Sunday Morning Worship

Transcription

1 Finding direction by following Jesus. Sunday Morning Worship Early and Late Services September 10, 2017 Second Presbyterian Church 214 Mountain Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA PASTORAL STAFF Dr. George C. Anderson Senior Pastor The Rev. Elizabeth N.H. Link Associate Pastor for Christian Education Noah s Ark mural in Sunday School nursery The Rev. Rachel C. Thompson Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults Dr. William R. Klein Pastor Emeritus Welcome to Rally Day at Second Presbyterian Church September 10, 2017 Large-print copies of services and hymnals may be requested from an usher.

2 During September 2017, our freewill offerings will go to benefit those affected by the recent devastation and floodwaters from massive storms and hurricanes. They have caused destruction and loss of life. From Texas to Florida and beyond, including the DR and other vulnerable island countries, flooding has overwhelmed the people. Since September 3, 2017, the initial total has climbed to $5,915 received for disaster relief. Thank you for your compassionate spirit of giving. A Quote: No soul was ever saved by hate. No truth was ever proved by violence. No redemption was ever brought by holy war. No religion won the admiration of the world by its capacity to inflict suffering on its enemies. Jonathan Sacks Prayer of Confession (The Rev. Ed McLeod, First Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, NC) Scripture Both Genesis passages are about covenants being made. A covenant is similar to a contract, though it is made with God and creates a binding relationship. Covenants in the Bible can be conditional, but the covenants made with Noah and Abram (Abraham) are unconditional pledges on God s part toward them. What distinguishes the two covenants from each other is that the covenant with Noah is God s pledge to all people and the covenant made with Abram is a pledge to a specific people on behalf of all people. September 10, 2017 Worship at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. RALLY DAY Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Gathering Music O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing Setting by Hal Hopson Prayer of Preparation God, grant us grace never to sell ourselves short, grace to risk something big for something good, grace to remember that the world is now too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love. (William Sloan Coffin, adapted) Welcome and Announcements Minute for Fellowship - Sign-ups for Supper Clubs Sara McGhee Introduction of the Rev. David Dickerson Dr. George C. Anderson Prelude (11:00 a.m.) They ll Know We Are Christians Setting by Wilbur Held Call to Worship Leader: What does the Lord require of you? People: To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God. Leader: Let us worship God! *Hymn No. 833 O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go *Invocation The Lord s Prayer Glory to God, p. 35 (using debts, debtors) A Time for Children (11:00 a,m,) Children, Worship, and Wonder children (4k-1st grade) excused after Children s Time. A Time for Confession Call to Confession Prayer of Confession (in unison) You are a redeeming power at work in the world, O God, seeking justice and mercy for all your children. Forgive us when we settle for the world as it is, rather than yearning for the world as it might be. Forgive us when our own comfort and well-being is our first priority, perhaps our only priority, and for the way we ve learned to tolerate the injustice and the wrongs suffered by others. We know that Jesus took special note of those who had been pushed to the margins and forgotten, and reached out to them with your divine love. Be at work in us, so that your love will flow through us, to the glory of your name. Speak to us in the silence... Response Congregation sings together: Hymn No. 466 Come and Fill Our Hearts Come and fill our hearts with your peace. You alone, O Lord, are holy. Come and fill our hearts with your peace. Alleluia! Assurance of Pardon Sanctuary Flowers The flowers are given to the glory of God in honor of Dick Baynton in celebration of his 90th birthday by his family. New Arrival Congratulations to Katherine and Jim Morris on their precious new granddaughter, Ava Gabrielle Morris of Roanoke, VA, who arrived August 10, She is the daughter of Miranda and Keith Morris of Vinton and joins brothers Logan and Luke and sister Natalie. Introducing Parish Associate for Visitation Welcome the Rev. David Dickerson, newly retired PC (USA) minister who most recently served as the pastor and head of staff at The Presbyterian Church of Radford, VA. He and his wife, Patsy, are settling into their retirement home in Fincastle, VA. They have four adult children and are expecting the arrival of their first grandchild! We are delighted he will become an additional Parish Associate for Visitation to serve in much the same way as The Rev. Ellen Anderson. - GROUP MEETINGS AND EVENTS - Welcome to Rally Day at Second Presbyterian Church! We are delighted that you are here to help us celebrate the return to our fall worship and educational schedules. Join us for today s events, and explore ways that you can grow more in