Sunday December 4, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

Welcome to our last House Church for 2022 and in our regular rhythm of worship. We pray that this experience has stretched you and helped you grow.

Whether through House Church, Life Group, or intentional relationships, following Jesus together is so vital. Enjoy this time at House Church!

This guide is designed to be flexible – move and mold the parts as suits your House Church. Try to make your time as interactive as possible, taking the opportunity to be personal, real, and attentive to what God is doing.

How to Prepare:

 1.    Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print the lyrics here:

LIGHTING ADVENT CANDLE

Start your time by lighting two candles: the advent candle of peace, and for this week the candle of faith. 

“Jesus, light of the world,

we gather today in your name,

as your people – broken and sinful, but loved and made new

to worship and adore you.” 

CALL TO WORSHIP: Luke 2:4

Let us prepare our hearts for worship, by hearing God’s Word (selected from Isaiah 9, John 8 and Ephesians 5):

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.”

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

SING!

We’ve got some carols below for you, but you know the drill – choose your own!

CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Church update for you to stream.   (4 mins)

Here’s some possible things to talk about for your prayer time:

• Take some time to reflect on your experience of House Church.  What have you enjoyed?  What can you give thanks to God for? 

• Check to see if folks have volunteered to help serve at the Christmas Outreach, and if they have someone who they are praying for to invite to our services.

• Be sure people know about our times for Christmas Services

  •  Saturday Dec 17, 7pm and Sunday Dec 18, 10am

  • Sunday Dec 25, 10am (short, family service)

  • No service on Sunday January 1

  Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

  Church: Richmond Baptist, David Jensen

  Missionary: Barnabas and Gwendoline Charles, India.

FAMILY CONNECTION

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 2:8-12

We’re looking at the names of Jesus, the promised one, who came in fulfillment of all God’s promises.  Today is a crucial one for understanding Jesus: Messiah. 

 Read this passage

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

10 But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

BIBLE MESSAGE: Messiah

Stream this message on Jesus the messiah

RESPOND

Reflect on what the Holy Spirit has been saying to you today:

• What one big truth do you think the Lord wants you to meditate on and why?

• What is going on in your life right now that makes today’s message so timely?

• What one way can you apply and live out what God has said to you?  Give examples. 
  
  

COMMUNION AND PRAYER

Jesus surprised and confused the disciples by showing that the Messiah must suffer.  Jesus often defies our expectations.  His way is the way of grace, suffering, humility and sacrifice.

 By taking communion, we remember Jesus, the crucified Messiah.  The cross is both a solution to our problem of sin, and the pathway for us to walk.

 Pray to thank Jesus, and confess your love and praise to Him.  Like Peter did, confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

BENEDICTION

Ask someone to pronounce this benediction to close:

 Today, let us be sure that we are in Jesus the Messiah.

 May you receive Him with the empty hands of faith.

 May He guide you, convict you, encourage you.

 May He make you strong to serve the world in love.

 In His name, we go.  Amen.

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday November 6, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

Welcome to this week’s House Church. We hope this Guide helps your House Church to meet with the Lord, and with each other, in a very special way.

This guide is designed to be flexible – move and mold the parts as suits your House Church.

Try to make your time as interactive as possible, taking the opportunity to be personal, real, and attentive to what God is doing.

How to Prepare:

 1.    Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print the lyrics here:

CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 147

Psalm 147 declares that worship is the best and most fitting response to our God.

He delights in the broken and the humble.

Read these verses, selected from Psalm 147 (NLT) and commit your time to the Lord.

Praise the Lord! How good to sing praises to our God!

How delightful and how fitting!

He heals the broken-hearted

and bandages their wounds.

He counts the stars

and calls them all by name.

How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!

His understanding is beyond comprehension!

The Lord supports the humble,

but he brings the wicked down into the dust.

Sing out your thanks to the Lord;

sing praises to our God with a harp.

SING!

 Pick one, or some, or your own to sing!

CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Church update for you to stream.  

Are there any other prayer needs in your group that you can share and lift to God?

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Spring Grove Church of Christ

• Mini Movers

FAMILY CONNECTION

Click on the Family video and take part.

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

SCRIPTURE READING: Selected Scriptures

You may remember these verses from last week.  They explore the way belief in the good news changes our lives from the inside out.

John 13:34-35

 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Ephesians 5:1-2, 8

 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 

Romans 15:5-7

 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Ephesians 4:31-32

 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

BIBLE MESSAGE: The Joy of God

Stream this message

RESPOND

•   Did you have any moments of conviction or insight as you listened to the message?  What was God saying to you?

•   What is your response to the challenge that we should love people the way that Jesus has loved us? 

•   Can you think of one way that the message applies to your life, and your week ahead?

COMMUNION AND PRAYER

When we gather as God’s people, communion helps us to draw close to Jesus.  The cross of Jesus shows us God’s love, and portrays the way that we should live.

You could read from Romans 8:31-39 and pray as you share around communion.    let His joy be full in you.

BENEDICTION

Remind your group that next Sunday (Nov 13) is a baptism service, and that we’d love you all to help us with our Christmas celebrations.

Ask someone to pronounce this benediction, about the power of the gospel for our lives:

May you go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

May you walk in his footsteps and love with his love.

May you go in the power of the Jesus,

 In whose name we go.  Amen.

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday October 2, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

Welcome to House Church – a space where we grow in community, actively participate in worship, and have room to listen/respond/engage with each other.

 Today we start a short series called “Knowing God”.  The more we know God as He really is, the more we can walk with him and have His life in us.

 Over the next two weeks, we are doing a review of how House Church might look in 2023.  The leadership would love to hear your feedback and experiences.  Please encourage your members to give feedback.  You will be emailed a link to the survey at 10am on Sunday October 2.

How to Prepare:

 1.    Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print the lyrics here:

CALL TO WORSHIP

Read this call to worship from Hosea 6 and John 17 and invite someone to pray.  We mark this time, setting it aside to worship God. 

Oh, that we might know the LORD!

Let us press on to know him.

He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.

Now this is eternal life:

that they know you, the only true God,

and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

SING!

 Pick one, or some, or your own to sing!

FAMILY CONNECTION

Watch the video below from Steve and enjoy the activity together.

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

There is an important church update for you to stream.  

Are there any other prayer needs in your group that you can share and lift to God?

