9:40 a.m. VOLUNTARY Prelude and Air (1977) Robert Cundick Meditation on Psalm 122 (1960) Arthur Milner MINUTE FOR MISSION. 10:00 a.m.

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1 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST September 14, 2008 Is your cell phone on? What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) 9:40 a.m. VOLUNTARY Prelude and Air (1977) Robert Cundick Meditation on Psalm 122 (1960) Arthur Milner 10:00 a.m The Approach to God GREETING The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you. And also with you. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WORSHIP ORIENTATION CALL TO WORSHIP INTROIT Enter Into His Gates Tom Benjamin *PROCESSIONAL HYMN #115 Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain St. Kevin *OUR NEED FOR GOD (unison) Loving God, we confess that we are not always attentive to your presence among us. We seek our own way rather than following yours, and drown out your voice with the voices of this world. Forgive our distraction and our indifference. Increase in us an awareness of your movements in this world, and a desire to participate in your works of peace and justice. Amen. *GOD S FORGIVING LOVE *RESPONSE OF PRAISE Gloria, Gloria in excelsis deo! Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia! Gloria, Gloria in excelsis deo! Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia! *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from Our Song of Hope) We pray for the fruits of the Spirit of Christ, who works for peace on earth, commands us to love our enemies, and calls for patience among the nations. *PASSING THE PEACE We share a word of peace to respond to the forgiveness God has given us and as a sign of our dedication to Jesus great commission to spread good news. Feel free to say Peace be with you, with a handshake or a touch on the shoulder. This ancient worship ritual is more than a greeting and is meant to deepen the relevance of our worship experience. MINUTE FOR MISSION ANTHEM O Sing to the Lord Brazilian Folk Hymn The Word of God FIRST LESSON Exodus 14:19-31 (page 61) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. CHILDREN S MESSAGE SECOND LESSON Psalm 114 (page 563) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. SERMON The Crossing Bill Levering The Response to the Word *HYMN #334 When Israel Was in Egypt s Land Go Down Moses OFFERING OFFERTORY Rise, Shine, You People Dale Wood Rise, shine, you people! Christ the Lord has entered our human story, God in him is centered. Christ comes to us, by death and sin surrounding, with grace unbounded.

