Our Blog

May 23, 2021 - Sunday Service Worship Guide

Welcome!

Good morning Mercy Hill and happy Sunday to you!  If you're new with us, we just wanted to extend a special welcome to you.  Feel free to fill out a Connection Card to get more info or prayer.  We're glad to have you with us!

Fill out a Connection Card!

If you're gathering with us in person, please don't forget to register if you haven't already.  If you're tuning in for the Live Stream, we'd encourage everyone to please consider taking a moment to put a comment in the chat box there.  Let us know who you are and maybe where you're tuning in from.  Say hi.  We miss you!  And as we get into the message, feel free to share other Scriptures that come to mind, prayer requests that you have, questions that you'd like answered, etc.  It would be great to interact even in this limited format.

Call to Worship

Holy Spirit

There's nothing worth more
that will ever come close
No thing can compare
You're our living hope
Your presence Lord

I've tasted and seen
of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free
and my shame is undone
Your presence Lord

Holy Spirit You are welcome here
come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
to be overcome by Your presence Lord

Let us become more aware of Your presence
Let us become experience the glory of Your goodness

TOday's Announcements

Here are a few critical announcements to keep in mind:

• Mercy Hill Men's Hike: Men, let's get out and sweat together! Join other brothers from Mercy Hill on Saturday, May 29th at 9:00am for a hike at Quicksilver County Park. We'll be meeting at a trailhead off the Wood Road entrance (click here for directions). The hike should be about 3.5 miles—enough to burn but not totally destroy ; ) Be sure to bring plenty of water. To RSVP so we know to expect you, click here. For any questions please email Paul Walton at .
• Mercy Hill Kids Online Worship: Mercy Hill Kids is meeting at 11:45 am (both Preschool and Elementary class). Go here to read more and to find a link to sign in!  For more information, please contact Christina Lugo at   .
• Sunday Prayer Walk: We will be gathering after service today at 1:00pm to do a prayer walk in the local neighborhood! So grab lunch after the service, and consider joining us to pray for our neighboring community, as we hope to have the opportunity to share the gospel with those who are open and ready to engage. We'll have a brief time before the prayer walk to discuss what to pray for, so we invite anyone regardless of experience to join and learn.  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chris Keener at
• Home Groups: Many of our Home Groups have moved to a hybrid (in-person + virtual) format.  Whatever your comfort level with meeting, you're welcome to come check one out.  Find one to join here.  You are not alone!

Today's Sermon

Title: Cause + Effect (Part 2): How the Cross of Christ Unlocks Prison Doors
Text: Luke 23:13-25
Preacher: Nick Weber
Manuscript: If you appreciate following along with written material, you can find today's manuscript here.

Call to Response

1.  Sing:

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine, will be forever mine
You are forever mine

Who You Say I Am

Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me

Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I'm a child of God
Yes I am

Free at last He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me

Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I'm a child of God
Yes I am
In my Father's house
There's a place for me
I'm a child of God
Yes I am

I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am

2.  Pray:

If you need prayer in any way, please either: (1) fill out a Connection Card; or (2) post your request to our Mercy Hill Community Facebook Group.  We’d love to be lifting you up and caring for you in this time!

3.  Give:

If you’d like to give an offering this morning, you can give online here.  Thanks for your generosity!

Mercy Hill Kids

While difficult, this pandemic does create a wonderful chance for parents to step towards their God-given call as chief disciplers of their kids.  We know this may feel overwhelming and that is why we want to help!  Parents of Mercy Hill children should have already received an email from the Director of Mercy Hill Kids, Christina Lugo, regarding ways you can utilize the Gospel Project curriculum at home.  This information has also been included on our blog here.  Beyond this, most Sundays, we are also hosting an online worship gathering for our kids.  You can check here for more details.  We'd love to have you join us!

If you have any questions or need help in any way, don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at    

Have a Wonderful Week! 

May 16, 2021 - Sunday Service Worship Guide

Welcome!

Good morning Mercy Hill and happy Sunday to you!  If you're new with us, we just wanted to extend a special welcome to you.  Feel free to fill out a Connection Card to get more info or prayer.  We're glad to have you with us!

Fill out a Connection Card!

If you're gathering with us in person, please don't forget to register if you haven't already.  If you're tuning in for the Live Stream, we'd encourage everyone to please consider taking a moment to put a comment in the chat box there.  Let us know who you are and maybe where you're tuning in from.  Say hi.  We miss you!  And as we get into the message, feel free to share other Scriptures that come to mind, prayer requests that you have, questions that you'd like answered, etc.  It would be great to interact even in this limited format.

