2 SAINT PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Fleetwood, Pennsylvania Rally Day (8:55 Service) September 11, 2016 GATHERING PRAYER

Transcription

1 2 SAINT PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Fleetwood, Pennsylvania Rally Day (8:55 Service) September 11, All: Let us join together to build God s realm on earth! (Congregation may be Seated.) RENEWING THE COVENANT OF EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY GATHERING PRAYER Loving God, We trust in you. We feel your presence here, as we build a community sharing the love that you give with one another. Amen wholepeopleofgod.com INTROIT PROCESSIONAL HYMN They ll Know We are Christians by Our Love (see page 7) PASSING THE PEACE The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. Let us share signs of Christ s peace with one another. JOYS AND CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH Recognition of Perfect & Admirable Attendance CENTERING PRELUDE Prelude in E Major by J.S. Bach David Cullen guitar (Congregation Standing) Leader: Today is Rally Day Sunday the day in which we regather after a variety of summer experiences, celebrate that we are part of God s community. Just like a building under construction, our community is growing and changing. New people come with fresh ideas and experiences. Long-time members share their insights and commitment. Every one of us young and old helps build community. Welcome to our community still under construction, working towards a world based on God s love!) Leader: Let us worship God! We open our hearts to God. Leader: It is good to worship and praise God together! Let us open our hearts to one another. Leader: We are God s community under construction. Let us prepare ourselves for new life. Educators: Educators: Students: A covenant is a special agreement we make, with God as our partner. God made a covenant agreement and promise with Noah, with the rainbow as a symbol. Moses and the Hebrew people made a covenant with God through the 10 Commandments. Jeremiah talked of a covenant that would be written on people s hearts. As Christians this covenant was made plain to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through him, we know that God s covenant promise is for all people. Today we renew our own covenant with God and each other in our Sunday School and Church community. Would the Sunday School teachers, helpers, and administrators please rise and share your covenant for the year ahead Having prayerfully considered the duties and responsibilities of your ministry, are you prepared to serve? We promise before God to give our time, our effort, and our love to nurture the growth of those in our care. Do you promise to exercise your ministry diligently and faithfully, showing forth the love of Christ? We do, relying on God s grace. Would the studentsamong us please rise and share your covenant for the year ahead. (this is for all ages children adults) We promise before God to grow in love and faith, and to help others also grow in love and faith. We promise to support our teachers and use the gifts God has given us to participate and be active learners as we share with them in this ministry. Members of this household of faith, you have heard the promises of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have answered God s call to teach as well as the promises of students. Would all who are able please rise and share your covenant for the year ahead. We, the people of St. Paul s UCC, seek to live in God s way. We promise to pray for and support the teachers, children, and youth in this important work. We promise before God to work together in building a community of

