Gracious God, source of all healing, in Jesus Christ you heal the sick and mend the broken. *

Transcription

1 Gracious God, source of all healing, in Jesus Christ you heal the sick and mend the broken. * North Presbyterian Church 5 th Sunday in Ordinary Time February 4, :30 a.m.

2 WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD Greeting, Welcome, and Opportunities for Discipleship Welcome to our guests and visitors! As a church of hospitality we invite you, if you feel comfortable, to introduce yourself at this time. Everyone please silence your cell phones. Call to Worship Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. God consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. Hymn 796 We Come to You for Healing, Lord (During the singing of the hymn, please pass Joys & Concerns to center aisle.) Call to Confession Jesus said: Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Friends in Christ.Let us confess to God whatever has wounded us or brought injury to others, that we may receive mercy and become for each other ministers of God s grace. Observe a period of silence for examination of conscience Prayer of Confession Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, your face is hidden from us by our sins, and we forget your mercy in the blindness of our hearts. Cleanse us from all our offenses and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires. In reverence and humility may we draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in your our refuge and our strength; through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.

3 Assurance of Forgiveness The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. Friends, hear the good news! God loves us. God forgives us. May the God of mercy, who forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen *Passing of the Peace Having received Christ s peace, let us share it by turning to our neighbors and greeting them, saying May the peace of Christ be with you! Prayer for Illumination WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD Scripture Reading Mark 1:35-45 p.33 Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Thanks be to God. Sermon conversation led by Pastor Hennessy WE RESPOND AND GIVE THANKS TO GOD Hymn 797 We Cannot Measure How You Heal Offering Intercession for Healing God, our creator, your will for us and for all your people is health and salvation: Have mercy on us. Jesus Christ, Son of God, you came that we might have life and have it in abundance: Have mercy on us. Holy Spirit, your dwelling within us makes us temples of your presence: Have mercy on us. To the triune God, the source of all love and all life, let us offer our prayers. For all who are in need of healing (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. For all who are disabled by injury or illness (Silence) Lord, in your mercy,

4 Hear our prayer. For all who struggle with addiction and for their families and friend (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. For all who live with mental illness and for their families and friends (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. For all who are troubled by confusion or pain (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. For those who are afflicted by the violence of poverty and war (Silence) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. For these and every other concern for healing...(silence) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen LAYING ON OF HANDS AND ANOINTING WITH OIL Prayer for Healing and the Lord s Prayer Gracious God, source of all healing, in Jesus Christ you heal the sick and mend the broken. We bless you for this oil pressed from the fruits of the earth, given to us as a sign of healing and forgiveness and of the fullness of life you give. By your Spirit, come upon all who are anointed with this oil, that they may receive your healing touch and be made whole, to the glory of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray: 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 forever. Amen.

5 WE DISPERSE TO SERVE GOD IN THE WORLD Hymn 654 In the Lord, I ll Be Ever Thankful Closing O God of life, of all life and of each life, we lay our lives before you; we give our lives to you from whom nothing in us is hidden. You are before us, God, you are behind. You are around us, God, you are within. O God of life, O generous Spirit, Renew us with your life, this day, tomorrow and always. *Those who are able, please stand.

