Central Reformed Church Fourth Sunday of Easter

May 3, 2020

REFLECTION

“In the Gospels we see that Jesus accomplishes the righteousness that characterizes the kingdom of God, and this righteousness is a gift. The kingdom demands a better righteousness than that of the scribes and Pharisees for those who would enter it (Matt. 5:20), yet it is also the Father’s good pleasure to grant the kingdom (Luke 12:32). The stringency in entering the kingdom is ultimately answered by the full obedience of Jesus Himself, who establishes and opens the gates of the kingdom through His perfect obedience—both active and passive. Jesus shows us the unity of obedience and love that the covenantal law of God always required. Jesus’s people, then, must be united to Him by faith, and so re-ceive the blessings of salvation through the work of the last Adam. By following in the righteous steps of the Messiah, we learn how to truly love God and love our neighbor.”

—Brandon D. Crowe, The Last Adam: A Theology of the Obedient Life of Jesus in the Gospels (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2017), 214-215.

ORDER OF WORSHIP FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

MAY 3, 2020 9:30 am

(We invite you to quiet your homes as you prepare for worship.)

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GATHERING IN LOVE

Prelude “Solemn Prelude” (Alec Rowley) “Pastorale on Psalm 23” (Alec Rowley) “Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974, 2nd Movement” (J. S. Bach) “‘For He That Is Mighty’ from ‘The Magnificat’” (J. S. Bach) Welcome Votum, Call to Worship (from Psalm 124:8 and Acts 2:42-47)

Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. People: Amen. Leader: Sisters and brothers, let us gather together with glad and generous hearts. People: For many signs and wonders are being done among us. Leader: Let us break bread together and share our lives in common. People: Let us give what we can to all who have needs, so that all people, no matter who they are, may regard us with good will. Leader: Let us devote ourselves to our prayers and to the gospel. People: For in this way God will add to our numbers every day.

Opening Hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (see next page) (You are invited to sing along.)

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

The Salutation

Leader: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

People: Amen! Invitation to Confession

Friends, inasmuch as God is our shepherd, let us not fear, but confess our sin so that God may restore our souls. Prayer of Confession (unison, from I Peter 2:19-25)

Holy God, we confess to you and to one another that we have not always followed Christ’s example. When we have been abused, we have been abusive in return. We have gone astray. Lead us back into your fold and guard our souls in Jesus’ name. Amen. Assurance of Pardon

Friends, the promise of our faith is that if we entrust ourselves to the One who judges justly, we need not feel threatened, for we will be returned to righteousness. Having been brought back into the safety of God’s fold, let us share our peace with one another.

Peace Leader: The peace of the risen Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

LISTENING IN EXPECTATION First Lesson Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and gener-ous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Moment

Second Lesson John 10:1-10

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by an-other way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came be-fore me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon “The Way to Abundance” Rev. Steven D. Pierce Prayer for a Blessing on the Word Psalm “The Lord Is My Shepherd” (Psalm 23, Robert Leaf)

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, He brings me to rest in the meadow land, Beside the still waters my soul is restored, He leads me in paths of righteousness. Though I walk in the presence of death, I will fear no evil, for His rod and His staff, They comfort me, they comfort me. Though foes are around me, He sets my feast, My head is anointed, my cup o’erflows, Forever I’ll dwell in the house of the Lord, For He is my shepherd, I shall not want. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, He brings me to rest in the meadow land, Beside the still waters my soul is restored. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

RESPONDING IN FAITH

Affirmation of Faith (Apostles Creed)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Meaning of the Sacrament

