WORSHIP for THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 4, :30 A.M.

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1 WORSHIP for THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 4, :30 A.M. 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. FRIENDSHIP PAD: During the Words of Welcome, please pass the red Friendship Pad to the outside aisle and back again to the center. This allows worshipers to recognize people in their pew, and helps staff members identify those who may need attention. THE CHANCEL FLOWERS are offered to the glory of God and are given by Ron and Ruth Workman in loving memory of Ron s father, William R. Workman. The flowers are also given in gratitude for the many missions and ministries of our Presbyterian Women. Today is Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday in the PCUSA. We celebrate the women of our church family and hold in prayer those women who are worshipping together today at the PW Retreat in Ocean Grove, NJ. USHERING AT TODAY S SERVICE: Head Usher Tom Evans, Alice Garcia, Lisa Kutch, Lori Newman, Joy Rees, Geoff Smith, and Tom Smith. Junior Deacons are Joely Gardner and Lizzie Pingor. CHILDCARE is provided in the Nursery/Pre-School room from 9:15 a.m. 11:45 a.m. each Sunday. Children, aged 0-2, are welcome in the nursery during our education hour (9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.). Children, aged 0-4, are welcome in the nursery during worship. Parents, please feel free to use our nursery, or keep your children with you in worship. If you need help locating the nursery, please don t hesitate to ask an usher. 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 pastor Rachel Rhodes at , or pastor 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 the April edition of Currents are due by March 10. Send articles to Currents@MPCusa.net. C ONTACT US M ORRISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF 771 North Pennsylvania Ave. Morrisville, PA Office@MPCusa.net Rachel A. Rhodes, Senior Pastor & Head of Staff (ext. 234)... RachelRhodes@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 2

3 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT G A T H E R I N G PRELUDE Wondrous Love - arr. Craig Phillips Text may be found at Hymn 215 WORDS of WELCOME Geoffrey Shoffstall Pastor Heffernan CHORAL INTROIT *CALL to WORSHIP Trustee Mark Schnurr One: O Lord God, how great you are! All: On the first day of the week we commemorate your creation of the world and all that is in it. One: O Lord God, how great you are! All: On the first day of the week we commemorate the gift of your law and the faithful followers who trust in it. One: O Lord God, how great you are! All: On the first day of the week we commemorate your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. For all this, O God, we gather to give you praise! Amen and Amen. *HYMN 14 For the Beauty of the Earth DIX *PRAYER of CONFESSION Unison Almighty and merciful God, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Restore those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to the world in Christ Jesus, our Lord. And grant, O merciful God, for his sake, that we may live a holy, just, and humble life to the glory of your holy name. *SILENT PRAYERS of CONFESSION *RESPONSE 601 Amen (DANISH) Here each worshiper may offer silent prayers of confession. Congregation 3

4 *PROMISE of FORGIVENESS One: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is God s steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us. Friends, rejoice and believe the Good News of the Gospel. All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. *RESPONSE to GOD S PARDON (back cover of hymnal) Glory to the Father GLORIA PATRI *THE PEACE One: Friends, be at peace, for God restores and strengthens you. 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 PSALTER READING Psalm 19:1-6 (Responsive) (Old Testament, page 472) One: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. All: Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. One: There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; All: Yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. One: In the heavens God has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. All: Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. TIME for YOUNG DISCIPLES Children in grades K-5 may leave for music time with Mr. Carpenter. 4

5 OLD TESTAMENT READING Psalm 19:7-14 (Old Testament, page 472) SERMON God: Lawgiver and Life-giver Reverend McAnlis *HYMN 61 Your Law, O Lord, Is Perfect CHRISTUS, DER IST MEIN LEBEN *AFFIRMATION of FAITH (Ecumenical Apostles Creed) I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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. OFFERING Invitation to Give Presentation of Gifts Offertory Music Simple Gifts arr. Dale Wood *Doxology 606 Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow OLD HUNDREDTH S A C R A M E N T o f t h e L O R D S S U P P E R INVITATION PRAYER of GREAT THANKSGIVING One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them to the Lord. One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give our thanks and praise. THE LORD S PRAYER (page 35 in the hymnal, debts and debtors) COMMUNION of the PEOPLE COMMUNION ANTHEM Where Two or Three are Gathered - John Purifoy Where two or three are gathered in my name, there will I also be. Chancel Choir 5

