*GLORIA PATRI Glory Be to the Father Number 581

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1 SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY October 25, 2015 REFORMATION SUNDAY 22 nd Sunday after Pentecost 11:00 a.m. (LARGE PRINT BULLETINS, HYMNALS AND ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES ARE AVAILABLE FROM OUR USHERS) *Please stand, if able. GATHERING AS THE PEOPLE OF GOD WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Janet Winslow Fearless Sowing Ted McCormack The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. PRELUDE Grazioso Arnold Sherman Chancel Handbell Ringers Dylan Paz, Acolyte *INVITATION TO WORSHIP AND OPENING PRAYER Lorna Anzelone We come to worship, O God, hungering and thirsting for your word. Stir up our hearts to receive as you sow the seeds of your word. Open our minds to understand your word. Help us to keep your word firmly planted in our hearts and minds. *SONG OF PRAISE A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Number 275 PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Used by both John Calvin in Geneva and John Knox in Scotland) Almighty God, eternal Father, we acknowledge and confess to you that we were born in unrighteousness. Our life is full of sin and transgression; we have not gladly believed your Word nor followed your holy commandments. For your goodness sake and for your name s sake, be gracious unto us, we pray, and forgive us all our sin, which is very great. Amen. PRAYER RESPONSE Do Not Be Afraid Sally Ann Morris ASSURANCE OF GOD S LOVING FORGIVENESS God's love is boundless and reaches into the unknown and distant places of earth. But it is also an intimate love which touches us in the hidden fears and joys of our own lives. Be assured that the ways of God's love are still surprising and mysterious and are at work in you and among us all. *GLORIA PATRI Glory Be to the Father Number 581 HEARING GOD S WORD CHILDREN S CONVERSATION Young children may leave for Godly Play following the conversation. PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Gracious God, as we turn to your Word for us, may your Spirit rest upon us. Help us to be steadfast in our hearing, in our speaking, in our believing, and in our living. Amen. PSALM READING Psalm 46 THE WORD IN MUSIC O Blessed Church Helen Kemp Chancel Choir GOSPEL READING Mark 4: 1-9 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! MESSAGE God s First Responders Rachel Mastin RESPONDING TO GOD S WORD *A LITANY OF REFORMED CONFESSIONS We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church, (Nicene Creed, 4th Century) the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints. (Apostles Creed, 8th Century) This Kirk is catholic, that is, universal, because it contains the chosen of all ages, of all realms, nations, and tongues, be they of the Jews or be they of the Gentiles, who have communion and society with God the Father, and with the Son, Christ Jesus, through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. (Scots Confession, Scotland, 16th Century) The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the gospel, consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with their children; and is the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ; the house and family of God. (Westminster Confession of Faith, England, 17th Century) The church s commission, upon which its freedom is founded, consists in delivering the message of the free grace of God to all people in Christ s stead, and therefore in the ministry of his own Word and work through sermon and Sacrament. (Theological Declaration of Barmen, Germany, 1934)

2 The church confesses its faith when it bears a present witness to God s grace in Jesus Christ. The life, death, resurrection, and promised coming of Jesus Christ has set the pattern for the church s mission. The church follows this pattern in the form of its life and in the method of its action. So to live and serve is to confess Christ as Lord. (Confession of 1967, United States, 1967) With believers in every time and place we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Brief Statement of Faith, United States, 1991) *THE SCOTTISH PSALTER The Lord s My Shepherd, I ll Not Want Number 801 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE O God, who generously pours love and grace into our lives, You hear our prayers. 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. OFFERING OFFERTORY If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee Phillip Kirnberger *SONG OF PRAISE Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow Number 606 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Reform our lives, O God, and let these gifts change the world into which we send them. Take them and multiply them to be a blessing of justice and peace in the world you love! Amen. *SONG OF DEDICATION O God in Whom All Life Begins Number 308 Tune: #757 Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples *BENEDICTION *CHORAL RESPONSE Choral Amen *POSTLUDE Toccata in C Major J. S. Bach

