Unplugging - Prioritizing Self-Care: "Recharging"
Welcome & Opening Prayer – Rev. Russell Clark
Good morning church!
I am Russell Clark and I am the senior pastor at Azle Christian Church. It’s great to be back after a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation! Thanks to Joey and Beverly and everyone who filled in for me while I was gone!
If you are new to our church, there is information in your bulletin about filling out the attendance registration and getting connected with us, about how we love our kids here and we have space in the back for them to move around or our nursery if needed, and how to find our liturgy on our website.
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May we open up our time of worship with a prayer:
Lord, May we take this time to pause and breathe and meditate. And may this time of worship teach us to regularly rest and reflect on who you call us to be every day of our lives. Amen.
Opening Songs:
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord"
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
Oh, for grace to trust Him more
I'm so glad I learned to trust Him
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend
And I know that He is with me
Will be with me to the end
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
Oh, for grace to trust Him more
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
Oh, for grace to trust Him more
Oh, for grace to trust Him more
Trust in God - Elevation Worship
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
He's been my fourth man in the fire, time after time
Born of His spirit, and washed in His blood
And what He did for me on Calvary is more than enough
I trust in God, my savior
The one who will never fail
He will never fail
Perfect submission, all is at rest
I know the author of tomorrow has ordered my steps
So this is my story, and this is my song
Oh, I'm praising my risen King and savior all the day long
I trust in God, my savior
The one who will never fail
He will never fail
I trust in God, my savior
The one who will never fail
He will never fail
I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered
I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered
I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered
That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him
I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered
I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered
I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered
That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust in-
God, my savior
The one who will never fail
He will never fail (that's why I trust Him, that's why I trust in-)
God, my savior
The one, the one who will never fail
He will never fail (that's why I trust Him, that's why I trust in-)
God
Whoa-oh-oh (that's why I trust Him, that's why I trust in-)
Yes, I trust in God
Litany of Faith – Chris Piercy
One: Let us unplug ourselves – from the world, from our worries, from our stress, from our busy-ness, from doing and moving and going.
All: Let us unplug so we can recharge and refocus who we are as disciples.
One: Jesus encouraged his disciples to prioritize rest and retreat as ways to recharge our mind, bodies, and souls.
All: Let us stop to breathe and care for ourselves so when we return we will be better equipped to care for one another. Amen.
Scripture Meditation – Mark 6:30-32
“The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.”
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
How many of you know what it’s like to be like the disciples in this scripture passage?
You want to tell your master or your boss or co-worker all about your day and how it went.
How many of you come home and spill your guts to your spouse or call up your friend to tell them how your day went?
How many of you know what it’s like to be working so hard that you forget to stop and eat your meal as the disciples did?
We often work ourselves to death that we forget to eat, to rest, to breathe, to retreat.
We serve a God who rested on the seventh day. We serve a master who didn’t forget to rest. We serve a master who told his disciples to rest and retreat away from all that they are doing.
Taking care of yourself, Jesus knew, is the only way you can care for others.
Rest and retreat is an essential part of our lives.
We’ll be talking about this more when we get to the sermon. Let us think about this as we enter our time of prayer…
Time of Prayer & Reflection –
One: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let us pray.
God of Shalom and Peace, Who brings wholeness to our shattered lives,
We pray for our campers this week, Alison and Rose, that they would have a blessed time at camp connecting with their counselors and fellow campers and that they would grow closer to you this week and your love and purpose for their lives.
We pray for the marginalized and broken in our society, that they would know how deeply they are loved by you, God, and how there is a place for everyone here at Azle Christian Church. We ask for your forgiveness for the times we have been uneducated and unaware of how to reach those in the trenches. As this month commemorates Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Men’s Mental Health Awareness, may you continue to empower those who feel empty and bring your healing and wholeness to those who need it, and continue to break the chains of injustice and oppression so all persons may be free. Teach us how to pursue your justice and freedom so all persons may know of your deep, extravagant love and grace.
We serve a God who has liberated His people and who continues to liberate us daily from sin and shattered lives. Restore us, O Lord, by your grace and mercy that we might see ourselves and our lives more clearly.
Teach us how to breathe and take a break from our busy lives. Give us space to retreat and rest and recharge so we may be ready to resurrect new life into our church and community. Restore our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls so we may see clearly where you are guiding us to go next.
Unplug us from our day-to-day lives so we can be recharged by you.