6 Calendar of Events/300 North Forest Road Sunday, February 4 8:30am Worship/Chapel 9:15 Bible study/rc 10:00am Worship/Sanctuary Sunday school/nb 11:00 Children s & Youth Choir rehearsal/sb 11:15 Adult Ed./Lib. 11:30 InerG lunch & rehearsal/wh 2:00pm Monday, Feb. 5 10:15-11:00am 4:15pm 7pm Confirmation/Lib. Chair yoga/wh Worship Comm./choir room Session/WH Wednesday, February 7 10:15am Thursday, February 8 6:30pm Chair yoga/wh Handbells/s151 7:30 Adult choir/choir room Sunday, February 11 8:30am Worship/Chapel 9:15 Bible study/rc 10:00 Worship/Sanctuary 11:00 Children s & Youth Choir rehearsal/sb 11:15 Adult Ed./Lib. Monday, February 12 10:15-11:00am Chair yoga/wh 11:00 Pastoral Care/Lib. 1:00pm Property Mtg./Lib. 7 Session/WH Tuesday, February 13 1:00pm Martha Circle/Lib. Ash Wednesday, February 14 10:00am-8pm 10:15am Adult Ed. Comm. Mtg./Lib. EGA/WH Thursday, February 15 6:30pm NO Chair yoga Handbells/s :30 Girl Scouts 7:30 Adult choir/choir room Sunday, February 18 8:30am Worship/Chapel 9:15 Bible study/rc 10:00 Worship/Sanctuary Sunday school 11:00 Children s & Youth Choir rehearsal/sb 11:15 Adult Ed./Lib. 2:00 Confirmation/Lib. Want to see more calendar events? Go to If you see an error or want to add an event, please n.church@verizon.net. EGA Embroidery Guild DR Dickinson Room FJC Family Justice Center FONP Friends of Night People Kit Kitchen LE3 Before and After School Program Lib Library NB north basement Ofc Office RC Resource Center SB south basement WH Westminster Ha

7 FILLING THE GAP: WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN OLD TESTAMENT AND NEW? The adult forum in the library will carry on with two more Thoughtful Christian Bible studies. Again, these are stand-alone discussions: grab your cup of coffee and come along once or twice if the topic tickles your curiosity. TODAY we will look at the writings called Apocryphal or Deutero-Canonical, those that are part of Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Episcopalian Bibles but not the Jewish or Protestant canon. They give us important clues to the two centuries before Jesus, a period that historian Philip Jenkins calls the Crucible of Faith. This was a turbulent time when Jews experienced globalization and grappled with Greek and Persian ideas and concepts that once seemed bizarre, like apocalypse and a hierarchy of angels and demons were normalized and were then passed on to Christianity and Islam. On FEBRUARY 11 we will read and discuss one of the most engaging of the Apocryphal books, the short story of Tobias and his marriage to Sarah, just in time for Valentine s Day. Beautiful Sarah was falsely accused of killing her first seven bridegrooms on their wedding night(s). It is a quest narrative, worthy of Tolkien s Middle-earth, with some characters who are angels and demons. InerG LUNCH AND REHEARSAL TODAY InerG provides special music once a month during the 10:00 a.m. service, led by music assistant Kurt Ebsary. We are musicians (vocal and instrumental of all skill levels) ranging in age from 8th grade through adult who want to experience the joy of creation and praise through music. The ensemble practices once a month for an hour and performs one Sunday a month. Join us today at 11:30 a.m., in Westminster Hall, for lunch and rehearsal, and then on Sunday, Feb. 11, to sing in the 10:00 a.m. service, if you are available. BIBLE STUDY IN THE RESOURCE CENTER This study happens weekly at 9:15 a.m. We will study the Sunday lectionary. The study leaders are volunteers.

8 CHILDREN S & YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSAL BEGINS TODAY Today is the first day of children s & youth choir rehearsal for children in grades 1-8. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones! Rehearsal takes place in the south basement. If you have questions please see director Alanna Carlins or her at alannaloren@yahoo.com. Rehearsal begins after the 10 a.m. worship service and ends at noon. The other rehearsal dates in February are the 11 th and 18 th. (There is no rehearsal on 2/25.) The children are preparing new music and will be singing in worship on Palm Sunday, March 25. Rehearsal dates in March are the 4 th, 11 th, and 18 th. NORTH STAR DEADLINE AND NEW COLUMN The deadline for the March, April, May issue of the church e-newsletter is February 15. If you have news you would like to share, please n.church@verizon.net. We are starting a new column in the newsletter titled Our True North to help us stay in touch with each other. Please share your good news babies, marriages, moves, retirement, etc. and sorrows, if you wish, with the church office, and we will share your news with the church family so we can pray for each other. As Ephesians 6:18 says, Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplications for all the saints. PLEASE HELP STOCK OUR SHELVES The Family Justice Center s pantry shelves are getting empty. The following items are needed for our clients who need food for their families. Pasta Sauce Noodles Rice Vegetables corn and green beans Canned fruit Pork and Beans Granola Bars and other snacks

