For months, I had struggled, knowing that we were going to start a Saturday evening service. I struggled with what the first message should be. I struggled with what the Saturday evening services were for. I struggled with what group to target and who I thought the Lord wanted me to reach. I struggled right up to the Sunday before, when everything suddenly became quite clear.
I had been invited to preach at a small church in Springtown, PA and was struck by the Lectionary Scripture about Zacchaeus who had to climb a tree in order to get a glimpse of Jesus. (See the sermon of Oct. 31). Those were the people that the Lord wanted me to reach. The people we make climb trees in order to get a glimpse of Jesus. The people we consider misfits and outcasts.
I quickly put together a new type of church bulletin, geared to this unchurched and maybe unbelieving group that I was led to bring in on Saturday's. The sermon was a variation of the Oct. 31st. sermon, letting people know that our doors were truly open to everyone. The bulletin:
McMichaels United Methodist Church
Saturday Evening
Service
First worship series
November 6, 2004
Where you are always welcome!
Welcome to the first meeting of our Saturday evening worship service. The goal is to have an open format with little structure. Participation from the group is encouraged with questions or comments accepted throughout the service. If you feel you have the need to question or comment, please do so.
Our purpose is to investigate and discover our own purpose in life and how that relates to Christ. Many of us feel we don’t belong in a church. But a true church will make us feel welcomed. We are a group of misfits in society or in other churches. We have questions and are often unsure of our feelings about religion and about God.
Many of us long to feel the peace that Christians say they have. Most of us want to belong, but we don’t know how or even if we should try to experience God. We may not even think there is a God. After all, what has He done for me?
We won’t have all the answers and may create more questions, but together we can search and find the direction that we so desperately seek. As a group, we are free to talk openly and honestly about our fears and hopes. We are free to ask the tough questions and explore the answers together. This is where we will soon find out that we are not misfits, but just misplaced.
Please feel free to make any suggestions you may have to make this a better place to worship and a better place to get to know God.
Welcome!
Please pass this bulletin on to someone else when you are through.
Let others know that there is a place for them.
I made sure the bulletins were colorful and contained the words to all the music and bible readings we used and chose Scripture from The Message in order to make things more understandable. Our first bulletin was 6 pages long. I used words that were simple and inviting in outlining the service. (No long, church names or descriptions). We start each service with a period of 15 minutes to half an hour of fellowship and refreshments. This gives everyone a chance to meet each other and sit and relax with a few munchies before the service starts. Then everyone goes into the sanctuary as a group and finds a seat.
Saturday Service Outline
(Subject to change, revision and additions as directed by the Spirit)
Refreshments and Fellowship.
Entering the Sanctuary. Music – “Come Worship the Lord”
John Michael Talbot
Lighting of the Candle.
Welcome message.
Song: “Standing In The Need of Prayer” (See Insert)
Prayer time. Please be prepared to offer the first name of anyone that you feel could benefit from prayer. Please don’t forget yourself or your family.
Bible Reading: Luke, Chapter 19, Verses 1-10
(See back of bulletin).
Song: “Sanctuary” (See insert)
Short Message: Must I Always Climb the Tree?
Song: “Have You Seen Jesus, My Lord?” (See insert)
Freewill Offering: Song: “Who Is This Man?” (Sorry, but we must support this ministry somehow. Please only give if you feel moved to give. And, please only give what you can.)
Prayer of Thanksgiving.
Song: “Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place”
(See Insert)
Modern ‘Lord’s Prayer’ (See back of bulletin. Recited by all).
