Interested? Please review the church website and the full job description and send a cover letter with resume to Barb Doorlag at YYADSearch@coscrc.org by May 31, 2012.

We modern Christians have mixed feelings about singing “blood” songs. We understand Christ’s blood to be a necessary part of redemption, but we don’t want to think of it as… well, as blood. And songs like “Are You Washed in the Blood,” “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood,” and “O the Blood of Jesus” may strike us more as titles of horror flicks than something we’d want to sing in church.

This doesn’t seem to be the case back when Isaac Watts penned the verses of “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed!” Watts seemed to have a very strong sense of his own sinfulness and the immense sacrifice Christ paid on his behalf—blood and all. Consider the language he chooses. He begins by calling himself a worm. While there is biblical precedent for using this term (Psalm 22:6, Job 25:6), it’s not one we commonly use today. In fact, after 300 years of contentedly singing about themselves as worms, some worshipers (including those using the grey Psalter Hymnal) have softened this phrase to “for sinners such as I.” Indeed, many hymnals leave this song out entirely, opting instead for Watts’ similarly shaped, but less graphic hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

We should learn not only from the voices of the global and ecumenical Church, but also from the voices of the past. We don’t have to adopt “blood and worm” language as our primary expression in worship—and we certainly want to balance these images with those of the loved child led by a resurrected Christ—but Watts’ lyrics are a powerful antidote to the tug of “moralistic therapeutic deism” and remind us once again that we are fallen creatures in need of redemption.

We will sing “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” each week during Lent this year. Think of it as a Lenten musical discipline of sorts. Like any Lenten discipline, there may be some gritting of the teeth, but I expect we will also experience the joy of deepening roots as we live into this hymn. We’ll sing it in a number of forms: with the traditional early American tune MARTYRDOM, in modern settings by Bob Kauflin and Bruce Benedict, and as a choral anthem by Deborah Governor. Each rendition will bring out new facets of this gem of a hymn. My prayer is that each week will also deepen our faith in the One who leads us to the cross.

Can’t tell a worm from a garden variety sinner? Contact Greg Scheer (greg@coscrc.org)

April 5, Maundy Thursday, 7:00pm (nursery available, infants to age 5)
Maundy Thursday is a worship service remembering the upper room. We will gather around tables in the fellowship hall to hear the words of Christ and to break bread. There is a special role in the service for young readers.

April 6, Good Friday, 12:15pm (nursery available, infants to age 5)
Good Friday worship is a 45-minute service of scripture readings and songs focusing on the end of Christ’s life, from the betrayal in the Garden through his burial.

April 7, Easter Vigil, 8:30pm
The Early Church began its Easter celebrations with a vigil service on the evening of Holy Saturday. We continue this tradition in a service that begins with a procession into the darkened sanctuary, continues with Scripture readings telling the story of God’s salvation, and culminates with the resurrection story and renewal of baptismal vows.

April 8, Easter Sunday, 8:30 & 11:00am (nursery available, infants to age 3)
It is our custom at Church of the Servant to bring potted plants and flowers from our homes and “dress” the communion table with them at the beginning of the Easter morning worship. After the service we will gather our flowers and dress the tables for our celebrative Easter brunch (10-11am) in the fellowship space. Afterwards, we gather our flowers to enjoy at home. You are invited to participate in this tradition.

April 8, Easter Sunday, 6:00pm (nursery available, infants to age 5)
The Easter evening service includes the testimonies of three individuals on what the resurrection means to them. This has been a favorite service of many — don’t miss it!

How can we reconcile the creation accounts in Genesis with the findings of evolutionary and cosmological science?

How can we engage in constructive, hospitable dialogue on these issues?

How can we participate in these conversations without fear, following Christ’s model of self-giving love?

These questions have prompted scientists, philosophers, and theologians at Church of the Servant to dig deeper together, and with the congregation, into issues in faith and science. Church of the Servant received a $30,000 grant, funded by the John Templeton Foundation, from Scientists in Congregations to foster dialogue between the Christian faith and modern science.

To instantly hear any of the following recordings, single-click any title that appears in color.  (Or, right-click to download the MP3 and save it to your computer or storage device.)

