WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Service for the Lord s Day Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018 GATHERING (Silence during the Prelude is requested in preparation for worship.) *PRELUDE Praeludium in C, Bux WV 137 Dietrich Buxtehude *CALL TO WORSHIP Let us worship God! (Those who are able may stand.) Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good. God s steadfast love endures forever. I called to God: Lord, save my life! God has delivered my soul from death. *PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Almighty God, you call your church to witness that in Christ we are reconciled to you. Help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may turn to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (The Cross and Bible lead the procession, symbolic of the centrality in worship of Jesus Christ - the Living Word, and the Bible - the written Word.)
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 826 Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER 2
CALL TO CONFESSION The proof of God s amazing love is this: While we were sinners, Christ died for us. Because we have faith in him, we dare to approach God with confidence. Romans 5:8; Hebrews 4:16 Trusting in God s grace, let us confess our sin. *PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, we confess that we have not followed your way. We protect what is dear to us and neglect what is dear to you. We preserve our own way of life and profit at the expense of others. Forgive us, God of grace. Show us the error of our ways, and guide us back to your path of righteousness, justice, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Silent confession) Kyrie (Sung responsively by the choir and congregation) Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. ASSURANCE OF PARDON *The Peace Hal H. Hopson (The liturgist pours water, which reminds us of our baptism.) Believe the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Since God in Christ has forgiven us, let us also forgive one another. The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. (Please exchange the peace with the words, The peace of Christ be with you. ) 3
*ACT OF PRAISE (Singing together Hymn 581) *CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen. GLORIA PATRI (Everyone is asked to sign the Friendship Register, which is located on the center aisle end of each pew.) THE WORD Hear the Word of God! Our ears are open. Mark 8:27-38 (New Testament, pages 43-44 in your pew Bible) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! Psalm 19 (8:30 a.m.) Hal H. Hopson Refrain: The law of the Lord is perfect; it renews the soul; the rule of the Lord is sure, it makes wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are just, they rejoice the heart; the commandments of the Lord shine clear, they enlighten the eyes. Refrain 4
The fear of the Lord is holy, may it endure forever; the decrees of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. They are more precious than gold, more than abundant, pure gold. The word of the Lord is sweeter than honey fresh from the comb. Refrain By them your servant is guided, in keeping them there is great reward. Who can know all my offenses? Wash me from my secret wrong-doing. Above all, keep your servant from foolish pride, let it not rule over me; then shall I be whole, and innocent of all my transgression. Refrain Let the words of my mouth, the thoughts of my heart find favor before you, O Lord, my redeemer and rock. Refrain (11:00 a.m.) HAYDN The heavens are telling the glory of God. The wonder of His work displays the firmament. The wonder of His work displays the firmament. The day that is coming speaks to the day, The night that is gone to following night, The night that is gone to following night. In all the lands resounds the word, never unperceived, ever understood, ever, ever, ever understood. James 3:1-12 (New Testament, page 230 in your pew Bible) SERMON Speaking your mind? Donovan Drake (A moment for meditation) 5
*HYMN 451 Open My Eyes, That I May See OPEN MY EYES 6
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We serve humankind by discerning what God is doing in the world and joining God in God s work. We risk disagreement and error when we try to say what God is doing here and now. But we find guidance in God's deeds in the past and promises for the future, as they are witnessed to in Scripture. We affirm that the Lord is at work, especially in events and movements that free people by the gospel and advance justice, compassion and peace. (From A Declaration of Faith) PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. OFFERING THANKSGIVING Anthem (8:30 a.m.) A Prayer for Humility Mark Patterson Mighty God and gentle Lamb, Lord of all creation, how we long to know you, how we strive to serve you, help us now to love you even more. Give us humble hearts to praise you and list ning ears to hear your voice, willing hands to serve you, thankful spirits to rejoice. Lord of all, we adore you, and we bring this prayer before you: Create in us humble hearts. When our thoughts turn proud, remind us of the grace you freely give. When we lose our way, Lord, find us, draw us close to you again. Give us humble hearts to praise you and list ning ears to hear your voice, willing hands to serve you, thankful spirits to rejoice. Lord of all, we adore you, and we bring this prayer before you: Create in us humble hearts. Amen. 7
