Pride Month LGBTQAI+ Book Recommendations

Posted on Oct 16, 2023 in Uncategorized |

1. A Time to Embrace: Same-Gender Relationships in Religion, Law, and Politics William Stacy Johnson

As rhetoric continues to heat up on both sides of the debate over same-gender unions, clearly reasoned statements are in short supply. Watching this debate unfold, William Stacy Johnson found that he could be silent no longer. The result is this finely honed book.

In A Time to Embrace Johnson presents a brilliant analysis of the religious, legal, and political stakes in the debates over gay marriage, civil unions, and the place of committed gay couples in a democratic society. Carefully weighing the pros and cons from across the moral and religious spectrum, Johnson here offers a fresh, thought-provoking examination of one of the most controversial issues in the West today.

2. UnClobber, Expanded Edition with Study Guide By: Colby Martin

Armed with only six passages in the Bible—often known as the “Clobber Passages”—the conservative Christian position has been one that stands against the full inclusion of our LGBTQ siblings. UnClobber reexamines each of those frequently quoted passages of Scripture, alternating with author Colby Martin’s own story of being fired from an evangelical megachurch when they discovered his stance on sexuality.

UnClobber reexamines what the Bible says (and does not say) about homosexuality in such a way that sheds divine light on outdated and inaccurate assumptions and interpretations. This new edition equips study

3. Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality, Revised and Expanded Edition by Jack Rogers

In this revised and expanded bestseller, Rogers argues for equal rights in both the church and society for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people. He describes how he moved away from opposition to support, charts the church’s history of using biblical passages to oppress marginalized groups, argues for a Christ-centered reading of Scripture, debunks stereotypes about gays and lesbians, and explores texts used most frequently against homosexuals and gay ordination.

In this newly revised edition, he maps the recent progress of major U.S. denominations toward full equality for LGBT persons, adds a new chapter that examines how Scripture is best interpreted by Jesus’ redemptive life and ministry, and updates his own efforts and experiences. The book also includes a guide for group study or personal reflection.

4. The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, New Edition with Study Guide: An Evangelical’s Change of Heart by Mark Achtemeier

In the early 2000’s, Mark Achtemeier embarked on a personal journey with the Bible that led him from being a conservative, evangelical opponent of gay rights to an outspoken activist for gay marriage and a fully inclusive church. In The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, Achtemeier shares what led to his change of heart: the problems with excluding groups of people and the insights into the Bible’s message that led him to recognize the fullness of God’s love and support for LGBT persons. Readers will discover how reading snippets of Scripture out of context has led to false and misleading interpretations of the Bible’s message for gay people. Achtemeier shows how a careful reading of the whole Scripture reveals God’s good news about love, marriage, and sexuality for gay and straight people alike.

This new edition includes a study guide and a new introduction from the author that reflects on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and changes within the church. Perfect for groups or self-reflection, the study guide directs readers over four sessions to explore both Achtemeier’s book and the Bible.

5. Transforming, Updated and Expanded Edition with Study Guide by Austen Hartke

In 2014, Time magazine announced that America had reached “the transgender tipping point,” suggesting that transgender issues would become the next civil rights frontier. Years later, many people—even many LGBTQIA+ allies—still lack understanding of gender identity and the transgender experience. Into this void, trans biblical scholar Austen Hartke brings a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to shed light and wisdom on gender expansiveness and Christian theology. This new edition offers updated terminology and statistics, plus new materials for congregational study, preaching, and pastoral care.

Transforming deftly weaves ancient and modern stories that will change the way readers think about gender, the Bible, and the faith to which Jesus calls us. Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the language, understanding, confidence, and tools to change both the church and the world.

Order of Worship 10-15-23

Posted on Oct 11, 2023 in Bulletin, Orders of Worship |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

October 15th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart

Lay Leader: Denis McCrea

Please silence all cell phones.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL HYMN [Blue #414] [GTG#712]

“As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought”

1 As those of old their firstfruits brought of vineyard, flock, and field

to God, the giver of all good, the source of bounteous yield,

so we today our firstfruits bring, the wealth of this good land:

of farm and market, shop and home, of mind and heart and hand.