Call to Worship

Lion and the Lamb

He's coming on the clouds
Kings and kingdoms will bow down
Every chain will break
As broken hearts declare His praise
For who can stop the Lord almighty?

Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah
He's roaring with power and fighting our battles
Every knee will bow before Him
Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain
For the sins of the world, His blood breaks the chains
Every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
Every knee will bow before Him

So open up the gates
Make way before the King of Kings
The God who comes to save
Is here to set the captives free
For who can stop the Lord almighty?

Who can stop the Lord almighty?
Who can stop the Lord almighty?

TOday's Announcements

Here are a few critical announcements to keep in mind:

• Stronger Together: Mercy Hill, we are excited to invite you to Stronger Together: A Prayer Vigil for Racial Justice in Memory of George Floyd, a collaboration of 10+ churches praying for nationwide justice and peace - at Palo Alto City Hall this coming Saturday 5/22 from 4:00-5:30pm.  Please come if you can!  We believe it will be a beautiful, powerful, prayer-filled Covid-safe gathering of many tribes, tongues and people.  It'd be a blessing to see you there.  PS - We'll have some surprise guest speakers present.  Please RSVP here if you are interested in joining up with others from Mercy Hill when you arrive.  For more information, please contact Runo Okiomah at  . 
• Sunday Prayer Walk: Lord willing, we will be gathering after service next Sunday, May 23rd at 1:00pm to do a prayer walk in the local neighborhood! So grab lunch after the service, and consider joining us to pray for our neighboring community, as we hope to have the opportunity to share the gospel with those who are open and ready to engage. We'll have a brief time before the prayer walk to discuss what to pray for, so we invite anyone regardless of experience to join and learn.  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chris Keener at
• Mercy Hill Men's Hike: Men, let's get out and sweat together! Join other brothers from Mercy Hill on Saturday, May 29th at 9:00am for a hike at Quicksilver County Park. We'll be meeting at a trailhead off the Wood Road entrance (click here for directions). The hike should be about 3.5 miles—enough to burn but not totally destroy ; ) Be sure to bring plenty of water. To RSVP so we know to expect you, click here. For any questions please email Paul Walton at .
• Communion Elements: We will be taking communion together immediately following the sermon. We have prepackaged elements at the Welcome Table.  If you haven't already picked them up, feel free to do so now. For those joining virtually, please plan to have those items ready as well.
• Mercy Hill Kids Online Worship: Mercy Hill Kids is meeting at 11:45 am (both Preschool and Elementary class). Go here to read more and to find a link to sign in!  For more information, please contact Christina Lugo at   .
• All Church Prayer: This Sunday's All Church Prayer meeting will be hosted online via Zoom.  Please go here for more info and the link to join!
• Home Groups: Many of our Home Groups have moved to a hybrid (in-person + virtual) format.  Whatever your comfort level with meeting, you're welcome to come check one out.  Find one to join here.  You are not alone!

Today's Sermon

Title: Cause + Effect (Part 1): How the Cross of Christ Makes Friends of Enemies
Text: Luke 23:1-12
Preacher: Nick Weber
Manuscript: If you appreciate following along with written material, you can find today's manuscript here.

Call to Response

1.  Sing:

The Heart of Worship

When the music fades, all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring something that's
of worth
That will bless Your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself is not what You
have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You, it's all about You Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You, it's all about You Jesus

King of endless worth no one
could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor all I have
is Yours
Every single breath

Goodness of God

I love You Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God

All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest nights
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a father
I’ve known You as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now,
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

2.  Pray:

If you need prayer in any way, please either: (1) fill out a Connection Card; or (2) post your request to our Mercy Hill Community Facebook Group.  We’d love to be lifting you up and caring for you in this time!

3.  Give:

If you’d like to give an offering this morning, you can give online here.  Thanks for your generosity!

Mercy Hill Kids

While difficult, this pandemic does create a wonderful chance for parents to step towards their God-given call as chief disciplers of their kids.  We know this may feel overwhelming and that is why we want to help!  Parents of Mercy Hill children should have already received an email from the Director of Mercy Hill Kids, Christina Lugo, regarding ways you can utilize the Gospel Project curriculum at home.  This information has also been included on our blog here.  Beyond this, most Sundays, we are also hosting an online worship gathering for our kids.  You can check here for more details.  We'd love to have you join us!

If you have any questions or need help in any way, don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at    

Have a Wonderful Week! 

May 9, 2021 - Sunday Service Worship Guide

Welcome!

Good morning Mercy Hill and happy Sunday to you!  If you're new with us, we just wanted to extend a special welcome to you.  Feel free to fill out a Connection Card to get more info or prayer.  We're glad to have you with us!

Fill out a Connection Card!

