We Gather Again and Seek God s Presence

Transcription

1 ST. PETER S CHURCH, WEST PENN where worship and service don t stop with the final hymn. Rev. Dennis Moore, Worship Leader The Rev. Kenneth T. Melber, Jr., Designated Pastor Kristine K. Betz, Director of Music January 13, 2019 The Baptism of Christ Worship ~ 9:00 a.m. Sunday School ~ 10:15 a.m. (Please turn off your cell phone.) Prayer of Preparation Almighty God, you are a God of new beginnings! Let your voice go out across the waters, let it thunder even unto me; let it speak your kingdom into being as we adore the Christ in glory! Amen. We Gather Again and Seek God s Presence Announcements and Concerns (Prior to worship, at 8:55 a.m.) Prelude O To Be Like Thee! ~R. J. Hughes (All who are able, please stand.) Joyous Declaration and Choral Amen Invocation Call to Worship P. The voice of the Lord is over the waters. The God of glory thunders with power and majesty! C. Give glory to God! Worship the Lord of glory and strength! P. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars. The voice of God makes the oaks to whirl and strips the forest bare! C. Give glory to God! Let all in the temple of the Lord cry, Glory! P. The voice of the Lord flashes with fire! The voice of God shakes the wilderness! C. O God of glory, O God of strength, bless us with your peace!

2 Hymn Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart #390 (The congregation may be seated.) We Acknowledge Our Brokenness and Seek God s Forgiveness Call to Confession Prayer of Confession (in unison) Creator God, though you yourself have created us, we confess that we have failed to trust in you as we should. We fear, though you have told us we should not. We doubt, when you would have us believe. We hide, when you would gather us to yourself in love. We hoard, when you would have us share. Redeem us, Lord. Call us each by name, that we might return to you in joy and fall at your feet once again. Amen. (Silence for personal confession) Prayer for Mercy P. (Spoken) Lord, have mercy upon us. C. (Spoken) Christ, have mercy upon us. All (Sung) Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, And take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, And uphold me with thy free Spirit. (Adapted from Psalm 51) Assurance of Forgiveness P. The Lord, our God, the Holy One of Israel, is our Savior! God has ransomed you, saying, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. Do not fear, for I am with you. C. Christ Jesus has paid the full and final ransom to buy us back from our enslavement to sin and our failure to yield good fruit. P. As the chaff is consumed, so let yourselves be gathered to God in thanksgiving as a joyful harvest of the finest of wheat. Let us stand and sing God s praise. (All who are able, please stand.)

3 Song of Praise (Hymnal, #107) Lord, I lift your name on high; Lord, I love to sing your praises. I m so glad you re in my life; I m so glad you came to save us. You came from heaven to earth to show the way; From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay. From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky; Lord I lift your name on high. The Passing of the Peace P. The peace of Christ be with you all. C. And also with you. P. Let us greet one another with a sign of Christ s peace. Congregation members are invited to share words of peace with each other (during cold and flu season, please pass the peace verbally), after which you may be seated. We Listen for God s Word to Us The Senior Choir Anthem The Reading of Scripture The First Reading (from the Hebrew Scriptures) Isaiah 43:1-7 The Psalm Reading Psalm 29 The Gospel Reading Luke 3:15-17, (The First Reading and the Gospel Reading are printed on the back of the bulletin.) (After the Gospel is announced, all who are able stand and sing:) Glory be to Thee, O Lord. (After the Gospel is read,) Praise be to Thee, O Christ. (The congregation may be seated.) Time With the Children ~ Rev. Dennis Moore The Junior Choir Anthem He Had a Dream The Sermon ~ Rev. Dennis Moore

4 We Respond with Joy (All who are able, please stand.) Affirmation of Faith The Apostles Creed (in unison) I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. (The congregation may be seated.) Invitation to the Offering The Offering of Our Gifts (Visitor cards, found in the cup/card racks, may be placed in the offering plates. Prayer request cards may be handed to an usher at this time.) The Offertory Aria ~D. Scarlatti (All who are able, please stand.) The Offertory Response (sung) We give Thee but Thine own, Whate er the gift may be. All that we have is Thine alone A trust, O Lord, from Thee. Amen. Prayer of Dedication (in unison) Lord, you are a God of whom we have come to expect great things, though they are often disguised in simple elements, subtle situations, humble circumstances. Sanctify, we pray, these few provisions and prepare them for your mighty purpose, that they too might testify to your sovereignty over our lives and over all your creation. Amen. (The congregation may be seated.) Pastoral Prayer