3 SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. 6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Mark 4: 1-9 4Again he began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. 2 He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: 3 Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8 Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold. 9 And he said, Let anyone with ears to hear listen! WELCOME! We re glad you joined us for worship today. We are a diverse and engaging community of faith seeking and serving Christ to make a difference. We pray that you experience Christ s presence in our midst and that his presence will sustain you in the week ahead. CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP! Activity bags are available for children from an usher. Childcare for infants through 2 year olds is available in our nursery. An usher will be glad to direct you. Following the Conversation with Children, young children are welcome to go to the Preschool Block Room for Godly Play. PRAYER REQUESTS - We welcome requests for particular joys or concerns to be included in the Prayers of the People. Please write your request on a Prayer Request Card and place it in the basket in the Narthex before the service. THE FLOWERS IN THE SANCTUARY TODAY are given by Gloria Myers to the glory of God are in memory of her mother, Louise Meddaugh. SUNDAY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. PRESCHOOL (2-4 years) Growing in Grace and Gratitude in the Preschool Block Room PRIMARY Christmas pageant rehearsal with Mrs. Houghton. Head on down the hall to learn about Moses. YOUTH Thoughtful Christian: That s So Wrong in the Youth Rooms ADULT Getting to Know David, Jonah, and James in Rooms The Book of Acts in Room W. Huguenot Rd. * North Chesterfield, VA * (804) Fax (804) * office@bonairpc.org Visit our website: Rev. Dr. Janet Winslow, Pastor Rachel Mastin, MDiv, Pastoral Assistant Stephen E. Henley, Director of Music Brenda M. Norton, Office Manager Jennifer Smouse, Preschool Director Dwayne L. Williams, Sexton Please let us know that you are here today! During the service, please sign the blue friendship pad and let us know that you are worshiping with us today Songs & Lyrics reprinted under CCLI License #

4 THIS WEEK AT BON AIR PRES. (October 25-November 1) Sunday 8:30 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Adult Education 11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary) 3:00 p.m. Trunk-O-Treat Monday 8:30 a.m. Friendship Café (Beck Room) 9:30 a.m. Yoga (Room ) 6:30 p.m. RISC (Ginter Park Presbyterian) 7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts (Fellowship Hall) 7:00 p.m. Preschool Board (Parlor) 7:15 p.m. Walk Away the Pounds (Room ) Tuesday 8:30 a.m. Friendship Café (Beck Room) 12:45 p.m. Preschool Staff (Library) 5:00 p.m. DaCapo (Room ) 5:30 p.m. AA (Fellowship Hall & Room ) 7:00 p.m. GRIVA (Beck Room) 7:00 p.m. Communications Division (Middle School Room) 7:00 p.m. Worship Division (Library) Wednesday 12:30 p.m. Staff Meeting (Library) 6:15 p.m. Dinner (Fellowship Hall) 7:00 p.m. Building Utilization Committee (Library) Thursday 6:00 p.m. Yoga (Room ) 7:00 p.m. Building Utilization Committee (Library) 7:15 p.m. Walk Away the Pounds (Room ) Friday 5:30 p.m. AA (Fellowship Hall & Room ) Next Sunday 8:30 a.m. Communion Service (Sanctuary) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Adult Education 11:00 a.m. Communion Service (Sanctuary) 4:00 p.m. Prayer Group (Sanctuary) 5:00 p.m. Youth (Youth Rooms) TRUNK-O-TREAT IS THIS AFTERNOON! This is a great opportunity to share in the Halloween fun of our church and preschool children. We will gather today at 3:00 p.m. for games, food, and fun. The children will have a costume parade and contest, then they will go from car to car collecting goodies! RISC COMMUNITY PROBLEMS ASSEMBLY TOMORROW, at 6:30 p.m., at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church. Come get excited! Testimonies, action strategies, and a special presentation by affordable housing expert, Mary Brooks. Everyone is encouraged to attend! Carpools leave BAPC at 6:00 p.m. SUNDAY COFFEE STOP Volunteers are welcome to sign-up for helping with our Sunday morning coffee service; set up around 8:30 a.m., clean up at noon, or bring a plate of goodies. Contact Deborah Houghton at debho@comcast.net or sign up on the bulletin board in the Coffee Stop room at church. THERE IS NO HANDBELL OR CHOIR REHEARSAL for Wednesday, October 28. We will resume rehearsals Wednesday, November 5. WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER starts at 6:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $5.00/adult and $3.00/child with a family cap of $ Sign-up on the Fellowship Division Board or call the church office by 3:00 p.m. on Monday. NEXT SUNDAY WE HONOR OUR SAINTS November 1 is All Saints Sunday. We take a moment to read the names of our members who have entered eternal life during the past year and thank God for the saints in our lives. PREPARING FOR THE END OF LIFE Talking with family members and making initial plans for the end of our lives is an important step and precious gift we give our family members. A new and updated booklet with information and guidance will be available next Sunday in the Narthex. REMEMBER THOSE SPECIAL FAMILY HOLIDAY TRADITIONS? Share one with the congregation by writing a couple of simple paragraphs (no more than 250 words) describing a family Christmas tradition or memory. it to Pastor Janet, pastorjanet@bonairpc.org, or bring it to the church office so it may be included in our Advent devotional booklet. Deadline to submit your tradition is NEXT SUNDAY. WHAT DO WE DO WITH A STRANGER? A Conversation about Immigration Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. we will host this community forum sponsored by the Presbytery of the James and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.

