WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA (563) "Let Us Beat Swords into Ploughshares" by Russian sculptor Evgeny Vuchetich, on the grounds of the United Nations, New York. NOVEMBER 18, 2018 Take a hard look at Jesus. He s the centerpiece of everything we believe. (Hebrews 3:1 The Message) 1 9:30 A.M.

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 refreshments and conversation in the Narthex after the service. If you would like to become a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, please see Pastor Murry. Large print bulletins are available from the ushers. Childcare for children 5 and under is provided in the Nursery down the hall from the Sanctuary. * All who are able may stand. Prelude Simple Gifts & "Nun Danket" Westminster arr. by James Ployhar Band 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 #2236 vs. 1 " Gather Us In" Here in this place the 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 (Matthew 5:14-16) Melissa Taylor Leader: You are the light of the world People: A city on top of a hill can't be hidden. Leader: Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. People: Instead, they put it on top of a lamp stand, and it shines on all who are in the house. Leader : In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven. ALL: Let us worship God. *Hymn# 612 GTG *Invitation to Confession "We Praise You, O God" 2 Melissa Taylor

3 *Unison Prayer of Confession Almighty God: in love you spread good gifts before us, more than we need or deserve. You feed, heal, teach, and save us. We confess that we always want more and that we never share as freely as you give. We resent what we lack, and are sometimes jealous of neighbors. We misuse what you intend for joy. God, forgive our stubborn greed, and our destructiveness. In mercy, help us to take such pleasure in your goodness that we will always be thanking you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Moment of silence for personal reflection) *Assurance of God's Forgiveness Hal Murry *Response #2150 vs. 1 In our lives, Lord, be glorified, be glorified. In our lives, Lord, be glorified today. "Lord, Be Glorified" Children s Message "God Is Bigger than the Boogie Man" Hal Murry Youth with speaking parts for the pageant should leave now and meet in the media room for rehearsal. Anthem Adult Choir Sermon: "Don't Be Afraid at the Words You Heard" 1. Invasion! 2. Today's Scripture: Portions of Isaiah 36, 37 and 2 3. Assyria's king (Sennacherib) sends a terrifying message 4. Israel's king (Hezekiah) gets religion! 5. God's prophet (Isaiah) shares the dream of God for humanity Scripture: Portions of Isaiah 36 & 37; 2:1-4 (CEB) 36 Assyria s King Sennacherib marched against all of Judah s fortified cities and captured them in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah. 2 Assyria s king sent his field commander from Lachish, together with a large army, to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. He stood at the water channel of the Upper Pool, which is on the road to the field where clothes are washed. 3 Hilkiah s son Eliakim, who was the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Asaph s son Joah the recorder went out to them. 13 Then the field commander stood up and shouted in Hebrew at the top of his voice: Listen to the message of the great king, Assyria s king. 14 The king says this: Don t let Hezekiah lie to you. He won t be able to rescue you. 15 Don t let Hezekiah persuade you to trust the LORD by saying, The LORD will certainly rescue us. This city won t be handed over to Assyria s king. 16 Don t listen to Hezekiah, because this is what Assyria s king says: Surrender to me and come out. Then each of you will eat from your own vine and fig tree and drink water from your own 3

4 well 17 until I come to take you to a land just like your land. It will be a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 18 Don t let Hezekiah fool you by saying, The LORD will rescue us. Did any of the other gods of the nations save their lands from the power of Assyria s king? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Did they rescue Samaria from my power? 20 Which one of the gods from those countries has rescued their land from my power? Will the LORD save Jerusalem from my power? 37 When King Hezekiah heard this, he ripped his clothes, covered himself with mourning clothes, and went to the LORD s temple. 2 He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests to the prophet Isaiah, Amoz s son. They were all wearing mourning clothes. 3 They said to him, Hezekiah says this: Today is a day of distress, punishment, and humiliation. It s as if children are ready to be born, but there s no strength to see it through. 4 Perhaps the LORD your God heard all the words of the field commander who was sent by his master, Assyria s king. He insulted the living God! Perhaps he will punish him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Offer up a prayer for those few people who still survive. 5 When King Hezekiah s servants got to Isaiah, 6 Isaiah said to them, Say this to your master: The LORD says this: Don t be afraid at the words you heard, which the officers of Assyria s king have used to insult me. 7 I m about to mislead him, so when he hears a rumor, he ll go back to his own country. Then I ll have him cut down by the sword in his own land. 2 This is what Isaiah, Amoz s son, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In the days to come the mountain of the LORD s house will be the highest of the mountains. It will be lifted above the hills; peoples will stream to it. 3 Many nations will go and say, Come, let s go up to the LORD s mountain, to the house of Jacob s God so that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in God s paths. Instruction will come from Zion; the LORD s word from Jerusalem. 4 God will judge between the nations, and settle disputes of mighty nations. Then they will beat their swords into iron plows and their spears into pruning tools. Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will no longer learn how to make war. Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. *Hymn #757 GTG "Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples" 4

