CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

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1 The Celtic Cross is an ancient Christian symbol. The cross proper recalls the death of Christ for the sins of his people, while the circle is a historic symbol of God s eternality. Jesus name is at the center, depicted by the Greek letters Ιης and is surrounded by the vine and branches, representing our relationship to Him. At the bottom, CHRISTUS VICTOR, Christ is Victorious, testifies to his triumph over sin and death on the cross. This Celtic cross is used by permission of Saint Paul s Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. Each of the five panels represents a significant event in Christ s life. Exalting Christ through Worship, Learning, Community, and Outreach HIS REIGN The wounded lamb as Christ reclining on the book of seven seals is a historic symbol of the reigning Christ. The threerayed nimbus is an ancient symbol of deity. (Revelation 5:9-12) HIS RESURRECTION Lilies traditionally represent the resurrection; the trumpet heralds Christ s certain and triumphal return. (1 Corinthians 15:54; Matthew 24:31; Luke 12:27) HIS ATONEMENT The crown of thorns and nails testify to Christ s sacrificial death on the cross. (Hebrews 2:17: John 19:2; 20:27) HIS BAPTISM The dove and tongues of fire symbolically portray the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:10; Acts 2:3) HIS INCARNATION The open Bible is the Word of God. The double lighted candlesticks represent the dual nature of Christ his deity and his humanity. (John 1:1-14) CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire hope; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and yearn for home; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to whoever will come; this church offers a genuine welcome in the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

2 WHAT IS OUR MESSAGE? The great good news is that God has taken it upon Himself to do something for us that we are powerless to do for ourselves. The Gospel is simply this: sinners are forgiven and accepted by God because of the work of Jesus Christ. Trust in Christ s finished work is not just the beginning of the Christian life, but the means and end as well. The Gospel is what must be applied more and more deeply in order to live as a Christian. The power of the Gospel is not merely about forgiveness and improvement, but renewal and wholeness. A GOSPEL-SHAPED MINISTRY WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? We embrace the historic Christian faith believing the timeless truths held in common by the church in all ages and places. We wholeheartedly affirm the classic doctrines defined by the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. The Trinity There is only one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Incarnation The person Jesus Christ is the only Son of God who is both fully God and fully human. The Gospel changes people Through the continual application of the Gospel we become more like Christ. The Atonement Jesus died on a cross and was raised from the dead in order to redeem us from our sins. The Gospel produces joy Grace frees us from both condemnation and self-righteousness to enjoy God fully. The Gospel defines community In union with Christ, we become God s sons and daughters His new people. The Gospel points outward The Gospel informs attitudes The Gospel removes barriers Grace disengages approval seeking, engenders authenticity, and curbs pride. As Christians, we desire the peace and well-being of our communities and cities. Reconciliation humbles us so that we may become agents to reconcile others. The Gospel renews culture All of life matters to God and we are to pursue all vocations with excellence. WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? The Gospel builds momentum Church planting is both the result of and means to fulfilling the great commission. We also embrace the Reformed Christian faith believing the biblical teachings that were restated during the Protestant Reformation. This great renewal of the church in the 16 th century has given us a common heritage in the classic solas. Scripture Alone The Bible is the one source of divine revelation and the only completely reliable guide for faith and life. Christ Alone Salvation is accomplished by the substitutionary atonement of the historical and sinless Christ alone. Grace Alone We are rescued from God s anger, freed from sin s bondage and lifted to new life by His grace alone. Faith Alone God Alone Christ s righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God s justice by faith alone. The sole purpose of our creation and redemption is to enjoy God s presence and live for His glory.