3 In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today,

to serve your cause and share your love with all along life’s way.

O God who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ your Son,

help us to give ourselves each day until life’s work is done.

WORDS OF WELCOME

DEACON MINUTE/MINUTE FOR MISSION: Bill Bottomley

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Isa. 25:6–7

ONE: The Lord will make a feast for all people

MANY: and destroy the power of death forever.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of the people, your servant Ruth showed great love when she clung to Naomi. Teach us to show great compassion, and to turn to you when we are in need. Amen.

HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#330] [GTG #50]

“Deep in the Shadows of the Past”

1 Deep in the shadows of the past,

far out from settled lands,

some nomads traveled with their God

across the desert sands.

The dawning hope of humankind

by them was sensed and shown:

a promise calling them ahead,

a future yet unknown.

2 While others bowed to changeless gods,

they met a mystery,

invisible, without a name:

“I AM WHAT I WILL BE”;

and by their tents, around their fires

in story, song, and law,

they praised, remembered, handed on

a past that promised more.

3 From Exodus to Pentecost

the promise changed and grew,

while some, remembering the past,

recorded what they knew,

or with their letters and laments,

their prophecy and praise,

recovered, kindled, and expressed

new hope for changing days.

4 For all the writings that survived,

for leaders, long ago,

who sifted, copied, and preserved

the Bible that we know,

give thanks, and find its story yet

our promise, strength, and call,

the model of emerging faith,

alive with hope for all.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#324]

“For All the Faithful Women”

For all the faithful women who served in days of old,

to you shall thanks be given; to all, their story told.

They served with strength and gladness in tasks your wisdom gave.

To you their lives bore witness, proclaimed your pow’r to save.

We praise your name for Miriam, who sang triumphantly

while Pharaoh’s vaunted army lay drowned beneath the sea;

for Ruth, who left her homeland and ventured forth in faith,

who pledged to serve and worship Naomi’s God till death.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O Lord our God, you call us to proclaim your gospel, but we remain silent in the presence of evil. You call us to be reconciled to you and one another, but we are content to live in separation. You call us to seek the good of all, but we fail to resist the powers of oppression. You call us to bring liberty for the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. You call us to fight pretensions and injustice, but we sit idly by, endangering the lives of people far and near.

Forgive us, Lord. Reconcile us to you by your Spirit, and give us the courage and strength to be reconciled to others; through Jesus Christ. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#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.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible OT 230 or 241] Ruth 1:1-17

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there for about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons or her husband.

Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had had consideration for his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, ‘Go back each of you to your mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband.’ Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. They said to her, ‘No, we will return with you to your people.’ But Naomi said, ‘Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the Lord has turned against me.’ Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

So she said, ‘See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.’ But Ruth said,

‘Do not press me to leave you

or to turn back from following you!

Where you go, I will go;

where you lodge, I will lodge;

your people shall be my people,

and your God my God.

Where you die, I will die—

there will I be buried.

May the Lord do thus and so to me,

and more as well,

if even death parts me from you!’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON: “Where You Go, I Will Go” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “Westminster Shorter Catechism”

ONE: What is the main purpose for humanity?

MANY: The main purpose for humanity is to glorify and enjoy God forever.

ONE: What rule has God given to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God?

MANY: The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is the only rule to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God.

ONE: What do the Scriptures mainly teach?
MANY: The Scriptures mainly teach what we are to believe about God, and what duty God requires of us.

ONE: How many Persons are there in the Trinity?
MANY: There are three Persons in the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

ONE: What is Sin?

MANY: Sin is any lack of obedience to, or violation of, the law of God.

ONE: Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
MANY: The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continues to be, God and human, in two distinct natures, and one Person forever.

ONE: How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
MANY:The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY God Moves in a Mysterious Way by Raymond H. Haan

DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

THE 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.

HYMN [BLUE#482 [GTG#35] “Praise Ye The Lord, The Almighty”

1 Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!

All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near;

join me in glad adoration!

2 Praise ye the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,

shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!

Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been

granted in what he ordaineth?

