Welcome
Whether you are a longtime believer or someone exploring faith for the first time, you are welcome here. If you’re new to the church or just testing the waters today, there’s something you should know about us. We are a community of former outsiders, strangers, and foreigners. You see, the family of God is populated by such people—people who were once excluded but have been drawn in by God’s mercy and grace. None deserve to be here. We are members of God’s family not by birth, but by adoption. And in an extension of that same grace of God that drew us in, we welcome you today and invite you to taste and see that the Lord is good.
Prayer of Preparation
God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you for gathering us together again on this Lord’s Day to celebrate the person and work of our Lord Jesus, and to remember and declare Your mercy towards us through the Gospel—the redound of Your eternal glory.
We were once separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now, in Christ Jesus, we who were far off and been brought near through his cross. By your grace, we are no longer strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
Holy Spirit, remind us of these things. Deepen our understanding and stir in us holy affections. Enliven our songs and prayers as we worship this morning.
To God be the glory forever and ever, Amen.
(Based on Ephesians 2:12–13, 19)