3 CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA IS A CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA Empowered by the Gospel, we aim to experience God s pleasure in fostering true knowledge, holy affection, and faithful obedience through historic worship, biblical learning, genuine community, and cultural outreach to the end that God s people are gathered and Christ s Kingdom is extended throughout Ventura County and beyond. OFFICERS Teaching Elder Roy R. Bennett (roy@ojaipca.org) Ruling Elder Robert Glass (rglass@raypak.com) Ruling Elder Eric Halvorson (prof.halvorson@gmail.com) Ruling Elder Roger Phelps (ojai2eyes@aol.com) STAFF Chief Musician Tilford Jackson Office Manager Debbie Glass CONTACT INFORMATION PO Box 25 Ojai, CA (805) / WORSHIP LOCATION Trinity Lutheran Church 196 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura at 4:00 PM ANNOUNCEMENTS OJAI COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY Mon. 7 8 PM Letter to the Romans "Dust to Glory" A Teaching Series of R.C. Sproul led by Roger Phelps Golden Oaks Mobile Estates 1273 S. Rice Rd. in Ojai EARLYBIRD BIBLE READING Wed. at 6:30 AM Second Corinthians Coffee Bean and Tea 4360 Main St. in Ventura ALL SAINTS DAY The church celebrates All Saints Day on November 1 st or the Sunday following. It is a time to rejoice in all who have gone before us in faith through the ages. We are called to remember our part in the one continuing and living communion of saints. This day reminds us to claim our kinship with the glorious company of apostles, the noble fellowship of prophets, and the white-robed army of martyrs. It is also a time to show our gratitude for all those who in ages of darkness kept the faith, for those who have taken the gospel to the ends of the earth, and for all who have witnessed to God s truth the great cloud of witnesses. (Heb. 12:1) Order for the Celebration and Worship of God PRELUDE Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost: November 1, 2009, 4:00 P.M. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS SILENT PREPARATION CHORAL INTROIT Pianist Tilford Jackson How Beautiful Twila Paris 1990 Star Song How beautiful the hands that served The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth. How beautiful the feet that walked The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross. How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ. How beautiful the heart that bled that took all my sin and bore it instead. How beautiful the tender eyes that choose to forgive and never despise. How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ. And as He lay down His life, we offer this sacrifice That we will live just as He died. Willing to pay the price. Willing to pay the price. How beautiful the radiant bride Who waits for her Groom with His light in her eyes. How beautiful when humble hearts give The fruit of pure lives so that others may live. How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ. How beautiful the feet that bring The sound of good news and the love of the King. How beautiful the hands that serve The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth. How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ. 1

4 CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 25:6-9 INVITIATORY Minister: Lord, open our hearts. People: And our mouth will declare your glory and grace. Unison: Let all the peoples of the earth rejoice that God has sent forth His Son into the world. Minister: Come dwell among us by your Spirit that Jesus Christ may be glorified in your Church now and forever more. People: Come let us adore Him! Hallelujah! * HYMN OF PRAISE (Music on page 3) We Are God s People * PRAYER OF ADORATION Unison: Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. * AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles' Creed Unison: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified, dead, and was buried. He descended into *hell. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy **catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. * refers to the experience of forsakenness, rather than the geography of hell ** universal church or the blessed company of all faithful people in Christ. * PRAYER OF COMMITMENT Unison: Gracious God, you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. We have recalled your mighty acts in holy history. We have seen your power in sending light to conquer darkness, water to give us life; and the bread of heaven to nourish us in love. Send us with your salvation and joy into all the world, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. * BENEDICTION Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up the light of his countenance and give you peace. * DISMISSAL HYMN Shalom Minister: People: POSTLUDE * Congregation Standing Go in peace to love and serve the risen Lord Jesus. Thanks be to God! Pianist Tilford Jackson 2 19

5 TABLE OF PLENTY WE ARE GOD S PEOPLE REFRAIN: Come to the feast of heaven and earth! Come to the table of plenty! God will provide for all that we need here at the table of plenty. VERSE 1: O come and sit at my table, where saints and sinners are friends, I wait to welcome the lost and the lonely to share the cup of my love. REFRAIN: VERSE 2: O come and eat without money. Come to drink without price. My feast of gladness will feed your spirit with faith and fullness of life. REFRAIN: VERSE 3: My bread will ever sustain you through days of sorrow and woe. My wine will flow like a sea of gladness to flood the depths of your soul. REFRAIN: VERSE 4: Your fields will flower in fullness; your homes will flourish in peace. For I the giver of home and harvest will send my rain on the soil. REFRAIN: AMAZING GRACE Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed! Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. When we ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, We ve no less days to sing God s praise than when we d first begun. 18 3

6 NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Hebrews 11:1-40 (ESV) 11 :1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 4 THE LORD'S SUPPER Minister: Christ our Passover, sacrificed for us. People: Therefore, let us keep the feast! Minister: The gifts of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to the Lord! (People are encouraged to come forward to receive the sacrament and to repent and rejoice as the sacrament is observed. The wafer is to be dipped into the wine.) COMMUNION MUSIC (Lyrics on page 18) 17 Table of Plenty Dan Schutte 1992 Amazing Grace John Newton 1779

