Plymouth Congregational Church A Congregation of the United Church of Christ Service of the Word October 14, 2018 Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost 10:00 am RINGING OF THE BELL THE GATHERING PRELUDE Fantasia Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck *OPENING HYMN All Hail the Power of Jesus Name No. 304 *CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 90) One: All: One: All: One: All: One: All: Doreen Todorov Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn us back to dust, and say, Turn back, you mortals. For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance. Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years come to an end like a sigh. So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. * INVOCATION (unison) Merciful God, in Jesus Christ you do not call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Draw us away from the easy road that leads to destruction, and guide us into paths that lead to life abundant, that in seeking your truth, and obeying your will, we may know the joy of being a disciple of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. WORDS OF WELCOME *PASSING OF THE PEACE *SONG OF PRAISE STORY FOR ALL AGES Please share a sign of peace with those around you. Glory to the Creator, the Christ, the Holy Spirit Three in One; As it was in the beginning, is now, and every shall be, World without end. Amen. Amen. THE GIFT OF THE WORD After the story, kids through 3 rd grade can head upstairs with Kim for Chapel Time. SCRIPTURE Mark 10:17-31 John Terry Gloria Patri *Please rise if you are able
ANTHEM Mark 10 Arr. J. Downing SERMON Cents and Salvation *HYMN God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak No. 531 CALL TO PRAYER One: God be with you. Many: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts. Many: We lift our hearts to God. One: Let us pray THE PASTORAL PRAYER THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR THE MINISTRY OF 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 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. In an effort to pray in unison while respecting the different versions that many of us have prayed since childhood, we will cycle through the different versions over the course of a year. We will pray the prayer with sins through the end of 2018. STEWARDSHIP WITNESS STEWARDSHIP PRAYER (unison) Dear God, OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS 2 Josh Wright There are times when I don t know what to do. That is why I am so glad that you are in my life. When I am torn between what I think is the right thing to do and others are telling me differently, I turn to you. You are never too busy to answer my knock, or ask me to leave a voice message. All you ask of me is to act justly, to love loyalty, and to walk wisely before You. But I can t do it alone. Thank you for giving me my Plymouth family. Together, we can help each other do just that. Act justly, love loyalty, and walk wisely before You. Now it is my turn to help others in my Plymouth family in Syracuse and abroad. May my offering be a delight to your eyes. Amen. CALL TO THE OFFERING OFFERTORY ANTHEM Have You Heard God s Voice? Jacqui Jones arr. F. Chatfield *DOXOLOGY *OFFERTORY PRAYER Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below! Praise God for all that love has done! Creator, Christ, and Spirit one. Amen. Old Hundredth *CLOSING HYMN Take My Life, God, Let It Be No. 448 *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Voluntary VIII in d minor John Stanley
Joys and Concerns In the week ahead, you are invited to pray for: Clita Mae Moore Lee Morris Whitehead The peace that surpasses all understanding, for Diana French, sister-in-law of Craig and Barbara French Sue de Lima, dealing with health matters Geoffrey, struggling with faith and relationships guilt, pain, reconciliation Dave West on his journey toward ordination in the Methodist Church Marilyn Fais and her daughter Heather Ruth Emmons Nellie Fisher Mary Lou Ormond Dan Ed Regan Jamie Shavers Cath and Barbara Plymouth Runs On YOU LITURGIST: Doreen Todorov USHERS: George Bain and Kailyn Wright ACOLYTE: Harry Crawford COMMUNITY TIME AND FLOWERS provided by Gert Danzy in remembrance of her sister, Valeria Perez OFFERING COUNTERS: Audrey Kane and Sarah Whitton You can volunteer for many of these ministries via the Plymouth website www.plymouthsyr.org. Go to the Get Involved page and click on the link above the choir photo. Hospitality Ministry Please consider serving as a host for Community Time. There is a sign-up chart in the bell tower entrance. It