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| The Calling of St. Matthew + Caravaggio, 1600 A.D. |
We forget that the Kingdom emerges and advances in the most unlikely of ways, through the most irritatingly unqualified people; it spreads like wildflowers planted whimsically by a love-crazed Gardener, and is brought to fullness by a truly wild King. Repent. Change the way you see. Jesus is calling, and He has a Kingdom coming. Now is the time. … Come warm yourself to life by the holy flame. + Danielle Strickland, Foreword to Reframation: Seeing God, People, and Mission Through Reenchanted Frames
Sermon Artwork Description | The Good News of Jesus Brought to Life in "The Calling of St. Matthew" by Caravaggio, 1600 A.D.
Sermon Short Story Description | Come Sit at the Table, Come Taste the Grace: "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes
Call to Worship | Psalm 23:5-6
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life, and I will dwell in
the house of the LORD as long as I live.
Come As You Are
Sermon Short Story Description | Come Sit at the Table, Come Taste the Grace: "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes
The Gospel comes knocking on doors that we didn’t know we had; it flings open the curtains on windows we didn’t know existed to reveal the rising sun flooding the room with glory when we had imagined that all light came from candles; it woos our cold hearts and awakens them, like someone falling in love for the first time, to a joy and fulfillment never before imagined. + N.T. Wright
Call to Worship | Psalm 23:5-6
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life, and I will dwell in
the house of the LORD as long as I live.
Come As You Are
Crowder, 2014 A.D.
Come out of sadness
From wherever you’ve been.
Come broken hearted, let rescue begin.
Come find your mercy,
Oh sinner, come kneel.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.
So lay down your burdens,
Lay down your shame.
All who are broken lift up your face.
Oh, wanderer come home.
You’re not too far.
So lay down your hurt, lay down your heart,
Come as you are.
There’s hope for the hopeless,
And all those who’ve strayed.
Come sit at the table, come taste the grace.
There’s rest for the weary, rest that endures.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t cure.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t cure.
(Chorus)
There’s joy for the morning, oh, sinners be still.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.
(Chorus)
Reckless Love
Come out of sadness
From wherever you’ve been.
Come broken hearted, let rescue begin.
Come find your mercy,
Oh sinner, come kneel.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.
So lay down your burdens,
Lay down your shame.
All who are broken lift up your face.
Oh, wanderer come home.
You’re not too far.
So lay down your hurt, lay down your heart,
Come as you are.
There’s hope for the hopeless,
And all those who’ve strayed.
Come sit at the table, come taste the grace.
There’s rest for the weary, rest that endures.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t cure.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t cure.
(Chorus)
There’s joy for the morning, oh, sinners be still.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.
(Chorus)
Reckless Love
Bethel, 2017 A.D.
Before I spoke a word,
You were singing over me.
You have been so, so good to me.
Before I took a breath,
You breathed Your life in me.
You have been so, so kind to me.
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending
Reckless love of God!
It chases me down, fights 'til I'm found,
Leaves the ninety-nine!
I couldn't earn it and I don't deserve it,
Still You give Yourself away!
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending
Reckless love of God!
When I was your foe,
Still Your love fought for me.
You have been so, so good to me.
When I felt no worth,
You paid it all for me.
You have been so, so kind to me.
(Chorus)
There's no shadow You won't light up,
Mountain You won't climb up,
Coming after me!
There's no wall You won't kick down,
Lie You won't tear down,
Coming after me! (Chorus)
Before I spoke a word,
You were singing over me.
You have been so, so good to me.
Before I took a breath,
You breathed Your life in me.
You have been so, so kind to me.
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending
Reckless love of God!
It chases me down, fights 'til I'm found,
Leaves the ninety-nine!
I couldn't earn it and I don't deserve it,
Still You give Yourself away!
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending
Reckless love of God!
When I was your foe,
Still Your love fought for me.
You have been so, so good to me.
When I felt no worth,
You paid it all for me.
You have been so, so kind to me.
(Chorus)
There's no shadow You won't light up,
Mountain You won't climb up,
Coming after me!
There's no wall You won't kick down,
Lie You won't tear down,
Coming after me! (Chorus)
The Kingdom Is Yours
Common Hymnal, 2017 A.D.
Blessed are the ones who do not bury
All the broken pieces of their heart.
Blessed are the tears of all the weary
Pouring like a sky of falling stars.
Blessed are the wounded ones in mourning,
Brave enough to show the Lord their scars.