your faith during the church school year. Today s Schedule: 9:00 a.m. Worship 9:30-10:15 a.m. Meet & Greet while you visit displays for CE offerings in Fellowship Hall (10:00 a.m.) (2-4 year olds head directly to Sunday school classrooms) 10:15 a.m. Children are dismissed to classrooms Confirmation Class meeting in the Chapel Adults remain in Fellowship Hall for a special presentation 10:45 a.m. Everyone will be dismissed for worship 11:00 a.m. Worship Beginning September 10: Sunday School for All Ages (10:00 a.m.) Children, Worship, & Wonder (4k-1st Grade, 11:00 a.m.) Children-At-Worship (2nd-3rd Grade, 11:15 a.m. during September), Chapel Sunday Evening Youth Groups (5:00 p.m.) Sunday Evening Children s Choirs (5:00 p.m.) Sunday Evening Parenting Group (5:00 p.m.) Midweek Studies Adult Midweek Class Descriptions*: Thursday Morning Class (Facilitator: Bill Logan), 9:30-11:00 a.m. Join the group as they explore together Adam Hamilton s celebrated new study Moses. Fall Class Schedule: October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9. Thursday Afternoon Discipleship Class (Facilitator: Sarah Ludwig), 1:00-3:00 p.m. The group will be kicking off the fall with the course by Professor Bart Ehrman After the New Testament: The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers. Begins: September 14. Hungry Women (Facilitator: Elizabeth Link), 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon This fall, Hungry Women will be exploring Barbara Brown Taylor s An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith. Fall Class Schedule: September 21, 28; October 5, 12, November 2, 9. Men's Fellowship Breakfast, began September 6, Roanoker Restaurant, 7:30 a.m., first Wednesday of the month, with Dr. Anderson offering Bible study. No reservations needed for the meal. Come join us! *More information on these opportunities and more may be found in the Christian Education Booklet, available online, by mail, or in brochure racks throughout the building.

3 BIG LICK TRAIN TUG TO BENEFIT PCC Presbyterian Community Center's new fundraiser is Saturday, October 7, and it's a new, different, and exciting event! Teams will compete to see who can pull the N&W 611 steam engine the farthest the fastest. Question: Can you move an 840,000 pound locomotive? Answer: Yes, this streamlined beauty was so finely engineered when built in Roanoke's East End shops that you really can. As PCC's biggest church supporter, we want to have two teams entered - so please sign up NOW! If you can't join our team, be a financial sponsor for those who do. Get up close and personal with this beautiful symbol of Roanoke's railroad legacy, and provide funds to support PCC - our church's longtime mission partner in the Roanoke Valley's needy Southeast area. Go to to learn more about the event, join a team, or donate to a team. Four Presbyterian churches have signed up so far and we want Second to raise the most money for PCC and Southeast families! Feel free to contact Bev Fitzpatrick, our team captain, at btfitzjr@cox.net, or Wayne Lewis at waynelewis@cox.net for more details. Twenty-seventh Year of Supper Clubs! Supper Clubs are a special way for church members to enjoy fellowship in each other s homes, restaurants, and theaters. The sense of community is enhanced as we break bread together and enjoy one another s company. Getting to know new folks and renewing relationships with folks you know is a blessing and great fun. Please consider signing up for one or more of the Supper Clubs below. Please detach your sign-up slip, drop it in the offering plate, mail it to the church, or drop it by the church office. Your form must be turned in to the church no later than September 18. Questions? Contact Sara McGhee (sara.mcghee@cox.net or ). Movie Supper Club Sign-up for Name(s): Preferred Phone Number: Lunch Bunch Supper Club Sign-up for Name(s): Preferred Phone Number: Evening Supper Club Sign-up for Name(s): Preferred Phone Number: PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN - Presbyterian Women (PW) at Second Presbyterian are starting a new Horizons bible study entitled: "Cloud of Witnesses, The Community of Christ in Hebrews," by Melissa Bane Sevier. An introduction to the study year presented by Rev. Rachel C. Thompson will be Tuesday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. An all-member potluck luncheon will follow in Fellowship Hall. Circles 1 and 2 meet at the church at 10:30 a.m.; Circle 3 meets in the evening at Ann Lawson s home at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19, and in other Circle members homes on subsequent months. I/we would prefer a Supper Club that meets: in homes in restaurants Later in September, Presbyterian Women of Second Presbyterian will proudly host the Annual Gathering of the Peaks PW. This exciting event is planned for Saturday, September 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Kirk Hall with registration and refreshments. The theme for the gathering this year is human trafficking. The collection has been designated for Family Promise. Speakers will be present to address the theme and the program. All women of the church are invited to come to both of these September PW events. Please come and find your small church with us!