3 Praise ye the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!

All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!

Let the amen sound from his people again;

gladly for aye we adore him.

PARTING PRAYER

O come to me, O servant Lord, pour water in your bowl, and wash my feet. I am bold to ask this because of my longing for fellowship with you. Wash my feet, then, and be my companion. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#406] “We Are Standing On Holy Ground”

We are standing on holy ground

And I know there are angels all around

Let us praise Jesus now

We are standing in his presence On holy ground

POSTLUDE LOBE DE HERREN setting by Noel Rawsthorne

Announcements 10-15-23

Posted on Oct 11, 2023 in Announcements |

Announcements:

PROGRAM OF HOPE: October is our month for the Program of Hope. We will be making sandwiches and bagging lunches at 2:00 PM every Tuesday in October except Oct. 31st.

MATTHEW 25: Tuesdays in October we will be presenting another program on the Matthew 25 initiative. Join us for this wonderful program at 12:30 PM in the Library. After the program you are welcome to join us in making sandwiches for Program of Hope. More information to come so mark your calendar now.

Books On Gratitude: As Fall approaches, our thoughts begin to turn to the upcoming Holidays. As we start to prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving and Christmas this is the perfect time to reflect on Gratitude. How do we live a life of Gratitude for what God has done for us? As Christians our gratitude goes beyond a list of things we are thankful for and turns our hearts to action. The first three books recommended by Christian Education Director for this month will help us to learn to live a life of Gratitude and the last two books will help us to understand that being thankful leads to action to give back to God through our time, tallents, and tithe. TOct. 15th God’s Abundant Table by Cynthia M. Campbell Goodnough (Editor) According to John Calvin, the true church was wherever the Word was rightly preached and the sacraments rightly administered. Put another way, church happens when believers gather to tell the story and break the bread. In God’s Abundant Table, Cynthia Campbell begins with the premise that the Eucharist (the ‘thanksgiving meal’ of the church) is far more than a re-enactment of the meal in the Upper Room. Rightly understood, the Lord’s Supper is connected to Jesus’ entire ministry, to the entire story of God’s relationship with God’s people, to our everyday meals and to the ministry to which each of us is called as Christ’s followers.

This reflection on key biblical texts and a six-session study guide, will invite you to discover the many connections in the Bible between what we do in the Lord’s Supper, what it means to be in relationship with God, and how God would have us live every day.

Pledge Drive: The Annual Pledge drive is starting soon. Be on the lookout for your pledge letter and card in the mail. Please send in your pledge card by November 5th, even if you are unable to pledge at this time.

Pictures: Do you have pictures of recent church events? We would love to have a copy too. Please share your pictures with Louise via email or text so we can add them to the slides.

PLAYSCHOOL: As always the Playschool is keeping busy. Here are few ways you can get involved:

We are collecting candy and snacks in the narthex, church office, and playschool office for Trunk or Treat on Oct. 27th.
Oct 18th Cane’s fundraiser at the Canes 4036 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002 Just say you are with John Calvin and the playschool will receive a portion of the sales that day.
The Annual gift wrap and cookie fundraiser will be starting on Oct. 20th. So be on the lookout for more information soon.

Food Drive: The Presbyterian Women are sponsoring a Fall Food Drive from Sunday, Oct 15th – Sunday Oct 22nd. This year the food will be given to Jefferson Presbyterian Church Food Bank, an USDA certified food bank. The food is distributed twice a month – the first and third Saturdays, servicing between 120 and 140 clients each Saturday. This is the only food bank in the area that is open on Saturday. Donations come mainly from Second Harvest with other churches, groups and individuals contributing. We would appreciate your support.Boxes will be provided to receive your donations. Should you choose to make a monetary donation please make the check out to the church and indicate that it is for the Food Drive.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: Pastor Aaron will be attending Homebrewed Christianity’s Theology Conference: the God-Pods Strike Back, October 19th to the 22nd.

CANTATA REHEARSAL: While Christmas still seems far off, rehearsals for the Christmas Canta are just around the corner. We will be starting Wednesday evening rehearsals in November so be on the lookout for more information and plan to join us.

