Service of Worship 4 th Sunday in Lent March 10, 2013 9:00 a.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church extends an enthusiastic welcome, in Christ s name, to all who would worship here or join us in fellowship. We affirm that there can be no exclusion within the body of Christ. We invite all children of God to join us as disciples of Christ and participate fully in the life of our congregation. PASTORAL STAFF: CHURCH EDUCATOR: DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES: CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: MUSIC STAFF: Gregory K. Jones, Head of Staff Anne R. Ledbetter, Associate Pastor Jill Getty, Pastoral Care Assistant Susan Moseley Lauren Cardillo Debbie Brown Paul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and Handbells Section Leaders/Soloists: Diana Milburn, Sharon Babcock, Justin Gonzalez, Jerry Polman 1502 West 13 th Street Wilmington, DE 19806 302-654-5214 www.wpc.org
This Morning at Westminster 8:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. The Holy Toast Café, in Community Hall, offers free coffee and fellowship. Breakfast items are available for one dollar per item. Deacon Team of the Month Jill Voss, Eric Etshman, Elizabeth Poole, Steve Stallone, Cathy Glober, Keith Pierce 8:45 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Nursery for babies and toddlers 9:00 9:55 a.m. Worship with choir and organ in Sanctuary After TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN, if you wish, your children may leave the Sanctuary and go to: Godly Care An unique opportunity for children ages 2-4 to get to know God through stories, crafts, songs and prayers. Class meets in the Preschool Suite Classroom A. Godly Play Children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade gather in the Ruth Christie Room to learn the language of God s people through sacred space, stories, parables and liturgical actions. You may pick up your children in the Preschool Suite Classoom C. Hebrew Scouts Children in grades 2 and 3 gather in Preschool Suite Classroom B. They will become Hebrew Scouts, experiencing the stories of the Israelite people. You may pick up your children in the Preschool Suite Classroom C. Pathfinders Children in grades 4 and 5 meet downstairs in Classroom 2. They will explore the radical way of Jesus through the stories of his teaching and healing. You may pick up your children in the Preschool Suite Classroom C. 10:10 a.m. Education for All Ages Preschool Sunday School Preschool Suite Sunshine Choir for Grades K 2 Classroom 7 D.R.U.M. for Grades 3 6 Youth Music Room Middle Schoolers on the Move - Grades 6-8 Classroom 1 Confirmation Class for 9 th Graders Classroom 8 Adult Education Classes See page 7 11:00 a.m. Cast Rehearsal for Children s Musical Sanctuary 11:15 a.m. noon Living Mosaics worship in Rodney Chapel. Children are always welcome in worship. Childcare in Nursery for children ages birth to six years old. Later Today 6:00 p.m. Clean But Not Straight NA Club Room 8:00 p.m. AA Club Room 2
WORSHIP NOTES The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the birth of Harlan James Carney, on Christmas Day 2012 in Baton Rouge, LA. He is the son of Jeffrey Carney and Andrea Galinski, and grandson of Kristine and Spencer Qualls. Sanctuary Flowers - Consider giving the flowers for Sunday worship to remember or honor loved ones or to celebrate an event, while expressing praise and thanksgiving to God. Please contact Linda Watson during business hours at 302-571-6719 or lwatson@ycst.com. Available dates are March 17, and April 14, 21, and 28. All children who leave the sanctuary after Time with Children MUST have a completed yellow security label on their back. This policy is for your child s protection. Thank you for your help. Are you wearing a nametag? Whether you are a long-time member or new to the church, wearing a nametag provides others the opportunity to meet you, greet you by name, and for you to become more familiar with others at church. You will find nametags and markers in baskets at all major entrances. Worship Resources You may obtain large print hymnals and hearing devices from any usher. Worship bags for children ages 3-6 include a children s bulletin designed for them. Also, children s bulletins for ages 7-12 are available from the ushers. CONGREGATIONAL CARE AND PRAYER Please remember in your prayers: Those recently hospitalized: Clark Miller. Westminster s homebound family who can no longer attend worship with us by sending a card, saying a prayer, or visiting. This week we ask you to remember Doris Corner and Dodson Barineau, both of Cokesbury Village, 726 Loveville Road, Hockessin, DE 19707. Our brothers and sisters in worldwide ministry in Guatemala, Congo, Central Africa, Mozambique, Israel/Palestine, and Iraq. Westminster s Covenant Prayer Group prays weekly for specific needs of the faith community. Anyone may submit a prayer request by leaving a confidential message on 302-654-5848, ext. 335, or filling out a prayer request card (in the pew pocket) and placing it in