Welcome to Home Worship
While worship and church programming are suspended until April 1st, we can still worship God in our homes lifting our prayers and praise to God all around the Orlando area (and the world).
We hope that this home worship order will help you in the midst of uncertainty to focus on God, our rock, our salvation, our stronghold, and our shelter. If you have family or friends with you, we invite you to go through this worship order together with different people taking on the role of leader. If you are by yourself when you use this worship, we hope that when you read the words “people” you will be reminded that you are not alone. You are part of a larger Christ-shaped community that loves you and cares for you. And best of all God is with us. God loves us and cares for us. God loves you and cares for you.
Let’s worship together:
Call to Worship
Leader: Know that the LORD is God.
People: God made us; we belong to the Lord. We are God’s people, the sheep of his own pasture.
Leader: Enter his gates with thanks; enter his courtyards with praise!
People: The LORD is good. God’s loyal love lasts forever; his faithfulness lasts generation after generation.
Opening Prayer: Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Opening Song: O Mighty Ones
Prayer of Confession
Leader: Let us pray this responsive prayer together. Lord, we have come to see that our lives fall far short of your glory.
People: Have mercy and forgive us.
Leader: Lord, you have given your life for us and poured out your Spirit, yet we fail to return your love with all our hearts.
People: Have mercy and change us.
Leader: Too often we are selfish and proud, ignoring you, Lord, and neglecting others.
People: Have mercy and cleanse us.
Leader: Lord, when we do not truly trust and obey you, we are overwhelmed by self-pity, fear, and worry.
People: Have mercy and deliver us.
Leader: In Christ, we are given a sure hope and secure love, yet we follow the false hopes and desires of this world.
People: Have mercy and forgive us.
Leader: Father, through the redeeming death of your Son on the cross, by your Spirit and through your word, transform and renew us to follow you with joy.
All: All this we ask, confident if your unchanging faithfulness. Amen.
Song: King of Kings
Prayer of the People
Offer up your own prayer. Offer praise and thanksgiving to God. Share your worries and concerns with God. Pray for other people. Pray for people who are sick, lonely, and afraid. Pray for medical professionals, medical researchers, first responders, and community leaders who are working so hard to keep us well. Ask God to help you find creative ways to reach out to people and share God’s love via phone, card, email, or social media, etc.
Song: The Compassion Hymn
Pastor Vance’s Sermon
Watch Pastor Vance’s sermon on Facebook at 10:30 am.
Song: So Will I
Benediction
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
Announcements
First Church is closed until Wednesday, April 1. We are currently working on worship alternatives for Sundays. All employees are working from home and can be reached through email. All on and off-campus activities are suspended through the end of March. Stay well.
If you have a pastoral emergency during this time, Pastor Emily and Pastor Vance are available via email or cell phone:
- Pastor Emily: emilys@firstchurchorlando.org, 863-326-2004
- Pastor Vance: vance@firstchurchorlando.org, 954-952-5975