4 Adult Sunday Morning Classes will begin next week: Journey Through the Bible (Trent Classroom) - Discover the richness of the Psalms in terms of spirituality, personal growth, and worship. Discern that when Job asks why, we, too, strain to hear God s answers. Listen for the echoes of the early church and the Apostles in Galatians and James. These studies will help participants see how incredibly relevant these ancient books are to our lives and faith today. The Open Door Class (Session Room) Begin the fall with Peter Enns book The Sin of Certainty, which tackles the ways Christians mistake certainty and correct belief for faith when what God really desires is trust and intimacy. Following this series, the class will take part in a special DVD-based series called Jesus Fatwah: Love Your (Muslim) Neighbor as Yourself. Covenant Conversation (Reading Room) - Have you ever wondered what makes us Presbyterian? Join in an engaging conversation exploring our theology and tradition. Ask the questions you ve always wondered about. And learn about what makes us unique. A part of this discussion will evolve into a course on the history and meaning of the Apostles Creed. Wired Word (Café, downstairs) - The Wired Word class takes on the good, the bad, and the ugly each week, as it tackles a wide variety of current events through the lens of faithful discernment. Each week includes biblical study, discussion, and fellowship with others on the Christian journey, seeking to be conscientious disciples, aware of the world around them. Believing & Belonging (Hospitality Room): October 8 & 15 - Join Dr. George Anderson for a two-week study on what it means to be a Presbyterian and, specifically, what it means to be a member of Second Presbyterian Church. This class is geared toward visitors and recent members, and will help explore our understanding of God and what we believe God expects of us as faithful followers of Jesus. All are welcome! Confirm Not Conform for Adults (The Intersection) - Geared toward the parents of confirmands, this 9-week companion class will parallel parts of what our 8th grade youth will be learning in confirmation this year. Participants will be invited to ask questions they have always wanted to ask and explore their faith from an adult perspective. The emphasis will be on building an authentic faith, and lessons will cover basics on the Bible, creeds, sacraments, and topics which may have been ignored or lost in the mists of time. Fall Schedule: September 17, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12. Linger With the Word (Congregational Care Office) - Join us for a contemplative prayer time as we practice Lectio Divina using Biblical passages selected from the Revised Common Lectionary. Lectio Divina is a way of reading the scriptures to open ourselves to what God wants to say to us, a holy listening. This quiet time of reflection and sharing is not a progressive study so all are welcome anytime. HOLD THE DATE: The fifteenth annual GALS Gathering will be held on Friday, November 3, and Saturday, November 4, this year. Make plans to join us at Alta Mons retreat center in Shawsville. This is a special event for women in our church to be together and enjoy food, crafts, and a couple sessions from a visiting retreat leader! The retreat begins at 4:00 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night. We enjoy breakfast and a couple sessions on Saturday morning, then we have worship with communion and lunch afterwards. The retreat ends at 2:00 p.m. Many of the women in our church have said this is one of their favorite events during the year. We d love for you to be a part of it with us! Please pencil in November 3-4 and plan to join us! Registration will begin in early fall. There will be more information to come! If you re interested in being a part of the planning team or would like to help in some way that weekend, please contact Chasity Fitzpatrick at iamblessed3@cox.net or and Cindy Waters at cindezz@cox.net or

5 HAND BELLS - Second is the proud owner of three octaves (38 bells) of Whitechapel hand bells. They have been instruments bringing joy and celebration to our services since the 1950 s. Each bell consists of many parts including a handle, a clapper, the bell casting and various screws, washers, yokes, etc., allowing ringers to grasp and ring the appropriate note at the right time. Numerous parts of leather and screws, etc., may need maintenance or replacement through time as well as each bell tuned to ensure an accurate pitch. Our hand bells need this refurbishment now. We have done research and validation to find a company that can do this since Whitechapel of England recently closed. We have estimates that could range up to $5,200 depending on parts and evaluation once they are on site in South Carolina at the firm we will use for this effort. This would include the work by the firm we engage, the shipping or transportation to that firm and the purchase of a Whitechapel Bell Repair Kit for future use to maintain them at their best. Our ringers look forward to having these instruments even more grand than recent presentations have been. It is expected this would require the bells to be away for two to three weeks and would be scheduled based on the company s availability and our hand bell choir determination of when best to have it done. Please consider a contribution for this refurbishment and send your check to the church office designated for Hand Bell fund. Any contributions over and above the actual expenses will be used in future Worship and Music needs. Help us continue the many blessings our talented choirs and instruments afford us in our worship at Second Presbyterian. Sincere thanks to those who have already given to this fundraising, sending us over half way ($2,700 so far) of the estimated funds needed and we request that others would consider helping by submitting your support. CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH MUSIC - Picture yourself in Children's Choir, Youth Choir, or Youth Instrumental Ensemble ! Children's Choir consists of up to three choirs and will begin on Rally Day Sunday, September 10, with a brief family meeting before our regular dinner in Fellowship Hall and rehearsal in the Children's Music Rooms from 5:00-6:15 p.m. ~ Preschool (4 by September 1, 2017) and Kindergarten Choir ~ 1st-2nd Grade Choir ~ 3rd-5th Grade Choir WE CELEBRATE - the recent arrival of the piano you see in the Sanctuary, which was owned by Ellie Pommert, Karen Markham's mother. Ellie passed away recently, and Karen very graciously donated the instrument to Second. The upright piano, which had been in the Sanctuary for years, has been moved to the children's area to a room which currently doesn t have an instrument. Thank you, Karen, for this very special gift! GREETER/USHER TRAINING - Attention... all New Members! Are you looking for an easy way to become involved in church life and meet new friends? If so, please come to our training session for greeters and ushers. We ll meet in the Session Room next to the Chapel on Sunday, September 17, 12:15-1:00 p.m. Training will take less than an hour, and it s the best way for new members and members who haven t served in these roles to learn about this ministry and feel comfortable performing both tasks. Greeting and ushering require a minimal time commitment but the roles are crucial in how effective we are in welcoming visitors. Please join us!! Call the church office at or contact Ann Lawson at annie6832@aol.com or to register.

6 Sunday, November 12, 3:00 p.m.: St. John's Music on the Corner presents The Raleigh Ringers, a handbell choir from Raleigh, NC. Location: Shaftman Performance Hall; reserved seat tickets, $25, no refunds or discounts. For more information: (box office) or *Gloria Patri (Hymn No. 581) *Affirmation of Faith From A Declaration of Faith, 1977 (Chapter 3, section 1) To the world in its rebellion and alienation God promised blessing and restoration. The Lord chose Abraham and his descendants as bearers of that promise for all peoples. They had done nothing more than others to deserve the Lord's favor, but God loved them and made them his own. We acknowledge God's freedom and grace. Though we are unworthy, the Lord has made us his own in Christ. God has chosen us as his servants for the sake of the world and destined us to be his daughters and sons, giving us love and life, calling us to worship and honor him. *Hymn No. 462 (11:00 a.m.) Concerns The Morning Prayer I Love to Tell the Story The Presentation of God s Tithe and Our Offerings ** A Call for the Collection Offertory Count Your Blessings arr., Jeffrey Bennett Ritual of Friendship (Please sign the Friendship Pad, pass it along to others in your pew, then return it to center.) *Doxology (Hymn No. 606) *Prayer of Dedication Anthem O, How I Love Jesus arr., Lloyd Larson There is a name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth; it sounds like music in my ear, the sweetest name on earth. O, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me! It tells me of a Savior's love, who died to set me free; it tells me of His precious blood, the sinner's perfect plea. (Refrain) It tells of One whose loving heart can feel my deepest woe, who in each sorrow bears apart, that none can bear below. (Refrain) Prayer for Illumination Scripture Reading Genesis 8:20-9:17 Genesis 12:1-3 Old Testament, pp. 6-7 (Sanctuary) Old Testament, p. 9 (Sanctuary) I Love To Tell the Story Among those who attended Arabella Katherine Hankey s funeral were five women. Fifty years earlier, they were school aged girls who were child laborers in a London factory. They attended a Bible study led by Ms. Hankey who was concerned about their lives and wanted them to hear the hope of the Gospel. Ms. Hankey also was devoted to foreign missions and gave all the proceeds from her writings to that work. She advocated prison reform and education for children. During the winter of , she became seriously ill and was told to curtail her Christian activities for a year and rest. She responded by writing a poem that was later adapted into the text for the hymn, I Love to Tell the Story. Her passion for helping others and spreading the good word about Jesus began in Sunday School. Source: Then Sings My Soul, Book 2) Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God! Sermon Two Covenants Dr. George C. Anderson *Hymn No. 462 (9:00 a.m.) I Love to Tell the Story *Hymn No. 315 (11:00 a.m.) In the Midst of New Dimensions *Charge and Benediction Choral Response (11:00 a.m.) Postlude All Glory, Laud and Honor Daniel E. Gawthrop Please stand in body or spirit Anthem, copyright 2000 by Beckenhorst Press, Inc. Used by permission, CCLI License **

7 The Week Ahead Today, September 10 9:00 AM Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 AM Meet & Greet, Kirk Hall 10:00 AM Church School 11:00 AM Worship Service, Sanctuary 11:00 AM Children, Worship, and Wonder Program; Children s Worship Center 11:15 AM Children-At- Worship, Chapel; during late service 5:00 PM Children s Choir Dinner and Rehearsal 5:00 PM Parenting Book Study, Reading Room 5:00 PM Youth Group s Cookout, The Intersection Monday, September 11 7:00 PM AA - The Missing Link, Trent Classroom 7:00 PM Al-Anon Family Group, Klein Classroom Tuesday, September 12 9:30 AM Staff Meeting, Reading Room 10:30 AM PW Circles 1, 2 11:00 AM PW Introduction, Chapel 11:30 AM Presbyterian Women s Luncheon and Program, Fellowship Hall 12:00 PM Contemplative Prayer Group, Congregational Care Office 1:00 PM Visitation Committee, Trent Classroom 6:00 PM Trent Fund Subcommittee, Trent Classroom 6:30 PM Young Adults Group Wednesday, September 13 12:00 PM Bulletin Articles Deadline 12:00 PM Personnel Committee, Reading Room Staff Administrator Mark B. Wigginton Choir Director Dr. Jeffrey Sandborg Organist Marianne Sandborg Children s and Youth Music Director Kristen Smith Coordinator of Shared Ministries Ann Lawson Parish Associate for Visitation The Rev. M. Ellen Anderson, BCC Parish Associate for Visitation The Rev. David A. Dickerson Trustees Mary Ann Johnson William J. Lemon George A. McLean, Jr. Missionaries International: Ken Potter, in cooperation with Solid Rock Intern l.; San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic National: Beth-El Farmworker Ministry; Wimauma, FL Local: Presbyterian Community Center; Roanoke, VA Thursday, September 14 1:00 PM Discipleship Class, Ludwig) 5:00 PM Property Committee, Reading Room 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal Friday, September 15 Feeding America SW Virginia Gathering This Sunday Ushers Early Service: Lynn Avis; Russ Ellett; Todd Clevenger; Ginger Avis; Jack Avis, head usher Late Service: Bill Russell;Kirk Ludwig; Jennifer and Bob Powell; Cecil Kelley, head usher Greeters Sunday School Treva and Gene Richter Tower Ushers Passageway Ushers Parking Lot Cindy Smith Sanctuary flowers for today were arranged by Alice Loftin. The deadline for Second Sheet submissions is the second Wednesday of the month prior to the next month s issue. Library of sermons in text and/or audio are on the church website: Take a look at the Second Presbyterian Preschool and the Children s Garden website: or call them at Please silence your cell phones during all worship services. Chairs of Church Committees Bill Durham, Clerk Susan Lancaster, Asst. Clerk Shelley Lyons, Christian Education Maria Hammond, Congregational Life Manly Aylor, Finance Joe Miller, Treasurer Kelly Speas, Vice-Treasurer Betty Lesko, Nominating Ron Ayers, Personnel Matt Prescott, Property Anna McLean, Service and Outreach Cynthia Lawrence, Stewardship John Frank, Worship and Music MEMBERS OF THE SESSION OF SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Roanoke, Virginia Elders - Class of 2017 Ron Ayers Manly Aylor Jim Baynton Bill Durham, Clerk Maria Hammond Cecil Kelley Shelley Lyons John Shoulders Elders - Class of 2018 Allison Bloomfield Paul Bryan John Frank Allen Glover Bob Groth Susan Lancaster, Asst. Clerk Cynthia Lawrence Cindy Smith Elders - Class of 2019 Jack Avis Rhesa Bailey Rick Harvey Betty Lesko Kirk Ludwig Anna McLean Mary Phillips Jennifer Powell