s easy and we ll help you! Flowers Make our worship space even more beautiful for the glory of God and in honor of whatever you choose. A sign-up sheet is found in the bell tower entry. The cost is $25, but plans for larger or multiple arrangements can always be made. Accessibility: Individual listening headsets are available on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Please contact one of the ushers for help. An elevator and ramp are available. LARGE PRINT BULLETINS ARE IN THE BACK OF THE SANCTUARY. Welcoming Children in Worship: Children of all ages have a place in worship and in the life of the church. At Plymouth we try to engage people of all ages in different ways. Worship activity kits and age-appropriate children s bulletins are available at our worship activity shelf in the back of the Sanctuary for our young children and youth (and for any adults who feel led to use them!). We hope that these activities will help worshipers connect with the service in ways that are meaningful to them. PLEASE return the activity kits with all of the supplies to the shelf at the end of the service. Nursery Care: Infants and toddlers have a special place in worship, too, and are always welcome. Sound is piped into Memorial Hall next door to the sanctuary for those who would welcome a space apart. We also offer Nursery care for infants and toddlers at 9:45am. 3
There is ample free street parking on the blocks around our church on Sundays, as well as in the lots behind the Catholic diocese building. For those able to walk a short distance, parking here will allow those with mobility impairments or small children to use the spots directly in front of the church. Hymn-Sing Sunday Survey It has been said that Christianity is a faith that only makes sense when it s sung. We re going to put that theory to the test on October 21, when Plymouth will have our sixth annual old-fashioned hymnsing Sunday. Just list your favorite hymns here and place this paper in the offering plate. The hymns need not be in the New Century Hymnal and don t forget that Christmas carols, children s songs, and Easter hymns count, too! We ll tally the votes, and sing as many of the winners as possible on the 21st! For your reference, the past two weeks nominations appear on the reverse. If any of those are favorites of yours, nominate them again to help make it clear which ones the congregation wants to sing on October 21! Name (votes without a name will not be counted): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 4
A Mighty Fortress Ah! Holy Jesus All Hail the Power of Jesus Name All Things Bright and Beautiful (4) Amazing Grace (6) Be Not Afraid Be Now My Vision (3) Blessed Assurance (3) Blest Be the Lord Bring Many Names Called As Partners Christ the Lord is Risen Today (3) City of God Come Now, Almighty God Come O Long Expected Jesus De Colores Fairest Lord Jesus Finlandia For All the Saints Frosty the Snowman Gather Us In Gloria Patri Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken Go Tell It On the Mountain God s Eye Is On the Sparrow (3) Great Is Your Faithfulness (2) Heaven and Earth and Sea Here I Am Lord (3) Holy, Holy, Holy (2) How Can I Keep From Singing (3) How Great Thou Art (4) I Come to the Garden Alone (7) I Heard My Mother Say I Need You Every Hour (2) I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry If God is For Us If the Lord Does Not Build It Is Well (2) In the Bleak Midwinter (vs.4) Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Jesus Loves Me Jingle Bells Joy to the World (3) Hymn Votes 2018 as of Oct. 7 th 29 People have voted (1 unsigned ballot not counted) Keep Awake; Be Always Ready (2) Let Them Come Let Us Break Bread Together Lift Every Voice Little Drummer Boy Love Divine Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory My Song Is Love Unknown O Come All Ye Faithful (3) O Come, O Come Emmanuel O Source of All (vs. 2-3) On Eagle s Wings Once in Royal David s City Our God, Our Help in Ages Past The Palms Please Release Me Praise to the Living God Precious Lord Shall We Gather at the River (2) Seek the Lord Silent Night Simple Gifts (3) Sing to the Mountains Siyahamb (3) Softly and Tenderly Spirit of the Living God Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness (2) Standing At the Future s Threshold Take Lord, Receive Take My Life and Let it Be (2) The Church s One Foundation (2) There Is A Balm in Gilead (3) Though the Mountains Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus We Are One in the Spirit We Are Dancing Sarah s Circle We Would Be Building Whom Shall I Send? Won t You