Thanks for joining us for this week’s Home Worship! As you gather, we invite you to take a moment to set up your space differently. Sit at your dining room table or arrange chairs in your living room. Set out a candle, a bowl, and a small pitcher of water before you. This week maybe you want to include a cross or a white cloth. If you’ve gathered with a group, you can take turns reading and praying so that everyone has a chance to help lead us in worship. The sections in bold can be read aloud together.

“Did you know the command to “fear not” or “do not be afraid” is the most repeated command in the entire Bible? Life can be scary, and God acknowledges that. Jesus himself promised, “in this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33), but God knew we would need to be reassured over and over again not to be afraid. With the recent spread of the coronavirus across the world, there’s a lot of uncertainty and much to be afraid of. However, as followers of Christ, we know there is hope beyond this world. ”

— BIlly Graham Library

“Q 1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A: That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for Him. ”

— Heidelberg Catechism

GATHERED BY GOD

WELCOME

Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth, Amen.
-Psalm 124:8

LIGHTING THE CANDLE

Action: Light a candle

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
-John 1:1-5

INVITATION TO WORSHIP

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
    he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff—
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.”
-Psalm 23

SONG OF PRAISE

“Be Still My Soul”

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
to guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice, who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

Lord, the triumphant ring of the resurrection story never ceases, but in the midst of pandemic circumstances it feels very far away.
Lord, have mercy.

We confess, Christ, we attempt to deal with loneliness and anxiety, fear and anger, on our own. We minimize these feelings and use coping strategies that deny our identity and assurance in you.
Lord, have mercy.

Forgive us, merciful One. Teach us to praise you in this storm, to seek you more.
Lord, have mercy.

Comfort and help us, Holy Spirit. We need you today more than ever. Bring us your light, the only pure light filled with hope, peace, grace and love, so that we might shine your light into the world.
Lord, have mercy. Amen.

PROMISE OF GRACE

Action: Pour water into the bowl

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
-1 Peter 1:3-5

SONG OF ASSURANCE

“How Great Thou Art”

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed,

Refrain:
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 through the woods and forest glades I wander
I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze,
Refrain

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.
Refrain

When Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art!"
Refrain

OFFERING

We respond to the love and grace of Jesus by giving back our whole lives to God in worship. In this offering, we give our financial gifts as a symbol that all we have comes from God and is to be used for God’s glory. Even though we aren’t worshiping together, our ministry still continues! Please continue to support us!

Give Online

DOXOLOGY

May be spoken or sung

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him, above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

LISTENING TO GOD

Scripture: Numbers 20:1-12

Sermon: “The Price You Pay”
Elder Frank Castellvi

DISCUSSION

Take a few minutes to reflect on what you just heard. What did you find challenging, helpful or troubling this week? Did you feel that the message spoke to you directly as you look at your own recent behavior? Did you find hope that you could cling to in these difficult days?

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF PRAISE

“Jesus Paid It All”

I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain:
Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find, Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots, And melt the heart of stone.
Refrain

And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete,
"Jesus died my soul to save," my lips shall still repeat.
Refrain

Oh, praise the One, who paid my debt, And raised this life up from the dead! (x4)
Refrain

APOSTLES’ CREED

We join our voices together with Christians throughout the ages and across the world to proclaim these words:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

God of resurrection power and glory. Your judgement is just. Your forgiveness is abundant. Your love for us knows no boundaries. You are at work, even today, in the world and in our lives. So, Lord, we ask for a deep awareness of your presence and power in us today and in the week to come.

We find ourselves at home, isolated from our loved ones, dealing with loneliness, anxiety, fear, and anger: Come to us, Lord Jesus.

Many of our neighbors have lost work, lost their jobs, and wonder from where they will get their next meal: Come to us, Lord Jesus.

Friends and loved ones are sick, or placing themselves in danger to help those who are: Come to us, Lord Jesus.

There is so much uncertainty in the world that it feels like nothing is sure anymore: Come to us, Lord Jesus.

Hear, too, these prayers of our heart, Lord Jesus…

Lord, we cry out to you in this time of need, in a world filled with fear hear our pleas for your help. In these darkest of days give us the light of your presence. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus who taught us to pray:

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.

SONG OF PRAISE

“I Will Rise”

There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

Refrain:
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There’s a day that’s drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
Refrain

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb”And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
Refrain

SENT WITH GOD’S BLESSING

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his presence to you and give you his peace,
Now and always, Amen.
-Numbers 6:24-26

To stay connected with what’s going on at WRC, check out the following video of announcements

Our congregation is able to do what it does because of your contributions! Even though we aren’t meeting in person during this season, you can continue to give your gifts to God. Visit www.wyckoffreformed.org/give to set up your one-time or recurring gift online. You’re also welcome to mail a check or set us up as an automatic payment through your bank!

Check out these playlists to guide your prayer and worship this week

Music to guide your prayer and reflection for this week

A YouTube playlist of kid’s music for this week!

“Be Still My Soul”, Words: Kathrina von Schlegel, tr. Jane Borthwick, 1855; Music: FINLANDIA, Jean Sibelius, 1899, Public Domain

Wyckoff Reformed Church

Wyckoff Reformed Church

Home Worship

Wyckoff Reformed Church

We are back to worshiping in-person!
Click here for each week’s Worship Guide.

You can find a catalog of all of our Home Worship Resources below.

Home Worship Archive

April 19, 2020

GATHERED BY GOD

WELCOME

LIGHTING THE CANDLE

INVITATION TO WORSHIP

SONG OF PRAISE

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

PROMISE OF GRACE

SONG OF ASSURANCE

OFFERING

DOXOLOGY

LISTENING TO GOD

Scripture: Numbers 20:1-12

Sermon: “The Price You Pay”
Elder Frank Castellvi

DISCUSSION

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF PRAISE

APOSTLES’ CREED

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

SONG OF PRAISE

SENT WITH GOD’S BLESSING