CALENDAR

10/15 – 10:30 AM – Worship W/Children’s Church

10/16 – 9:00 PM – Bible Time for 3’s in their classroom

1:00 PM – Staff Meeting

6:30 PM – Session Meeting

10/17 – 9:30 AM – Bible Time PreK – TK

10:00 AM – Grace Circle

12:30 PM – Mathew 25

2:00 PM – Making Sandwiches for Program of Hope

10/18 – 8:00 AM – Program of Hope

Noon – 8:00 PM – Playschool Cane’s Fundraiser

2:30 PM – EJICA

10/19 – 10:00 AM – COM Nola Cluster

10/20 – Office Closed

10/22 – 9:15 AM – Sunday School – Adults in the Library / Fellowship Time for Elementary Youth

10:30 AM – Worship Children’s Church

“Saved to Serve” 2024 Pledge Campaign

Posted on Oct 5, 2023 in Uncategorized |

Order of Worship 10-08-23

Posted on Oct 4, 2023 in Bulletin, Orders of Worship |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

October 8th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart

Lay Leader: Carolyn Calvin

Please silence all cell phones.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE Improvisation on TWO OAKS

PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#326] [GTG#688]

“Spirit Of God, Descend Upon My Heart”

1 Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;

wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;

stoop to my weakness, mighty as thou art,

and make me love thee as I ought to love.

2 I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,

no sudden rending of the veil of clay,

no angel visitant, no opening skies;

but take the dimness of my soul away.

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR THE CHURCH Linda Lowry Pledge Campaign

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Hab. 2:1, 4

ONE: Keep watch for a word from the Lord.

MANY:The righteous will live by their faith.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Loving Lord, you gave commandments to your people as a gift. Teach us to be obedient to your word and to care for each other as we do your will. Amen.

HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#330] [GTG #50]

“Deep in the Shadows of the Past”

1 Deep in the shadows of the past,

far out from settled lands,

some nomads traveled with their God

across the desert sands.

The dawning hope of humankind

by them was sensed and shown:

a promise calling them ahead,

a future yet unknown.

2 While others bowed to changeless gods,

they met a mystery,

invisible, without a name:

“I AM WHAT I WILL BE”;

and by their tents, around their fires

in story, song, and law,

they praised, remembered, handed on

a past that promised more.

3 From Exodus to Pentecost

the promise changed and grew,

while some, remembering the past,

recorded what they knew,

or with their letters and laments,

their prophecy and praise,

recovered, kindled, and expressed

new hope for changing days.

4 For all the writings that survived,

for leaders, long ago,

who sifted, copied, and preserved

the Bible that we know,

give thanks, and find its story yet

our promise, strength, and call,

the model of emerging faith,

alive with hope for all.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG #453]

“Open Your Ears, O Faithful People (453)”

Open your ears, O faithful people,

open your ears and hear God’s word.

Open your hearts, O royal priesthood,

God has come to you.

God has spoken to the people, Hallelujah!

God has spoken words of wisdom, Hallelujah!

God has spoken to the people, Hallelujah!

God has spoken words of wisdom, Hallelujah!

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Forgive us, Lord. Reconcile us to you by your Spirit, and give us the courage and strength to be reconciled to others; through Jesus Christ. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#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.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible OT 156 or 162] Deut. 5:1-21; 6:4-9

Moses convened all Israel, and said to them:

Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I am addressing to you today; you shall learn them and observe them diligently. The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. Not with our ancestors did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today. The Lord spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the fire. (At that time I was standing between the Lord and you to declare to you the words of the Lord; for you were afraid because of the fire and did not go up the mountain.) And he said:

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.

You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

Observe the sabbath day and keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. For six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, or your son or your daughter, or your male or female slave, or your ox or your donkey, or any of your livestock, or the resident alien in your towns, so that your male and female slave may rest as well as you. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day.

Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

You shall not murder.

Neither shall you commit adultery.

Neither shall you steal.

Neither shall you bear false witness against your neighbor.

Neither shall you covet your neighbor’s wife.

