Loving God Loving People Transforming the World

Transcription

1 Loving God Loving People Transforming the World Transfiguration Sunday February 11, :00 AM Community Presbyterian Church, Vallejo, CA

2 PREPARING TO WORSHIP We welcome children to our worship services and have created a quiet corner for families in our sanctuary. FRIENDSHIP PADS are for everyone, including visitors, to sign. The Friendship Pads are in the Hymnal/Bible holder on the back of the pews. Please take a moment to sign and pass it to the person next to you. Listening devices for the hearing impaired are available for your convenience. Large print bulletins are also available. Please see an usher for these items. * Indicates when those who are able may stand Indicates a response by the congregation PRELUDE RINGING THE BELL WELCOME SIGNING OF FRIENDSHIP PADS ANNOUNCEMENTS * PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST May the Peace of Christ be with you, And also with you. Peace, Salaam, Shalom (4x) GATHERING AS GOD S PEOPLE * CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 99: 1-3) The Lord is Sovereign; let the people tremble in awe. God is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake. The Lord is great in Zion and is high above all peoples. Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God, and worship God upon the holy mountain. * HYMN Jesus Shall Reign Where er the Sun # 423 * PRAYER OF CONFESSION 2 Eternal God, we confess that we do not expect and long for the transforming power of your love to work miracles in these hard hearts of ours. Yet we secretly long for a rescue, an escape, a miracle, to relieve us of the responsibilities and challenges you set before us. Healing Spirit, renew our confidence in your power and in the power of love to change our lives, and give us courage to be the fully responsible persons Christ calls us to be. Amen.

3 * ASSURANCE OF PARDON Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and transformed! Praise be to God. * HYMN Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me

4 LISTENING TO GOD S WORD OLD TESTAMENT LESSON pg Kings 2: Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, Stay here; for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel. But Elisha said, As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you. So they went down to Bethel. 3 The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you? And he said, Yes, I know; keep silent. 4 Elijah said to him, Elisha, stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho. But he said, As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho. 5 The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you? And he answered, Yes, I know; be silent. 6 Then Elijah said to him, Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan. But he said, As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you. So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8 Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you. Elisha said, Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit. 10 He responded, You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not. 11 As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. 12 Elisha kept watching and crying out, Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen! But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. ANTHEM Elijah Rock arr. Jester Hairston NEW TESTAMENT LESSON pg. 44 Mark 9: Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high 4 mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him! 8 Suddenly when they

5 looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. 11 Then they asked him, Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first? 12 He said to them, Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him. MORNING MESSAGE Rev. Wendy Komori Stager Dramatic Exit * HYMN When I Survey the Wondrous Cross # 101 RESPONDING TO GOD S CALL THE PRESENTATION OF OUR PLEDGES AND OFFERINGS (Please place prayer requests in the offering plate.) OFFERTORY * THE DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow Praise God, all creatures here below Praise God above, ye heavenly host Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen. * PRAYER OF DEDICATION A TIME FOR PRAYER CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS PASTORAL PRAYER

6 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. * HYMN Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Chorus: Swing low, sweet chariot. Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home. I looked over Jordan, and what did I see, Coming for to carry me home? A band of angels coming after me, Coming for to carry me home. Chorus: Swing low, sweet chariot. Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home. If I get there before you do, (Coming for to carry me home) I ll cut a hole and pull you through. (Coming for to carry me home Chorus: Swing low, sweet chariot. Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home. If you get there before I do, (Coming for to carry me home) Tell all my friends I m coming too. (Coming for to carry me home) Chorus: Swing low, sweet chariot. Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home. The brightest day that I can say, (Coming for to carry me home) When Jesus washed my sins away. (Coming for to carry me home) Chorus: Swing low, sweet chariot. Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home. Sometimes I m up, and sometimes I m down, (Coming for to carry me home) But still my soul feels heavenly bound. (Coming for to carry me home) Chorus: Swing low, sweet chariot. Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home. * BENEDICTION 6

