Welcome to Worship at First Presbyterian Church Neenah, Wisconsin We re delighted that you re here! With the open arms of Christ, we welcome persons of every age, ability, race, or ethnicity fully into the life of the church, recognizing and respecting all sexual orientations and gender identities. Large print bulletins (with hymns included) are available. Please ask an usher. Hearing Assistance: First Presbyterian has a hearing loop for hearing aid users equipped with T-coils. Brochures explaining this feature are available in the pews. There are also head phones available in the Narthex, (aka the entryway) if you don t have hearing aides. Childcare (infants and toddlers through 2 years old) is available in the nursery located next to the Fellowship Hall. We welcome infants and small children in worship, but if your child needs care or becomes uncomfortable during the service, feel free to leave and return as you wish. The audio portion of the second service can be heard in the Chapel, where you and your child are also welcome. Worship Bags with activities, and Bibles for Children are available near the entrances of the Chapel and the Sanctuary. Wee Worship: At the option of their parents, children ages three years through first grade are invited to gather in the Wee Worship room next to the library immediately following the Time for Children at the second service (a teacher will lead them there). Wee Worship provides an environment for young children to learn, experience, and participate in worship in a developmentally appropriate way. When we celebrate a Baptism or Communion, children will be brought back to the Sanctuary right after the sermon so that they can participate. If their parents prefer, children may be taken to the nursery instead of returning to worship. Online Connections: Please learn more about us at our website, www.firstpresneenah.org, and Like us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/firstpresneenah, for updates on church activities. We Welcome the Rev. Dr. Sam Hamilton-Poore to Our Pulpit Wrapping up our sermon series on Soul Feast, Sam Hamilton-Poore will preach on the topic of Sabbath-Keeping. He is also teaching the Soul Feast class on the same topic this morning and this Wednesday evening. Sam is a Presbyterian minister who has served churches in North Carolina, Missouri, and Iowa; and has taught at San Francisco Theological Seminary, where he was the Director of the Program in Christian Spirituality. He is a spiritual director, has led retreats on spirituality and the environment, and is the author of Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God s Creation. Today s Ministers of Welcome: Greeters: Deacon Nolan Knapp and Elder Rob Scholl. Ushers: Alice and Larry Lewis at 8:00 a.m. and Christina Keller, Matt Schroeder, and Dave Struensee at 10:15 a.m. Coffee Hostess: Esther Zimmerman. 2
October 15, 2017 Service for the Lord s Day Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost 8:00 a.m. & 10:15 a.m. As the prelude begins, please prepare quietly for worship and be sure all cell phones are turned off. Prelude Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart arr. John Behnke Prelude on the American Hymn Tune Land of Rest arr. Philip Young * Introit 399 God Welcomes All (sing two times) THEMBA AMEN * Call to Worship Exodus 20:8 & 11 Isabel Piarulli (8:00) Jack Keller (10:15) Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy, for in six days God made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day. Therefore God blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it. Let us worship God. * Hymn 664 Morning Has Broken BUNESSAN * Prayer of Confession (Adapted from Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller) Creator God, in the trance of overwork we take everything for granted. We consume things, people, and information. We do not take time to savor this life, nor to care deeply and gently for ourselves, our loved ones, or our world. With dizzying haste, we use them all up and throw them away. Forgive us, God of grace. Help us to reclaim Sabbath in our lives, that we may remember who we are, and taste once more your gifts of spirit and eternity. (Moment for silent prayers of confession) 3
* Response - Hymn 423 (Stanza 1) Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God SARADAY * Assurance of Pardon * Response Hymn 447 We Are Forgiven WE ARE FORGIVEN 4
* The Peace The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. (Please share the Peace with your neighbor saying: The peace of Christ be with you, and responding, And also with you. ) Welcome and Invitation to Our Church Life (Please sign and pass the Fellowship Pads, noting other names as they are returned, and greet one another after the service.) A Time for Children (10:15) (Following A Time for Children, those who are 3 yrs 1 st grade are welcome to follow a teacher to the Wee Worship room.) ( Y Worship is today, those who are in 2 nd grade and up are welcome to follow a teacher to the Meeting room.) Prayer for Illumination Scripture Readings Genesis 2:1-3 Pew Bible (OT) p. 2 Exodus 20:8-11 Pew Bible (OT) p. 66 Psalm 131, Hymn 474 As a Child Rests AS A CHILD RESTS Matthew 6:25-34 Pew Bible (NT) p. 6 Response: For the word of God in Scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, Thanks be to God! Sermon Soul Feast: Space and Time for Breathing Sam Hamilton-Poore * Hymn 713 Touch the Earth Lightly TENDERNESS * Affirmation of Faith from A Brief Statement of Faith (From Glory to God The Presbyterian Hymnal 2013 Westminster John Knox Press, pp. 37-38 section 3)) 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. 5
Prayers of the People and the Lord s Prayer (Following the words, God, in your mercy, the response is Hear our prayers. ) 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. Potluck Stewardship The Endowment: Canned Goods in Our Pantry Anne Jones Sharing Our Gifts and Offerings Offertory People Need the Lord (8:00) Greg Nelson, Phill McHugh Ginny Gillman, soprano arr. Ron Colvard Blake Doss, piano Rejoice in the Lord Alway (10:15) Allie Horton, Andrew Green, and John Perkins, soloists Chancel Choir Henry Purcell Anthem Notes from Steve Sieck Today s anthem sets an excerpt of our epistle reading, in which Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians with an exhortation to rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice! The music was written by the 17 th century British composer Henry Purcell in 1684. I like to ask singers to contemplate what was happening in American history when the music we sing was written, and with a song this old, we realize that we weren t even a nation yet! Purcell writes music in the early Baroque style: text is set very clearly and expressively, harmonies are conservative, and the interplay of soloists and the full choir gives dramatic interest. This work is affectionately known as the Bell Anthem ; listen to Blake s foot pedals in the opening section and you ll hear the familiar downward scale that sounds like British bells pealing. The complete anthem is about nine minutes, so I hope Purcell will forgive me for making a few judicious cuts! 6
* Response Hymn 717 For the Life That You Have Given PLEADING SAVIOR * Prayer of Thanksgiving Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Abundant God, you plant the seeds of your love in our world and in our lives. May these gifts that we bring grow into a harvest of grace, peace, and hope for all of our neighbors near and far. Amen. * Hymn 623 I ve Got Peace Like a River PEACE LIKE A RIVER * Charge and Benediction 7
* Response Hymn 568 Amen AMEN (Haugen) Postlude Fanfare William Mathias * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Those who are able are invited to stand. Please join us after worship for coffee and conversation in the Church Parlor. Membership Exploration Class is for those interested in joining or simply finding out more about First Presbyterian Church. We will meet on Thursday, October 26, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A light supper and childcare will be provided. Please join us! Deacon Thanksgiving Basket Donations. Every year at this time, the FPCN Deacons collect nonperishable food items for distribution to struggling local-area families. Any non-perishable food will do, as we are not limiting our food collection to traditional Thanksgiving dinner fare. Please be sure to check expiration dates. Red collection baskets will be located in the Cloister through Friday, November 17 th. The next Friend s Class takes place on Friday, October 20 th! Join us for lunch at noon followed by Foss Hooper s presentation on National Parks of the United States. Foss will share personal pictures and stories of the many he has visited. Reservations are needed for lunch and can be made by calling Ruth Wood (725-4720) or Marge Fischer (725-1376). The cost for lunch is $7. Everyone, regardless of membership at First Presbyterian Church Neenah, is welcome to attend, so bring a friend to Friend s Class! Rides can be arranged - please let us know when making your reservation. The Leadership/Nominating Committee invites you to prayerfully consider a leadership role in the life of First Presbyterian Church. If you would like to explore this wonderful opportunity, please contact a member of our team. We are here to answer questions and help you on this new faith journey. Team members: Susan Morrissey, Deb Paul-Speech, Barb Syverud, and Sara Stertz. 8
Looking for a day of fun? Interested in going to Green Bay, Lambeau Field, and then to see the Titletown District and lunch at the new Taverne in the Sky? If you said yes, then continue reading! We invite you to join us on Wednesday, November 15 th as we tour Lambeau Field. This Classic Tour will allow you to view the premium seating area, experience the player s tunnel and walk alongside the field, learn about Packer history, and view the new photos/paintings. We ll visit the Packer Pro Shop (perfect timing for Christmas gifts!) and then lunch in Titletown s new lodge, Kohler s Taverne in the Sky. Plan to depart from Highlands at Mahler Park at 9:00 a.m. Ride in comfort on a Kobussen Coach. We ll return home around 3:00 p.m. Total cost for the day s events is $59.00 per person. Reserve your seat now by contacting Debbie Griffith (540-2342 or debbiegriffith34@gmail.com). Please make checks out to Debbie and be sure she receives by Wednesday, November 1 st. 9