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Richmond Methodist Church, Minister Martin Oh

• Far East Broadcasting, with Matt Perry

SCRIPTURE READING: JOHN 15:5, 9-13

Read these words of Jesus from John’s Gospel.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 

11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 

BIBLE MESSAGE: The Joy of God

We are thinking about the joy of God today. 

 Discussion question:

What do you think is the difference between joy and happiness?

Stream this message

(Length: 17 mins)

RESPOND

What was the most helpful part of the message today for you? 

·       What difference does it make if you believe that God is the most joyful person in the universe?

·       What is stopping you from having joy in Christ?

·       What are some ways that you can grow your joy in God?

COMMUNION AND PRAYER

You could ask someone from your group to be ready to lead communion

Hebrews 12:2 says that for the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross and made our salvation possible.  When we take communion, we remember that Jesus delights in us, right now, even while we are sinners. 

Remember Jesus by taking communion, and let His joy be full in you.

BENEDICTION

Ask sPlease remind people again about the survey You will be emailed a link to the survey at 10am on Sunday October 2nd.

Ask someone to pronounce this benediction from Romans 15:13:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday September 4, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

The purpose of House Church is to get real and to get close – with the Lord and with each other.   This guide is designed to be flexible – move and mold the parts as suits your House Church.

Try to make your time as interactive as possible, taking the opportunity to be personal, real, and attentive to what God is doing

How to Prepare:

 1.    Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it here:

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print the lyrics here:

PRAY

Ask someone to pray, acknowledging Father, Son and Holy Spirit, asking for us to be aware of God’s presence and love.

FAMILY CONNECTION

Start the time with the Family video that helps us think about Father’s Day, by focusing on the greatness of our God as Father.

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

SING!

 Pick one, or some, or your own to sing!

CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Stream the following church update (Length: 4 mins)

Are there any other prayer needs in your group that you can share and lift to God?

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Richmond Baptist Church, David Jensen

• Craig and Darlene Farrow

SCRIPTURE READING: Genesis 1

Today we are starting a series called Married and Single in the Family of God.  This series needs compassion and understand towards each other, and courage to believe that God can use us all in his mission and to grow.

 It’s back to basics today, by reading Genesis 1:26-28:

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27 So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message on Genesis 1

(Length: 18 mins)

RESPOND

We’ve been encouraged to think about how God has made us in his image, and how we live this out as married people and single people

      ·       What part of being made in God’s image most connects with you and why? 

     ·       What would it take for us to be a church family in which both married and single people flourish in Christ?

COMMUNION AND PRAYER

You could ask someone from your group to be ready to lead communion

The very heart of our faith is the radical act of love, Jesus’ self-sacrifice for us.  We are called to live this in our marriages and in the church.  We start by remembering that this is how Jesus has loved us.

1 Corinthians 11:

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 

 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

BENEDICTION

Ask someone to pronounce this benediction:

Our Heavenly Father,

 Send us into our homes and lives to bear your image,

With dignity and love, with patience and peace, with joy and generosity.

 Make us a church family in which all are loved,

For in this all people will know that we are followers of Jesus,

 In whose name we go.  Amen.

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday August 7, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

House Church is designed to help you meet with the Lord, and with each other, in a very special way.  This guide is designed to be flexible – move and mold the parts as suits your House Church.

 Try to make your time as interactive as possible, taking the opportunity to be personal, real, and attentive to what God is doing.

How to Prepare:

 1.    Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it here:

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print the lyrics here:

WELCOME

Ask everyone to share one word that captures their past week.  Then, lay your week down before the Lord.

We gather today in Jesus’ name.  Our experiences are diverse – the hard and happy, the ups and downs.  God knows it all.  We don’t need to hide, pretend, or perform.  We draw near to God knowing that He welcomes us in Jesus Christ.

CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 136

Use Psalm 136 as a responsive reading.  Psalm 136 is about God’s “hesed” – His loyal, loving faithfulness.  Everyone says the repeated line together.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever

Ask someone to pray, acknowledging Father, Son and Holy Spirit, asking for us to enter into His loyal love in our worship. 

SING!

 Pick one, or some, or your own to sing!

CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Stream the following church update (Length: 4 mins)

Are there any other prayer needs in your group that you can share and lift to God?

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Spring Grove Church of Christ

• CAP and David Harris

FAMILY CONNECTION

Click on this Family video and take part (3 mins)

Retell the Story:

As a group, retell the story found in chapter 2. You can use the story script provided below or you can simply just have someone narrate the story straight from the Bible. Pick some people to be different characters and use some simple props (see below) to dress them up and help tell the story.

Download and or print off this PDF script of Ruth Chapter 2 - Story

Recommended props to gather ahead of time to help with the retelling of the story:

• Grain / breakfast cereal or rice.

• 4 tea towels (3 for the workers, 1 for Boaz).

• Men’s dress tie or small rope (For Boaz head wear).

• 2 ladies' scarves or wigs (Naomi and Ruth).

• Shopping bag or sack (to carry grain in).  

Optional Extra video

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

SCRIPTURE READING: Ruth 2

Last week, we sat with a hurting family in their long grief: Naomi and Ruth. It was tough! Amidst the heart-ache, Ruth demonstrated the amazing, loyal love of God

Now, in one single day, everything can start to change…

2 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.

2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”

Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.

4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!”

“The Lord bless you!” they answered.

5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”

6 The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”

8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”

11 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

13 “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”

14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.”

When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. 15 As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. 16 Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”

17 So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah.[a]18 She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.

19 Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!”

Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.

20 “The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers.[b]”

21 Then Ruth the Moabite said, “He even said to me, ‘Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.’”

22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.”

23 So Ruth stayed close to the women of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message on Ruth 2

(Length: 23 mins)

RESPOND

What did you sense the Holy Spirit saying to you today?

-       What did Daryl’s message lead you to think about for your own life? 

-       Can you think of someone who has expressed loyal love to you, that helped you have a taste of God’s love? Give testimony to this

-       Who is in your life and circle of care that you can show loyal love to?  What form might your love take?  Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to who he wants to lead you to.

COMMUNION AND PRAYER

Before we can be people who show God’s loyal love, we have to first receive God’s loyal love for ourselves. God delights in those who humbly admit their need, weakness and sin. 

As you receive communion, remember that our sin was so great that Jesus had to die for us.  And remember that God’s love was so great that Jesus was glad to die for us.

God demonstrates his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8.

You could play this quietly during communion if you would like to:

BENEDICTION

Don’t forget that next Sunday (14 August) is Mission Brunch and Sales Table after our 10am gathering.

