shine your light and let the whole world see

We're singing for the glory of the risen King

Saviour, He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save

Forever, Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Saviour, He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save

Forever, Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Saviour, He can move the mountains

And my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save

Forever, Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Saviour, He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save

Forever, Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Children’s Moment – Becky Stults

Stewardship Moment - “Why do you attend Azle Christian Church?” - Jessie Button

Sharing Our Resources

There are many ways to support the ministries of Azle Christian Church. You can give online on our website, on Venmo, use the QR code in your bulletin, or place it in the offering plate as the deacons come by during our anthem. You can also put in a prayer request card or information card in the plate. 

Anthem – 

Doxology - Praise God from whom all blessing flow; praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.  

Offering Prayer – Nancy Robbins

Series: Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, & The Fate of Every Person

Sermon: Join the Party – Rev. Russell Clark

Holy Communion Meditation & Prayer – Nancy Robbins

Communion Song –

We gather here in Jesus' name

His love is burning in our hearts like living flame

For through His loving Son the Father makes us one

Come take the bread come drink the wine

Come share the Lord

No one is a stranger here,

everyone belongs;

finding our forgiveness here,

we in turn forgive all wrongs.

He joins us here He breaks the bread

The Lord who pours the cup is risen from the dead

The One we love the most is now our gracious host

Come take the bread come drink the wine

Come share the Lord

We are now a family

of which the Lord is head;

though unseen he meets us here

in the breaking of the bread.

We'll gather soon where angels sing

We'll see the glory of our Lord and coming King

Now we anticipate the feast for which we wait

Come take the bread come drink the wine

Come share the Lord

We believe Jesus Christ is the gracious host at this table. 

Everyone is welcome to participate in communion. Please pass tray to your neighbor after receiving your communion cups. Please help those who need assistance. Hold cups until instructed by Elder to take in unison. 

Holy Communion Words of Institution – Nancy Robbins

INVITATION

If you would like to dedicate your life to Christ or become a member of Azle Christian Church, you may come forward after the benediction or speak with me after worship.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

A few announcements for this week before our benediction:

You can find information on the back of your bulletin about our weekly activities, such as Sunday School, our Ukulele Group, our Wednesday dinner and bible study, and our prayer group. In the insert, you will find our calendar to transfer to your personal calendars. We also have a google calendar on our website to add to your personal calendar.

Night to Shine is a unforgettable experience. It’s a prom for special needs persons on Friday, February 9. We are still looking for volunteers for this event. The deadline to sign up to volunteer is February 1.

We are also the drink sponsor for this event and drinks for this event will cost around $300. If you would like to make a love offering, to help the cost of this you may leave a note that says “NTS.”

If you are an elder, deacon, or part of the leadership team for 2024, we will have an installation service for you next week during worship.

In 2 weeks, we will have a lunch after worship to celebrate all of our new members and baptisms from 2023. Everyone is invited & encouraged to attend to welcome our new members to our church family! Everyone is asked to bring an appetizer or finger foods to share.

If you or someone you know needs a visit OR has a prayer request OR would like home communion, you may contact the church office or contact me directly.

BENEDICTION – 

Please rise in body and spirit for the benediction…

Next week we will continue our discussion on heaven and hell and seeing God’s story for our lives. Until then,

May you party hard with your friends, your family, and our God as you realize THIS celebration is all for you! You are free to live freely and party with our Savior in his love everyday for all of eternity…in the best way imaginable. 

May you share with your skeptical friends that the God you know tells a much better story than the one they’ve been told.

Our Father is preparing the decorations now.

Amen.

BENEDICTION RESPONSE –

 Oh let the Son of God enfold you

With His Spirit and His love

Let Him fill your heart

And satisfy your soul

Oh let Him have those things

That hold you

And His Spirit like a dove

Will descend upon your life

And make you whole

Jesus oh Jesus

Come and fill Your lambs

Jesus oh Jesus

Come and fill Your lambs

God Made You to Be OWESOME! - Rev. Russell Clark

Welcome & Opening Prayer

Good morning church! Happy new year!

