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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! 

March 7, 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!

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

Beautiful

I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You're beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It's all proclaiming who you are
You're beautiful

I see you there hanging on a tree
You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me
Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity's shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we'll sing
You're beautiful

TOday's Announcements

Here are a few critical announcements to keep in mind:

• Covenant Membership Class - Open Registration: At the request of some in the congregation, registration for the Covenant Membership Class is now open! If you are interested in becoming a member here or simply want to re-familiarize yourself with what we’re all about, please register online here. We will leave registration open for the next couple of weeks, then we’ll pick a Sunday to hold the class (either virtually or in-person depending on the comfort level of those who register). If you have any questions feel free to reach out to .
• Daylight Savings Time: Don't forget, Daylight Savings Time takes effect next week.  Be sure to change your clocks!
• Mercy Hill Youth Hangout: All Mercy Hill Youth are invited for a hangout after Service on Sunday, March 14th at 1:00pm!  We'll have time for fellowship, prayer, and getting in God's Word.  And we even plan to provide some pizza!  Our plan, weather permitting, is to meet at the picnic tables in the pavilion around the back of Allen at Steinbeck Elementary where we meet for Sunday Service.  See ya there!
• 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!
• All Church Prayer: The All Church Prayer meeting will be meeting online tonight. Consider joining us for a time of corporate prayer! For additional details and a link to join in click here.
• Ladies Bible Study - It's not too late!: Women of Mercy Hill, please join us for a Bible study going through The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ directions for life in Christ found in Matthew 5-7. Beginning February 23rd, we’ll gather every other Tuesday evening from 7:30-9:00pm for nine sessions. We’ll spend time individually beforehand in God’s word, using Jen Wilkins’ highly recommended study guide, and then meet collectively on Zoom for discussion and prayer. Optional corresponding videos are available for viewing as well. Click here for an introduction to the study and to order the book.  Please request to join here if you're wanting to participate. We hope to see you and look forward to growing together and loving Jesus more and more!  Note: If purchasing the books will be a hardship for you, please feel free to contact us at for help with the cost.
• 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!
• COVID-19 SOS Form: If you or anyone you know needs help during this challenging time, we'd love to do what we can!  Fill out the form here.

Today's Sermon

Title: Agony in Gethsemane: The Cup, the Cry, and the Cross (Part 1)
Text: Luke 22:39-46
Preacher: Nick Weber
Manuscript: If you appreciate following along with written material, you can find today's manuscript here.

Call to Response

1.  Sing:

All I Have Is Christ

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way.
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave.

I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will.
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross.

And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ.
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life.

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me.

Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose.
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

His Mercy Is More

What love could remember no wrongs we have done
Omniscient, all knowing, he counts not their sum
Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore
Our sins they are many, his mercy is more

Praise the Lord
His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness, new every morn
Our sins they are many, his mercy is more

What patience would wait as we constantly roam
What father, so tender, is calling us home
He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor
Our sins they are many, his mercy is more

What riches of kindness he lavished on us
His blood was the payment, his life was the cost
We stood 'neath a debt we could never afford
Our sins they are many, his mercy is more

2.  Pray:

If you need prayer in any way, please either: (1) fill out a Connection Card; or (3) 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, each Sunday, 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! 

Responding to Recent Events

Updated: 6/11/20 - We added more resources to consider.

Mercy Hill, make no mistake: the church exists for times such as these.  Christianity, after all, has at its center a God who—out of concern for the vulnerable and the oppressed—came down, took on flesh, and gave His own life in love for them (Exo 2:23-25; Acts 10:38).  We who now share in His Spirit are called also to share in His mission!

To those immediately affected by prejudice, racism, and injustice, have no doubt: our God stands with you, and we want to stand with you as well.

To those desiring to help but unsure where to start, here are a few next steps for you to consider:

(Disclosure: Many other church leaders and voices have helped me in the compiling of this list.)

• LISTEN: Give ear to the stories of black men and women as they share their experiences with prejudice, racism, and injustice.  Stop assuming you know and understand.  You don’t.  Ask a lot of questions.  Be sensitive and empathetic.  Listen well.
  
  —>  Prov 18:13; James 1:19
  
  
• LEARN: Take time to learn about both: (1) what the Bible has to say concerning racism and injustice; and (2) the history of such things in America.  The Biblical vision is more comprehensive and compelling than you may realize.  And America’s history is more dark and disturbing than you may know. (For help here, see the recommended resources below.) 
  
  —>  Gal 2:14; Rev 5:9
  
  
• LAMENT: Weep with those who weep.  Grieve with those who grieve.  Break with those who are broken.  Share in the burden.  Don’t rush to quick-fixes or superficial activism.  First, let yourself feel what the hurting feel.  Enter into their pain and cry out to God for mercy on their behalf.
  
  —>  John 11:33-35; Rom 12:15
  
  
• REPENT: Ask God’s forgiveness for the ways you personally have contributed to the issues of prejudice, racism, and injustice either by your cold indifference or your active participation.  In one way or another, we all are the culprit here.  But, take heart.  His mercy is more.
  
  —>  Acts 3:19-20; 1 John 1:8-9
  
  
• ADVOCATE: Don’t just talk and pray about all of this.  Do something!  Stand in the gap for the marginalized and oppressed.  Care for them personally.  Lobby for them politically.  Teach the next generation about racism and implicit bias and help them stand guard against it.  Be the church!
  
  —>  Isa 58:6-8; James 2:16

Recommended Resources

The Biblical-Theological Perspective

• The Gospel Coalition's MLK50 Conference (You might try to find a few messages here that particularly interest you and listen in!)
• The Bible Project's videos on The Image of God and Justice (These guys put forward short, powerful videos on key biblical themes . . . well worth your time!)
• Transforming the Bay with Christ's recent webinar: Racial Justice Through the Church (I have yet to check this out, but I think it would be particularly helpful to hear from other nearby pastors on the issue.)
• Tim Keller's helpful message: Racism and Corporate Evil: A White Guy's Perspective.
• Christian hip-hop artist Shai Linne shares his perspective in this post George Floyd and Me, which was published on The Gospel Coalition's website.

The Historical-Cultural Perspective

• Let It Fall (A documentary on Netflix that chronicles the simmering tension and broken trust between L.A.'s black community and police in the decade before the Rodney King riots.)
• When They See Us (A Netflix mini-series based on true events where five young black boys were charged and punished for a crime they didn't commit.  Be warned, this is an intense and deeply troubling story, but it will certainly open your eyes a bit wider to the issues at hand.  See The Gospel Coalition's review of the series here.)
• TED Talks: Why I, as a black man, attend KKK rallies (John Lugo received this from Stanford and found it to be helpful); Systemic Racism Explained; Let's get to the root of racial injustice; How to deconstruct racism one headline at a time (these last three come as recommendations from Tolu Odulesi).
• Teaching Ideas and Resources to Help Students Make Sense of the George Floyd Protests
• A Detailed List of Anti-Racism Resources

For Your Kids!

• The Gospel in Color (for Kids and for Parents) (For a limited time, Patrol is letting you use the discount code: ICantBreathe for a free digital download of these books.  You can go through these quick studies as a family around the dinner table.  That's what I plan to do!)

PLEASE NOTE: I have not had time to personally “vet” all of these resources and, therefore, it must be stated that the opinions therein do not necessarily represent mine or that of Mercy Hill.  That said, if you can be discerning, I am certain you will find much to learn from and be challenged by here.