Blessed are the hurts that are not hidden,
Open to the healing touch of God.
The Kingdom is yours, the Kingdom is yours,
Hold on a little more, this is not the end.
Hope is in the Lord, keep your eyes on Him.
Blessed are the ones who walk in kindness
Even in the face of great abuse.
Blessed are the deeds that go unnoticed,
Serving with unguarded gratitude.
Blessed are the ones who fight for justice,
Longing for the coming day of peace.
Blessed is the soul that thirsts for righteousness,
Welcoming the last, the lost, the least. (Chorus)
Blessed are the ones who suffer violence
And still have strength to love their enemies.
Blessed is the faith of those who persevere.
Though they fall, they'll never know defeat.
O Come to the Altar
Elevation Worship, 2015 A.D.
Are you hurting and broken within?
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin?
Jesus is calling.
Have you come to the end of yourself
Do you thirst for a drink from the well?
Jesus is calling ...
O come to the altar,
The Father's arms are open wide!
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ!
Leave behind your regrets and mistakes.
Come today, there's no reason to wait.
Jesus is calling.
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy,
From the ashes, a new life is born.
Jesus is calling ... (Chorus)
Oh what a Savior, isn't He wonderful?
Sing "Hallelujah, Christ is risen!"
Bow down before Him
For He is Lord of all.
Sing "Hallelujah, Christ is risen!"
(Repeat + Chorus)
Bear your cross as you wait for the crown,
Tell the world of the treasure you found.
Land of the Rising Sun
Ike Ndolo, 2012 A.D.
The dark is groaning, the tomb is reaching out.
Oh, but they can't have me!
Oh, but they can't have me!
The crows are circling, the jackal waits in the dark.
Oh, but they can't have me!
Oh, but they can't have me!
I belong to the land of the rising Son
Where the grave is no more,
The war has been won!
I belong to the land of the rising Son,
I belong to You, I belong!
The world is in my bones, it makes me wrestle with You.
Oh, but You have claimed me!
Oh, but You have claimed me!
No matter how far I've gone, even to the devil's table.
Oh, my God, You've claimed me!
Oh, my God, You've claimed me! (Chorus)
Through my wandering, and my failing,
And my doubting, I belong!
Through the fire, and the darkness,
Through the sadness, I belong!
I'm just a rebel who's tired of fighting,
So I'm laying down these arms.
The sun is rising, the sun is rising,
The sun is rising! (Chorus)
Prayers of Confession and Assurance
One: Jesus, we have been Your foe, but You
still invite us to come to Your table. Thank You
for pursuing us! Forgive us when we ignore Your invitation
for ourselves or others. May we turn and come to You today.
All: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Silent Prayers
One: Jesus, give us Yourself, the Bread of Life as we pray ...
All: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil for Thine is the
Kingdom and the power and the glory
now and forever. Amen.
One: Jesus, we have been Your foe, but You
still invite us to come to Your table. Thank You
for pursuing us! Forgive us when we ignore Your invitation
for ourselves or others. May we turn and come to You today.
All: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Silent Prayers
One: Jesus, give us Yourself, the Bread of Life as we pray ...
All: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil for Thine is the
Kingdom and the power and the glory
now and forever. Amen.
Pass the Peace | In the Story of God, Jesus declared, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:26) during humanity's darkest, most tragic weekend of His death. And then after Jesus was crucified and resurrected, defeating evil and death, He said, "Peace be with you ... Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21-22). Somehow, with Jesus, peace is possible even in our darkest moments. During this time, we desire to share with each other peace that passes understanding, empowered by the Spirit of Christ.
The peace of the Lord by always with you.
And also with you.
Prayers of Preparation for Eucharist
Benediction Based on "The Kingdom Is Yours"
by Common Hymnal (Matthew 5:3-12)
Blessed are the wounded ones in mourning, brave enough
to show the Lord their scars. Blessed are the hurts that
are not hidden, open to the healing touch of God.
Blessed are the ones who fight for justice, longing for the
coming day of peace. Blessed is the soul that thirsts for
righteousness, welcoming the last, the lost, the least.
Blessed are the ones who suffer violence and still have
strength to love their enemies. Blessed is the faith of those
who persevere; though they fall, they'll never know defeat.
The Kingdom is yours, hold on a little more, this is not the end.
Hope is in the Lord; keep Your eyes on Him. You are loved.
Now go with the Prince of Peace to declare and demonstrate
Jesus' Good News of the Kingdom of heaven that is near.
Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Prayer Asking for Jesus' Help
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
I want to see. Please reveal to me who You are.
Give me ears to hear You, and understanding for
the Good News You are saying to me today. Amen.
Prayer for Communion with Jesus and Each Other
Jesus, by Your Spirit, fill us with Yourself,
the true Bread and Vine. We turn to You now to
unite us, strengthen us, and empower us
to be Your Kingdom family of servants and witnesses
together until You return and make all things new. Amen.
Eucharist | Thanking God for Communion with Christ and His Church
Our World Belongs to God Q&A 34
2008 A.D.
Q. Who is Jesus welcoming to His Table?
A. In our world where many journey alone,
nameless in the bustling crowd, Satan and his evil forces
seek whom they may scatter and isolate;
but God, by His gracious choosing in Christ,
gathers a new community—those who by God’s gift
put their trust in Christ.
In the new community all are welcome:
the homeless come home, the broken find healing,
the sinner makes a new start, the despised are esteemed,
the least are honored, and the last are first.
Here the Spirit guides and grace abounds.
Prayer Asking for Jesus' Help
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
I want to see. Please reveal to me who You are.
Give me ears to hear You, and understanding for
the Good News You are saying to me today. Amen.
Prayer for Communion with Jesus and Each Other
Jesus, by Your Spirit, fill us with Yourself,
the true Bread and Vine. We turn to You now to
unite us, strengthen us, and empower us
to be Your Kingdom family of servants and witnesses
together until You return and make all things new. Amen.
Eucharist | Thanking God for Communion with Christ and His Church
Our World Belongs to God Q&A 34
2008 A.D.
Q. Who is Jesus welcoming to His Table?
A. In our world where many journey alone,
nameless in the bustling crowd, Satan and his evil forces
seek whom they may scatter and isolate;
but God, by His gracious choosing in Christ,
gathers a new community—those who by God’s gift
put their trust in Christ.
In the new community all are welcome:
the homeless come home, the broken find healing,
the sinner makes a new start, the despised are esteemed,
the least are honored, and the last are first.
Here the Spirit guides and grace abounds.
Benediction Based on "The Kingdom Is Yours"
by Common Hymnal (Matthew 5:3-12)
Blessed are the wounded ones in mourning, brave enough
to show the Lord their scars. Blessed are the hurts that
are not hidden, open to the healing touch of God.
Blessed are the ones who fight for justice, longing for the
coming day of peace. Blessed is the soul that thirsts for
righteousness, welcoming the last, the lost, the least.
Blessed are the ones who suffer violence and still have
strength to love their enemies. Blessed is the faith of those
who persevere; though they fall, they'll never know defeat.
The Kingdom is yours, hold on a little more, this is not the end.
Hope is in the Lord; keep Your eyes on Him. You are loved.
Now go with the Prince of Peace to declare and demonstrate
Jesus' Good News of the Kingdom of heaven that is near.
Emmaus City Church is a local church made up of City Groups.
A City Group (CG) is a group of 10-30 people – children, women, and men included – who are befriending, serving, and loving a community together in Jesus' name in Worcester. CGs are small enough that people can know you and value you, but large enough to make an impact in communities throughout Worcester. Each CG gets together throughout a month (i.e. dinners, times of prayer or learning from the Story of God in the Bible, acts of service, parties, etc.) to see Worcester become a city of neighbors and friends that showcase Jesus' love and compassion to all. Those who are cautious or curious to hear and see what it means to follow Jesus are just as welcome as those who believe Jesus is Lord and God and seek to follow Him in every area of life.
Current City Groups: Lincoln Street City Group | W.R.A.P. City Group
To connect with one of the City Groups above, please contact info@emmauscitychurch.com
Christ is all,
A City Group (CG) is a group of 10-30 people – children, women, and men included – who are befriending, serving, and loving a community together in Jesus' name in Worcester. CGs are small enough that people can know you and value you, but large enough to make an impact in communities throughout Worcester. Each CG gets together throughout a month (i.e. dinners, times of prayer or learning from the Story of God in the Bible, acts of service, parties, etc.) to see Worcester become a city of neighbors and friends that showcase Jesus' love and compassion to all. Those who are cautious or curious to hear and see what it means to follow Jesus are just as welcome as those who believe Jesus is Lord and God and seek to follow Him in every area of life.
Current City Groups: Lincoln Street City Group | W.R.A.P. City Group
To connect with one of the City Groups above, please contact info@emmauscitychurch.com
Christ is all,
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