First Presbyterian Church 4511 Sixth Avenue, Kearney, NE 68845 www.fpckearney.org (308) 234-4543 INFORMATION FOR VISITORS Welcome to First Presbyterian Church! We want you to feel comfortable and at ease in your surroundings. The following services are available to aid your comfort in worship. Please inform the ushers of your particular needs. o Nursery Staff will welcome your infants and toddlers. o Wireless hearing aids, large-print bulletins, and large-print Bibles o Children s bulletins, activity backpacks, and Bibles Please turn all cell phones and electronic devices to vibrate during the worship service! Visitors and members are urged to record your presence at worship on the friendship pads which are in the pews. Please include your address, phone number, email, and any other information you wish to share with us and acquaint yourself with those sharing the pew. Media Policy: In this digital age the church takes many pictures and/or recordings of baptisms, worship services, special events, activities, Sunday School, youth groups, etc. The First Presbyterian Church USA (FPC) uses these to record, promote, and celebrate our church ministry through many different venues including, but not limited to, our church website, social media, publications, etc. FPC understands that some people may choose not to have their image used and the church wants to respect their wishes. Therefore, FPC asks that those individuals or families who may prefer NOT to have images of themselves used by the church to provide the church with a written request, and the church will honor their wishes. Anyone wishing to unite with the church, please contact the church office. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! WORSHIP SCHEDULE OFFICE HOURS 9:15 am/9:30 am Adult/Youth Sunday School Monday through Friday 10:30 am Worship Service 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Coffee Fellowship following Worship Minister: Every Member of This Church Rose Miller, Office Administrator Sandy McKirahan, Music Director Clayton Moyer, Chancel Choir Director Sharon Rees, Accompanist Angela Wright, Bell Choir Director Connie Moon & Susan Wallace, Organists Josh Townsend, Website Coordinator Lynette Cobb & Madison Cobb, Nursery Dennis Shultz, Custodian Web-site: www.fpckearney.org
May 6, 2018 WORSHIP FOR THE LORD S DAY 10:30 AM Sixth Sunday of Easter *Please rise in body or spirit. Preparation for Worship The [one] who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after. ~Newton Baker PRELUDE Like the Murmur of the Dove s Song John Carter WELCOME Greeting and Announcements Welcoming One Another John Icenogle, Liturgist CHORAL INTROIT Jubilate Deo Natalie Sleeth Chancel Choir *CALL TO WORSHIP Here today there is love, freely available to all. Not our human loving, fragile and intermittent, but God s supreme love. Here today is love, higher than our loftiest hopes. Here today is love, deeper than the immensities of time and space, God s inclusive love. Come, let us worship God. Let us lift our voices together in praise. *HYMN There s a Wideness in God s Mercy No. 435 *CONFESSION AND PARDON Call to Confession The God revealed to us in the pages of scripture is a welcoming and inclusive God who directs us to love one another. We seek to remove all the barriers that keep us from that love. Let us now confess all that separates us from each other and from God as we pray together Prayer of Confession God of love and life and joy, you have commanded us to love one another, that our lives may be filled with joy. We confess that too often we have not loved as you have commanded; too often we have forgotten that we are yours. By failing to love each other, we have failed to find the joy you have promised us. Forgive us, we pray. Let us abide in your love. Let your Spirit burn in us, that your love may be shed abroad in our hearts. May we find our joy in you, so that in your love our joy may be complete. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (silent confession) Sung Response Where Charity and Love Prevail Verse 4 No. 316 Declaration of Pardon Our true life is found in our connection with the true vine of God s forgiving love revealed in Jesus Christ. Hear and receive the Good News of the Gospel. You are loved eternally and forgiven unconditionally! To God be the glory! Alleluia. Amen. Sung Response Christ the Lord is Risen Today Verse 3 No. 245 Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia! Jesus died, our souls to save, Alleluia! Where your victory, O grave? Alleluia! CHILDREN S TIME Recognition of Sunday School Teachers and Graduates
ANTHEM Come and Hear the Wondrous Story Joseph M. Martin Come and hear the wondrous story, all who thirst for love divine. Come, behold the King of glory turning water into wine. Come and bring your empty spirits. Bring your parched and wounded souls. Lift your cups before the Prophet. He will fill and make you whole. THE WORD Gather, friends and find your places. See a table now is spread. Christ provides a thousand graces, purest wine, and finest bread. At the table, all are welcome. Let no one be turned away. Broken lives His heart embraces. Miracles begin today. Come and hear the wondrous story. Come and hear the song we raise. For each gift and sacred blessing, we bring hearts of grateful praise. Great the wonders done among us; dazzling deeds of truth and light. So, today in joyful chorus we proclaim Your pow r and might. Come and share the joyful worship. Share the gift of love and grace. Gather close and find your purpose. Fill your cups with songs of praise. Quench your thirst on heaven s wonder. Christ will meet your ev ry need. He breaks ev ry bond asunder; sets your alleluias free. Alleluia! Prayer for Illumination God of love and peace, you have commanded us to love one another, to live in your love and bear fruit. Let your love be shed deep in our hearts as your Word is proclaimed among us. Open our eyes that we might see the evidence of your love around us. Open our ears that we might hear the song of love you sing to us. Open our hearts that in seeing your love and hearing your song we might be changed into new and loving people. In Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen. Scripture Reading 1 John 5:1-6 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! Scripture Reading John 15:9-17 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! Sermon "This is My Commandment" Polly Deppen-Williams TITHES AND OFFERINGS Offertory Refiner s Fire with Take Time To Be Holy arr. Carol Tornquist Prayer of Dedication Most gracious and loving God, you have opened the door to new life for us through your dedication and your sacrifice. May we reflect your love for us by opening the doors of our hearts to you and your church in the act of giving our tithes and offerings. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. *HYMN Let Us Break Bread Together Verses 1 and 2 No. 525 SACRAMENT OF THE LORD S SUPPER Invitation to the Table Great Prayer of Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. 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. 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. Breaking the Bread Sharing the Bread and Cup Please eat the bread as it is served and hold the cup to drink together as a congregation. Prayer after Communion God of grace, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. May this food strengthen us in love and help us to serve you in each other. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen. *HYMN Called as Partners in Christ s Service No. 761 *BENEDICTION *CHORAL BENEDICTION Laudate Dominum Jacques Berthier *POSTLUDE All Creatures of Our God and King with Shout to the Lord C. Tornquist We cordially invite you to join us for refreshments and fellowship every Sunday morning in the Family Life Center following the Worship Service.
