Service of Worship 23 rd Sunday after Pentecost October 27, 2013 9:00 a.m.. PASTORAL STAFF: CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: CHURCH EDUCATOR: MUSIC LEADERS: Gregory K. Jones, Head of Staff Thomas R. Stout, Parish Associate Jill Getty, Pastoral Care Assistant Debbie Brown Susan Moseley Paul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and Handbells Sandie Reinicker, Director of Sunshine Choir 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 An Earth Care Congregation of the PC (USA)
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. 8:30 a.m. 180 Clothing Drive Classroom 8 see page 8 Deacon Team of the Month Keith Pierce, Bill Kaye, Kris Ruebling-Jass, Carol Neff, Jane Palmer, Steve Stallone 8:45 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Nursery for babies and toddlers 9:00 9:55 a.m. Worship in the 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 Classroom 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 Sunday School for Preschoolers Under Six Classrooms Native Wild Animals for Sunshine Choir and Gr. K 2 Grace Hall D.R.U.M. for Grades 3 6 Youth Music Room Middle Schoolers for Grades 6-8 Classroom 1 Confirmation Class Classroom 8 Adult Education Classes See page 7 11:15 a.m. Living Mosaics worship in Rodney Chapel. Children are always welcome in worship. Childcare in Nursery for children from birth to six years. Later Today 12:30 p.m. Bazaar Setup Community Hall & Music Rooms 5:15 p.m. 180 Dinner Classroom 6 6:00 p.m.. 180 Youth Ministry Grace Hall 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 are given to the glory of God and in honor of our parents, Jessie and Cerd Marsh, by Barbara and Jerry Fedeler and Rick and Nancy Marsh. 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 December 1 and 29. For a limited time, spots on usher teams for the main sanctuary are being filled. We are seeking two captains, one for the months of January and July, and another for the months of February and August. There are also a few spaces on teams for anyone who would like to usher. Please contact Suzie Hurlock, Administrative Assistant, for additional information and to sign up. suzie@wpc.org (302) 654-5214 All children who leave the sanctuary after Time with Children must have a completed yellow security label on their back. If you do not find a security label in the pew pocket, you may get one in the Preschool Suite. 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. CONGREGATIONAL CARE AND PRAYER Please remember in your prayers: 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 Les and Joan Whitney, Maris Grove, 304 Millers Run, Glen Mills, PA 19342. Our brothers and sisters in worldwide ministry in Guatemala, Congo, Central Africa, Mozambique, Israel/Palestine, Jordan, and Iraq. Westminster s Covenant Prayer Group prays weekly for specific needs of the faith community. You 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 and Steve Wilson The families of those from the U.S. who have died recently: Staff Sergeant Robert Thomas, Jr., age 24, of Fontana, California Sergeant William Brown, III, age 44, of Franklin, North Carolina Specialist James Wickliffchacin, age 22, of Edmond, Oklahoma 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 MUSIC OF THE TOWER BELLS Sue Spilecki PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Ever present God, stir in my heart a holy expectancy so that I will be ready and open to hear your voice. May my spirit be open to the calling of your Spirit, that in listening for you I might hear you, that in searching for you I might meet you, that in meeting you I might follow you. Amen. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS * PASSING THE PEACE ORGAN PRELUDE Trumpet Voluntary Henry Heron During the prelude, 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 worshipers on your pew. CALL TO WORSHIP We come together to thank the Creator of life. We come to praise God s name and to seek God s ways. We come seeking truth, meaning and hope. We come to be a community that is filled with God s wisdom and love. *HYMN NO. 275 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God EIN FESTE BURG CALL TO CONFESSION God heals our wounded spirits and guides our wandering feet. Let us confess our need for God. PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of life, we come to you as a people hungry for good news. We have been preoccupied with selfish pleasures and have overlooked the joy you offer us. We have been so concerned with making a living that we miss the life you offer us. Forgive us, gracious God. Open our eyes and our hearts to receive your gifts; open our lips and our hands to share them with all humanity. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen. At the asterisk (*), please stand as you are able. 4
RESPONSE (HYMN NO. 578): Soloist and choir will sing both verses, then congregation sings both verses. O Lord, have mercy; O Lord, have mercy; O Lord, have mercy, have mercy on us. O Christ, have mercy; O Christ, have mercy; O Christ, have mercy, have mercy on us. ASSURANCE OF GOD S FORGIVENESS TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Children through Grade 5 may leave for Godly Care, Godly Play, Hebrew Scouts and Pathfinders, or they may remain in worship TELLING OF THE SCRIPTURE STORY Matthew 6:24-34 Cathy Glober and Carol Shortlidge, storytellers Westminster By Heart ANTHEM The Majesty and Glory of Your Name Tom Fettke Westminster Choir When I gaze into the night skies and see the work of Your fingers; The moon and stars suspended in space. Oh, who are we, that You are mindful of us? You have given us a crown of glory and honor, And have made