May 31, 2020

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.

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

As we celebrate Pentecost, we remember the promise Jesus made to the disciples--to us--before ascending into heaven:

“The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”  - John 14:26-27

Come, Holy Spirit, come fill our hearts!

SONG OF PRAISE

“Come, Holy Ghost”

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
And in our hearts take up thy rest;
Come with thy grace and heav'nly aid
To fill the hearts which thou hast made,
To fill the hearts which thou hast made. 

O Comforter, to thee we cry,
Thou heav'nly gift of God most high,
Thou font of life and fire of love,
And sweet anointing from above,
And sweet anointing from above. 

Refrain:
Be not afraid, where you go there I am with you. (x2) 

O Holy Ghost, through thee alone
Know we the Father and the Son;
Be this our firm unchanging creed,
That thou dost from them both proceed
That thou dost from them both proceed. 

Praise we the Lord, Father and Son,
And Holy Spirit, with them one;
And may the Son on us bestow
All gifts that from the Spirit flow,
All gifts that from the Spirit flow.
Refrain

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

Come, Holy Spirit, like a violent wind, and fill our hearts. Rain upon our dry and dusty lives. Wash away our sin and heal our wounded spirits. Kindle within us the fire of your love to burn away our indifference. Rest on our shoulders and redirect our wandering feet. We need you, Christ, more than we even know.
Adapted from The Worship Sourcebook

PROMISE OF GRACE

Action: Pour water in the bowl and remember that you have been washed clean by God!

“Those who love me, I will deliver;
   I will protect those who know my name.
 When they call to me, I will answer them;
   I will be with them in trouble,
   I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
   and show them my salvation.”
-Psalm 91:14-16

SONG OF GRACE

“You Have Redeemed My Soul”

You have redeemed my soul
From the pit of emptiness
You have redeemed my soul
From death
Repeat 

I was a hungry child
A dried up river
I was a burned-out forest
And no one could do anything for me
But you put food in my body
Water in my dry bed
And to my blackened branches you brought the
Springtime rain of new life
And nothing is impossible for you

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!

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 91

Sermon: Psalms for the Journey
Rev. Taylor Holbrook

DISCUSSION

Take a few minutes to reflect on what you just heard. What did you find challenging, helpful or troubling this week? What was your before and after? What promises do you hear from God this week?

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF RESPONSE

“On Eagles’ Wings”

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abide in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord: "My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!" 

Refrain:
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand 

The snare of the fowler will never capture you
And famine will bring you no fear
Under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield
Refrain 

You need not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day
Though thousands fall about you, 
Near you it shall not come
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

Lord, you are our refuge and our fortress, our God, in whom we trust. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 

So, we call upon you Lord, turn your ear to our prayer:
O God, source of love and compassion in the suffering of all your children, we offer our compassion also for the hungry and the sick in body, mind, or heart; the depressed and the lonely; all living in fear and under stress; stricken in grief; the unemployed and the rejected; those burning with hatred; and those whose cries for justice in a broken world were renewed this week.

Lord, you are our refuge and our fortress, our God, in whom we trust. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

As we stand in hope and expectation of Your faithfulness, we offer the prayer you 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

“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav'n to earth come down:
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown:
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter ev'ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into ev'ry troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest:
take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its Beginning,
set our hearts at liberty. 

Come, Almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love. 

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, Holy Ghost”, Words and Music: from Veni Creator Spiritus, attr. Rhabanus Maurus (776-856), Bruce Benedict, Ray Mills, 2005, © 2006 Cardiphonia Music/Raymond G. Mills, Used by Permission, CCLI #2588005

“You Have Redeemed My Soul”, Words and Music: Don Chaffer, Lori Chaffer, © 1999 Hey Ruth Music, Used by Permission, CCLI #2588005

“On Eagles’ Wings”, Words and Music by Michael Joncas, © 1979 OCP Publications, Used by Permission, CCLI #2588005

“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”, Words: Charles Wesley, 1747. Music (HYFRYDOL): Rowland H. Prichard, 1831. Public Domain

May 24, 2020

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.

