SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY

Transcription

1 SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY IDLEWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 29 TH S UNDAY IN O RDINARY T IME ; OCTOBER 18, :30 & 11:00 A.M. Sundays in the Sixties During the 1960s, Idlewild s men wore morning suits when they served as ushers. Their dark jackets and striped trousers were complimented by white carnation boutonnières, delivered each week with the sanctuary flowers.

2 Worship begins when the first person arrives. Please worship silently through the prelude. Bold text is read or sung by the congrega on. *Please stand if able. Idlewild welcomes children and encourages them to par cipate in our en re worship service. Pick up a children s worship pack at the sanctuary door. THE GATHERING HANDBELL PEAL ASSEMBLE IN GOD S NAME PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP (8:30) THE REVEREND ANNE H.K. APPLE (11:00) THE REVEREND DR. STEPHEN R. MONTGOMERY The Lord did not come to make a display. He came to heal and to teach suffering men. For one who wanted to make a display the thing would have been just to appear and dazzle the beholders. But for Him Who came to heal and to teach, the way was not merely to dwell here, but to put Himself at the disposal of those who needed Him. Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation PRELUDE HELFT MIR GOTTS GÜTE PREISEN HELP ME TO PRAISE GOD S GOODNESS GOTTFRIED AUGUST HOMILIUS ( ) Come Sing, O Church, in Joy! This hymn text was the winner in a hymn compe on sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Bicentennial Commi ee for the observance, which had the theme Celebrate the Journey. The late 18th-century tune (first used with Psalm 148) is appropriately celebratory. We come before God in complete honesty, confessing our sins, and asking God by the grace of forgiveness, to restore what is broken.. *CALL TO WORSHIP Why are we here? To drink the cup of fullness of life; To immerse ourselves in Jesus struggle for justice and peace; To learn how to serve so that the world may be healed. Let us worship the one who came to show us how to love and to serve! *PROCESSIONAL HYMN NO. 305 *CALL TO CONFESSION *PRAYER OF CONFESSION COME SING, O CHURCH, IN JOY! Dear God, We want to know who will be best and first, and we hope that it is each one of us. You call us special, and we interpret it to mean the best. We compare ourselves to others and allow feelings of superiority or jealousy to burden our relationships. Forgive us, patient God. Shake the dust of arrogance from us and nourish us with humility and joy. Help us serve you and others as your faithful disciples. (Private prayer and meditation) For we ask these things in Jesus name. Amen. DARWALL S 148TH

3 *ASSURANCE OF PARDON *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE The choir sings: Look there! The Christ our Brother comes resplendent from the gallows tree and what he brings in his hurt hands is life on life for you and me. All sing: The Passing of the Peace is one of the most ancient responses in worship. Having received Christ s peace, we pass it on. *PASSING THE PEACE The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you! PROCLAIM GOD S WORD We invite young children to come to the front at this me. Each week children bring quarters to put in educa on s cks, so that young girls around the world might have the opportunity for an educa on. Just $275 (1,100 quarters) provides scholarship, supplies, and empowerment for a young girl. As our children come forward for the Children s Time, please pass them quarters to share. The children lead the congrega on in The Lord s Prayer (using Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors ). Following the Children s Time, parents may escort infants through kindergarten children to Children s Church Con nued (C3) in the Jones Building, 2nd floor. Please pick up children immediately following the service. GATHERING HYMN (11:00) THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE This little light of mine, Hide it under a bushel? No! I m gonna let it shine I m gonna let it shine This little light of mine, Hide it under a bushel? No! I m gonna let it shine I m gonna let it shine This little light of mine, Hide it under a bushel? No! I m gonna let it shine I m gonna let it shine Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine. Let it shine. TIME WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH (11:00) THE LORD S PRAYER BAPTISM (11:00) EDWIN BREWER BUSBY & ROBERT HOUSTON BUSBY JR., SONS OF ROBERT BUSBY & JORDEN CUNNINGHAM MS. ELIZABETH HOUSTON DR. MONTGOMERY

