St. Peter s Union Church of Mantzville... where worship and service don t stop with the final hymn. The Reverend Kenneth L. Buckwalter, Interim Pastor Kristine K, Betz, Director of Music August 13, 2017 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Service of the Word 9:00am Welcome to Worship this Day! Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake wind or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says, Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid. Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of Scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of Divine presence to others. Some things to know as we begin... We begin with words of welcome because you are welcome here! Who is saying what and when? You are the congregation (C). C Congregation A Assisting Minister P Presiding Minister L Lector Please do not use cell phones during this service. M Minister from the Congregation Please note that standing is an invitation, not a requirement!
Gathering WORDS of WELCOME PRELUDE The assembly stands at the direction of the presiding minister. CALL to WORSHIP Be present today, O God, in a special way! P We gather to worship our God, C who speaks the words of peace we need in chaotic times. P We gather to follow Jesus, C who encourages to never fear, for he is near. P We gather to be filled with the Spirit, C who anoints us so we can go to serve our world. ACT of CONFESSION and ASSURANCE of PARDON We confess trusting that God forgives and renews. P Blessed be God, Father of all mercies, a fathomless fountain of favor, an ever-flowing stream steadfast love. C Amen. P Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Silence for reflection and self-examination.
P God of silence and the seas, C we are more adept at making waves than calming storms. We find it easier to push people out of the boat rather than make room for those who are different from us. Our lives are such a whirlwind of activity, that we do not notice your presence or hear your promise of peace. Have mercy on us, God of patience. Keep us from drowning in our oceans of temptations. Fill our hearts with the love of Jesus Christ, which is nearer to us than we dare to imagine. Amen. P Almighty God, in his mercy, has given his Son to die for us and, for his sake, forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the Church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen. GATHERING HYMN We marvel together at the One who is merciful and mighty at the same time. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Celebration Hymnal #210 GREETING and PRAYER of the DAY We seek wisdom for our hearts, a vision for our soul, and faith for our world. P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C And also with you. P Let us pray. Almighty God, storms rage around us and within and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. C Amen. The assembly may be seated.
Word FIRST READING: I Kings 19:9-18 On Mt. Horeb, where God had appeared to Moses with typical signs of God s presence earthquake, wind and fire Elijah now experienced God in sheer silence. God assures Elijah that he is not the only faithful believer. Seven thousand Israelites are still loyal. God instructs Elijah to anoint two men as kings and to anoint Elisha as his own successor. L A reading from First Kings. L The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. After the reading, the following is said. THE PSALM: Psalm 85:8-13 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying. (Ps. 85:8) SECOND READING: Romans 10:5-15 A right relationship with God is not something we achieve by heroic efforts. It is a gift received in the proclamation whose content is Jesus Christ. This proclaimed word creates our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence, Christian proclamation is an indispensable component of God s saving action. L A reading from Romans. L The Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. After the reading the following is said. Please stand after the reading to welcome the Gospel..
WELCOMING the GOSPEL We welcome the powerful word that reminds us of our powerful God. What a Mighty God We Serve! Celebration Hymnal #672 GOSPEL READING: Matthew 14:22-33 Matthew s Gospel typically portrays Jesus disciples as people of little faith who fail despite their best intentions. In this story, Matthew shows how Jesus comes to the disciples when they are in trouble and sustains them in their time of fear and doubt. P The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the 14 th chapter. C Glory to you, O Lord. P The Gospel of our Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ. Please be seated after the response. After the reading the following is said. GOOD NEWS! Children s Time Prayer Sermon After the sermon please stand for the hymn of the day. HYMN of the DAY We proclaim the depth of the peace that comes with faith in God. My Life Flows on in Endless Song Printed on the following page
CCLI #160-1646
CONFESSION of FAITH P We are God s people through our baptism into Christ. Living together in trust and hope, let us confess our faith. C 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 is seated on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. SIGNS OF PEACE The peace that Christ gives to us we share with others. P The peace of the Lord be with you always. C And also with you. OFFERING We offer our time, talents and treasures to God. INSTRUMENTAL OFFERTORY (SOLO) Please stand for the congregational offertory. CONGREGATIONAL OFFERTORY We offer praise to the one who has given us everything good. Praise the Savior (sts. 1, 4, 5) Printed on the following page
CCLI #160-1646 OFFERTORY PRAYER P Let us pray. O God, we will continue to ask for your healing presence, for we are needy people. C We will continue to request blessings from your hand, to call forth the resources you have given us. P But we will also increase our thanksgiving and our grateful sharing; for, you have made us more than conquerors through Christ who loved us and loves us still. C Nothing will separate us from that love as we seek to live it every day. Amen.
PRAYERS of INTERCESSION We pray for God s world and God s people. P Made alive to God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God's creation. A brief silence. Each petition ends: Hear us, O God. The assembly responds: Your mercy is great. P Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior. C Amen. LORD S PRAYER We pray as Christ taught us. P C Gathered by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us: 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; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Sending COMMISSIONING and BLESSING We hear the call to serve and are blessed with power to do so. P C We will go into the world as God's people, telling of God's hopes for all.