9 Please leave your contributions in the box labeled FJC. Thank you for your assistance and ongoing commitment to the Family Justice Center. SARAH CIRCLE IN FEBRUARY Please note there is no Sarah Circle in February. UPC FOOD PANTRY NEEDS DONATIONS The food pantry at University Presbyterian Church is in need of kidney beans, pork and beans, cereal, and soups. Standard sizes are preferred; most households served by the food pantry consist of one to three people. If you have extra 2018 calendars you would like to donate, those will be distributed as well. Contributions from North are greatly appreciated. CHAIR YOGA WITH OLIVIA Happiness is contagious especially when you re doing chair yoga at North Church! We will be meeting every Monday and Wednesday in February (except Wednesday, Feb. 14), from 10:15-11:00 a.m. in Westminster Hall. Donations are welcome and some insurances accepted. Everyone is invited! Questions? BOOK GROUPS in the LIBRARY February 21 at 10:00 a.m.: A Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers February 28 at 1:00 p.m.: The Shoemaker s Wife by Adriana Trigiani March 28 at 1:00 p.m.: Vanishing Act by Thomas Perry NIAGARA/NORTHEAST BRANCH OF THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTERN NEW YORK Tuesday, February 27, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. North Presbyterian Church, 168 Payne Ave., North Tonawanda Collaborations with other churches and organizations, what is and what is hoped for. We ll gather for a meal, worship and discussion of collaborations. Our meal will be a potluck/pizza mix. Bring a dish to share or throw a few dollars in the pot for pizza. (Either

10 way, we d like to know who is planning to attend and whether you re bringing a dish or eating pizza.) Please respond by Feb 23 to Mary Beth Karr mbkarr@verizon.net or ( ). Branch meetings provide opportunities for churches in four regions of the Presbytery to connect. By interacting in these non-business meetings, lay people and clergy can get to know one another better. Ultimately, we can nurture one another and our churches. LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS AND STUDY Join us for Lenten soup suppers in Westminster Hall. Enjoy homemade soup, fresh bread, salad, and a dessert for $5/person. Children eat free. The study is titled "Eclipsing Empire: Paul, Rome, and the Kingdom of God." Pastor Hennessy will lead the discussion after this DVD study that retraces Paul's footsteps throughout the Roman Empire. The study explores fresh insights into Paul's message of the Kingdom of God, its challenge to Roman imperial theology, and the apostle's radical relevance for today. If you plan on coming, please call or n.church@verizon.net. We want to be sure to have enough soup! A CONVERSATION WITH RABBI ALEX AND PASTOR BILL A rabbi and a minister walk into a conversation Rev. Bill Hennessy and Rabbi Alex Lazarus- Klein of Congregation Shir Shalom invite you to a conversation about what brings Christianity and Judaism together and what tears us apart. How does the very language we use get in the way of understanding one's faith? Join them on two Wednesdays at North March 7 and 14 and two Wednesdays at Congregation Shir Shalom March 21 and 28. These conversations all begin at 10:30 a.m. THANK YOU, FANA! North Church is grateful for the generosity of Families of FANA--a local support network of more than 400 families who have completed or are in the process of completing an adoption through FANA--for its recent $1000 gift to our Dress a Girl group! FANA's generosity allows us to fund the work of sewing dresses and dolls for girls in third world countries for a year. Thank you! We have been blessed to have FANA at North Church for several years, as they

