Founded in 1642; Continuing in Ministry Today. The First Sunday after Pentecost Trinity Sunday June 11, 2017 THE APPROACH TO GOD

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1 THE FIRST CHURCH IN ALBANY (Reformed Church in America) 110 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY ~ (518) info@firstchurchinalbany.org ~ Website: ~ Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Founded in 1642; Continuing in Ministry Today In response to God's unconditional love for all people made known to us in Jesus Christ, we are called to be a welcoming and affirming community. The First Church in Albany includes young and old, families, couples and singles, rich and poor, persons of various races, ethnicities, backgrounds, sexual orientation and gender identities, differing physical and mental abilities, believers and seekers. We welcome into the full life of the church all those whom God sends us. Centered in Christ, we commit ourselves to breaking down dividing walls and building a community where all are loved. The First Sunday after Pentecost Trinity Sunday June 11, 2017 Christian hospitality is a matter of welcoming, caring for, and befriending the stranger, the poor and needy, the homeless and destitute, the unloved and the unlikable, the weird and the strange, in gratitude to God and in imitation of Christ. It may be the most important Christian calling for our times, but it is one we easily neglect unless we are part of faith communities who make it their aim. For Christians, hospitality is not an occasional gesture but a whole way of being. It is not an interruption to our normal way of life but a habit, practice, or virtue that ought consistently to characterize our lives. -- Paul J. Wadell, Toward a Welcoming Congregation THE APPROACH TO GOD Prelude Komm Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott (Come, Holy Spirit, Lord God) Johann Sebastian Bach Announcements Call to Worship Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. Amen. Psalm 124:8

2 In Christ we are a new humanity, no longer strangers but members of the household of God. In Christ we are a new community, built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. Jesus Christ himself is the chief cornerstone. Let us grow up in every way into him who is our head. In Christ we are joined together, And built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God. from Ephesians 2 and 4 *Hymn 309 Come, Great God of All the Ages ABBOT S LEIGH Prayer of Confession (from Acts 2) O God of strong and steadfast love, we confess that sometimes we are so busy putting up walls between ourselves and others that we cannot see the home you are building for all of us. In our efforts to protect and guard what we have we set up barriers and boundaries and fail to trust that you are the guide and guardian of our lives. Sometimes we focus on the differences between us and others and forget that you embrace everyone as your child. Forgive us. By your grace, help us to see the fullness of your household. Transform us by your Sprit and help us to trust ourselves to your never- failing care so that we might choose love over fear, trust over suspicion, and even risky hospitality over security. Give us the mind of Christ whose compassion knows no boundaries and whose love embraces all. (The prayer may continue in silence.) 2

3 Assurance of Pardon and Call to New Obedience (from 2 Corinthians 5) This is the good news of the Gospel: God has reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; For our sake God made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Christ we might become the righteousness of God. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; everything has become new! The Peace As God has reconciled us in Christ, so let us be reconciled with one another. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you. *Response There is now a new creation, through the grace of Jesus Christ, peace and reconciliation with the God of endless life. Call the lost and found together; tell the news to everyone: Now the past is gone forever and a new life has begun. There is now a new creation, through the grace of Jesus Christ. Sing, with thanks and adoration, to the God of endless life! Tune: STUTTGART Text: David Gambrell, 2009 Used by permission of Onelicense #A The Prayer for Illumination THE WORD OF GOD 3

4 The Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 56: 3-8 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Anthem Hear My Prayer Moses Hogan The New Testament Lesson Ephesians 2: The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The Sermon Breaking Down and Building Up The Prayer for Blessing on the Word THE RESPONSE TO GOD *Hymn 440 In Christ There Is No East or West MCKEE Offering Offertory My Soul, Triumphant in the Lord Early American Hymn arranged by Alice Parker *Doxology (Hymn 591) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all creatures here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen. Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession 4

5 The Lord s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. *Hymn 343 Called as Partners in Christ s Service BEECHER *Charge and Blessing *Postlude Fugue in C Diederich Buxtehude A *Those who are able please stand. WORSHIP LEADERS: Liturgist: Rev. Susan Vincent-Cox; Preacher: The Rev. John Paarlberg; Mary Bon, Minister of Music and Choir Director; the First Church Choir. WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS: The entire congregation. We welcome all who gather to worship God this morning, especially visitors and friends from near and far. Please sign our guest book or complete a visitor s card (found in the pew rack) and place it in the offering plate. If you have questions about our ministry, we encourage you to speak with one of the pastors or an usher. There is an elevator in our building, which makes every floor accessible. Please join us following the service for coffee and conversation downstairs in Zimmerman Hall. Hearing assist devices are available for your use. Please ask an usher. The flowers this morning are given by Bob and Mary Beth Huba in memory of Ken, Betty, and Pat Huba and Henry Fox. At the May 21 congregational meeting Bill Kendall and Theresa Brewer were elected to the office of deacon. Peter Pagerey and Becky Hudak were elected to second terms as elders and Norma Jean Ballou and Rebecca Mondore were elected to first terms as elders. Reelected to three-year terms on the Board of Trustee were Shirley Bone, Andy Mondore, David Bradley and Ross Westhuis. A service of Ordination and Installation for elders and deacons will take place on Sunday, June 18. 5