2 See how the sends the powers of evil reeling, and brings us freedom light and life and healing. All men and women, who by guilt are driven, now are forgiven. Come, celebrate, your banners high unfurling, you songs and prayers against the darkness hurling. To all the world go out and tell the story of Jesus' glory. Tell how the Father sent his Son to save us. Tell of the Son, who life and freedom gave us. Tell how the Spirit calls from every nation God's new creation. Ronald Klug *DOXOLOGY (Hymn 592) AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER 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. *RECESSIONAL HYMN #538 Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing Sicilian Mariners *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE (Please be seated until the Postlude begins) Threefold Amen Anonymous *POSTLUDE Recessional (1977) Welcome If you are a first time visitor, please fill out a little white card and place it in the offering plate. If you are interested in becoming a member, please speak with one of the ministers after the service. We are eager to know and serve you. Everyone is invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments after the service in the Huntley Garden. *The congregation may stand. Robert Cundick Need Help? Large print bulletins and audio receivers are available to assist you. Please ask an usher. Special bulletins for children are also available. Restrooms are located out the front right doorway of the sanctuary. Caring for Children During Worship We love kids. Childcare for babies through kindergarten is available between 10:00 and 12:00 a.m. at the Kinderwyk building at 10 North Church Street. Those in Pre-K through eighth grade, are invited to take part in Church School today after the Children s Message. Follow the teacher upstairs to the classrooms. Fall Sunday Morning Schedule 10:00 Families come to worship together. 10:20 All kids leave for Church School after their message. 11:00 Adults go to Coffee Hour after worship 11:20 Church School concludes; First Forum and Kid s Activity Time begins. (The after worship programs begin September 21.) 12:00 Programs conclude In Memoriam The chancel flowers today are placed in the sanctuary to the glory of God. We are grateful that these flowers, which represent our prayers and praise, will be taken to church family members to recognize a special need or celebration. Memorial Flowers If you would like to order celebratory or memorial flowers for the chancel, please call the church office. Vespers Every Sunday at 5 p.m. a musical worship experience will be held in our sanctuary. 1 st Sunday Jazz Music 2 nd Sunday Chamber Music 3 rd Sunday Jazz Music 4 th Sunday Celtic Music 5 th Sunday Folk Music Today Chamber Vespers Included in the line-up are: Karen Hosmer, oboe; Elizabeth Silver, violin; Christine Orio, viola; and Susan Libby, cellist. Karen Hosmer is principal oboist of the Albany Symphony. She also performs with the Springfield, MA orchestra and teaches for SCCC. She was prizewinner in the Gillet International Oboe Competition and has performed as soloist with orchestras in the United States and Europe. Elizabeth Silver, violinist, is a member of the Albany Symphony and Eribeth Chamber Players. She also performs regularly with other capital area regional orchestras and oratorio societies. Christine Orio, viola, is a former member of the Albany Symphony. She has also performed with Glimmerglass Opera and the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Susan Libby, principal cellist, is a member of the Albany Symphony. September 21 Jazz Vespers Included in the line-up are: Ray Alexander, piano; Greg Brown, bass: Tom D Andrea, drums. September 28 Celtic Vespers Included in the line-up are: Jane Rothfield, fiddle; Allan Carr, guitar. Music Notes Thanks to Tom D Andrea for leading the percussion for today s anthem. Welcome Back Picnic Join us for a congregation-wide picnic immediately after worship today. All

