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

During this season in which we have suspended worship gatherings, we want to offer you resources to be able to still have a rich experience of worship at home. We believe that worship is so much more than just watching something happen. We believe that worship is about the whole body actively engaging in the work of declaring God’s worth and glory, in renewing the covenant by remembering God’s promise of grace and committing ourselves to following Jesus. So, we don’t just want this to be something you can watch and check off the box that you “did church” this week. We want to give you the resources to lift your heart and your lives into God’s presence in a meaningful way even though we can’t be together.

So, for however long this lasts we want to encourage you to set aside time to gather by yourself, with your family, or by a video call with a few other Christians and engage with the resources below. Each week there will be a liturgy for you to read and pray. We will each gather our hearts in God’s presence over these very same scripture passages and prayers. There is space in that liturgy to then watch the provided sermon video. Afterwards there is some time for discussion of the sermon as well as a closing prayer and blessing. If you are gathering with a group, we encourage you to share the reading and the prayers so that everyone is able to use their voice to lead you in worship.

We’re making this up as we go along, so your feedback is welcome! If there are things we can do to make these worship experiences more meaningful for you, please let us know! We have come to see this season as an opportunity to try something new, to explore worship in different ways, and to better prepare you to worship and pray together as families and small groups. Our God brings beauty out of brokenness all the time; maybe this is one of those times.

So, gather yourself, your family, or whoever else you’d like to invite along, and follow the links below to begin to worship together!

May 02, 2020

May 3, 2020

May 02, 2020/ Andy Kadzban

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. 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.

“For Christians who live in a world that constantly raises the question, ‘Where is your God?’ these psalms are indispensable liturgy and Scripture. They disclose the real nature of our souls’ disquiet as thirst for God. They turn us toward the worship of praise, sacraments, and preaching in and through which our Lord wills to be present for the congregation.”

— James L. Mays, on Psalms 42-43

“And yet—and this is something marvelous—amidst all these assaults faith sustains the hearts of the godly and truly in its effect resembles a palm tree: for it strives against every burden and raises itself upward. So David, even when he might have seemed overwhelmed, in rebuking himself did not cease to rise up to God. He who, struggling with his own weakness, presses toward faith in his moments of anxiety is already in large part victorious.”

— John Calvin

GATHERED BY GOD

WELCOME

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

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

LIGHTING THE CANDLE

Action: Light a candle

One: Jesus Christ
All: is the Light of the World.
One: The Light shines in the darkness
All: and the darkness did not overcome it.

INVITATION TO WORSHIP

“O God, you are my God, I seek you,
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
    I will lift up my hands and call on your name.”
-Psalm 63:1-4

SONG OF PRAISE

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
First verse, based on Psalm 42, written this week by Pastor Andy

As the deer longs for the water, so my soul longs after you
Why, O Lord, have you forgotten? Will I see your face again?
O my soul why are you downcast? Why disquieted within?
Hope in God, my help and savior, for I shall praise Him again

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 God’s unchanging love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy 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.

Oh, to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now 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.

SONG OF PRAISE

Scripture reading is in the video to the right, along with the song.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
-1 Peter 1:3-7

“When Peace Like a River”

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.”

Refrain:
It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.
Refrain

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!
Refrain

O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be 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.
Refrain

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

As a deer longs for streams of water, our souls long for you, O God. As weary, aching souls coming to the start of another week, we long to say, “It is well with my soul.” We thirst for relief and comfort, for stability and assurance in ten thousand places, but you are the only living God, the only one who satisfies. In your mercy, forgive us. Holy Spirit, shape our desires to be simple, our minds focused, and our actions purposeful in these disorientating days. Come in our weakness, that we might behold your face and rejoice forever.

PROMISE OF GRACE

Action: Pour water into the bowl and remember your baptism!

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’
And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’
And let everyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.”
-Revelation 22:17

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: Psalm 42

Sermon: Psalms for the Journey
Pastor Andy Kadzban

DISCUSSION

Take a few minutes to reflect on what you just heard. What did you find challenging, helpful or troubling this week? Where do you need to remember your hope? Where are you aching for God’s presence?