6 June 18 Post Service: Joe Paparone will lead us in a presentation and discussion about immigrant rights and the ministries of advocacy and sanctuary. Several members of First Church (Ian Leet, Becky Hudak, Marilyn and John Paarlberg were a part of an interfaith group (Jewish, Christian, Muslim) who traveled together to Israel and Palestine last February. They and their fellow travelers will give a presentation on the trip on Wednesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. at First Church. People from other churches and faith groups are also invited. Time will be available for questions and comments. After the presentations you are invited to stay and enjoy a variety of Middle Eastern desserts and continue the conversation. Worship on Sunday, June 25, will be at 10 a.m.in Clee Park, weather permitting. The Route Fifty 5 brass quintet will provide music. In July and August worship services will be at 9 a.m. (drive-in) in and 10 a.m. (sanctuary.) The first Sundays in July, August and September we will join the other FOCUS covenant congregations for worship at 9:30 a.m. Drive in worship at 9 a.m. will also continue on those Sundays. First Church offers financial aid for children who wish to attend summer camp at Camp Fowler. Please see Pastor Paarlberg for more information. Today s Post-service: The statement that appears in the bulletin each Sunday states that First Church believes we are called to be a welcoming and affirming community. committed to breaking down dividing walls and building a community where all are loved. During the post-service discussion today we ll reflect on this statement and Ephesians 2:11-22, and ask: How did we get to this statement? How are we doing? Where are we going? Spring Fling Concerts Wednesdays in June at Noon Join us for a series of noon-time concerts in our sanctuary each Wednesday in June from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. We ll have special music from our soloists as well as guest instrumentalists. June 14 A Tribute to Bach J.S. Bach Cantata 56 Ich will den Kreuzstab gernetragen' (I will carry my cross gladly) with Peter Subers, Baritone; Kelly Jo Lockwood, oboe; Gene Marie Callahan, piano June 21 Spring Reveries Duets for flute and guitar with Paul Quigley, guitar and Jacqueline Wright, flute June 28 Summertime Dreaming Soprano Rose Hunsberger sings working of Mozart and Schubert with Michael Clement, pianist 6

7 Anthem Texts: Hear My Prayer O Lord, please hear my prayer; In the morning when I rise. It's your servant bound for glory. O dear Lord, please hear my prayer. O Lord, please hear my prayer. Keep me safe within your arms.it's your servant bound for glory. O dear Lord, please hear my prayer. When my work on earth is done, And you come to take me home.just to know I'm bound for glory; And to hear You say, "Well done!"done with sin and sorrow. Have mercy. Mercy My Soul, Triumphant in the Lord, Early American Hymn arranged by Alice Parker My soul, triumphant in the Lord, shall tell its joys abroad, And march with holy vigor on supported by its God. Through all the winding maze of life His hand has been my guide; And in that long experienced care my heart shall still confide. His grace through all the desert flows an unexhausted stream; That grace in Zion s sacred mount shall be my endless theme. The First Church 2017 Directory is under way. During the month of June we will be taking photos of all the small groups and boards. Our goal is to have the directory ready for distribution at the 375 Anniversary Luncheon on Sunday, October 29 th. A letter explaining the details will be mailed to everyone in the next few weeks. Smile! Ever wanted to decorate a dog? This summer, the sidewalk just outside of Clee Park will be the home of Cleeo, the Clee Park Dog. He s Nipper s brother, and will be part of this summer s "Albany is Pawsome!" Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit. But Cleeo needs decorating, and from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. this Saturday June 17th, everyone is invited to decorate him with labels from food items to raise visibility about our food pantry program. Bring yourselves, kids or grandkids, food labels and scissors to Zimmerman Hall and we will paste labels on Cleeo. No age requirement or artistic talent needed! Lunch will be provided. Contact the church office ( ) if you can come. 7

8 Sunday THIS WEEK AT FIRST CHURCH 6/11 Trinity Sunday 9:00 AM Drive-In Worship 10:30 AM Sanctuary Worship 11:30 AM Changing the Conversation Monday 6/12 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Food Pantry Open Tuesday 6/13 12:00 NOON Bible Study 6:30 PM Consistory Wednesday 6/14 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Food Pantry Open 12:00 NOON AA Meeting 12:00 NOON Spring Concert A Tribute to Bach Thursday 6/15 Summer newsletter editorial deadline Saturday 6/17 10:00 AM-2 PM Cleeo the Clee Park Dog Collage Sunday 6/18 Second Sunday after Pentecost 9:00 AM Drive-In Worship 10:30 AM Sanctuary Worship 11:30 AM Joe Paparone: Discussion about immigrant rights and the ministries of advocacy and sanctuary 8

Founded in 1642; Continuing in Ministry Today. Seventh Sunday of Easter Sunday after the Ascension May 28, 2017 THE APPROACH TO GOD

Founded in 1642; Continuing in Ministry Today. Seventh Sunday of Easter Sunday after the Ascension May 28, 2017 THE APPROACH TO GOD THE FIRST CHURCH IN ALBANY (Reformed Church in America) 110 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207 ~ (518) 463-4449 Email: info@firstchurchinalbany.org ~ Website: www.firstchurchinalbany.org ~ Sunday Worship: