WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 583-1729 http://wpcdbq.org Naaman Washing in the River Jordan NOVEMBER 4, 2018 Take a hard look at Jesus. He s the centerpiece of everything we believe. (Hebrews 3:1 The Message) 9:30 A.M. 1
TO OUR GUESTS: WELCOME! Thanks for joining us for worship. More information about Westminster Presbyterian Church is available on the Welcome Table in the back of the Sanctuary. We encourage you to fill out the Friendship Binder found in your pew and please join us for refreshments and conversation in the Narthex after the service. If you would like to become a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, please see Pastor Murry. Large print bulletins are available from the ushers. Childcare for children 5 and under is provided in the Nursery down the hall from the Sanctuary. * All who are able may stand. Prelude Luke Tyler, Pianist Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Leader: The Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Welcome and Announcements Minute for Mission "New Adult Class" Tom Stovall *Greeting Our Neighbors *Introit #2236 vs. 1 " Gather Us In" Here in this place the new light is streaming, now is the darkness vanished away; see in this space our fears and our dreamings, brought here to you in the light of this day. Gather us in the lost and forsaken; gather us in, the blind and the lame; call to us now, and we shall awaken; we shall arise at the sound of our name. *Call to Worship (portions of Psalm 30) Adam Etheredge Leader: Lord, my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me. People: You changed my mourning into dancing. Leader: You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy People: So that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. ALL: *Hymn# 138 *Call to Confession *Unison Prayer of Confession Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever. "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty" 2 Adam Etheredge
God our Creator, we offer our prayer as persons who often feel less than whole. We have experienced losses that have diminished us. Our attention to your will is divided by other claims upon us. We know very well how difficult it is to fulfill our best intentions. God our Sustainer, we offer our prayer as a people that often feels less than whole. Our unity is threatened whenever we allow the differences between us to become more important than the Spirit who unites us. Forgive us and enable us to enjoy the fullness of your love. Strengthen us and inspire us as we seek to follow Jesus Christ. We pray with voices united in his name. Amen. (Moment of silence for personal reflection) *Assurance of God's Forgiveness *Response #2150 vs. 1 In our lives, Lord, be glorified, be glorified. In our lives, Lord, be glorified today. "Lord, Be Glorified" Children s Message "God Works through Kids!" Anthem "How Lovely are your Dwellings" Adult Choir Sermon: "Surprising Saints" 1. Timeless truth for changing contexts 2. Today's Scripture: II Kings 5:1-15 a 3. God works through the powerless 4. Love your "enemy?" 5. An "outsider" testifies Scripture: II Kings 5:1-15 a (CEB) 5 Naaman, a general for the king of Aram, was a great man and highly regarded by his master, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. This man was a mighty warrior, but he had a skin disease. 2 Now Aramean raiding parties had gone out and captured a young girl from the land of Israel. She served Naaman s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, I wish that my master could come before the prophet who lives in Samaria. He would cure him of his skin disease. 4 So Naaman went and told his master what the young girl from the land of Israel had said. 5 Then Aram s king said, Go ahead. I will send a letter to Israel s king. So Naaman left. He took along ten kikkars of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 He brought the letter to Israel s king. It read, Along with this letter I m sending you my servant Naaman so you can cure him of his skin disease. 3
7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he ripped his clothes. He said, What? Am I God to hand out death and life? But this king writes me, asking me to cure someone of his skin disease! You must realize that he wants to start a fight with me. 8 When Elisha the man of God heard that Israel s king had ripped his clothes, he sent word to the king: Why did you rip your clothes? Let the man come to me. Then he ll know that there s a prophet in Israel. 9 Naaman arrived with his horses and chariots. He stopped at the door of Elisha s house. 10 Elisha sent out a messenger who said, Go and wash seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored and become clean. 11 But Naaman went away in anger. He said, I thought for sure that he d come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the bad spot, and cure the skin disease. 