Westminster Presbyterian Church 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA (563)

Transcription

1 Westminster Presbyterian Church 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA (563) WE WELCOME YOU AS WE WOULD CHRIST HIMSELF JULY 20, :30 A.M. Take a hard look at Jesus. He s the centerpiece of everything we believe. (Hebrews 3:1 The Message)

2 TO OUR GUESTS: Welcome! Thanks for joining us for worship. More information about Westminster Presbyterian Church is available on the Welcome Table in the back of the Sanctuary. We encourage you to fill out the Friendship Binder found in your pew and please join us for coffee and fellowship in the Narthex after the service. Pastor Murry hosts Welcome to Westminster classes in the Spring and Fall for anyone considering church membership or who would simply like to learn more about Westminster Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA). The next class begins October 5. Large print Bibles and bulletins and portable hearing aids are available from the ushers. Children s activities, books and crayons are on the small table in the back of the sanctuary. * All who wish may stand. Prelude Canzonet Pat Williams By Haan Guest Organist Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Hal Murry Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Welcome and Announcements *Greeting Our Neighbors * Introit Gather Us In Here in this place new light is streaming, now is the darkness vanished away, See in this space our fears and our dreamings, brought here to you in the light of this day. Gather us in the lost and forsaken, gather us in the blind and the lame; Call to us now, and we shall awaken, we shall arise at the sound of our name. *Call to Worship Del Williams Leader: Let us worship the eternal God, the Source of Love and Life, who creates us. People: Let us worship Jesus Christ, the Risen One, who lives among us. Leader: Let us worship the Spirit, the Holy Fire, who renews us. ALL: To the one true God be praise in all times and places, through the grace of Jesus Christ. *Hymn #229 From All That Dwell Below the Skies 2

3 *Unison Prayer of Confession Del Williams Gracious God, in your presence we confess the errors of our ways, intended and accidental. You alone know how often we have failed by wandering from your paths, wasting your gifts, and underestimating your love. Have mercy upon us, O God, for we have fallen short of your expectations for justice and overlooked opportunities to be kind. Humble us with your truth, and raise us by your grace, that we may more nearly be the people that Christ calls us to be. Amen. (Moment of silence for personal reflection.) *Assurance of God's Forgiveness Iliana Wood *Response First Song of Isaiah Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my strong-hold and my sure defense, and he will be my Savior. Children s Message Iliana Wood Anthem My Jesus Is My Lasting Joy Kerin Moldenhauer, Soprano by Buxtehude Matt Niemer & Emily Ott, Violins Prayer for Illumination Hal Murry Scripture Lesson see pg. 11/12 Acts 9:1-31 Hal Murry Sermon Destiny at Damascus Hal Murry *Hymn #343 Called as Partners Reception of New Members : Leon Beebe, Cindy Kuter and Jessica Munson Introductions Questions for the New Members Elders: Mark Oberhoffer, Sue Dravis and Norma Smith Hal Murry 1. Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world? I do. 2. Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his grace and love? I do. 3. Will you be Christ s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love? I will. 3

4 4. Will you be a faithful member of this congregation, share in its worship and ministry through your prayers and gifts, your study and service, and so fulfill your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? I will, with God s help. *Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles Creed Iliana Wood 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 to the dead. 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. *Congregational Welcome Hal Murry With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you into Christ s church; for we are all one in Christ. We promise to love, encourage, and support you, to share the good news of the gospel with you, and to help you know and follow Christ. Gifts Elder, Rich Henderson Giving of Our Offerings Iliana Wood Please use this time to pass the Friendship Binder found at the inside end of your pew. Offertory I Want Jesus To Walk With Me Kerin Moldenhauer, Soprano African American Spiritual Pat Williams, Organist *Song of Thanksgiving Seek Ye First Seek ye first the kingdom of God And His righteousness, And all these things shall be added unto you. Al-lel-u, al-le-lu-ia! *Prayer of Thanksgiving Iliana Wood *Hymn #315 Every Time I Feel the Spirit *Blessing Hal Murry Postlude Finale on From All That Dwell Below the Skies Pat Williams arr by Leavitt Organist 4

5 Following Worship Today Meeting of the Congregation THE REV. ILIANA WOOD will be completing her call at Westminster on Tuesday, July 29. She has accepted a new position at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque where she will become the Project Hope Coordinator, working to build education and employment opportunities for the underserved in Dubuque. Her last Sunday in the pulpit will be July 27. The Session has called a Meeting of the Congregation following worship today to act on Rev. Wood s request to dissolve her call as Associate Pastor. All are invited to a farewell luncheon for Rev. Wood after worship on July 27. Rev. Wood has served as Westminster s Associate Pastor since February 1, MEET AND WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS in the Narthex right after the Meeting of the Congregation. Refreshments served! THANK YOU from Adrienne and Darrin Kaisand, the parents of Gia Gabriella, born on June 8. We really appreciated the meals and all of the cards we received from our friends at Westminster. We definitely feel blessed to not only have Gia in our lives, but also to have all of the support from our church family. Gia will be baptized at worship on August 3 rd. 5