3 are welcome: visitors and members alike. Come and share your summer adventures, rekindle old acquaintances, and make new friends. Kinderwyk News Please consider giving your time to our littlest people at Kinderwyk! Volunteers of all ages are most welcome. Our most wonderful and very qualified leader, Sarah Bachorik, is there every Sunday to assist you. If you don t call us ( ), we ll call you! Chancel Choir Chancel Choir rehearsals have begun. We would love to see some new faces! All voice parts needed. Please join us on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Back Rx Starts this Week A fifteen minute beginning sequence of gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to end lower back pain will be held in Assembly Hall at 9 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The same exercises will be practiced the same weekdays at the same time through the month of September. No registration is required; comfortable clothes are recommended. Those with questions may contact Daniel, who has been using this program for his back for over two years. Stephen Ministry Meeting Monday, September 15, 7-9 p.m. in Assembly Hall is the first fall monthly meeting for Stephen Ministers. All active Stephen Ministers are expected to attend. Questions about our Stephen Ministry may be directed to Stephen Leaders, Daniel Carlson ( ), Ruthellen Phillips ( ), Linda Ward ( ). Klokken Ringers The Klokken Ringers hand-bell choir will be meeting in the Poling Conference Room this year. Rehearsals resume for the fall on Monday, September 15 th at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday Evening Ladies Group Members of the Tuesday Evening Ladies Group will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16 th at the home of Connie Young, 1400 Keyes Avenue, Niskayuna. Wednesday a.m. Kerygma Begins The lively discussion, warm fellowship, and serious study starts this week, September 17, 9:30 a.m. in Polling Conference room with a timely focus for this fall. Each week we'll be engaging in a biblical, theological, and ethical investigation of creation, our faith, and our responsible action. The book through which we will engage these essential subjects is written by the Rev. Dr. Larry Rasmussen, who in November will lead of our Faith Forming Weekend. The book, Earth Community Earth Ethics (which was the winner of the Louis Grawemeyer Award) is now available in the Faith Bookshop at discounted price; additional copies (also at the discounted rate) will be available on Wednesday. The class is open to all; newcomers are especially encouraged to attend. Please notify the church office or contact Daniel if you plan to attend or have questions. FRC Resumes Delicious dinners; stimulating studies; contemplative communion every Wednesday Evening at First Reformed Church FRC), starting this Wednesday. Anyone who wishes to come for any part of any Wednesday is most welcome! Dinner begins at 6 in Assembly Hall. Studies begin at 7; Bill will resume his popular Preacher's Preview, Daniel will lead discussion of the award winning book: Earth Community, Earth Ethics--see Kerygma above. Worship begins at 8 with the sound of the tower bell in the candlelit sanctuary chancel. While registration is not necessary week to week, those who plan to come this Wednesday should fill out a pew card today or call the office by noon Monday. Group VII The members of Group VII will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 19 th for their Annual Fall Luncheon at the Mohawk Golf Club on Union Street in Schenectady. Membership lists and the Program for the year will be distributed at that time. If you need transportation or directions, please call Ronnie Bartholic ( ) or Joan Ipsen ( ). First Forum The First Forum post service program (formerly known as Adult Forum) will resume on Sunday, September 21 st, after worship. Our first speaker for the year will be Union College Assistant Professor Anastasia Pease. She is the Program Director of the Everyday Ethics Across the Curriculum program which will enter its third year this September. Mark this date on your calendar and join us as we resume our fall program. Banket Makers and Bakers We make bounteous servings of banket, a delicious Dutch pastry, for all those who visit us during the Stockade Walkabout. We need help: first, preparing the ingredients on Tuesday, September 23, 7 p.m. in Assembly Hall kitchen; second, assembling and baking the goodies on Thursday, September 25, 9:30 a.m. Please contact Gay Doolittle or call the church office if you are able to assist in this ministry of hospitality. Stockade Walkabout Help Needed Our church will be open for the 49th Annual Stockade Walkabout, Saturday, September 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come help us welcome visitors wishing to tour our architectural and historical landmark and enjoy our Hospitality Room. Greeters/guides are needed for 2¼ hour shifts: 10:45-1:00, 12:45-3:00, 2:45-5:00, and to help set up, close, and run background music. It's a great day of outreach, of sharing our story with hundreds of interested guests. Sign up sheets and Walkabout brochures are on hallway tables, or call Laura Linder, Fourth Sunday Frolic Following worship and refreshments on September 28, cyclists of all abilities will travel by church van or private car to the Warren County bikeway. The bikeway is mostly on pathways with some riding on quiet roads over flat and gently rolling terrain between Glens Falls and Lake George. The bikeway can be accessed from many points along the route, so we'll determine before loading up and leaving beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups for the round-trips on the path to the Million Dollar Beach at Lake George, and back again. To help us plan, sign up on the Frolic Flyer in Assembly Hall, mark your calendar, and plan on packing a lunch, drinks, a snack! Camp Fowler Benefit Once again the Camp Fowler Scholarship Fund is looking for your