Let Me Be Your Servant (2) You Gotta Walk A Spanish hymn (2) An African-American hymn Some Things You Ought to Know TODAY following worship: Family Faith Formation 11am 3 rd Floor Community Time Search Process: Today is the deadline for submitting nominations for the Discernment Committee. Nomination forms are inserted in the bulletin and are available on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Completed forms should be left in the Church Council mailbox (in the hallway near the elevator) or in the offering plate. Alternatively, up to 3 names can be submitted via email to Kathy Ferro at kferro@plymouthsyr.org. Nominations will be reviewed at the Church Council meeting this Tuesday October 16 th. 5
Additional information about the search process is on the bulletin board and in the October Plymouth Story. Interested in attending the SAGE Upstate 6th Annual Community Dinner as a group? We are hoping to put together a table of Plymouths folks to show our support of this local non-profit and its Executive Director, our own Kim Dill. The dinner is on Sat. Oct. 20, 5-8pm at the Harrison Center at All Saints Church. Write a check ($25 - $100 suggested) to Plymouth with SAGE in memo line and the church office will RSVP for the group. An added bonus Joe Downing is playing piano! Please respond to the church office by October 15. InterFaith Works (IFW) introduces new One-on-One Volunteer Program: At next Sunday s forum, Lori Klivak, Senior Services Program Director at IFW and staff member Toma Tracy, will introduce their newly launched one-on-one program where volunteers provide companionship to seniors in nursing homes. The McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center will be leading a sexual abuse prevention training for Plymouth volunteers who work with children on Tuesday, October 23 rd, 6:00 8:00 PM. This training is open to anyone from the Plymouth congregation who would like to participate. Please contact Kim Looney for details and to RSVP. The Food Pantry needs additional volunteers. We are looking for subs on Monday afternoon 2-4 to help out when regulars are unavailable. We are also looking for individuals willing to pick up and drop off food from various locations to the church at any convenient time. Please contact Cyndi Signorelli 315-727-5671 or Maurine McTyre-Watts 315-395-5212 if you can help. We are also seeking donations of hearty soups, canned tuna and chicken, hamburger helper, ravioli/meat and pasta, spaghetti sauce and crackers. Please leave your donations in the basket in the back of the sanctuary. Plymouth ROCKS: We will be serving lunch at the Rescue Mission on Sunday, October 28. The group will leave Plymouth around 10:15am and will finish serving shortly after 12pm. Young (ages 12 and up) and old are welcome! RSVP to Chris Hopkins (christinehopkins03@gmail.com or 315 476-5139.) ahead of time. The Rescue Mission needs to have the names of the individuals who are volunteering. The Plymouth Nursery is growing! Will you help us update our room by donating new or like-new toys? We are looking for the following for infants 0-12 months: Toys to stack and sort Board books Toys that make noise Sensory toys (xylophone, rattles, shakers) We are NOT able to accept toys with batteries, jumpers, walkers, plush/fabric toys, toys with small parts, or toys that are old/worn-out Contact Kim Looney via email or at the church office if you d like to make a donation. Where have all the Greeters gone? Plymouth needs YOU to help us live out our mission of Welcoming All! Please sign up to usher, greet, host community time or contribute flowers: 1) Visit our website: www.plymouthsyr.org 2) At the top of the screen, click on: GET INVOLVED 3) Scroll down to GREETERS, USHERS and HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS 4) click on SIGN UP 5) Scroll down to the date of your choice and click on SIGN UP next to the ministry of your choice 6) Click on SUBMIT AND SIGN-UP 7) Add your contact info and you are all set to go! 6
