December 29th is our Sabbath Sunday, when we will worship from home instead of gathering for our usual services. We hope this Sabbath Sunday guide will equip you to reflect on the old year, and invite God into the year to come.

Before you start, print this reflection card for everyone who is with you and have pens ready. You may also want to pull up the Sabbath Sunday YouTube playlist on your TV to have all three videos ready to go.

Intro Video from Jared

Watch this 7.5 minute video where Jared will share a devotion and set up your time of worship

Worship Songs

We invite you to play the following two worship songs, Goodness of God and The Lord’s Prayer, pausing to read Psalm 103:13-19.

Read Scripture: Psalm 103:13-19

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”

Reflection & Prayer

Take out your Reflection Card and pen. Use Philippians 4:4-9 and the prompts below to guide your time of reflection.

Looking back at this year, what are some things that you “Lament”?
It is spiritual and holy to express your grief to the Lord. He already knows, but you invite God into your grief by sharing your lament. Is there something you grieve, ongoing sin you need to confess or troubles you experienced in the last year? Be honest and as specific as possible. God listens to your prayers and He sees your tears. In the “Lament” box, list the things that you grieve from this past year.
Looking back at this year, what are some things that you need to “Celebrate”?
Conversely, it is also important to recognize the good things God has done in your life this last year. Expressing gratitude is a powerful therapy for our hearts and minds. In the “Celebrate” box, list the things you thank God for from this past year.
Looking ahead to next year, what are some things that you need to “Petition” for?
Like a good and loving parent, God delights when His children ask for what they need. Even without knowing all that this year will hold, use the “petition” box to ask God for what you need from Him. Be bold and courageous in your request. God can handle it.
Looking ahead to next year, what are some things that you need to “Surrender”?
Sometimes, there are things we know we are holding back from God. With other things, we have trouble letting go and trusting Him with it. In the “Surrender” box, write the thing(s) you know you need to trust God with more in the coming year.
Take your reflections to God in prayer knowing that He desires to have a relationship with you and that you can trust Him with your thoughts and emotions. Thank Him and ask Him for what you need.
Share your reflections
If you are doing this with others, come back together after the personal reflection. Invite people to share what they put on their card, as much as they are willing to share. Have people pray for each other according to what was shared.

Blessing

Numbers 6:24-26 has a priestly blessing for God’s people long ago. Its words have so much power and beauty. While someone reads this prayer of blessing, imagine this as the prayer of your pastoral staff and church family over you and your household as we head into the new year together.

Happy New Year!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” - Number 6:24-26