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF PRAISE

“Satisfied in You”

I have lost my appetite
And a flood is welling up behind my eyes
So I eat the tears I cry
And if that were not enough
They know just the words to cut and tear and prod
When they ask me "Where's your God?"

Refrain:
Why are you downcast, oh my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
I can remember when you showed your face to me
As a deer pants for water, so my soul thirsts for you
And when I survey Your splendor, You so faithfully renew
Like a bed of rest for my fainting flesh
I am satisfied in You

When I'm looking at the ground
It's an inbred feedback loop that drags me down
So it's time to lift my brow
And remember better days
When I loved to worship you and all your ways
Singing sweetest songs of praise
Refrain

Let my sighs give way to songs that sing about your faithfulness
Let my pain reveal your glory as my only real rest
Let my losses show me all I truly have is you,
Cause all I truly have is you

So when I'm drowning out at sea
And all your breakers and your waves crash down on me
I'll recall your safety scheme
You're the one who made the waves
And your Son went out to suffer in my place
And to show me that I'm safe

Why am I down?
Why so disturbed?
I am satisfied in you

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

O Lord of all creation and fountain of Living Water, as the deer longs for flowing streams, so our souls long for you. Satisfy us, O Lord, for you are our help and our God.

We lift up to you all those who are hungry and thirsty. We pray for those who are physically hungry, especially those whose food security has been affected by this pandemic. We pray, too, for those who are spiritually thirsty, who feel distant from you and cut off, who are grieved to tears both day and night.
You are our hope, and we shall again praise you, our help and our God.

We lift up to you all those who are cut off from community. We pray for those who remember the joy of worshiping together as a body and ache to join together again. We pray for those who shouts of thanksgiving are only a memory.
You are our hope, and we shall again praise you, our help and our God.

We lift up to you all those who are in exile. We pray for all who are isolated. We pray for those who feel as though they are being overwhelmed, who feel abandoned, who feel forgotten.
You are our hope, and we shall again praise you, our help and our God.

We lift up to you all those who need to hear of your steadfast love. We pray for those who do not yet know you. We pray for those who have walked away. We pray for those who know their own sin and brokenness and cannot imagine you love them anyway.
You are our hope, and we shall again praise you, our help and our God.

All this we pray in the name of Jesus, the Living Water, who taught us to pray saying:

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.

SENDING SONG

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Lamentations 3:21-23 - “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never fails. His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness!”

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see:
all I have needed thy hand hath provided--
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
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!

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” Words: Vs 1 by Andrew Kadzban, 2020, Vs 2-4 by Robert Robinson, 1758. Music: J. Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music, Part II, 1813, Public Domain.

“When Peace Like a River” Words: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873. Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1876. Public Domain.

April 25, 2020

April 26, 2020

April 25, 2020/ Andy Kadzban

“True believers, although they dwell safely under the protection of God, are, notwithstanding, exposed to many dangers, or rather they are liable to all the afflictions which befall mankind in common, that they may the better feel how much they need the protection of God. David, therefore, here expressly declares, that if any adversity should befall him, he would lean upon the providence of God. Thus he does not promise himself continual pleasures; but he fortifies himself by the help of God courageously to endure the various calamities with which he might be visited. Pursuing his metaphor, he compares the care which God takes in governing true believers to a shepherd’s staff and crook, declaring that he is satisfied with this as all-sufficient for the protection of his life. As a sheep, when it wanders up and down through a dark valley, is preserved safe from the attacks of wild beasts and from harm in other ways, by the presence of the shepherd alone, so David now declares that as often as he shall be exposed to any danger, he will have sufficient defense and protection in being under the pastoral care of God.”

— John Calvin - Commentary on Psalm 23

GATHERED BY GOD

WELCOME

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

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

LIGHTING THE CANDLE

Action: Light a candle

One: Jesus Christ
All: is the Light of the World.
One: The Light shines in the darkness
All: and the darkness did not overcome it.