“I have read that during the process of canonization, the Catholic Church demands proof of joy in the candidate, and although I have not been able to track down chapter and verse I like the suggestion that dourness is not a sacred attitude.”

— Phyllis McGinley

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

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
   we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
   and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
   ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’
The Lord has done great things for us,
   and we rejoiced.”
-Psalm 126:1-3

SONG OF PRAISE

“O God, Our Help in Ages Past”

O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home: 

Under the shadow of your throne
your saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is your arm alone,
and our defense is sure. 

Before the hills in order stood
or earth received its frame,
from everlasting you are God,
to endless years the same. 

O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
still be our guard while troubles last,
and our eternal home!

Psalm 46:1-3

“God is our refuge and strength,
   a very present help in trouble.
 Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change,
   though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
   though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

The walls are unsure, but you are my stronghold. 
The trouble lurks at every turn, but you are my help, my strength.

Fear and uncertainty are pervasive; O Lord, be incessant in your pursuit of us. Come, with your power and your grace. 

The tumult is dragging our best, our noble, our strategized systems of security, of coping, of achieving to breaking. O come, calm the storm. O come, speak peace.  

Come, restore us to our fortune: a place at your table. Come restore our identity in you--the suffering servant, the victorious one, the radiant king. Restore our broken hearts; restore abiding joy and hope; restore us to the promises of our baptism, to the waters of life. 

We are weeping, Lord. We are aching, O God.

PROMISE OF GRACE

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
   we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
   and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
   ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’
The Lord has done great things for us,
   and we rejoiced.”
-Psalm 1126:1-3

SONG OF GRACE

“New Every Morning”

In the beginning, you hovered over the water
You broke an unbroken silence
You spoke light into darkness
And there was light
In the beginning, we were made in your image
And we were naked without shame
Till we fell for the darkness
And there was night 

Refrain:
Your mercies are new
Your mercies are new
New every morning
(Repeat) 

In the beginning, there was the Word and he was God
And the Word was with God
And he dwelt among us
And there was life
Oh, in the beginning, the Lamb of God was broken
And his life was poured out
For the sins of the world
And there was life
Refrain 

At the cross, at the cross
Where I first saw your light
At the cross, at the cross
I received my sight
At the cross, at the cross
Where you laid down your life
Refrain

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

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!

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 126

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 has God been faithful to you in the past?  Where are you sowing in tears and praying for a harvest of joy?

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF RESPONSE

“Psalm 126”

Our mouths they were filled, filled with laughter
Our tongues they were loosed, loosed with joy
Restore us, O Lord! Restore us, O Lord! 

Refrain
Although we are weeping, Lord, help us keep sowing
The seeds of your kingdom for the day you will reap them
Your sheaves we will carry; Lord, please do not tarry
All those who sow weeping will go out with songs of joy 

The nations will say, “He has done great things!”
The nations will sings songs of joy
Restore us, O Lord! Restore us, O Lord!
Refrain x2

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

Lord we lift up the same prayer as before, but now we lift up our neighbors: the poor, the orphaned, the widowed, the disillusioned, the ostracized, the lonely, the stigmatized and estranged. 

The walls are unsure; O Lord, be my neighbor’s stronghold. 

The trouble lurks at every turn; O Lord, be their help and their strength.

Fear and uncertainty are pervasive; O Lord, be incessant in your pursuit of them, with your power and your grace. 

The churning, the tumult is dragging our best, our noble, our strategized systems of racial and economic equality, distribution of goods, health care, deference, and civility, to breaking. O come, calm the storm. O come, speak peace.  

