November 4, 2018 THE SERVICE OF WORSHIP FOR ALL SAINTS DAY 10:30 a.m. * All who are able may stand Congregation reads aloud the bold print THE TIME OF CENTERING I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, How many good things have you done in your life? rather he will ask, How much love did you put into what you did? " ~ Mother Teresa THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH GATHERS PRELUDE Menuet Maurice Ravel Jeffrey DeVault organ OPENING SCRIPTURE WELCOME Rev. Elizabeth Lyman THE LIGHT OF CHRIST ENTERS The Feast Is Ready (HYMN NO. 505, v. 1) Chancel Choir Graham Kendrick *CALL TO WORSHIP based on Psalm 90 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Lord, teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Come, let us worship the Lord!
*HYMN NO. 505 The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND RECONCILIATION God of our past, we gather today to give thanks for the voices, lives, and lessons that call out to us from another time and place. God of our present, we thank You for the many ways in which You reveal yourself to us, through people and circumstances and our own deepening awareness. God of our future, we thank You for the ways in which You are preparing the way ahead of us, a path that leads to healing, faith, and hope. God of Eternity, forgive us for not recognizing Your presence in all times and in all places. Wherever we may be, may You find us faithful to You in the world in which we live. A Time of Silence (Please take this time in silence to offer your own prayers of confession confessing your need for God and naming those barriers that keep you from knowing life as God s beloved child.) ASSURANCE OF PARDON Revelation 21:1-6 Through Christ Jesus, we have seen a new heaven and a new earth! For God declares, See, I am making all things new! God finds a home among us and wipes every tear from our eyes. Death will be no more, mourning and pain will no longer hold us. Christ s victory over death is our gateway to new life, Thanks be to God, for in Jesus Christ we are forgiven! *RESPONSE (all sing) I Come with Joy NO. 515, v. 1 *GREETING OF PEACE I come with joy, a child of God, forgiven, loved, and free, The life of Jesus to recall, in love laid down for me, In love laid down for me. Since God has made peace with us, let us make peace with each other. The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you. (We greet each other: The peace of Christ be with you. ) CHILDREN S SERMON Christina Pressley PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSONS Hebrews 13:1-3, 5-6 p. 979 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Mark 12:28-34 p. 825 SERMON For All the Saints Rev. Elizabeth Lyman *HYMN NO. 730 I Sing a Song of the Saints of God vs. 1, 3, & 5 JOYS AND CONCERNS INVITATION TO THE OFFERING This morning we receive the offering for the Deacons Fund. Your contributions provide immediate help to individuals in our community in financial crisis real people, real needs, real help. Any loose offering and designated checks go toward this fund. Let us give with grateful hearts. OFFERTORY How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place (Requiem) J. Brahms (1833-1897) Chancel Choir How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts. For my soul, it longeth, yea, fainteth for the courts of the Lord. My soul and body crieth out, yea for the living God. Blessed are they that dwell within Thy house. They praise Thy name evermore. *RESPONSE (all sing) I Come with Joy NO. 515, v. 5 Together met, together bound by all that God has done, We ll go with joy, to give the world the love that makes us one, The love that makes us one. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION We give our offering hopefully, hoping that you can use these gifts hoping that these gifts can further your kingdom hoping that your kingdom will come. Your kingdom, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD S SUPPER Adopted from: Celebrating their Lives: Holy Communion for All Saints Day, written by the Rev. Scott A. Ressman, Pastor of the United Church of Rockville Centre, Rockville Center, New York.
COMMUNION HYMN Draw Us in the Spirit s Tether NO. 529, v. 1 INVITATION TO THE TABLE The invitation is simple: come and eat of the feast. Not a meal to nourish the body, but to feed the soul. We receive the bread and cup connected to the ages: to the saint of old who felt unworthy, to the seeker eager to know God, to the teenager who wonders what it s all about, to the child who eats with unburdened faith. Woven into this time, the hopes and tears of generations. There is great joy here. No one is turned away for God is the host! THE GREAT THANKSGIVING PRAYER God is in this place. And in our hearts. Open yourself to the nudging God. We feel the breath of the Spirit. Remember God made flesh. Jesus, who taught us a new way. (a time of silence) Draw Us in the Spirit s Tether NO. 529, v. 2 Tender, transforming God, you have invited us to gather at this table, To taste the feast, the same abundant promises offered to our ancestors in faith. Time and time again you ve offered your grace, Even as we have stepped away, You continue to call us to be your people. You have never left us. We praise you for second, third, and fourth chances. You are ever-patient, always faithful.