5 Prayer for Call Committee (in unison) Almighty God, giver of every good gift; look upon this congregation with grace. Guide the minds of our Search Committee members as they discern which of your servants will be our next pastor. Please grant that we might receive a faithful shepherd who will care for us and continue to equip us for ministry in this place. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The Lord s Prayer (in unison) 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. We Go Forth to Proclaim the Good News (All who are able, please stand.) Commission and Blessing P. The One who granted us the breath of life has baptized us with water and the Spirit. C. We are supported and strengthened by God s love and by the family of faith of which we are a part. P. Carry forward the mission that Christ entrusts to us: proclaim peace to all people everywhere. C. Our differences are transcended in the healing streams of God s impartiality. P. In humility, and yet with confidence, we go out to witness to our faith. C. The truth of God has been real to us here, and we carry with us the power of this encounter. P. God is our helper, and Christ is our teacher. Our prayers and our efforts will make a difference. C. God is with us wherever we go. The maker of heaven and earth cares for us.

6 Benediction with Three-fold Amen. Hymn Spirit of the Living God #389 Silent Meditation The light of the resurrected Christ is carried out into the world. Let us follow the light and witness in faith to its glory. Choral Blessing (Tune: Morning Has Broken ) New life has bloomed here, God s love has warmed us; Now the world calls us to spread that love. God s peace go with you, may it sustain you, And bring us together to praise God again. Postlude Sortie ~ G. Blake Today we extend a very warm welcome to Rev. Dennis Moore as our guest preacher and worship leader. Rev. Moore lives in Albrightsville with his wife, Pat of 46 years. He has two grown sons and twin 6 year old granddaughters. He grew up in Western PA in the village of Grapeville. Rev. Moore is a graduate of Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. He retired from active ministry after 41 years and served Union Church in Schnecksville for 20 years; Trinity Church in Butler, PA for 11 years; and Hope Memorial Church in Smithton, PA for 4+ years. He also was Associate to Bishop Weiss of NEPS prior to his retirement. He enjoys hunting, fishing, woodworking/ construction, writing spiritual song lyrics and children s Christmas stories. Rev. Moore is a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Jim Thorpe where he is a member of Grace Notes ~ a Contemporary Christian Band of Christ Church. In case of inclement weather, please listen to WMGH/WLSH Radio Station, watch TV Channel 13 or the Channel 69 website ( for any change in the time or cancellation of St. Peter s Church worship schedule.

7 THE ALTAR FLOWERS are presented in loving memory of Husband and Dad ~ Happy Birthday in Heaven, Dan. By Marian Frantz and family. THE BULLETINS are sponsored by Dave Hontz. GREETERS: Carl and Judy Gerber. LECTORS: Anthony Thomas and Amaya Nevenglosky. ACOLYTES: Mason MacMillan and Veronica Scott. ANGEL USHERS: Madison Green, Zane Zeigenfuss and Abby & Jayden Rex. BELL RINGER: Jayden Rex. SOUND SYSTEM: Mark Eberts. BIRTHDAY OFFERING THIS WEEK: Received from Hazle Arner, Michelle Bates, and Dennis Hallman. JANUARY SHUTIN BIRTHDAY: George Wolfe (January 23rd). *************************************************************************************** Say a Prayer for: Loved Ones of Edna Mertz-Frey Loved Ones of Delroy Ruch, Jr. Loved Ones of Matt Roberts Loved Ones of Tina Shelly Tom Myro Audra Ferguson Ron Engle Glenn Rarick Lynn Gerber Eric Nelson Lucas Nelson Austin Klein Linda Snyder Karen Nelson Theresa Hallchick Cathy Osenbach Tim Houser Karen Miller Grace Hyska Gloria Faust Randy Miller Ethel Rother Millie Connelly Nancy Goldberg Andrew Kuhns Melissa Drake Erica Imbody MaryAnn Rakos Keith Derhamer Gladys Wehr Paul David Lisa Krouse Bill Coombe Debbie Cioppa Brooke Zellner Lorna Hart Matt Brickler Deborah Everett George Wolfe Alexis Jones Carson Barron Caroline Lantz Gerri Steigerwalt Robert Miller Bobby Fritz Mitch Green Bruce Everett Donald Melber Willie Frey Doris Wolfe Russel Miller Darryl Moyer Dave Zanders Debbie Mooney Morgan Eberhart

