In many ways, testimony is the most democratic—and empowering—of all Christian practices. The entire New Testament is a testimony, a record of experiences that early Christians had with the transformative power of God. Those early believers wrote down theirtestimonies their experiences of sharing their testimonies, and the impace of their testimonyes on the people around them. This basic structure unerlies almost every book in the New Testament—-most of which claim to “witness” or “testify” to the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Diana Butler-Bass, Christianity for the Rest of Us
We would love for you to let us know you’re here. This worship guide is meant to be a companion to our Livestream service. You can join us live at 11am on Sunday morning or watch the recorded service later, following along with the words to hymns, etc. in a separate window or on your phone, or print this guide out if you like!
CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 66
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you. All the earth worships you they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.” Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.
He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in him, who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations – let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard, who has kept us among the living and has not let our feet slip.
For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid burdens on our backs; you let people ride over our heads; we went through the fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a spacious place. I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will pay you my vows, those that my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
I will offer to you burnt offerings of fatlings, with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for me.
HYMN #581: “I Love to Tell the Story”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 43:8-12, Hebrews 10:24-25, Matthew 5:14-16
Community Ministry Need The Community Ministry is looking for a mattress set and bed frame in good condition for one of our neighbors. If you have a mattress set and/or bed frame you could part with, please email community@tbcrichmond.org.
Following the Worship Service, we encourage you to continue visiting with friends in the Livestream Chat, or join a Talk-Back moderated by Sandi Lowery and Beth McMahon. Share your laughter and tears, along with your prayer needs, as we discuss the sermon of the week.
Do church with others.
Study. Pray. Connect.
Gather with the family of God.
The Gather Summer Series is a weekly set of discussion questions and worship guide for you to enjoy in small gatherings of 10 or less, with other church members, or even neighbors. Participate in any way you feel comfortable, whether that be gathering via Zoom, around the fire pit in your backyard, or in your driveway.
This summer, we will actively covenant together in multiple ways, particularly in our physical gatherings in one another’s homes. You can find more details related to our expectations, hopes, and practices here.
Our Community Ministry is actively serving neighbors on a weekly basis. We have consistently seen about 50 families each week, and sometimes up to 100! If you would like to support this key ministry to our neighbors, our current needs include:
Last Sunday, some of our musicians shared different arrangements of “As the Deer”. As we continue the conversation this week, we encourage you to listen to the stanzas of the song. You may choose to use the music, and lyrics, as a prayer guide, or as an entry into prayer.
This week, our communal theme is “contemplation”. As we continue the conversation, we invite you to learn more about various tools that help us listen to God.
A labyrinth is a meandering path, often unicursal, with a singular path leading to a center. Labyrinths are an ancient archetype dating back 4,000 years or more, used symbolically, as a walking meditation, choreographed dance, or site of rituals and ceremony, among other things. Labyrinths are tools for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation, also thought to enhance right-brain activity. Labyrinths evoke metaphor, sacred geometry, spiritual pilgrimage, religious practice, mindfulness, environmental art, and community building.
Please take a moment to visit this website, spend some time in prayer as you move through a labyrinth.
Last week, key leadership gathered together for a two hour virtual meeting. We’re pleased to report that the group reached a consensus on our church structure for September – late December 2020. Please set aside half hour to watch or listen to the presentation. Continue to pray for discernment as we have some big decisions to make together in the days and weeks ahead.
God continues to provide and we continue to feel called!
We encourage you to join the conversation as we begin to host a series of weekly town hall meetings. Our first meeting is tonight, Tuesday, August 4, 9-10 PM
We would love for you to let us know you’re here. This worship guide is meant to be a companion to our Livestream service. You can join us live at 11am on Sunday morning or watch the recorded service later, following along with the words to hymns, etc. in a separate window or on your phone, or print this guide out if you like!
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young– a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob. Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.
HYMN #49: “As the Deer”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING: Ecclesiastes 5:1-3, Psalm 42:1-5, Ephesians 3:14-20, Matthew 6:5-8
Community Ministry Need The Community Ministry is looking for a mattress set and bed frame in good condition for one of our neighbors. If you have a mattress set and/or bed frame you could part with, please email community@tbcrichmond.org.
Following the Worship Service, we encourage you to continue visiting with friends in the Livestream Chat, or join a Talk-Back moderated by Sandi Lowery and Beth McMahon. Share your laughter and tears, along with your prayer needs, as we discuss the sermon of the week.
Important Discussion Meeting for Parents and Grandparents!
Plan to join the pastoral staff on Tuesday August 4 at 9:00 PM for a discussion concerning children’s educational needs for the coming months. The pastoral staff and the Children’s Team need your input concerning how the church can be helpful to your family in the near future. We know that life is challenging on so many fronts and are interested in helping to problem solve together. Please watch Sterling’s video for more information about some of the ideas that are floating about. Do not be limited by these ideas, but let your imagination soar!
Join Emily White in reading and discussing Tayari Jones’ novel An American Marriage. This fabulous story explores challenges of racial injustice through the story of one couple’s relationship. Pick up a copy and join us for discussion on Friday, August 7th, at 7:30 PM. In order to respect our Summer Hospitality Covenant, space will be limited. Please sign up by August 5th so we can prepare accordingly.
Do church with others.
Study. Pray. Connect.
Gather with the family of God.
The Gather Summer Series is a weekly set of discussion questions and worship guide for you to enjoy in small gatherings of 10 or less, with other church members, or even neighbors. Participate in any way you feel comfortable, whether that be gathering via Zoom, around the fire pit in your backyard, or in your driveway.
This summer, we will actively covenant together in multiple ways, particularly in our physical gatherings in one another’s homes. You can find more details related to our expectations, hopes, and practices here.
Our Community Ministry is actively serving neighbors on a weekly basis. We have consistently seen about 50 families each week, and sometimes up to 100! If you would like to support this key ministry to our neighbors, our current needs include:
