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The congregation of South Grandville CRC in Grandville, MI worshiped with a hymn festival featuring the new hymnal Lift Up Your Hearts. The festival encouraged singing the whole story of God and God’s people through vibrant congregational song. The theme for this hymn festival was Singing the Whole Story: His Love Endures Forever.
The Hymn Festival was held on Sunday, October 13 at 5:30 PM at South Grandville CRC in Grandville, MI.
Prelude: Four Chorale Preludes on “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” Larry Visser
Introit: Come, All You People LUYH 496
(Stanza 1: Choral Scholars in Shona; followed by stanza 1-3: congregation in English)
Welcome
*Greeting from the Lord
*Hymn of Praise: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling LUYH 351
Reflection: The story we’re re-telling this evening began in the heart of our Triune God. We trace our world and everything in it back to the Father’s voice, who said: “Let there be”. In Colossians 1 Paul tells us ‘in Christ all things were created … all things have been created through Him and for Him.” And at the beginning the Spirit hovered over the waters. God loved the world He made ….. and He still does.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 150: Sing Praise to the Lord, You People of Grace LUYH 7
(Stanza 1: Choral Scholars; stanza 2-4: All)
Psalm 148: Praise the Lord, Sing Hallelujah LUYH 6:1,3
Reflection: God’s story slowly unfolded over centuries as His people waited and watched with prayerful expectation for a Savior to be born. Then at last it was Christmas. Angels sang and shepherds saw the glory of the Lord and the virgin Mary pondered the great things that God had done. He Himself had come here in the most unlikely of ways – as a tiny, helpless infant named Jesus. Consider the wonders of God’s love as we sing about Messiah’s birth.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Anthem: Imagine LUYH 72
*Carol: On Christmas Night LUYH 89
Reflection: Jesus began His ministry by announcing that the kingdom of God was breaking in.
And here’s how people could tell: The deaf could hear. The blind could see. Even the dead were raised. In Jesus’ kingdom the last were first, and the humble were exalted, and those who were considered great were those who served. Jesus promised rest to the weary and forgiveness to those who trusted in Him. Jesus’ earthly ministry gives us a taste of what the future will be like when His kingdom has fully come.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Song: To My Precious Lord LUYH 136
(Stanza 1: Solo; refrain and stanza 2: Choral Scholars; refrains and stanza 3: All)
Anthem: Blest Are They LUYH 117
(Congregation will join the choir on refrains at cue of director)
Reflection: Jesus died for us on an instrument of torture called a cross. The perfect Lamb of God laid down His life for sinners. We have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. But on the third day the tomb was empty; Jesus had burst the bars of death and triumphed over the grave. Our Savior is risen! He is alive again and He lives and reigns forever! Tonight we praise Him. One day we will see Him.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Anthem on Psalm 118: Give Thanks to God LUYH 196
*Song: Oh, to See the Dawn LUYH 177
Meditation
Reflection: The wind of the Holy Spirit is blowing here tonight. The fire of the Holy Spirit is blazing here among us. The Spirit of Christ is moving deep inside our hearts. The power of the Spirit unleashed on Pentecost Sunday continues to move the church and enable its mission to go forward. And here in the church we get a front row seat on what the Lord is doing in our communities and across the world.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Song: We Are Called LUYH 296
(Stanza 1 and 2: Choral Scholars; stanza 3: All)
Prayer: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading LUYH 320:1-3
(Stanza 1: Choral Scholars; stanza 2 and 3: All)
Reflection: The Apostle Paul wrote the church in II Corinthians 4: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Let us never lose heart. The Lord is near; He is with us; He will help us. No matter what has happened, and no matter what happens next, we can depend on the faithfulness of our God. His promises never fail.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 42: As the Deer Pants for the Water LUYH 332
(Stanza 1-3: Choral Scholars; refrain following stanza 2 and 3: All)
Hymn: God, We Sing Your Glorious Praises LUYH 519
(At this time an offering for …..will be received)
Reflection: People of faith find themselves looking ahead with a sure and steady hope. We keep up the prayer the church has already been praying for centuries: “Your kingdom come.” We anticipate the day that is surely coming when all of our cries for peace and healing and justice will be fully and completed answered when the Lord makes everything new.
Jesus said: “I am coming soon.” “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Hymn: There in God's Garden LUYH 684
(Stanza 1: Choir; st.2: all women & girls; st.3: all men & boys; st.4: choir; st.5-6: all in unison)
Song: I Am the Bread of Life LUYH 842
(St.1: Solo; st. 2: Choral Scholars, st. 3: Choir; st. 4: All)
*God’s Parting Blessing
*Doxology: Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow LUYH 965
*Postlude: Postlude on “All Creatures of Our God and King LUYH 551
Postlude on “Rejoice, the Lord Is King LUYH 224
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This session will explore how to talk about differences in Catholic and Protestant worship. Every time we talk with a neighbor, teammate, or coworker from a different Christian tradition about what we do in worship and why, we are practicing liturgical theology.
Come and join a conversation with knowledgeable and experienced preachers and worship planners as we talk about our best practices for Holy Week worship planning. Bring your questions and ideas as we share and learn together.
A podcast from Calvin University featuring thoughtful leaders discussing key topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the context of Christian life and witness.
This session will explore how to talk about differences in Catholic and Protestant worship. Every time we talk with a neighbor, teammate, or coworker from a different Christian tradition about what we do in worship and why, we are practicing liturgical theology.
Come and join a conversation with knowledgeable and experienced preachers and worship planners as we talk about our best practices for Holy Week worship planning. Bring your questions and ideas as we share and learn together.
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