8 The Joyous Noise Offering we will be receiving today will be designated for Caroline Lantz, a five year old who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a high-risk, aggressive cancer approximately one year ago. The cancer has spread throughout almost all of her body, including her bone marrow. The treatment protocol for this disease is one of the most aggressive in all of pediatric cancer, and typically lasts months. Caroline is currently receiving treatment at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. She was recently admitted for her second round of immunotherapy. She expects to have six treatments over the next several months. The Lantz family has been faced with a 'new normal' and reality of this disease: daunting costs for out-of-pocket medical expenses that will become astronomical. Margaret has left her executive-level job to dedicate everything to Caroline s fight. The family is need of financial support. Also, and equally as important, the family asks for your prayers, positive thoughts and encouragement. You can read Caroline's story and follow her journey at CarolineStrong.com. Checks should be made payable to St. Peter s Sunday School and may be mailed to the church office. If you know of an organization or individual that could benefit from St. Peter s Joyous Noise Offering, please contact Megan Frantz or Ann Fogel. We are honored to be able to share in worship with visitors. Cards to note your presence with us are found in the communion cup/card rack holders, along with prayer request cards, blank offering envelopes, and communion cards. Members who are not certain of their number, just put your name on the envelope. Please HAND your prayer request cards to an usher when the offering is being received. Visitor cards, envelopes, and communion cards may be placed in the offering plate. Stop by Our Display Case Nancy Knadler has a collection of her manger scenes in the display case. They are beautiful! Make sure you stop by to see them. Please share your collection or hobby with us and sign up today in the church parlor! Space is always available.

9 THIS WEEK AT ST. PETER S Today, Sunday, January 13: 9:00 AM Worship Service Joyous Noise Offering 10:15 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Junior Choir rehearsal 12:00 PM Sunday School Teacher s & Officer s Luncheon 6:00 PM Girl Scouts Tuesday, January 14: ANNUAL REPORTS DUE Tuesday, January 15: 5:00 PM Prayer Group 7:00 PM WASP Wednesday, January 16: 5:00 PM Confirmation Class Thursday, January 17: 7:30 PM Senior Choir rehearsal Next Sunday, January 20: 9:00 AM Worship Service 10:15 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Junior Choir rehearsal 6:00 PM Girl Scouts 6:30 PM Church Board *For complete details on these events, please consult your newsletter. UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER TODAY, Sunday, January 13th: Sunday School Teacher s & Officer s Appreciation Luncheon Sunday, January 27th: The Annual Congregational Meeting to accept the 2018 Annual Report and 2019 budget will take place following worship. All reports due in the church office by Monday, January 14th.

10 God made the Sabbath holy and gave it to all as a gift. He invites us to lay aside our work and worries, to trust that because he is in control, we are free to rest and worship. They re almost gone ~~~ but, some of them still need a ride home.. Please help us keep down our mailing costs by picking up your envelopes in the church parlor. And, if there are any that you can take to a friend or neighbor, it would be appreciated. Thank you! January 6, 2019 Attendance: 102 Offerings: $ 4, Includes Building Fund of: $ Plate Offerings: $ St. Peter s Church, West Penn 184 St. Peter s Road Tamaqua PA The Rev. Kenneth T. Melber, Jr., Designated Pastor For Pastoral Care or Emergency ~ Pastor Melber s Cell: Pastor Melber has office hours by appointment Contact our Called to Care for Your Special Needs: Jan Altenburg: Or TLC: Olga Faust: Church Office Phone: (570) Financial Secretary: Louise Frantz Office: Elaine Koons Church Office Hours: Tuesday ~ Friday from 10:00 AM~2:00 PM Sexton: Lori Hoppes Director of Music: Kristine K. Betz addresses: Pastor Melber: pastorken86@gmail.com Church Office: spuc@ptd.net Web Site address: Web Master spuc@ptd.net Facebook: St Peter s Union Church