Ask someone to pronounce this benediction from Proverbs 3:3 and Romans 8

Don't let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.

Bind them on your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Be assured that nothing in all creation can separate you from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord,

In whose name we go.  Amen.

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday July 3, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

House Church is designed to help you meet with the Lord, and with each other, in a very special way.  You might spend some time catching up, having food, relaxing.  Try to make your time as interactive as possible, taking the opportunity to be personal, real, and attentive to what God is doing.

How to Prepare:

 1.    Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it here:

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print the lyrics here:

CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 145

Focus your hearts and draw near to God with this Scripture, from Psalm 145:

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
    I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
    and extol your name for ever and ever.

 3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another;
    they tell of your mighty acts.

5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
    and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They tell of the power of your awesome works—
    and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They celebrate your abundant goodness
    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

 8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
    slow to anger and rich in love.

Ask someone to set this time apart for God, dedicating it to Jesus, our Lord. 

SING!

Pick one, or some, or your own to sing!

CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Stream the following church update (Length: 4 mins)

The update gives you a few things to pray about.  What else would you like to pray for?

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Richmond Methodist Church, Martin Oh

• Kelly Eason

FAMILY CONNECTION

Click on this Family video and take part (5 mins)

Optional Extra video

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

SCRIPTURE READING: Colossians 4:7-18

Today’s passage looks like a list of names as Paul signs off his letter.  But its full of gold that helps us in our faith.  Ask someone to read this passage.   

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 

12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message on Colossians 4:7-18

(Length: 15 mins)

RESPOND

Today we have talked about the power of examples around us, and the need to open our lives to each other:

-       With love (words) that builds up

-       With grace that welcomes back

-       With stickability that hangs in there

Discuss:

• Can you think of someone who God has used to comfort you, strengthen you, encourage you, help you feel like you belong?  How did it happen?  What was it like for you?  (Maybe the person is in the room right now and you can thank them).

• Paul was not shy to tell people what they meant to him.  Do you think we find this easy or hard?  What is God saying to you about this?

COMMUNION AND PRAYER

We, who are many parts, make up one body.  The one bread loaf and the one cup of juice speak to us about the unity we have in Jesus.

Take time to meditate on the unity we have with Jesus and with each other – as costly and precious as the death of Jesus for us.

Pray that as God’s grace renews us, the life of Jesus would be shared among us

BENEDICTION

Ask someone to pronounce this benediction to finish your time:

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

And the love of God the Father,

And the friendship of the Holy Spirit,

Be with us all as we go into this week,

Amen.

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday May 29, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

Welcome to House Church as we start our new rhythm of gathering once a month in this format!

Make the most of what House Church offers:

• As many participating as possible, in a non-threatening way

• The flexibility to let the Holy Spirit guide you

• The opportunity to be personal, real, attentive

How to Prepare:

 1.    Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it here:

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print the lyrics here:

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

God calls us to worship. He is worth it, and it’s so good for us!  May we respond with all our hearts, as we draw near to God together. Read this Scripture.

From Hebrews 10 and 13:

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

2. SING

Our passage today says that “the word of Christ” and “singing” go together. Here’s some songs, many of them lead us straight to Jesus.  Pick some, or if someone has an instrument, maybe you could do your own.

3. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Stream the following church update (Length: 5 mins)

The update gives you a few things to pray about.  Ask your group to share any needs that they have.

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Church: Grace Church, Pastor Peter Somervell

• Christians Against Poverty and Dave Harris

4. SCRIPTURE READING: COLOSSIANS 3:15-17

Ask someone to read Colossians 3:15-17. Pray that we would meet Jesus here (oh yes, he’s here alright) and pray we would be hearers and doers of the Word

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 

 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

5. FAMILY CONNECTION

Click on this Family video and take part in the activity

Optional Extra video

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

6. BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message on Colossians 3:15-17

(Length: 20 mins)

Share: Which one idea that Daryl shared applies most to you? What do you need to do about it?

7. COMMUNION AND PRAYER

Colossians 3:16 paraphrase: Let the story of Jesus make its home in you.  Then, encourage each other, by singing, speaking, teaching, sharing.

When we take communion, we hear, see, touch, taste, ingest, and digest the message of Jesus.  We remember Jesus, his life-giving, self-giving sacrifice for us.  We remember our sins are forgiven and we are free.

Share: As you take communion, ask as many as would like to share what they are thinking about, what’s personal for them, how it speaks to them about who they are, how it challenges them for their week ahead.

8. RESPOND

(Psalm 22:25) From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
    my vows I will perform before those who fear him.

Share: Think back on the journey of worship time today.  What is one commitment you believe the Holy Spirit is calling you to make for the week ahead?

9. BENEDICTION

Ask someone to read it as a benediction:

May the peace of Christ be an umpire in our hearts and homes this week.

May the word of Christ make its home in us as we read God’s Word.

May we do everything in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord,

in whose name we go, Amen

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday May 1, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

Christ is your life

(Colossians 3:4)

Welcome to worship this week!  We set aside this special time for God, to give Him honour and praise, and to encourage each other to the good works God calls us to.     

 Remember to encourage anyone who is feeling unwell to stay home.  Think about how you can be caring for one another over these weeks. 

Find a simple version of the guide you can print here

You can find song lyrics for the songs here:

Use this Worship Guide flexibly, encourage others to participate, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit leading you. 

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

How do you feel today as you come to worship?  Bring your heart to Jesus, and let Him meet you right where you are and give you strength.   

From Matthew 11:

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

2. SING

Sure can’t wait to be belting songs out together next Sunday at Ranzau Road.  Here’s some songs that you can use to make a joyful noise to the Lord, and lift your hearts to him:

3. FAMILY CONNECTION

In our passage today, Paul says: set your hearts and your minds on Jesus.

 (Possible Illustration: Hold up a TV remote.  Ask kids to describe what it does, and what they like to turn the TV to.)

As people to share:

• What is something that your mind easily goes to when you have nothing to think about? 

• Why do you think your mind goes to that so easily? 

• Why is what we set the channel of our minds to so important?

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

4. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Stream the following church update (Length: 5 mins)

The update gives you a few things to pray about.  Ask your group to share any needs that they have.

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Brightwater Community Church, Minister Paul Milson

• School Lifeway Chaplains – Malcolm Irvine (Wakefield), Margaret Stewart (Stoke), Steve Polglase (Ranzau)

5. SCRIPTURE READING: COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

Colossians 3 is a big turning point in the book. It doesn’t get much better than Colossians 3:1-4.  This passage is an all-out call to set our hearts and minds on Jesus. 