Thank you for freeing us to live free lives where we can know who we are and who we are called to be.
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 –
Jesus, the very thought of thee
with sweetness fills the breast;
but sweeter far thy face to see,
and in thy presence rest.
2 O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
to those who fall, how kind thou art!
How good to those who seek!
3 But what to those who find? Ah, this
nor tongue nor pen can show;
the love of Jesus, what it is,
none but his loved ones know.
4 Jesus, our only joy be thou,
as thou our prize wilt be;
Jesus, be thou our glory now,
and through eternity.
Children’s Moment – Dan Robinson
Sharing Our Resources
At this time may we give all of ourselves to God –
We give our time to love one another and show mercy to those who need it and sitting with one another in our mess.
We give our talents by creating something new to make the world a little brighter.
We give financially to help the ministries of our church serving our community.
We give prayerfully by lifting up prayers for our family and church family and community.
We give by laying down our bodies to serve the body of Christ – to love and serve one another in the way God has called each of us to live. Amen.
Anthem – Washed by the Water - NEEDTOBREATHE
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 – Chris Piercy
Series: Unplugging: Prioritizing Self-Care
Sermon: Recharging – Rev. Russell Clark
Holy Communion Meditation & Prayer – Chris Piercy
Communion Song –
Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
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 – Chris Piercy
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 –
Please check your bulletin for our weekly activities and calendar of upcoming events this summer and transfer these dates to your personal calendars.
In two weeks, we will have a church cookout after church on July 7 so save that date.
Next Sunday we will have a Youth Lake Day from 3-5pm at the Williams’ home for all youth and their family and friends. Parents are encouraged to attend as we will need adult supervision. This should be a really fun afternoon for youth and their families and friends! You may talk to Joey for more information about the lake day next Sunday.
This Wednesday after our dinner at 5:30pm, we will have game night at 6:30pm and then the VBS planning meeting starting at 7pm.
Tonight is Bible & Beer at 5pm at Rick Seed’s home. Bible & Beer is a laid back time for bible study and open discussions. Rick will be leading the bible study and discussion this evening because I will be at Kennedy’s piano recital. Everyone is encouraged to bring appetizers to share and your beverage of choice. We encourage more adults to join us because we had a really great time and discussion last month.
And don’t forget to be in prayer for our campers, Alison and Rose this week, and we wish them traveling mercies to and from camp, as well.
Will you please rise in body and spirit to receive the benediction?
Next week we will continue our discussion on self-care and unplugging our lives to hear the voice of God.
Until next week,
Take time every day this week to stop and breathe. Realize how rest and retreat are an essential aspect to your everyday lives so you can live better, fuller lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
*Benediction Response –
1 There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest,
near to the heart of God.
Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before thee,
near to the heart of God.
2 There is a place of comfort sweet,
near to the heart of God,
a place where we our Savior meet,
near to the heart of God. [Refrain]
3 There is a place of full release,
near to the heart of God,
a place where all is joy and peace,
near to the heart of God. [Refrain]
Mosaic Faith - #5 Deconstructing Evangelism & Mission
Welcome & Opening Prayer – Rev. Russell Clark
Good morning church!
I am Russell Clark and I have been the senior pastor at Azle Christian Church for one year now! Today marks the one year anniversary for me as your senior pastor and for Jessie Button as our worship minister! This first year has flown by so quickly and we are SO thankful to be in ministry with you all! We look forward to continuing to serve Azle Christian Church and seeing what God has in store for us for year 2!
If you are new to our church, there is information in your bulletin about filling out the attendance registration and getting connected with us, about how we love our kids here and we have space in the back for them to move around or our nursery if needed, and how to find our liturgy on our website.
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May we open up our time of worship with a prayer:
Lord, we come to you to celebrate our graduates and how far you have brought the! We celebrate Jessie and I being in ministry here for one year! We look forward to where you will lead our graduates and this church on our journey to love and serve you and become who you have called us to be! Guide our steps as we look to you for our future! Amen.
May we take a moment before we get started to greet one another with a hug or a high five.