Leader: Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, the holy Supper which we are about to cele- brate is a feast of remembrance, of communion, and of hope. People: We come in remembrance that our Lord Jesus Christ was sent of the Father into the world to assume our flesh and blood and to fulfill for us all obedience to the divine law, even to the bitter and shameful death of the Cross. By his death, resurrection, and ascension, he es- tablished a new and eternal covenant of grace and reconciliation that we might be accepted of God and never be forsaken by him. Leader: We come to have communion with this same Christ who has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the world. In the breaking of bread he makes himself known to us as the true heavenly Bread that strengthens us unto life eternal. In the cup of blessing he comes to us as the Vine in whom we must abide if we are to bear fruit. People: We come in hope, believing that this bread and this cup are a pledge and foretaste of the feast of love of which we shall partake when his kingdom has fully come, when with unveiled face we shall behold him, made like unto him in his glory. Leader: Since by his death, resurrection, and ascension, Christ has obtained for us the life-giving Spirit who united us all in one body, so we are able to receive this Supper in true love, mindful of the communion of saints. Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Jesus is our gracious host at the table set before us. As host he welcomes any and all who love him and desire to live for him to join in this feast of love. So, come to this table, not because you must but because you may, not because you are strong but because you are weak. Come, know-ing Christ loves you and gave himself for you. Come and meet him here, for we are Christ’s Body, brothers and sisters who in our baptized lives live out his death and resurrection.

Communion Prayer

Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts! People: We lift them up to the Lord. Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: For it is holy and right to do so! Leader: Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty to give thanks to you at all times and in

all places, O Lord our Creator, almighty and everlasting God! You created heav-en with all its hosts and the earth with all its plenty. You have given us life and being, and preserve us by your providence. But you have shown us the fullness of your love in sending into the world your Son, Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, made flesh for us and for our salvation. For the precious gift of this mighty Savior who has reconciled us to you, we praise and bless you, O God. With your whole Church on earth and with all the company of heaven we worship and adore your glorious name:

Sanctus (#581)

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest! Leader: Most righteous God, we remember in this Supper the perfect sacrifice offered

once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ for the sin of the whole world. In the joy of his resurrection and in expectation of his coming again, we offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices. Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:

People: Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again! Leader: Send your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray, that the bread which we break and the

cup which we bless may be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ. Grant that, being joined together in him, we may attain to the unity of the faith and grow up in all things into Christ our Lord. And as this grain has been gathered from many fields into one loaf, and these grapes from many hills into one cup, grant, O Lord, that your whole Church may soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Meditative Music “In the Pastures of God’s Goodness” (PROMISE)

In the pastures of God’s goodness We lie down to rest our soul. From the waters of God’s mercy We drink deeply, are made whole. At the table of God’s presence All the saints are richly fed. With the oil of God’s anointing Into service we are led.

Come then, children, with your burdens— life’s confusions, fears, and pain. Leave them at the cross of Jesus, Take instead his kingdom’s reign. Bring your thirsts, for he will quench them— He alone will satisfy. All our longings find attainment When to self we gladly die.

The Words of Institution Communion

God, who transcends time and space, is the One who acts in the sacrament. Though physically separate, we commune together spiritually, affirming the reality that our bodies are engaged in worship even when we are participating from our own homes and from other places, God's peo-ple gathered through the gift of technology. Wherever we are, Christ comes to us in these gifts of the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Children are most welcome to participate in today’s communion. Receive these elements and be strengthened unto eternal life.

Thanksgiving After Communion (from Psalm 103, with additions)

Leader: Brothers and sisters, since the Lord has now fed us at his table, let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving! Bless the Lord, O my soul, People: and all that is within me, bless God’s holy name. Leader: Bless the Lord, O my soul, People: and do not forget all God’s benefits— Leader: who forgives all your iniquity, People: who heals all your diseases, Leader: who redeems your life from the Pit, People: who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Leader: The Lord is merciful and gracious, People: slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Leader: God does not deal with us according to our sins, People: nor repay us according to our iniquities. Leader: For as the heavens are high above the earth, People: so great is our Lord’s steadfast love toward those who fear God; Leader: as far as the east is from the west, People: so far does God remove our transgressions from us. Leader: As a father has compassion for his children, People: so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him, Leader: who did not spare God’s own Son, but gave Christ up for us all, and will also give us all things through Christ. People: Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the

Lord from this time forth forevermore. Amen.

Prayers of the People During the prayers each week, we remember our neighboring faith communities and their leaders. Today we are praying for the staff and congregation of Bethlehem Church.

Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Loving God, you have fed and nourished us with the bread of life and the cup of blessing. We are renewed for your service. Help us who have shared Christ’s body and received his cup, to be faithful disciples so that our daily living may show your kingdom and our love be your love reaching into the world. We are mindful to pray for your people and our world… We ask these things in your most holy name, saying the prayer our Lord taught us... The Lord’s Prayer (unison)

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. And 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.