6 PRAYER after COMMUNION S E N D I N G *HYMN 772 Live into Hope TRURO *CHARGE and BLESSING *CHORAL RESPONSE *POSTLUDE If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee - J. S. Bach Text may be found at Hymn 816 WHO MAY RECEIVE COMMUNION IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH? The opportunity to eat and drink with Christ is not a right bestowed upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. All who come to the table are offered the bread and cup, regardless of their age or understanding. If some of those who come have not yet been baptized, an invitation to baptismal preparation and Baptism should be graciously extended. Worshipers prepare themselves to celebrate the Lord s Supper by putting their trust in Christ, confessing their sin, and seeking reconciliation with God and one another. Even those who doubt may come to the table in order to be assured of God s love and grace in Jesus Christ. -Book of Order W TODAY WE WILL CELEBRATE COMMUNION BY INTINCTION Today we will celebrate communion by intinction which literally means dip into. Following the Prayer of Great Thanksgiving, worshipers will approach the Communion Table by way of the center aisle, take a piece of bread, dip it into the cup, and receive the elements together. Afterward, you may return to your seat by way of the side aisle, maintaining an attitude of prayer throughout. Note: If you have difficulty walking, please remain in your seat, and an Elder will serve you the elements. COMMEMORATION OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED IN THE FAITH: At each celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, it is our custom to remember with gratitude the lives and witness of those members of this congregation who have died since the last time we gathered around this Holy Table. Today we give thanks to God for the life of Ruthellen Irish, who died on Saturday, January 6, Shirley I. Hauser, who died on Friday, February 2, Gino Mulé, who died on Thursday, February 8, Bill Baldwin, who died on Tuesday, February 20, Together with their families, we take comfort in the promise of Christ: "Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26) 6

7 FOOD CENTER NEEDS The Food Center is in need of paper and plastic grocery-sized bags. Donations would be appreciated. ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES Plan to come to all or some of the courses offered. Courses are held from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Sundays before Worship Service in the Conference Room. Acceptance of Death & Dying with Reverend Jack McAnlis Concludes March 11 This class will provide a cultural look at how Americans view death and how that relates to the Christian faith. Acceptance of Christ s Death & Resurrection with Reverend Jack McAnlis March 18 This class will examine why most of what is communicated about death to children is done to protect them, but, in most cases, is often cliché and contrary to our Christian beliefs. YOUNG ADULT BOARD GATHERING YAHTZEE! Please plan to join the Young Adult group for a relaxed afternoon of snacks and board games on Sunday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m. Childcare an issue? Bring those kids along! Childcare will be provided. Emily and Matt Bausher will host. Please RSVP to Caroline Thompson to receive the Bausher's address at c.lang.thompson@gmail.com or THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! Many thanks to everyone who gave hats, gloves, blankets, socks, scarves and other items to help warm our friends who come for a hot meal at the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton. On Saturdays, January 20 and February 17 we helped 275 people. Thank you! Announcements 7 ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING One Great Hour of Sharing enables the church to share God s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, by providing food to the hungry, and by helping to empower the poor and oppressed. Consider how you will help when we receive the OGHS offering on Palm Sunday. Thank you! VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR MPC HANDYMAN CREW! Our beautiful building provides for more than our Sunday services & Sunday school classes. Our church is home to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, AA groups, MPC food program, clothing center, Head Start program, Weekday Nursery School and other groups. It is also used for weddings and funerals. We are looking for men and women to be a part of our handyman crew. Jobs would include such things as painting, cleaning, table set ups, yard work and other miscellaneous jobs. If interested, please contact Roger Anderson at or Rich Drabb at Rich- Drabb@MPCusa.net. THEATRE EXCURSION The Producers by Mel Brooks Tuesday, March 6, :30 p.m. Show is followed by a discussion. MPC group leaves at 6:30 from MPC Parking Lot. Contact Susan Light at susanklight@gmail.com for a ride. More information about plots and purchasing tickets is available at brtstage.org and in brochures on the EMC Bulletin Board.