March 4, 2012 - 6:00 PM – “Is There a Place for God in a World Governed by Chance?”
James Bradley, emeritus professor of mathematics, Calvin College – with comments by Kelly James Clark, professor of philosophy, Calvin College - (Includes Q & A session)   
To view accompanying visuals from this presentation:  God and Chance – slides (click to download, then open file)

February 26, 2012 - 6:00 PM – “Evolving Views on Creation and Neo-Darwinian Evolution”
Brian Madison, assistant professor of religion, Calvin College – with comments by Arlene J. Hoogewerf, professor of biology, Calvin College
(Includes Q & A session)

February 19, 2012 - 6:00 PM - “Evolution and One Christian Biologist: From Eyes Shut Tight to Eyes Open Wide to See God’s Greatness”
Arlene J. Hoogewerf, professor of biology, Calvin College – with comments by Brian Madison, assistant professor of religion, Calvin College
(Includes Q & A session)

February 12, 2012 – 6:00 PM - “Do You Understand What You’re Reading? Interpreting Genesis 1-11″
Rev. Scott Hoezee, Director, Center for Excellence in Preaching, Calvin Seminary  - with comments by Kelly James Clark, professor of philosophy, Calvin College
(Includes Q & A session)

October 23, 2011 – 6:00 PM – “Religion and Science: Conflict or Concord?”
Alvin Plantinga – Skeptics Sunday
Click here for Question & Answer Session

October 16, 2011 – 6:00 PM – “Modern Cosmology: the Multiverse, and the Creator”
Deborah Haarsma, professor of physics and astronomy, Calvin College – with comments by Kelly James Clark, professor of philosophy, Calvin College
Click here for Question & Answer Session

October 9, 2011 – 6:00 PM – “How Astronomy Has Changed Our Picture of Creation”
Loren Haarsma, associate professor of physics and astronomy, Calvin College – with comments by Alvin Plantinga
Click here for Question & Answer Session

The story, which focuses on a Grand Haven-based nonprofit called Humanity for Prisoners, includes parts of an interview with Christians for Prisoners co-founder Carol Rienstra. Artwork by COS member/missionary Troy Rienstra also appears in the story.

Interested? Please check our detailed job description (PDF) and contact Chuck Mast at treasurersearch@coscrc.org for more information.

These questions have prompted scientists, philosophers, and theologians at Church of the Servant to dig deeper together, and with the congregation, into issues in faith and science. Church of the Servant has received a grant from the John Templeton Foundation to foster dialogue between the Christian faith and modern science. Program activities include a series of public dialogues in October 2011, February 2012, October 2012, and February 2013.

For details about the upcoming events — along with a recommended reading list — see Faith and Science: A Dialogue. Or see the program’s Facebook page.

2011 Sermons

Complete Sermon Archive

Faith and Science: A Dialogue Series

You should be able to left-click any title, to instantly hear these sermons or service excerpts.  Or, right-click for options to save to your computer or player device. If you want to download them automatically when they are posted, please subscribe to our podcast. Positive feedback is great, but please also let us know if you experience any problems.

2012 Sermons:

April 29, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM -Psalm 80:1-7; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Rev. Jack Roeda - “Weeds Among the Wheat”

April 22, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM -I John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36-48
Rev. Jack Roeda - “The Gift!”

April 22, 2012, 6:00 PM -Hebrews 11:32 – ch 12:2; Catechism LD 7
Rev. Jack Roeda - “True Faith”

April 15, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM -Acts 4:23-37; John 20:19-31
Rev. Jack Roeda - “An Easter Community”

April 8, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM -Mark 16:1-8; I Corinthians 15:12-22
Rev. Jack Roeda - “There Are Some Things You Don’t Want to Miss”

April 8, 2012, 6:00 PM
Service of Testimonies – “What the Resurrection Means to Me”
Bennett Samuel, Carole Vander Pols, Mark Fackler

April 7, 2012, 8:30 PM – Easter Vigil Service
Rev. Len VanderZee - “A Way Out of No Way”

April 1, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM
Rev. Jack Roeda - “The Garden”

March 25, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM -Jeremiah 31:31-34; John 12:20-33
Rev. Ruth Lemmen - “The Paradox”

March 18, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM - Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-21
Rev. Jack Roeda - “Living By Another’s Death”

March 11, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM - John 2:13-22; Rev. 21:1-4, 22-27
Rev. Len VanderZee - “The Temple”

March 4, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM - Genesis 12:1-6; Mark 8:31-38
Rev. Jack Roeda - “Partisan”