7 THE AMEN AGNUS DEI John 1:29 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. 29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as if on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. 32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated 38 of whom the world was not worthy wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Minister: People: The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! 16 * HYMN OF THANKS (Music on page 6 & 7) For All the Saints 5

8 FOR ALL THE SAINTS PRAYER OF CONSECRATION WORDS OF INSTITUTION 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION PRAYER OF APPROACH Unison: We do not presume to come to this your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord, whose nature is always to have mercy; grant us therefore, gracious Lord, that we may so partake of this bread and wine that our sinful bodies may be made clean by Christ s body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. 6 15

9 THE SANCTUS Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 118:26 FOR ALL THE SAINTS continued A LITANY FOR ALL SAINTS Men: Women: Men: O eternal Lord God, we your children lift grateful thanks to you for our elder brothers and sisters in the household of faith. For Abraham the father of the faithful, for the patriarchs who succeeded him in faith: Blest are you, Lord God of Israel. For Moses, by whom you led your people to freedom and gave them your law, for the prophets to whom your Word came: Blest are you, Lord God of Israel. For David, the great singer of your praises, for those who gave their lives to preserve your law: Blest are you, Lord God of Israel: For Jesus, your Christ, your Word in person, Mediator of the new covenant, Savior of men, King of saints: Praise be to you, O God, and to your Christ. Women: For the first disciples who left all to follow him, for the apostles, who in obedience to him carried the Gospel to many lands: Praise be to you, O God, and to your Christ. 14 7

10 Men: Women: For your servant Paul, who so richly experienced the grace of the risen Lord, and interpreted him to the nations, for the evangelists who recorded the apostles memories of their Lord and their own faith in him: Praise be to you, O God, and to your Christ. For the messengers, known and unknown, who brought the good news to our own country, for all who have gone to the ends of the earth to share your love in Christ Jesus: Praise be to you, O God, and to your Christ. RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS Todd and Hannah Curtis * HYMN OF TRUST (Music on page 9) Faith of Our Fathers * OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Samuel 14:24-52 (ESV) 14 :24 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies. So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. 28 Then one of the people said, Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man who eats food this day. And the people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great. 31 They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. 32 The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, Behold, the people are sinning against the LORD by eating with the blood. And he said, You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here. 34 And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people and say to 8 * PRAYER OF DEDICATION CONFESSION OF SIN Unison: O gracious redeemer, too long have we neglected you and put you to open shame by our distrust, fear and self-obsession. We have crucified you afresh by our lack of repentance and godwardness. Forgive us, O Father, and save us from the treachery of our perverse nature. Thank you for the patience you bear us and the grace that makes us willing to be yours. Strip us of every pleasing pretence of righteousness by our own doing. Impress the gospel on our souls until its virtue diffuses every faculty. Unite us inseparably to yourself, dear Jesus, that nothing may ever draw us back from you. This we humbly ask. ASSURANCE OF PARDON Psalm 103:1-5 Minister: Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit; who crowns you with love and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Minister: The Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Minister: Lift up your hearts! People: We lift them up to the Lord! Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord! People: It is good and right so to do. Minister: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Holy Lord; for in the multitude of your saints, You have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses, that we might rejoice in their fellowship, and run with endurance the race that is set before us; and, together with them, receive the crown of glory that never fades away. Therefore with angels and archangels, we praise and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and singing, 13

11 SERMON NOTES FAITH OF OUR FATHERS 12 9

12 them, Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the LORD by eating with the blood. So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there. 35 And Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first altar that he built to the LORD. 36 Then Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatever seems good to you. But the priest said, Let us draw near to God here. 37 And Saul inquired of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel? But he did not answer him that day. 38 And Saul said, Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. 39 For as the LORD lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, You shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said to Saul, Do what seems good to you. 41 Therefore Saul said, O LORD God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O LORD, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim. And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. 42 Then Saul said, Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan. And Jonathan was taken. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what you have done. And Jonathan told him, I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die. 44 And Saul said, God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan. 45 Then the people said to Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the LORD lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day. So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die. 46 Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place. 47 When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them. 48 And he did valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them. 49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. And the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn was Merab, and the name of the younger Michal. 50 And the name of Saul s wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the commander of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul s uncle. 51 Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. 52 There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself. 10 Minister: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God! * PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION AFTERNOON SERMON Reverend Roy R. Bennett The Desperation of the Kingdom PASTORAL PRAYER OFFERTORY * DOXOLOGY 11