We give thanks for this time of celebration. For the One this meal remembers. For the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. With those who have gone before us, Whose hands touched the bread, Whose lips embraced the cup, We worship you. We glorify you. REMEMBERING We remember those who have died in the past year. We celebrate their lives, even as we continue to grieve. We remember: (bell tolls after each name) Doris Freedy, Max Robinson, Shirley Jackson, Merilyn Jumps, Marian Dafter, Bobbe Persak, Frank Dougherty, Will White, Betty Millar, Benjamin Mitchell And we remember all those who have gone before us. (bell tolls) This is the mystery of our faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Draw Us in the Spirit s Tether NO. 529, v. 3 WORDS OF INSTITUTION Gathered with his friends, Jesus took bread, broke it and said: This is my body, broken for you. Take and eat. And pouring the cup: This is my blood, spilled out for you. Do this in remembrance of me. PRAYER FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT God of all, send your Spirit to this place so that those gathered here, in this sacred moment, may know your presence. As we eat the bread and drink of the cup, make us one with the saints, and with our sisters and brothers in faith around the world.
Be with us God, not only here but in every moment of our lives. Help us To know you, To be guided by the Holy Spirit, And to live Christ. Now and forever. We pray in the name of your dear Son who taught us to pray CALL TO THE FEAST This is the feast prepared for you. Come and share for all is ready. DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS (All are welcome to receive communion. Please come forward for intinction. When you get to the Table, take a piece of bread from the tray and dip it in the cup. Eat immediately. We serve grape juice instead of wine and offer gluten-free alternatives so that all may partake.) PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Creative, connecting God, you have sent your Spirit and made us the body of Christ; From child-like faith, to youthful energy, from middle-aged mindfulness, to elder s wisdom. We thank you for this time, this remembrance. Increase our faith. Boldly! Help us to love. Boldly! Encourage us to act. Boldly! In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. *HYMN NO. 326 For All the Saints vs. 1, 3, & 5 *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Prelude and Fugue in D minor Johann Krebs Jeffrey DeVault organ
Welcome visitors! We are glad that you have chosen to worship with us today. Please record your name, address, and phone number/email on one of the Connection Cards in the pew and introduce yourself to the pastor as you leave. All are invited to join us for Mission Fair & Potluck Lunch in Fellowship Hall following the service. Assisting in the service of worship are: Deacon-in-Charge: Paul Pringle Liturgist: Dan Pressley Ushers: A.T., Ryan, Simone & Natty Moffett Communion Servers: Carol Haas, Cynthia Miller, Nancy Tucker The flowers today are given to the glory of God by Gwen & Ralph Fuller in celebration of their 50 th wedding anniversary. Weekly Prayer List (follows directory): Joyce Johnson Marj Johnson Mike Jones Marcie & Karl Jorgensen & family Large-print bulletins, hymnals, and Bibles are available for use during the worship service. Please ask an usher for assistance. Pastoral Care: The Rev. Kathie Pownall is currently providing pastoral care for our Concord family and would love to visit anyone not just in times of crisis. If you would like a visit, contact her at 302/373-7127 or kspownallkathie@aol.com to set up a time. Concord now accepts donations via several electronic methods: Scanning the QR code with your smart phone will connect you with a Concord website page to allow credit card donations Use PayPal to send a donation to Concord at donations@concordpc.org Use your personal banking app (utilizing Zelle ) to send a cash donation to donations@concordpc.org. Whether you are a visitor, occasional attendee, or current/former/prospective member, you can stay connected to the people, plans, and possibilities of Concord by subscribing to our weekly Concord Connects e-newsletter. Just write a note on a Connection Card, along with your name and email address, and place it in the offering. Come visit us on Facebook for photos, announcements, events, and engaging questions. If something catches your eye or touches your heart, like it or share it with friends. Unable to make it to a worship service? Recordings of current sermons are available online at http://concordpc.org/service-recordings/.