11 have held their summer camps at the church. Read more at BREAKFAST SERIES: AMHERST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Everyone is invited to a breakfast presentation at Amherst Presbyterian Church, 151 Youngs Rd., Williamsville, on Saturday, February 17, from 8-10 a.m. Speaker will be Don Duggan-Haas, the Director of Teacher Programs at the Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth & Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca, NY. Don s focus will be on climate change. We ll discuss the perils and promise of apocalyptic talk, look into the role of moral framing in the discussion of climate change, and share rules of thumb for discussing controversial issues more broadly. We ll also discuss the underlying science of climate change. Don has a B.A. in physics, an M.S. in Earth Science Education, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Teaching and Educational Policy with a focus on Science Education. Don grew up in Clarence Presbyterian Church. Cost is $5/per person and includes a light breakfast. Sign up by calling North Church office at or in the church office. FREE ORGAN RECITAL Three current students of Dr. Judy Congdon, professor of organ at Houghton College, will present a recital on February 10 at noon at St. Joseph Cathedral, 50 Franklin St., Buffalo. This free event is sponsored by the Buffalo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. There is ample free cathedral parking in the lot behind the police station at Franklin & Church streets. Jonathan Denham, a junior majoring in organ performance and international development, will perform Bach's A-minor Prelude and Fugue (BWV 543), as well as selections from Mendelssohn's 4th Sonata. Jeffrey Hanson, a senior composition major and relative beginner on organ, will play two of his own compositions. Jennifer Ross, a senior organ performance major, will be playing Bach's Fantasy in G minor (BWV 542), Messiaen's Le banquete celeste, and Mendelssohn's 6th Sonata.

12 TODAY S WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS Minister: The Rev. William Hennessy Coordinator: Mitch Roemer Pianist/Organist: Marlene Harrington Counters: Linda Gowans, Sheridan Skura Lock-up: Chris D Angelo Greeters: The Hutton Family Liturgist (10:00): Linda Schifferle Ushers (8:30): Louise Cooper, Irene Harbison Ushers (10:00): Mary Beth Karr & Joe Alber; Nursery: Kira Khayat Amy & Gary Nelson Acolytes (10:00): Charlie & Henry Hutton Visitors You are important to us. Please fill out a visitor card and put it in the offering plate if you wish to be contacted. You may also approach an usher likely wearing a yellow ribbon today to find out more about North Church. Mission Statement Brought together by our shared faith in Jesus Christ, Called by God to live as faithful disciples, Blessed by our diverse gifts and experiences, We commit ourselves to: Worship together, Teach and learn from one another, Nurture each other with care and love, and Reach out in ministry and mission to the world. MINISTERS: THE CONGREGATION Pastor/Head of Staff: The Rev. William T. Hennessy Coordinator of Sacred Arts: Olivia Ebsary Administrative Assistant: Cynthia Machamer Bookkeeper: Karen Thomas Facilities Coordinator: Mike Callaghan Childcare Supervisor: Regina Koteras Director of Music, Organist: Marlene Harrington Webmaster: Tara Martin Director of Music, Children & Youth: Alanna Carlins Musical Assistant: Kurt Ebsary Youth Director, Northtowns: Mack Barker

13 Elders (Session) Clerk of Session: Sylvia Bigler Deacons Moderator: Glenn Hopkins Class of 2018 Joe Alber Ralph Doerzbacher Bill Ervin Class of 2019 Bill Clark Sue D Angelo Shevaun Donelli O Connell Scott Marshall Marsha Villano Class of 2018 Glenn Hopkins Shirley Mazourek Garry Ostermeier Pam Ostermeier Class of 2019 Karen Hopkins Connie Littlewood Sheridan Skura Carol Suckow Class of 2020 Anselm George Warren Marcus Rob Powell Class of 2020 Kerri Bigler Olivia Ebsary Heather Randall Class of 2021 Joe Alber Mary Atwood Ralph Doerzbacher Debbie Hutton Marty Shafer Class of 2021 Chris Gunther Glenn Hopkins Garry Ostermeier Pam Ostermeier Karen Roesser