Neither shall you desire your neighbor’s house, or field, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON: “Big Ten” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Heidelberg Catechism: BOC 4.001

ONE: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

MANY: That I belong body and soul, in life and in death not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY You Shall Love the Lord Your God

by Victoria Davison and Rudy Lupinski

You shall love the Lord your God with

all your heart and soul and mind and strength:

This is the greatest commandment. (Repeat)

And the second commandment is like it:

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

On these two commandments

the whole law is based, and the prophets as well.

Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!

Therefore, you shall love the Lord your God

with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.

This is the greatest commandment. (Repeat)

And the second commandment is like it:

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN [GTG#519] “You are My Strength When I Am Weak”

You are my strength when I am weak; you are the treasure that I seek;

you are my all in all.

When I fall down you pick me up.

When I am dry you fill my cup.

You are my all in all.

Jesus, lamb of God, worthy is your name.

PARTING PRAYER Based on a prayer of Origen (c. 185-254)

O come to me, O servant Lord, pour water in your bowl, and wash my feet. I am bold to ask this because of my longing for fellowship with you. Wash my feet, then, and be my companion. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#406] “We Are Standing On Holy Ground”

We are standing on holy ground

And I know there are angels all around

Let us praise Jesus now

We are standing in his presence On holy ground

POSTLUDE “You Are My All” in All by Jernigan, arr. Tornquist

Announcements 10-08-23

Posted on Oct 4, 2023 in Announcements |

Announcements:

PROGRAM OF HOPE: October is our month for the Program of Hope. We will be making sandwiches and bagging lunches at 2:00 PM every Tuesday in October except Oct. 31st.

Books On Gratitude: As Fall approaches, our thoughts begin to turn to the upcoming Holidays. As we start to prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving and Christmas this is the perfect time to reflect on Gratitude. How do we live a life of Gratitude for what God has done for us? As Christians our gratitude goes beyond a list of things we are thankful for and turns our hearts to action. The first three books recommended by Christian Education Director for this month will help us to learn to live a life of Gratitude and the last two books will help us to understand that being thankful leads to action to give back to God through our time, tallents, and tithe. The Way of Gratitude: Readings for a Joyful Life – by Michael Leach (Editor), James Keane (Editor), Doris Goodnough (Editor) A hundred famous writers share their experiences, essays, fiction, poems, meditations, and inspired ideas on the joy of being thankful. These honest and heartfelt writings will add gladness to your days. Contributors include Wendell Berry, David Brooks, Joan Chittister, James Martin, Thich Nhat Hanh, Henri Nouwen, Mary Oliver, Richard Rohr, Joyce Rupp, David Steindl-Rast, Rowan Williams, and many others whose spiritual perceptions already bring joy and faith to millions

BLOOD DRIVE: We are excited to be hosting a Blood Drive for Vivian Peranio. Vivian is a 3 year old girl who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia last year. This drive will be around the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis. She is now in the maintenance phase, meaning the worst of the chemo is over, but the blood center and her family are continuing to host blood drives to help not only Viv, but other children in similar circumstances. Even if you cannot give blood we can use your help with snacks or registration. Please speak with Sharon or Sue about volunteering. To sign up ahead of time please use the QR code on the bulletin board.

BIRTHDAYS: Joan Albright 10/7, Larry Wise 10/9, Brendan Isham 10/9, Suzanne 10/15

PLAYSCHOOL: As usual the Playschool is keeping busy. Here are few ways you can get involved and activities to be aware of:

Trunk Or Treat is right around the corner on Oct 27th. We are collecting candy and snacks in the narthex, church office, and playschool office.
Oct 18th Cane’s fundraiser at the Canes 4036 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002 Just say you are with John Calvin and the playschool will receive a portion of the sales that day.
The Annual gift wrap and cookie fundraiser will be starting on Oct. 20th. So be on the lookout for more information soon.
The playschool will be hosting a Firetruck in the parking lot on Oct. 11th for fire safety week.

Pictures: Do you have pictures of recent church events? We would love to have a copy too. Please share your pictures with Louise via email or text so we can add them to the slides.