I am Russell Clark and I am the senior minister here at Azle Christian Church. We’re so thrilled you all are here with us in worship – both here in the sanctuary and online! May the love of God be present and real through the power of the Holy Spirit this morning!

We like for everyone to know a few things before we begin worship every week.

(1)   First, if everyone will fill out the attendance registration. If you’re a guest at our church, sharing your names will help us to get to know you more. Sharing your e-mail will help us connect you with our weekly newsletter and all the church happenings. There are brochures with more info about our church in your pew to help you get to know us more and what we’re about. And there is also information about getting connected on the back of your bulletin.

(2)    Second, we love our children here in worship and we always welcome them here. There is a kids corner in the back if your children need a space to move around. There is also a nursery available if you’d like.

(3)   Finally, our liturgy is posted each week on the website if you would like to follow along with our service.  

Now, may we take a moment to pray as we enter this time of worship.

God – Create in this space a people willing to be your church for a new day in a new way in this new year. Amen.

May we take a moment before we get started to greet those next to us with a hug or high five.

Opening Songs:        This is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickam

Who breaks the power of sin and darkness?

Whose love is mighty and so much stronger?

The King of glory, the King above all kings

Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder?

And leaves us breathless in awe and wonder?

The King of glory, the King above all kings

This is amazing grace

This is unfailing love

That You would take my place

That You would bear my cross

You laid down Your life

That I would be set free

Oh, Jesus, I sing for

All that You've done for me

Who brings our chaos back into order?

Who makes the orphans a son and daughter?

The King of glory, the King of glory

Who rules the nations with truth and justice

Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance

The King of glory, the King above all kings

This is amazing grace

This is unfailing love

That You would take my place

That You would bear my cross

You laid down Your life

That I would be set free

Oh, Jesus, I sing for

All that You've done for me

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy, worthy, worthy

This is amazing grace

This is unfailing love

That You would take my place

That You would bear my cross

You laid down Your life

That I would be set free

Oh, Jesus, I sing for

All that You've done for me

All that You've done for me

                                    Blessed Assurance #543

Vs 1, 2 and 3

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission, perfect delight

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight

Angels descending bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission all is at rest

I in my Savior am happy and blessed

Watching and waiting looking above

Filled with His goodness lost in His love

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

Praising my Savior all the day long

Litany of Faith – Dan Robinson

One: We begin a new year surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. For God has shown beautiful paintings to us the moment we step outside.

All: From blue sky to green grass, from brown trees to yellow flowers, from red ladybugs to orange giraffes, God’s paintbrush sweeps the entire earth!

One: Lord, may we be repainted this year to magnify your magnificent creation.

All: Lord, shape us, mold us, use us, renew us. Create in us a fresh canvas, O God, that we might paint something new for you. Amen.

Scripture Meditation Mark 1:7-8, Acts 4:31 – Kennedy Clark

“John the Baptist proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 1:7-8

“When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.” – Acts 4:31

One: This is the word of God for the people of God. 

All: Thanks be to God.

I love the feeling of a new year. It’s a chance for a fresh start to do what we hoped we did last year. 

What is it that you hope to happen this year? 

What do you feel God calling you to do? 

How do you become who God has created you to be, to tap into your God-given purpose?

Reflect on this as we prepare for the sermon and as we pray together.

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord be with you. And Also with you. Let us pray.

Lord, let us stop praying... Let us stop talking to you with our many requests and asking for our will to be done.

Let us start listening…

Let us pause to hear your voice and ask you where we should go next…

Let us start doing…

Let us use our hands and feet to help your people…

Let us be who we say we are…

Let us show the world your grace and mercy…

May your Holy Spirit fill us up and give us God-cultivated confidence to be who you call us to be in this new year.

