SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 6, 2016

Transcription

1 SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 6, :00 AM RINGING OF THE BELL OPENING VOLUNTARY THE WONDERFUL CROSS CHRIS TOMLIN, J.D. WATT WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you. JUDITH BROWN, PIANO CHORAL INTROIT WE HAVE COME AT CHRIST S OWN BIDDING BREWER THE SANCTUARY CHOIR We have come at Christ s own bidding to this high and holy place, Where we wait with hope and longing for some token of God s grace. Here we pray for new assurance that our faith is not in vain, Searching like those first disciples for a sign both clear and plain. * CALL TO WORSHIP We have encountered the Word, calling us into communion with God and with each other, And calling us into discipleship to carry on Christ s work in our world. So we come together here, joining hands in the great quest: to worship God, to love each other, and to serve the world. * HYMN #399 GOD WELCOMES ALL THEMBA AMEN (Make a joyful noise with your percussion instrument.) God welcomes all, strangers and friends; God s love is strong and it never ends. God welcomes all, parent and child; God s love is strong and it never ends. God welcomes all, young and the old; God s love is strong and it never ends. CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, we confess that we have strayed from your ways. Like the Prodigal Son, we have wasted our inheritance. You gave us the earth for our home, but we squander earth s resources and hoard its bounty. You gave us neighbors to love, but we pursue selfish ambitions. SOUTH AFRICA

2 You gave us the commandments that lead to human flourishing, but we break your law and forsake your love. Forgive us our sin and bring us to repentance. Draw our wandering hearts back to you that we may find freedom in obedience to your love (Time for silent reflection and prayer) KYRIE ELEISON # 576 LORD, HAVE MERCY SINGAPURA Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord, have mercy on us. (repeat) WORDS OF ASSURANCE * RESPONSE #475 COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING NETTLETON O to grace how great a debtor daily I m constrained to be! Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above. * PASSING OF THE PEACE The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. (Please greet one another with the peace of Christ.) PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION PROCLAIMING THE WORD FIRST READING 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-21 ANTHEM OFFERTORY JOHN NESS BECK THE SANCTUARY CHOIR With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on High? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, Shall I come before him with yearling calves? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgressions, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man; he has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? SECOND READING LUKE 15:1-3, 11B-32 SERMON REV. CAROLINE KELLY

3 RESPONDING TO THE WORD * HYMN #503 LORD, WE HAVE COME AT YOUR OWN INVITATION O QUANTA QUALIA SEALING THE WORD: HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION TO OFFERING MUSICAL OFFERING IN REMEMBRANCE BURYL RED THE SANCTUARY CHOIR; CHELSEA BOOR, FLUTE In remembrance of me, eat this bread, In remembrance of me, drink this wine, In remembrance of me, pray for the tine when God s own will is done. In remembrance of me, heal the sick, In remembrance of me, feed the poor, In remembrance of me, open the door and let your brother in. Take, eat and be comforted, Drink, and remember, too, that this is my body and precious blood, shed for you. In remembrance of me, search for truth, In remembrance of me, always love. In remembrance of me, don t look away But in your heart, look in your heart for God. Do this in remembrance of me. * DOXOLOGY #647 GIVE THANKS GIVE THANKS Give thanks with a grateful heart; give thanks to the Holy One; give thanks because we re given Jesus Christ, the Son. And now let the weak say, We are strong ; let the poor say, We are rich because of what the Lord has done for us! Give thanks. Give thanks. * OFFERTORY PRAYER INVITATION TO THE LORD S TABLE Luke, the evangelist, wrote of Christ that the crowds followed him and he welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured. But some grumbled and said of Jesus: This one welcomes sinners and eats with them. But Jesus said: Whoever welcomes you welcomes me... and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all you is the greatest. In company with saints and sinners in every time and beyond time, we come to this, God s welcome table, to meet the Risen Christ. GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

