LEFC Guide to Worship

Sunday, August 30, 2020
Lanse Evangelical Free Church

• From the Pastor
• Home Worship Guide
• Church Family News
• Prayer Items

From the Pastor

Dear Church Family,

I’m encouraged by how many people are returning to worship on campus. For the last four Sundays, there have been new returnees at each worship time (8:00, 9:30, and 11:00), and last Sunday we had the most people on campus since March. I wish we didn’t need to do things so differently these days, but I am thankful that we are getting to be together more and move forward together as a church family.

It’s time for my annual pastoral prayer retreat. We have sent a letter home with a survey sheet for you for your family’s prayer requests. It’s a privilege to bear your burdens with you and intercede at the throne of grace. Please also continue to pray for me as I make plans for the next sermon series and face the challenges of pastoring in a pandemic. Please also continue to pray for those who the Lord has staying safe at home right now. We don’t want to be or feel forgotten.

The phrase “fortifying truth” continues to guide my thinking about what we all need right now, and Psalm 90 is one of those Psalms that fortifies our hearts by reminding us of the eternal greatness of God who has been our safe dwelling place for all generations. Let’s run to Him.

Whether at home or on campus, let’s make sure that every single one of us in this precious church family worships the Lord Jesus Christ.

In His Grip,

– Pastor Matt

P.S.  Isaac Watts wrote at least 750 hymns[!], many of them such as “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” as Christian renderings of the Psalms. My favorite version of “O God, Our Help” is the one by Sojourn Music. Even better than listening to it, of course, is to sing it yourself with all your heart!

Home Worship Guide

1. Welcome to Worship

Read Psalm 90 as your family gathers to worship.

**Option. Pastor Matt’s message will be about Psalm 90. Families with children at home could prepare them by asking, “What is Psalm 90 about?” “What do you think Pastor Matt will say about Psalm 90 today?” “What did Psalm 8 make you think or feel when we read it?” “What does Psalm 90 teach us about God?” “What does Psalm 90 teach us about ourselves?” “What does Psalm 90 teach us about Jesus?”

Have someone pray and ask God to bless your time of worship at home.

2. Worship in Singing

As a household sing “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” by Isaac Watts (1719).

YouTube Video

**Option. Those worshiping on campus are also singing, “I’ll Fly Away,” “Praise the Name of Jesus,” “Blessed Be Your Name,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” and “Praise the Saviour.” One or more of those songs may be good for your family to sing as well or instead.

3. Worship in Unity

Recite together Question #2 of the New City Catechism:

Q. What is God?

A. God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will.

4. Worship in Lament and Thanksgiving

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).

Share with your family those things you are thankful for and those things you are lamenting this week.

5. Worship in Bible Memory

Recite our current “Hide the Word” memory verses, Philippians 4:4-7.

 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

6. Worship in Prayer

Take prayer requests and pray for each other.

Read the prayer guide together and pray for the rest of the church family and the requests listed.

7. Worship in the Word

Watch or read Pastor Matt’s message: “All Our Days.”

Facebook Video

YouTube Video

Read on Pastor Matt’s Blog

[The message will be available online by Sunday morning.]

Some families may want to watch/read the message on their own and then have a Bible study and discussion together during this time.

8. Worship in Singing

Sing “Because He Lives” by Bill & Gloria Gaither (1971).

YouTube Video

9. Worship All Week

Have someone pray a prayer of commissioning for your family as you end this time of gathered worship and face a week of new opportunities and new challenges to serve the Lord, the church, and the world in His Name.

 10. Participate in LEFC Family Fellowship Meeting on Zoom – 6:30pm on Sunday September 6.

Many of us are meeting through video-conference online this Sunday at 6:30pm:

• See one another’s faces and hear each other’s voices.
• Listen to announcements of church family news.
• Interact with Sarah Kolaczynski (Sarah “Kay” for short) of ReachGlobal Panama.
• LEFC Zoom Kids, Pastor Matt is going to do another “object lesson,” and this week we want to see your shoes. Can you show the group your “runners?” How do you think that being a Christian is like running a race?
• Pray for one another live and online.

If you have any questions about how to do this, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Church Family News

Missionary Christmas in September

 Each year we collect a special offering aimed to bless the missionaries we support and give them some extra money to use in whatever way they like. Donations will be accepted for the next 4 weeks. There are envelopes in the foyer on the resources tables or you can place it in the offering plate marked “Christmas.”