March 4, 2012, 6:00 PM - Faith & Science: A Dialogue
“Is There a Place for God in a World Governed by Chance?”
James Bradley, emeritus professor of mathematics, Calvin College
Comments by Kelly James Clark, professor of philosophy, Calvin College – (Includes Q & A session)
To view accompanying visuals from this presentation:  God and Chance – slides (click to download, then open file)

February 26, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM - Genesis 9:8-17; Mark 1:9-15
Rev. Jack Roeda - “The Good News of God”

February 26, 2012, 6:00 PM - Faith & Science: A Dialogue
“Evolving Views on Creation and Neo-Darwinian Evolution”
Brian Madison, assistant professor of religion, Calvin College – with comments by Arlene J. Hoogewerf, professor of biology, Calvin College
(Includes Q & A session)

February 22, 2012 – 7:00 PM (Ash Wednesday)  – Psalm 51
Rev. Ruth Lemmen - “Running and Running for Miles”

February 19, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM - Hosea 2:14-20; John 15:1-11
Rev. Jack Roeda -“I Am the Vine”

February 19, 2012, 6:00 PM - Faith & Science: A Dialogue
“Evolution and One Christian Biologist: From Eyes Shut Tight to Eyes Open Wide to See God’s Greatness”
Arlene J. Hoogewerf, professor of biology, Calvin College – with comments by Brian Madison, assistant professor of religion, Calvin College  (Includes Q & A session)

February 12, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM - Isaiah 43:1-7; John 14:1-11
Rev. Jack Roeda - “I Am the Way”

February 12, 2012, 3:30 PM Ordination Service for Sam Lee - II Corinthians 4:1-12
Rev. Neal Plantinga - “Treasures in Jars of Clay”

February 12, 2012, 6:00 PM - Faith & Science: A Dialogue
“Do You Understand What You’re Reading? Interpreting Genesis 1-11″
Rev. Scott Hoezee, Director,
Center for Excellence in Preaching, Calvin Seminary  - with comments by Kelly James Clark, professor of philosophy, Calvin College  (Includes Q & A session)

February 5, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM - Isaiah 40:21-31; John 11:17-37
Pastor Sam Lee - “I Am the Resurrection”

January 29, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM - Psalm 23; John 10:11-21
Rev. Jack Roeda - “I Am the Good Shepherd”

January 22, 2012, 8:30/11:00 AM - Ezekiel 34:1-6, 11-16; John 10:1-10
Rev. Len VanderZee -“The Open Gate”

January 15, 2012 -11:00 AM – John 1:3-5; 8:12-18; 12:44-46; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Rev. Jack Roeda - “I Am the Light of the World”

January 8, 2012 – 11:00 AM – Genesis 1:1-5; John 6:32-40, 47, 51
Rev. Jack Roeda – “I Am the Bread of Life”

January 1, 2012 – 10:00 AM – Isaiah 55; Galatians 4:4-7
Rev. Jack Roeda – “A Bargain”
Ordination of Resident Pastor Ruth Lemmen

PROCESSIONAL CAROL

The Babe of Bethlehem (from Southern Harmony, 1835)

Invocation

GATHERING CAROLS

On Jordan’s Bank

All Earth Is Waiting

FIRST LESSON: Genesis 3:8-15 God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.

Hear Dorothy Otte’s reading of Genesis 3

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

SECOND LESSON: Genesis 22:15-18 God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed.

O Abram, Look Up to the Sky (Jim Clemens, from A Field of Voices)

THIRD LESSON: Isaiah 9:2,6-7 Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.

Before the Marvel of This Night (Vajda/Schalk, Augsburg Fortress)

FOURTH LESSON: Isaiah 11:1-9 The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.

Peace in the Valley (Thomas Dorsey; Chris Smit on vocals)

FIFTH LESSON: Isaiah 40:1-5 Isaiah speaks comfort.

Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

SIXTH LESSON: Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel salutes the virgin Mary.

In This Quiet Annunciation (Carlos Colón)

Mary, Mary (youth choir; Richard K. Avery and Donald S. Marsh/arranged by Michael Burkhardt)

SEVENTH LESSON: Luke 2:1-7 The birth of Jesus.

O Magnum Mysterium (Tomás Luis de Victoria)

EIGHTH LESSON: Luke 2:8-16 The shepherds go to the manger.

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly and  Angels We Have Heard on High

Benediction

Recessional

Go Tell It on the Mountain

Feel free to email with questions about where to find these arrangements. We’ve been holding Lessons & Carols services for a number of years; check out some past services: 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007.