Opening Songs:
Sometimes you've gotta dance through the darkness
Sing through the fire
Praise when it don't make sense
Sometimes you've gotta stare down the giant
Worship from the lion's den
Sometimes you've gotta shout it from the mountain
Louder in the valley
Trusting that He's gonna get you there
Sometimes you've gotta welcome the wonder
Wait for the answer
Worship with your hands in the air
I'll praise You anywhere
Praise, give Him praise, give Him praise
In my highest grace, give Him praise, give Him praise
In my highest, He is worthy
Yes, He is worthy of all of the praise
Sometimes you've gotta praise in the prison
Cry out to heaven
Shout it 'til the doors swing wide
Sometimes you've gotta stand on your shackles
Brave in the battle
Worship with your hands held high
I'll praise You anywhere
Praise, give Him praise, give Him praise
In the highest grace, give Him praise, give Him praise
In the highest, He is worthy
Yes, He is worthy of all of the–
Praise, give Him praise, give Him praise
In the highest grace, give Him praise, give Him praise
In the highest, He is worthy
Yes, He is worthy of all of the praise
Faithful all my life
Blessings day and night
Countless reasons why
I'll praise You anywhere
Every promise kept
Goodness every step
Each and every breath
I'll praise You anywhere
Faithful all my life
Blessings day and night
Countless reasons why
I'll praise You anywhere
Every promise kept
Goodness every step
Each and every breath
I'll praise You anywhere
Praise, give Him praise, give Him praise
In my highest grace, give Him praise, give Him praise
In my highest, He is worthy
Yes, He is worthy of all of the praise
Oh, I'll praise You anywhere
Oh, mountain, oh, valley
I know that You're with me there
I'll praise You anywhere
Our Father everlasting
The all-creating One
God Almighty
Through your Holy Spirit
Conceiving Christ the Son
Jesus our Saviour
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in One
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
Our Judge and our Defender
Suffered and crucified
Forgiveness is in You
Descended into darkness
You rose in glorious light
Forever seated high
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in One
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
I believe in You
I believe You rose again
I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord
(I believe)
And I believe in You
I believe You rose again
I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in One
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in One
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
(We believe in Lord Jesus)
I believe in life eternal
I believe in the virgin birth
I believe in the saints' communion
And in Your Holy Church
I believe in the resurrection
When Jesus comes again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in One
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in One
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
Praise you, Lord
Worship you, Jesus
Litany of Faith – Susie Hiles
One: Lord, will you bless our graduates as they continue on their journey. Help them to seek who you have called them to be.
All: Will you guide their steps, Lord, and lead them to life everlasting.
One: Will you also be with us as we help all of your children to find their unique calling in this life.
All: May we raise all of our children to know of God’s grace and love. May they know how deeply they are loved by this church and how they will always have our support as they take this next step in their lives. Amen.
Scripture Meditation – Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
It’s appropriate on this Graduation Sunday that we are continuing our Mosaic Faith series talking about deconstructing evangelism and mission. Today is all about our purpose & calling on our journey. In some ways, our purpose and calling is the same. In other ways, we each have a unique calling specifically for us.
This scripture verse means a lot to parents and grandparents and guardians. We hope that we are guiding the children in our lives in the right way so they will grow up to be wonderful men and women. But it’s important to note that it says, “Start children off on the way THEY should go; not on the way WE want them to go.”
Our children might not go the way WE want them to go, but our prayer is not MY will be done, but THY will be done. Our hope should be for God to guide them where God is leading them.
May we ask for God to guide our children, our grandchildren, our loved ones, and ourselves on the way God call us to go, even if this is different than what our family might want from us. It’s important to follow our heart and seek after who God calls you to be – “not your brother, not your sister, but it’s me, O Lord. Standing in the need of prayer.”
There’s no one like you. Who is God calling YOU to be at this phase of your journey?
We’ll be talking about this more when we get to the sermon. Let us think about this as we enter our time of prayer…
Graduate Recognition
We ask for our graduates to come forward to be recognized at this time.
We applaud you for your accomplishment and we ask God to guide you on the next phase of your journey. If you would like to share your name, what school you graduated from, and what your plans are next for school or career?
Daryn Ford
Tye Hernandez
Brady Newquist
Cameron Weger
May we pray for you:
Lord, we give thanks for these graduates & their accomplishments. We know that they have not been alone in their journey, but their family and friends have supported them along the way and will continue to do so in their future. May they know they can rely on you, Lord, to direct their next steps and lead them on a path full of joy, purpose, and a whole, complete life. May they come to know your love and grace for them more and how you will always be with them on their journey, just as this church and their families and friends will always be here for support and cheering them on in the future. This life will be full of triumphs and failures, tough moments that teach us what not to do again, and beautiful moments that we will always want to hold onto. For every moment to come, may you continue to mold these young men, Lord, in good times and bad to bring the best out of them. In your name we pray and play, Amen.