12 Aren t the rivers in Damascus, the Abanaand the Pharpar, better than all Israel s waters? Couldn t I wash in them and get clean? So he turned away and proceeded to leave in anger. 13 Naaman s servants came up to him and spoke to him: Our father, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, wouldn t you have done it? All he said to you was, Wash and become clean. 14 So Naaman went down and bathed in the Jordan seven times, just as the man of God had said. His skin was restored like that of a young boy, and he became clean. 15 He returned to the man of God with all his attendants. He came and stood before Elisha, saying, Now I know for certain that there s no God anywhere on earth except in Israel." Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. *Hymn #364 "I Sing a Song of the Saints of God" *Affirmation of Faith We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God's image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God's commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God's condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home. God is faithful still. 4
Invitation to Giving ALL encouraged to pass the friendship pad in your pew and to register your attendance. First-time visitors providing contact information receive a valuable free gift! Offertory "For All the Saints" Adult Handbells Ralph Vaughan Williams arr. by Randy Merrill *Doxology #607 GTG Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; praise Holy Spirit evermore; praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen. Invitation to the Lord's Table Great Prayer of Thanksgiving The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts People: We lift them to the Lord. Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. ALL: It is right to give our thanks and praise!...who forever sing to the glory of your name: & Steve Peake Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Power and Might, Heaven and Earth are full of your Glory. Hosanna in the Highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Highest....Now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray... 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 Communion of the People As you pass the bread please say, The body of Christ given for you. As you pass the cup please say, The blood of Christ shed for you. (Please retain the bread to partake together as a sign of our oneness as a community of faith in Jesus Christ. Drink the cup whenever you are ready as a sign of our individual and unique relationship with Christ as our Lord and Savior.) INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED GLUTEN FREE WAFERS ARE AVAILABLE 5
*Unison Prayer after Communion Loving God, you have given us a share in the one bread and the one cup and made us one with Christ. Help us to bring your salvation and joy to all the world. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen. *Hymn #369 "I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me" *Blessing *Response #2172 "We Are Called" We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly, We are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God! *Postlude ANNOUNCEMENTS 6 Luke Tyler, Pianist CHANCEL FLOWERS TODAY are donated by Rich Henderson in memory of Susan Henderson. SUNDAY SCHOOL for all ages follows worship. Children and youth downstairs. For adults: 1. The Good Neighbor Iowa Program (sponsored by Westminster's Green Team). Presenter is Audrey Tran Lam, Good Neighbor Iowa Program Manager, Center for Energy & Environmental Education, University of Northern Iowa. This is a public education and action program to reduce the use of urban pesticides in order to protect children's health, pets, water quality, pollinators and biodiversity. Class meets in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome! 2. Bible Study: Gospel of Luke meets in the Board Room. All are welcome! TODAY IS "TAKE A HYMNAL HOME DAY"! The blue hardback Presbyterian Hymnals are being replaced. You'll be doing us a favor if you take one as a keepsake. Even if you don't want a hymnal you can help by placing any Presbyterian Hymnals within reach on the side pews under the windows. Next Sunday Westminster shifts to our denomination's new digitally supported hymnal. All lyrics will be projected. A limited number of print hymnals will be available at the back of the Sanctuary for anyone who wishes to use one during worship. A MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION will be held following worship next Sunday to receive the report of the Church Officer Nominating Committee. OCTOBER SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: The Session approved purchase and use of SafeFlame battery-powered candles for this year's Christmas Eve service. The primary consideration is safety. Approved updated financial policies as recommended by the Finance Committee. Approved digital and social media policies as recommended by the Tech Team.