4 Before we can know God, God knows us. Baptism, one of the two sacraments of the Presbyterian Church (USA), is in response to the grace of God, who calls us to be the people of God. We welcome children and adults into the fellowship of faith. Parents, the congregation, and children of the church make promises to guide, nurture and love the one being baptized. BAPTISM HYMN CHILD OF BLESSING, CHILD OF PROMISE Child of blessing, child of promise, Child of God, your loving Parent, Baptized with the Spirit s sign, Learn to listen for God s call. With this water God has sealed you Grow to laugh and sing and worship, Unto love and grace divine. Trust and love God more than all. BAPTISM PRAYER. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS DR. MONTGOMERY RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS WELCOMING HYMN COME INSIDE Come Inside was commissioned by Idlewild Church in memory of Margaret Montgomery, mother of Steve Montgomery. It is based upon the biblical emphasis on hospitality that, when Abraham and Sarah welcomed strangers, they turned out to be angels. It also reminds us of the vision of Idlewild, that all who enter find a home. The vision can be found on the website.. The opening and closing stanza express the essence of this folkstyle song about the mutuality of servant ministry: those who serve must also be willing to be served. This is what Christ intended when he commanded the disciples to wash one another s feet (John 13:14). WELCOMING PRAYER *PROCLAMATION HYMN NO. 727 PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION WILL YOU LET ME BE YOUR SERVANT THE SERVANT SONG THE REVEREND REBEKAH ABEL LAMAR

5 CHOIR ANTHEM (11:00) Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall keep it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; therein is my desire. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. O turn away mine eyes, lest they behold vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. O stablish thy word in thy servant, that I may fear thee. Glory be to the Father Psalm 119 Pamela Schnell, soloist TEACH ME, O LORD WILLIAM BYRD ( ) GOSPEL LESSON MARK 10:35-45 (PAGE 47, NT, PEW BIBLE) This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. SERMON BUT IT IS NOT SO AMONG YOU MS. ABEL LAMAR RESPOND TO GOD S WORD On behalf of the congrega on, one of the worship leaders expresses the corporate prayers of the congrega on. These prayers are for world, local and personal concerns. MINUTE FOR STEWARDSHIP, WORSHIP & MUSIC GENERATIONS OF GENEROSITY PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE PRESENTATION OF GIFTS, TITHES AND OFFERINGS OFFERTORY MR. BUCK WELLFORD MS. APPLE (8:30) IF WITH ALL YOUR HEARTS YE TRULY SEEK ME (FROM ELIJAH ) FELIX MENDELSSOHN ( ) William Compton, soloist George Herbert was a Welsh-born English poet, orator and Anglican priest. His poetry is noted for its metaphysical quali es as is evidenced in this metaphorical dialogue between a human soul and God. David Hurd is one of America s leading African-American composers. (11:00) LOVE BADE ME WELCOME DAVID HURD (B. 1950) Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back, Guiltie of dust and sinne. But quick-ey d Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning, If I lack d any thing. Truth Lord, but I have marr d them: let my shame Go where it doth deserve. And know you not, sayes Love, who bore the blame? My deare, then I will serve. You must sit down, sayes Love, and taste my meat: So I did sit and eat. George Herbert ( ) A guest, I answer d, worthy to be here: Love said, You shall be he. I the unkinde, ungratefull? Ah my deare, I cannot look on thee. Love took my hand, and smiling did reply, Who made the eyes but I?

6 Doxology literally means words of glory. Doxologies have long been used by Jews and Chris ans to praise God. Here we honor and thank God from whom all blessings flow. *Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all creatures here below. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God whom we adore. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! *PRAYER OF DEDICATION MS. APPLE The invita on to the Lord s Supper is extended to all who desire to follow Christ, remembering that access to the communion table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. Even one who has doubts or whose trust is wavering is invited to the table in order to be assured of God s love and grace in Christ Jesus. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION (8:30) WORDS OF INVITATION GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. WORDS OF INSTITUTION SHARING OF THE BREAD AND CUP PRAYER The thema c and musical center of this hymn on the voca on of all believers is found in the refrain, which is based on the well-known challenge of Micah 6:8, What does the Lord require of you but to do jus ce, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? *RECESSIONAL HYMN NO. 749 *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE COME! LIVE IN THE LIGHT! (The choir sings stanza one, then all join in singing stanzas two and three.) WE ARE CALLED MS. ABEL LAMAR ALLEGRO FROM CONCERTO IN A MINOR, BWV 593 (AFTER ANTONIO VIVALDI) JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH ( ) WORSHIP NOTICES The Sanctuary flowers are given today by the Cuba Commi ee to the glory of God and in honor of the birth of Joel David to the Reverend Alison Infante and Sarahi Garcia, and sister Ana Paula, at Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Church in Cardenas, Cuba. Camera and video use is not allowed during the worship service. Please turn off your cell phone. Members and guests, please indicate your presence on the Friendship Roster this morning. The 11:00 service is live at new.livestream.com/idlewild, or search for Idlewild in the Livestream phone or Roku app. You can also listen on WREC-AM 600 or at or use the iheartradio app. Music is printed under Onelicense.net A VISITOR NOTICES We welcome our visitors this morning. To learn more about Idlewild, please speak to a clergy member at the sanctuary door a er the service, or call the church office during the week. New members are received by the Session the 3rd Sunday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel. If you are seeking a church home, we invite you to join the Idlewild family. Please see a minister a er the service, or call the church office, , during the week. Visit for news, events and more. If you re not on the web, call the church office at