5 FEARLESS SOWING FEARLESS SOWING Investing our resources for the sake of the kingdom is risky. It takes courage. As we sow the seeds of our time, talent, and treasure, some will fall on deaf ears. Others will fall on ears which are somewhat receptive. And our resources will be sown in places where some will accept them and use them and benefit from them until the worldly attitudes of society creep up around them. We will be disappointed, frustrated, even ridiculed at times. But thanks to God, sometimes our resources will be accepted by deep, receptive, productive people. Some will receive our investments of time, talent, and treasure and happily accept them and use them and benefit from them and produce fruit for the kingdom because of our investments. And because of our willingness to seek out the best investments of our resources, the kingdom of God will have an unbelievable harvest. How would you like to get a 30-, 60-, or 100-fold return on the seed you plant in your garden next spring? Better yet, how would you like to get a 30-, 60-, or 100- fold return on the investment you put in the bank? Yes, that s a 3,000, 6,000, or 10,000 percent interest rate! It s not possible to get such interest rates at the bank. But it is possible when it comes to the kingdom of God! As you worship today and throughout this week, think about how God is calling you to sow seeds for the kingdom. Are you sowing with an attitude of defeatism or with resilience? Are you sowing haphazardly or with purpose? Please be on the lookout in this coming week's mail for your Stewardship Campaign letter enclosing your 2016 pledge card. Investing our resources for the sake of the kingdom is risky. It takes courage. As we sow the seeds of our time, talent, and treasure, some will fall on deaf ears. Others will fall on ears which are somewhat receptive. And our resources will be sown in places where some will accept them and use them and benefit from them until the worldly attitudes of society creep up around them. We will be disappointed, frustrated, even ridiculed at times. But thanks to God, sometimes our resources will be accepted by deep, receptive, productive people. Some will receive our investments of time, talent, and treasure and happily accept them and use them and benefit from them and produce fruit for the kingdom because of our investments. And because of our willingness to seek out the best investments of our resources, the kingdom of God will have an unbelievable harvest. How would you like to get a 30-, 60-, or 100-fold return on the seed you plant in your garden next spring? Better yet, how would you like to get a 30-, 60-, or 100- fold return on the investment you put in the bank? Yes, that s a 3,000, 6,000, or 10,000 percent interest rate! It s not possible to get such interest rates at the bank. But it is possible when it comes to the kingdom of God! As you worship today and throughout this week, think about how God is calling you to sow seeds for the kingdom. Are you sowing with an attitude of defeatism or with resilience? Are you sowing haphazardly or with purpose? Please be on the lookout in this coming week's mail for your Stewardship Campaign letter enclosing your 2016 pledge card.