Come, restore and welcome my neighbor to fortune; a place at your table. Come, restore and declare their identity in you--the suffering servant, the victorious one, the radiant king. Restore their broken hearts; restore abiding joy and hope where there is despair and sorrow. Restore and extend the promise of grace, of refuge, and wholeness. The whole world is weeping, Lord. The whole world is aching, O God.

Come, Lord, and hear us as we lift up the prayer you 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.
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

“We Will Feast in the House of Zion”

Refrain:
We will feast in the house of Zion 
We will sing with our hearts restored 
He has done great things, we will say together 
We will feast and weep no more  

We will not be burned by the fire 
He is the LORD our God 
We are not consumed, by the flood 
Upheld, protected, gathered up
Refrain 

In the dark of night, before the dawn 
My soul, be not afraid 
For the promised morning, oh how long? 
Oh God of Jacob, be my strength 
Refrain 

Every vow we’ve broken and betrayed 
You are the Faithful one 
And from the garden to the grave 
Bind us together, bring shalom.
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!

“O God, Our Help in Ages Past”, Words: Isaac Watts, 1719. Music: William Croft, 1708. Public Domain

“New Every Morning”, Words and Music: Audrey Assad and Matt Maher, ©2016 Be Essential Songs, I Am A Pilgrim Songs, Fortunate Fall Music. Used by Permission. CCLI #2588005

“Psalm 126”, Words and Music: Isaac Wardell, ©2012 Bifrost Arts Music. Used by Permission. CCLI #2588005

“We Will Feast in the House of Zion”, Words and Music: Joshua Moore and Sandra McCracken, ©2015 Integrity Worship Music, Paper News Publishing, joshmooreownsthismusic. Used by Permission. CCLI #2588005

May 17, 2020

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.

“Anything that depletes life—as with sickness or natural disasters—is like a death (Ps. 38:3; 91:5-6; 1-2:11). Anything that diminishes life, such as the experience of oppression, or that corrupts life, as with sin, or that warps and distorts an aspect of life, as with depression or madness, is like death (Ps. 88:4-5). Anything that mutes life, like the experience of enforced silence, is death. Anything that reduces life to an alienated existence, such as an individual losing community, or that decimates life, such as with imprisonment or the attack of an enemy, is described as an experience of death (Ps. 102).”

— W. David O. Taylor, from "Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life"

“The wicked, indeed, regard themselves as secure, the farther they are from God; but the godly consider themselves happy in this one thing, that he directs the whole tenor of their life.”

— John Calvin, on Psalm 116

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!
    Extol him, all you peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us
    And the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever
Praise the Lord!”
-Psalm 117

SONG OF PRAISE

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation! 
Come, all who hear; brothers and sisters, draw near,
join me in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things is wondrously reigning,
sheltering you under his wings, oh, so gently sustaining. 
Have you not seen all that is needful has been                        
sent by his gracious ordaining?

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you; 
surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
as with his love he befriends you.

Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him! 
Let the amen sound from his people again.
Gladly forever adore him!

Psalm 116:1-2

I love the Lord, for he hears my voice.
He will hear my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me
I will call on him as long as I live.

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

Almighty one, gracious one, merciful one, righteous one, I must be saved! In the disquiet and distress, bring me again to your rest. I am lost and withered in my striving. Forgive my sin that keeps me from receiving your rescue and your peace. Forgive my sins that atrophy my vows to you, that hollow out my words of adoration and commitment, that forsake my baptism. 

I call upon your name, O Lord. Save my life!

PROMISE OF GRACE

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.”
-Psalm 116:5

SONG OF GRACE

“You Have Redeemed My Soul”

You have redeemed my soul
From the pit of emptiness
You have redeemed my soul
From death
Repeat

 I was a hungry child
A dried up river
I was a burned-out forest
And no one could do anything for me
But you put food in my body
Water in my dry bed
And to my blackened branches 
you brought the Springtime rain of new life
And nothing is impossible for you

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

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!

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 116

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? Why do you love the Lord?  How has the Lord dealt bountifully with you?

