Divine Worship 8:30 a.m. Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst. VOLUNTARY: What Wondrous Love is This WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CHORAL INTROIT: The Lord Never Closes His Eyes The Lord watches over me day and night; Never a moment when I m out of his sight, Shining forever, his love burning bright, He keeps me safe and surrounds me with light. The good shepherd never loses his lambs; There is no fear of danger when I m in his hands. He s my keeper, protector, he is gentle and wise. The Lord never closes his eyes. He watches the gate, making sure that it s closed To keep out the wolves that are dressed in sheep s clothes. He cannot be fooled by a clever disguise. The Lord never closes his eyes. CALL TO WORSHIP The Primary and Junior Choirs Jane Nevitt, piano (Acts 2:22, ESV) arr. Dale Wood David Angerman Text by Bert Stratton Mr. Bult + HYMN 381: Brethren, We Have Met to Worship HOLY MANNA Trinity Hymnal + INVOCATION AND LORD S PRAYER Our Father, which 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. + THE APOSTLES CREED I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only 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. The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven; and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. + GLORIA PATRI Henry Greatorex Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. CHILDREN S SERMON 8:30 a.m.: Jesus and Meal Time? CHILDREN S HYMN 8:30 a.m.: Break Thou the Bread of Life Trinity Hymnal, no. 146, stanzas 1 and 3 Break thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me, As thou didst break the loaves beside the sea; Throughout the sacred page I seek thee, Lord, My spirit pants for thee, O living Word. Thou art the Bread of Life, O Lord, to me, Thy holy Word the truth that saveth me; Give me to eat and live with thee above; Teach me to love thy truth, for thou art love. CONFESSION OF SIN Minister and Congregation O God of grace, Thou hast imputed my sin to my substitute, And hast imputed his righteousness to my soul; But in my Christian walk I am still in rags; My best prayers are stained with sin; My penitential tears are so much impurity. I need to repent of my repentance; I need my tears to be washed. I have no robe to bring to cover my sins; I am always standing clothed in filthy garments, And by grace am always receiving change of raiment; I am always going into the far country, And always returning home as a prodigal, Always saying, Father, forgive me, And thou art always bringing forth the best robe. SCRIPTURAL ASSURANCE OF PARDON Minister BREAD OF LIFE Dr. Thomas (Prayer from The Valley of Vision) Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:6-9, ESV) MORNING PRAYER + HYMN 469: How Sweet and Awesome is the Place ST. COLUMBA Trinity Hymnal PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS OFFERTORY: Jesus Fed the Hungry Thousands Jesus fed the hungry thousands; Fish and bread he multiplied. On the green they sat and feasted; On that sunny afternoon. By the lakeside Jesus sat, alone he prayed: Then rushed Phillip to his side, these words he spoke: Master the crowd is hungry and weary, what are we to do? There is one, only one, one basket for us all. Matthew, Mark, and Luke and John, they tell the story, How the Master blessed the food, then gave to all. When the thousands all had eaten there was food for more; Not one, not two, but twelve full meals and more. There is a lesson here to learn, a truth to heed; We must each in our own way, share bread with all. There are countless hungry people, they must know Christ s love; Not one, not two, but millions need his love. Hal H. Hopson + DOXOLOGY OLD HUNDREDTH Trinity Hymnal, no. 731 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heav nly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. (During the 11:15 a.m. service, K4 and K5 children may leave for Children s Church. Parents should come for them in the Thornwell Education Building, Room 107.) PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE LESSON John 6:1-15 (Pew Bible page 891) SERMON: That You May Believe What Difference Does a Few Thousand Make? Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas PRAYER FOR BLESSING ON THE WORD OF GOD + HYMN 95: Though Troubles Assail Us JOANNA Trinity Hymnal + BENEDICTION + CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Benediction WYCLIFF May the grace of Christ our Savior and the Father s boundless love, With the Holy Spirit s favor, rest upon us from above. VOLUNTARY: Trumpet Tune in A + Congregation Standing David N. Johnson
Sermon Notes What Difference Does a Few Thousand Make? John 6:1-15 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Welcome We extend our cordial greetings to all who are visiting us today and hope that you will join us again for worship. We ask our guests to sign the Friendship Register along with members of the congregation and to give us an address so that we can send you information about the First Presbyterian Church. The flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in memory of Otto Wemmer, Bobby Stevenson, and Frank Shugart by Josh and Hannah Madsen. Lord s Supper: Next Sunday, March 10, during our 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship services, we will observe the Sacrament of the Lord s Supper. The week ahead of us, therefore, is one in which we prepare for a joyful gathering at the table of our Lord Jesus Christ. Note: Gluten-free bread for communion will be available in the Narthex prior to the service. Also, white envelopes for the Deacons Fund taken in association with communion are available in the pews. THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Columbia, South Carolina Est. 1795 Worship at First Things to consider Thank you for turning off cell phones during the worship service. Please leave any food or drink outside of the Sanctuary. Those who have been detained are asked to take their places either during the first hymn or during the organ interlude following the singing of the Gloria Patri. The 8:30 a.m. worship service is broadcast on WISW 1320 AM and www.wisradio.com at 11:00 a.m. Sundays. All services are available on live streaming audio at www.firstprescolumbia.org. The Audio Ministry provides CDs of today s 8:30 a.m. service in the Narthex after the 11:15 a.m. service. All sermons preached by our ministers are available from the church website at www.firstprescolumbia.org. If able, please make room in your pews for others. This helps the ushers as they seat people. The Sanctuary is equipped with a hearing assistance system. Please ask deacons for a receiver. First Presbyterian Church uses two hymnbooks. Trinity Hymnal is the blue hymnbook, and The Hymnbook is the red hymnbook. Nurseries for children to the age of four are provided in the Thornwell Education Building. A quiet room with a live