Worship Resources for Sunday May 3rd

We encourage you to read and reflect on these scriptures, songs, notes, and prayers as we look forward to our time of worship together this coming Sunday.

Please print this guide or have it handy in digital format for use during the service.

And don’t forget to join us Sunday immediately following the service in our virtual foyer for a group video chat! https://us04web.zoom.us/j/202653556

SERMON SCRIPTURE

In the days leading up to our Sunday gathering, please read through the sermon scripture as the Holy Spirit prepares your heart for the sermon inspired by this passage.

Acts 2:41-47 (NRSV)

MUSIC

The music selection this week is one of our favorites at Emmaus. It tells the story of Christ from beginning to end and we have a couple of OUR OWN video recordings (thank you Allen family) to remember it with. I can’t wait to gather together again when all is safe to join with you all in worship.

King of Kings
Written by Brooke Ligertwood Jason Ingram Scott Ligertwood

In the darkness we were waiting, Without hope without light
Till from Heaven You came running, There was mercy in Your eyes
To fulfil the law and prophets, To a virgin came the Word
From a throne of endless glory, To a cradle in the dirt

Praise the Father, Praise the Son. Praise the Spirit three in one!
God of Glory, Majesty, Praise forever to the King of Kings.

To reveal the kingdom coming, And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation, You did not despise the cross
For even in Your suffering, You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation, Jesus for our sake You died

And the morning that You rose, All of heaven held its breath
Till that stone was moved for good, For the Lamb had conquered death
And the dead rose from their tombs, And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who’d come, To the Father are restored

And the Church of Christ was born, Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this Gospel truth of old, Shall not kneel shall not faint
By His blood and in His Name, In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ, Who has resurrected me

CALL TO WORSHIP

Bold lines to be read aloud corporately.

Loving Shepherd, you know our names; you care for us.
When we face darkness and death,
walk beside us.
When we hunger for your love,
fill us with your presence.
When we are fearful,
feed us at your table.
May we dwell in the house of goodness and mercy all the days of our lives.
Amen.

(Written by Mary Petrina Boyd)

CONFESSIONAL PRAYER

Bold lines to be read aloud corporately.

Almighty God,
who sent the promised power of the Holy Spirit to fill disciples with willing faith:
We confess that at times we resist Your Spirit among us,
that we are slow to serve You and reluctant to spread the good news of Your love.

God, have mercy on us.
Forgive our divisions and by Your Spirit draw us together.
Inflame us with a desire to do Your will and be Your faithful people
for the sake of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

(The Worship Sourcebook)

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:25-27 NRSV)

All: Thanks be to God

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

As we pray together, we invite you to share your own requests and testimonies with us this week. If you have a request you can share it live in our video stream chat, or you may email us at emmausroadfc@gmail.com

WORD

The Uprising Of Worship
Acts 2:41-47 (NRSV)

So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

TABLE

Prepare the elements of “bread” and “wine” for use as we gather around The Lord’s Table. These can be any items convenient around the home that symbolize these for you. 

CONFESSION OF FAITH

Leader: In unity with the Church throughout the ages, we confess our faith: 
All: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
and deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

BENEDICTION

I bless you with joy;
May you find moments of laughter and bliss in the midst of suffering and distress
May you cherish those times and may they sustain you.
I bless you with the fruits of humility;
May your humble and sacrificial actions be instrumental in preserving your community
And loving your neighbors
I bless you with peace;
In the face of financial hardship and uncertainty
May you know the faithful presence of the God who provides
Be at peace.
Wash your hands.
Love your neighbors.
You are not alone.

(A Benediction for the Pandemic, Written by Emily Swan and Ken Wilson)