Services of Worship To Commemorate the 10 th Anniversary of September 11 September 11, 2011 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 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: CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: MUSIC STAFF: Gregory K. Jones, Head of Staff Anne R. Ledbetter, Associate Pastor Jill Getty, Pastoral Care Assistant Susan Moseley Debbie Brown Paul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and Handbells Section Leaders/Soloists: Diana Milburn, Susan Rheingans, Justin Gonzalez, Raymond Sambolin 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 Cathy Edge, Mike Enderle, Bill Kaye, Ann Shadduck 8:45 a.m. noon Child Care for Cribbery (birth toddler) 9:00 9:55 a.m. Worship with choir and organ After TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN, if you wish, your children may leave the Sanctuary and go to: Godly Care A unique opportunity for children ages 2-4 to get to know God through stories, crafts, songs and prayers. Classes are in Under Six Classrooms A and C. Godly Play Children in Kindergarten and 1 st 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 Under Six Classroom C. Hebrew Scouts Children in grades 2 and 3 will become Hebrew Scouts, experiencing the stories of the Israelite people. You may pick up your children in Under Six Classroom C. Treasure Seekers Children in grades 4 and 5 will begin with the story of Jesus baptism and continue with stories of Jesus ministry of teaching and healing. You may pick up your children in Under Six Classroom C. 10:10 a.m. Christian Education Open House for all ages in Community Hall 11:15 a.m. noon Worship. Children are always welcome in worship. Later Today 12:00 p.m. Flying Solo~Brandywine Arts Festival Brandywine Park 5:00 p.m. 180 Launch Community Hall and Cl. 6 6:00 p.m. Clean But Not Straight NA Club Room 8:00 p.m. AA Club Room 2
WORSHIP NOTES NEW: The upcoming Sunday Bulletin is available online at www.wpc.org/communications each Friday at 12:00 p.m. The flowers in the sanctuary today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Tatnall given by Martha and Henry Tatnall, Jr. 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 date for flowers is October 30. Where Did They Go? The two stained glass windows that have been removed from the sanctuary are being restored at Willet Hauser Architectural Glass in Minnesota. We hope to have them back by Christmas. Worship Resources You may obtain large print hymnals and hearing devices from any usher. Worship bags for children ages 3-6 and Kids Notes for ages 7-12 are available from the ushers. Kids Notes emphasize listening and seeing during worship. CONGREGATIONAL CARE AND PRAYER Please remember in your prayers: Those recently hospitalized: Danelle Kidd, Wally Johnson, Eleanor Thompson Pease. 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 Carol Baker, Wesley Wing and Bob Baker, HC, both of Methodist Country House, 4830 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807. Our brothers and sisters in worldwide ministry in Guatemala, Kenya, Congo and Israel/Palestine. Iraq and Afghanistan often seem far away, and we may neglect to realize that Americans, as well as Iraqis, 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: Richard Barnett, Leonard Kosicki, Ann Exline Starr The families of those from the U.S. who have died recently: Sergeant Brian Mowery, age 49, of Halifax, Pennsylvania Staff Sergeant Kenneth VanGiesen, age 30, of Erie, Pennsylvania Sergeant Edward Koehler, age 47, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania Staff Sergeant James Christen, age 29, of Loomis, California Sergeant Jacob Molina, age 27, of Houston, Texas Master Sergeant Benjamin Stevenson, age 36, of Canyon Lake, Texas Specialist Augustus Vicari, age 22, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 2nd Lieutenant Jered Ewy, age 33, of Edmond, Oklahoma Private 1st Class Brice Scott, age 22, of Columbus, Georgia Sergeant Dennis Kancler, age 26, of Brecksville, Ohio Staff Sergeant Patrick Dolphin, age 29, of Moscow, Pennsylvania 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 AT 9:00 A.M. PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Mighty God, there are many voices that urge us to live in fear of the stranger. Such fear prompts us to stereotype people of other ethnic groups, nationalities and religions as one-dimensional figures who have nothing in common with us. Yet, Jesus showed us another way. He commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Help us to see through our fears so that we may see each person as a child of God. Amen. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS ORGAN PRELUDE Toccata Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983) The dissonance of this contemporary piece evokes the tragedy of September 11 CALL TO WORSHIP Faith is fragile in a world plagued by suffering and evil. Hope is cautious in a world crucified by injustice and torn apart by violence. Our world is but a shadow of the greatness for which God created it. And yet we cling to the vision we discover in the Scriptures that God intends for the world to become a realm of justice and peace. *HYMN NO. 210 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past ST. ANNE Verses 1-5 CALL TO CONFESSION We are all God s children, created with a desire to love God and to love others as ourselves but sin tempts us to damage our deepest relationships. Let us confess the ways we alienate ourselves from God, from others and even from ourselves. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Mighty God, you create human beings in your image and call on us to respect what is sacred. Forgive our lack of charity toward people whose customs are different, or whose creeds are not identical to what we believe. Forgive our arrogance that claims God s truth, and refuses to consider new possibilities. Help us to be passionate about our faith in Christ, and to recognize and respect the common threads in other religions. SILENT PRAYER At the asterisk (*), please stand as you are able. 4
