11 AM Worship Bulletin

11 AM SERVICE

11AM Order of Worship

A bulletin you can print at home

CONNECT CARD

Tell us how we can pray with you

& how we can connect you with ministries

GIVE

An expression of gratitude to God

WELCOME TO WORSHIP | sunday | february 23, 2025

a diverse, inclusive church experiencing and reflecting the love, hope and joy of Jesus Christ

to each other and our community.

PRELUDE
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen | arr. Mark Hayes
Wes Kassulke, piano; Doug Friend, percussion

On this last Sunday of Black History Month, we remember Harry Burleigh, an African American composer and one of the first Black composers to brings spirituals, such as our prelude and first music ministry, to wider American audiences. “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” describes the deep sorrow and suffering of enslaved people with a reference to “Glory, Hallelujah,” reflecting faith and perseverance despite the suffering.

WELCOME | Pastor Doug Johns

WAYS TO CONNECT | christchurchfl.org/ways2connect
Please see below.

* CALL TO WORSHIP | Connie Bookholt, liturgist
Come, let us gather to worship God, who is our strength and salvation.

We come knowing that our joy and strength are found in God alone.

Though we may face times of hardship and scarcity, we choose to rejoice in God.

We trust in God's unwavering faithfulness and provision, which never fail.

When the world feels broken and injustice seems to prevail, God invites us to trust the divine plan.

Even in uncertainty, we choose to worship, knowing that God is at work.

Let us lift our voices in praise, for God’s wisdom is greater than our understanding.

We rejoice in the Lord, who gives us hope and leads us forward in faith.

* GATHERING HYMN
O Worship the King | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 73 (verses 1,2,4,5)
O worship the King, all glorious above,
O gratefully sing God’s power and God’s love;
our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.

O tell of God’s might, O sing of God’s grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space,
whose chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is God’s path on the wings of the storm.

Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
in thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;
thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend.

Johann Michael Hayden & Robert Grant | © words & music: public domain | CCLI License # 487103

* OPENING PRAYER
Gracious God, we give you thanks and praise that in every season of life, through every trial and triumph, you remain steadfast. Your love never wavers, your promises never fail, and your presence never leaves us. When we see unfairness and confusion in the world, help us to remember that you are a God of justice, and your righteousness will ultimately prevail. Even though we have many questions, grant us the wisdom to put our trust in you. Use us as instruments of your peace; remind us that our true joy and hope is found in you. Amen.

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
An Affirmation from Australia (inspired by Mark 1:14-20, Matthew 4:18-22)
I believe in an innovative God,
who does not wait for us to find ourselves
but comes seeking the lost and calling us into a new way.

I believe in Jesus of Nazareth as God’s crucial initiative,
that when he calls us to follow, Christ also gives us the power
to become, both in creed and deed, the children of the living God.

I believe in the Spirit by whom Jesus still comes to us,
calling us to follow him into an obedience which is true liberty
and to a humble service which is the fruit of holy friendship.

I believe in the church as the fellowship of Christ’s people,
called to respect and support one another through joys and tribulations
as we travel the road towards the “promised land” of God’s future.

Because Christ has called me
in this I truly believe.
Amen.

— written by Bruce Prewer

* GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Henry W. Greatorex | public domain | CCLI License # 487103

MUSIC MINISTRY
Ride On, King Jesus | arr. H. T. Burleigh
Phillip Woodard, bass

The spiritual, “Ride On, King Jesus,” encouraged Africans who were enslaved to “ride on” through their suffering because Jesus rode through suffering on the cross to new life in the resurrection.

SCRIPTURE
Habakkuk 1:1-3 & 3:17-19a | New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
1 The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.

2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not listen?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see wrongdoing
and look at trouble?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.