4 It is right to give God thanks and praise. Blessed are you, Eternal God... (the Celebrant continues the prayer)... we praise you with joy. HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (Sing together) LAND OF REST Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest. We remember all the meals of Jesus... (the Celebrant continues the prayer)...as we break this bread and share this cup, we witness your kingdom in our midst, celebrate the presence of the Risen Christ, and anticipate the welcome feast to come. CHRIST HAS DIED; CHRIST HAS RISEN (Sing together) LAND OF REST Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Eternal God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that Christ may be present as we share this meal, that our eyes may be opened and that we may recognize him in our midst. Bless this bread and cup and bless us, that in the fullness of time every cup will be filled to overflowing, every table will be one of welcome, and every life will be filled with abundant love. AMEN (Sing together) LAND OF REST Amen, amen, amen. Remembering the prayer Jesus taught us, let us say together, THE LORD S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. BREAKING OF THE BREAD COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE (We will receive communion by intinction; as directed by the ushers please come forward using the aisle closest to you, take a piece of bread from the basket, dip it into the cup and then return to your seat using the other aisle.) COMMUNION HYMN #510 WE GATHER HERE IN JESUS NAME COME, SHARE THE LORD PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Eternal God, we thank you for your presence in the simplicity and splendor of this holy meal. By the power of your Holy Spirit, unite us with all whom Christ welcomes, that we may be the servant church

5 of the servant Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. BEARING AND FOLLOWING THE WORD INTO THE WORLD * HYMN #754 HELP US ACCEPT EACH OTHER BARONITA * CHARGE AND BENEDICTION * SUNG BENEDICTION #306 BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS DENNIS (Please join hands as we sing together.) Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. CLOSING VOLUNTARY IMPROVISATION ON BARONITA JUDITH BROWN, PIANO * When this symbol precedes an element of the service, please rise in body or spirit. Please join in reading or singing those parts of the service printed in bold. THIS MORNING S WORSHIP LEADERS Preacher...Rev. Caroline Kelly Celebrants...Rev. Jan Dus and Rev. Caroline Kelly Liturgist...Cathy Levitas Director of Music /Organist...Judith Brown Musicians...The Sanctuary Choir Sound Technician...Joe Aurigemma Ushers... Paul and Barbara Aber Thank you to this morning s acolyte and bell ringer. WORSHIP NOTES Today we welcome back Rev. Jan Dus to join us in worship and also share a presentation on Diaconia Center of Humanitarian and Development Aid at 4:30PM in the Chapel. Rev. Dus is the Executive Director of Diaconia Center of Humanitarian and Development Aid, a relief agency of the Evangelical Church of the Czech Brethren (ECCB). In this capacity, he manages the day-to-day operations of the organization and is in regular contact with European and international partners. Lent is the 40 day season before Easter (not including Sundays). Originally, it was a time of preparing candidates for baptism on Easter. Over the centuries it has evolved into a time devoted to renewing our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We observe Lent in anticipation of the resurrection, and we celebrate Easter remembering the cost of the cross s life-giving victory. Lent began on February 10 th with Ash Wednesday and will conclude on March 26 th, the day before Easter Sunday. See the opportunities for Lenten study and devotions under the Christian Education Announcement section. The Lenten worship banner hanging in the front of the sanctuary depicts our journey with Jesus to the cross and toward the death that ultimately brings resurrection life. This week s panel, symbolizing the themes of God s patience and healing, was stitched by Jane Belt.