FINISHING TOUCHES remain on recent sanctuary improvements: New "walk off" carpeting will be installed in the parking lot entrance before winter, replacing the old rubber mats. Handicap door switches and additional push bars are on order for the new doors. Desk chairs with rollers have been ordered for the tech team table in the choir loft A celebration/dedication of the improvements with a brunch following worship (which features a children's pageant) is being planned for December 9. FAIR TRADE MARKET IS COMING and we need volunteers! Sign up in the Narthex! 1492 POUNDS! That's the harvest from Westminster's Mission Garden -- all donated to local food pantries. Thanks to the many hands that have helped! "I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered, but God made it grow." -- I Corinthians 3: 6 Green Team Tip Go Green and Save Money: Clean Your Chimney Flue As much as 8% of your heating dollars could be escaping up the chimney. Seal it or install a chimney pillow and save $80 on a $1,000 heating bill. WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: NOVEMBER 4, 2018 Church Office Number: 583-1729 Rev. : 563-580-4196 Rev., Teaching Elder Church Administrator: Mary Kay Pancratz Financial Secretary: Becky Jenkins Custodian: Tim Till Faith Formation Leader for Youth: Lisa Fast Nursery: Amy, Megan & Amanda Care Ministry Coordinator: Glinda Manternach Organist/Pianist/Music Coord: Dr. Luke Tyler Adult Choir: Dr. Luke Tyler Youth Choir: Lizz Tyler Band/Youth & Adult Handbells: Sally Stulken Timbrel & Lyre: Dr. Luke Tyler Refreshments & Bldg Care: Carolyn Dausener Head Usher: Rich Henderson & Jason & Julia Smith Ushers: 1st & 2nd Graders Greeters: Judy Schuster & Bonnie Sue Lewis w/ High Schoolers Margaret Callaghan & Patt Carmack Communion Servers: *Dick & Barbara McMurray, Janice Lewis, Pam Crawford Betsy Badger, Karen Heidenreich, Lois Pearce, Rich Henderson Terry Flynn, Arden Woodrum. COMMUNITY EVENTS JOIN US THIS FALL TO EXPLORE MENTAL HEALTH & THE FAITH COMMUNITY November 9th or November 10th 9:30-3:30 p.m. $10/person. Sponsored by Synod of Lakes and Prairies Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Rev. Dan Emmert is on the committee. This event for church staff, deacons and members will provide a tool box of responses and resources for addressing mental health in your congregation and community. Register with Jeannie Stolee at northiowapresby@gmail.com or call 319-233-1747. See Dan Emmert for more info or see Narthex. 7
THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: NOVEMBER 4TH THRU NOVEMBER 11TH Sunday, November 4 8:00 a.m. Adult Handbells Rehearsal, SA 8:30 a.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal, LOFT 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 10:40 a.m. Sunday School, Classrooms 10:45 a.m. Adult Ed/Good Neighbor, FH 10:45 a.m. Luke Bible Study, BR 3:00 p.m. Youth Group, FH Monday, November 5 11:30 a.m. PEO Mtg., BR, K 3:00 p.m. Property Meeting, BR 4:00 p.m. Sanctuary Team, WR 6:00 p.m. Pack 20, Parent Meeting, BR 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 11. FH 7:00 p.m. Scouts, Bd. of Review, CR Tuesday, November 6 6:00 a.m. General Election, FH 5:15 p.m. PIN Board, WR 5:40 p.m. Youth Handbells, SA 6:00 p.m. PNC Meeting, BR DACU 36TH ANNUAL INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE "Journeying Toward One Another" Wed., Nov. 21, 2018 at 7 P.M. Resurrection Catholic Church, 4300 Asbury Remember that the offering will go to People in Need (an important source of their funding). You are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food and paper goods for the Dubuque Food Pantry. 8 Wednesday, November 7 10:00 a.m. Deacons Mtg., BR 2:00 p.m. Luke Bible Study, Bethany Home 5:00 p.m. Adult Handbells, SA 5:40 p.m. Youth Choir, Media Rm. 6:45 p.m. Adult Choir Rehsl, LOFT Thursday, November 8 7:00 p.m. Hospice Memorial Svc., FH Sunday, November 11th 8:30 a.m. Youth Handbells Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 10:30 a.m. CONGREGATION MTG., SA 10:40 a.m. Sunday School Begins in Classrms 11:45 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, Choir Rm. 3:00 p.m. Youth Group, FH DONATE HAMS? The Dubuque Food Pantry is again requesting Hams or other meats (between 2 to 5 lbs) for their "Christmas Basket Give Away". All meat should be here to WPC by Dec. 13th. They also are in need of canned goods to put in the baskets especially: Coffee/tea, canned fruit, ramen noodles, canned sweet potatoes, cake or brownie mixes, baking supplies, soup, boxed potatoes, flour, sugar, toothpaste and personal care items. Thank you! Please have non-perishable items to the pantry by Dec. 12th.