4 donation of a hand knit scarf (or two if you are really ambitious!) in any color, any pattern. These beautiful scarves will be sold in Assembly Hall during the annual Stockade Walkabout, Sept 27th. There is a box in the church office where you can leave your contribution. Call Jamie Ipsen with any questions. Many thanks! Spiritual Pathway Retreat September 30-October 2, Ella Campbell will guide participants in discovering their preferred spiritual pathways. The retreat will be held in Fowler s Chi Rho House. Registration is $50 (single room) and includes two nights lodging and meals. For more information or to register, contact Ellen Ratmeyer in the RCA s New York office: eratmeyer@rca.org or by phone at Group V Members of Group V will hold their first meeting on Monday, October 6 th at the home of Cindy Phillippe, 1054 Bellridge Road, Niskayuna. Coffee will be served at 9:30, we will have a Program, and the meeting will follow. Group V would also like to invite others to join us; a fun and caring group. Blessing of the Pets In the tradition of St. Francis, we will be blessing our beloved non-human companions on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 4pm. Bring your furry, feathered, or finned friend for a time of recognizing the special place our animals hold in our lives and in the world. Youth Group News Youth Group Information forms are available from Stacey at the Welcome Back Picnic today. Parents, please fill out a form and register your student for this year's youth group activities! Our first Senior High Youth Group meeting (for grades 9-12) will be on Sept. 21 at 7pm in the Mezzanine. The first Junior High meeting (for grades 6-8) will be on October 5 at 5pm in Assembly Hall. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend! One Great Hour of Sharing Each year our church participates in One Great Hour of Sharing, an opportunity for us to share with people in need around the world, helping to improve their world and ours. We can make a difference in the lives of others. Please use the envelopes in the pews. Checks should be mad out to First Reformed Church with a memo to OGHS. Thank you! Hospice Volunteer Training Join a team of dedicated, compassionate people who provide care to the terminally ill. Provide companionship and practical support for patients and their families. Other volunteer opportunities include: bereavement, clerical, and courier assistance. Training Dates: September 15, 18, 22, 24, 29 and Oct 1, 6-9 pm and Saturday September 20 9am 4pm. To register or for more information contact: Sue Conlin, Nancy Zieker, Coordinators of Volunteer Services This Week Next Week Chancel Flowers Kinderwyk Sarah Bachorik Sarah Bachorik Greeters Chris & John Van Oort Head Usher Mike Beals Del Pierce Ushers John & Peggy Anderton, Bob & Cathy Allen, Joe Gallagher, Maurice Robbins Todd Elders Bill Rochelle, Darwin Brudos, Carol DeLaMarter, Barbara Draffen, Maria Greskovich, Bill Hubbard, Rachel Hewitt, Nancy Rimany Jim McCullough, Carol Troost, Karen & Rob Dickson, Doug Carolyn Jones-Assini, Christine Daniels, Gay Doolittle, Philip Falconer, Sarah Howes, Marlene Risseeuw, Linda Witkowski, Eugene Zeltmann Liturgist Daniel Carlson Daniel Carlson Reader Darwin Brudos Carolyn Jones-Assini Preacher Bill Levering Bill Levering Counting Deacons Kimberly Burgoyne, Rebecca Draffen-Grande Flower Delivery Darwin & Ellie Brudos Don & Betty Kleiber Rob & Karen Dickson Bill & Linda Ward Refreshments Welcome Back Picnic/Festival Faith Bookshop Roberta Blackmer Roberta Blackmer Ann Gotwals, Elsa Hjelmar

5 Calendar for the Week of September 14, 2008 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study, Poling Conference Room 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:20 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Welcome Back Picnic/Festival 5:00 p.m. Chamber Vespers Monday 9:00 a.m. Men s News Group, Poling Conference Room 9:00 a.m. Back Rx, Assembly Hall 7:00 p.m. Klokken Ringers, Poling Conference Room 7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry, Assembly Hall Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Back Rx, Assembly Hall 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Morning Prayer, Dykstra Chapel 11:00 a.m. Care and Support, Poling Conference Room Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Back Rx, Assembly Hall 9:30 a.m. Kerygma, Poling Conference Room 6:00 p.m. WE@FRC, Assembly Hall Thursday 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Sunday 9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study, Poling Conference Room 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:20 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Post Service, Assembly Hall 11:20 a.m. First Forum, Assembly Hall 5:00 p.m. Jazz Vespers 7:00 p.m. Senior High Youth Group, Mezzanine Worship Footnotes The worship service is a condensation of thousands of years of traditions, and any particular Sunday represents dozens of spiritual feelings and ideas. To help you get a sense of the richness of what is going on we publish this primer occasionally. These explanations are not to set in stone, but are approximations of intent. General Thematic Movement The Reformed Church understands worship as having three discreet movements that represent our experience of God generally: Preparation, Proclamation, and Response. The service itself tries to keep these parts in order. Organ Music We have a great pipe organ and a great organist in Charlie Moose. He plays an extended prelude called a "voluntary before the service that you can listen to when you arrive early. You will often also hear majestic introductions to the final verses of our hymns from the organ to encourage us to sing with gusto. Worship Participants Generally there will be one or two ministers up front and usually an elder or a youth reading scripture as well. It is our desire to show complete participation in the act of worship by all classes, ages and ranges of people. The Opening Sequence In this particular reformed church, elders process in with the minister not representing that they are better than other folks in the congregation, but that the minister and the elders work together to do God's will. An early prayer is a preparation for, and our admission of our need for, the presence of God. A response of praise is sung after the assurance of God's forgiveness, thanking God for new wholeness. After this praise we pass the peace we have received, not particularly as a greeting, but as a sharing of reconciliation so that we can get on with the business of worship. Most importantly, peace is passed to people you need to be at peace with. You can pace your peace to one verse the tune of "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" that Charlie will play. Children's Message Children are called out for a special time and are then dismissed to church school during the church year. Children and youth are always welcome to stay in worship, however. Prayers of the People We will pray for folks who need special care, but we may not be able to mention everyone. While we will make particular efforts to remember those who have died and those who need our corporate support, please feel free to fill out a white pew card if you wish special prayers.

FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Schenectady, New York THE CONSISTORY Bill Levering, Senior Minister Daniel Carlson, Associate Minister Stacey Midge, Minister of Mission, Outreach, and Youth Delbert Pierce,

6 FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Schenectady, New York THE CONSISTORY Bill Levering, Senior Minister Daniel Carlson, Associate Minister Stacey Midge, Minister of Mission, Outreach, and Youth Delbert Pierce, Bill Rochelle, Senior Elders Fred H. Daniels, Treasurer Mary Jewett, Clerk Elders Deacons Carolyn Jones-Assini William Brooks Andrew Chestnut Christine Daniels Eric Evans Delbert Pierce William Rochelle Harvey Schadler Nancy Ellen Swann Linda Ward CHURCH STAFF Kimberly Burgoyne Fred Daniels Cynthia Gallagher Elsa Hjelmar Adam Kerwin Catherine Lewis Joan Lindsay Greg Matusic David Schweizer Chris Van Oort Jamie Ipsen, Director of Children s Ministry Julie Panke, Director of Music Charles Moose, Organist Jamie Ipsen, Director of Children s Music Eric Bachorik, Director of Klokken Ringers Sarah Bachorik, Director of Kinderwyk Gay Doolittle and Heather Chestnut, Hospitality Coordinators Heather Scribner, Office Administrator Gary Nelson, Facility Supervisor FIRST REFORMED CHURCH SCHENECTADY THE COVENANT OF OUR CONGREGATION Adopted by the Congregation in 1962 We do hereby set forth the principles of the Christian faith as commonly held among us, believing that no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. It shall be our aim to bring joy to little children, instruction and high ideals to youth, inspiration to men and women in the midst of life, and comfort to those in life's later years; and to labor together for the betterment of humankind. Our fellowship shall not be dependent upon identity of theological opinion, or of outward circumstance, or of denominational concern, but shall grow from a common loyalty to Jesus, a common commitment to serve the world we touch, and a common purpose to do justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. Our ideal is a church of the open mind, the warm heart, the hopeful spirit, and the social vision which ever seeks to express, in all walks of life, the mind of Jesus. First Reformed Church 8 North Church Street Schenectady, New York (518) Ministers: Daniel Carlson, Bill Levering, Stacey Midge September 14, 2008

Robert Hebble. *PASSING THE PEACE Warm eye contact and a graceful nod are sufficient in this germy season.

Robert Hebble. *PASSING THE PEACE Warm eye contact and a graceful nod are sufficient in this germy season. TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY February 14, 2010 Is your cell phone on? What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) 9:40 a.m. VOLUNTARY