P C P C We will go to serve the world as followers of Jesus, showing with our lives that all are part of the kingdom. We will go to share the Spirit, to bring peace where there is war, to share love where there is hate. P The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord s face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen. SENDING HYMN We share the joy of God s immortal embrace. O God, Our Help in Ages Past Celebration Hymnal #686 QUIET MEDITATION POSTLUDE CHORAL BENEDICTION We leave declaring our confidence in God s blessings. Seek Ye First TUNE: Seek Ye First Seek ye first the kingdom of God, And his righteousness; And all these things shall be added unto you, Hallelu, Hallelujah! New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
THE ALTAR FLOWERS are presented to the glory of God by the Adult Sunday School Class. GREETERS: Hazel and Roger Arner LECTORS: Lori Hoppes and Larissa Markey. ACOLYTES: Larissa Markey and TBD. ANGEL USHERS: TJ Hartman, Madison Schaeffer, and Kaylin & Wyatt Smith. BELL RINGER: Alex Thomas. SOUND SYSTEM: Aaron Frantz. BIRTHDAY OFFERINGS FOR THIS WEEK: Received from Lisa Eberts, Marjorie Hallman, Cathy Wehr, and Terry Wehr. 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. We are very grateful to Calvin Maholick for sharing the gift of music with us as we gather together this morning for our worship time. During the worship service on Sunday, August 27th, Pastor Ken will be "blessing backpacks" as the children prepare to return to school. As part of an outreach project to the community, we will be collecting school supplies to be distributed to students in local school districts.
This week s Joyous Noise Offering will be designated for the Motovilov Family, Maude, Valera, Zarina, Alexander, & Nicolas who are missionaries in South Africa. The Motovilovs will be visiting with us next Sunday for our morning worship. Let s show them our support! 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 Ann Fogel or Megan Frantz. The Kitchen Krew is gearing up for the fall season of those delicious apple dumplings. So..if you d like to volunteer to help, we would be happy to have you. We always have a good time! The first date for dumplings is Thursday, October, 19 th and orders are due Sunday, October 1 st. We already have a few new helpers...but sadly we have lost some.we will miss all that are leaving us. A few have/or are moving.. John, Josephine & Doris ~ You will be missed! Not just for your hard work, but from your friendship! BUT, WE CAN USE HELP ~ please contact Karen Diehl at 386-5472. If your child is entering Kindergarten and wishes to be a bell ringer, please contact Melissa Hartman at 570-386-2486 or email her at mhartman@ptd.net Anyone in grade 5 or higher that is interested in serving (the church and the Lord) as an acolyte, please contact Joanne Houser at 570-386 386-8321 8321 or email her at snowgoer@ptd.net
THIS WEEK AT ST. PETER S Today, Sunday, August 13: 9:00 AM Worship Service Joyous Noise Offering 10:15 AM Summer Sunday School Monday, August 14: 6:45 & 8:00 PM Trinity vs. St. Peter s at West Penn Grove Tuesday, August 15: 5:00 PM Prayer Group Next Sunday, August 20: 9:00 AM Worship Service Motovilov Family visitation 10:15 AM Summer Sunday School *For complete details on these events, please consult your newsletter. St. Peter s Preschool 2017-2018 Registration St. Peter s Preschool is still accepting registrations for the 2017-2018 school year. We offer a 3 year-old and 4 year-old program. Children must turn 3 or 4 by September 1st, 2017 and be potty trained to be enrolled. Tuition rates for the 2017-18 school year are $90.00 a month for the 3 year-old program, and $100.00 a month for our 4 year-old program. Also, we have 3 fundraisers that students are involved in to keep tuition rates low, supply classroom necessities, and keep field trips affordable. If you or someone you know is interested in St. Peter s Preschool call the office at 386-4388 and they will put us in touch. STILL WANTED: We need volunteers to form a committee to enable us to find solutions for church records backup and digital updating and storage of our computer and hard copy files. If you can volunteer your time, please let Elaine in the church office know, either by phone (386-4388) or email (spuc@ptd.net). Thank you.
August 6, 2017 Attendance: 103 Offering: $ 3,457.00 Includes Building Fund: $ 285.00 Plate Offering: $ 71.00 2017 Year-to-Date Total YTD Income: $ 99,998.50 Includes: YTD Fuel Offering: $ 955.00 YTD Elevator Maintenance Offering: $ 885.00 Total YTD Expenses: $ 97,101.28 Net YTD: $ 2,897.22 Benevolence: ELCA: $ 4,967.50 UCC: $ 6,716.50 2017 benevolence goal is $7,500.00 per denomination St. Peter s Union Church 184 St. Peter s Road Tamaqua PA 18252 570-386-4388 The Rev. Kenneth Buckwalter, Interim Pastor For Pastoral Care: 484-695-9950 or 610-398-4983 Contact our Called to Care for Your Special Needs: Jan Altenburg: 570-386-4631 Or TLC: Olga Faust: 570-386-5275 Church Office: Phone: (570) 386-4388 Financial Secretary: Shawn Tonkin Office: Elaine Koons Church Office Hours: Tuesday-10:00 AM~2:00 PM Sexton: Lori Hoppes Director of Music: Kristine K. Betz E-mail addresses Pastor Ken: rabbikenb@aol.com Church Office: spuc@ptd.net Web Site address: https://www.stpetersunionchurch.com Web Master email: spuc@ptd.net Facebook: St Peter s Union Church