Boxes will be provided to receive your donations. Should you choose to make a monetary donation please make the check out to the church and indicate that it is for the Food Drive.

Calendar

10/8 – 10:30 AM – Worship W/Children’s Church

10/9 – 2:00 PM – Outreach Committee Meeting

10/10 – 9:30 AM – Bible Time PreK – TK

12:30 PM – Mathew 25

2:00 PM – Making Sandwiches for Program of Hope

10/11 – 8:00 AM – Program of Hope

– Fire Truck Visiting the playschool for Fire Safety week.

10/12 – 10:00 AM – Game Day

10/6 – Set-up for Blood Drive in Evening

10/14 – 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall

10/15 – 9:15 AM – Sunday School – Adults in the Library

Fellowship Time for Elementary Youth

9:30 PM – Sunday School for Youth in Fellowship Hall

10:30 AM – Worship Children’s Church

2:00 PM – Fellowship Hall in Use

Order of Worship 10-1-23

Posted on Sep 27, 2023 in Bulletin, Orders of Worship |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

World Communion Sunday

October 1st, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart and Rev. Susan Lassalle

Please silence all cell phones.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE Improvisation on Bicentennial

PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#281] [GTG#65]

“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”

1 Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land.

I am weak, but thou art mighty. Hold me with thy powerful hand.

Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,

feed me till I want no more; feed me till I want no more.

2 Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow.

Let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through.

Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,

be thou still my strength and shield; be thou still my strength and shield.

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR MISSION Peace and Global Witness

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

ONE: We gather from the west to the east, from the south to the north,

MANY: to celebrate the God of peace who accompanies us in our acts of peace.

ONE: This God of peace accompanies us in each and every circumstance around us.

MANY: We praise God’s name! Amen!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of deliverance, you called Moses to be your hands, feet, and voice in a troubled world. Teach us how to work, walk, and speak your word in a troubled world. Amen.

HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#330] [GTG #50]

“Deep in the Shadows of the Past”

1 Deep in the shadows of the past, far out from settled lands,

some nomads traveled with their God across the desert sands.

The dawning hope of humankind by them was sensed and shown:

a promise calling them ahead, a future yet unknown.

2 While others bowed to changeless gods, they met a mystery,

invisible, without a name: “I AM WHAT I WILL BE”;

and by their tents, around their fires in story, song, and law,

they praised, remembered, handed on a past that promised more.

3 From Exodus to Pentecost the promise changed and grew,

while some, remembering the past, recorded what they knew,

or with their letters and laments, their prophecy and praise,

recovered, kindled, and expressed new hope for changing days.

4 For all the writings that survived, for leaders, long ago,

who sifted, copied, and preserved the Bible that we know,

give thanks, and find its story yet our promise, strength, and call,

the model of emerging faith, alive with hope for all.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG #530] “One Bread, One Body”

One bread, one body, one Lord of all

One cup of blessing which we bless

And we, though many, throughout the Earth

We are one body in this one Lord

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Forgive us, Lord. Reconcile us to you by your Spirit, and give us the courage and strength to be reconciled to others; through Jesus Christ. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#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.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE

[Pew Bible OT 47 or 48] Exodus 1:8-14

Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, ‘Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.’ Therefore they set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. They built supply cities, Pithom and Rameses, for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the Israelites, and made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick and in every kind of field labor. They were ruthless in all the tasks that they imposed on them.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

MEDITATION: “Bread of Freedom” Rev. Aaron Ochart

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT 48 or 51] Mark 14:22-25

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

MEDITATION: “Partaking Together!” Rev. Susan Lassalle

RESPONSE

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Nicene Creed (Eccumenical)

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Follow the Drinking Gourd arr. Victor Johnson

DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

ONE: … Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

MANY: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory…

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

ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

HYMN [BLUE#563] [GTG#339] “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

1 Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring,

ring with the harmonies of liberty.

Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies;

let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us;

sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

let us march on, till victory is won.

2 Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod,

felt in the days when hope unborn had died.

Yet, with a steady beat, have not our weary feet

come to the place for which our parents sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered;

we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,

out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last

where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

3 God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,

thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;

thou who hast by thy might led us into the light,

keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee;

lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee;

shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand,

true to our God, true to our native land.

