WELCOME TO WORSHIP | sunday | april 6, 2025

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

to each other and our community.

PRELUDE
Blessed be the Name | arr. David McDonald 
Jeff Spotts, piano & Doug Friend, percussion



David McDonald | © 2008 Pilot Point Music (ASCAP) | all rights reserved | used with permission under One License #A-726973

WELCOME | Pastor Peytyn Tobin

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

* CALL TO WORSHIP | Leigh Neely, liturgist 
Come, beloved of God, for the kingdom is not some distant dream – it is here, now, all around us.
We open our hearts to see and to receive the nearness of God.
The love of God permeates every breath, every heartbeat, every moment. The kingdom is among us!
God’s presence surrounds us, love fills us, and the Spirit moves among us!
Look with new eyes – see the sacred in the ordinary. Hear the whisper of heaven in the wind, the laughter of children, the cries for justice.
The kingdom of God calls us to act with love, to walk humbly, and to serve as Christ served.
Come, let us worship the God who reigns not only above us but within us and through us.
Blessed be the one whose kingdom is here, now, and forevermore!

* GATHERING HYMN
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 139 (verses 1,2,3,5)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near; join me in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigning
bears thee on eagle’s wings, e’er in his keeping maintaining.
God’s care enfolds all, whose true good he upholds. Hast thou not known his sustaining?

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, who with his love doth befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the amen sound from his people again; gladly forever adore him.

Catherine Winkworth & Joachim Neander | © words: public domain | music: public domain | CCLI License # 487103

* OPENING PRAYER 
Gracious God, we give thanks for calling us to be a part of your kingdom – a kingdom that is not just a distant hope, but a present reality woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Open our eyes to recognize your kingdom around us: in acts of kindness, in words of encouragement, and in the quiet spaces where your love dwells. Transform us from the inside out and stir within us the courage to embody your truth and grace in all that we do. Help us to serve others selflessly, to bring joy to the weary, and to offer hope to the hopeless. Let our lives be a testimony to your presence, a beacon that draws others closer to you. Let your kingdom come not only around us but through us. Amen.

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH | Pastor Monique McBride
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

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 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

Yours is the Kingdom | Cindy Berry
Chancel Choir
All praise I give to you alone, Father and Creator, Alpha and Omega, Redeemer and Sustainer. Holy Lamb of God, blessed Prince of Peace, I will never cease to praise you, for yours is the kingdom, yours is the power, and the glory forevermore. I could never comprehend the grace you’ve freely given. Wondrous is your love for me, higher than the heavens. As I abide in you, as you live through me, may others see your glory. As I bow before you, I would give you praise. I would serve you only and walk in your ways.

Cindy Berry | © 1999 GlorySound, a div. of Shawnee Press, Inc. | 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  | Pastor Doug Johns

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE | Pastor Monique McBride

THE LORD’S PRAYER | Pastor Monique McBride
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.

SCRIPTURE 
Matthew 13:44-46 | Contemporary English Version
⁴⁴ The kingdom of heaven is like what happens when someone finds a treasure hidden in a field and buries it again. Such a person is happy and goes and sells everything in order to buy that field.

⁴⁵ The kingdom of heaven is like what happens when a shop owner is looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶ After finding a very valuable one, the owner goes and sells everything in order to buy that pearl.

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

MESSAGE
Jesus | The Treasure of His Kingdom | Pastor Peytyn Tobin

THE LORD’S SUPPER   
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he sold everything and bought it. This table is not ours, but God’s. It is a table of grace, where all are welcome. No one is turned away, for Christ himself is the host. Come, all who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Come, all who long for something more. Come, not because you must, but because you may. Come, and find your place at the feast of grace.

