WELCOME TO WORSHIP | sunday | march 30, 2025

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

to each other and our community.

PRELUDE
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty | arr. Roger House
Jeff Spotts, piano & Doug Friend, percussion

Roger House | © 1995 Lillenas Publishing Co. | all rights reserved | used with permission under One License #A-726973

WELCOME | Pastor Cathy Johns

WAYS TO CONNECT | christchurchfl.org/ways2connect

Please see below.

* CALL TO WORSHIP | Connie Bookholt, liturgist 
Come, all who are weary and burdened by trials.
We come, trusting in the God who walks with us through the storm.
Though trials may come, and temptations may press in, we are strengthened by God’s word 
and sustained by grace.
We can face challenges without fear, for God is our refuge and strength.
Rejoice, for the same God who parted the seas and calmed the raging waters is with us now.
Through the fire, through the flood, we shall not be overcome, for God is faithful.
Let us worship the one who turns mourning into joy and despair into hope.
Together, we proclaim: God is with us—yesterday, today, and forevermore!

* GATHERING HYMN
O God Our Help in Ages Past | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 117 (verses 1,2,3,6)
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!

Under the shadow of thy throne, still may we dwell secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame,
from everlasting, thou art God, to endless years the same.

Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.

Isaac Watts | William Croft | © words & music: public domain | CCLI License # 487103

* OPENING PRAYER 
Gracious God, we thank you for your abundant blessings that sustain us each day. You are our constant companion, even in the wilderness. Just as your Spirit led Jesus into the desert, we know that you are with us in our own seasons of trial and testing. When we face challenges, temptations, and the unknown, we find courage in the assurance that your strength sustains us. Thank you for being our refuge when the path grows difficult, our guide when the way forward seems unclear, and our source of hope when we feel weary. Fill us with courage, deepen our trust, and help us to lean on you in every moment. Amen.

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH   
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence he will come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

* 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

INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Craig Boozer, Brian Cheuvront, Charles Noble McEwen, Tina Moss & Randall Vitale

pastor As members of Christ’s universal church, will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, 
and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries? If so, please say, “I will.”

pastor As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness? If so, please say, “I will”

pastor Please join me as we give thanks for our new sister and brothers in Christ”:

We give thanks for all that God has already given you, and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant to faithfully participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

MUSIC MINISTRY 
The Power of the Cross | Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Carrie Brooke, alto

Keith Getty | Stuart Townend | © 2005 Thankyou Music Ltd | CCLI License # 487103

SCRIPTURE 
Luke 4:1-13  |   New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. ³ The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” ⁴ Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”

⁵ Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶ And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. ⁷ If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” ⁸ Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ”

⁹ Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, ¹⁰ for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ ¹¹ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

¹² Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” ¹³ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

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

MESSAGE
Jesus | Embracing the Wilderness | Pastor Cathy Johns

OFFERING | Pastor Peytyn Tobin
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 25^th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Connect cards may also be placed with your offering. Christ Church is a congregationally supported ministry. We thank you for your faithfulness as we reflect the love, hope and joy of Jesus to our community.

MUSIC MINISTRY

Mighty Fortress| Mark Hayes
Chancel Choir
A mighty fortress is our God! A mighty source of hope and strength, our hope for years to come! A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe. His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, on earth is not His equal. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing. Were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be: Christ Jesus, it is he, Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him. His rage we can endure for lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also. The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still: His kingdom is forever. A strong and might fortress is our God!

Nancy & Bruce Muskrat | © 1977 Concordia Publishing House | all rights reserved | used with permission under One License #A-726973

* 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
My Hope is Built | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 368 (verses 1,2,3,4)
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

(refrain) On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.  (refrain)

His oath, his covenant, his blood support me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay. (refrain)

When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found!

Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!  (refrain)

Edward Mote & William Batchelder Bradbury | words & music: public domain | CCLI License # 487103

* SENDING FORTH

* RESPONSE
Take my Life, and Let it be | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 399 (verse 1)
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.

