Family Worship

Resources

Worship of the Tri-une God does not end on Sunday morning at First EPC. God has provided us with the opportunity to worship him throughout the week - in private times of devotion, in small groups, and in our homes. One of the most foundational groups he has blessed the world with is the family. Family times of worship not only glorify God, but also build up His church through daily nurturing from his Word. Whether you are a family of one, or two, or a larger and extended one, there are many ways to meet together and worship the Lord.

Family worship can be a wonderful time to draw closer to God and one another. It does not need to be elaborate, lengthy, or require extensive preparation. There are many helpful resources and different ways to worship as a family. You can include praying together, singing, responsive reading, bible memorization, creative projects, holiday celebrations, keeping a family prayer journal, and of course sharing the Word of God with each member, encouraging one another in their faith on their own personal level. What better way is there to build the bonds of love and faith in the gospel than gathering together as family in worship?

Here are some resources to use in your own family worship to guide and enrich it. Many of these are available in the church library.

FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Children's Catachism link A simplified child-sized introduction the Westminster Shorter Catachism, provides an excellent spiritual foundation of young children. (In our church library)

Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Heidelberg Catachism Starr Meade link The title says it all.

Family Celebrations: Meeting Christ in Your Holidays and Special Occasions Ann Hibbard. An excellent resource to help bring God's perspective on your family's holidays throughout the year. (In our church library) link

FAMILIES WITH TEENS

Gospel-centered Life - becoming the person God wants you to be Steve Timmis, Tim Chester. link (In our church library)

How to Grow in Christ Jack D. Kinneer. link (In our church library.)

Knowing Scripture RC Sproul. link the Bible is foundational for our Christian faith and world-view, and this book helps us understand how to better understand Scriptures. A valuable resource for all ages. (In our church library)

Age of Opportunity - A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens Paul Tripp. "...provides a superb road map for raising teenage children...(and) experiancing with them the challenges, victories, and joys of our journey to maturity in Christ." (In our church library)

EVERYONE

Reading through the whole Bible in a year is a systematic way to make sure all of the Word of God fills our lives and illuinates our paths. There are several programs out there:

http://www.biblica.com/en-us/bible/reading-plans/

https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/?version=NIV

http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/justintaylor/2015/12/28/reading-the-whole-bible-in-2016-an-faq/