PARTING PRAYER

Gracious God, we offer our thanks, for the whole communion of saint’s witness to this feast, and for the ministry of churches around the world who gather with us today. By this broken bread may we each be restored for the work yet to come. By this shared cup may we each be claimed for the proclamation of your Kindom. At this shared table may we be united as children of your promise, children of your word, dying and made new again, sent boldly together into the world as servants of your peace. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#406] “We Are Standing On Holy Ground”

We are standing on holy ground

And I know there are angels all around

Let us praise Jesus now

We are standing in his presence On holy ground

POSTLUDE Lift Every Voice and Sing by J. Rosamond Johnson

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor John Calvin Presbyterian; Rev. Susan Lassalle, Pastor Little Farms UCC Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland, Mike Fortin, Cam and Bri Mayfield, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service.

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

The Rev. Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

For more information, visit our website at www.JohnCalvinChurch.org

or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

Announcements 10-1-23

Posted on Sep 27, 2023 in Announcements |

Announcements:

PROGRAM OF HOPE: October is our month for the Program of Hope. We will be making sandwiches and bagging lunches at 2:00 PM every Tuesday in October except Oct. 31st.

If gratitude is good, why is it so hard to do? In Grateful, Diana Butler Bass untangles our conflicting understandings of gratitude and sets the table for a renewed practice of giving thanks.

We know that gratitude is good, but many of us find it hard to sustain a meaningful life of gratefulness. In Grateful, cultural observer and theologian Diana Butler Bass takes on this “gratitude gap” and offers up surprising, relevant, and powerful insights to practice gratitude. Using her trademark blend of historical research, spiritual insights, and timely cultural observation, she shows how we can overcome this gap and make change in our own lives and in the world. Bass reclaims gratitude as a path to greater connection with god, with others, with the world, and even with our own souls. It’s time to embrace a more radical practice of gratitude—the virtue that heals us and helps us thrive.

PEACE AND GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING: We will be collecting for the Peace and Global Witness offering this week and next week. A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of conflict and injustice across the world. Individual congregations are encouraged to utilize up to 25% of this Offering to connect with the global witness of Christ’s peace. Mid councils retain an additional 25% for ministries of peace and reconciliation. The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness.

BIRTHDAYS: Evelyn Tobey 10/1, Lauren Cali 10/2, Lousie Ochart 10/4

Calendar

10/1 – 10:30 AM – Worship Offering for Peace and Global Witness

Children’s Church

10/2 – 9:00 AM – Bible time for 3’s in their classroom

1:00 PM – Staff Meeting

6:30 PM – C.E. Meeting via zoom

10/3 – 9:30 AM – Bible Time PreK – TK

12:30 PM – Mathew 25

2:00 PM – Making Sandwiches for Program of Hope

10/4 – 8:00 AM – Program of Hope

10/5 – 10:00 AM – P.W. Council Meeting

10/6 – Office Closed

10/7 – Fellowship Hall in Use

10/8 – 9:15 AM – Sunday School

Adults in the Library

Fellowship Time for the Youth Fellowship Hall

10:30 AM – Worship Offering for Peace and Global Witness

Children’s Church

2:00 PM – Fellowship Hall in Use

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: We have a brief congregational meeting after the service on Oct. 8th to elect the nominating committee.

PLAYSCHOOL: Trunk Or Treat is right around the corner. We are collecting candy and snacks in the narthex, church office, and playschool office. Also the playschool will be starting their annual gift wrap and cookie fundraiser soon so be on the lookout for more information soon.

Gratitude Reading Recommendations

Posted on Sep 26, 2023 in Uncategorized |

As Fall approaches, our thoughts begin to turn to the upcoming Holidays. As we start to prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving and Christmas this is the perfect time to reflect on Gratitude. How do we live a life of Gratitude for what God has done for us? As Christians our gratitude goes beyond a list of things we are thankful for and turns our hearts to action. The first three books recommended by Christian Education Director for this month will help us to learn to live a life of Gratitude and the last two books will help us to understand that being thankful leads to action to give back to God through our time, tallents, and tithe.