…

17 Though the fig tree does not blossom
and no fruit is on the vines;
though the produce of the olive fails
and the fields yield no food;
though the flock is cut off from the fold
and there is no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will exult in the God of my salvation.
19 God, the Lord, is my strength;

These are the words of God for us, the people of God. Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE
God Still Speaks | Habakkuk | Pastor Doug Johns

OFFERING | Pastor Cathy Johns
worshiping through the offering of our lives and gifts

· Place offerings in the plates or wooden boxes

· Give online at christchurchfl.org/give

· Text GIVE to 954.880.3885

· Mail a check to Christ Church, 4845 NE 25th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Connect cards may also be placed with your offering.

Christ Church is a congregationally supported ministry. Thank you for your faithfulness as we reflect the love, hope and joy of Jesus to our community.

MUSIC MINISTRY
God! Eternal, Always and Forever | Gregg Sewell
Chancel Choir
God! Eternal, always and forever! How can such a God be known? Yet, we claim, in all our human weakness, such a God to be our own. God! Unseen, omnipotent and holy! Far beyond the mortal mind; yet we feel an ever-constant yearning this great God to name, define. Let it be enough to praise and worship, trusting always in God’s care; living out our days in faith and mystery. Knowing always God is there. Let it be enough to love each other, seeking peace and harmony; let it be enough to let God be God. Cloaked in veils of mystery. Let it be enough to know that God is, always was, will ever always be; God! Eternal, always and forever! Let that be enough for me.

* DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Bourgeois & Ken | public domain | CCLI License # 487103

MORNING PRAYER

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day 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, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

* HYMN OF COMMITMENT
How Firm a Foundation | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 529 (verses 1,2,3,5)
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

is laid for your faith in his excellent word!

What more can he say than to you he hath said,

to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,

for I am thy God and will still give thee aid;

I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand

upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;

for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless

and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“The soul that on Jesus still leans for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to its foes;

that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.”

Unknown | © words & music: public domain | CCLI License # 487103

* SENDING FORTH

* RESPONSE
Spirit Song | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 347
O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love.
Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
O let him have the things that hold you, and his Spirit like a dove
will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

MUSIC FOR CLOSING
March on “Joyful Song” | Jon Spong
Chuck Stanley, organ

* please stand in body or spirit.

Join us next Sunday, when we conclude the series God Still Speaks, with the message Micah, based on Micah 6:6-8.

THIS MORNING

CONNECT CARDS We want to connect with you. Please fill out a Connect Card, to tell us that you are here, how we can pray for you and which ministries you’re called to. We’d love to hear your ideas also. You’ll find paper Connect Cards in the worship space and digital cards at christchurchfl.org/connectcard.

HOLY GROUNDS COFFEE TIME Every Sunday, coffee and snacks are available before the 9am and 11am services. Join your friends outside the kitchen window in the gym lobby for coffee and conversation.

LENT

ASH WEDNESDAY march 5 Lent, the season of meditation and contemplation leading up to Easter, begins on March 5. Christ Church offers several opportunities for you to begin your Lenten journey. Imposition of ashes will be offered 7:50-8:30am in the Fort Lauderdale Sanctuary and 4:30-6pm at the shared dinner on the Parkway Campus. A traditional worship service with communion and imposition of ashes will be held at 7pm in the Fort Lauderdale Sanctuary.

CONNECT

UNITED METHODIST 101 sunday | march 9 | 4-5:30pm Pastor Cathy Johns will lead a short course on the history and beliefs of the United Methodist Church and the unique vision and mission of Christ Church. You’ll learn about ways to serve as the hands and feet of Christ, and review and discuss membership vows of The United Methodist Church. New members will be received in late March. Email Pastor Cathy, cjohns@christchurchfl.org, to sign up for the class. Child care is available by reservation; contact Lisa Jones, ljones@christchurchfl.org christchurchfl.org/events

MORE THAN CONQUERORS PRAYER GROUP sunday | march 2 | 11am Bring joys and concerns of your life, our community and our world to the feet of Jesus with others who are devoted to intercessory prayer. All are invited to attend to receive or share in prayer. The group gathers in Fellowship Hall 4 at 11am on the first Sunday of each month to pray for our collective joys and concerns. For more information, send an email to info@christchurchfl.org