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 

 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

6. BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message on Colossians 3:1-4

(Length: 20 mins)

7. SHARE AND RESPOND

Every message will have a piece of gold for you to take away. What was it for you today? What is God calling you to do in response to His Word?

8. COMMUNION

Christ is your life.  You have union and communion with Him.  You have a relationship with Him, you enjoy and experience it in communion.

 Just as you digest the bread and juice, and it becomes part of you, so we are to feast on Jesus and be nourished by His grace.

 Take communion, repent of your sin, rest in Jesus’ love, know that He is your life.

9. BENEDICTION

Saint Patrick of Ireland wrote this prayer in the 5th century. Ask someone to read it as a benediction:

Christ be with me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me, Christ be in me,

 Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left

 Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit,

Christ where I arise

 Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks of me,

 Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.“

May your week by filled with Jesus, who is your life.  Amen.

(And see you at Ranzau Road, next Sunday, 9am and 11am!)

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday April 24, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, 

so it is with Christ.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

(from 1 Corinthians 12)

Welcome to worship this week!  We set aside this special time for God, to give Him honour and praise, and to encourage each other be connected to and nourished by Jesus.

 Remember to encourage anyone who is feeling unwell to stay home.  Think about how you can be caring for one another over these weeks. 

Find a simple version of the guide you can print here

You can find song lyrics for the songs here:

Use this Worship Guide flexibly, encourage others to participate, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit leading you. 

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

It doesn’t get much better than Psalm 150.  In the history of Israel, the travelling worshippers used to sing this as they ascended up to Jerusalem.  Let it stir your soul: 

Psalm 150:

 1 Praise the LORD.

 Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 

2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 

4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 

 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

2. SING

Let’s do Psalm 150 and make a joyful noise to the Lord.  Think about your breath, in and out, it’s a gift from God to be used to praise Him!

3. SHARE A TESTIMONY

A week can be a long time, with its joys and hurts, its challenges and blessings.  Last weekend was Easter (including our Teapot Valley service), this week has been School Holidays. 

Ask if anyone has anything they’d like to give praise to God from this past week.

4. FAMILY CONNECTION

Watch the video : (Length: 2 mins)

Jesus said: I am the vine, you are the branches, remain in me.

 Watch this video, and do the following activity.

Activity: Be prepared with a branch that you have cut from a tree.

(1)  What does a branch to a tree teach us about our relationship with Jesus?

(2)  What does it mean for us to remain in Jesus?

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

5. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Stream the following church update (Length: 6 mins)

The update gives you a few things to pray about.  Ask your group to share any needs that they have.

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Hills Community Church, Mapua, John Sherlock

• Far East Broadcasting, Matt Perry

6. SCRIPTURE READING: COLOSSIANS 2:8-15

Colossians 2 gives us a few warnings, about how we think, who we listen to, and the danger of swapping Jesus for religion.  Have a read:

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 

 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 

22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

7. BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message on Colossians 2:16-23

(Length: 15 mins)

8. SHARE AND RESPOND

Every message will have a piece of gold for you to take away.  What truth was it for you today?

Here’s a few of John’s powerful lines that you could get folks response to:

• “When God sees us, he doesn’t see the miserable performance of a tryer; he sees the perfect performance of Jesus.”

•  “There is no secret sauce – Jesus is sufficient in every way.”

•  “We don’t need to earn God’s approval!  Relax!”

•  “The path through life may have its ups and downs.  We may fail. But the issue is the set of your sail and your direction.”

9. COMMUNION

This week, you could ask someone in the group, ahead of time, to lead communion.  Communion is a tangible, concrete way to remember Jesus, and to renew our relationship with Him.   He ministers His grace to us as we think about the good news.

 A great verse to read and pray through is 1 Corinthians 11:23-26:

 23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 

 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

10. BENEDICTION

Ask someone to read this benediction to finish, based on John 15 that was referenced in the talk:

Jesus said:  I am the vine, you are the branches. 

 This week, make your home in me, as I make my home in you. 

That way your life will produce fruit. 

Apart from me you can do nothing.

 This week, make your home in my love.  As the Father loves me, I love you.

Now go, show others what my love is like – free from performing, free to have true joy.

 Amen.

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday April 10, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25.

Welcome to this week’s Worship Guide!   May you be blessed as you open your ears, eyes and hearts to God, and be an encouragement to each other.

 Remember to encourage anyone who is feeling unwell to stay home.  Think about how you can be caring for one another over these weeks. 

Find a simple version of the guide you can print here

You can find song lyrics for the songs here:

Use this Worship Guide flexibly, encourage others to participate, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit leading you. 

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

You have to fight for faith.  It’s not easy.  But when we know the fulness of Jesus, our weakness meets His strength. 

Ask someone to read this prayer:

Father in heaven, deliver us from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind when we draw near to you.

Stop us from ever drifting off and stir up our love for Jesus as we worship today.

Tie our hearts to you, with the cords of love that sent Jesus into our world.

May we worship you in Spirit and in truth, for this time is yours.  Amen.

2. SING

God’s people are a singing people.  You can’t shut us up.  Praise erupts!  Choose some of these songs to sing…..

3. FAMILY CONNECTION

Watch the video : (Length: 5:30 mins)

If the great fishing spot is our faith in Jesus, what is the anchor that keeps us there?

(Hint: After discussion gets going, get people to look for an answer in Colossians 2:9 - 10)

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

4. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Stream the following church update (Length: 6 mins)

The update gives you a few things to pray about.  Ask your group to share any needs that they have.

Pray for Hope Leaders as we lead into Term 2 with Church gatherings.  We will be sharing this soon.

Make sure people know about our Easter Services.  It’s gonna to be a great big party at Teapot Valley on Sunday, so come with your friends and family, and enjoy the BBQ afterwards.

Here’s the plan for Easter Weekend:

• Online Good Friday service, Friday 6:30pm

• In-person, Easter Sunday Celebration Service, 10am, Outdoors at Teapot Valley, followed by BBQ! (all welcome, all encouraged to gather with us)

• Easter Sunday Online, 10am (for those unable to gather)

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Richmond New Life, Pastor Jono Martin

• Craig and Darlene Farrow, Translation Work in Vanuatu

5. SCRIPTURE READING: COLOSSIANS 2:8-15

Our passage today is a big warning: be discerning! Don’t drift away from the fulness and life you have in Jesus

  8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ.