INVITATION TO WORSHIP

“Praise the Lord, all you nations!
Worship him, all you peoples!
Because God’s faithful love toward us is strong,
the Lord’s faithfulness lasts forever!
Praise the Lord!”
-Psalm 117

SONG OF PRAISE

“In a Deep, Unbounded Darkness”

In a deep, unbounded darkness
long before the first light shone,
you, O God, beyond all merit,
worked a wonder faith makes known:
in your mercy, in your mercy,
you embraced us as your own
evermore and evermore.

Though our world is ever-changing,
you are constant, firm, and sure,
faithful to your covenant promise.
Trusting you, we live, secure:
singing praises, singing praises,
long as heart and breath endure,
evermore and evermore.

Joy transforms our lips to boasting
only in your matchless grace,
sending Christ to dwell among us,
Word made flesh, in time and space:
Friend and Savior, Friend and Savior,
in whose life we glimpse your face
evermore and evermore.

God of Hagar, God of Sarah,
God of nomad Abraham;
God of Miriam, God of Moses,
Fiery Pillar, great I AM:
lead us homeward, lead us homeward,
to the love-feast of the Lamb
evermore and evermore.

SCRIPTURE

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
-Philippians 4:4-7

SONG OF PRAISE

“What a Friend We Have In Jesus”

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit;
oh, what needless pain we bear—
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness—
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

We come to you in prayer, O Christ,
Carrying our loss,
Carrying our grief,
Carrying our fear,
Carrying our tension and animosity,
Carrying our doubt,
Carrying our safety nets,
Carrying our strategies,
Carrying our pride,
Carrying our shame,
Carrying our sin.

Come, O Christ, our ever-present help. There are mountains of exhaustion and worry and distractedness that keep us from the peace you offer us. Lord, our sin is a life, a moment, chosen apart from you. So, we carry it all to you. Holy Spirit, strengthen us under the heavy load. Shepherd our hearts, guard our minds, speak your peace, that we might live.

PROMISE OF GRACE

Action: Pour water into the bowl and remember that God has already washed you clean in Jesus!

“The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.”
-Psalm 145:13-14

OFFERING

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: Psalm 23

Sermon: Psalms for the Journey
Pastor Andy Kadzban

DISCUSSION

Take a few minutes to reflect on what you just heard. What did you find challenging, helpful or troubling this week? What is the door for you to enter into this psalm?

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF PRAISE

“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”

My Shepherd will supply my need;
the LORD God is his name:
in pastures fresh he makes me feed,
beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back,
when I forsake his ways;
and leads me, for his mercy's sake,
in paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death
your presence is my stay;
one word of your supporting breath
drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes,
shall still my table spread;
my cup with blessings overflows,
your oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God
attend me all my days;
O may your house be my abode,
and all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest,
while others go and come;
no more a stranger or a guest,
but like a child at home.

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 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

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might, and come to save us!
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.”
-Psalm 80:1-3

Lord, you are our shepherd and we will lack for nothing. So, Lord, we lift up these prayers to you and ask you to be faithful again.

We pray for those who are hungry. Lead us to green pastures.
Restore us, O God.

We pray for those in turbulent circumstances. Bring us to still waters.
Restore us, O God.

We pray for all those who are lost and on the wrong path. Lead us into your ways.
Restore us, O God.

We pray for all those who are, even now, in the darkest valley. For those whose lives are filled with despair and depression. For those filled with anxiety. For all who are lonely. For those who are in very real danger or live in the company of death. Take away our fear and replace it with the comfort of your presence.
Restore us, O God.

We pray for all those who suffer derision, whose relationships are broken; for all those who suffer at the hand of an enemy. Prepare your table before us and lead us into reconciliation.
Restore us, O God.

Finally, Lord, we pray for all those who yearn to be in your house, singing your praises. We pray for all those around the world who are unable to gather for worship out of fear of persecution. We pray for those who are unable to gather due to age or infirmity. We pray for all those who are under orders to stay at home. May your goodness and mercy find us and gather us soon into your house.
Restore us, O God.

