Set List, 08/04 - 08/05/12 - Fellowship Bible Church

This week our pastor, Joe Hishmeh, shared some biblical wisdom regarding dating relationships, as we continued our series called "Can You Relate?". In his message, Joe emphasized the importance of seeking wisdom in our relationships and thinking of the big picture of the future rather than only thinking of the presence. It was great, practical wisdom, which is of benefit to all of us, whether we are already married or in dating relationships, because it gives us wise counsel that we can pass on to others. You can listen to or watch the entire message and service here. For our singing this week, we focused on the holiness and trustworthiness of God. We can trust Him with the people in our lives, as well as their (and our) relationships.

Here's our service plan from this weekend:

"Holy Is The Lord" (Ab) [Chris Tomlin] Welcome/Greeting Time Call To Worship/Confession/Ps. 51:1-2 Reading "You Alone Can Rescue" (Bb) [Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin] "Cornerstone" (Bb) [Edward Mote, Jonas Myrin, Reuben Morgan, Eric Liljero, William B. Bradbury] Communion "Christ Is Risen" (Gb) [Matt Maher, Mia Fieldes] Taking of the Elements Reprise of "Christ Is Risen" (Gb) Message - "Can You Relate? - Dating" [Joe Hishmeh] "Always" (Bb) [Kristian Stanfill, Jason Ingram] Offering/Announcements/Dismissal

"Holy Is The Lord" - We sang this song as a foundation for our services, in recognizing the holiness and glory of God. When we see God as He is--high and lifted up and greatly exalted--we see ourselves more clearly as those who are desperate for forgiveness and salvation. God's holiness and perfection is the foundation for understanding our own sinfulness and our need for salvation. This is a song that we haven't sung much since I have been here, but it is one that holds a special place in my faith journey, and it was great to hear the church singing together on it.

"You Alone Can Rescue" - After our time of confessing the idols in our lives (the things that we have put stock in for our hope, our peace, our trust, etc.), we read Psalm 51:1-2. Then, we sang this song, expressing our confidence in Christ alone for our life and salvation. He is the only one who can heal us, help us, restore us, rescue us, and give us life. His is the only name in which we can trust without fear.

"Cornerstone" - We have been teaching this song to our congregation over the past few weeks, and I think it is taking root here. As I have written before, I love the lyric of "On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand," and how it expresses confidence and hope in the finished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. I love singing this together with the Church.

"Christ Is Risen" - This was our communion song this week, and I thought it tied everything from this weekend together. It called us away from sin and toward Christ. It called us to trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross. It called us to hope in His resurrection from the dead. It reminded us of His victory over sin, death, and hell. It called us to life. We haven't sung this since Easter, and it was good to sing it together again. I love this one.

"Always" - This is another that we haven't sung in a while (April). I love how this song calls us to courage and confidence in Christ, recognizing that He alone is our hope and salvation. We can trust Him with our lives, with our broken relationships, with our conflicts, with our hurts, knowing that He can heal us and rescue us. This song says it so well. "I lift my eyes up/ My help comes from the Lord."

This weekend was a solid weekend. We made a few changes mid-stream, which caused some interesting moments, but overall it was a great time of worshiping together. The team did a great job adapting and leading our congregation well. It seems like it has been a while since we've had a "regular" weekend of worship, and it was refreshing to get back to leading with the full team again. I loved how well all the songs connected this week. Glory to God for His direction.

I hope you had a great weekend of worship wherever you were!

What were your thoughts or experiences from this weekend in your church?

p.s. don't forget to check out The Worship Community!