2 4 love and faith. May we build a solid foundation of trust in God and love for one another. And may God bless us and guide us in our growing together. Modified from wholepeopleofgod.com PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE - Remembering 9-11 from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website. (All may be seated) WORD SPECIAL MUSIC "Kum Ba Yah" Children s Choir David Cullen - guitar SCRIPTURE READING Galations 5:13-16 & Penny Wentz RALLY DAY GREETINGS Stacy Laucks MESSAGE Singing the Story: God s Fruits of the Spirit Damien Drago PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD S PRAYER 7th Grade Prayer written by the th Grade Sunday School Class (see insert) OFFERTORY SENTENCES GIVING OFFERTORY "By Streams of Everlasting Love" Robert Powell (Congregation Stands) DOXOLOGY (All, singing) Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost OFFERTORY PRAYER SENDING THE RECESSIONAL HYMN Pass it On (see page 8) THE BENEDICTION 5 CHORAL SENDING May the grace of Christ, our Savior, And the love of God our Father, And the fellowship of the Spirit be with us. May the grace of Christ, our Savior, And the love of God our Father, And the fellowship of the Spirit be with us. Forever and ever, forevermore, Amen CHIMES POSTLUDE "Carillon" Gordon Young Many thanks to all of the many volunteers who are a part of our educational ministries... Nursery: Mary Lou Knerr, Erin Goldman, Kitty Yenser, Linda Yoder, Katie Kachel, Alyssa Sell Primary: Marie Richdale, Sandi Renninger, Mary Keck, Brandi Hill, and Joan Yoder, Junior/Junior High: Gillian Agnew, Erin Bogacki, andjenn Mowry 1st Year Confirmation: Barbara Hoffman 2nd Year Confirmation: John Folk, Deb Reinert, Ro Wolf, Erin Goldman, Max Ruemmler, Jim Goldman, David Pierce, Nick Fry, Tyler Mowry, Lydia Heffner, Dakota Milyo Senior High: Ian McKinney Adult: Jay A. Smith, Jim Goldman Generations: Ken McDowell Mid-week Bible Study Pat Morris Coordinator of Educational Ministries: Stacy Laucks Youth Ministry: John Folk, Leona & Jim Wright, Erin & Jim Goldman, Deb & Gary Reinert, Bob & Ro Wolf, John & Cindy Rothenberger, Dawn & Kerry Kachel, Pastor Pat Morris, Brian & Kim Levan, Ian McKinney, Hali Hoch, Bob & Tammy Gore, Christy & Matt Hetrick, Jenn Mowry, Barb & Randy Hoffman, Melissa & Mike Ruemmler, Christy Hetrick, David Pierce, Sarah Rothenberger, and Lynda Shenk

3 6 Thanks also to all of the many volunteers that made Vacation Bible School possible this year! At the risk of missing a name, we d like to thank Linda Bullock, Gillian Agnew, Barbara Hoffman, Carrie Wentz, Erin Goldman, Cassie Harter, Steve Wentz, the Wentz Family Painters/Constructors, Jane Folk, Lynda Shenk, Randy Hoffman, Jenn Mowry, Christie Himmelreich, Lori Hoffman Cole, Sandy Renninger, Robin Reinkemeyer, Sue Landis, Gwen Harter, Colby Eckert, Eileen Gilmore, Jim Goldman, Mary Boeshore, Ann Heinly, Brandi Hill, Marie Richdale, Chris Scheffler, Betsy Becker, Jim Ott, Audrey Agnew, Emma Bigg, Caroline Blickley, Erin Bogacki, Dakota Bryniarski, Kayla Himmelreich, Jonathan Kupp, AJ Laucks, Kayla Laucks, Emily Laucks, Jonathan Maurek, Stephen Maurek, Dakota Milyo, Parker Milyo, Brooke Mowry, Tyler Mowry, Taylor Pavlick, David Pierce, Connor Raudenbush, Ethan Raudenbush, Sam Ruemmler, Max Ruemmler, Alex Scheffler, Angela Snyder, Nicholas Snyder, Bret Spayd, Jaiden Valick, JaminValick, Riley Wentz, and everyone who donated supper/vendor food. 7 Perfect Attendance for Joan Yoder 54 years Linda Yoder 49 years Jay Smith 47 Years Mary Lou Knerr 41 years Kitty Yenser 35 years Jim Goldman 19 Years Erin Goldman Admirable Attendance (close to perfect): Emma Bigg, Jack Gilmore, Lilah Gilmore, Kassidy Hill, Krystal Hill, Jenna Landis, Emily Laucks, Kayla Laucks, JaelinValick, Jaiden Valick, JakinValick, JaminValick, JarrenValick, Penny Wentz Current Educational Ministries Committee Chairperson: Barb Hoffman Secretary: Jenn Mowry Staff: Stacy Laucks, John Folk Consistory Representative: Jenn Mowry Printed under copyright CCLI License #