5 *Affirmation of Faith We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God's image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God's commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God's condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home. God is faithful still. LITANY OF THANKSGIVING - insert Invitation to Giving Hal Murry ALL encouraged to pass the friendship pad in your pew and to register your attendance. First-time visitors providing contact information receive a valuable free gift! Offertory Gavotte from English Suite No.6 Marimba Duet Bouree from French Suite. No. 5 Josh Husemann by J. S. Bach / arr. Faulmann Sally Stulken *Doxology #607 GTG Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; praise Holy Spirit evermore; praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen. *Prayer of Thanksgiving Hal Murry *Hymn #643 GTG "Now Thank We all Our God" *Blessing Hal Murry *Response #2172 "We Are Called" We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly, We are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God! *Postlude Luke Tyler, Pianist 5

6 ANNOUNCEMENTS HAL MURRY is on vacation this week, returning to the office on Monday, November 26. Rev. Marsha Wilfong is available for emergency pastoral care. Call or if office is closed. TODAY, after worship: Sunday School for children and youth, downstairs For Adults: 1. AARP Fraud Watch Workshop led by Tom and Linda Stovall, Volunteer AARP Fraud Watch Educators. Learn about resources to protect you against identity theft, fraud, scams and financial abuse. Helpful handouts provided. Meets in Fellowship Hall. 2. Bible Study: Gospel of Luke continues in the Board Room led by Rev. Dr. Marsha Wilfong. All are welcome! COMING SOON: Next Sunday (Nov. 25) Help Wanted HELP NEEDED! Sanctuary Christmas decorations go up after worship. A few strong bodies are needed (since the decorations are stored in the basement) and MANY HANDS can lighten the load minutes of your time can really help! Sunday, December 9 Christmas Party! Please come and invite a friend! + World Premier of "Live from Bethlehem" a children's Christmas pageant written by Westminster's own Allie Hinga + Celebrating and dedicating Westminster's sanctuary improvements to the Glory of God! + A movie for kids downstairs + A FREE lunch for everyone in Fellowship Hall! 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 10 Tyler Family Christmas Concert, featuring Lizz, Luke and Theia in Westminster's sanctuary. ALL are invited. FREE! Child care provided. HIGHLIGHTS from the November meeting of Westminster's Session (governing council): Elected Jason Smith, Treasurer and Wayne Lewis, Assistant Treasurer to one-year terms beginning 1/1/19. Thanks to outgoing Treasurer Tom Stovall and Assistant Treasurer Norma Smith. Dismissed the Sanctuary Improvements Team with "thanks" effective 12/10/18. Team members include: Wes Heitzman, Jeff Oberhoffer, Max Schmidt, Pam Adams, Lois Pearce, George Hellert, Cameron Fast, Harriet Heitzman, Hal Murry and Mark Oberhoffer (deceased). Welcomed and "examined" (as required by the Book of Order) newly elected Session members Lisa Meester, Adam Etheredge and Jeff Oberhoffer. Approved updated and revised Articles of Incorporation for the Westminster Foundation. FAIR TRADE MARKET IS COMING and we need volunteers! Sign up in the Narthex! 6