ASSURANCE OF GOD S FORGIVENESS TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Greg Jones ANTHEM Canticle of Comfort Randy Edwards Westminster Choir Raymond Sambolin, baritone Susan Rheingans, mezzo-sporano Comfort, my people; comfort, my child. I will never leave you, I will not forsake you; gather in my arms of love. I am your shepherd, now you need not want; A feast is spread for you. Even in the shadow of death you re not alone. Fear not, I am there. Come unto me, all you who are so weary, And I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; I will make your burden light. Let not your heart be troubled or afraid. I go to prepare a place for you, That where I am there you may also be; Welcome home my child! SCRIPTURE LESSON Romans 12:9-21 New Testament, page 142 Dede Johnston, Lay Liturgist SERMON Overcome Evil with Good Greg Jones *HYMN NO. 289 O God of Every Nation LLANGLOFFAN *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We believe in God: who created and is creating, who has come in the love of Jesus to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God and celebrate God s presence in our world. God calls us: to love and serve others; to seek justice and resist evil; to work for a world at peace. In life and death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God! 5
OFFERING During the offering, please sign your name and pass the red folder down your row. As folders are returned to the center aisle, note the names of fellow worshippers on your pew. OFFERTORY ANTHEM Truly, God Is Able Randy Edwards Truly, God is able to supply our ev ry need. By cool waters, clear and clean, God shall his children lead. Truly, God is able to hear our ev ry pray r. God is never far away; God is near to you today, and truly, God is able. *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymn No. 591) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE LORD S PRAYER (page 16 in The Presbyterian Hymnal, using debts and debtors ) *HYMN NO. 450 O Day of Peace JERUSALEM *PASSING OF THE PEACE BENEDICTION CHORAL POSTLUDE Lord, Let Us Now Depart in Peace George Whelpton GOING FORTH If you are visiting with us for the first time, we invite you to meet today s ambassador, Charlene Weaver, at the back of the sanctuary. She will have a gift for you, and can share information regarding our many ministries for children, youth and adults. 6
ORDER OF WORSHIP AT 11:15 A.M. Preparation for Worship Mighty God, there are many voices that urge us to live in fear of the stranger. Such fear prompts us to stereotype people of other ethnic groups, nationalities and religions as onedimensional figures who have nothing in common with us. Yet, Jesus showed us another way. He commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Help us to see through our fears so that we may see each person as a child of God. Amen. Welcome and Announcements Opening Words *Songs of Celebration O God, Our Help in Ages Past ST. ANNE Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home: Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received its frame, From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same. Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guard while life shall last, And our eternal home. As the Deer 7
Call to Confession Response (First time: soloist, second time: all) Prayer of Confession One: Mighty God, you create human beings in your image and call on us to respect what is sacred. Forgive our lack of charity toward people whose customs are different, or whose creeds are not identical to what we believe. All: Response One: Forgive our arrogance that claims God s truth, and refuses to consider new possibilities. All: Response Silent Prayer One: Help us to be passionate about our faith in Christ, and to recognize and respect the common threads in other religions. Assurance of God s Forgiveness Children s Time Greg Jones Scripture Lesson Romans 12:9-21 New Testament, page 142 John Gavenonis, Lay Liturgist Sermon Overcome Evil with Good Greg Jones Offering During the offering, please sign your name and pass the red folder down your row. As folders are returned to the center aisle, note the names of fellow worshippers on your pew. 8
Offertory Anthem Canticle of Comfort Vocal Ensemble 9
Prayers of the People During the singing, you are invited to come forward to light a candle on the communion table. The candle you light may represent for you a way of remembering those who perished on September 11 th or those who lost loved ones or your personal commitment to strive for peace the possibilities are endless. Whatever is on your heart today, express it to God. Lighting a candle is a visual representation of your prayer. Lord s Prayer (page 16 in The Presbyterian Hymnal, using debts and debtors ) *Passing of the Peace *Benediction *Closing Song Let There Be Peace on Earth 10
Let s Build Two Houses on our Front Lawn! Habitat Road Show Build - Westminster s front lawn Saturday, September 24. We will work in two-hour shifts, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to hammer together the framing sections for two homes for the Mathias and Baker families, recipients of homes from the June 2011 Bike 2 Build event in memory of Chad and Chris Miller. Come be part of this terrific event, and remember to wear your red Bike 2 Build t-shirt or pick one up if you don t already have one. Volunteer sign-up forms are available on the main literature table at the church. Pictured on right: Our last Habitat build on the church lawn back in 2007. 11
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPEN HOUSE THIS MORNING, 10:10 11:00 A.M. IN COMMUNITY HALL COME EXPLORE, ASK QUESTIONS, AND SIGN UP FOR SPECIFIC CLASSES. Proceeds Benefit: Grab your running shoes as we celebrate WPC's 125th anniversary with a Family 5K Run/Walk! Our Honorary Chairs will be at the starting line at 1:00 p.m.! Registration forms are available online at www.wpc.org or on the main literature table by the front desk. and For questions or if you would like to volunteer on the day of the race, contact Cindy Love (LovesDE@comcast.net) or Sally McBride (sfmcbride@comcast.net). 12