CALENDAR Sunday, November 4 All Saints, Mission Fair Rev. Elizabeth Lyman preaching Communion, Deacons Fund Offering 10:30 am Worship in the Sanctuary 11:45 am Potluck & Mission Fair Fellowship Hall 11:45 am Pastor Nominating Committee Jessie s Room 5:00 pm Youth Group Creating Our Space Monday, November 5 9:00 am Diaspora Prayer Group 1:00 pm Mary Circle hosted by Dottie Lund 7:00 pm Covenant Bible Study Fellowship Hall Tuesday, November 6 Election Day Preschool Closed 7:00 pm Mission Committee Library Wednesday, November 7 First Fruits 9:30 am Emmanuel Dining Room South 9:30 am Mug & Muffin Bible Study Sanctuary Lounge 7:00 pm First Fruits Chapel 7:30 pm Joint Board Mtg. Jessie s Room 8:00 pm Session Jessie s Room/Deacons Sanctuary Lounge Thursday, November 8 11:30 am Thaddeus Arc Men s Bible Study Library 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Sanctuary Sunday, November 11 Veterans Day, Flower Guild Rev. Elizabeth Lyman preaching 9:30 am Adult CE Jessie s Room 9:45 am Book Club Sanctuary Lounge 10:30 am Worship in the Sanctuary 10:50 am Children/Youth Sunday School 11:45 am Flower Guild Annual Meeting Sanctuary Lounge 11:45 am Pastor Nominating Committee Jessie s Room 5:00 pm Youth Group Stockings for Soldiers Monday, November 12 9:00 am Diaspora Prayer Group 1:00 pm Prayers Shawls Sanctuary Lounge CONCORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1800 FAIRFAX BOULEVARD WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19803 (302) 654-9652 www.concordpc.org info@concordpc.org The Rev. Elizabeth Lyman 654-9557 elizabeth.lyman@concordpc.org The Rev. Kathie S. Pownall, Pastoral Care 373-7127 kspownallkathie@aol.com Christina Pressley, Director of Children s & Youth Ministries christina.pressley@concordpc.org Matthew Pressley, Minister of Music matthew.pressley@concordpc.org
Sunday School & Family Activities Deck the Halls with Christmas Greens It may only be October, but it is time to order your Christmas greens from the youth group! The popular centerpieces, garlands, swags, and wreaths will be available for order today (final Sunday). And for those of you who missed out a couple of years ago, the adorable decorative reindeer is back this time in a package of two for $20! See a youth representative after church or email Christina (christina.pressley@concordpc.org). Proceeds will go toward the Middle School Youth Conference, Youth Triennium, and Youth Mission Trip. Thank you!! Christmas at Sea Donations due Nov. 18: The Sunday School is collecting items for the Seamen s Center Christmas at Sea ditty boxes again this year. Many seafarers are far from home during the holiday season, and often these ditty boxes from the Seamen s Center are the only gifts they receive. Please bring in your donations by Sun., Nov. 18 and place in basket provided in the Narthex. Items include: shoe boxes, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, razors, comb, chapstick, cough drops, playing cards, and warm caps, scarves & gloves. (See Nov. Courier for a complete list.) Embracing a Life of Meaning with Kathleen Norris Sundays, Oct. 28-Nov. 25 9:30-10:20am, Jessie s Room Kathleen Norris is an award-winning poet, writer, and author of four New York Times bestsellers. In this DVD series, she explores what matters in life: Belief, The Bible, Community, Place, and We Ourselves. Concord Book Club Sundays, 9:45-10:25am, Sanctuary Lounge: Now reading and discussing The Handmaid s Tale by Margaret Atwood. You are invited to attend our Bible Study groups which discuss the background of the scripture for each Sunday s sermon: Mug & Muffin Bible Study Weds. @ 9:30am in the Sanctuary Lounge. Thaddeus Arc Men s Bible Study Thursdays @ 11:30am in the Library. Faith in Literature Our next meeting will be Monday, Nov. 19, 1:00pm, at the home of Joyce Johnson (655-3411). We are reading Our Kids: the American Dream in Crisis by Robert Putnam. Please read through Chapter 2 Families.
Flower Guild Annual Meeting Reminder Sun., Nov. 11, 11:45am in the Sanctuary Lounge: A light lunch will be served please contact co-chairs Dottie Harding or Carol Schlegel for attendance or contributions to the luncheon. Open Dates Chancel Flowers: Donating the flower arrangement for the front of the Sanctuary is a lovely way to remember or honor a family member or commemorate a special occasion. Sundays, Nov. 18 & 25 are currently open please contact Gwen Fuller (fullergwen@msn.com) if you are interested. Congregational Life New York City Bus Trip Wed., Dec. 12: Enjoy a Broadway show, museum, holiday shopping, or just see the sights. Bus departs from the Concord Church parking lot at 7:15am and leaves NYC at 6:00pm to return around 8:30pm. (The bus will drop off & pick up near the TKTS Discount Booth on Times Square.) Tickets are $60/person and include driver tip. Contact the Church Office to reserve (margaret.oboyle@concordpc.org). One hundred years ago to the day, an armistice was signed that ended hostilities that came to be known as the Great War, the war to end all wars and World War I. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, hostilities ceased. Then the remembrances began. One year later, November 11 was declared in many countries to be Armistice Day. It became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938 and, in the aftermath of WW II and the Korean War, the name was changed to Veterans Day. The day is now a holiday dedicated to American veterans of our wars. This year, Concord will honor all our veterans as we also pray for peace. At 11:00am next Sunday morning, we will pause during worship to hear the ringing of the church bells and to pray for our veterans. Join us for this special service. Worship begins at 10:30am. Honor Our Veterans in Song!! All are invited to participate in a special tribute to our veterans on Sun., Nov. 11 in worship. Voices of all ages and abilities are welcome to sing The Battle Hymn of the Republic with the choir for our offertory that day. We ll gather at 9:30am in the Sanctuary for a oneoff rehearsal. (You may still sit in the congregation for the service and join the choir up front when we sing.) If you d like to look at the music ahead of time, copies are available in the office. In our Veterans Day bulletin, we will include a page honoring and remembering all who have served our country in wartime and in peacetime. We have a list from previous years, but if you have family or friends you would like to add, please contact the Church Office.