Your restoration continues even in the darkest valley, the darkest hour. Your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life. As we wait for the day when all of creation is at last fully restored, we offer the prayer you taught us to pray, saying,

SENDING SONG

“My Hope Is Built”

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

Refrain:
On Christ the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain

His oath His covenant and His blood
Support me in the 'whelming flood:
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless we stand before His throne.
Refrain

SENT WITH GOD’S BLESSING

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

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!

“What A Friend We Have in Jesus”, Words: Joseph Scriven, 1855; Music: Charles D. Converse, 1866; Public Domain

"My Shepherd Will Supply My Need", Words: Isaac Watts, 1719; Music: W. Walker’s Southern Harmony, 1835; Public Domain

“My Hope Is Built”, Words: Edward Mote, 1834; Music: William Bradbury, 1863; Public Domain. Arrangement by Norton Hall Band

April 18, 2020

April 19, 2020

April 18, 2020/ Andy Kadzban

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

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 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:

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

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

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

April 11, 2020

Easter Worship - April 12, 2020

April 11, 2020/ Andy Kadzban

Happy Easter! Thanks for joining us for this week’s Home Worship! Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed, Alleluia! 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.

“Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free. He has destroyed it by enduring it. He destroyed Hell when He descended into it. He put it into an uproar even as it tasted of His flesh… Hell took a body, and discovered God. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see. O death, where is thy sting? O Hell, where is thy victory? Christ is Risen, and you, O death, are annihilated!”

— John Chrysostom (347-407)

“Q 45: How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us?
A: First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he obtained for us by his death.
Second, by his power we too are already raised to a new life.
Third, Christ’s resurrection is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection.”

— 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

One:   Jesus Christ
All:      is the Light of the World.
One:   The Light shines in the darkness,
All:      and the darkness did not overcome it.
-John 8:12; John 1:5

INVITATION TO WORSHIP

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
In our anguish we cried to the LORD,
    and he answered by setting us free.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
The LORD is our strength and our song;
    he has become our salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
We will not die but live,
    and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
The stone the builders rejected
    has become the capstone;
The LORD has done this;
    and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.
-from Psalm 118

SONG OF PRAISE

“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”

Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!
All creation, join to say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high; Alleluia!
Sing, O heavens, and earth, reply: Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won; Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise; Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise. Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King; Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia!
Once he died, our souls to save; Alleluia!
Where your victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head; Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise; Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!

Lord, we gather on this triumphant day, with Alleluias ringing, but this does not feel like any Easter we can remember. Stuck in our homes, separated from one other, it is hard to lift our voice in praise.

Lord, have mercy.

We come to you today with grief, anxiety, loneliness, ragged routines, fighting kids, weary bosses, bills still due, loved ones lost, fear of illness. The darkness still pervades. The tomb still seems closed. Lord, have mercy.

In this silence, Lord, meet us in our darkness, in our need, in our hunger and thirst for you…

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, roll away the stone in us. Raise us to new life. Open our eyes that we might see you standing before us, calling our name. Enter into this locked room and fill us with your presence. Shine your light into our darkness and dispel it forever, that our sins may be forgiven, our grief comforted, our loneliness eased, and our hope reawakened.

Lord, have mercy! Amen.

PROMISE OF GRACE

Action: Pour water into the bowl

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness”

-Lamentations 3:21-23

SONG OF ASSURANCE

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Refrain

OFFERING

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: John 20:1-31

Sermon: “While It Was Still Dark”
Pastor Andy Kadzban

DISCUSSION

Take a few moments to reflect on what you just heard. What did you find challenging, helpful, or troubling this week? What do you think God is saying to you right now? Where do you need to see resurrection hope where it’s still dark?

If you’re worshiping with kids, click here for the kids’ discussion guide!