7 CONGREGATIONAL NOTICES Refreshments are served in the T.K. Young Room after the 11:00 service. All are encouraged to join in this time of fellowship. Members in the hospital as of October 14: Edward Apple (at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta) and Sallie Hughes. The Breakfast Forum is Wednesday, October 21, at 7:00 in the T.K. Young Room. The group will con nue with People of the New Testament: Paul. Free coffee & donuts at 6:30; breakfast ($5) at 7:15. Young Presbyterian Women s retreat, focused on Inten onal Belonging: Faith and Friendships, is November Cost of $50 covers meals, transporta on, and cra s. For more informa on contact Sarah Wolf at swolf@idlewildchurch.org. Financial assistance available. We are united in the Spirit when we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in our Presbytery and around the world. This week we pray for First Presbyterian Church in Paris. Giving sanctuary flowers is a special way to honor a loved one. If you would like to give flowers, please contact Buff Adams at or mredbirds@gmail.com. I am the resurrec on and the life DONALD R. WELLFORD September 21, 1923 October 13, 2015 CHRISTIAN FORMATION Unless otherwise noted, contact Rebekah Abel Lamar, ext. 46 or rlamar@idlewildchurch.org. Young adults will go to the Jones Orchard corn maze on Sunday, October 25. Meet at the church at 1:00 to carpool. Cost is $6. Contact Sarah Wolf at swolf@idlewildchurch.org for more informa on. CHILDREN S MINISTRY Unless otherwise noted, contact Elizabeth Houston, ext. 33 or ehouston@idlewildchurch.org. Next Sunday, children in church school will be learning about Isaac and Rebekah. Children in grades 1-5 will con nue with their fun flag project for our 125th year celebra on, and will also be working on outreach projects for Cuba and Agua Prieta, Mexico. It s that me of year when elementary children will be packing Christmas gi bags for the children of Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Mexico. Children will be selling sponsorship cards to the congrega on beginning November 8. Each card is $15, and we are able to send one child a bag of Christmas gi s for that price. You purchase the card, and send it as a gi to friends, rela ves, teachers, or coworkers anyone that would love to know that, in their honor, an impoverished child will receive their only Christmas gi. What be er way to celebrate Jesus birthday than to show a child the love of strangers? ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES OCTOBER 25 If you would like more detailed informa on on Sunday morning church school please visit UKirk Class (303W) Coffee at 9:40; discussion begins at 10:00 (Led by Sarah Wolf) Young Adults (302W) Discipleship in the Bible (Led by Mary Lou McCaa) Chris an Paren ng of Young Children: Nurturing the Soul of Your Family (304W) (Led by Earle Donelson) Class 20/20 (305W) The Gospel of Mark: Chapter 2 (Led by John Boughter and Dan Dunaway) Praying with Scripture: The Prac ce of Lec o Divina (114E) (Led by Mary McIntosh) Timothy (Strock Rm) will not meet October 25. Stephen (306W) The Things They Carried by Tim O Brien (Facilitated by Mimi Phillips and Bob Llewellyn) Faith and Func on (Harlan Rm) The Bible and Gay Marriage: Looking at Texts that Appear to Address Same-Sex Acts (Led by Dr. Kendra Hotz, Assistant Professor, Religious Studies Department at Rhodes College) LeMaster (Conference Rm) The Book of Ma hew (Led by Lewis Donelson) YOUTH MINISTRY Unless otherwise noted, contact Frank Kelly, or fkelly@idlewildchurch.org. QUEST (6th-8th grades) is going to the Mid-South Maze at the Agricenter tonight. Meet at church at 6:00 for dinner. Pick-up at church at 8:30. Or, if it s more convenient for you, meet at the Maze at 6:45 and pick-up there at 8:00. If you are op ng to meet us there, please let Dara know! Bring $5 for admission and extra money if you want to buy snacks. The maze is not haunted on Sunday nights. If you have ques ons contact Dara at dbigger@idlewildchurch.org. BASIC (9th-12th grades) will meet today from 6:00 to 7:30 at Billy Hardwick s All Star Lanes (at Quince and White Sta on Rd.) for an evening of bowling. Bring $10 to bowl and extra if you want food. Dinner will not be provided. Youth Ministry is selling new Idlewild t-shirts star ng today in the T.K. Young Room. Drop by a er the 11:00 service and pick up a t-shirt and/or sweatshirt. Visa/Master/Amex credit cards accepted. ($1 surcharge per transac on). PASTORAL CARE & EVANGELISM Unless otherwise noted, contact Anne Apple, ext. 18 or anne@idlewildchurch.org. CONGREGATIONAL CARE The medical supply closet has many items to lend when needed. For example, Lisa Street recently borrowed a wheelchair when her 90-year-old mother-in-law came for a visit. If you need at-home medical equipment, or if you have something to donate, please contact Jenni Brooks at jbrooks@idlewildchurch.org. Confidential prayer requests can be made by calling the prayer chain at , or filling out a card from the literature rack.