7 NEW HYMNALS Most of our worship hymns are selected from our denomination's newest hymnal Glory to God (2013). The new hymnal is digitally-supported which allows for easy electronic projection. A limited supply of hardback, print hymnals is available for use during worship. You can find the hymnals (red) on the tables/benches behind the back pew. Please return the hymnal after worship. A selection of Bibles (various translations) is also available in the back of the sanctuary for use during worship. TAKE A HYMNAL (or two or three!) home! The blue Presbyterian Hymnals are stacked on the side pews in the back of the sanctuary and are free for the taking. It could be just the gift for someone who has everything! Green Team Tip Go Green and Save Money: Seal Your Home Inspect for air leaks at windows and doors. You can use a lighted incense stick. Sealing them could cut a $1,000 heating and cooling bill by $200. Really! ATTENTION! Elders and Deacons who are currently not serving on boards willing to sub for Communion, please contact Mary Kay in the office Thanks! WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: NOVEMBER 18, 2018 Church Office Number: Rev. Marsha Wilfong: Emerg. Only Rev. Hal Murry, Teaching Elder Church Administrator: Mary Kay Pancratz Financial Secretary: Becky Jenkins Custodian: Tim Till Faith Formation Leader for Youth: Lisa Fast Nursery: Amy, Megan & Amanda Care Ministry Coordinator: Glinda Manternach Organist/Pianist/Music Coord: Dr. Luke Tyler Adult Choir: Dr. Luke Tyler Youth Choir: Lizz Tyler Band/Youth & Adult Handbells: Sally Stulken Timbrel & Lyre: Dr. Luke Tyler Refreshments & Bldg Care: Robin Beadle Head Usher: Terry Flynn Greeters: Tom & Linda Stovall Ushers: Pam Adams & Jeff Oberhoffer Bev Graves & Janet Neumeister Howard & Dorothy McLean PRAYER REQUESTS: The rose on the pulpit today is in honor of the birth of Madden Marlow Efken, daughter of Abbey & Steve Efken and sister to Jameson Efken. Madden was born on November 9th, the birthday of her great grandfather, Marlyn Bausman and named after her great grandmother, Joyce Marlow Bausman. Welcome to the World Madden! Their address is: 2254 JoAnn Dr. Asbury, IA For the family and friends of Art Whalen, member, who passed away Fri., Nov. 9th. Cards may be sent to Chuck Whalen, Lore Mound Rd. Dubuque If you would like to have your name on our Prayer Request list, please advise the church office ( ) or the Pastor. 7

8 Sunday, November 18th 8:30 a.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal, LOFT 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 10:40 a.m. Sunday School Begins in Classrms 10:45 a.m. Adult Ed - AARP Fraud, FH 10:45 a.m. Luke Bible Study, BR 1:00 p.m. Donath Family Thanksgiving, FH 1:30 p.m. Worship at Bethany Home 3:00 p.m. Playground Task Force, BR 3:00 p.m. Youth Group, FH Monday, November 19 4:00 p.m. Sanctuary Team, WR 6:00 p.m. Pack 20 Den Mtgs., Classrooms 6:00 p.m. Scout Master Mtg., BR 7:00 p.m. Scouts Parent Mtg., BR 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 11. FH THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: NOVEMBER 18TH THRU NOVEMBER 25TH Tuesday, November 20 5:40 p.m. Youth Handbells, SA Wednesday, November 21 DACU 36TH ANNUAL INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE "Journeying Toward One Another" Wed., Nov. 21, 2018 at 7 P.M. Resurrection Catholic Church, 4300 Asbury Remember that the offering will go to People in Need (an important source of their funding). You are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food and paper goods for the Dubuque Food Pantry. DONATE HAMS? The Dubuque Food Pantry is again requesting Hams or other meats (between 2 to 5 lbs) for their "Christmas Basket Give Away". Please mark & put in kitchen refrigerator. All meat should be here to WPC by Dec. 13th. They also are in need of canned goods to put in the baskets especially: Coffee/tea, canned fruit, ramen noodles, canned sweet potatoes, cake or brownie mixes, baking supplies, soup, boxed potatoes, flour, sugar, toothpaste and personal care items. Thank you! Please deliver non-perishable items to the shopping cart in the Narthex by Dec. 13th. Thank You...your WPC Mission Team Thursday, November 22 Happy Thanksgiving OFFICE IS CLOSED Friday, November 23 OFFICE IS CLOSED HOTLINE DEADLINE Saturday, November 24 9:00 a.m. SERRV SALE to the Public, FH Sunday, November 25th 8:00 a.m. Timbrel & Lyre Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. SERRV SALE, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Wilfong Preaching 10:30 a.m. CHRISTMAS DECORATING 10:40 a.m. Sunday School Pageant Practice, SA 10:45 a.m. Adult Ed- Being Good Stewards,BR 3:00 p.m. Youth Group, FH 8