 Compassion Walk

 You are invited to join with other West Branch area churches on Sunday, October 4th, at 1 pm for the second annual West Branch Ministerium Compassion Walk. This ministry helps families in need with utility bills, and provides gas, food, and hotel stays for homeless and victims of domestic violence. Registration is at Palestine UMC and forms are located in the foyer. The walk is also being offered as a virtual event for those who are less comfortable gathering at this time. Can’t walk? Consider a donation for this vital ministry. Mark your gift “Walk” and drop it in the offering plate. See Marilynn Kristofits with questions or to get involved.

 Red Cross Blood Drive

 On Tuesday, September 29^th, we will be hosting a blood drive here at the church for the American Red Cross. Blood supplies remain low due to the increased precautions needed to ensure donor health. If you or someone you know can give blood, please sign up to donate. Volunteers are needed to help with initial temperature screenings, donor check in, and canteen staff to offer snacks. We are also looking for a limited number of baked goods. If you can help work the drive, please contact Marilynn in the office.  Thank you.

 Children’s Church

 All children ages 3 – 3^rd grade are invited to join us for Children’s Church at our 9:30 worship service. Parents: When indicated in the service, please bring your kids back to the foyer. Drop them off at the end of the hall with a volunteer. We will bring them back out the hallway to the foyer to meet you at the conclusion of our program time. All ministry workers have their clearances.

 Our Daily Bread & Sunday School Books

 The latest edition of Our Daily Bread for September, October, and November are now available at church. The next personal study guide from our Sunday School series, Explore the Bible, has also arrived. Pick up your copy of Isaiah and spend time each week studying the lessons. For your convenience each of these resources are available in both the foyer and the breezeway.

 Improvement Projects Update

The congregation has approved the Facilities Improvements Projects presented at the summer congregational meeting. Thank you all who voted by mail. Pray for the Facilities Team as they work with contractors to fit in the work on the parking lot, electrical panel, and ladies’ restroom this Fall.

 On-Campus Prayer Meeting Moving Indoors

 Due to the changing weather, our On-Campus Prayer Meeting began meeting indoors last week. Join us Wednesdays at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall for a brief Bible study, praising God through song, and praying with other believers. Reminder: Because we are inside, masks or shields will be required of all who attend. We will continue to send the Prayer Meeting at Home guide to anyone who requests it. Contact the church office to get this weekly email.

Pavilion Fund

 We have opened a designated giving fund for a picnic pavilion here at church. You can donate to this by marking your gift “pavilion” and placing it in the offering.

 Zoom This Week

 Join us Sunday at 6:30pm for our Church Family Fellowship on Zoom. We will visit together, share Church Family News items, and spend some time interacting with our ministry partners, Darko & Elizabeth Vika. Kids: Pastor Matt is going to do another “object lesson.” Scavenger Hunt: Can you and your parents find a slice or even a whole loaf of bread? Extra points: Can you find some yeast? What do think those things might teach us about the growth of the kingdom of God?

You Matter 5K & 10Mile Ride

The Pregnancy Resource Clinic will be hosting their annual 5K walk/run and 10Mile bicycle ride on Saturday, September 26^th. This year you can choose to participate in person or complete the race virtually.  For more information on all of the details and safety plans for this event, visit scprc.com.

Corrections – Addresses for LEFC College Students

There were some errors in the addresses provided last week. Corrected copies are in the foyer for anyone who wants an updated version. Parents: If your child was not listed last week, be sure to get their address to our church office and we will print them for next Sunday.

Need Prayer?

Our church and our pastor love to pray for you. If you have a need for prayer, you can email us at prayer@lansefree.org. All emails being sent to this address will be seen by Pastor Matt. Please indicate if this is a private request (for Pastor Matt and the Elder Board) or public request for the prayer chain.

 Sunday Morning Greeter Sign-Up

Do you like to say hi to people? Can you smile behind your mask? Be sure to stop in the foyer on your way out and sign up to greet for a service (or more!) in September, October, and November.

Thank you for continuing to support our ministries and missionaries. Ways to give:

• Mail your offering check to us at PO BOX 114, Lanse, PA 16849.
• Cash or Check in person. Drop off your offering at the church during office hours (9:30-2:30 Tuesday – Friday) in the offering plate right inside the door.
• Online Payments – P2P (CNB), PayPal, and Venmo are all e-giving options. Our account address is our email: churchoffice@lansefree.org. Contact Marilynn if you need any help navigating this way of giving.

Prayer Items

Contact the church office for this week’s prayer requests from the bulletin.