video feed of the service is available in Thornwell, Room 113. There, mothers may attend to the needs of their children. Ministry Staff Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas, Senior Minister Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. FIRST LOVE Revelation 2:1-7 Rev. David Lauten Dr. Brad A. Anderson, Director of Youth Ministry Chad Barrett, Finance and Operations Rev. Bryan F. Bult, Minister to the Elderly Nate Cesky, Assistant Director of College Ministry Dr. Daniel B. Cole, Director of Music Ministry Barbara Diller, Congregational Nurse Dr. Gabriel N.E. Fluhrer, Minister of Discipleship David Henderson, Director Young Adult and College Ministry Beth Ann Hurst, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry Hannah Lampman, Director of Children s Ministry Rev. David H. Lauten, Minister of Congregational Care Joshua Madsen, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry Rev. Neal R. Mathias, World Missions Director Thomas Russell, Assistant Director of Music Ministry Rev. Josh A. Squires, Minister of Counseling Hannah Stevenson, Assistant Director College Ministry Patricia Stoker, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry Richard Wolford, Executive Chef Emily Woodard, Director of Women s Ministry First Presbyterian Church 1324 Marion Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 Office (803) 799-9062 Fax (803) 799-9172 www.firstprescolumbia.org info@firstprescolumbia.org Lord s Day, March 3, 2019 8:30 a.m. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night. (Psalm 92:1,2) 1324 Marion Street, 29201
8:30 Service: Brethren, We Have Met to Worship Brethren, we have met to worship And adore the Lord our God; Will you pray with all your power, While we try to preach the Word? All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down; Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around. Brethren, see poor sinners around you Slumb ring on the brink of woe; Death is come, hell is moving- Can you bear to let them go? See our fathers and our mothers And our children sinking down; Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around. Sisters, will you join and help us? Moses sister aided him; Will you help the trembling mourners Who are struggling hard with sin? Tell them all about the Savior- tell them that he will be found; Sisters, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around. Let us love our God supremely, Let us love each other too; Let us love and pray for sinners Till our God makes all things new. Then he ll call us home to heaven, at his table we ll sit down; Christ will gird himself and serve us with sweet manna all around.
11:15 Service: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty Open now thy gates of beauty, zion, let me enter there, Where my soul in joyful duty waits for him who answers prayer. Oh, how blessed is this place, Filled with solace, light, and grace! Lord, my God, I come before thee, Come thou also unto me; Where we find thee and adore thee, There a heav n on earth must be, To my heart, O enter thou, let it be thy temple now! Here thy praise is gladly chanted, Here they seed is duly sown; Let me soul, where it is planted, Bring forth precious sheaves alone, So that all I hear may be fruitful unto life in me. Thou my faith increase and quicken, Let me keep thy gift divine, Howsoe er temptations thicken May thy Word still o er me shine As my guiding star through life, as my comfort in my strife. Speak, O God and I will hear thee, Let thy will be done indeed; My I undisturbed draw near to thee While thou dost thy people feed. Here of life the fountain flows, here is balm for all our woes.
8:30 A.M. Break Thou the Bread of Life Break thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me, As thou didst break the loaves beside the sea; Throughout the sacred page I seek thee, Lord, My spirit pants for thee, O living Word. Thou art the Bread of Life, O Lord, to me, Thy holy Word the truth that saveth me; Give me to eat and live with thee above; Teach me to love thy truth, for thou art love. Confession of Sin O God of grace, Thou hast imputed my sin to my substitute, And hast imputed his righteousness to my soul; But in my Christian walk I am still in rags; My best prayers are stained with sin; My penitential tears are so much impurity. I need to repent of my repentance; I need my tears to be washed. I have no robe to bring to cover my sins; I am always standing clothed in filthy garments, And by grace am always receiving change of raiment; I am always going into the far country, And always returning home as a prodigal, Always saying, Father, forgive me, And thou art always bringing forth the best robe.
How Sweet and Awesome is the Place How sweet and awesome is the place With Christ within the doors, While everlasting love displays the choicest of her stores. While all our hearts and all our songs Join to admire the feast, Each of us cries, with thankful tongues, Lord, why was I a guest? Why was I made to hear your voice, And enter while there s room, When thousands make a wretched choice, And rather starve than come? Twas the same love that spread the feast That sweetly drew us in; Else we had still refused to taste, and perished in our sin. Pity the nations, O our God, Constrain the earth to come; Send your victorious Word abroad, And bring the strangers home. We long to see your churches full, That all the chosen race May, with one voice and heart and soul, Sing you redeeming grace.
John 6:1-15 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat? 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred denarii[a] worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many? 10 Jesus said, Have the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost. 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets
with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world! 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
Though Troubles Assail Us Though troubles assail us and dangers affright, Though friends should all fail us and foes all unite, Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide, The promise assures us, The Lord will provide. The birds, without garner or storehouse, are fed; From them let us learn to trust God for our bread. His saints what is fitting shall ne er be denied So long as tis written, The Lord will provide. When Satan assails us to stop up our path, And courage all fails us, we triumph by faith. He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried, This heart cheering promise, The Lord will provide. No strength of our own and no goodness we claim; Yet, since we have known of the Savior s great name, In this our strong tower for safety we hide: The Lord is our power, The Lord will provide.
Benediction May the grace of Christ our Savior And the Father s boundless love, With the Holy Spirit s favor, Rest upon us from above.