us a little lower than the angels. You have put us in charge of all creation: The beasts of the field, The birds of the air, The fish of the sea. But who are we, that You are mindful of us? O Lord, our God, the majesty and glory of Your name transcends the earth and fills the heavens. O Lord, our God, little children praise You perfectly, And so would we. Alleluia! SERMON Why Do We Give? Jamie Hickey, Dave McBride, Sue Linderman, Greg Jones *HYMN NO. 708 We Give Thee but Thine Own SCHUMANN *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Jesus lived with a constant sense of the divine presence. He put God s claim on his life above all else. He joined others in God s worship and praise and drew strength from the Scriptures. He prayed and taught his disciples to pray. We believe Christ gives us and demands of us personal lives that are centered in God and open to God s reality and rule. God teaches us to put obedience to God above the interests of self, family, race or nation; to offer God joyously our money, ability, and time. A Declaration of Faith 5
OFFERING Bring your tithes and your donations, your votive gifts, your freewill-offerings because the LORD your God has blessed you. (Deuteronomy 12:6-7) OFFERTORY ANTHEM His Eye Is On the Sparrow Charles H. Gabriel PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE LORD S PRAYER (page 35 in the hymn book, using debts and debtors ) *HYMN NO. 683 Lord of All Hopefulness COURTNEY Verse 1: Choir Verses 2-4: All BENEDICTION CHORAL POSTLUDE Hallelujah! Sing praise to your Creator, sun, moon, and stars and angels above. Praise the Lord, whose word established the heavens, who upholds all the earth in power and love. God reigns on high, let the heavens rejoice! GOING FORTH If you are visiting with us and wish to learn more about our church, we invite you to meet today s ambassador, Charlene Weaver, following the service. Our ambassadors enjoy sharing information about our many programs for children, youth and adults. No Isaiah, No Jesus Know Isaiah, Know Jesus A Sermon Series by Dr. Jones The words of the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah had a profound impact on Jesus and the first Christians. Isaiah s words appear at least 46 times in the gospels, 30 times in the Letters attributed to the Apostle Paul and 30 times in Revelation. This series reveals that Jesus was well-versed in the Book of Isaiah, and he highlighted the prophet s prominent themes in his own teachings and ministry. October 6 Isaiah 49:1-6 October 13 Isaiah 42:1-9 October 20 Isaiah 61:1-2 and 58:6-9 November 10 Isaiah 5:1-7 6
Adult Education Classes This Morning The Whisper Heard in the Shout: The Scriptures and the Forgotten Nature of the Divine Feminine Principle Led by Tom Taylor - October 27 in Classroom 5, November 3 in Classroom 6 One of the most powerful images that pervades scripture is that of the Divine Feminine Principle. Yet it is least talked about and is an often a forgotten image in scriptures today. The role of the Divine Feminine emerges from the beginning of the sacred text to its conclusion. This class is designed as an overview allowing us to lean into the whisper heard in the shout. We will in brief look at Eve, Ruth, Esther, Mary, the Woman at the Well, and Mary Magdalena. The Heavens and the Earth Led by Mark B. Shiflett in Classroom 6 Mark Shiflett continues this two-part lecture and ventures from the mysteries of the universe to the intricate complexities of matter, light and living things. He uses imagery taken by astronomers, physicists, chemists and biologists to rekindle your sense of wonder about God s creation. Jesus Interprets His Own Person A DVD Series by Dr. Ken Bailey October 27 and November 3, 10 - Facilitated by Jill Getty in Classroom 3 Rather than looking at titles and dramatic actions, Dr. Bailey examines six parables to see what Jesus says about himself. Jesus taught in parables and dramatic actions, and he takes Old Testament symbols and applies them to his own person. Westminster by Heart Ruth Christie Room All those who wish to continue their journeys as storytellers, and all those who wish to learn what goes on behind the storytelling scenes- all are welcome to explore the Bible as story, and to learn to tell it from the bottom of your hearts and the depths of your minds. We are looking forward to seeing you there. 7
WESTMINSTER CHURCH BAZAAR 2013 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 9:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner (5:00 7:30 p.m.) Members and friends of Westminster and people from our entire community are invited to visit and shop at our annual Bazaar. Come and check out all our great venues! Antiques & Collectibles White Elephants Books Children's Clothing Toys Christmas Shop Gourmet Specialties Baked Goods Handcrafted Treasures Re Gifting Boutique Hog Dog Cart (11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.) Donation drop off White Elephants Monday, 10/28 Wednesday, 10/30 Antiques & Collectibles Tuesday, 10/29 Thursday, 10/31 Warm Clothing and Backpack Drive 1502 door open until 1:30 p.m. today 1506 door open 5:15 6:00 p.m. today Please drop off items in Grace Hall Our 180 Youth Ministry are hosting a Winter Clothing and Backpack Drive to benefit the Clothing Bank of Delaware and Midnight Run, NYC. All warm weather items are needed, including jeans, coats, hats, baseball caps and mittens. Especially needed items include: Men's jeans (particularly sizes 34 to 36) Shoes (including boots) Backpacks or large tote bags (reusable grocery bags are great too!) Clothing and backpacks can be placed in the designated area in Classroom 8. Thank you for your support! 8