6 MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION-CORPORATION of First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland, Maryland is called by the Session for Sunday, March 13, The purpose of the meeting is to elect the new class of Ruling Elders. Something to Ponder this Week: In what ways are you like the younger son in Luke s story of the Father and the two sons? like the elder son? like the Father? DAYLIGHT SAVINGS: Just a reminder that next Sunday, March 13 th will begin daylight savings. Turn your clocks forward one hour! GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS WELCOME VISITORS: We are glad you found your way to First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland. For more information about opportunities to worship, learn and serve with us, we encourage you to visit the table outside the church office. You can also learn more about us at and Childcare is provided in the nursery. An usher will be glad to direct you there. FRIENDSHIP PADS: Please locate and sign the red pad in your pew, tear off the sheet and place it in the collection plate during the offering. This important practice allows us to be mindful of new folks and long-time members as well, and is a good way to learn (or remember) the names of those with whom you are seated. PERSONAL LISTENING DEVICES: (amplifiers) are available in the back of the church for use during worship. Please see an usher for assistance. WORSHIP BROADCASTS: Our worship services are broadcast live on Sunday mornings by WCBC AM Radio, thanks to the generosity of members and friends. You can sponsor a broadcast (or share a sponsorship with someone) for $75. If you are interested, please contact Deb Hendrickson or the church office. There are openings to sponsor the radio broadcast on April 17 and May 1. SANCTUARY FLOWERS: The flowers in the sanctuary this morning are given to the Glory of God in memory of Ron Sterne, by his wife and family. Please contact Michael Levitas or the church office if you would like to sponsor flowers. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS WORK NIGHTS: The Buildings & Grounds Committee will be hosting work nights every Tuesday from 6:30PM-8:30PM for the next three weeks. Tasks will include some painting and cleaning. Please come out and help in the improvement and maintenance of our church. MISSION SOUTH DAKOTA INFORMATIONAL MEETING: Are you being called to South Dakota this summer? If you would like to learn more about the seventh annual Learning Camp, please join Robin Bissell and Janet Hendershot after church today. You can grab a snack and visit a bit in the library before you join us in the chapel for a short slideshow and plenty of time for your questions. Other times can be arranged by contacting Robin at rbissell444@gmail.com or ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING: On Easter Sunday we will be contributing to the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, one of 4 special offerings of the Presbyterian Church USA. Thirty-two percent of the offering goes to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. 36% is allotted for the Presbyterian Hunger Program. The other 32% is designated for the Self-Development of People.

7 WORSHIP & MUSIC * Maundy Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal * Good Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian * Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at St. Paul s Lutheran * Easter Sunday, March 27 = Sunrise service at Rocky Gap at 7:00 a.m. and a traditional service in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian at 11 a.m. RULING ELDERS NEEDED TO SERVE COMMUNION: The Worship and Music Committee is looking for Ruling Elders to serve communion occasionally. While Session members serve communion by intinction throughout the year, more Ruling Elders are needed to help with seated communion. Please contact Cathy Levitas or Carolyn Mathews if you are a Ruling Elder and would be willing to help serve seated communion. JUDIE BROWN S RETIREMENT DINNER: At the end of March, Judie Brown is retiring from her position of Director of Christian Music but we are very happy that she is not planning to move from the area. We rejoice with her in looking back over the 10 years she has been playing our organ, directing our choirs, bringing us to tears with majestic music and enlivening our worship with sacred music from various genres. Plan to help her celebrate her entry into retirement by attending a congregational dinner in her honor on Wednesday, March 30 in the Fellowship Hall. If you plan to attend the dinner, please complete the attached reservation card. _ Name: Number of Guest: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WOMEN S RETRAT MARCH 18-19: Mark your calendars for our annual women s retreat from 5PM on Friday, March 18 to 2PM on Saturday, March 19 at Peterkin Camp and Conference Center in Romney, WV. Rev. Caroline Kelly and Rev. Judy Johnson will be the retreat facilitators. The cost of $70 per person includes overnight accommodations and two meals. To register, please contact Brittany Jackson at or at firstpresbyteriansecretary@gmail.com. SOUPer Bowl of Caring Offering: The Youth collected their annual SOUPer Bowl of Caring offering on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7 th. Thanks to your generous support, a total of $ was collected. The money will go to the Union Rescue Mission. Additionally, this coming week, the youth will be cooking and serving a meal for the residents of the mission. We hope to do this several times a year.

8 THROUGH DARKNESS ARISES LIGHT: A LENTEN STUDY SERIES: Once again, Emmanuel Parish, First Presbyterian and St. Paul s Lutheran are gathering for a joint study series on Thursdays during Lent, this year entitled, Through Darkness Arises Light. Judie Brown and the pastors from each church are leading us in an exploration of the story of Elijah, as told in First and Second Kings and through Mendelssohn s epic oratorio, Elijah. Members of the Cumberland Choral Society have joined us as they prepare to sing the oratorio at their May concert. We begin each evening with a light supper followed by study and discussion. We hope that you will be able to join us for this time of fellowship and journey of faith. March 10: Elijah: Exploring his message then and now March 17: Elijah: Exploring God s love and justice Thursdays in the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church 6:00 p.m. supper 6:45 p.m. Elijah study ***We are in need of 4-6 people per week to sign up to bring drinks, help with set up, and clean up. If you are able to help in any way, please see sign-up sheet posted on the white board outside of the parlor. LENTEN DEVOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: As you consider how you might renew and strengthen your faith during Lent, consider these options: Journey to Lent: For a printable or electronic version of this resource, go to: 3RyI0ZXNFOE85TVFuN3c/view. The booklet is designed to provide weekly activities for families, focusing on themes such as Blessings, Hospitality and Loving Your Neighbors. Journey to the Cross: To sign up for this devotional , sign up at: This resource is written especially for students, but it appropriate for adults as well. It is sponsored by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Presbyterian Mission Agency, and the Episcopal Church.