4 8 9 MISSION STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT As Followers of Jesus Christ we commit ourselves to: Enthusiastically proclaim and teach God s love through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Share God s love with neighbors near and far. Live as a Christian community of hope, acceptance, and encouragement in a rapidly changing world. WELCOME TO ST. PAUL S If you are visiting and would like to know more about St. Paul s please fill out the visitor s card located in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. One of our pastors will contact you. There are assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired available at the sound board in the rear of the church. Children are always welcome in our worship space (as are the joyful noises that they sometimes add). For those moments when it might be needed, we do have a nursery room in the rear of the church that anyone with younger children is welcome to use. The room is equipped with a speaker that will allow you to continue enjoying the service. Please ask an usher if you need any assistance. Activity bags for children can be found on a rack in the Narthex. ANNOUNCEMENTS (For the week of September 11, 2016) The Altar Flowers are sponsored by Bill and Karen Shollenberger The Organ Arrangement is sponsored by Gary, Rachel, and Megan Eberly in memory of Stew and Mary Eberly. The Bulletins are sponsored by Pat Lenhart in memory of her sister, Jacqueline Wenger. The Upper Room Publication for this month is sponsored by Randy and Barbara Hoffman in honor of Grandparents' Day and grandparents everywhere! Coffee Time Sponsor: Allen and Jason Crockett Readers: 8:55 a.m. - Penny Wentz 10:25 a.m. Ken McDowell Acolytes: 8:45 a.m. Olivia Downs and Kayla Himmelreich 10:25 a.m. Brooke Mowry and Emma Bigg Ushers: 8:55 a.m. Mike Werner, Steve Wentz, TBD, TBD 10:25 a.m. Tom Agnew, Sue Creswell, TBD, TBD Attendance: September 4, :55 a.m :25 a.m Finance: July Income Expense General Acct $40, $37, Other Accts $11, $ 5, Year to date: General Acct $251, $264, Other Accts $ 67, $103, Printed under copyright CCLI License #

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6 Announcing the Sunday School Educational Focus Taking a Stand for Christian Peace & Love Throughout the year we will concentrate on 3 areas: Know the Story Tell the Story Live the Story So that our lives will be full of the Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self Control Don t miss any of these great Sept Events At Sunday School Chalk4Peace Sunday, Sept. 18 Spread chalk messages of Peace during the Sunday School openings. Children's Choir (Grades K-6th) Starts again on Sept. 4 th Meets at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday Harvest Home September 25 Celebrate GOD s bountiful harvest by bringing a canned good to share others. The members of our Confirmation classes will also be dedicated during the worship service. Jesus Loves Me Jesus Loves Me Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. Jesus loves me! This I know, As He loved so long ago, Taking children on His knee, Saying, Let them come to Me. Jesus loves me still today, Walking with me on my way, Wanting as a friend to give Light and love to all who live. Jesus loves me! He who died Heaven s gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in. Song Lyrics Fruit of the Spirit The fruit of the Spirit s not a coconut (watermelon, lemon, banana, etc.) The fruit of the Spirit s not a coconut If you want to be a coconut You might as well hear it Cause it can t be a fruit of the Spirit Cause the fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control Cause the fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control