Oct 1st. Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks by Diana Butler Bass

If gratitude is good, why is it so hard to do? In Grateful, Diana Butler Bass untangles our conflicting understandings of gratitude and sets the table for a renewed practice of giving thanks.

We know that gratitude is good, but many of us find it hard to sustain a meaningful life of gratefulness. Four out of five Americans report feeling gratitude on a regular basis, but those private feelings seem disconnected from larger concerns of our public lives. In Grateful, cultural observer and theologian Diana Butler Bass takes on this “gratitude gap” and offers up surprising, relevant, and powerful insights to practice gratitude.

Bass, author of the award-winning Grounded and ten other books on spirituality and culture, explores the transformative, subversive power of gratitude for our personal lives and in communities. Using her trademark blend of historical research, spiritual insights, and timely cultural observation, she shows how we can overcome this gap and make change in our own lives and in the world.

With honest stories and heartrending examples from history and her own life, Bass reclaims gratitude as a path to greater connection with God, with others, with the world, and even with our own souls. It’s time to embrace a more radical practice of gratitude—the virtue that heals us and helps us thrive.

Oct. 8th The Way of Gratitude: Readings for a Joyful Life – by Michael Leach (Editor), James Keane (Editor), Doris Goodnough (Editor) A hundred famous writers share their experiences, essays, fiction, poems, meditations, and inspired ideas on the joy of being thankful. These honest and heartfelt writings will add gladness to your days. Contributors include Wendell Berry, David Brooks, Joan Chittister, James Martin, Thich Nhat Hanh, Henri Nouwen, Mary Oliver, Richard Rohr, Joyce Rupp, David Steindl-Rast, Rowan Williams, and many others whose spiritual perceptions already bring joy and faith to millions.

Oct. 15th God’s Abundant Table by Cynthia M. Campbell

According to John Calvin, the true church was wherever the Word was rightly preached and the sacraments rightly administered. Put another way, church happens when believers gather to tell the story and break the bread. In God’s Abundant Table, Cynthia Campbell begins with the premise that the Eucharist (the ‘thanksgiving meal’ of the church) is far more than a re-enactment of the meal in the Upper Room. Rightly understood, the Lord’s Supper is connected to Jesus’ entire ministry, to the entire story of God’s relationship with God’s people, to our everyday meals and to the ministry to which each of us is called as Christ’s followers.

Whether used for personal reflection or congregational study, this reflection on key biblical texts and a six-session study guide, will invite you to discover the many connections in the Bible between what we do in the Lord’s Supper, what it means to be in relationship with God, and how God would have us live every day.

Oct. 22nd Giving Together A Stewardship Guide for Families by Carol A. Wehrheim

In her follow-up to Getting It Together, Carol Wehrheim presents a concise, accessible resource to help families better understand the importance of stewardship: in the family, in the congregation, in the community, and in the world. Reminding us that stewardship is about much more than money, Wehrheim clearly illustrates a more holistic understanding of the concept to include careful consideration of the choices we make that show the role Christian discipleship plays in our lives. She skillfully analyzes biblical passages and identifies spiritual practices intrinsic to stewardship as a way of helping families respond to their call to be stewards in today’s world. Including both a participant’s section and a leader’s guide, Giving Together is ideal for group or family study.

Oct 29th Christian Wallet: Spending, Giving, and Living with a Conscience by Mike Slaughter

Every Christian knows that we are called to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. But what about our wallet? We are asked to open it every Sunday when the offering basket comes by and are told that giving is a way of being a “good steward,” but what about spending money at a restaurant or grocery store? Best-selling author Mike Slaughter offers a comprehensive look at how Christians use their money in The Christian Wallet. Slaughter explores today’s culture of consumerism and the impact of what we buy, asking difficult questions about morality and money.The Christian Wallet helps Christians grapple with important questions about stewardship: how we spend, how we live, how we save, how we give, and what it all means. Questions for individual or group study are included with each chapter. For a more in-depth study, a Stewardship Study Guide is available as a free download.