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by[c] Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

6. BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message on Colossians 2:8-15

(Length: 11 mins)

7. SHARE AND RESPOND

CS Lewis reckoned that most people don’t decide to lose their faith – they just drift away. What do you think of this?

• What do you sense the Holy Spirit laying on your heart today?

• What is God calling you to do in response to His Word?

• How does this change the way we should relate to each other?

8. COMMUNION

We have been made complete in Christ.  He is everything we need.  He has done everything we need to do.

 We live out of that fulness, not trying to gain that fulness.  As we rest in Jesus, we gain the energy to live with sacrifice, purpose, love and mission.

 Take some time to remember Jesus by taking communion.

9. BENEDICTION

For your benediction today, you can choose to speak the great blessing of God’s keeping, or sing it:

From Numbers 6:

24 “The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday April 3, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25.

Welcome to this week’s Worship Guide!   May you be blessed as you open your ears, eyes and hearts to God, and be an encouragement to each other.

 Remember to encourage anyone who is feeling unwell to stay home.  Think about how you can be caring for one another over these weeks. 

Find a simple version of the guide you can print here

You can find song lyrics for the songs here:

Use this Worship Guide flexibly, encourage others to participate, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit leading you. 

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

Let us come with expected hearts.  God’s voice calls us to worship, right now, together, in this time set apart for Him:

From John 1

In the beginning was the Word. 

In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

The true light that gives light to everyone has come into the world.

 And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.

 We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father full of grace and truth.

From His fulness, we have received grace upon grace.

 This is our Jesus who we gather to worship.

When we pray to get started, we invite God’s Spirit to guide us and minister to us.  We open every area of our lives to be cleansed, renewed, and changed. Jesus is our head, our host – he welcomes us.

2. SING

God’s people are a singing people.  You can’t shut us up.  Praise erupts!  Choose some of these songs to sing…..

3. FAMILY CONNECTION

Watch the video, then take part in this "Sword Drill" (Bible race): (Length: 8 mins)

Bible race: 2nd Corinthians 8:9

Joyful thought: Jesus is our saviour. He was willing to do anything to make sure we could reconnect with God. Because of the work that Jesus did at the cross we are offered grace, a free gift worth more than anything.

Bible race: Matthew 8:3

Joyful thought: Through Jesus we see God's love and kindness to all people, no matter how yucky or lonely they may feel. Jesus continues to love and bring healing to all people.

Bible race: John 1:14

Joyful thought: God was willing to step into our messy world because he loves us. Jesus is not just a little piece of God, He is still fully, 100% God. Jesus is all the good things about God and none of the bad things about humans. He is the hero at the centre of God's big rescue plan.

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

4. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Stream the following church update (Length: 3 mins)

 The update gives you a few things to pray about.  What else would you like to pray for?

The Leadership are also asking for prayer and feedback as we look to the next form of gatherings, as Covid restrictions ease.  The current plan is to meet in House Church and online until Easter. 

(Why? We want to see the Covid peak pass; many are being blessed by House Church and the experience of intimacy and community; its quite challenging to have live services and online happening well at the same time; mostly, we want to listen to how the Holy Spirit is guiding us going forward). 

We plan to share changes ahead in the next few weeks.  If you would like to give feedback to the leadership, please email mark@hopechurch.org.nz

 Here’s the plan for Easter Weekend:

• Online Good Friday service, Friday 6:30pm

• In-person, Easter Sunday Celebration Service, 10am, Outdoors at Teapot Valley, followed by BBQ! (all welcome, all encouraged to gather with us)

• Easter Sunday Online, 10am (for those unable to gather)

 Note especially the live gathering at Teapot to celebrate Easter!  It’s gonna be a party, so bring all your family and friends! (just not covid!)

 Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

• Richmond Methodist Church, Minister Martin Oh

• Barnabas and Gwendoline Charles, India

5. SCRIPTURE READING: COLOSSIANS 2:6-7

This week’s passage is arguably the summary verse in the book of Colossians.  You could take some time to memorise it (notice how it has two key lines, “as you have received….continue….”). 

  6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

6. BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message on Colossians 2:6-7.

(Length: 23 mins)

7. SHARE AND RESPOND

Take some time to think about your life (and the events of your week – the good, the bad, the ugly), and how God’s Word speaks to you today. 

 Why has God had you listening to this verse in exactly this chapter of your life?

• What is one thing you have learnt today?

• What is one thing you need to stop?

• What is one thing you need to start?

8. COMMUNION

Communion is a great time to remember how we received Jesus Christ as our Lord. 

 We did that by grace, through faith, in the finished work of Jesus.  We did that with empty hands held out, receiving all His grace for all our needs.

 As you share communion, you could invite people to share one sentence expressing their gratitude for Jesus.

9. BENEDICTION

May you be “blessed” and “sent” as we finish our time.  Remember that Hope Church exists to make disciples of Jesus – go and get stuck in!  Here’s a benediction to read:

Today we proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord!

 All of him, in all his riches, for all our needs, in every moment.

 Now…..go in his name, by His grace, with His love,

 Into a world that so desperately needs him.

 Amen.

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday March 27, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

Welcome to this week’s Worship Guide!   May you be blessed as you open your ears, eyes and hearts to God, and be an encouragement to each other.

 Remember to encourage anyone who is feeling unwell to stay home.  Think about how you can be caring for one another over these weeks. 

Find a simple version of the guide you can print here

You can find song lyrics for the songs here:

Use this Worship Guide flexibly, encourage others to participate, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit leading you. 

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

God delights in the unity of His people, one in His love, one in the blood of Christ, one in humility and peace.  Read this call to worship.

From Psalm 133:

A song of ascents. Of David.

How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
    even life forevermore.

Ask someone to set this time apart for God, dedicating it to Him.

2. SING

 Here’s some songs you could sing together – pick which ones you want.  If someone has an instrument, maybe you could do your own?

3. FAMILY CONNECTION

Click on the Family video and then discuss this question: (Length: 7 mins)

What could someone do if Jesus does not feel like he is a "never ending treasure" to them?  If He becomes cold or boring? 

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

4. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

Stream the following church update (Length: 4 mins)

 The update gives you a few things to pray about.  What else would you like to pray for?

The Leadership are also asking for prayer and feedback as we look to the next form of gatherings, as Covid restrictions ease.  The current plan is to meet in House Church and online until Easter.  We plan to share changes ahead in the next few weeks.

 What else would you like to pray for? 