Congratulations on behalf of Azle Christian Church and your families and we look forward to seeing what you do next!
Time of Prayer & Reflection –
One: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let us pray.
God of peace –
We lift up those in our church, our families, & our community who have suffered losses from tragic car accidents, from the tornadoes and bad storms, and for those dealing with difficult health issues. May you comfort us in our grief and give us the strength to care for ourselves and reach out to those who need to know they’re not alone.
May our relationships grow deeper as we get to know one another, may our lives have greater purpose to share the love you have shown to us, and may we continue to deconstruct the thoughts and ways that separate us from you so we can be reconstructed to see more of who you are and who we are.
Take this church on a new journey for a new day, continually guiding our leaders, staff, members, and guests to be in ministry to the world. May we care for one another and our community, may we lift up the children & youth who need our guidance, and may we love & serve more than we thought was possible.
May we be a church who empowers the marginalized, gives hope to the broken, and rebuilds a stronger, mosaic faith where everyone is able to see the beauty of a life being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
For our beloved Karen Jett, who we lost this week, we pray for David and his family and all who loved Karen. Karen was our biggest cheerleader screaming, “Amen!” and “OWESOME” from where she sat. She was an example to all of us of having a passion for life, compassion for one another, and being a bright spirit everywhere you go. She was a disciple who definitely saw this beauty all around her. She will be deeply missed.
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 –
Sister, let me be your servant.
brother, let me walk with you;
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey.
fellow trav'lers on the road.
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.
I will weep when you are weeping.
When you laugh, I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we've seen this journey thro'.
When we sing to God in heaven,
We shall find such harmony
Born of all we've known together
Of great love and agony.
Brother, let me be your servant.
Sister, let me walk with you;
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant, too.
Children’s Moment – Susie Hiles
Sharing Our Resources
At this time may we give all of ourselves to God –
We give our time to love one another and show mercy to those who need it.
We give our talents by creating something new to make the world a little brighter.
We give financially to help the ministries of our church serving our community.
We give by laying down our bodies to serve the body of Christ – to love and serve one another in the way God has called each of us to live. Amen.
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 – Susie Hiles
Sermon Series: Mosaic Faith: Deconstructing What We Think About God to See Something More Beautiful
Sermon: Deconstructing Evangelism & Mission
Holy Communion Meditation & Prayer – Susie Hiles
Communion Song –
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul
What wondrous love is this, O my soul
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing
To God and to the Lamb, who is the great I Am
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing
While millions join the theme, I will sing
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be
And through eternity, I'll sing on, I'll sing on
And through eternity, I'll sing on
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 –
Please check your bulletin for our weekly activities and calendar of upcoming events this summer and transfer these dates to your personal calendars.
Please note that we will have a Youth Lake Day on June 30 from 3-5pm at the Williams’ home for all youth and their family and friends. Parents are encouraged to attend as we will need adult supervision. This should be a really fun afternoon for youth and their families and friends! You may talk to Joey for more information about the lake day on June 30.
I will be out of town the next two weeks but Beverly, Joey, and our elders will be around if you need anything.
We will have a short reception after worship to celebrate our graduates.
Will you please rise in body and spirit to receive the benediction?
Next week our youth minister, Joey, will be sharing his own story of deconstruction to conclude our Mosaic Faith series as he talks about deconstructing towards faith. I am excited for everyone to hear more of Joey’s journey.
Until then,
May we love in a way that strives to know a person more fully. And to know that everyone we meet is already a child of God – and you are too! May we tap into who we already are in Jesus Christ.
Amen.