7 Credits: Call to Worship: by Joanna Harader and posted on Spacious Faith. Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon: Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, copyright 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources. Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me: Traditional liturgical text, adapted by Paul M. Vasile, 2008; music by Paul M. Vasile, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: Public domain. Accompanist: Debbie Barlow Chancel Choir Director: Michael Reilly Lector: Margaret Pasholk COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2800 Georgia Street, Vallejo, CA Phone (707) Pastor: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager Parish Associate: Rev. John Collister Administrative Assistant: Betsy Zampa Financial Administrator: Steve Zimmerman CCLI # , One License # A Like us on FACEBOOK

8 IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH February 11, 2018 WELCOME! It is good to have you in Worship service with us this morning! Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for time of fellowship following the Worship service. MESSAGE FROM PASTOR WENDY: It is very important to me that I set time aside to be available to meet with individuals. My pastoral work varies from day till evening depending upon meetings with various committees, Session, Deacons, Presbytery, Youth events, Logos, and outside mission work (for example, I volunteer weekly at Steffan Manor Elementary School). I generally spend the early mornings seeking spiritual guidance at home as I develop my sermons and plan for our worship services. I plan to be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm if you should want to drop by to see me. However, the best way to connect with me is to make an appointment. Call or text my cell phone, or wendyks.cpc@gmail.com. You can always call Betsy in the church office at and leave me a message but I may not respond to those messages quite as quickly. Please note that Monday is my Sabbath Day. If you have any concerns with our church, church services, or message that I share with the congregation, I encourage you to call me directly so we can talk about it. This is our church and it needs to be the avenue to Christ for all of us. CARD DONATIONS. The Deacons thank everyone for all the card donations supporting our card ministry. Birthday, sympathy, prayer, get well, thank you and blank cards are appreciated, but please no more Christmas cards.

9 COFFEE WITH SESSION TODAY, FOLLOWING EACH SERVICE. Session is again inviting you to sit, have a cup of coffee and ask questions or comment on a topic that is on your mind. We will ask for feedback from changes to the sanctuary, share some of the songs in our new hymnals and talk about your budget concerns. Bring your questions and input. It is important that session hear from each of you as it acts on your behalf. ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP SERVICE, February 14 th 7:00 pm. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. We will be joining our friends in worship at Heritage Presbyterian Church 1400 East 2 nd St., Benicia. PREPARING FOR LENT. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is observed on February 14 th, Our joint evening worship service will be observed at Benicia Heritage Presbyterian Church. Our worship theme during Lent will be Roll Down, Justice. This series will deal with power issues, and giving voice to the voiceless. Who are we not listening to? Who do we have power over? Who is our neighbor? MARTHA CIRCLE, Tuesday February 20 th at 1:00 pm in the Fireside Room. If you have a copy of the new study book, Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews, please read Lesson Two in preparation for the study. If you do not have the new study book yet, come to the study and one will be ordered for you. Extra copies of the lesson will be available. All women are invited and encouraged to come. Contact people are Earline Barfield, or Bonnie Martin,

10 CHILDREN S & YOUTH NEWS Wednesday, February 14 th, is Ash Wednesday. There will be no LOGOS or Youth Group meetings so you may be able to attend worship services at Heritage Presbyterian in Benicia. TODAY IS LOCAL MISSIONS SUNDAY (2 nd Sunday of the month). We hope you remembered to bring a donation for at least one of the Local Mission projects. To remind you, they are: Steffan Manor School supplies Box Tops / Coupons for education Little bottles of shampoo, lotion, and/or conditioner from your vacation stays for the Christian Help Center Greeting cards for Deacons Magazines for Sutter Hospital New or gently used T-shirts and socks for homeless clients of Vallejo Together. There is a bookcase in the Fellowship Hall where you can put your donations. If you forgot to bring something today, you may bring items any time for future delivery. PROGRESSIVE DINNER Thank you to Rich & Joan Changus, Dave & Janet Craig, and Donna Nunes for hosting the Progressive Dinner Saturday. A good time was had by all! Next Sunday is Food Cupboard Sunday (the 3 rd Sunday of the month). We donate non-perishable food items to the Christian Help Center. There is a bookcase in the Fellowship Hall where you can put your donations. The Deacons deliver them to the Christian Help Center. CPC and Christian Help Center thank you for your many years of faithful giving to a very worthwhile cause.