JOY GROUP wednesday | march 5 | 11am Women 55 and over, here’s your chance to get to know and encourage one another. The Joy Group – Jesus, Others, You – meets the first Wednesday of each month. Their mission is to share what Christ has done in their lives and to support one another. RSVP if you plan to attend. If you need a ride or have questions, contact Lynn Harrison at LHTLC@aol.com

NOVA SINGERS CONCERT tuesday | march 18 | 7:30pm | fort lauderdale sanctuary The Nova Singers bring A Choral Fantasy to the Christ Church Sanctuary. The concert will feature contemporary music by Mark Hayes, John Rutter, Eric Whitacre and the Beatles, celebrating peace, love, hope and dreams. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children 12 and under and all students with ID admitted free. Find the link to purchase tickets at christchurchfl.org/events

SHARED MEALS You are invited to share a meal and community twice each week on the Parkway Campus. On Wednesday, 4:30-6pm, dinner is served to all who come. On Sunday, breakfast is shared 9-10am. This is a great way to build community with our neighbors. The Parkway Campus is located at 100 NE 44th Street, Deerfield Beach.

CHRIST CHURCH AT TRIVIA NIGHT mondays | 7:30pm | Funky Buddha Brewery Join us as we play trivia. It’s an informal gathering of folks who have fun trying to answer the questions and catching up on one another’s lives. Look for the Christ Church team at the Funky Buddha, 1201 NE 38th Street, Oakland Park, on Monday nights.

GROW

AT THE TABLE today | 10:05am | fellowship hall 1-3 At the Table is a time to explore the scripture of the day and meet new people as you do. Invite friends and newcomers to join you. Plan to stay after the 9am service or come early for the 11am service; you don’t need to hear the day's message to participate in the conversation. Holy Grounds is open, so grab a snack and coffee, and join us.

GREAT BOOKS AN INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE wednesday | april 2 | 6:30-8pm | fellowship hall 4 Join Pastor Cathy Johns for a discussion of the spiritual classics, starting with An Introduction to the Devout Life, by Frances de Sales, on April 2. Purchase your book, read at your pace, then come and discuss. This book is for all who seek a deeper walk with God, whether you are beginning your spiritual journey or have been walking with Christ for years. Written more than 400 years ago, An Introduction to the Devout Life remains one of the most popular books for those seeking a holy life. Themes include incorporating prayer and the sacraments into a busy schedule, growing in virtue and battling temptation with wisdom. This is the first in a series of Great Reads that Pastor Cathy will lead. To reserve child care, contact Lisa Jones, ljones@christchurchfl.org.

ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE BOOK DISCUSSION sunday | april 27 | 12:30pm | fellowship halls 1-3
Where Colors Meet is a compelling anthology that delves deep into the complex themes of race relations, equality, and social justice. Through the diverse voices, Where Colors Meet invites readers to ignite empathy, spark meaningful discussions, and inspire lasting change in communities. All are welcome. If you have questions, email leader Susan Spragg, artf@christchurchfl.org

WOMEN OF FAITH wednesdays | 12noon | in person & Zoom This small group invites you to join them Wednesdays at noon to study the Bible and pray for one another. Meeting in person and on Zoom, we are studying Deborah, the only female judge in the early days of Israel. If you’re interested, contact leader Cynthia Metzger Phipps at cmetzgerphipps@christchurchfl.org or 954.771.7300 x201.

MORNING PRAYERS Begin your weekdays praying with your church family at 7:30am on the Christ Church Facebook page, @christchurchfl. If you can’t be online at 7:30, a recording of morning prayers is available on Facebook. Morning prayers take a break on church and federal holidays.