9 ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE ANNUAL GIVING YEAR-TO-DATE: as of February 14, 2015 Total 2016 Pledges Promised $249, Pre-paid pledges $ 7, Pledge Balance Promised $241, Pledge Balance Received Year-to-Date $ 27, Pledge Balance Promised Year-to-Date $ 32, Over/(Under) $ (5,008.00) SUNDAY ATTENDANCE March 1, 2015 February 28, PLEDGE CARDS FOR 2017? We will be placing orders for 2017 offering envelopes in the coming months and have realized that some people prefer not to use envelopes. Please take a moment to let us know your preference by completing the attached form and placing it in the offering plate or returning it to the church office. Name: o Yes, I would like to continue to get pledge envelopes. o No, I do not use the pledge envelopes. *If you have selected YES to continue to get pledge envelopes, would you be open to having monthly envelopes instead of weekly? The cost for weekly envelopes is $2.25 per box compared to $.85 per box with monthly which is a great deal of savings. Yes No MISSION STATEMENT Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we worship God and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by loving our neighbors and promoting peacemaking, justice and care of the earth. VISION STATEMENT We strive to be a community grounded in the good news of God s love in Christ where all of God s children are: Welcomed and cherished Called to worship, learn and grow together in faith, and Sent to share God s love and justice with a broken and hurting world. Adopted by the Session on September 17, 2015 WATCH US LIVE ON LIVESTREAM- SUNDAYS AT 11 A.M. YOU CAN EITHER SIGNUP THROUGH YOUR ADDRESS OR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT. NEW.LIVESTREAM.COM/ACCOUNTS/

10 WHAT S HAPPENING THIS WEEK: SUNDAY, MARCH (6) 9:30 AM REV. JAN DUS PRESENTATION IN THE CHAPEL 9:45 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUTH 11:00 AM SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY 12:00 PM FIRST SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP IN THE LIBRARY 12:15 PM SOUTH DAKOTA LEARNING CAMP INFORMATIONAL MEETING IN THE CHAPEL 4:30 PM REV. JAN DUS SECOND PRESENTATION IN THE CHAPEL 5:00 PM YOUTH GROUP MEETING MONDAY, MARCH (7) 9:00 AM CHURCH OFFICE OPEN 6:30 PM BUILDINGS & GROUNDS MEETING IN THE PARLOR 6:50 PM CHORAL SOCIETY REHEARSAL TUESDAY, MARCH (8) 9:00 AM CHURCH OFFICE OPEN 6:30 PM BUILDINGS & GROUNDS WORK NIGHT WEDNESDAY, MARCH (9) 9:00 AM CHURCH OFFICE OPEN 10:30 AM STAFF MEETING IN THE PASTOR S OFFICE 12:00 PM CAFÉ MARK LECTIONARY STUDY 6:15 PM JOYBELLS REHEARSAL 7:00 PM N.A. GROUP MEETING IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL 7:30 PM SANCTUARY CHOIR REHEARSAL THURSDAY, MARCH (10) 9:00 AM CHURCH OFFICE OPEN 6:00 PM LENTEN SUPPER AND STUDY SERIES IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL 9:00 AM CHURCH OFFICE OPEN 9:00 PM YOUTH LOCK-IN FRIDAY, MARCH (11) SATURDAY, MARCH (12) 6:00 PM N.A. GROUP MEETING IN THE LIBRARY SUNDAY, MARCH (13) 9:45 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES 11:00 AM SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY 5:00 PM NO YOUTH GROUP MEETING Like us on Facebook!