8 RECREATION MINISTRY Unless otherwise noted, contact Ashley Gordon, or The Halloween Carnival will be 6:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 27. Bring the whole family! Costumes are encouraged. Enjoy good food, a moon bounce, and fun games with prizes and don t forget the cake walk! Cost is $4 per child, free for adults. If you would like to sign up to bring a cake, please contact Daisy Laird at daisyla@gmail.com. For more details call the recrea on office, Before the carnival on October 27, dinner will be served in the T.K. Young Room star ng at 5:30. The meal is $8 adult, $5 child. OUTREACH MINISTRY Unless otherwise noted, contact Margaret Burne, ext. 19 or margaret@idlewildchurch.org. Memphis Union Mission, one of our community support grant recipients, provides emergency services of food, clothing, housing, and hygiene needs to men, women and children in the Shelby County area. The goals of this agency include helping the men and women it serves become disciples of Jesus Christ and to achieve freedom from substance abuse. In addi on to the men s emergency shelter and opportunity center, Mt. Moriah House offers long term recovery programs and safe housing for women and children. Volunteers are needed to help serve meals, and dona ons of hygiene supplies and clothing are needed. Please contact Steve Carpenter at steve@memphis.unionmission.org. Are you looking for just the right gi this holiday season? Come to the annual Global Gi Market! It will feature one-of-a-kind items from Ten Thousand Villages, such as hand-cra ed Christmas decora ons, scarves, toys, jewelry and household items from Asia, Africa, La n America and the Middle East. Each purchase helps pay for food, educa on, housing and healthcare for ar sans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. The Gi Market will be in the T.K. Young Room Saturday (10:00 to 1:00) and Sunday (un l 1:00) November 7-8. The Southeast coast, and especially South Carolina, has been experiencing unprecedented flooding, enduring what has been described as a 1,000-year flood. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is walking alongside impacted mid -councils there, and in other areas, to bring God s hope and healing to all affected by flooding. Gi s from One Great Hour of Sharing help congrega ons that are reaching out to their affected communi es to provide emergency provisions. The PDA Na onal Response Team has been helping with assessments, connec ng with long-term recovery groups, and serving as a present witness of the larger church during difficult mes. Visit to learn more about current responses and to give financial support. And please pray. Pray for families impacted by loss of property and livelihood; for early responders who put themselves in harm s way to care for those impacted; that communi es will work together and build stronger rela onships and connec ons; and for God s sustaining grace through it all. TUESDAYS TOGETHER FOOD FOR THOUGHT October 20 5:30 7:00 p.m. T.K. Young Room October 27 Halloween Carnival Gym During the month of October, let s spend Tuesdays Together! This includes dinner, an inter-generational service opportunity, and informal worship. Child care will be provided for the youngest ones. Cost: $8 adult, $5 kids, $25 family cap. Here s the schedule: October 20 Pretzel-making, hygiene kits; dinner for adults: grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, salad bar; kid s dinner: chicken fingers. October 27 Dinner with fair food, then the Halloween Carnival. Money is not the only commodity that is fun to give. We can give me, we can give our exper se, we can give our love or simply give a smile. What does that cost? The point is, none of us can ever run out of something worthwhile to give. Steve Goodier Visit the ministry tree in the main hallway and add a leaf to the ministries that mean the most to you. The tree reminds us of the broad reach of the church and that each of us are its stewards. If you pledge, please consider an increase this year. If you are a new member or have not pledged before, now is the me to begin. Everybody s pledge is important because our 2016 budget is based upon pledges. Your pledge means that the church s ac vi es, from youth, adult and children s programs to global missions and community outreach, can con nue to grow and serve. Pledge commitment Sunday is November 1. Please complete the pledge card you will be receiving in the mail, or pledge online at stewardship. If you have any ques ons concerning stewardship, please contact Jim Harwood at or jim.harwood@fabsrv.com