Frances Ridley Havergal & Louis Joseph Ferdinand Herold | © words & music: public domain | CCLI License # 487103

MUSIC FOR CLOSING
Postlude in g Minor|Mark L. Williams
Chuck Stanley, organ

Mark L. Williams | ©2002 Hinshaw Music (administered worldwide by the Fred Bock Publishing Group) | all rights reserved | used with permission under One License #A-726973

* please stand in body or spirit.

Join us next Sunday, when we continue the series Jesus, with the message The Treasure of His Kingdom, based on Matthew 13:44-46.

WAYS TO CONNECT | christchurchfl.org/ways2connect  

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.     

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. 

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

HOLY WEEK

Maundy Thursday | april 17

traditional worship & experiential seder |  7pm | fort lauderdale sanctuary and gym
reserve a spot for the seder at christchurchfl.org/events

Good Friday | april 18

traditional service |  7pm | fort lauderdale sanctuary

EASTER | april 20

6:30am | sunrise service | christ church field

9am | praise service | gym

10:30am | egg hunt on the lawn

11am | traditional service | fort lauderdale sanctuary

CONNECT        

JOY GROUP wednesday | april 2 | 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 

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 44^th 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 38^th Street, Oakland Park, on Monday nights.    

GROW       

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 Francis 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

MORNING OF SHARING saturday | may 10 | 10am-12noon | christ church  Christ Church will host a Morning of Sharing, led by the South East District Beloved Community Team, on Saturday, May 10, 10am-12noon. It will be a time to engage in meaningful cross-cultural dialogue, learn tools to foster diversity and inclusion, and strengthen relationships within our community. It will be one of five gatherings across the district that morning. Please register in advance from a link at   christchurchfl.org/events

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. 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     

ZOE EMPOWERS  We are planning to support a Zoe Empowerment Group in Africa for the next three years. This is a way to help abandoned and orphaned teens and young adults develop the skills to support themselves and their families in their context. You can learn more and become part of the start-up team at christchurchfl.org/zoe

HELP WITH MAUNDY THURSDAY EXPERIENTIAL SEDER wednesday | april 16 & thursday | april 17  Part of the Maundy Thursday service 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

RETURN FILLED PLASTIC EGGS NEXT SUNDAY  All of the plastic Easter eggs are in homes being filled with non-chocolate candy and prizes. Please bring the filled eggs back next Sunday, April 6. Just a reminder: No chocolate, please; it melts!

PURCHASE EASTER PLANTS FOR WORSHIP deadline | tuesday | april 1  You have an opportunity to purchase an Easter plant that will be used to decorate our worship spaces on Easter Sunday. You can dedicate it to a loved one as well. A variety of spring plants will be purchased. The price is $15. For details and to make a purchase, go to christchurchfl.org/easter-plants

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

PLAN TO BRING MUFFINS AND COOKIES FOR EASTER  We want to welcome guests on Easter morning with coffee and treats. Your contributions would be much appreciated. You may bring them to church before the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. Thank you in advance for any contributions.

WELCOME GUESTS ON EASTER SUNDAY  With the Sunrise Service and Easter egg hunt, we could use extra Welcome Team volunteers for Easter Sunday. If you can help greet and welcome guests at any of the services or help with the Easter treat coffee and buffet, please send an email to welcome@christchurchfl.org   and a leader will be in touch.

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 

BLOOD DRIVE sunday | june 8 | 8am-12:30pm | big red bus will be parked on the fort lauderdale campus  Donate blood and save three lives, all while going to or leaving church on Sunday, June 8. The Big Red Bus donation center will be parked on the Fort Lauderdale Campus before worship that day. Coming soon: a link to sign up.

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 44^th 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

SUMMER CAMP AT WARREN WILLIS july 13-19  Rising 4^th 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 campus and learn more at   christchurchfl.org/camp

STUDENTS

EXTREME TEEN LEADERS today | march 30 | 6pm | christ church  Students ages 13-18 are invited to join Extreme Teen Leaders for a night of celebration, vision casting and inspiration in the Christ Church gym and fellowship halls. It’s free, with food, fun, music and dancing. Get the details at christchurchfl.org/students   Hope to see you at 6 tonight!