Our typical Songs for Sunday will follow this important announcement for Christ Community Church.
Dear CCC Family:
Proverbs 15:7 says, “The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.” In troubling times such as these, there is a temptation to keep some knowledge to ourselves. But some information needs to be shared, so we wanted to reach out and let everyone know that we have had a few church members diagnosed with Covid-19 over the past week. These members are taking all recommended precautions and are currently quarantined.
We still hold that church is essential, so CCC will still be open on Sunday for those wanting to gather in person. Those gathering in person need to understand that our social distancing and disinfecting measures are in place for a reason and need to be respected and followed. And, for those who decide it is best for themselves and their families to gather in their homes utilizing our online streaming resources, that is understandable.
While we hold that church is essential, the Sunday morning worship time will be our only in-person service until we announce otherwise. Wednesday services will still be provided via online streaming resources.
So, where does that leave us? There are a few responses that need to take place over the coming days:
- Pray for God to heal those who have contracted this virus – our members and around our city, county, state, country, and world.
- Pray about how God would lead your family to respond in regard to Sunday.
- Whether you gather in person or in your home, make sure that you reach out to your brothers and sisters in Christ. We have plenty of resources at our fingertips to communicate with others. If someone crosses your mind, pray for them before calling, texting, or messaging them to remind them that they are not alone.
We love you and are praying for you all,
CCC Pastors
Songs for Sunday
These are truly unprecedented times for us. We have never experienced anything like this – in health, economic, political, or general human nature – in our life times. But God is not surprised.
Psalm 139:13-16 gives us some context:
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
When I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Amen. God knew all of our days before we were even conceived in the womb. And God knows where we are and our need now. When teaching His disciples how to pray, Jesus reminded the that the “Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8).
He knows what He need, and He is with us in the midst of whatever we are going through. He is Emmanuel, God with us. And that’s just what we need. And His presence in our lives gives us hope through the good times and the darkest of times.
Romans 5:3-5 tells us of that hope in the midst of suffering:
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
That is good news and what we’ll be singing about this Sunday.
These verses were on my heart as the worship set came together:
- Psalm 139:13-16 – above
- Romans 5:3-5 – above
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Here are our songs:
- Blessed Be Your Name – This song was my anthem through some of the toughest years of my life. I am very thankful for it because it put a biblical view of trials and sufferings down into my brain! It mirrors Job’s cry following his great loss. And it mirrors what our response should be in the midst of fear, confusion, trials, etc. today.
- Scripture References/Inspiration for the Song: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 72:18-19, Psalm 36:8, James 1:17, Romans 5:3-5, Psalm 107:8-9, Psalm 23:4-6, Job 1:21-22, Daniel 2:19-20, John 10:10, Hebrews 3:7-10, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-19
- Before the Throne of God Above – This hymn may be new to some of us, but it has a great message. It is primarily based off of Hebrews 4:15-16: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Let this song remind you of being able to run to our Father and receive the love, grace, and mercy that He has when we need Him – every, single time we need Him.
- Scripture References/Inspiration for the Song: Hebrews 4:15-16, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 John 4:8, Colossians 2:14, Isaiah 49:16, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 8:31-39, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Hebrews 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:24-25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 1 Peter 2:24, Exodus 3:14, James 1:17, Psalm 24:8-10, John 3:36, Hebrews 9:12, 1 Peter 1:17-21
- The Stand – Finally, this is our response. Having recognized our difficulties and turned to the Father for help and mercy in our time of need, we stand on His promises and worship Him. Whether good times or bad, we worship Him. Whether happy or sad, we worship Him. Why? He is the God who is worthy. His Name is above every names. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. And He loves you. So, we’ll stand, lift our hands, and give Him the best worship we can offer. And if we cannot stand, kneeling is a great place to encounter Him!
- Scripture References/Inspiration for the Song: Colossians 1:16-19, John 8:58, John 1:1-3, Isaiah 53, Galatians 2:19-20, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Luke 14:26, Acts 20:24, Philippians 3:8, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:5-8, 1 Peter 5:6
I hope to see you with us, whether you gather in person, in the parking lot via speaker, or on Facebook or YouTube live!
Social Distancing & Concerns for Sunday
Just Keith Harris 