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
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.