FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS A congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Organized in 1855 Heritage There is no principle of the heart that is more acceptable to God than a universal fervent love to all mankind, wishing and praying for their happiness. William Law SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY FEBRUARY 9, 2014 11:00 AM 302 N. Dunton Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-255-5900 www.fpcah.org mail@fpcah.org
The prelude is your invitation to quiet preparation for the worship of Almighty God. GATHERING AS GOD S PEOPLE PRELUDE A Song of Glory Jerry van der Pol Leaning on the Everlasting Arms Albin Whitworth Chuck Beech, piano; Chris Urban, organ WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP One: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy! All: For you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon the earth. One: Let all the peoples praise you, O God! All: The earth has brought forth its increase; our God has blessed us. One: Let us worship God! HYMN 667 When Morning Gilds the Skies Laudes Domini CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION Most gracious and most merciful God, we confess to you and to one another that time after time we have entered your presence with countless prayers but with hearts that have been closed to your grace. We have lifted our hands to you in praise, but our feet have still walked in the ways of evil. We have rehearsed your commandments but have refused to see your face in the needs of our neighbor. We pray, Lord, that you forgive our lack of faith and pardon our acts of injustice. Grant us the healing that comes from your presence and the cleansing of your allpowerful Word, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION in Jesus name we pray. Amen. WORDS OF FORGIVENESS One: The Lord is merciful and gracious, All: slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. One: As a father has compassion for his children, All: so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. One: Friends, believe in the good news of the Gospel! All: Praise God! In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! GLORIA PATRI (Hymn 581) 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. PASSING THE PEACE One: The Peace of Jesus Christ be with you. All: And also with you. One: Let us share the peace of Christ with one another.
COMMUNITY LIFE South Dakota Mission Cathy and Eleanore Clemmer HEARING GOD S WORD PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Genesis 18:17-21 (Pew Bible, Old Testament, p. 14) The Word of the Lord/Thanks be to God! ANTHEM Go Not Far From Me, O God Nicola Antonio Zingarelli Go not far from me, O God, cast me not away in the time of age: forsake me not when my strength faileth me. O let my mouth be filled with Thy praise: that I may sing Thy glory and honor all the day long. The Chancel Choir SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Genesis 18:23-33 (Pew Bible, Old Testament, p. 14) The Word of the Lord/Thanks be to God! SERMON The Grand Bargain TIME OF SILENT REFLECTION AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (excerpt from the Brief Statement of Faith) In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God s new heaven and new earth, praying, Come, Lord Jesus! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. HYMN 741 Guide My Feet Guide My Feet GIVING THANKS TO GOD PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE LORD S 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. OFFERING
OFFERTORY The Heavens Are Telling Joseph Haydn The heavens are telling the glory of God, the wonder of his work displays the firmament; Today that is coming speaks it the day, the night that is gone to following night, the night that is gone to following night. The heavens are telling the glory of God, the wonder of his work displays the firmament. The Chancel Choir; Katy Wells, Nick Pulikowski, Adam Hendrickson, trio DOXOLOGY (Hymn 606) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING GOING FORTH IN GOD S NAME HYMN 714 God of the Fertile Fields Italian Hymn BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Toccata Brevis Daniel Gathrop Please stand as you are able. Preaching: Liturgist: Greeters: Ushers: Flowers: Bill and Diana Hellyer and family; Aaron, Carrie, and Olivia Mikulsky David Crim (head usher), Nancy Foreman, Frank Morrone, Kirsten Olson, Andy Wendle Betty Lou Bukowski Honoring the memory of Bob Bukowski s parents, Trudy and Peter Bukowski,, Barbara Gorsky Christopher Urban Pastors: Organist: Choir Director: Royce Eckhardt Director of Music Programs: Adam Hendrickson
WELCOME, GUESTS! Thank you for worshiping with us this morning. Please sign the Friendship Pad and pass it along the pew, and introduce yourself to those around you after the service. Then stop by the Welcome Center in the Narthex to pick up information that will acquaint you with our church services and programs. If you have questions, members of the Welcomers Corps will be there to answer them. You are also invited to join the conversation on Facebook, at facebook.com/fpcah, and Twitter, at @FirstPresAH. We look forward to connecting with you again. CHILD CARE Children of all ages are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate in worship. Child care is available (infants through age four) in the Christian Education Wing (8:15 am 12:15 pm). We encourage 3- and 4-year-olds to participate in Preschool Sunday School, offered from 9:45 to 10:45 am. CLASSES FOR ALL AGES From September through May, Sunday morning Christian education classes are held for all ages. These include classes for preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school students, as well as education and discussion groups for adults. Children s and youth education, as well as adult classes, take place from 9:45 to10:45 am. Check the adult education brochure for course titles, dates, and times. To learn more, visit fpcah.org or call the church office at 847-255- 5900. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE Large print bulletins, large print hymnals, and hearing amplifiers are available from the ushers. WORSHIP BAGS Worship bags for young worshipers (ages 3-12 years) are available outside the Sanctuary and in the Chapel. The bags contain items designed to guide active participation in the service and learning about worship. Please return the bags to the basket as you leave. IMPORTANT WORSHIP REMINDERS Please silence cell phones and refrain from taking photos or recording worship services. A weekly webcast of the 11:00 am service is available at fpcah.org/ webcast. Audio CD recordings of 11:00 am worship are available in the church office. To download a podcast of today s sermon, visit the Worship page at fpcah.org.