6 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Rev. Hal Murry, Minister Rev. Iliana K. Wood, Minister Church Administrator: Mary Kay Pancratz Financial Secretary: Nancy Kringle Organist/Pianist: Beverly Nichols Custodian: Tim Till Adult Choir/Adult Handbells: Pam Crawford Band/Youth Handbells: Sally Stulken Sunday Custodian: Bob Badger Children s Choir/Timbrel & Lyre: Karmella Sellers Head Usher: Derek Pursey Greeters: Bud & Kay Monson Ushers: Mary Breiner, Caitlyn Carter Ed & Shari Hannon Gidget Maas, Scott Klostermann WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: JULY 20, 2014 Church Office Number: Rev. Iliana Wood Cell: PRAYER POINT: We all, Christians around the world, believe in the same message and are committed to living the Christian life, no matter where we are, no matter who we are. Amen. PRAYER REQUESTS: Dee Mosiman and Howard McLean. Seminary student, Robby Higgins dealing with Charcot foot condition and a possible upcoming surgery. If you would like to have your name on our Prayer Request list, please advise the church office ( ) or one of the Pastors. Rev. Iliana Wood s Farewell Reception Date: Sun., July 27th Time: 10:45 a.m. Meal provided Please sign up in the Narthex. 6

7 HOTLINE WEEKLY ALL are invited to the next Open Forum hosted by Westminster s Strategic Planning Task Force following worship on August 3 in Fellowship Hall. During July and August, the Task Force is reading Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church Is Transforming the Faith, by Diana Butler Bass. Other books to be read by the Task Force include: The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why by Phyllis Tickle Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions by John Kotter The Task Force urges anyone interested to purchase and read these books and to participate in the forums which are part of a process to discern Westminster s mission for the future. THE MEMBERSHIP AND RECORDS TASK FORCE continues to meet weekly to complete its assignment to conduct a name-by-name review of the active membership roster. Since this work has not been done for some years, the task is daunting. The Task Force has two goals: 1) to bring Westminster s roster and records into compliance with Presbyterian polity, and 2) to offend no one in the process. The Task Force seeks your patience and welcomes your prayers as follow-up contacts continue. Task Force members include: Bruce Hallahan (Moderator), Lois Pearce, Mike Breitner, Doug Cheever, Betty Carlin, Leona Hibbin, Tom Stovall and Steve Mosiman. WESTMINSTER S SESSION (the church s governing council) has approved a proposal from the Youth Christian Education Committee to sponsor the Dubuque Chorale Children s Choir. The Youth Christian Education Committee submitted an action plan for engagement with the chorale which includes plans for a ministry of hospitality with the hope of building relationships that will create opportunities for evangelism. The designation of sponsorship means that the Chorale will not be charged rental fees for use of Fellowship Hall for practices. The term of sponsorship is one year and may be renewed if requested, following an assessment of the sponsorship s goals and objectives. REV. MURRY begins a one-week vacation on Monday, July 21. 7

8 Pack a Book for Summer Vacation Please stop by the counter in the Narthex to look over and sign up for an inspirational book to read this summer and/or a book of scripture readings for personal prayer. You may purchase all of the books here, at the counter, until sold out. Otherwise they are available online or at River Lights Bookstore. (1098 Main St., Dubuque ) Be sure to mention WPC and they will give you at 15% discount! Chicago Edgewater Community Youth Mission Trip to Dubuque Hosted at Westminster Potluck 8/10 after church August 9-14th we have the joy of hosting the Edgewater Community Youth Mission trip led by Rev. Emily Heitzman, granddaughter of Wes and Harriet Heitzman. They will be sleeping on our Sunday school room floors and eating several meals at the church while they are here. Sunday 8/10 they will participate in worship with us and join us in the Fellowship Hall for a brief presentation and potluck. There are many ways to participate during their stay! - Come to the Potluck - Donate food for meals throughout their stay - Volunteer to help prepare meals Check out their schedule in the narthex to see what they are doing while they are here and how you can get involved! 8