8 SUNDAY, March 4 - Third Sunday in Lent Women s Retreat Concludes 8:30 a.m. God s Thunder Chapel 9:30 Sunday School for All Ages 10:30 Worship Service & Sanctuary Communion 11:30 Fellowship Time Reception Host: Outreach Committee 11:45 Teen Choir Music Room 11:45 Board of Deacons Conference Room MONDAY, March 5 7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 3 Fellowship Hall 7:00 Cub Scout Pack 3 Rooms 220/222 7:00 Boy Scout Parent Meeting Chapel 7:00 Food Center Bag Packing 7:30 Mostly Motets Music Room 7:30 Personnel Committee Room 200 TUESDAY, March 6 9:00 a.m. Food Center Set-Up Fellowship Hall 10:00 Clothing Center 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting Room 200 6:30 GSEP Senior Troop 2030 Room 210 7:00 Boy Scouts PLC Meeting Fellowship Hall 7:00 Food Center Fellowship Hall 7:30 Alcoholics Anonymous Room 220 WEDNESDAY, March 7 9:00 a.m. Food Center Fellowship Hall Noon Brown Bag & Bible Conference Room 1:00 p.m. Weekly Prayer Meeting Room 200 6:00 Lenten Supper Series Fellowship Hall 6:00 Youth Club Conference Room 7:00 Cub Pack 3 Rooms 220/222 7:15 Nominating Committee Room 200 THURSDAY, March 8 To view upcoming events and meetings, please visit and click on the MPC Events Calendar under the About Us tab. MPC Weekly Calendar 11:00 a.m. Food Center Stocking Room 4 Noon Alcoholics Anonymous Room 220 6:30 p.m. Oakville Girls Scouts Room 220 6:45 Chancel Choir Music Room 7:00 Ivins Outreach Conference Room Board Meeting 7:00 To Live Again Fellowship Hall 8:15 Chancel Chimes Chapel FRIDAY, March 9 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Lounge SATURDAY, March 10 SUNDAY, March 11 - Fourth Sunday in Lent 8:30 a.m. God s Thunder Chapel 9:30 Sunday School for All Ages 10:30 Worship Service Sanctuary 11:30 Fellowship Time Reception Host: Choir 11:45 Teen Choir Music Room 12:15 p.m. Worship Committee Room 202 Journeys of Faith Morrisville Presbyterian Church 2018 Lenten Supper Series Gather with your Morrisville Presbyterian friends on Wednesday evenings during Lent for a simple soup supper in Fellowship Hall, followed by a brief worship service during which a member of the MPC family will share a portion of his or her faith journey. Date Speaker March 7 Jen Jones March 14 Nancy Kernan March 21 Greg Neiman Supper begins at 6:00 p.m. Worship begins at 6:30 and ends at 7:00 p.m. To make your reservation, or to request child care, please contact the church office by noon on Monday during the week you plan to attend. 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

9 MORRISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2018 Easter Memorials & Honorariums Have you considered honoring, celebrating, or remembering a family member, friend, or loved one this Eastertide? Contributions to our Memorial Fund can be made, not just for remembering a loved one who has passed, but also for honoring someone in your life now. Once again this year, out of consideration for those who are allergic to lillies, our Easter Flowers will be beautiful, multicolored tulips. EASTER TULIPS Members and friends of the church are reminded that the tulips, which beautify the church, may be given as memorials. Forms are available online and in the church office. Please fill out a form and return it with your check in the amount of $10.00 per plant ordered to the church office by Monday, March 12. MUSIC FUND Memorial contributions to this fund help to supplement the music ministry program. In the past these funds have been used to invest in ORFF instruments for enhancing the children's music program, hand bell equipment, guest clinicians, and additional musicians for special music offerings. Contributions of any amount are welcome. To be listed in bulletin, please submit your form by Sunday, March 18. DEACONS FOOD BASKET PROGRAM In addition to free-will donations received by the Deacons, you are welcome to contribute to the Food Basket Program as a gift or memorial to loved ones by using the form below. To be listed in the bulletin, please submit by Sunday, March 18. Easter Memorial & Honorarium Contributions Please do not add the memorial contribution amount to your pledge payment! Make checks payable to MPC with the type of memorial noted on the memo line. Please print exactly as you wish it to appear in the bulletin I (we) wish to make the following contribution(s) to: Easter Tulips ($10.00 each) Number of Plants: Amount attached I will pick up the tulip following the 10:30 am Easter service. I wish to have the Deacons deliver the tulips to a shut-in. Music Fund Please find $ attached for this fund. Deacons Food Basket Program. Please find $ attached for this fund. Given by: Address Phone In loving memory of In celebration of To give thanks for (circle one) Please return completed form and payment to the Church Office by Sunday, March 18. Tulip orders need to be submitted by Monday, March 12.