11 EASTER FLOWERS & MUSIC If you would like to purchase flowers for the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, please indicate below whether you wish to take your plants home, or if you wish them to be given to one of our in-home or nursing care members. Please indicate your selection and total below. Orders are due by Sunday, March 13th Price Quantity Total Each Lily $10.00 $ Tulips $10.00 $ Hyacinths $8.00 $ Mixed Bulbs $15.00 $ Total $ My floral gift is in honor/memory of: Given to the Glory of God by: Please indicate: I would like to take my flowers home I would like to donate the flowers Easter Music 2016 You can also celebrate Easter by contributing to the Special Music Fund. This fund is separate from the budget and is used to pay guest musicians for special music during worship on holidays and throughout the year. Note: Special Music money may be given any time of the year. Special Music Contribution $ My Special Music gift is in honor/memory of: Given to the Glory of God by: Checks for music should be made payable to First Presbyterian Church and returned to the church no later than Sunday, March 20 th if you want your dedication listed in the bulletin.

12 RULING ELDER NOMINEES (CLASS OF 2019) BILL MCELVIE: Bill McElvie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lonaconing before, June 2007, he married Debra Alkire McElvie and moved to Cumberland and joined First Presbyterian Church in Cumberland. They are the parents of four grown children and four grandchildren. Bill is a store manager for Martin s Food Store and he is currently serving in the Cumberland Store. Bill's hope for First Presbyterian is to see growth in both the church and its membership. Bill is also a member of the LaVale Lion's Club, Cresaptown Fire Department, and serves on the Bel Air Citizens Committee and on the board of the Western Maryland Food Bank. PHILIP MILLS: Phil has been a member of First Presbyterian since He graduated from Grove City College in 1972 and from Penn State Turf School two years later. His working career has been spent the past 40 years as a golf course superintendent with the target of retiring next year. September 30, 2000 was Phil's most memorable day at FPC, as Morton Harris married Phil and his wife Kim in a beautiful ceremony. He has a daughter Emily with husband J.R. and their sons Connor and Patrick in California, and a son Corey and wife Kelley in Delaware along with granddaughter Baylee in Cumberland. Phil has served five previous terms on session and he credits those years as being by far his most rewarding times as a church member. His church family is a wonderful blessing. He rates the pastoral nominating committee that he was a member of three years ago that brought Caroline and Jim to Cumberland the best working committee that he has ever served on. Phil looks forward to contributing his time and talent to the work of God's church as a session member this year. JAMES DAVID STICKLER: James D. Stickler was born in Logan, West Virginia. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from West Virginia University, a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Physical/Nuclear Chemistry from the University of Kentucky. He met and married his wife, Mildred Ann, in South Charleston, WV. After teaching in the Charleston, WV and the Butler, PA areas, Dr. Stickler accepted a position in the Science and Forestry Division at the Allegany College of Maryland teaching Chemistry and other subjects. Dr. Stickler moved to the Cumberland area in 1986 and has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland since the early nineties. He retired from the College in 2012 after having served as Chair of the Science Forestry Division, the Honors Director and the advisor to the Omicron Pi Chapter of Theta Kappa. Dr. Stickler is active in the Western Maryland Section of the American Chemical Society in which he currently hold the position of Treasurer and is an active member in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Meteorological Society. He has served two three-terms on session and has served as Clerk of Session. He has served for a period of five years as Chair of the Personnel Committee and taught the senior high level Sunday school classes for two years. SHIRLEY WALKER GIARRITTA: Shirley was born into the Presbyterian Church and baptized by her grandfather Rev. Harry Porter. She has two daughters and two grandchildren. Having received a degree from FSU in Arts Education, she taught and supervised art in Frederick County, Virginia and also taught at Allegany College of Maryland while continuing studies at Madison University. Later, returning to Cumberland, she opened Connoisseur Interiors and Gifts Shop doing commercial and residential interior design for over three decades. She is a founding member of the Cumberland Theatre and the Cumberland Cultural Foundation. More recently, it has been her pleasure to serve on the Building and Grounds Committee here at First Presbyterian.