Anthem (11:00 a.m.) What Does the Lord Require? Eric Nelson What does the Lord require for praise and offering? What sacrifice, desire, or tribute bid you bring? To do justice; love mercy; and walk humbly, walk humbly with your God. Rulers of earth, give ear! Should you not justice know? Will God your pleading hear, while crime and cruelty grow? Then do justice; love mercy; and walk humbly, walk humbly with your God. How shall our life, how shall our life fulfill, fulfill God s law so high? Let Christ, let Christ endue our will, let Christ endue our will with grace. How shall our life, how shall our life fulfill God s law? What does the Lord require? What does the Lord require for praise and offering? What sacrifice, desire, or tribute bid you bring? To do justice; love mercy; and walk humbly, walk humbly with your God. *DOXOLOGY LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 8
*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. O God our Sovereign, author and giver of all good things, we thank you for all your mercies and for your loving care for all your creatures. We bless you for the gift of life, for your protection around us, for your guiding hand upon us, and for the tokens of your love within us. We are grateful for friendship and duty, for good hopes and precious memories, for the joys that cheer us and the trials that teach us to trust you. Most of all, we glorify you for the saving knowledge of your Child; for the living presence of your Spirit; for your Church, the body of Christ; for the ministry of word and sacrament and all the means of grace. In all things, O God, make us wise in the right use of your gifts and make of our lives, through all our days, an acceptable thanksgiving. Amen. *THE LORD S PRAYER (Singing together) (Please refer to the inside back cover of your hymnal for the words and music for this hymn.) 9
SENDING *HYMN 718 Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said BOURBON 10
*BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Psalm 19 Benedetto Marcello Fugue in C Jig, Bux WV 174 *(Those who are able may stand.) The flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of W. Miles Warfield, Sr. by his family. The flowers in the Parlor are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of the birthday of our dear friend, Katie Rose Malone by Brad, Courtney, Annie, Grace and Maddie Robers SERVICE NOTES Dietrich Buxtehude WORSHIP LEADERS: Liturgist: T.J. Piccolo, Associate Director of Youth; (8:30 a.m.) Lay liturgist: Fran Linley; (11:00 a.m.) Lay liturgist: Beth Moore. MUSICIANS: (8:30 a.m.) Laudate Youth Choir; (11:00 a.m.) Westminster Choir; John W. Semingson, Director of Music Ministries; Polly Brecht, Organist. USHERS: (8:30 a.m.) Ron Stanley, Sylvia Grant, Laura Stanley, Marc Stanley, Sarah Frances Stanley, David Wyatt (11:00 a.m.) Brett Oeser, Henry Oeser, Nicole Oeser. Please contact an usher if you need assistance. ANNOUNCEMENTS WELCOME: Westminster Presbyterian Church welcomes you to share our common journey to become more faithful disciples of Christ. Our love and acceptance of each other affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of our differences, and bear witness to the love of God for all people and our commitment to Christ. Any who are interested in joining us in this journey are invited to speak with one of our greeters, who will be in the Parlor after each service. The greeters for today are (8:30 a.m.) Ginger Caldwell, and (11:00 a.m.) Anne Carr. ASSISTIVE HEARING DEVICES AND LARGE-PRINT BULLETINS are available from Ushers. Please tune hearing devices to channel 1. If you would like to take a hearing device home with you, please contact Paul Webb in the church office at 615.292.5526. 11
THE RED ROSE IN THE CHANCEL this morning gives glory and thanksgiving to God for the birth of a son, Michael James II, born on September 4, 2018 to Anna and James Kaminski. ELDER NOMINATIONS for next year s class (the Class of 2022) are requested from Westminster members. Nominations may be made by completing a ballot form (1) in the Parlor by the wooden Ballot Box or (2) online at www.nashvillewpc.org and will be accepted until October 14, 2018. Following the end of nominations, the Church Nominating Committee will analyze the ballots and recommend a slate of elder candidates representing the demographics of the church as a whole (age, gender, service to the congregation and community, etc.). Photos and biographical information on nominees will be published in the December 2018 Community newsletter. Elections will be conducted at the February 3, 2019 congregational meeting. The new class of elders will begin their 3-year terms on May 1, 2019. For information on elder qualifications, go to http://oga.pcusa.org/section/mid-council-ministries/clp/. FALL NEW MEMBER CLASS CONTINUES TODAY! If you would like to learn more about Westminster, please join us. This week s class will focus on Every Member Has a Mission. To register, contact Trisha Biggs (615.292.5526; tbiggs@nashvillewpc.org) or speak with the Greeter in the Parlor following each service. CENTERING PRAYER brings us into the mystery of God in silence, as we clear our minds and hearts and open them to listen and receive. Be still and know that I am God, says the Psalmist. Come and be still, 9:00 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday or Thursday mornings in Room M-209. THE EVERY MEMBER HAS A MISSION FAIR IS TODAY! Fellowship Hall, 9:30 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 12:30 p.m. WE ALL HAVE A MISSION and are called to grow in the life of discipleship as we follow Jesus Christ. What is your mission? Come to find it, come to express it on September 16 th at the Every Member Has a Mission Fair! COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: The music used in the service this morning is copyrighted under Christian Copyright Licensing International, Inc., No. 11221525. WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 3900 West End Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37205-1899 615.292.5526 www.nashvillewpc.org 12