SERVE

HELP WITH MAUNDY THURSDAY EXPERIENTIAL SEDER Part of the Maundy Thursday service (April 17 at 7pm) is an experiential seder led by Pastor Monique McBride. This is an opportunity to gain deeper understanding of the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples before the crucifixion. Volunteers are needed to set up, host and clean up. There are times to serve on Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17. Sign up at christchurchfl.org/easter

PREPARE BREAKFAST FOR PARKWAY The Parkway community breakfast is prepared in the Fort Lauderdale kitchen early Sunday morning. This is a great opportunity for families to serve together, wrapping and heating breakfast sandwiches. Students can earn service hours. Contact Pastor Peytyn Tobin if you, your family or group can help: ptobin@christchurchfl.org

ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE sunday | april 6 | 12:15pm | fellowship halls 1-3 The ARTF mission is to confront the sin of racism in ourselves, our church, and in the world. We are committed to working towards a church community that reflects the beautiful diversity of the Kingdom of God. ARTF meets quarterly on the first Sunday of each month after the 11 o'clock traditional service, which is usually around 12:15pm. All are invited to help plan our activities for the next three months. Questions? Send an email to leader Susan Spragg, artf@christchurchfl.org

HEAT DINNERS FOR PARKWAY On Wednesdays, we’re preparing Christ Church’s famous and tasty meatloaf and side dishes in the Fort Lauderdale kitchen for our guests on the Parkway Campus. Flex volunteer time 2-4pm. This is a great opportunity for families to serve together after school. Students can earn service hours. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Peytyn Tobin, ptobin@christchurchfl.org

BLESSINGS FOOD PANTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS The Blessings Food Pantry, a ministry of Christ Church, is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, 9-11:30am. This ministry on the Parkway Campus, 100 NE 44th Street, Deerfield Beach, is staffed by volunteers. If you can serve, please sign up at christchurchfl.org/blessings The pantry needs volunteer truck drivers on Monday and Wednesday mornings. A volunteer drives a church truck to two Publix stores within 10 miles of the Parkway Campus. The route starts at 7am and lasts until about 10am. If you are interested in serving in this way, please contact Facilities Director Mike Gartland, mgartland@christchurchfl.org.

JOIN THE WELCOME TEAM Do you enjoy greeting your church family and welcoming guests? The Welcome Team would be a great place for you to serve. Welcome Team members also help serve communion and collect the offering. Some welcome team members serve as ushers and greeters for memorial services and other special events. Linda Bajkowsky coordinates the team and would love your help. Serving with the Welcome Team is a great way to get to know your church family. Sign up at christchurchfl.org/serve

BE PART OF THE WORSHIP TECH TEAM Put your tech skills to work for God. If you would like to be part of the team that helps run the cameras and visuals for worship, send an email to info@christchurchfl.org

HEALING

FAITH CARING GROUP mondays | 1pm The Faith Caring Group reflects and addresses the need for caring and assistance as well as grief support. The group meets on Zoom every Monday of the month, except the second Monday when members have lunch at the Fort Lauderdale Olive Garden. For more information, send an email to info@christchurchfl.org with your contact information. A Faith Caring Group leader will get back to you.

CHILDREN

LEGO LENT EVENT wednesday | march 5 | 5pm dinner | 5:20pm build Start the season of Lent by building from Legos the city of Old Jerusalem, the city that Jesus knew. Pastor Monique McBride leads this activity for children and their parents on Ash Wednesday. Starting at 5pm, there’ll be dinner of pizza, salad, cookie and lemonade for $5 per person. Then, at 5:20pm the building fun begins. Please sign up if you plan to attend so we have enough stations and food. christchurchfl.org/events

SUMMER CAMP AT WARREN WILLIS july 13-19 Rising 4th graders through graduating seniors are invited to experience the summer fun at Warren Willis summer camp. This summer, we’re going Week 5, which is July 13-19. Pastor Peytyn Tobin will be going as Pastor of the Elementary School Camp. We’ll be riding with students from a couple of other churches, so you can make new friends on the way to camp. Check out a video from last year’s campu and learn more at christchurchfl.org/camp

A United Methodist Community

4845 NE 25th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

954.771.7300 | info@christchurchfl.org