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF RESPONSE

“Be at Rest (Psalm 116)”

I love the Lord, he heard my voice
He heard my cry for mercy
Because he turned his ear to me
I call upon his name
The cords of death entangled me
The anguish of the grave
When sorrow overcame my soul
I cried “O Lord please save!”

Refrain:
You delivered my soul from death
My eyes from tears
My feet from stumbling, Lord
That I may walk before you Lord my God
As long as I shall live 

O how can I repay the Lord
For all the grace he’s shown me?
I’ll lift to him salvation’s cup
And call upon his name
I’ll speak of him with every breath
I’ll do all I have promised
I’ll trust him when affliction comes
And all men let me down
Refrain 

How precious in the sight of God
The death of all his saints
Now I am one of them indeed
You’ve freed me from my chains
I’ll praise you for your righteousness
Your mercy and your grace
I’ll gather with the church of God
And I will praise your name
Refrain 

Be at rest O my soul
Be at rest once more
Be at rest O my soul
For the Lord has been good to 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

I love the Lord, for he hears my voice.
He will hear my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me
I will call on him as long as I live. 

Lord, we cry out on behalf of our family…

Lord, we cry out on behalf of our neighbors and community groups…

Lord, we cry out on behalf of ours and neighboring churches, who are  seeking to serve and guide spiritually and physically…

Lord, we cry out on behalf of the poor and ridiculed, the outcast and systematically oppressed…

We cry out for the sick and dying, alone in hospital rooms or unremarkable places outside of the healthcare system…

Lord, we cry out on behalf of our country’s divisive and unsure political landscape…

We cry out for a hurting and broken world…

We call upon your name, O Lord, save us!

Let it be that we see you bring the world into your rest. As we wait and hope, holding glimpses of such peace, we lift up the prayer that you taught us, 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

“Take My Life”

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
At the impulse of Thy love. 

Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only, for my King;
Always, only, for my King. 

Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise;
Let them flow in endless praise. 

Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne;
It shall be Thy royal throne. 

Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne;
It shall be Thy royal throne.

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!

“Praise to the Lord, The Almighty”, Words: Joachim Neander, 1680; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1863. Music: Anonymous, 1665. Public Domain

“You Have Redeemed My Soul”, Words and Music: Don Chaffer, Lori Chaffer, © 1999 Hey Ruth Music, Used by Permission, CCLI #2588005

“Be at Rest (Psalm 116)”, Words and Music: Matt Searles, © 2011 Matt Searles, Used by Permission, CCLI #2588005

“Take Me Life”, Words: Frances R. Havergal. Music: Henri A.C. Malan. As Performed by Norton Hall Band, Public Domain

May 10, 2020

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.

“Here the entire community makes the confession. “Therefore we will not fear” (v. 2) states the marvelous prospect that trust opens up. Faith makes one unafraid. Concern and caution may persist, but for those who make the confession, trust prevails”

— James L. Mays, on Psalm 46

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. It was meet to sing this twice over. It is a truth of which no believer wearies, it is a fact too often forgotten, it is a precious privilege which cannot be too often considered. Reader, is the Lord on thy side? Is Emmanuel, God with us, thy Redeemer? Is there a covenant between thee and God as between God and Jacob? If so, thrice happy art thou. Show thy joy in holy song, and in times of trouble play the man by still making music for thy God”

— Charles H. Spurgeon, on Psalm 46

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

“Be still and know that I am God”
-Psalm 46

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
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end 

Be still, my soul! Your God will undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last                                 
Be still my soul the waves and winds shall 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

Psalm 46:1, 7

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 

Silence (pause to meditate on these words before repeating)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

SONG OF PRAISE

“A Mighty Fortress is Our God”

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal. 

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same;
And he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers— no thanks to them—abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever!

PRAYER FOR RENEWAL

O Christ, may we grow into the words of the psalmist--that you are our refuge and strength; that you are our confidence, our fortress; that you are ever present, therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea. 

