August 20, 2023 Bulletin

By grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone

Order of Worship

Preparation for Worship

Prelude and Silent Prayer

Introit ~ “Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above”

* Hymn ~ “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

Welcome and Announcements

Adoration of God

Call to Worship: Psalm 29:1-2

* Hymn ^#115 ~ “All Creatures of Our God and King”

Adult Choir Anthem ~ “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

Confession of Sin

* Reading of the Law: Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Assurance of Pardon

Affirmation of Faith: Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q&A 7-8

Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?

A. 7. The decrees of God are his eternal plan, according to the purpose of his will, by which, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatever comes to pass; yet in such a manner as to be in no way the author of sin.

Q. 8. How does God carry out his decrees?

A. 8. God carries out his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

* Hymn ^#717 ~ “Blest the Man That Fears Jehovah”

Means of Grace

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-20

New Testament Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

Sermon: “The Happy Christian” (Psalm 128:1-6)

Hymn ~ “In Christ Alone”

Communion

Response and Blessing

* Doxology to the tune of “For All the Saints” ^#358

Praise ye the Lord, His mighty works acclaim:

His years are endless, yet is He the same

O sing His praise, give glory to His holy name:

Alleluia, Alleluia. Amen

* Blessing/Benediction

[* indicates to please stand]

Sermon Notes

“The Happy Christian” (Psalm 128:1-6)

I. Introduction

II. Blessed by God

A. Fearing the Lord brings blessing

B. Blessing is attached to obedience

III. Application

A. God is not a vending machine

B. Is God happy and joyful?
Announcements

Today: Nursery for children birth through three during Worship.

Today: The “Worship Training Room” (across from kitchen) is available for young families (livestream available)

Communication from us? Please fill out a Communication Card (on back table)

Today: Help with DECo? Our homeschool co-op needs volunteers. See signup sheet in Fellowship Hall

Today: Church Picnic; A-L please bring generous side dish and dessert, M-Z please bring generous side dish and salad; Talent Show (2–4-minute acts)

Thursday: Ladies’ Book Study, “Holiness of God”, 7-8:30pm

Friday: “Men’s Fireside Theology”, 7:30pm

Evangelism Training and Outreach: Training Sept. 7, 6:30-8:30pm in conversational evangelism and apologetics; Outreach Sept. 9, 1-4pm at Fair

Sunday School: “Sunday School Kick-off” (Sept. 10); Classes begin (Sept. 17)

Fall Conferences: “Building Culture in Hostile Territory,” Sept. 15-16; “Fierce Families: Faithful, Fruitful, and Fierce,” Oct. 20-21; must pre-register

September 1: “Equipping the Saints: Mere Christendom”, first Friday of the month through December

Please: Food and drink limited to Fellowship Hall. Thank you!

Next Week’s Sermon Text: Psalm 129:1-8

Church Pantry: Food available in kitchen for ERC families