First Presbyterian Church For Christ in the Heart of Charlotte Founded in 1821 Order of Worship November 12, 2017 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. You are invited to use the time before the service to prepare your heart and mind for worship. In consideration of others, please silence your cell phones. Preparation Prelude Blessed Jesus, We Are Here Johann Sebastian Bach Words of Welcome *Call to Worship Adoration One: Surely, God is in this place All: and calls us to worship in spirit and in truth. One: Surely, the Lord is in this place All: receiving our songs and praise. Surely God is in this place! Let us praise the Lord! The Reverend Erika Funk *Hymn No. 314 Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness christ, be our light
Large-print hymnals and Bibles are available. Please let an usher know if you would like one. Call to Confession Prayer of Confession Confession The Reverend Katherine Kerr The Call to Worship was written by Jerie Luekfahr. The Prayer of Confession was written by Rev. Susannah DeBenedetto. All: One: Gracious God, too often we say we choose you, yet we do not live in your light. Forgive us for the many times when our hearts, our words, and our actions don t show that we have chosen to follow you. Hear the honest pleas of our hearts for forgiveness as we ask for another chance to love you with all we are and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Christ, in your mercy hear our prayers. In silent prayer, let us confess to God the things we choose not to speak aloud. A time of silence will be kept. Assurance of Pardon One: Friends, believe the good news. All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. *Response (Hymn No. 581) gloria patri 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, amen. Sacrament of Baptism We welcome Debra Sidbury into the full life of First Presbyterian Church. We celebrate her commitment to membership and stewardship to God through this congregation. James is the son of Jenny and Christopher Allen. Sacrament of Baptism (9 a.m.) Hymn No. 188 (11 a.m.) Debra Ann Freedman Sidbury (11 a.m.) James Pierce Allen jesus loves me Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. *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. Children in kindergarten through 2nd grade may leave for First Church. They will return to the sanctuary during the last hymn. Younger children may go to the nursery. Prayer for Illumination Proclamation The 11 a.m. service is televised over WSOC-TV, Channel 9, this morning and streamed live at www.firstpres-charlotte.org. Scripture Isaiah 58:9b-12 pew Bible pg. 688 One: This is the word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Anthem Immortal, Invisible arr. Eric Thiman Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes, most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor waiting, Thou rulest in might: Thy justice, like mountains high soaring above; thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love. To all, life thou givest, to both great and small. In all life thou livest, the true life of all. We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree, and wither and perish; but naught changeth thee. Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light, Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; all laud we would render: O help us to see tis only the splendor of light hideth thee. Amen. The sanctuary flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of the marriage of Katelyn McKown Gordon and Andrew Edward Cooke on November 11, 2017. Scripture Matthew 5:13-20 pew Bible pg. 4 Sermon Flavor and Illumine The Reverend Erika Funk *Hymn No. 459 O Word of God Incarnate munich Prayers of the People Stewardship of Life Presentation of Tithes and Offering Response The Reverend Chuck Williamson Offertory Anthem Jesu, Joy of Man s Desiring Johann Sebastian Bach Jesu, joy of man s desiring, Holy wisdom, Love most bright, drawn by souls aspiring, soar to uncreated light. Word of God our flesh that fashioned with the fire of life impassioned. Striving still to Truth unknown, soaring, dying, round Thy throne. Through the way where Hope is guiding, hark, what peaceful music rings where the flock in Thee confiding drink of joy from deathless springs. Theirs is beauty s fairest pleasure; theirs is wisdom s holiest treasure. Thou dost ever lead Thine own in the joys of love unknown. *Doxology old hundredth Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Prayer of Dedication and The Lord s Prayer 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. Sending Forth *Hymn No. 377 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light houston *Charge and Benediction *Benediction Response God Be With You Till We Meet Again randolph Postlude Rondeau Jean Joseph Mouret A time of personal prayer is offered following both services. If you would like to pray with a pastor and a member of our prayer team, please meet them in the sanctuary overflow area after the 9 a.m. service or in the chapel following the 11 a.m. service. * Please stand if you are able.