DEPARTING IN JOY Hymn “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” (BRADBURY) (You are invited to sing along.)

Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care. In your pleasant pastures feed us, for our use your fold prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, yours we are. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, yours we are. Early let us seek your favor, early let us do your will; Blessed Lord and only Savior, with your love our spirits fill. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have loved us, love us still. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have loved us, love us still.

Benediction and Blessing

Leader: Whoever you are, wherever you go in God’s wide world, Whatever happens to you of good or ill, always remember that . . . People: Jesus is Lord! Leader: And always remember that the tomb is empty; Christ has risen. As you journey

in faith, may your life be full, your love be abundant, and your hope be eternal. Live this day and always for Christ Jesus because the Risen Christ lives in you.

People: Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Postlude “Postlude in G Major” (George Frederic Handel)

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Cover Art: Psalm 23—Detail 3 © John August Swanson | Eyekons “In the Pastures of God’s Goodness” verses from “Come Away from Rush and Hurry” — words: Marva J. Dawn;

music: Natalie Sleeth, Hope Publishing Co. Permission via CCLI #2931505.

WORSHIP LEADERS

Preacher: Rev. Steven D. Pierce Liturgist: Carol Austin

Director of Music Ministries: Taemin Han Principal Organist: Norma de Waal Malefyt

Vocalist: Maria Warren Cellist: Martin Werner

Video Tech: Alex Grigoriev Sound Tech: Nick Loubert

Central Reformed Church

10 College Avenue NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

616.456.1773 centralreformedchurch.org

Connecting all people to God and to one another through scripture, sacrament, song, and service.

WORSHIP NOTES New to Central? Thank you for joining us online today. Central Reformed Church is located on the corner of College and Fulton in the Heritage Hill neighborhood of downtown Grand Rapids. Our mission is to connect all people to God and to one another through scripture, sacrament, song, and service. We have been in ministry for almost 180 years and are a part of the Reformed Church in America, a Chris-tian denomination that began in New Amsterdam (now New York City) in 1628. We look forward to be-ing able to worship with you in person once the COVID-19 crisis is over. Until then, please stay safe. Welcome: We are pleased to again welcome Dr. H. Martin Werner to share his musical talent during our service today. As many know in this community, he is the music director of the Bach Chorale of Grand Rapids, but he is also an accomplished cellist. We are grateful that he is joining us today. Second Hour: This morning’s second hour discussion, “The (Virtual?) Body of Christ: The Church During and After a Pandemic,” will be led by Monica Schaap Pierce. You can join the discussion begin-ning at 11:00 am by clicking on this link—https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88022884983?pwd=OEhRTkZRL29VOE9tWk1wNVhqb3YyQT09—or by going to www.zoom.us/join and entering the meeting ID (880 2288 4983) and password (223423). In Our Prayers: Jean Troost (hospice care), Mike Bennett, George Boerigter, Janet VanDyke, Tom Tabor; Central members with loved ones who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 but are now on the path to recovery; all who have contracted COVID-19, are awaiting test results, or are anxious about their health or the health of loved ones; all of our brothers and sisters across the globe who mourn the loss of loved ones and grapple with a strange, new life lived in isolation from one another; those facing cancer; all those ministering to and caring for the sick and grieving. Next Sunday, May 10: Join us for our live stream worship service at 9:30 am. Meditative music will begin at 9:15 am. Pastor Steve’s sermon, “Don’t Be Afraid,” will be based on John 14:1-14. Please invite others to join you online. Media Connections: Please visit Central’s YouTube channel, where morning devotions are available, along with other resources. You can access it with the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3FOD-Tc5g5v8kZV35rqGGQ. Today’s service is available via live stream through our web-site at centralreformedchurch.org. Audio of past sermons is also available. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram: @centralreformed. Giving: Thank you for your continued financial generosity to Central. As always, you are welcome to mail your gifts to the church office. (Staff check the mailbox a couple of times a week.) Online donations are also gratefully received. To make a one-time or recurring gift either via credit card or via your bank account, please visit www.centralreformedchurch.org/give and click on the purple “Give Now” button, which will take you to Tithely, Central's online giving platform.