CONFESSION AND PARDON
leader Let us come before God with open hearts, confessing our sins and seeking His mercy.

all Merciful God, We confess that we have not always valued your kingdom above all else. We have sought after temporary treasures and ignored the lasting joy found in you. We have failed to love you with our whole heart and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us, we pray. Restore us in your grace, that we may live as people of your kingdom, seeing its worth, sharing its joy, and following Christ with our whole lives. Amen.

(Silent confession)

leader Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

all In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God. Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you. 

And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

leader It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. You brought all things into being and called them good. From the dust of the earth you formed us into your image and breathed into us the breath of life. When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast. And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

all   Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

...

leader And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

all Christ has died;
Christ is risen;
Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and cup. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet. Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.

GATHERING AT THE LORD’S TABLE

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Eternal God, We give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to seek your kingdom, to share the treasure of your grace, and to live as faithful disciples of Christ. In his name we pray. Amen.

* HYMN OF COMMITMENT
We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 569 (verses 1,2,3)
We’ve a story to tell to the nations, 
that shall turn their hearts to the right, 
a story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light, 
a story of peace and light.

(refrain) For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and the dawning to noonday bright;
and Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
the kingdom of love and light.

We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
a song that shall conquer evil and shatter the spear and sword,
and shatter the spear and sword.  (refrain)

We’ve a message to give to the nations,
that the Lord who reigneth above,
hath sent us his Son to save us, and show us that God is love,
and show us that God is love.  (refrain)

© words & music: public domain

* 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
Solemn March | arr. George Blake
Chuck Stanley, organ

Felix Mendelssohn & George Blake | ©1988 Lorenz Publishing Company, a division of The Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services) | all rights reserved
used with permission under One License #A-726973

* please stand in body or spirit.

Next Sunday, Palm Sunday, we continue the Lenten series, Jesus, with the message, The Victory of His Defeat, based on Matthew 21:1-10 and 27:27-31.

WAYS TO CONNECT | christchurchfl.org/ways2connect

TODAY

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. 

ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE today | 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 11am service, 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

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Palm Sunday | april 13
9am praise | 11am traditional
all children are invited to wave palms at the beginning of each service

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 | come as you are | bring a chair | coffee ready

9am | praise service | gym

10:30am | egg hunt on the lawn

11am | traditional service | fort lauderdale sanctuary

CONNECT        

JOY GROUP wednesday | may 7 | 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 

WELCOME BRUNCH sunday | may 18 | 10am } fellowship hall 1  If you or someone you sit next to during worship is new to Christ Church, we’d love to get acquainted at the Welcome brunch on Sunday, May 18, at 10am. This is an opportunity to learn more about the church and meet others. If you’re interested or have questions, please send an email to welcome@christchurchfl.org

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       

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

UNITED METHODIST 101 sunday | june 1 | 4pm } fellowship hall 1  Pastor Catahy Johns will hold 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 later in June. Email Pastor Cathy, cjohns@christchurchfl.org, to sign up for the class. Child care is available by contacting Lisa Jones, ljones@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. 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. Hosting involves bringing ceramic plates, cloth napkins, and silverware for six placesettings. Sign up at christchurchfl.org/easter

BLESSINGS FOOD PANTRY ACCEPTING DONATIONS The following items would be greatly appreciated: canned tuna or chicken, canned or boxed soups, cereals, instant potatoes, tomato sauce, rice, pasta, mac-and-cheese, canned beans, canned vegetables, jelly, peanut butter, coffee/tea, canned fruit, canned ravioli, canned meat such as Spam, and cereal bars. Items may be taken to the pantry during pantry hours, 9-11am Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or brought to worship on Sunday. Learn more at christchurchfl.org/blessings

RETURN FILLED PLASTIC EGGS TODAY  The plastic Easter eggs are to be returned today, April 6. If you forgot, contact Lisa Jones, ljones@christchurchfl.org. to make arrangements. 

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 

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

CHURCH BUSINESS

Christ Church campuses, Fort Lauderdale and Parkway, will be closed Easter Monday, April 21. The Blessings Food Pantry will be closed that day too. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, April 22.