*Benediction Response –
Sometimes you've gotta dance through the darkness
Sing through the fire
Praise when it don't make sense
Sometimes you've gotta stare down the giant
Worship from the lion's den
Sometimes you've gotta shout it from the mountain
Louder in the valley
Trusting that He's gonna get you there
Sometimes you've gotta welcome the wonder
Wait for the answer
Worship with your hands in the air
I'll praise You anywhere
Praise, give Him praise, give Him praise
In my highest grace, give Him praise, give Him praise
In my highest, He is worthy
Yes, He is worthy of all of the praise
Sometimes you've gotta praise in the prison
Cry out to heaven
Shout it 'til the doors swing wide
Sometimes you've gotta stand on your shackles
Brave in the battle
Worship with your hands held high
I'll praise You anywhere
Praise, give Him praise, give Him praise
In the highest grace, give Him praise, give Him praise
In the highest, He is worthy
Yes, He is worthy of all of the–
Praise, give Him praise, give Him praise
In the highest grace, give Him praise, give Him praise
In the highest, He is worthy
Yes, He is worthy of all of the praise
Faithful all my life
Blessings day and night
Countless reasons why
I'll praise You anywhere
Every promise kept
Goodness every step
Each and every breath
I'll praise You anywhere
Faithful all my life
Blessings day and night
Countless reasons why
I'll praise You anywhere
Every promise kept
Goodness every step
Each and every breath
I'll praise You anywhere
Praise, give Him praise, give Him praise
In my highest grace, give Him praise, give Him praise
In my highest, He is worthy
Yes, He is worthy of all of the praise
Oh, I'll praise You anywhere
Oh, mountain, oh, valley
I know that You're with me there
I'll praise You anywhere
Mosaic Faith - #4 Deconstructing Sin
Welcome & Opening Prayer – Rev. Russell Clark
Good morning church!
I am Russell Clark and I am the senior pastor at Azle Christian Church. For those here in worship and those with us online, may the life-giving love of God bring new life to you this morning!
If you are new to our church, there is information in your bulletin about filling out the attendance registration and getting connected with us, about how we love our kids here and we have space in the back for them to move around or our nursery if needed, and how to find our liturgy on our website.
//
May we open up our time of worship with a prayer:
God, The Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and The End,
May we see our place in your story this morning. Even amidst our broken lives and our imperfect knowledge of you, God, may The Holy Spirit show us how beautiful a life with you truly is today – here and now – during this time of worship. Amen.
May we take a moment before we get started to greet one another with a hug or a high five.
Opening Songs:
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control
I want more of You, God
I want more of You, God
No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
Than here in Your love, here in Your love
No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
Than here in Your love, here in Your love
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control
I want more of You, God
I want more of You, God
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control
I want more of You, God
I want more, I want more, I want more
I want more, I want more, I want more
Won't You pour it out?
I want more, I want more, I want more
I want more, I want more, I want more
Won't You pour it out?
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control
I want more of You, God
I want more of You, God
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control
I want more of You, God
I want more of You, God
No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
Than here in Your love, here in Your love
No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
No place I would rather be
Than here in Your love, here in Your love
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control
I want more of You, God
I want more of You, God
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control
I want more
I want more, I want more, I want more
I want more, I want more, I want more
Won't You pour it out?
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control
I want more of You, God
I want more of You, God
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control
I want more of You, God
I want more of You, God
Oh, we want more of You, yeah, yeah
Oh, so much more
So much more of You, God, yeah, yeah
Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won
Stony the road we trod
Bitter the chastening rod
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died
Yet with a steady beat
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered
Out from the gloomy past
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast
God of our weary years
God of our silent tears
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way
Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light
Keep us forever in the path, we pray
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee
Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee
Shadowed beneath Thy hand
May we forever stand
True to our God
True to our native land
Our native land
Litany of Faith – Becky Stults
One: May we say together the mission statement of Azle Christian Church.
All: There is a place for you at Azle Christian Church.
A place for REFUGEES - We are a church full of people from a variety of traditions & backgrounds. Find your home here where healing from past hurt is possible.
A place for QUESTIONS - We are a church that encourages the messy, challenging theological questions. We don’t pretend to be perfect or to have all the answers.
A place for EVERYONE - We are an open and affirming church who believes everyone is welcome at the table of Jesus Christ. We care deeply about empowering the marginalized in our society.
A place for YOU - We want you to be a part of our story and our family. You are not just welcome here; you are invited to BE WHO YOU ARE WITH US! Amen.
Scripture Meditation – Romans 6:12-14
“That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time – remember, you’ve been raised from the dead! – into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.”
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
During this Mosaic Faith series so far we’ve talked about how the bible is more than a collection of stories; it points us towards a Savior in Jesus who by the Holy Spirit still breathes new life into us today,
We’ve talked about how salvation is more than a one-time event to give us a “ticket to heaven”, but it’s a life-long journey of continually becoming more aware of God’s grace and love at work in our lives every day, bringing heaven to earth,
And last week we talked about how the church is more than this building, but it’s you and me and all the people who seek to be a part of the body of Christ, to love one another everywhere we go.