9 OUR 125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Idlewild is celebra ng its 125th anniversary on Sunday, November 1. Don t miss the party! Artwork by our children will greet everyone driving down Union Avenue. The worship service will include fes ve music with brass and percussion. Then, there will be a delicious lunch with special entertainment. Emcees Janie McCrary and Jim Eikner will lead us on a stroll down memory lane, and we ll look forward with our church s vision to stay relevant and serve God in our changing community. The day will culminate with a carillon concert at 2:00, featuring a special piece wri en by David Caudill to commemorate our 125th anniversary. So, get ready to enjoy the day and experience Idlewild s special history in the heart of Midtown. To make reserva ons for the lunch, please call the church office at or sign up in the hallway a er the 11:00 service today or next Sunday. Take a walk around the buildings Sunday morning to see the More Idlewild posters. They remind us how important the capital campaign is, enabling us to become a more caring, celebra ng, learning, serving and welcoming church. Idlewild is celebra ng its 125th anniversary. Get involved, make a pledge, and support the future! Visit and click More Idlewild at the top to read about plans, see architectural renderings, watch the campaign video, submit ques ons or comments and make a pledge. Feel free to ask for informa on. You may moreidlewild@idlewildchurch.org, call Sissy Carpenter at ext. 42, or contact any member of the More Idlewild team: Larry Bryan, Kirk Bobo and Peggy McClure, co-chairs; Wendy Ansbro, Taylor Berger, Dennis Higdon, Mark Jones, Milton Lovell, Michelle Miller, Elizabeth Rouse, Anne Stokes, Steve Valen ne and Kyle Veazey, commi ee members; and Steve Montgomery, Be y Anne Wilson and Sissy Carpenter, staff. Sunday October 18 Children s Sabbath 8:30am Worship Service, Chapel 9:40am Inquirers Architectural Tour, Sanctuary 9:40am Church School 9:40am Cherub Choir, 201W 10:30am New Members, Chapel 11am Worship Service, Sanctuary 12:45pm Officer Training, Harlan Rm 1:15pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal, 301W 4pm AAU Basketball, Gym 6pm QUEST, Corn Maze 6pm BASIC, Away Monday October 19 9am Women s Outreach, Parlor 5:30pm Budget & Finance Comm., 306W 6pm Adult Ministry Comm., CE Office Tuesday October 20 6:30am BASIC Prayer Breakfast, Panera Bread (Poplar) 10am PW Coordinating Team, Parlor 1pm PW Bible Moderators, Library 5pm Greek, Conf. Rm 5:30pm Girl Scouts E 5:30pm Tuesdays Together, TK Young Wednesday October 21 7am Breakfast Forum, TK Young 7:30am Kindergarten Family Breakfast, Kindergarten Hall 1pm Pickle Ball, Gym 6pm Pottery, Pottery Studio 6:15pm Section Rehearsal, Choir Rm 6:30pm Women s ChristCare, 303W 7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal, Choir Rm 7:30pm Session, Harlan Rm THIS WEEK S EVENTS More informa on at Thursday October 22 8am Personnel Comm., Parlor 2pm Idlewild Book Club, Parlor 3pm Pre-K/K Yoga, TV Rm 4pm Elementary Kids Yoga, TV Rm 5pm MTAM Worship, Chapel 5:30pm More Than A Meal, TK Young 6:30pm AA Meeting, Conf. Rm 6:30pm YPW, Parlor Friday October 23 1pm Pickle Ball, Gym 6:30pm AGO Dinner 7:30pm Contra Dancing, Gym 7:30pm Organ Concert, Sanctuary Saturday October 24 9am AGO Master Class Sunday October 25 8:30am Worship Service, Chapel 9:40am Church School 9:40am Cherub Choir, 201W 11am Worship Service, Sanctuary 12:30pm Children s Ministry, CE Office 1pm Gay Straight Fellowship, Away 1pm Young Adults, Jones Orchard Corn Maze 1:15pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal, 301W 2pm Trezevant Worship 4pm AAU Basketball, Gym 6pm QUEST, Wrenn Rm 6pm BASIC, Corn Maze