7 I've Got the Joy In My Heart I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy Down in my heart Where? Down in my heart!...where? Down in my heart! I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy Down in my heart Down in my heart to stay And I'm so happy So very happy I've got the love of Jesus in my heart Down in my heart And I'm so happy So very happy I've got the love of Jesus in my heart. I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus Down in my heart Where? Down in my heart!...where? Down in my heart! I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus Down in my heart Where? Down in my heart to stay. I've got the peace that passes understanding Way down in the depths of my heart! Where? Down in the depths of my heart! Where? Down in the depths of my heart! I've got the peace that passes understanding Way down in the depths of my heart! Down in my heart to stay Kindness Open up the skies of mercy And rain down the cleansing flood Healing waters rise around us Hear our cries Lord let 'em rise Open up the skies of mercy And rain down the cleansing flood Healing waters rise around us Hear our cries Lord let 'em rise It's Your kindness Lord That leads us to repentance Your favor Lord, is our desire It's Your beauty Lord That makes us stand in silence Your love, Your love Is better than life We can feel Your mercy falling You are turning our hearts back again Hear our praises rise to heaven Draw us near Lord Meet us here God is So Good God is so good, God is so good; God is so good, He's so good to me. He answers prayer, He answers prayers, He answers prayers, He's so good to me. He saves my soul, He saves my soul, He saves my soul, He's so good to me. He cares for me, He cares for me, He cares for me, He's so good to me. I'll do His will, I'll do His will, I'll do His will, He's so good to me. He loves me so, He loves me so, He loves me so, He's so good to me Do Lord Do Lord, O, Do Lord, O do remember me [Repeat: x3] Way beyond the blue. I've got a home in glory land that outshines the sun. [Repeat: x3] Way beyond the blue. I took Jesus as my Savior, you take Him too. [Repeat: x3] Way beyond the blue. Amazing Grace Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, Was blind, but now I see. 'Twas Grace that taught, my heart to fear. And grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. 'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead us home. The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise, than when we first begun. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see. This Little Light of Mine This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine, Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine. Don't let Satan blow it! I'm gonna let it shine. Don't let Satan blow it out. I'm gonna let it shine Don't let Satan blow it out. I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Let it shine til Jesus comes. I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine til Jesus comes. I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine til Jesus comes. I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

8 2 SAINT PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Fleetwood, Pennsylvania Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 11, 2016 GATHERING PRAYER Almighty God, you who continually call your people to yourself, draw us by the power of your Holy Spirit into such a binding relationship that we may faithfully follow you all the days of our lives. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen INTROIT PROCESSIONAL HYMN There s A Wideness in God s Mercy No. 23 PASSING THE PEACE The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. Let us share signs of Christ s peace with one another. JOYS AND CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH CENTERING PRELUDE "Kum Ba Yah" Children s Choir David Cullen guitar (Congregation Standing) We gather in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All: (singing) Amen! Today we gather in God s house. We come from small towns and farms, from the city and villages. We are God s children. God knows our names and God knows our every want and need. We are here to worship God; the God of our mothers and fathers; the God of the saints who have gone before us. We are here again to listen to the promise of New Life given to us in the person of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Savior. Let us worship the Still Speaking God! 3 All(singing): Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care; In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are. All(singing) PENITENCE You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. Turn your eyes from my sin and cover my guilt. Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again. Psalm 51:1, 9-10; PWM We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the Guardian of our way; Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray. Let us confess our sins. All: Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt. I know about my sins and I cannot forget my terrible guilt. You are really the one I have sinned against; I have disobeyed you and have done wrong. Hear my silent confession. Psalm 51:2-4a; PWM All(singing) (Silent prayers of confession) It is through my faith in you, Forgiving God, that my guilt is washed away. You love me so much that you seek me when I am lost. You loved the world so much that you sent your only Son into the world to save it. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want and my sins are forgiven! PWM Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be; Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and pow r to free. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee. Let us say again what it is that we believe.