If you're gathering with us in person, please don't forget to register if you haven't already.  If you're tuning in for the Live Stream, we'd encourage everyone to please consider taking a moment to put a comment in the chat box there.  Let us know who you are and maybe where you're tuning in from.  Say hi.  We miss you!  And as we get into the message, feel free to share other Scriptures that come to mind, prayer requests that you have, questions that you'd like answered, etc.  It would be great to interact even in this limited format.

Call to Worship

Take a Moment

Take a moment to remember
Who God is and who I am
There You go lifting my load again

No longer am I held by
The yoke of this world
Come up under the yoke of Jesus
His yoke is easy and His burden is so light

You’re lifting my load
You’re lifting my load
You’re lifting my load
There it goes

TOday's Announcements

Here are a few critical announcements to keep in mind:

• Happy Mother's Day!  We just wanted to give a special shoutout to all the mothers of Mercy Hill.  We are so grateful for you!  As a way of expressing our appreciation we've got a couple things lined up for you: (1) Enjoy some Christine's Cookie Co. cookies on us, pick them up at the Welcome Table after the service; (2) While you're there, be sure to also grab a rose or two or three : )  We hope in some small way we can bless you for all you've done and continue to do.  God be with you!
• Mercy Hill Kids Online Worship: Mercy Hill Kids is meeting at 11:45 am (both Preschool and Elementary class). Go here to read more and to find a link to sign in!  For more information, please contact Christina Lugo at   .
• Home Groups: Many of our Home Groups have moved to a hybrid (in-person + virtual) format.  Whatever your comfort level with meeting, you're welcome to come check one out.  Find one to join here.  You are not alone!

Today's Sermon

Title: The Hope of a Plan
Text: John 20:19-23
Preacher: Bob Durstenfeld
Manuscript: If you appreciate following along with written material, you can find today's manuscript here.

Call to Response

1.  Sing:

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father’s love for us,
how vast beyond all measure
that He should give His only Son
to make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss.
The Father turns His face away
as wounds which mar the Chosen One
bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon the cross,
my sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there
until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life.
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything:
no gifts, no pow’r, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ:
His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart:
His wounds have paid my ransom.

O Come to the Altar

Are you hurting and broken within
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin
Jesus is calling
Have you come to the end of yourself
Do you thirst for a drink from the well
Jesus is calling

O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today there’s no reason to wait - Jesus is calling
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes a new life is born
Jesus is calling

Oh what a Savior isn’t He wonderful
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
Bow down before Him for He is Lord of all
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen

Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you’ve found

So Will I

God of creation
There at the start, before the beginning of time
With no point of reference
You spoke to the dark and fleshed out the wonder of light

And as You speak
A hundred billion galaxies are born
In the vapor of Your breath the planets form
If the stars were made to worship, so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You've made
Every burning star, a signal fire of grace
If creation sings Your praises, so will I

God of Your promise
You don't speak in vain, no syllable empty or void
For once You have spoken
All nature and science, follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak
A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Advancing in pursuit of what You said
If it all reveals Your nature, so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You say
Every painted sky, a canvas of Your grace
If creation still obeys You, so will I

If the stars were made to worship, so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence, so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness, so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high, so will I

And if the wind goes where You send it, so will I
If the rocks cry out in silence, so will I
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy
Then we'll sing again a hundred billion times

God of salvation
You chased down my heart through all of my failure and pride
On a hill You created
The light of the world abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You, so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You've done
Every part designed in a work of art called love
If You gladly chose surrender, so will I

I can see Your heart, eight billion different ways
Every precious one, a child You died to save
If You gave Your life to love them, so will I

Like You would again a hundred billion times
But what measure could amount to Your desire
You're the One who never leaves the one behind

2.  Pray:

If you need prayer in any way, please either: (1) fill out a Connection Card; or (2) post your request to our Mercy Hill Community Facebook Group.  We’d love to be lifting you up and caring for you in this time!

3.  Give:

If you’d like to give an offering this morning, you can give online here.  Thanks for your generosity!

Mercy Hill Kids

While difficult, this pandemic does create a wonderful chance for parents to step towards their God-given call as chief disciplers of their kids.  We know this may feel overwhelming and that is why we want to help!  Parents of Mercy Hill children should have already received an email from the Director of Mercy Hill Kids, Christina Lugo, regarding ways you can utilize the Gospel Project curriculum at home.  This information has also been included on our blog here.  Beyond this, most Sundays, we are also hosting an online worship gathering for our kids.  You can check here for more details.  We'd love to have you join us!

If you have any questions or need help in any way, don't hesitate to reach out to Christina at    

Have a Wonderful Week!