We are glad you are with us today! We welcome all to First Presbyterian Church as we worship together, knowing that each of us is a beloved part of the body of Christ. Our Pastors Pendleton B. Peery Senior Pastor ppeery@firstpres-charlotte.org Erika Funk Associate Pastor for Mission efunk@firstpres-charlotte.org Katelyn Gordon Cooke Associate Pastor for Christian Formation kgordon@firstpres-charlotte.org Katherine C. Kerr Senior Associate Pastor for Congregational Ministry and Care kkerr@firstpres-charlotte.org Charles C. Williamson Parish Associate cwilliamson@firstpres-charlotte.org William P. Young, III Director of Music Ministries wyoung@firstpres-charlotte.org Are you interested in joining our church? Contact Lucy Caldwell Membership Coordinator lcaldwell@firstpres-charlotte.org Pastor on call If you have a pastoral emergency outside of regular church hours, dial 704.927.0256 for the on-call voicemail. Your call will be returned promptly. 200 West Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202 www.firstpres-charlotte.org 704.332.5123 News and Announcements worship We worship in ways that speak of God s majesty, mystery and love. Advent Poinsettias and Wreaths You can honor or memorialize a loved one with a poinsettia ($10) or a wreath ($35). Place your order by November 27 using the order form on the Now@FPC page or in the Historical Lobby on Sunday mornings. Advent Communion Service This annual service sponsored by Presbyterian Women will be held on Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m. with The Reverend Lindsey Peery preaching. Register for lunch on the Now@FPC page or in the Historical Lobby on Sunday mornings. Singing in the Season Join us on December 3rd at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets can be reserved on the Now@FPC page or in the Historical Lobby on November 19 and 26. Childcare available by reservation only. serve We go into the world to seek and serve and walk alongside our family in faith. Cuba Mission Team Learn more about the Cuba mission team next Sunday, November 19 during the Good Samaritan class at 10 a.m. Contact Elizabeth Little at 252.723.8653 or via email at eliz.little@gmail.com. Room in the Inn The 2017-18 season for Room in the Inn will begin December 1. During these coldest months of winter, FPC opens its doors to our neighbors in need on Monday and Tuesday nights to offer hospitality, warm beds, and food. Sign up online on the Now@FPC page. Alternative Gift Market Look for the Alternative Gift Market in the Historical Lobby on Sunday mornings from November 19 - December 17 and during the PW Advent Luncheon on December 7. You can find gifts for loved ones while supporting our local and regional partners. learn Through study at every age and stage, we aim to become more Christlike and deepen our relationship with our Lord. Greenery Sale Jump start your personal decorating and support FPC Schools. The funds generated from the sale of greenery support the scholarship funds for each school. Place your order by November 19 using the order form on the Now@FPC page. Advent Bible Study Tuesday Morning Bible Study cultivates a new perspective on Advent using the lens of art and music. Contact Garrell Keesler gkeesler@firstpres-charlotte.org for more info. Tuesdays, November 7 December 12, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., S203. Book and Table: Men s Ministry at FPC Join us on Tuesday, November 28 in the Frances Browne Dining Room at 11:30 a.m. Chuck will lead a men s Bible study followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant. All are welcome. RSVP to Brent Torstrick (btorstrick@robinsonbradshaw.com) for lunch. care We aim to provide support, prayer, love and acts of compassion as we seek to draw closer to one another in community. Parish Nurse Office Hours Parish Nurse Kristin Foster, RN, has office hours today and on December 10 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in P318. She is also in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Understanding Mental Illness On November 15, Martha Whitecotton, VP of Behavioral Health at Carolinas Healthcare System, will discuss the topic Navigating Mental Health Care in Charlotte. This is the final program in the series which is co-sponsored by First, Covenant and Myers Park Presbyterian Churches. 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Covenant Presbyterian, 1000 East Morehead. An Open Table dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.; $7. Please call 704.333.9071 for a dinner reservation. Childcare is available.
*Hymn No. 314 1 Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you. Make us your own, your holy people, light for the world to see. Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness 3 Longing for food, many are hungry. Longing for water, many still thirst. Make us your bread, broken for others, shared until all are fed. (Refrain) Refrain: Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today. 2 Longing for peace, our world is troubled. Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has power to save us. Make us your living voice. (Refrain) 4 Longing for shelter, many are homeless. Longing for warmth, many are cold. Make us your building, sheltering others, walls made of living stone. (Refrain) 5 Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn to belong. Let us be servants to one another, making your kingdom come. (Refrain) *Hymn No. 459 O Word of God Incarnate 1 O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high, O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky: we praise you for the radiance that from the hallowed page, a lantern to our footsteps, shines on from age to age. 3 O make your church, dear Savior, a lamp of purest gold to bear before the nations your true light, as of old; O teach your wandering pilgrims by this our path to trace, till, clouds and storms thus ended, we see you face to face. 2 The church from you, dear Savior, received this gift divine; and still that light is lifted on all the earth to shine. It is the chart and compass that, all life s voyage through, amid the rocks and quicksands still guides, O Christ, to you. *Hymn No. 337 1 I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light 2 I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father. (Refrain) Refrain: In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. (Refrain) 3 I m looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, we shall know the joy of Jesus. (Refrain)