THIS WEEK AT PLYMOUTH Mon. Oct. 15 Deadline for the November Plymouth Story Laity Empowerment Team 1pm - Parlor Food Pantry 2pm 4pm Tues. Oct. 16 Church Council 5:30pm Parlor Board of Christian Formation 7:00pm Parlor Thurs. Oct. 18 Bell Choir Rehearsal 5:30pm - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7pm Memorial Hall Sun. Oct. 21 Worship/PrayGround - 10am Learning Community 11am 3 rd floor Forum 11:15, Memorial Hall InterFaith Works One-on-One volunteer program Youth Supper hosted by the Pasquale/Wojcik family 5pm Music Notes for October 14, 2018 Our anthem today is a pasticcio a little scene pasted together from various sources. It begins with the choir narrating our scripture reading for the day from Mark 10. Soloists play the part of Jesus and the young man who is reticent to give up all he has, because he was rich. We follow that with a temptress enticing the young man using the song Money Makes the World Go Around (from Cabaret) after which the choir returns to sing the morale of the story, using the old baroque German chorale tune Neumark. How hard for those who trust in riches to enter in God s heavenly realm, Professing love of Jesus, which is, by love of money, overwhelmed. Camel through needle s eye less odd than rich men in the Kingdom of God. Our offertory anthem was written only a few years ago by Jacqui Jones, who was born in South Africa, lived in the UK when she wrote this piece, and now lives with her vicar husband and children in New Zealand. In 2016 Frederick Chatfield arranged the version that we are singing today. Have you heard God s voice? Has your heart been stirred? Are you still prepared to follow? Have you made a choice to remain and serve, though the way be rough and narrow? Will you use your voice? Will you not sit down when the multitudes are silent? Will you make a choice to stand your ground when the crowds are turning violent? Will you walk the path that will cost you much and embrace God s love and sorrow? Will you trust in One who entrusts to you the disciples of tomorrow? Will you watch the news with the eyes of faith and believe it could be different? Will you share your views using words of grace? Will you leave a thoughtful imprint? In your city streets will you be God s heart? Will you listen to the voiceless? Will you stop and eat, and when friendships start, will you share your faith with the faithless? We will walk the path that will cost us much and embrace God s love and sorrow. Will you trust in One who entrusts to you the disciples of tomorrow? Have you heard God s voice? Has your heart been stirred? Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621) was the organist at the Old Church (built in 1213, and the oldest building in Amsterdam today.) Active during the transition from Renaissance to Baroque periods, he was one of the first major composers of organ music. Amsterdam s internationally famous conservatory is named for him. John Stanley (1712-1786) was a blind English organist who often was the keyboard person for Handel s oratorios. 7
About Plymouth Plymouth was founded in 1853 by a group of Syracusans who wanted to create a Christian abolitionist bulwark in the city. Since then, we have fought against slavery, poverty, and war; for immigrants, natives, workers, LGBT, and women s rights; and sought to be agents of mercy in a hurting world. We believe in beauty, laughter, the struggle for peace with justice, taking risks for God, and the Way of Jesus Christ. Our faith is over 2,000 years old; our thinking is not! We are Open and Affirming We believe God calls us to welcome all people and their gifts regardless of gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, physical ability, socioeconomic status, or religious background. We are Just Peace We covenant to live actively within the holy longing that weds justice with the quest for peace within us, between us, in community, and across the globe. We covenant to affirm the sacredness of all life and to honor and preserve creation. We are Sanctuary We provide a space of physical, emotional, and spiritual safety for immigrants without documents, and specifically pledge to the principles of the national New Sanctuary Movement. We are Immigrant Welcoming We seek to learn, support, and develop practices and programs that facilitate the respectful welcome and inclusion of all immigrants into our congregation and community. We are Progressive Christians We try to walk in the way of Jesus Christ, our brother and savior. We believe God speaks new meanings for new days, and that She does so not only in the church and the ancient words of the Bible, but through the insights of science, the arts, the revelations of other religions, and the best strivings of the human spirit. We believe God has granted us a purpose, and that life is too short for long-faced religion. Join us! The Rev. Dr. John A. Terry, Interim Pastor; jterry@plymouthsyr.org Dr. Joseph Downing, Director of Music Kim Looney, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Kathy Ferro, Church Administrator Mark Johnson, Sexton 232 East Onondaga Street Syracuse, New York 13202 (315) 474-4836 plymouthsyr.org office@plymouthsyr.org 8