Weekly Update – October 15th, 2026
For the last two weeks, we have had a responsive reading right before our prayer of petition. The readings have been from the New City Catechism (there is a copy in our book store) as we have recited together two questions and answers related to prayer and justification. Now, in terms of responsive readings, over the last several years, we have done everything from reading scripture together, reciting catechisms to even reading our statement of faith. We don’t do this because we are trying to create some sort of “high church” experience though. Instead, we respond or we read together during our worship service for three reasons:
First, reading responsively is biblical. Throughout the scriptures there is a pattern of God’s people responding to the revelation of himself. They respond in affirmation of his truth and in commitment to obey this revealed truth. You see this in Exodus 19:8 for example, as Israel is given the law and they respond in one voice together saying, “all that the Lord has spoken we will do.” This is the pattern that Israel follows every time they commit themselves to God’s covenant. God’s word is read and his people respond to it. In a similar way, we as New Testament believers come before the Lord in each worship service for, in some sense, a covenant renewal time, as we hear of God’s truth and affirm ourselves to him through faith in his son. Therefore as Jim Fowler says, “the biblical practice of responsive reading reoriented Israel in worship to the One True God and continues to reorient the church as Gospel truths are responded to in Worship.”
Second, reading responsively is historic. Responsive reading or singing is rooted in the practice of the early church. Beginning in the 2nd or 3rd century, you have records of the bishop or pastor opening a weekly service with a greeting and the congregation responding. Then, in the Middle Ages, there are records of responsive prayers on through the 16th and 17th century with passages of scripture being read responsively and creeds being sung together by the entire congregation. This tradition has continued throughout the life of the church. You can even find it in the back of Baptist Hymnals. Now tradition for tradition’s sake is where we have a tendency to go wrong. But tradition for the sake of connecting us with the larger body of Christ throughout the ages is of value as we remember that we are not the first generation to worship the Lord after the coming of Jesus Christ.
Third, reading responsively is practical. When we consider what worship is within the church, we ought to remember that it is our response to what God has revealed about himself to his people. That is why, for example, we sing together during our music time as opposed to sitting passively and listening. But we also respond in our services in other ways as well. We respond through the Lord’s Supper and even to a degree when we give our tithes and offerings. The same is true when we read responsively. During this time, we listen and we respond to great truths of our God and his word. This functions as a form of participation, but it also functions as a form of discipleship. When we recite truth together, we are also reciting it to one another as we teach and remind each other of our sin, God’s forgiveness through Christ and the hope we have in his return. Plus, reading responsively is a terrific witness. When others join us in worship, they see a room full of people communicating what they believe and how they will strive to honor God.
There is a purpose behind everything that we do together as a church. We don’t place elements in our service for simple fillers or to try something new. All that is done is for the purpose of pointing us upward to Jesus Christ and outward towards loving and encouraging each other. By God’s grace, we seek to be a church that honors God and his word and responds to his truth by committing to him in faith. Reading responsively reminds us and affirms this truth.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"...I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,' [calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.]"
Isaiah 46:9-11
Announcements:
Game Night: Our monthly game night is Friday, October 20th from 7:00-9:00pm. Invite a friend to come with you and bring your favorite game and/or snack.
Clothing Giveaway: On October 24th, from 8:00-11:00am, we will open up our basement to the community to giveaway tables of clothes.
Additionally, we will have a tent at the exit of the giveaway to connect and pray with those who come. We always need lots of help for this event. Consider joining us on this day.
Fall Festival: On Saturday, October 31st from 5:00-7:00pm, we will host a fall festival at the church. We will have trunk or treat, bounce house, chili, hot dogs, dessert, hot chocolate and a fire pit. Help us fill up our candy barrel before the event, and sign up in the hall to help on that night.
Men’s Retreat: On Friday, November 6th – Saturday, November 7th we will host our 3rd Men’s Retreat at God’s Mountain Camp. Dave Hintz from Flint Hills Bible Church will be our speaker this year. Cost will be $45. Sign up in the hall today! You can pay HERE. Make sure to select “men’s ministry” when you do.
Missouri Missions Offering: Thank you for giving to the Missouri Missions Offering. We have surpassed our goal of $1500! Additional amounts given will be allocated to our church’s missions’ budget to support those within the church who serve on missions. As with your normal offering, if you would like to give to our missions’ budget, you can give in person, by mail or online. Just mark “missions” when you do give.
Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.
Discipleship Training: Join us for our adult study on Wednesday nights. The study is over the topic of Christian Ethics. Join us from 6:45-8:00pm
Ladies’ Bible Study: Our ladies’ study meets on Tuesdays at 9:30am or 6:00pm. They are currently going through a study of Romans by Courtney Doctor. If you are interested in attending, see Sheryl Nelson or Melody Singleton.
Men’s Study: Our Men’s study meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights at 8:00-9:15pm. The book for this study will be The Case for Christ. See Matthew Klika for more information.
Building Remodel: If you would like to give to our remodel fund, there are commitment cards available in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.
Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.
Awana Bible Club
Awana Clubs are held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “A Survey in Church History” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Isaiah in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Wednesday Evening Activities
Awana, Youth Group, and Discipleship Training are on Wednesday evenings. We will share a meal in the Faith Center Gym at 6:00pm before heading to classes at 6:30pm.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-2 and 3–k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1-2nd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 3rd-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.