9 Are You Connected? Get Plugged In Fellowship Circles at Westminster Standing in the Need of Prayer Looking for more people to join... A prayer group, for personal growth through prayer, to pray for each other and to give prayer support to our church, community, and nation... Are you interested? If so, please Derek Pursey at dlpursey@mchsi.com, or phone him at Westminster Book Club Meets on the 3 rd Sunday of the month in the Work Room. Everyone is welcome! Join us even if you have not read the book. New insights, good fellowship, and snacks are all part of each meeting. Call Doug or Jean Cheever at to learn more. The books for the upcoming months are: TODAY - 3:00 p.m. for discussion of Benediction by Haruf. FROM YOUR WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FOUNDATION: Be a WILLING Christian. Remember Westminster Presbyterian Church in your will. Westminster Guys We meet for breakfast at Caroline s Restaurant in the Hotel Julien on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting is Tues., Aug. 12th at 6:45 a.m. Please join us! Women s Bible Study A group of women meet weekly in member homes to study the scriptures for the coming Sunday service. We are currently meeting on Tuesday evenings. If you are interested in being a part of this study, please call Karmella Sellers ( ). Westminster Splash On Saturday, Aug. 2nd From 7 9 p.m. At Flora Park Rescue Mission Sundays Please sign up in the Narthex if you can help! We need 2 people to coordinate, 3 to do prep work (Sat. a.m. before) and 6 to serve the day of! The 2014 schedule is as follows: September 14 9

10 THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: JULY 20 THRU JULY 27 Sunday, July 20 8:30 a.m. Strategic Planning Task Force, BR 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship Rev. Hal Murry Preaches 10:45 Congregation Meeting, SA 11:00 a.m. New Members Reception, Narthex 11:15 a.m. Israel/Palestine-Sue Dravis, BR 1:30 p.m. Worship at Bethany 3:00 p.m. Westminster Book Club, WR 5:00 p.m. Youth Young Adults Dinner, FH Monday, July 21 7:00 p.m. Troop 11 Boy Scouts, FH 7:00 p.m. Scouts Parent Meeting, BR Tuesday, July 22 11:00 a.m. Regional Prayer Mtg., BR, FH 2:00 p.m. Classrooms Clean up 6:30 p.m. TSWS Rehearsal, FH Wednesday, July 23 5:00 p.m. Congregational Connections, WR Thursday, July 24 5:30 p.m. TSWS Rain Site, SA 7:00 p.m. Deacon s Mtg., BR Friday, July 25 2:00 p.m. Bulletin Assembly, WR Saturday, July 26 7:00 a.m. Share Food Distribution, FH 3:00 p.m. CC Set up, FH, K 7:00 p.m. Timbrel & Lyre Rehearsal, SA Sunday, July 27 8:00 a.m. Timbrel & Lyre Rehearsal, SA 8:30 a.m. Strategic Planning Task Force, BR 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship Rev. Wood Preaches 10:45 Farewell Reception for Iliana, FH, K Hotline Deadline: Mon., July 28 am BR = Board Room CR = Conference Room N = Nursery WR = Work Room HS = High School Room PRE = Pre-School Choir = Choir Room Room Codes 10 FH = Fellowship Hall K = Kitchen SA = Sanctuary Ntx= Narthex MS = Middle School Room K -2 or 3-5 = Rooms by Grades LOFT = Choir Loft

11 Acts 9:1-31 (Common English Bible) 9 Saul was still spewing out murderous threats against the Lord s disciples. He went to the high priest, 2 seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus. If he found persons who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, these letters would authorize him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven encircled him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me? 5 Saul asked, Who are you, Lord? I am Jesus, whom you are harassing, came the reply. 6 Now get up and enter the city. You will be told what you must do. 7 Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes but he couldn t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything. 10 In Damascus there was a certain disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, Ananias! He answered, Yes, Lord. 11 The Lord instructed him, Go to Judas house on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias enter and put his hands on him to restore his sight. 13 Ananias countered, Lord, I have heard many reports about this man. People say he has done horrible things to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 He s here with authority from the chief priests to arrest everyone who calls on your name. 15 The Lord replied, Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. 17 Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul, the Lord sent me Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you were coming here. He sent me so that you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 Instantly, flakes fell from Saul s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. 19 After eating, he regained his strength. He stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. 20 Right away, he began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues. He is God s Son, he declared. 21 Everyone who heard him was baffled. They questioned each other, Isn t he the one who was wreaking havoc among those in Jerusalem who called on this name? Hadn t he come here to take those same people as prisoners to the chief priests? 22 But Saul grew stronger and stronger. He confused the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. 23 After this had gone on for some time, the Jews hatched a plot to kill Saul. 24 However, he found out about their scheme. They were keeping watch at the city gates around the clock so they could assassinate him. 25 But his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall. 11

12 26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn t believe he was really a disciple. 27 Then Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles and told them the story about how Saul saw the Lord on the way and that the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them about the confidence with which Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 28 After this, Saul moved freely among the disciples in Jerusalem and was speaking with confidence in the name of the Lord. 29 He got into debates with the Greek-speaking Jews as well, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the family of believers learned about this, they escorted him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. God strengthened the church, and its life was marked by reverence for the Lord. Encouraged by the Holy Spirit, the church continued to grow in numbers. Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. 12