And this week we’ll be talking about how there is so much more to our story than the sins and imperfections and mistakes in our lives. There is so much more to you and me that God wants for us so we have a life worth living.
We’ll be talking about this more when we get to the sermon. Let us think about this as we enter our time of prayer…
Time of Prayer & Reflection –
One: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let us pray.
God of grace –
We confess more than our sins – more than the mistakes we’ve made or how we’ve missed the mark.
We confess how we have not loved one another. We have not shown your grace and love, but have acted like we’re in and they’re out.
May we lay down our sins of pride and exclusiveness to welcome the marginalized and yes, the enemy in our lives. May we show more grace than we feel comfortable with. May we show more love than we understand. May we seek to show the same character and integrity that Jesus taught his disciples.
We are your imperfect and messy disciples. We thank you for defining us by your grace and not by what we do or don’t do. Thank you for telling your story through us, even when we mess up the narrative.
Thank you for telling a deeper, more loving story than the one we knew how to tell. May we dive deeper into this story and discover the true meaning of who you are and how we are called to live today.
You are the Good Good Father. Your peace and love and grace surpass our understanding. That’s why we worship you and follow you every moment of every day – and when we don’t you pick us up and dust us off and set our paths straight. Thank you for your everlasting grace!
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 –
Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name
The sun comes up
It's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes
Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name
You're rich in love
And You're slow to anger
Your name is great
And Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons
For my heart to find
Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name
Bless You Lord
And on that day
When my strength is failing
The end draws near
And my time has come
Still my soul will
Sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years
And then forevermore
Forevermore
Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name
Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name
Yes I'll worship Your Holy name
I'll worship Your Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name
Jesus I will worship Your Holy name
Worship Your Holy name
Children’s Moment – Emily Harden
Sharing Our Resources
At this time may we give all of ourselves to God –
We give our time to love one another and show mercy to those who need it.
We give our talents by creating something new to make the world a little brighter.
We give financially to help the ministries of our church serving our community.
We give by laying down our bodies to serve the body of Christ – to love and serve one another in the way God has called each of us to live. Amen.
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 – Becky Stults
Sermon Series: Mosaic Faith: Deconstructing What We Think About God to See Something More Beautiful
Sermon: Deconstructing Sin
Holy Communion Meditation & Prayer – Becky Stults
Communion Song –
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not, abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death's sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee
In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me
Abide with me, abide with me
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 –
Please check your bulletin for our weekly activities and calendar of upcoming events.
If you know of any graduates we should be celebrating on Graduation Sunday next Sunday on June 2, please let Beverly know ASAP.
After worship next Sunday, we will have a reception to celebrate our graduates.
Will you please rise in body and spirit to receive the benediction?
_____
Amen.
*Benediction Response –
God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives
How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and the joy he gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives, lives
Mosaic Faith - #3 Deconstructing Church & Authority
Welcome & Opening Prayer – Rev. Russell Clark
Good morning church!
I am Russell Clark and I am the senior pastor at Azle Christian Church. Today is Pentecost Sunday, a day we remember when Jesus ascended to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to be present with the disciples.
If you are new to our church, there is information in your bulletin about filling out the attendance registration and getting connected with us, about how we love our kids here and we have space in the back for them to move around or our nursery if needed, and how to find our liturgy on our website.
//
May we pray for the Holy Spirit to be present with us during this time of worship.
Creator and creating God,
May our fears and worries be erased during this time of worship and may our fragmented souls find shalom (wholeness) in your amazing grace.
May our scars bear witness to the healing that’s taken place in our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls.
Only you make prophets out of prodigals.
Only you turn graves into gardens.
Only you turn mistakes into miracles.
Only you turn what’s been broken into something beautiful.
May you create something new out of our mosaic faith today. Amen.
May we take a moment before we get started to greet one another with a hug or a high five.
Opening Songs: Come, Dispel Our Sadness #253
1 Spirit, come, dispel our sadness;
pierce the clouds of nature’s night;
come, O Source of joy and gladness,
breathe your life, and spread your light.
From the height that knows no measure,
as a gracious shower descend,
bringing down the richest treasure
we can wish, or God can send.
2 Let your fire heal our dissensions,
let your flame refine our goals,
let your peace resolve our tensions,
send your dove to soothe our souls.
Let your wind flow fresh within us,
sweeping clean all hate and strife
from our hearts; O come and win us
for a more abundant life.