11 WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR LENT THIS YEAR? Have you chosen a Lenten discipline yet? We would like to invite you to join us for a challenging Bible study over the six weeks of Lent. As Pastor Wendy s sermons will focus on Justice, we will be discussing the book, Generous Justice: How God s Grace Makes Us Just by Timothy Keller. We are suggesting an optional $5.00 donation for this book which retails at $ In this study, we will explore the depths of God s grace and wrestle with the biblical call to respond. What are the Old Testament foundations of justice and mercy? What does Jesus have to say about these things? How does the Bible call me to relate to others in my community? Why and how should we engage in acts of justice and compassion? What does God say about our responsibility for the least, the last, and the lost? We will hold the same session twice a week Tuesdays at 10:00 am and Thursdays at 5:30 pm during the weeks of February 19 and 26 and March 5, 12, 19, and 26 (total of six weeks.) Please let us know ASAP if you would like to join the study, so we have enough books available. Sign-up sheet will be in the Fellowship Hall, or you can contact Laura Levin, or Linda Cowgill Smith, THANK YOU to the Seafarer group for providing goodies for the fellowship times for both services. SUPPLY INVENTORY. If you need to take kitchen consumable items (such as paper products, plastic ware, coffee, etc.) from Room 3 to stock the kitchen, please note that on the clipboard posted just to the left of the Room 3 door. Ray Tice buys our replacement items based on what is noted on the list, so we need to keep the list updated.

12 FELLOWSHIP SIGN-UP IS AVAILABLE THROUGH DECEMBER 2018! You can now be sure to reserve your special Sunday to provide goodies to share and celebrate your occasion with the congregation. Have you ever entered the Fellowship Hall and found the refreshment table empty? It s not a good feeling! Do your share and pick a date now to be sure the table at CPC is always full and welcoming! Check the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall at the coffee area. The dates are listed and instructions are provided. Just sign your name on the date you want and pick up an instruction sheet. If you have questions, you may call Bob Avirett, LIVE STREAMING. If you cannot be in church, the next best thing is to watch the 9:00 am and/or 11:00 am Sunday morning worship services by going to and clicking the Live Streaming button. Previous services are also available for viewing or listening. AL-ANON. Are you familiar with Al-Anon? This organization is for the friends and family of someone who drinks too much. The confidential meets help you find others who understand your situation and who can help you learn loving detachment skills. There is only one Al-Anon meeting in Vallejo every Thursday night from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 1350 Amador St. Enter at the door on Glenn St. (back of the church.) The church office will be closed Monday, February 19 th in observance of Presidents Day.

13 Monday, February 12 th 7:00 pm Boy Scouts WEEKLY CALENDAR Tuesday, February 13 th 10:00 am Stew. / Admin Comm. / Fireside Room 12:00 pm Bell Meeting / Office 4:00 pm Mission Outreach Comm. / Fireside Room 5:30 pm Worship Comm. / Fireside Room Wednesday, February 14 th - Church office closed 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Worship Service / Heritage Pres. Church, 1400 E. 2 nd St., Benicia Thursday, February 15 th 9:30 am Bulletin/Announc. Prep. / Church Office 7:00 pm Carillon Handbell Rehearsal / Room 4 Friday, February 16 th - Men s Weekend, Westminster Woods 9:00 am Bulletin Folding / Fireside Room Saturday, February 17 th - Men s Weekend, Westminster Wood Sunday, February 18 th - Men s Weekend, Westminster Woods 9:00 am Celebration Worship Service / Fellowship Hall 10:00 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal / Sanctuary 11:00 am Traditional Worship Service / Sanctuary MISSION GIVING OFFERINGS: 1 st Sunday is for Fair Trade Sales 2 nd Sunday is for Local Missions 3 rd Sunday is for Food Cupboard 4 th Sunday is for Cents-Ability Community Presbyterian Church 2800 Georgia Street, Vallejo, CA Telephone cpcvallejo@sbcglobal.net Pastor: Rev. Wendy Komori Stager, wendyks.cpc@gmail.com Administrative Assistant: Betsy Zampa, betsyzcpcvallejo@sbcglobal.net Financial Administrator: Steve Zimmerman, bookkeeper.cpc@gmail.com Parish Associate: Rev. John Collister