Revitalize Your Church

. A few years ago I developed a version of John Wesley's Covenant Renewal with updated language for my church based on the works of George Lyon and Jeren Rowel.  We used it the first Sunday of the New Year. Wesley Covenant Renewal An Adaptation by Mark O. Wilson from versions of the Covenant by George Lyon and Jeren Rowel Introduction:   Historical background of John Wesley, and the purpose for the covenant renewal. Hymn:   “Come Let Us Use the Grace Divine” written by Charles Wesley especially for the covenant renewal. Another version is found here that could be used in churches that rely on videos, rather than live musicians, for congregational singing. LEADER : "Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant which will never be forgotten" (Jer. 50:5, RSV ). LEADER : Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your ...

MorningSong Worship Father’s Day, T rinity Sunday June 15, 2014 Minister -- Mark Wilson Liturgists --   Tom Correll, Steve Gerich, Stacy Wilson Worship Leader --   Ryan Wilson GATHERING Call to Worship Leader:  Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. All: And with thy spirit. Collect of the Day   Leader:   God be with you. All:   And also with you. Leader:   Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true  faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever  and ever. Amen ** Hymn  Great is Thy Faithfulness p. 43 ...

Explaining our new MorningSong worship service to my friend, Bob, I said,  "It will be a fresh expression of old traditions.  We will read passages from both Testaments, sing the great hymns, have communion every Sunday and recite ancient prayers." "Ancient prayers?"  Bob replied, "How about Luke 18:11?   'God, I thank you that I am not like other people -- robbers, evildoers -- an even this tax collector.'" "I think we will skip that ancient prayer." Just because it's old doesn't mean it's good.