9 4 I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen (The congregation may be seated.) OLD TESTAMENT Jeremiah 4:11-12, OT pg. 702 EPISTLE First Timothy 1:12-17 NT pg. 208 Choral Response: There is a Savior, what joys express, His eyes are mercy, His word is rest. For each tomorrow, for yesterday, There is a Savior who lights our way. SPECIAL MUSIC We are a Church by Jay Althouse We are a church. We are a congregation, a community of souls who come to worship and pray. We are a church. We are a congregation. We have come to honor Christ, our Lord, today. We are a church. We are a congregation, and we know the Lord, our God, who gave his only Son. We are a church. We are a congregation, and we come together here to join as one. O Lord, we praise You with our voices and with song, O Lord we praise You in this house, handsome and strong. We are a church. We are a congregation, and within this house of God we feel His mercy and grace. We are a church. We are a true foundation, and we meet to worship in this place, in this beautiful place. We are a church, and we have come to worship God, today. We are a church, we are a congregation, and we come to worship Christ, our Lord, today. 5 SERMON TEXT Luke 15:1-10 NT pg. 78 (Congregation Stands) Choral Response: O God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You. O God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You. I will seek you in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways; And step by step You lead me, and I will follow You all my days. (Congregation May Be Seated) SERMON Lost and Found (Congregation Stands) RESPONSIVE HYMN Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound No. 547 (Congregation May Be Seated) PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD S PRAYER-Remembering 9-11 For the gift of life, O Lord, we give you thanks. Infuse us with your light, and make us vehicles of that life-giving light. For all who live with fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Comfort and strengthen them, we pray, that they may know the healing power of your love. For the leaders of nations and all who are in positions of political authority, that they may hear your voice above all others and act in such a way that brings about healing and reconciliation. For those who mourn and wonder, "O God, where were you?" May they know your presence and see how you use something that was meant for evil to bring about something that can be used for good. For our enemies, the ones for whom we would rather not pray, and for ourselves: lead us from prejudice to truth; deliver us from hatred and revenge; give us courage to overcome our fears and build bridges, that we may stand before you reconciled through Christ our Lord.

10 6 We remember with affection those who now rest from their labors, especially those we name before you now, on our lips or in our hearts.... Keep us in fellowship with all your saints and bring us at last to the joy of your heavenly kingdom. Hear our prayer, O Lord, increase in us the gift of faith that our lives may reflect your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website. Hear us as we pray together the prayer our Savior taught us... Amen Choral Response: OFFERTORY INVITATION Lord, listen to your children praying, Lord, send your Spirit in this place, Lord listen to your children praying, send us love, send us power, send us grace. GIVING OFFERTORY "By Streams of Everlasting Love" Robert Powell (Congregation Stands) DOXOLOGY (singing) Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost OFFERTORY PRAYER SENDING THE RECESSIONAL HYMN Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise No. 1 THE BENEDICTION CHORAL SENDING Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea. Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be CHIMES THE POSTLUDE 7 MISSION STATEMENT As Followers of Jesus Christ we commit ourselves to: Enthusiastically proclaim and teach God s love through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Share God s love with neighbors near and far. Live as a Christian community of hope, acceptance, and encouragement in a rapidly changing world. WELCOME TO ST. PAUL S If you are visiting and would like to know more about St. Paul s please fill out the visitor s card located in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. One of our pastors will contact you. There are assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired available at the sound board in the rear of the church. Children are always welcome in our worship space (as are the joyful noises that they sometimes add). For those moments when it might be needed, we do have a nursery room in the rear of the church that anyone with younger children is welcome to use. The room is equipped with a speaker that will allow you to continue enjoying the service. Please ask an usher if you need any assistance. Activity bags for children can be found on a rack in the Narthex. ANNOUNCEMENTS (For the week of September 11, 2016) The Altar Flowers are sponsored by Bill and Karen Shollenberger in memory of George Shollenberger. The Organ Arrangement is sponsored by Gary, Rachel, and Megan Eberly in memory of Stew and Mary Eberly. The Bulletins are sponsored by Pat Lenhart in memory of her sister, Jacqueline Wenger. The Upper Room Publication for this month is sponsored by Randy and Barbara Hoffman in honor of Grandparents' Day and grandparents everywhere! Coffee Time Sponsor: Allen and Jason Crockett Readers: 8:55 a.m. - Penny Wentz 10:25 a.m. Ken McDowell Acolytes: 8:45 a.m. Olivia Downs and Kayla Himmelreich 10:25 a.m. Brooke Mowry and Emma Bigg Ushers: 8:55 a.m. Mike Werner, Steve Wentz, TBD, TBD 10:25 a.m. Tom Agnew, Sue Creswell, TBD, TBD Attendance: September 4, :55 a.m :25 a.m Finance: July Income Expense General Acct $40, $37, Other Accts $11, $ 5, Year to date: General Acct $251, $264, Other Accts $ 67, $103,350.45