WORSHIP for SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY

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WORSHIP for SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

worship and nurture, scattered to serve and to

1 WORSHIP for SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SEPTEMBER 11, :30 AM Grounded in the grace of God, we are a vibrant Christian community, disciples of all ages, gathered for worship and nurture, scattered to serve and to love. -MPC Mission Statement adopted by the Session March 31, 2008

2 Welcome to Morrisville Presbyterian Church WE WELCOME GUESTS AND VISITORS to our service today. If you are not a member, we invite you to consider membership with us. If you would like more information about how we can serve you, please speak to a pastor. THE CHANCEL FLOWERS are offered to the glory of God and are given by Ron and Ruth Workman in loving memory of Charles and Sarah Pulsford. The flowers are also given by Beth and Grace DiTulio in recognition of Grandparents Day and to honor J Ann Ellis, and in memory of John and Jeanne Burgess and Walter and Mary Ellis. USHERING AT TODAY S SERVICE: Head Usher Alastair Brunton, Matt Bausher, Jim Gaston, Travis Keys, Jeff Morruzzi, Geoff Smith, Rachel Truelove. Jr. Deacon is Joely Gardner. TODAY S ACOLYTE: Jesus once said, I am the light of the world. (John 8:12) We are grateful to our acolytes who each Sunday morning carry the light into the sanctuary, symbolizing the presence of Christ in the worshiping community. At the conclusion of the service, the acolyte bears the light out into the world, where we are called to follow Christ and serve others in his name. Today s acolyte is Madison Neiman. CHILDCARE FOR CHILDREN UP TO AGE 4 is provided in the Nursery/Pre-School room from 10:15 a.m. 11:45 a.m. Infants and toddlers are also welcome in worship. Visitors, please feel free to worship with your children for as long as they are able. If he or she gets wiggly and needs a stretch break, audio from the service is available in the chapel, until your child is ready to return to the sanctuary for you to continue to worship together. 2 HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES are available for use anywhere in the sanctuary during worship. These pocketsized receivers are available from Deacons in either Narthex and are to be returned after the service. HYMNALS, BIBLES, & BULLETINS WITH LARGE PRINT are available during worship each Sunday morning from a Deacon in the Narthex. Please return the Hymnal and/or Bible after the service. PASTORAL CARE REMINDER Members of the staff truly want to be attentive when members or friends of MPC are experiencing health difficulties. If you (or a family member) have been admitted to a hospital, please let us know by contacting the church office, and one of the pastors will be pleased to visit. You may also reach the pastors on their mobile phones Bruce Ballantine at and Debbie Heffernan at Thank you for your assistance. WORSHIP NOTE * The asterisk indicates that those who are able may please stand. PUBLICATION DEADLINES Please forward any announcements you would like included in the Bulletin by noon Tuesday of each week to Bulletin@MPCusa.net. Articles for October edition of Currents are due today. Send articles to Currents@MPCusa.net. C ONTACT US M ORRISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF 771 North Pennsylvania Ave. Morrisville, PA Office@MPCusa.net Bruce Ballantine, Interim Pastor & Head of Staff (ext. 234)... BruceBallantine@MPCusa.net Deborah Heffernan, Interim Associate Pastor for Children, Youth & Family Ministry (ext. 225) DebbieHeffernan@MPCusa.net Jack McAnlis, Minister of Visitation...JackMcAnlis@MPCusa.net Timothy Carpenter, Director of Music... TimCarpenter@MPCusa.net Geoffrey Shoffstall, Principal Organist... GeoffreyShoffstall@MPCusa.net Rich Drabb, Property Manager (ext. 231)... RichDrabb@MPCusa.net Laurie Jacobson, Bookkeeper (ext. 226)... LaurieJacobson@MPCusa.net Damon Miller, Communication Coordinator... DamonMiller@MPCusa.net Diane Toner, Administrative Assistant (ext. 0)... DianeToner@MPCusa.net

3 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST WORDS of WELCOME PRELUDE Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Michael Burkhardt Pastor Ballantine Geoffrey Shoffstall INTROIT *CALL to WORSHIP One: Like a woman who finds a missing coin, All: God rejoices in our salvation. One: Like a shepherd who finds a lost sheep, All: God rejoices in bringing us home. *HYMN 482 Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty Avery Gardner LOBE DEN HERREN *PRAYER of CONFESSION Unison Reverend McAnlis Sovereign God, we confess that we have not turned away from sin. You search for us, like lost sheep, but we pretend not to hear your voice. You treasure us, like lost coins, but we spend our lives in foolish ways. Forgive us, God of grace. Help us to repent and return to you, so that we may join the joyful feast of redemption and restoration; through Jesus Christ our Lord. *SILENT PRAYERS of CONFESSION *RESPONSE 586 Amen (DANISH) Here each worshiper may offer silent prayers of confession. Congregation *PROMISE of FORGIVENESS One: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. All: Amen. *RESPONSE to GOD S PARDON 567 Glory Be to the Father GLORIA PATRI 3

4 *THE PEACE One: The Peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you. One: Let us greet one another with the Peace of Christ. As a sign of their reconciliation in Christ, the people share the peace of Christ, greeting one another with these or similar words: The peace of Christ be with you, Peace be with you, or simply, Peace. PRAYER for ILLUMINATION L I T U R G Y o f t h e W O R D EPISTLE READING 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (New Testament, page 196) One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. ANTHEM Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - arr. Craig Courtney Time for YOUNG DISCIPLES Children in grades K-5 may leave for music time with Mr. Carpenter. Pastor Heffernan GOSPEL READING Luke 15:1-10 (New Testament, page 73) One: This is the Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. SERMON The God Who Patiently Searches *HYMN 280 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound OFFERING Invitation to Give Presentation of Gifts Offertory Music Amazing Grace - arr. George Shearing *Doxology 591 Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow *Prayer of Dedication AMAZING GRACE OLD HUNDREDTH 4

5 R E M E M B E R I N G S E P T E M B E R 1 1, AFFIRMATION of FAITH - Psalm 23 (Unison) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long. PRAYER of REMEMBRANCE and SUPPLICATION THE LORD S PRAYER (debts and debtors) *HYMN 210 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past ST. ANNE S E N D I N G *CHARGE and BLESSING *CHORAL RESPONSE *POSTLUDE Trumpet Tune - Michael Helman Announcements NEW TITLE FOR INTERIM ASSOCIATE PASTOR DEBORAH HEFFERNAN During its August meeting, the MPC Session approved a change in title for Pastor Heffernan. Her new title, Interim Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Family Ministry, accurately reflects the primary focus of Debbie s position description. Furthermore, the change is part of a larger emphasis on the importance of these ministries, particularly ministry to children. In addition to the change in Pastor Heffernan s title, the Session has created a Children s Ministry Task Force, whose responsibility it will be to recommend ways to strengthen MPC s ministry to children. JUNIOR DEACONS NEEDED MPC needs Junior Deacons for the coming program year! If you have been confirmed and would be interested in serving as an usher, please contact Geoff Smith at Rongeo127@aol.com or as soon as possible. Your commitment would be two months of the year, every Sunday. We are flexible with your schedule and hope to hear from those interested in this vital ministry. Please check for details in the s which were sent to your home. 5

6 YOUTH IN MISSION CROSS The 2016 Youth in Mission (YIM) cross is made up of 39 pieces. One piece, lovingly and prayerful formed over the course of the week by each YIM participant. This cross, much like our week in West Virginia, represents the very unique and personal faith each one of us has with God; knit together and transformed into a community of faith; shaped for doing God s work and taking His cross to others. Our theme for the week was taken from Matthew 14:22-33 Peter walking on the water. Each of us, just like Peter, longs to hear the Master s voice and respond. We know that with our "Eyes on Christ" we can do amazing things. One side of the cross contains each participant s name uniquely ours and intimately known by God. The other side of the cross contains a visual reminder of what we know we can do, what we long to do, with Jesus holding our gaze. What you can t see on our cross but which were present for Peter and also for us are the very real fears and stumbling blocks each of us has on our faith journey. Those private prayers and petitions were put on the raw, unfinished edges of our puzzle piece and given up to the cross. Thanks be to God for the opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters in West Virginia, for a loving and supportive congregation and for our resident woodworker, Dan Jones, who made an idea a reality. REBECCA CIRCLE Rebecca Circle meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the lounge. The guest at our September 12 meeting is Dr. Reeta Roa, who has a ministry in the slums of India. The program is titled "Empowerment and Transformation Through God's Love" with a focus on women and girls. Please join us when you are able. All women are welcome and we encourage you to bring a friend. YOUTH CLUB REGISTRATION Come be a part of this year's MPC Youth Club! MPC Youth Club was created in 1966 in order to create a safe, caring, Christian environment where youth can meet. We continue to meet most Wednesday nights, beginning October 12, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for dinner and a program. Registration night is Sept 14 at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. All students in grades 7-12 are welcome and encouraged to join Youth Club. Questions? Contact Pastor Debbie at debbieheffernan@mpcusa.net. ANGEL TREE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Angel Tree committee is looking for people to help prepare, organize and distribute gifts to our local families this Christmas season. We work with the Ivins Outreach Center and appreciate the efforts of all volunteers, whether they can give us just a few hours or large amounts of time. Please contact Amy Schnurr at 4-schnurrs@verizon.net if you have questions or are able to help in any way. Help brighten the holiday for these children and their families. Thank you! GET ACQUAINTED BREAKFAST GATHERINGS Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of Morrisville Presbyterian Church is cordially invited to attend a series of Get Acquainted Breakfast Gatherings at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, October 2, 9 and 16. Led by Pastor Ballantine and Pastor Heffernan, the gatherings will take place in Room 210 and will serve as an orientation to the church, enabling prospective members to get acquainted with our pastors and some of our members, our Presbyterian heritage and MPC history, our mission as we understand it, and our ministries. One need not be committed to joining the church in order to attend. In fact, attending the Get Acquainted Breakfast gatherings can serve as an effective way of learning about the congregation and discovering if this is the congregation for you. In order that we might plan properly, please let one of the pastors know of your intention to attend by Wednesday, September 28. Child care will be available upon request. 6

7 UPCOMING ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES Plan to come to all or some of the courses offered. Classes are held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Sundays before Worship Service. How to Read the Bible September 18, October 2 and 9 This three-sunday course for novices and those with more experience will address what is in the Bible, where do I find it, who wrote it, how and when was it written, and how to interpret what we read. UrbanPromise September 25 Carl Clark Jr., founder of UrbanPromise in Trenton, will describe his Youth Outreach ministry, its successes, challenges, and goals. Faith and Politics October 16, 23, 30 Senior High School Seminar will join the Adult Education Class for a look at political issues and structures in biblical times and our day. The youth designed this three-sunday course to be a non-partisan discussion of pertinent topics with the hope that we can carry our faith into the political world in which we live. GRIEFSHARE PROGRAM All are welcome to attend a GriefShare program at Newtown Presbyterian Church. At some point, we all experience the loss of a loved one. Sometimes that loss leads to grief that makes life seem unbearable. The GriefShare DVD-based small-group program was developed by Christian counselors and ministers to help the bereaved comfort each other and think about the future. We will begin a 13-week cycle on Monday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. in room 211 of the Newtown Presbyterian Church 25 N. Chancellor St., Newtown. Our small group is a safe place to share your feelings and to gradually learn to experience joy again. For more information, please Vaughn Faber at vfaber@aol.com. Further information can also be obtained by logging into FOOD CENTER NEEDS Thank you for your donations of plastic food bags to the Food Center. Please continue to bring in bags as they are always needed. The Food Center would also appreciate donations of empty egg cartons for weekly distribution of eggs. IVINS OUTREACH CENTER FUNDRAISING EVENTS Please contact the Ivins Outreach Center at for more information regarding the following events and to RSVP. Annual Fall Classic Golf Outing Our annual golf outing will be held at the Yardley Country Club on Monday, September 19. All golfers are welcome, both ladies and gents. We will have three categories of golfer/foursomes men, women and coed. The cost per player will include: golf cart, hot breakfast, shotgun start, beverage cart on course, lunch with complimentary bar beverages and golf awards. So gather your golfing friends, form a foursome and register now or register as a single golfer! Huge Yard Sale The Ivins Outreach Center will hold a yard sale in the MPC parking lot on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Reserve a 10-foot space for $25.00 and then bring your table (we have a limited number of tables to rent for an extra $5.00), chair and items for sale. Our parking lot is situated on a highly visible, well-traveled road which will draw in those yard sale shoppers. Don t have anything to sell? Come and shop. Also, the Rotary Club will sell food and beverages. So come and eat. Line Dancing, Take Two!! Back by popular demand, our next Line Dance will be on Friday, November 11, 2016 in Fellowship Hall from 7:00 p.m. - 11:00. The cost is $20.00 per person. Light refreshments will be served and we will have a 50/50 raffle. Line dance pros, JoAnn Lawrence and Captain Ray, will return with their music and will give more lessons to us novices! 7