the offering plate. Afghanistan often seems far away, and we may neglect to realize that Americans, as well as Afghans and members of coalition forces, continue to die. As Christians, we are called to pray for the spreading of peace and justice and an end to violence. If someone in your family is serving in the military, please let us know, so that we may include that person on our prayer list. Contact Colleen Falasco: 302-654-5214 ext. 131, or cfalasco@wpc.org. This week we pray for Those known to the WPC Community presently serving in Afghanistan: Brendan Bowen, Edward Maloney, Kyle Rowe, Ann Exline Starr, Dr. Karin E. Thomas, Steve Wilson The families of those from the U.S. who have died recently: Lance Corporal Dale Means, age 23, of Jordan, Minnesota Specialist Zachary Shanafelt, age 24, of Grand Rapids, Michigan Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Ebbert, age 32, of Arcata, California Corporal Christopher Monahan, Jr., age 25, of Island Heights, New Jersey Those who have returned from service, possibly suffering from wounds or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, whose scars may by deep and long-lasting. 3
ORDER OF WORSHIP PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP In a whole series of stories, Jesus demonstrates that God deliberately chooses the stranger, the outcast, the foreigner, the sick and unclean in short, the wrong people to show the scope of his love. Sara Miles, Jesus Freak: Feeding Healing Raising the Dead WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS *PASSING THE PEACE PRELUDE Be Thou My Vision arr. Hal H. Hopson Reverberations Handbell Choir CALL TO WORSHIP Come, let us celebrate the forgiving, reconciling love of God. For once we were lost and felt so far away; now we have been found and welcomed home. Know that God s love is lavished upon you forever. We rejoice at the news of forgiveness and hope! Come, let us celebrate and praise the God of Love. AMEN! *HYMN NO. 483 Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above MIT FREUDEN ZART CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION Loving God, when we wander to distant places, you watch the road to greet us when we finally come home. Whenever we are far from you, remind us that we are your beloved children, the longing of your heart, and give us the strength and courage to return to your open arms. When we have sinned against heaven and before you, forgive us, for we are coming home! Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE Quickly, bring out the robes, the best ones. Put them on and golden rings, too! For my children who were lost are now found. Let us celebrate and rejoice in God s wondrous love! At the asterisk (*), please stand as you are able. 4
TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Greg Jones Children through Grade 5 may leave for Godly Care, Godly Play, Hebrew Scouts and Pathfinders, or they may remain in worship. ANTHEM Fix These Words Walter W. Schurr Westminster Choir Fix these words of mine in your hearts, in your minds. Tie them as symbols on your hands; wear them on your foreheads to remind you; fix these words of mine. Teach them to your children, talk of them at home, and when you are away, when you rest and when you rise. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates; in your minds. That your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord promised to give to your forefathers, as long as the heavens are above the earth. SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 New Testament, page 67 Dede Johnston, Lay Reader SERMON Family Values Anne Ledbetter *HYMN NO. 280 Amazing Grace AMAZING GRACE Verses 1-3 *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH In life and in death we belong to God. 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. from A Brief Statement of Faith PCUSA OFFERING During the offering, please sign your name and pass the red folder to the person next to you. As folders are returned to the center aisle, note the names of fellow worshippers on your pew. OFFERTORY ANTHEM Cause Us, O Lord Ron Nelson Cause us, O Lord our God, to lie down each night in peace, and to awaken to renewed life and strength. Hear our prayer, O Lord. Lord, help us to order our lives by thy council, lead us in the paths of righteousness. Lord, be Thou a shield about us, protect us, save our world from sorrow, from hate, and from war. Curb thou within us the will to do evil. Shelter us beneath the shadow of Thy wings. 5