It s E2F (Empty to Full) time again and you know what that means! Pans (along with ingredient lists and recipes) will be available for pickup on Sunday, November 5 th. Volunteers will shop, prepare, freeze (do NOT bake), and return the meal by the following Sunday, November 12 th. Pans are provided to the Homeless Connections shelter to ensure clients receive a hot meal each evening. FPCN has committed to providing Homeless Connections with 90 pans. Any pans not taken on that Sunday will be left in the church office. The church office is open Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for pick-up and drop-off. We look forward to another successful E2F drive and your participation! 9:00-10:00 a.m. FaithTime Adults SUNDAY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Soul Feast (SPY room 2 nd floor) Led by: Sam Hamilton-Poore Part 5 of our 5 part series on Soul Feast 9 th to 12 th Grade Reclaiming Sabbath Time (SPY room 2 nd floor) Led by: Sam Hamilton-Poore 6 th to 8 th Grade Jesus / Philippians 2:5-7 Room #B1 (the JOY room under the FH stage) Led by: Steve Meylink 9:00 10:00 a.m FaithTime 3 rd to 5 th Grade The Wedding Banquet / Matthew 22:1-14 (FH) K to 2 nd Grade The Wedding Banquet / Matthew 22:1-14 (FH) Pre-K The Wedding Banquet / Matthew 22:1-14 (FH) FaithTime begins with MY (Musical Youth) Worship 3 rd to 5 th Grade Chimes (Fellowship Hall) Pre-K to 2 nd Grade Chimes (Wee Worship) Children and Youth are shepherded to FaithTime following MY Worship. Please stop by the information desk in the lobby if you have any questions about educational opportunities or room locations. 10
WEEKLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday, October 15 Guest Preacher: Sam Hamilton-Poore Scripture Readings: Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Psalm 131, Matthew 6:25-34 8:00 a.m. Worship in the Chapel 9:00 a.m. Adult Christian Education FaithTime Y Worship 9:15 a.m. Chancel Choir 10:15 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary 11:30 a.m. Deacons Committee Meeting Monday, October 16 5:30 p.m. SPRC 7:00 p.m. Officer s Stewardship Gathering (Parlor) Tuesday, October 17 9:30 a.m. Shalom Circle 4:30 p.m. Parent Connection Nurturing/Parenting Class (Fellowship Hall) 6:30 p.m. Happy Friends Wednesday, October 18 9:00 a.m. Knitting Circle 5:30 p.m. Fall Wonderful Wednesday Confirmation Class 6:00 p.m. Praise Ringers 7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir Thursday, October 19 9:00 a.m. Gratitude and Generosity Ministry Meeting 5:00 p.m. Yoga 6:00 p.m. Jubiloso Quartet Friday, October 20 6:30 a.m. Men s Fellowship Group 12:00 p.m. Friend s Class Saturday, October 21 8:00 a.m. PIE Retreat - Rev. Dr. Thandeka 2:00 p.m. Badger State Girl Choir Performance (Fellowship Hall) 4:00 p.m. Badger State Girl Choir Performance (Fellowship Hall) Sunday, October 22 Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Thandeka Scripture Readings: Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 106, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 8:00 a.m. Worship in the Chapel 9:00 a.m. Adult Christian Education FaithTime 9:15 a.m. Chancel Choir 10:15 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary 11
Pastoral Care: Because of HIPAA laws and privacy regulations, the church does not always hear about hospitalizations of our members. If you or family members experience a hospitalization, illness, or other need for pastoral care, please call the church office so that the pastors and parish nurse may be alerted. Would you like to receive our newsletter via email? Contact the church office (725-4391 or firstpresneenah@firstpresneenah.org) to sign-up and receive the latest news on your computer or mobile device. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net, License A-716949 First Presbyterian Church 200 Church Street Neenah, WI 54956 (920) 725-4391 E-mail: firstpresneenah@firstpresneenah.org Interim Pastor: Terry Hamilton-Poore Associate Pastor: Paul Huxtable Director of Christian Education: Gina Struensee Director of Music: Stephen Sieck Organist: Blake Doss Handbell Program & FaithTime Music Coordinator: David Pecsi FaithTime Music Coordinator: Stephanie Sundberg Youth Handbell Choir: Tanya Schroeder Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary Nursery care is available at both services Visit our website: www.firstpresneenah.org Parish Nurse: Susan Jares Office Administration Coordinator: Cindy Kreis Office Assistant: Michelle Weber Finance and HR Coordinator: Laurie Stafford Facilities Maintenance Coordinator: David Schuhart Housekeeper: Emily Buksyk Sunday Morning Coordinator: Kathy Quale Nursery Care Givers: Lauren Jares, Michelle Lewis and Nikki Van Herwynen 12