8 God's Thunder Sundays at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel First rehearsal is September 18 SUNDAY, September 11 9:30 a.m. Rally Day Breakfast & Fellowship Hall Sunday School Kickoff 10:30 Worship Sanctuary 11:30 Fellowship Time Reception Lounge Host: Youth in Mission 11:45 Confirmation Class Room 220 Meeting 2:00 p.m. Tutoring Conference Room 7:00 Deacons Conference Room MONDAY, September 12 12:00 p.m. Deborah Circle Lounge 6:00 Cub Scouts Rooms 104, 220, 222 6:30 Cub Scouts Fellowship Hall 7:00 Rebecca Circle Lounge 7:00 Food Packing Room 4 7:00 Boy Scouts Fellowship Hall 7:30 Evangelism & Communication Room 200 7:30 Mostley Motets Music Room TUESDAY, September 13 9:00 Food Center Set-Up Fellowship Hall 10:00 Clothing Center 1:30 p.m. Staff Meeting Room 200 6:00 GSEP Senior Troop 2030 Room 210 7:00 Pastor Nominating Conference Room Committee 7:30 Alcoholics Anonymous Room 220 Starting Soon Teen Choir Sundays at 11:45 a.m. in the Music Room First rehearsal is September 18 MPC Weekly Calendar WEDNESDAY, September 14 8:00 Food Center Fellowship Hall 7:00 p.m. Youth Club Fellowship Hall Registration THURSDAY, September 15 10:00 Lower Makefield Women Fellowship Hall 11:00 Food Stocking Room 4 Noon Alcoholics Anonymous Room 222 6:30 p.m. Oakville Girls Scouts Room 220 6:45 Chancel Choir Music Room 8:15 Chancel Ringers Chapel FRIDAY, September 16 9:30 Antless Picnic Set Up Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Room 122 SATURDAY, September 17 8:00 a.m. Boy Scout Flea Market Parking Lot (Rain Date) 11:00 Tutoring Conference Room 2:00 p.m. Chancel & Bell Choir Picnic SUNDAY, September 18 8:30 a.m. God s Thunder Rehearsal Chapel 9:30 Sunday School for All Ages 10:30 Worship Sanctuary 11:45 Antless Picnic & Fellowship Time Congregational Meeting 11:45 Teen Choir Music Room 2:00 p.m. Tutoring Conference Room To view upcoming events and meetings, please visit and click on the MPC Events Calendar under the About Us tab. M O R R I S V I L L E P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H 771 NORTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MORRISVILLE, PA

WORSHIP for TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY

WORSHIP for TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST OCTOBER 9, 2016 10:30 AM Grounded in the grace of God, we are a vibrant Christian community, disciples of all ages, gathered for worship and nurture, scattered