Liturgist: John Icenogle Acolyte: Kili Diestler Greeters/Ushers: Pat Hild, Josh Hofer, Mary Kulhanek, Larry and Barb Meyer, and Tiffany Tarvestad Communion Servers: Dwayne and Jill Hibbs, Jill Hurt, Jean Johnson, Orlena Moyer, and Alan Rees Coffee Host(s): Christian Education Committee members Organist: Susan Wallace Chancel Choir Director: Clayton Moyer Chancel Choir Accompanist: Susan Wallace Sound System Technician: Mark Nelson Nursery Attendants: Lynette Cobb and Madison Cobb The flower bouquets this morning are given by Jean Jacobson in honor of Mabel Patterson s 99th birthday next Sunday. MARTHA CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY During May we are remembering the School Emergency Fund. Even as school will close for the summer months, there are needs for our children and youth: socks, underwear, sweat pants, and shorts for children and youth up to adult sizes, plain t-shirts no picture or logo; also toiletry items like tooth brushes, tooth paste, combs, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, bars of soap, and feminine hygiene products. Upcoming dates: May 9 Lesson 9 preview with Eldin Wells in the church classroom, 10:00 am May 16 Martha Circle meets at 2:00 pm in the church classroom June 6 End-of-year Potluck, 5:30 pm in the Family Life Center COFFEE HOSTS NEEDED Please sign up on the chart by the Family Life Center doors. GRADUATION OPEN HOUSE Please join us to celebrate William Hoback's graduation from Kearney High School. The open house will be held on Saturday, May 12th from 2:00 pm-4:30 pm in the Family Life Center. William plans to attend Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater, Oklahoma in the fall 2018. PENTECOST OFFERING The Pentecost Offering is one of the denomination wide offerings in the Presbyterian Church. What exactly happens with the monies collected for the offering? Jill Hibbs took a little time to check it out. The first big surprise for me was that local congregations were able to retain up to 40% of the offering! The retained funds are to be used for children at risk and youth. I am certain there are many opportunities available in the Kearney area needing help. The remaining 60% of donations are sent to headquarters. There are three categories supported: Young Adult Volunteers - These youth go to designated cities in the USA and a few foreign Ministries for Youth - Help fund ministries for young Youth at Risk - Provide education including suicide prevention Pentecost Sunday is May 20th. I hope our church family is able to give generously to this worthwhile fund. PENTECOST SUNDAY May 20, 2018 -- Wear your RED! FLOWER CHART The 2018 flower chart is up on the bulletin board by the church office and is ready for you to sign up. Please take a few moments to sign up to contribute flowers to glorify God s house on Sunday and to honor or remember your loved ones! A $30 donation to help offset the cost of the two flower bouquets for each Sunday is greatly appreciated. Dates available are: June 24 August 5 August 26 September 30 July 15 August 12 September 9 October 14 July 22 August 19 September 23 October 21 July 29
POLAR BLAST! Vacation Bible School Where Jesus Love is Cool! June 8, 9 and 10, 2018 Make plans now to join the fun! St. Luke s Episcopal Church is hosting our combined VBS with First Presbyterian and Family of Christ Lutheran. Register your children and grandchildren! (3 years to 5 th Grade) Forms are available in the Church office. Each child registered by May 21, 2018 will receive a free Polar Blast t-shirt! Schedule: Friday, June 8: Light Supper served at 5:30 pm. Events 6:00-8:30 pm Saturday, June 9: Events 9:30 am-12:00 pm. Light Lunch served at 12:00 pm Sunday, June 10: Combined Worship 10:30 am at St. Luke s Episcopal Church Followed by an All-Church potluck For more information: Contact Julie Tye or the church office. SYNOD SCHOOL 2018 Dance Joyfully Where er You May Be July 22-27, 2018 -- Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa Synod School is a special learning and personal enrichment experience for all ages. We seek to create an environment of hospitality, healing and hope. The week is designed for individuals and families, laity and clergy. Classes and activities are available for adults, youth and children some separately, some intergenerational. Course catalog and registration information is available online at www.lakesandprairies.org. To register, log on to https://www.regonline.com/synodschool-2018. Registration deadline is July 1, 2018. Scholarship money is available from the Presbytery and Synod to help ensure that Synod School is affordable for everyone. Contact Rose for more information. Our Members: Margaret Holzrichter JoAnn Lilly Irene Meredith Jan Scriven Cecil Smith For Our Prayers Craig Sup and Family Sharon Swett Bob & Evelyn Vohland Paulette Wagner Ann Young Our Friends of the Church: Jacque Jacox (friend of Sally Bryson) Jennifer Weems Cindy Malone (daughter of Vi Pimper) Stephanie & Susan Bigg (friends of Gordon & Mary Jo Morrow) David & Holly Hild (son & daughter-in-law of Jack & Pat Hild) JoHanna Lewis (daughter of Betty Lewis-Fisher) David Repsher (son of Marilyn Repsher & Dave Raymond; friends of John & Shirley McCammond) Our Loved Ones In Service To Our Country: Brian Adams Army Reece Nicol Air Force Danelle Nelson ANG Ryan Rowher Army Kristin Lindenstein-Shnell Air Force Greg Stevens Marines Our Presbytery and the Wider Church: Axtell First Presbyterian Church Logan Ellis, Inquirer Jouman, Erbil Province, Iraq Please help our Church office keep our prayer list current. Unless otherwise requested we will keep names on the prayer list for four weeks. PULPIT SUPPLY ASSIGNMENTS May 13 Janene Reynolds May 20 Jim Rohrer May 27 Don Canady June 3 Polly Deppen-Williams MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH Middle School and High School youth will have two meetings in May. The two dates are May 6th after church until 1:00 pm in the youth room and May 20th activity at the park.
ANNOUNCEMENTS We welcome all visitors to worship this morning. We would like you to learn more about our church and give us a chance to make you feel at home. If anyone needs a ride to church on Sundays, please call the church office at 234-4543 so that we may arrange transportation for you. If you would like a CD recorded copy of the Sunday Worship Service, please call the church office at 234-4543. You may also listen to the sermon on the church s website, www.fpckearney.org. Like FPC On Facebook. Don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook! You can go to: https://www.facebook.com/firstpreskearney or search for First Presbyterian Church, Kearney, Nebraska. Mission of Change. Habitat for Humanity is the recipient of the Mission of Change donations collected in May and June. Please keep donating all your coins (not just dimes). You must include your name with the coin total amount if you want your donation to be listed on your statement of giving. Equal Exchange Products. Check out the Equal Exchange Products available in the church office Coffee (Regular, Decaf, and Flavored), Tea (Breakfast, Chai, Decaf Rooibos), and Hot Cocoa. Why not consider giving a gift of Fair Trade products? Save Best Choice Barcode UPC Labels For Cash. Please save your Best Choice barcodes (UPC symbol) and bring them to the church where a collection box is located in the church office. Best Choice products are available at Apple Market and Boogaarts. Save General Mills Box Tops For Education And Campbell s Labels For Education. The Out-Reach Committee would like you to know that the Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is collecting General Mills Box Tops for Education and Campbell's Labels for Education (UPC product code and Labels for Education coupons). This program helps them "buy" classroom supplies. Please put your Box Tops and Campbell s labels in the Best Choice collection box in the church office. 2018 Per Capita. Our per capita is $32.00 per member for 2018. This money goes to offset the administrative cost for the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly which supports Presbyterian programs, missions, and ministries. THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sunday, May 6 9:15 am Adult Sunday School Classroom 9:30 am Youth Sunday School Classrooms 10:30 am Worship Service with Communion Sanctuary Following Service Coffee Fellowship Family Life Center 11:45 am Youth Group Youth Room Monday, May 7 7:00 pm Sisters In Spirit (SIS) Study Group Classroom Tuesday, May 8 3:30 pm ARC TOPS Class Classroom 5:30 pm Out-Reach Committee Meeting Library Wednesday, May 9 7:30 am Men s Bible Study Family Life Center 10:00 am Horizon Lesson Preview Classroom 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Practice Sanctuary Thursday, May 10 6:00 pm ARC Board Meeting Family Life Center Saturday, May 12 2:00 pm Hoback Graduation Open House Family Life Center Sunday, May 13 9:15 am Adult Sunday School Classroom 10:30 am Worship Service Sanctuary Following Service Coffee Fellowship Family Life Center MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS May 8 drivers Lorraine and Gary Feind, Phil and Fia Feese, and Jill Sage and Barb Icenogle MAY MINISTRY OF COMPASSION May s Ministry of Compassion is RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) sponsored by the Out-Reach Committee.