3 Author of the new creation,
come, anoint us with your power.
Make our hearts your habitation;
with your grace our spirits shower.
Hear, O hear our supplication,
blessed Spirit, God of peace!
Rest upon this congregation
with the fullness of your grace.
Holy is the Lord – 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
Holy is the Lord, God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty
Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty
Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty
Holy Holy
Litany of Faith – Valerie Piercy
One: Holy Spirit, remind us on this day of Pentecost how you hear our diverse, native tongues and understand us.
All: What makes us children of God is not our commonality but our uniqueness.
One: We belong in this space because we are all different. We seek to include people of all tongues, cultures, and backgrounds.
All: What makes us The Body of Christ is our willingness to embrace and empower all the parts of this body. Amen.
Scripture Meditation – 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
On this day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled the disciples and they were filled with courageous confidence to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This authority and boldness and power is a good thing, right?
Have you ever experienced this authority given to Christians or leaders been abused or used in the wrong way?
Unfortunately, many of us have.
This courageous confidence is what transforms our lives. It’s the best thing to ever happen to us. But if we don’t use this authority and boldness and power to love one another, we’ve missed the point.
We’ll be talking about this more when we get to the sermon. Let us think about this as we enter our time of prayer…
Time of Prayer & Reflection –
One: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let us pray.
God of grace –
Help us to listen to the cries of the broken people in our lives,
Help us to use our gifts to be the church for the world,
May our mouths speaks words that give life,
May our arms hold the hands of those who need someone,
May our legs run to those who need comfort,
May our ears be ready to listen to new stories shared with us daily,
May our eyes be focused on what you have to show us,
May our hearts beat more and more for the people you send our way.
May we be the body of Christ for the world today.
May we give our hearts and souls to you, O Lord, and may your Spirit be with us and inspire and lift us up on our journey.
May we be transformed on this journey to be more like you and more aware of your grace and love at work in our lives.
May we listen to understand and love unconditionally as you call us to live.
Thank you for this church and these people who love us and give us space to be our unique, diverse, crazy selves. May we create this same space wherever we go.
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 – Be Thou My Vision #595
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art
High King of heaven, my victory won
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
Children’s Moment – Joey Garcia
Skit – “One Body, Many Parts” by Russell Clark
Cast:
Legs – Meredith Salsman
Arms – Richard Salsman
Mouth – Jessie Button
Nose – Anne Cummings
Eyes – Russell Clark
Ears – Kennedy Clark
Sharing Our Resources
Anthem – Holy Spirit
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 – Valerie Piercy
Sermon Series: Mosaic Faith: Deconstructing What We Think About God to See Something More Beautiful
Sermon: Deconstructing Church & Authority
Holy Communion Meditation & Prayer – Valerie Piercy
Communion Song – Surely the Presence of the Lord #263
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place,
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.
I can hear the brush of angel's wings
I see glory on each face;
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
In the midst of His children, the Lord said He would be.
It doesn't take very many, it can be just two or three.
And I feel the same sweet Spirit that I've felt oft times before.
Oh, surely I can say I have been with the Lord.
There's a holy hush around us as God's glory fills this place.
I've touched the hem of his garment and I can almost see His face.
And my heart is overflowing with the fullness of His joy.
I know without a doubt that I have been with 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 – Chris Piercy
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 –
Please check your bulletin for our weekly activities and calendar of upcoming events.
If you know of any graduates we should be celebrating on Graduation Sunday on June 2, please let Beverly know ASAP.
This Wednesday after our church dinner at 5:30pm, we will have a VBS planning meeting at 6:30pm for anyone who would like to volunteer for VBS coming up August 2-4.
This Saturday is Food Hub. We gather at 8am to prepare food bags to hand out to the community.
Tonight is Bible & Beer at 5pm where we get together at someone’s home for bible study, fellowship, meaningful discussion, and you can bring a snack & your beverage of choice. Bible & Beer will be at the Robinson’s home. Their address is printed in the bulletin. We really have a great time and would love to see many more of you there this evening!
Directly after worship is the DWM meeting. All ladies are encouraged to attend.
Will you please rise in body and spirit to receive the benediction?
Take this authority and boldness and power and fire of the Holy Spirit with you wherever you go to love more deeply and to hear your neighbor’s story with the compassion and kindness of Christ Jesus!
Amen.
*Benediction Response – Spirit #249