Lord, may your will be done as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us…

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

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.

RESPONSIVE HYMN – Here I am, Lord #452

 I, the Lord of sea and sky

I have heard my people cry

All who dwell in dark and sin

My hand will save

I have made the stars of night

I will make their darkness bright

Who will bear my light to them?

Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord

Is it I, Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night

I will go, Lord

If You lead me

I will hold Your people in my heart

I, the Lord of wind and flame

I will tend the poor and lame

I will set a feast for them

My hand will save

Finest bread I will provide

'Til their hearts be satisfied

I will give my life to them

Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord

Is it I, Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night

I will go, Lord

If You lead me

I will hold Your people in my heart

I will hold Your people in my heart

Children’s Moment – Susie Hiles

Sharing Our Resources

There are many ways to support the ministries of Azle Christian Church. You can give online on our website, on Venmo, use the QR code in your bulletin, or place it in the offering plate as the deacons come by during our anthem. You can also put in a prayer request card or information card in the plate. 

Anthem – Gratitude by Brandon Lake

Doxology - Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.  

Offering Prayer – Dan Robinson

Sermon: God Made You To Be OWESOME! – Rev. Russell Clark

Holy Communion Meditation & Prayer – Dan Robinson

Communion Song – Be Still My Soul #566 vs 1

Be still my soul for God is on your side

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain

Trust in your God your Savior and your guide

Who through all changes faithful will remain

Be still my soul your best, your heavenly friend

Through thorny ways leads to a peaceful end

We believe Jesus Christ is the gracious host at this table. 

Everyone is welcome to participate in communion. Please pass tray to your neighbor after receiving your communion cups. Please help those who need assistance. Hold cups until instructed by Elder to take in unison. 

Holy Communion Words of Institution – Dan Robinson

INVITATION

If you would like to dedicate your life to Christ or become a member of Azle Christian Church, you may come forward after the benediction or speak with me after worship.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

A few announcements for this week before our benediction:

You can find information on the back of your bulletin about our weekly activities, such as Sunday School, our Ukulele Group, our Wednesday dinner and bible study, and our prayer group. In the insert, you will find our calendar to transfer to your personal calendars. We also have a google calendar on our website to add to your personal calendar.

This Wednesday after our dinner and bible studies the Disciples Men’s Ministry will be meeting. We would love to see new guys join us!

If you are an elder, deacon, or part of the leadership team, we will have an installation service for you in 2 weeks during worship.

In 3 weeks, we will have a lunch after worship to celebrate all of our new members and baptisms from 2023. Everyone is invited & encouraged to attend to welcome our new members to our church family!

If you or someone you know needs a visit OR has a prayer request OR would like home communion, you may contact the church office or contact me directly.

BENEDICTION:

Please rise in body and spirit to receive the benediction:

Next week we will be starting a new sermon series called Love Wins about heaven and hell and the questions probably many of you have thought but have been afraid to ask, we will explore together.

Until next week,

May the Holy Spirit fill you up with God-cultivated confidence and boldness. May you see who you are in Christ Jesus. May you live knowing God made you to be OWESOME!  Amen.

** BENEDICTION RESPONSE – I Am The Light of the World! #469

I am the Light of the World

You people come and follow me.

If you follow and love, You'll learn the mystery

Of what you were meant to do and be.

1. When the song of the angels is stilled.

When the star in the sky is gone.

When the kings and the shepherds have found their way home.

The work of Christmas is begun!

2. To find the lost and lonely one,

To heal that broken soul with love,

To feed the hungry children with warmth and good food,

To feel the earth below the sky above!

3. To free the prisoner from his chains,

To make the powerful care,

To rebuild the nations with strength and goodwill,

To call a man your brother everywhere.

4. To bring hope to every task you do,

To dance at a baby's new birth,

To make music in an old man's heart,

And sing to the colors of the earth!