Reformation Sunday Service of Worship Sunday, October 28, 2018 Locust Valley First Church of God Established 1852 In the love of Christ, we welcome you to worship today. We are glad that you have decided to join us and hope that you will return. May those who are weary or sorrowful find comfort; may the unhappy and the troubled find joy and peace; and may we all find the sense of God s Presence in this holy place. This bulletin contains the order of worship for today s service. Restrooms are located at the back of the church near the parking lot. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or share!
We Gather to Worship The organ prelude accompanies the lighting of the altar candles and the pealing of the church bell, calling everyone to gather for worship. Call to Worship Spoken Responsively Psalm 126 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negev. Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. The Prayer of the Day Prayed in Unison Almighty and eternal God, in mercy you give the light of your Gospel to your church. Keep us in sound teaching, so that we may firmly believe and faithfully follow your saving word, and as one people, united in your Church, proclaim the Gospel message of love and salvation to all, so graciously given to us in your Son, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. *Hymn of Praise The Church s One Foundation [401] *The Peace We greet one another in the Peace of Christ
Prayer of Confession Prayed in Unison Almighty God, we confess to you that by nature we are sinful and unclean, and that we have sinned against you by thought, word, and deed. Therefore, we flee for refuge to your infinite mercy and plead for your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom you have given to die for us. Have mercy on us, and for his sake grant us forgiveness of all our sins. By your Holy Spirit increase our knowledge of you and your will, and make us obedient to your word, so that by your grace we may come to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Prayers of the People The congregation may offer their praises or petitions to be remembered in prayer. Announcements of the Church Offertory / *Sung Response The Doxology [815] We Hear the Word Hymn of the Day Day by Day [718] Scripture Lesson II Corinthians 4: 5-17 The Sermon II Corinthians Pastoral Prayer We Go Forth to Love and Serve *Sending Hymn O Zion, Haste [443] *The Benediction *Please stand as you are able.
Scripture Lesson and Sermon Guide The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians 4: 5-17: For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus sake. For it is the God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture I believed, and so I spoke we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, Sermon Guide: We do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus sake. (II Corinthians 4:5) S is an opportunity for God to comfort us in all our troubles. In Christ we S before God with sincerity.
J of C that show light is from God and not from us. We are Christ s A. We give to God from the H. The C W is not easy. Our relationship with the trinity centers on the G of our Lord Jesus Christ! L of God! F of the Holy Spirit! No Christian is immune from suffering which teaches us H and D on His grace.
This Week s Announcements: Food Drive Today is the conclusion of our collection drive for the Middletown Valley Food Bank. Thank you for taking part in this vital outreach ministry! Congregational Meeting Our annual meeting will be held next Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 4:30 pm. Dinner will be served in the Fellowship Hall following the meeting, after which the council will meet. All Saints Sunday On Sunday, November 4, 2018, we will be remembering loved ones, friends, and neighbors who have passed with a special candle lighting during the worship service. Why do we celebrate Reformation Day? Marking the anniversary of Martin Luther s 95 theses (grievances) against the church, posted to the doors of the church in Wittenberg, Germany, we recall the origins of Protestantism. Our own church was born out of a similar reformation, and Rev. John Winebrenner, an ordained minister in the German Reformed Church, was inspired by the teachings of Reformation-era theologians like Luther, John Calvin, and others. This day also reminds us that, despite our differences of opinion, we are all children of God, saved by His immense grace, and united in the bonds of His love. Locust Valley First Church of God Welcoming everyone into the family of Christ, worshiping in spirit and in truth, and working to serve one another in God s Gospel message of unconditional love. Pastor Richard Frederick (717) 414-6583 rafvdf@gmail.com Learn more about Locust Valley Church www.locustvalleyfcog.org If you do not wish to keep this bulletin, please dispose of it in the recycling bin provided in the vestibule.