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE LORD S PRAYER (page 16 in The Presbyterian Hymnal, using debts and debtors ) *HYMN NO. God s Great Love is So Amazing! AUSTRIAN HYMN God s great love is so amazing! See-- a shepherd with his flocks! Ninety-nine are safely grazing; one is lost among the rocks. That good shepherd goes and searches till he finds the one astray. So God says to fill our churches with the ones who ve lost their way. God in love is always seeking! See-- a woman with her broom! For a single coin she s sweeping every corner of the room. When it s found she calls each neighbor, telling friends from all around. So God says to search and labor till God s precious ones are found. God keeps waiting, searching, yearning! See-- a father s heartfelt joy! Thankful for his son s returning, he runs out to greet his boy. To the angry older brother, hear the father s patient call. So God says to love each other, for in Christ, God loves us all. Text: Copyright 1999 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Used with permission BENEDICTION ORGAN POSTLUDE Cortège Louis Vierne GOING FORTH If you are visiting with us and wish to learn more about our church, we invite you to meet today s ambassador, Bill Nace, following the service. Our ambassadors enjoy sharing information about our many programs for children, youth and adults. 6
Adult Education Classes This Morning Mythology and Scripture: The Hero s Journey March 10 and 17 in Classroom 5 Presenter: The Rev. Tom Taylor, Ph.D., Retired Methodist Pastor and Seminary Professor. What can we learn about ourselves and our faith through familiar stories of the Hero s Journey in classic literature and scripture? The class will explore aspects of the Hero archetype and will discover hidden treasures of truth and meaning in the stories, including the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. Tom Taylor brings outstanding credentials plus a rich and varied ministry background. He taught process theology at Villanova and at Pittsburg Theological Seminary; he was the first protestant pastor on the ground in Nicaragua during the Contra War; he was the first protestant chaplain for Duquesne University; he was Congressional Aide for Veterans and Military Affairs, 1975-1977; he is also a retreat leader for business executives and a grief counselor. Book Study on Marcus Borg s Speaking Christian Part II Sundays, March 10 and 17 in Classroom 6 Presenter: Greg Jones In Speaking Christian, Marcus Borg seeks to redeem a faith that is often misunderstood or distorted. Todays topics: Righteousness and Sin Westminster By Heart Sundays, March 10 and 24 in the Sanctuary Leaders: Shelley Gnade and Mary-beth Howard Westminster By Heart provides a unique opportunity to study scripture, foster a deeper personal connection to the stories of the Bible, and develop skills for telling Scripture on a regular basis in worship. Even if you re not sure that you re ready to tell but you are fascinated by the process, you are welcome! Perhaps you are more interested in joining us from a Bible study perspective. Learning to tell a story is one of the deepest ways to really connect to the Bible. All are welcome! Final Words from the Cross, A Lenten Series by Adam Hamilton Sundays, March 10, 17, and April 7, 14, 21 in Classroom 3 Facilitator: Jill Getty Today: My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? In his inspiring book and DVD series, Hamilton examines Christ s dying hours and his final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. This small-group study DVD contains seven teaching sessions featuring Hamilton providing fresh insight into Jesus final words at the cross through the perspective of those who witnessed the crucifixion. 7
[ÉÄç jxx~ tà jxáàå ÇáàxÜ March 24 Palm/Passion Sunday Worship 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. Rejoice with a procession of palms as we begin Holy Week. Don t miss our Lent Event in Community Hall with our own amazing Holy Week Art Exhibit and a display of diverse crosses from our congregation. March 28 Maundy Thursday Worship with communion 7:30 p.m. Remember Jesus final days through storytelling, prayer, and song. Nursery care will be provided from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. March 29 Good Friday 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Reflect on the crucifixion of Christ through silent prayer and meditation in the sanctuary or visit Community Hall with the Holy Week Art Exhibit, Gallery of Crosses, and Labyrinth Walk. March 31 Easter Sunday 8:00 10:50 a.m. Easter breakfast in Community Hall ($5/adult, $3/child age 3-13) 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Festive worship services and music to celebrate the Resurrection 10:15 a.m. Easter egg hunt (parents and children meet in Grace Hall) `xåéü tä XtáàxÜ _ Äç ORDER FORM You are invited to place lilies in our sanctuary on Easter Sunday in memory of, or in honor of, loved ones. Each plant costs $20. Please complete the form below, make checks payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church and return to Susan Alexander at the front desk by 12:00 noon on Monday, March 25. For any order received after this deadline, the names will be listed in the April 7th bulletin. Number of plants: @ $20 each Deliver my lily to a homebound member. I will pick up my lily at 12:00 p.m. Easter Sunday. Please neatly print the information below. In Memory Of: Deceased Name In Honor Of: Given By: Donor s Name and Telephone Number Westminster Presbyterian Church 1502 West 13 th Street Wilmington, DE 19806 302-654-5214 www.wpc.org 8