“The Time Has come – The Kingdom of God is Near!”
-- Jesus (from Mark 1.15)
Worship Theme for 2008-2009 Program Year
30,000’ Narrative View
Introduction to Program Year Worship: The Lord has called the leadership of the Body of Christ to simplify our focus and thereby strengthen the vision and mission the Lord has placed before us. During a time of trying fiscal stewardship and difficult economic times for many of our families, it is imperative that we proclaim the Lord’s perspective and boldly contrast it with our culture’s point of view. It is the only sure and certain hope in times such as these.
We must prevail in leading people away from our culture’s view and interpretation, to a historic, present and future promise of the Kingdom of God!
“The Time has Come – The Kingdom of God is Near” is the first message of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, setting the tone for his mission and ministry then, and for us now. Mark, the earliest and simplest gospel, quickly establishes Jesus' authority and power in chapter one.
In Mark’s rapid succession
- disciples leave their boats to follow him;
- his teaching clearly defines his authority,
- which is illustrated in his power over the demonic
- the power to heal/cure diseases
- and the intimacy of his connection with his Father.
The proclamation of Jesus’ Kingdom among us is intended to carry the Gospel of Mark’s clarity and impact! With the passionate urgency of “the time has come” and the ultimate importance of “the Kingdom of God is near” we will proclaim the impact of the Kingdom in people’s lives.
Using the Worship-Discipleship-Servanthood dynamic, we’ll encourage people to do what people do in the Kingdom of God – become bold believers through W-D-S!
Each week’s worship will proclaim:
q Worship theme
q Sermon/Message title
q Scriptural focus
q Action Point
q Prayer Point
q Liturgy/Anthems/Special Music
q Maturity Movement (WDS)
q Notes
The Summer Worship Series, carrying the above title, will once again call on the preaching to be expository, i.e., Bible study-esque. The texts will move through the entire Gospel of Mark highlighting the context and impact of “The Kingdom of God” proclamations throughout. Each preacher is asked to be very familiar with Mark in general, and take specific texts re. the Kingdom of God within the larger context of Mark and the more immediate context of the text.
The Fall Worship Series, entitled “The Kingdom of God is Right Here Right Now”, will be all about “Jerusalem” mission and ministry at St. John (according to our Acts 1.8 framework, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth” and as proposed by the LT.)
September will expound on ways we invest ourselves in the Kingdom of God, (and should have a month-long “ministry fair” kind of flavor inviting people to invest in ministry). Carrying with it a “First Manage Yourself Well” flavor/intent, i.e., first we manage the ministry and our relationships here in order to effectively bring the Kingdom of God to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth! “For the Kingdom of God is demonstrated, not in idle talk, but in power.” 1 Cor. 4.20
October will unfold ways we invest our treasures in the Kingdom of God (with a full tilt fall financial stewardship campaign with greater emphasis on the Foundation than previously experienced at St. John. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 19.24)
Early November will invite us to celebrate like they do in the Kingdom of God. (Our school auction is intended to be a focal point of just such celebration. I’d love to see a congregational-wide participation that combines a hilarious generous spirit with great celebration(s).)
Thanksgiving Day will celebrate the theme, “The Kingdom Feast” to take our focus off of gluttony to the passion that brought the first pilgrims to this country and through their winter. Romans 14.17 “The Kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” As is the tradition at St. John, this will give rise to a Judea and Samaria focus with Gifts for All God’s Children or other seasonal, annual calls for generosity beyond ourselves.
Advent Season will follow the pericope pattern of eschatology, 2x John the Baptizer and Mary, and prepare God’s people for the incarnation under the theme, “Actually, It’s Not About You!” based on Mark 1.7, “One more powerful than I is coming after me…” The preachers are asked to angle messages to encourage Christmas preparation as not about what you want, but what the Christ wants for you…kinda stuff. J Christmas Eve worship invitations should be prominent and utilize the Christmas theme below. Wednesdays in Advent will include the 1) Day School Christmas Program; 2.) Sunday School Christmas Program; 3.) Choralier/Children’s Choirs (according to the design of JFM).
Christmas Day and Christmas Season is “When God Comes Calling (& Brings His Kingdom with Him)” With obvious Incarnational theology and proclamation, we’ll keep the Kingdom of God theme over the top of the Christmas Eve/Day pericopes. You get it…no changes here.
Epiphany (2009): Invitations to Enter Kingdom of God! “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” With an eye toward those who feel unworthy, or a sense they don’t fit in with religious people, we will provide caring ministry invitations and resources to our community. With a stronger Judea focus than Samaria, Care Giving will have the lead in boldly providing resources for those lost, hurting, lonely, depressed, etc. From a re-emphasis on God Questions Café to the availability of Stephen Ministers, we will provide a connection for those in need.
Lent (February 25) The High Cost of Loving (in the Kingdom of God) “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14.22) Opportunities for a Samaria and ends of the earth focus will predominate to allow a clearer perspective of the way in which so many more Christians are paying such a higher price to love the Lord than we are in suburbia! A wider, more realistic, anti-rose-colored glasses approach is in order. In essence, the preacher is saying, “Get real…”
Easter (April 12) The New Kingdom. “…the accuser…had been thrown down.” Rev.12.10 Picking up Easter pericopes through April, the preacher of the Easter message will take care to emphasize the permanent nature of the Kingdom with no one left to accuse! The detrimental nature of accusation, as well as the
May: Confirmation: “Here’s the Keys!” “…he sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God…” Luke 9.2 As a Father “hands over” the privilege and responsibility of the family car to the first time driver, so Confirmation has provided the Keys to go with the privilege and responsibility of the Gospel…
Mother’s Day: “Honoring the Gift of Receptivity” With an understanding that the Lord has called the church a “she,” we’ll honor the nature of receptivity inherent in women/moms. “Come I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” (Rev 21.9) Officially closing out the program year, the preacher will work to tie up the theme(s), from all program year long to, in effect, say that it’s receptivity to the Kingdom of God that makes the difference in your life – and respectively, the world.
Vision Sunday: “Do Not Be Afraid to First Manage Yourself Well” “…the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22.38-39) Answering the question, “So, what did you do on your Sabbatical, anyway?” I’ll use the theme of this leadership development material to unfold the program year ahead.
Memorial Day: “Memorials That Shape Our Future” “So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a memorial pillar.” (Gen 31.45) Throughout the OT, significant events and meetings with God were memorialized before the journey continued. The nature and power of those memorials, as well as our US war memorials will be proclaimed.