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

Generosity and the church’s financial stewardship

The Ukraine War

Richmond Community Church, Ross Ferguson and Andy Lauderman

Warkwick and Osvalda Malcolm

5. SCRIPTURE READING: COLOSSIANS 2:1-5

 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.

  2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

  4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

6. BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message on Colossians 2:1-5, and the supernatural unity we can have in the sufficiency of Jesus.

(Length: 20 mins)

7. RESPOND

Have a chat about the worship time today.  Here are some possible questions you might ask:

• How did you feel your heart touched by God’s Word today?

• What can you do to strengthen the unity of Hope Church?

• If God was saying something to you personally today, what would it be?

8. BENEDICTION

Ask someone to pronounce this benediction as we finish our time:

May the way that we love each other show that we are followers of Jesus,
May we rest in the sufficiency of Jesus, our Lord,

May your heart have courage, and your hands have strength,

To be the presence of Jesus in the places you go this week.

Amen

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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Sunday March 20, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

How to Prepare:

1.    Encourage anyone who is feeling unwell to stay home.  Think about how you can be caring for one another over these weeks. 

2. Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it here:

3. Get any kids resources you need. You can print lyrics for the songs here:

4. Think about whether your group could go smaller by planting another group, or go larger by inviting another family/person

Welcome to our Worship Guide to help you meet with God in community. 

Use this Worship Guide flexibly, encourage others to participate, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit leading you. 

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

God has reconciled us to himself through faith, by placing us IN CHRIST.  Our lives are wrapped up in Him.  He defines us, loves us, makes us secure: 

From Colossians 1:

All things were created by Jesus and for Jesus, and he is reconciling all things to himself.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. 

22 But now God has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—This is the gospel!

Ask someone to set this time apart for God, dedicating it to Him.

2. SING

 Here’s some songs you could sing together – pick which ones you want.  If someone has an instrument, maybe you could do your own?

3. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

 Stream the following church update (Length: 4:30 mins)

 The update gives you a few things to pray about.  What else would you like to pray for?

 Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

Church: Richmond Church of Christ, Minister Steve Rollo

Missionary: Kelly Eason

4. FAMILY CONNECTION

Click on this Family video and take part in the activity (Length: 6 mins)

Play this little choosing game that ties in with valuing things and the parable of the treasure in the field: (You could get people moving to different sides of the room to represent each choice).

Would you rather:

• Have a 3 week holiday around the world OR fly to the moon by yourself for a day?

• Have a swimming pool full of chocolate milk OR a pool full of chocolate MM's  

• Be able to pause time for 3 hours every day OR have a robot that would do whatever you wanted.

• A Playstation 6 OR any mountain bike of your choice

• A new big screen TV OR your insurance premiums paid for 3 years?

• Have Jesus in your life OR have a life that is trouble free.

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

5. SCRIPTURE READING: COLOSSIANS 1:24-29

Ask someone to read Colossians 1:21-23 and pray for God’s Word to touch our hearts, heal and equip us.

 24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 

27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

6. BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message from Mark on Colossians 1:24-29.

(Length: 22 mins)

7. RESPOND

Have a chat about the worship time today.  Here are some possible questions you might ask:

• What is your immediate heart response to today’s gathering?

• If God was saying something to you personally today, what would it be?

• What one thing do you feel like God is calling you to do, and how can the group support you?

8. BENEDICTION

Ask someone to pronounce this benediction as we finish our time:

 In Christ:

May God’s love surround you, God’s Spirit guide you,
God’s whisper cheer you, God’s peace calm you,
God’s shield protect you, God’s wisdom arm you, 
everywhere God leads you.  Amen.

9. LEAVE A COMMENT

This step helps us to remember and encourage everyone else who is meeting around the region. 

Leave a comment at the bottom of this page sharing a sentence or two about your House Church and what you go up to. 

SELFIE TIME

Grab a selfie together and send the photo to lisa@hopechurch.org.nz

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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House Church – Leave a Comment

Share a few sentences about your group and what you got up to.  Let’s encourage each other as we meet in different locations.

Sunday March 13, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

How to Prepare:

1. Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it here:

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print lyrics for the songs here:

3. Think about whether your group could go smaller by planting another group, or go larger by inviting another family/person

Welcome to another week of House Church! Hopefully you are finding your rhythm, as we gather and worship together in homes. 

 God has things to say and do in your lives today.  Use this Worship Guide flexibly, encourage others to participate, let the Holy Spirit minister.  God is among us, doing a work of reconciliation!

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

We were once enemies of God and strangers to His love.  But not now!  Through Jesus, God draws us near.  May we draw near as God invites us to worship:

From Psalm 89

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
    with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
    through all generations.
2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
    that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
    You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
    who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

52 Praise be to the Lord forever!
Amen and Amen.

Ask someone to set this time apart for God, dedicating it to Him.  Confess our desperate need of Him. 

2. SING

 Choose from the following songs to sing. Or, find your own favorites that are both singable and faithful to the truth of God’s Word

3. FAMILY CONNECTION

We believe in multigenerational, God-centred worship. This means helping all ages come to know and believe in Jesus – with faith like a child

Click on this Family video and take part in the activity (Length: 9 mins)

Spend a moment to thank Jesus for his amazing love and work on the cross that makes a way for us to be reconciled with God.

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

4. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

 Stream the following church update (Length: 6 mins)

 The update gives you a few things to pray about.  What else would you like to pray for?

 Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

Church: Tasman Church, Pastor Greig Caigou.

Missionary: Frank and Joanna Fleitas, Melanie and Benji.

5. SCRIPTURE READING: COLOSSIANS 1:21-23

Ask someone to read Colossians 1:21-23 and pray for God’s Word to touch our hearts, heal and equip us.

 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 

 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.

 This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

6. BIBLE MESSAGE

Stream this message from Mark on Colossians 1:21-23.

(Length: 17 mins)

7. COMMUNION AND PRAYER

Reconciliation.  The process of restoring a broken relationship.

 We have been reconciled to God.  We have been reconciled to each other.  Jesus is the only true, deep way this can happen, without covering the cracks or minimizing the mess.

 Jesus was alienated from God the Father so we could be reconciled. He has stood in our place.  Remember the cross.   It is so powerful that creation itself will be turned inside out and be renewed. 

 Ask a few people to pray with gratitude as you remember Jesus by taking communion.

8. RESPOND

Have a chat about the worship time today.  Here are some possible questions you might ask:

• What is your immediate heart response to today’s gathering?