10 MINISTERIAL AND PROGRAM STAFF Ministers: All the members of Idlewild Presbyterian Church For staff phone numbers and s visit or call the church. IDLEWILD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) 1750 Union Avenue / Memphis TN / / Recreation / Children s Center The mission of Idlewild Presbyterian Church is to pursue, personify, and practice as Presbyterians the good news of reconciliation and salvation in Christ through worship, education, fellowship, and outreach. Stephen R. Montgomery Pastor Anne H.K. Apple Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Evangelism Margaret Burnett Associate Pastor for Outreach Ministry Rebekah Abel Lamar Associate Pastor for Christian Formation Corinne Nienhuis Parish Assistant Denton McLellan Parish Associate Walt Tennyson Parish Associate Stephen R. Haynes Theologian in Residence Barry Oliver Director of Music Ministry Elizabeth Houston Director of Children s Ministry Frank Kelly Director of Youth Ministry Dara Bigger Assistant Director of Youth Ministry Ashley Gordon Director of Recreation Ministry Jacob Pierce Assistant Director of Recreation Sarah Wolf Young Adult Ministry Latrice Toombs Children s Center Executive Director Cheryl Ward Kindergarten Director Betty Anne Wilson Chief Administrative Officer Henry B. Strock, Jr. Pastor Emeritus Margo Richardson Outreach Ministry Intern

11 Celebrating 125 Years Generations of Generosity Highlighting Worship A FIRM FOUNDATION FROM THE PAST Idlewild worships with hope and for hope. In the work of worship we remember the livingness of ourselves. Idlewild teaches abundance. We know abundance in the indwelling life of God s love beyond love. We know abundance in the ways that we belong to God. It s another special day in the life of Idlewild. In worship, we bring babies to the font, where there is new life. We bring ourselves to the table, to taste and to see that the Lord is good. All kinds come together at the table, struggling and hoping, remembering sacrifice. Broken for each and every one. Our church is a body of memory, a spreading and coalescence. We pray and so we believe; we believe and so we pray. Our believing sustains us as we sustain it. In fear and suffering, in love and joy, Idlewild gathers at the always of God s love, gathers to the work of choosing full life. And morning by morning new mercies we see. On Thursday a ernoons, More Than A Meal fits a small crowd into the chapel. Our friends o en shout and shuffle in or out, but one devoted member has never a ended a service in which the worship leader failed to express the love of Christ, as best he or she could. The chief end is to glorify God forever, by teaching the unending love of the Word s flesh. We know and we worship Three in One. Crea ng God, God s Son and body, our Wind and Witness beyond being. Divinity is heavy with love. For us, for each and everyone. A er 9/11, one Idlewild woman came to early worship in the chapel with a special pain, having known a life s ending in the Towers. She sat in the worship of the space. She knew it well. But that day, in pain and prayer, her habit of worship shi ed. She felt all the pain hung on the hand at the center panel of stained glass. That feeling abundant in the body comfort beyond comfort, reordered, redirected, glorious, in the hand of God. Easter tradi on in the 50s had young men and women climbing the tower staircase before sunrise. They waited in the halfdark for the Hallelujah Chorus. They waited to wonder at Jesus, our teacher. Messiah of already and always. We, like they, wait long and longing in our own half-dark. But we light candles every Christmas Eve, as a wreath of people in the sanctuary. Already and always, the darkness has not overcome it. Wri en by Lizzie Apple from memories and reflec ons gathered from our congrega on. A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE We con nue to worship with hope and for hope. As the vision statement on the opposite page states: Worship forms the core of community life. As we look to the future, we con nue to blend the very best of our tradi on with some of the new possibili es for worship and music. On our 125th anniversary celebra on on November 1, we will not only give thanks on All Saints Day for those who have preceded us in the faith, but will also have a celebra on of fes ve music, brass and percussion. On November 15, we will have choral ensembles in worship from the University of Memphis, and in the worship service on December 20, A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Bri en will be presented. And, as in the past, we will have three worship services on Christmas Eve. Yes, Lizzie is right: Already and always, the darkness has not overcome it. And it never will. Thanks be to God.

12 Christmas Eve Worship Where are the morning suits? OrdinaCon of Officers More Than A Meal Worship Idlewild Adult Choir Rehearsal The Easter Hallelujah Chorus The FesCval