You know our struggle to trust you. You see the fragility of our faith. Weary of a suffering world, a broken relationship, job insecurity, or financial strain, we build strongholds for ourselves and secure our undoing. Forgive us, Lord. May we know our strength to endure in your enduring the cross; our victory in your victory over darkness; our power to overcome in your overcoming the grave. 

Lord, still our hearts and quiet our minds so that your word can set to work in us. Spirit, silence our tongues so that you can form our mouths to sing your praise.

PROMISE OF GRACE

“He Will Hold Me Fast”

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path;
For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast. 

Refrain:
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast. 

Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in his holy sight, He will hold me fast.
He'll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.
Refrain 

For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast
'Till our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last!
Refrain

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

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!

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 46

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 be still? Where do you need to remember that the Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob is with you?

RESPONDING TO GOD

SONG OF Response

“Psalm 46 (Be Still)”

God is our refuge, our strength, and our shield, 
an ever-present help. 
We will not fear, though the earth gives way,
and the mountains crash into the sea,  

Refrain:
There is a river whose streams will make glad 
The city of our Most High King. 
God is within her, and she will not fail; 
He helps her at break of the day 

The nations in uproar, men’s kingdoms they fall, 
He speaks and the earth melts away. 
The worst we imagine, the strongest of storms 
Our fortress it will still remain 
Refrain 

Be still, and know that I am God.

Come, let us see what the Lord has done, 
The ruins He brings to the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth,
He shatters the bow and the spear. 

There is a river whose streams will make glad
The city of our most High King.
God is within her, and she will not fail, 
Listen and hear the Lord say: 

Be still, and know that I am God...

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

Lord our creator and sustainer, we seek your face in the sanctuary of prayer. Come, our refuge and strength, and hear our cries for help:

We lift up to you all those in need of your steadfast presence. In the tumult of change to job security, to relationships, to family dynamics with people home or people lost, to anxiety about health, groceries, mortgages, academic uncertainty, we ask for your strength, your help, your peace.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

We lift up to you all of our neighbors. May your grace and sustaining power be known among our healthcare workers, our police force, grocery store workers and gas station servers. Lord, help our neighbors in Paterson and Hackensack who feel the direness of a halted economy so deeply and desperately. Help places like Oasis, Family Promise and the County Shelter in Hackensack, Lighthouse Pregnancy Center, Star of Hope, and our food pantry to continue to bless the community and provide basic needs.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

We lift up to you our hurting world. Mend the devastation of violence and war, civil unrest, famine, destruction at the hands of weather, poor infrastructure, corrupt governments, failing policies and our current pandemic. Lord, bless organizations like Opportunity International, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Habitat for Humanity who are trying to help so many in need. Bless our missionaries who find themselves in tense and volatile conditions. We ask for your protection, for your mercy, for your shalom to show up in the world in tangible ways. 
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

We pray that all of us might find fullness in being still and making room for your Spirit to move in new ways. Lord, we pray for deep renewal and joy to mark this time even as the earth changes and the mountains shake in the heart of the sea. 
The Lord of hosts is with us! The God of Jacob is our refuge! 

All this we pray in the name of Jesus, 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

“When Peace Like a River”
The Virtual Chancel Choir

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!

“A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, Words: based on Psalm 46, Martin Luther, 1529; tr. Frederick H. Hedge, 1852. Music: Martin Luther, 1529. Public Domain

“He Will Hold Me Fast”, Words: Original Words VV 1-2 by Ada Habershon; New words and music by Matt Merker. © 2013 Getty Music Publishing (BMI) / Matt Merker Music (BMI), Used by Permission, CCLI #2588005

“Psalm 46”, Words and Music: Mike Crawford, © 2009 Mike Crawford, adapted by Isaac Wardell, © 2012 Bifrost Arts Music, Used by Permission, CCLI #2588005

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