• If God was saying something to you personally today, what would it be?

• What one thing do you feel like God is calling you to do, and how can the group support you?

9. BENEDICTION

Ask someone to pronounce this benediction as we finish our time:

 May the God of peace send you into this week as a messenger of reconciliation.

May you be an instrument of love and a sower of peace.

May the blessing of God Almighty, Father Son and Holy Spirt rest upon you this day and forevermore.  Amen.

10. LEAVE A COMMENT

This step helps us to remember and encourage everyone else who is meeting around the region. 

Leave a comment at the bottom of this page sharing a sentence or two about your House Church and what you go up to. 

SELFIE TIME

Grab a selfie together and send the photo to lisa@hopechurch.org.nz

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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House Church – Leave a Comment

Share a few sentences about your group and what you got up to.  Let’s encourage each other as we meet in different locations.

Sunday March 6, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

How to Prepare:

1. Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it here:

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print lyrics for the songs here:

3. Think about whether your group could go smaller by planting another group, or go larger by inviting another family/person

Welcome to week three of House Church! Today’s worship is shamelessly, extravagantly, deliberately centred on Jesus. May you know His presence as you worship together. May your love for him be renewed

Use this Worship Guide flexibly – it’s here to serve you.

 Encourage others to participate.  Get people to share, be sensitive to what God is doing, have courage to share your hearts. 

Be sensitive to the tension in the world and the pressures in our lives.Jesus meets us where we are at, and leads us on.Seek to encourage unity and strength in Him.

1. CALL WORSHIPPERS TO LOOK AT JESUS CHRIST!

What you believe about Jesus will determine everything about you.  It determines how you worship today.  Let Jesus draw you into worship:

Matthew 16:13-16

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

John 20:28

27 Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Invite someone(s) to pray, making Jesus the overt focus of your attention and affection.

2. WORSHIP BY SINGING

 Choose from the following songs to sing. Or, find your own favorites that are both singable and faithful to the truth of God’s Word

3. FAMILY CONNECTION

We believe in multigenerational, God-centred worship. This means helping all ages come to know and believe in Jesus – with faith like a child

Click on this Family video and take part in the activity (Length: 7 mins)

Follow up questions (When you have watched the video): Who is Jesus?

Some family songs you could sing

• God Made a Way (Kidspring) - Actions

• Colossians 1:16-17 (Seeds Family Worship)

• Colossians 1:16-17 (Seeds Family Worship) - Actions

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

4. SHARE YOUR JOURNEY

 Ask some of your group members to share what it was like to have your eyes opened to the greatness of Jesus for the first time. 

 How did it happen?  What was going on in your life?  What were you attracted to about Jesus?

5. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

 Stream the following church update (Length: 2:30 mins)

The update gives you a few things to pray about.  What else would you like to pray for?

 Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

Church: Richmond Baptist, Pastor David Jensen

Missionary: Jo Borlase 

6. TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

 Ask someone to read Colossians 1:15-20

Pray

Then watch this message on one of the most important passages about Jesus in the New Testament  (Length: 21 mins)

7. RESPOND

Here’s a great song you could use to give some space to respond:

 What a Beautiful Name

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5L6QlAH3L4

 Or, you could have a chat about the message.  Here are some possible questions you might ask:

•  If this is really true about Jesus, how should you respond?

• What one sentence of praise would you like to give to Jesus?

• If God was saying something to you personally in this message, what would it be?

8. COMMUNION AND PRAYER

Give everyone a moment of silence to confess their sin, their need of Jesus, and their desire for him to be supreme in their lives. 

 We take communion to remember that Jesus has “made peace, through his blood, shed on the cross.” 

 It is amazing that Jesus used his power and authority to serve and sacrifice his life.  True power is manifested in sacrifice – not controlling, demanding, or winning.  As we remember how Jesus has treated us, we are equipped to sacrifice and love others.

9. BENEDICTION

A benediction is a blessing.  We are blessed to go and to live for Jesus. 

 Use this one from 2 Peter 3:18:

 18 (May you) grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

10. LEAVE A COMMENT

This step helps us to remember and encourage everyone else who is meeting around the region. 

Leave a comment at the bottom of this page sharing a sentence or two about your House Church and what you go up to. 

SELFIE TIME

Grab a selfie together and send the photo to lisa@hopechurch.org.nz

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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House Church – Leave a Comment

Share a few sentences about your group and what you got up to.  Let’s encourage each other as we meet in different locations.

Sunday February 27, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

How to Prepare:

1. Have a read through this Worship Guide to get the flow of it, see what parts you’ll use, and how you might do transitions. You can print a simple version of it here:

2. Get communion ready, and any kids resources you need. You can print lyrics for the songs here:

3. Think about whether your group could go smaller by planting another group, or go larger by inviting another family/person

Welcome to week two of House Church! We give this time to God, a set time and place together, knowing that we are part of a much larger Hope Church family.

Keep it flexible: We expect this to take around an hour - simply read, open the floor when there is a share time, and click on the links for guided worship, Hope Style.

Keep it participative: Worship ain’t a spectator sport. Worship aims to help us encounter God and to respond to Him. You know your group, so help them to share and participate.

Keep it unified: Your group could consider having a "no Covid talk" rule during worship, or even for your whole gathering, if you think you need it. The pandemic is part of our lives, but we want this time to be all about Jesus, not Covid.

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

In worship, God speaks and we respond.  God is calling us to be ready, to be expectant, to be prepared for worship:

Psalm 24:7-10

Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.

Invite someone(s) to pray, asking God to prepare our hearts for the King of glory to work in our lives.

2. WORSHIP BY SINGING

 Click on the following songs you want to sing, one, some or all!  Pray between them if you want to. 

3. FAMILY CONNECTION

We believe in multigenerational, God-centred worship. This means helping all ages come to know and believe in Jesus – with faith like a child

Click on this Family video, Steve talks to the whole family about growing up in Christ (Length: 6 mins)

Interactive Activity: 'Order Up' (when you are asked to 'pause' the video)
If you are with a group of people (old or young, it makes no difference) order yourselves in these two following ways (you may like to physically get up and make a line across the room, or stay seated and figure out the order where you are):

1.    Order yourselves from longest hair to shortest hair 

2.    Order yourselves from place of birth - Northernmost at one end and southernmost at the other 

Follow up questions: (When you have watched the video)

 People often say "grow up" to someone acting childishly or immature. Take a couple of minutes before moving on to the next part of the service to consider and share your thoughts around these questions:

• How do we 'grow up'?