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF PRAISE

“Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me”

What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy my righteousness and freedom
My steadfast love my deep and boundless peace

To this I hold my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to his
Oh how strange and divine I can sing all is mine
Yet not I but through Christ in me

The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side the Savior he will stay
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need his power is displayed

To this I hold my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley he will lead
Oh the night has been won and I shall overcome
Yet not I but through Christ in me

No fate I dread I know I am forgiven
The future sure the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And he was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released I can sing I am free
Yet not I but through Christ in me

With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For he has said that he will bring me home
And day by day I know he will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to him
When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I but through Christ in me

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 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

We hear the words and sing “Christ The Lord Is Risen Today”, but this is a strange Easter. We gather huddled in our homes, afraid to come out. We gather in the midst of fear, uncertainty, anxiety, worry. We gather with confusion and doubt. We gather while it’s still dark in the world. We have a growing sense of our need of You, Christ. We are far more familiar with lament and sadness and loss this year. With raggedness we enter into this story more fully. We come with Mary to the tomb shrouded in darkness and despair. We run with John and Peter to figure out what on earth is going on and what it could mean. We huddle with the disciples in fear. We doubt with Thomas. And You meet us in all of it. So, we raise our cry for Easter radiance, for your glory and resurrection power to pierce the darkness.

We pray for all those who suffer:
For the hungry and the homeless, the destitute and the oppressed
For the sick, especially for all those who suffer in this pandemic
For those in loneliness, fear, and anguish
For those who face temptation, doubt, and despair
For the sorrowful and bereaved
For prisoners and captives
For those who put their own lives at risk to serve others

We pray for all nations and people of the earth and for those in authority among them
For the United States and its leaders in every branch of government
For our state, our county, our town, and their leaders
For all who serve the common good
For all those who have not received the Gospel of Christ

We pray for Your Church
For its unity in witness and service
For its leaders and all those whom they serve
For the Reformed Church in America, our classis, and all the churches within it
For Wyckoff Reformed Church and its ministry in this community

Come, Lord Jesus. Shine your light and dispel our darkness. Let it be so. As we wait with resurrection hope, we too offer up the prayer you taught us saying:

SONG OF PRAISE

“Father, Let Your Kingdom Come”

Refrain:
Hallelu, hallelujah, Father, let Your kingdom come
Hallelu, hallelujah, Father, let Your kingdom come

May the works of my hands bring You joy (x4)
Refrain

May the words from my mouth speak Your peace (x4)
Refrain

You make all things new
You make all things new
In places we don’t choose
You make all things new
Refrain

SENT WITH GOD’S BLESSING

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

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!

“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”, Words: Charles Wesley, 1739. Music (EASTER HYMN 7.7.7.7 with alleluias): Lyra Davidica, 1708. Public Domain

“Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me”, Words and Music: Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson, © 2018 CityAlight Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music [DC Cook])), Used by Permission, CCLI# 2588005

“Father, Let Your Kingdom Come”, Words and Music: Ben Cooper, Latifah Alattas, Liz Vice, Paul Zach, Madison Cunningham, Orlando Palmer, and Isaac Wardell. © Hymns From The Porter's Gate (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Used by Permission, CCLI #2588005

Home Worship

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

GATHERED BY GOD

WELCOME

LIGHTING THE CANDLE

INVITATION TO WORSHIP

SONG OF PRAISE

SONG OF PRAISE

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

PROMISE OF GRACE

OFFERING

DOXOLOGY

LISTENING TO GOD

Scripture: Psalm 42

Sermon: Psalms for the JourneyPastor Andy Kadzban

DISCUSSION

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF PRAISE

APOSTLES’ CREED

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

SENDING SONG

SENT WITH GOD’S BLESSING

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

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

GATHERED BY GOD

WELCOME

LIGHTING THE CANDLE

INVITATION TO WORSHIP

SONG OF PRAISE

SCRIPTURE

SONG OF PRAISE

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

PROMISE OF GRACE

OFFERING

DOXOLOGY

LISTENING TO GOD

Scripture: Psalm 23

Sermon: Psalms for the JourneyPastor Andy Kadzban

DISCUSSION

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF PRAISE

APOSTLES’ CREED

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

SENDING SONG

SENT WITH GOD’S BLESSING

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

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

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

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: John 20:1-31

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.

Sermon: Psalms for the Journey
Pastor Andy Kadzban

Sermon: Psalms for the Journey
Pastor Andy Kadzban

Sermon: “The Price You Pay”
Elder Frank Castellvi

Sermon: “While It Was Still Dark”
Pastor Andy Kadzban