• How do we 'grow up' spiritually in faith?

PARENTS: Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

4. SHARING AND CELEBRATING

 How was your week?  What can we share and celebrate?  God is at work for good but we sometimes miss opportunities to testify to it. 

What can you celebrate? Who has had a birthday/an anniversary/ a new job or opportunity/ a chance to share about the Lord etc?  

5. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

 Stream the following church update (Length: 4 mins)

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary:

Church: Grace Church Richmond

Missionary: 24/7 Youth Work

 Some things you might pray for:

•       anyone in the group who has a need

•      the wider church as we meet this week in House Church.

•       another family who is part of Hope Church – someone that God puts on your heart. 

•       The Ukraine conflict

•       our nation

• our mission
  
  

6. HEAR GOD’S WORD

 Ask someone to read Colossians 1:9-14  Pray for everyone as they hear God’s Word.  Then watch this message on Colossians 1:9-14.   (Length: 21 mins)

Then watch this message, which comes from several people at Hope Church

7. RESPOND

 Have a chat about the message.  Here are some possible questions you might ask:

• What is your immediate heart response to this message?

• If God was saying something to you personally in this message, what would it be?

• What resonated with you most in this talk? Why?

8. COMMUNION AND PRAYER

The only way we grow us is by staying close to Jesus, and remembering his love show by his death on the cross.  Our focus is not what we “do” but on what Jesus has “done”.

 A passage you could read is Colossians 1:13-14.

 Just as God redeemed Israel out of the slavery in Egypt, redeemed by the blood of a substitute, we have been delivered into Christ’s Kingdom.  Thank God for your new identity and place in the Kingdom of light.

Hosts, please note that if you celebrate communion, you will need to set this up ahead of time using good hygiene practices.

9. BENEDICTION

Ask someone to close the time in prayer and pronounce a benediction.  Here’s one to use from Jude 24-25:

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

10. LEAVE A COMMENT

This step helps us to remember and encourage everyone else who is meeting around the region. 

Leave a comment at the bottom of this page sharing a sentence or two about your House Church and what you go up to. 

SELFIE TIME

Grab a selfie together and send the photo to lisa@hopechurch.org.nz

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House Church Worship Service

The whole service will stream live at 10am if you would prefer to watch it this way.  Click on LIVE CHURCH at www.hopechurch.org.nz.   Or from midday on, you can find it by clicking on PAST SERVICES.

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House Church – Leave a Comment

Share a few sentences about your group and what you got up to.  Let’s encourage each other as we meet in different locations.

Sunday February 20, 2022

House Church Worship Guide

 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favour with all the people.”  Acts 2

Welcome to our first day of House Church worship! We hope you have a great worship time together, and maybe a meal or some other fun.  

This guide is designed to help you worship at home – as part of your Life Group, as a group of families, as a few friends, or even on your own.  Simply read, open the floor when there is a share time, and click on the links for guided worship, Hope Style.  We expect it to take you about an hour.  Be flexible how you use this guide.

Your group could consider having a "no Covid talk" rule during worship, or even for your whole gathering, if you think you need it. The pandemic is part of our lives, but we want this time to be all about Jesus, not Covid.

 Please do give us feedback, and think about who you can include in your home. 

1. CALL TO WORSHIP

 God is always first.  We start our worship with God, and looking to Him.  Ask someone to read this Psalm to call us to worship: 

Psalm 96:3 – 5

Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!

For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.

 Invite someone(s) to pray.  Try not to ask God for anything.  Just enjoy Him and his glory.  We just read that God’s heart is for the nations – pray that our worship with impact us and ripple around us to others.

2. WORSHIP BY SINGING

 Click on the following songs you want to sing, one, some or all!  Pray between them if you want to. 

3. FAMILY CONNECTION

 Jesus welcomed children and wants worship from all ages. We love that at Hope we are a multigenerational family of faith.

Click on the Family Resources button to find some colouring in activities and videos for preschool and school age children that you can use at any time:

Families, please note that you will need to prepare these colouring and Right Now Media resources ahead of time if you plan to use them.

Click on this Family video, where Steve talks to the whole family about stuff that “grows and bears fruit” (Colossians 1:6) (Length: 6 mins)

4. SHARING AND CELEBRATING

 Throw the floor open and take some time to be attentive to what God has been doing in your life, for good. 

What can you celebrate? Who has had a birthday/an anniversary/ a new job or opportunity/ a chance to share about the Lord etc?  

5. CHURCH UPDATE AND PRAYER

 Stream the following church update from one of the Hope Pastors. (Length: 4 mins)

Take some time to pray for the church of the week and missionary.  St Johns Anglican and their minister, Don Moses, and Frank and Joanna Fleitas.

 Pray for:

•  anyone in the group who has a need

• the wider church as we meet this week in House Church.

• another family who is part of Hope Church – someone that God puts on your heart. 

• Jade Shutte

• our nation at this covid time. 
  
  

6. HEAR GOD’S WORD

 Ask someone to read Colossians 1:1-8.  Pray for everyone as they hear God’s Word.  Then watch this message on Colossians 1:1-8.   (Length: 23 mins)

7. RESPOND

 Have a chat about the message. 

• What was encouraging for you in the message?

• What was challenging or hard to hear?

• Identify one situation this week coming in which you can live this message out.

8. COMMUNION AND PRAYER

 Take some time to remember Jesus by taking communion. 

 You could read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

Because of Jesus, our sins are forgiven. 

Because of Jesus, we have a hope in heaven.

Because of Jesus, we are united in a divided world. 

Because of Jesus’ amazing grace, we can give His grace to others, releasing our bitterness and our need to be in control.

Because of Jesus, like Epaphras, we each have a calling.

Hosts, please note that if you celebrate communion, you will need to set this up ahead of time using good hygiene practices.

9. BENEDICTION

 Ask someone to close the time in prayer and pronounce a benediction.  Here’s one to use from Revelation 1:5-6:

 To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

 SELFIE TIME

Grab a selfie together and send the photo to lisa@hopechurch.org.nz

 FINAL STEP

Leave a comment at the bottom of this page sharing a sentence or two about your House Church and what you got up to.

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House Church Worship Service

Sunday February 20, 2022

This one video puts everything together in one service if you would prefer to watch it this way:

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House Church – Leave a Comment

Sunday February 20, 2022

Share a few sentences about your group and what you got up to.  Let’s encourage each other as we meet in different locations.