Announcements 10-08-23

 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. 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.

 

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. 

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:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. The Annual gift wrap and cookie fundraiser will be starting on Oct. 20th. So be on the lookout for more information soon.
  4. 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. 

 

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. 

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  



Newsletter October 2023



Order of Worship 10-1-23

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

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 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

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. 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. 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.

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.  

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

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.



Order of Worship 9-24-23

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

September 24th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart         

Lay Leader: Gwen Nolan

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE      Improvisation on “Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown”

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#260] [GTG#275]

“A Mighty Fortress is Our God”

1 A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.

Our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe.

His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he.

Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

WORDS OF WELCOME         

MINUTE FOR MISSION Peace and Global Witness

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP     Ps. 113:7

ONE: The Lord raises the poor from the dust

MANY: and lifts up the needy from the ashes.

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Holy God, your servant Jacob wrestled with your angel and prevailed. In honor of his persistence you gave him a new name. Teach us to persist in the face of struggle, and call us by name. Amen. 

✝HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#458] [GTG #26] 

“Earth and All Stars”

  1. Earth and all stars! loud rushing planets!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Hail, wind, and rain, loud blowing snowstorms!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.

We too sing praise with a new song!

  1. Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Harp, lute, and lyre! Loud humming cellos!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.

We too sing praise with a new song!

  1. Engines and steel! Loud pounding hammers!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Limestone and beams! Loud building workers,

Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.

We too sing praise with a new song!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN             

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG #760] 

“Bring Many Names”

1 Bring many names, beautiful and good,

celebrate, in parable and story,

holiness in glory, living, loving God.

Hail and Hosanna! Bring many names!

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors, and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. In your great mercy forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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 489 or 517]                     Psalm 46

To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.

God is our refuge and strength,

   a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,

   though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam,

   though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

          Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

   the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;

   God will help it when the morning dawns.

The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;

   he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD of hosts is with us;

   the God of Jacob is our refuge.

          Selah

Come, behold the works of the LORD;

   see what desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

   he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;

   he burns the shields with fire.

‘Be still, and know that I am God!

   I am exalted among the nations,

   I am exalted in the earth.’

The LORD of hosts is with us;

   the God of Jacob is our refuge.

          Selah

SCRIPTURE  [Pew Bible NT 28 or 29]             Genesis 32:6-13, 22-30

Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, instructing them, ‘Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, “I have lived with Laban as an alien, and stayed until now; and I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male and female slaves; and I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.” ’

The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, ‘We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.’ Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies, thinking, ‘If Esau comes to one company and destroys it, then the company that is left will escape.’

And Jacob said, ‘O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, “Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will do you good”, I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him; he may come and kill us all, the mothers with the children. Yet you have said, “I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted because of their number.” ’

So he spent that night there, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau,…

The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day is breaking.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.’ So he said to him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Jacob.’ Then the man said, ‘You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.’ Then Jacob asked him, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON: “Striving with God and with Humans” Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE     

✝AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             “Scots Confession”

We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. By whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by [God’s] inscrutable providence for such end as [God’s] eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of [God’s] own glory.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown       Daniel L. Mennicke 

Ft. Jessica Martinez

✝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. 

RECEIVING OF NEW MEMBERS

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#119] [GTG#236]  “The Strife is O’er”    

Refrain: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

1 The strife is o’er, the battle done;

the victory of life is won;

the song of triumph has begun.

Alleluia!

2 The powers of death have done their worst,

but Christ their legions hath dispersed:

let shouts of holy joy outburst.

Alleluia!

3 The three sad days are quickly sped;

Christ rises glorious from the dead:

all glory to our risen Head!

Alleluia!

4 Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee,

from death’s dread sting thy servants free,

that we may live, and sing to thee:

Alleluia! (Refrain)

✝PARTING PRAYER 

Lord, the gift of your Word is a light for our path. Help us to study your way and follow your teaching, until we know the true Light who has come into the world and will come again in glory: Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [GTG# 547] “Go, My Children, with My Blessing”

“Go, my Children, with my blessing, never alone. 

Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own. 

In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever. 

Go, my children, with my blessing. You are my own.”  

POSTLUDE EIN’ FESTE BURG   setting by Noel Rawsthorne

Flowers this Sunday were given by John and Linda LaPorte in Honor of their anniversary.



Announcements 9-24-23

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. We will also be collecting and sorting clothing. The clothing drive will end with a sorting and boxing party on Thursday September 28th at 1:00 PM in the library. Needed are Men’s and Women’s: casual pants, jeans, tops, white shirts, blouses, black pants for work, plain sturdy shoes, tote bags, new socks and underwear in (ORIGINAL UNOPENED PACKAGE), rain ponchos and sunglasses.

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 Spiritual Practices: There is more to do with the start of the school year, sports activities, and even fellowship opportunities. The busyness of life can make it hard to make time to focus on our spiritual life. This month’s CE reading recommendations all center around engaging in spiritual practices to strengthen ourselves, our families and the community we have chosen to be with. Most books are made for families but that doesn’t have to be just you and your kids or even immediate family, it can also be friends or small groups. So grab a partner, your family or group and dive deeper into your faith and time with God. Imaginative Prayer: A Yearlong Guide for Your Child’s Spiritual Formation by Jared Patrick Boyd How do we help our kids connect with God? Most parents want their kids to learn to love God. But most of us struggle to facilitate real spiritual experiences. It’s hard enough to have a meaningful conversation with our kids about spiritual things, let alone help them experience true transformation in the presence of God. Jared Patrick Boyd discovered that children’s spiritual formation is rooted in the imagination. When we lead our children through guided times of imaginative prayer, they can experience a connection with God that transcends mere Bible knowledge or doctrinal content. This unique resource provides six units of weekly guided imaginative prayer, themed around core topics: God’s love, loving others, forgiveness, God as king, the good news of God, and the mission of God. Each unit has six sessions, providing a yearlong experience of spiritual formation for children ages five to thirteen. Through imaginative prayer, you can help your child connect with God. As you do so, you may find yourself connecting more closely with your child, and your own formation as a parent will deepen into greater awareness of God’s work in your lives.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Join us Sept. 28th for our next Tablecloth Dinner at Saltgrass, 4860 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006. Cocktails at 6:00 PM and dinner at 6:30pm you will be able to order off the menu and receive separate checks. 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Mark your calendars for a brief congregational meeting after the service on Oct. 8th to elect the nominating committee. 

BLOOD DRIVE: We are excited to be hosting a Blood Drive Bash 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.  

Calendar 

9/24 – 10:30 AM – Worship Offering for Peace and Global Witness

Children’s Church 

9/25 – 1:30 PM – Staff Meeting 

9/26 – 9:15 AM – Bible Time PK 4 and TK in the Sanctuary 

9/28 – 10:00 AM – Game Day in the Library 

          1:00 PM – Clothes Sorting Party 

          6:00 PM – Tablecloth Dinner – Saltgrass 

10/1 – 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 

FLOWERS: The Flowers today were given by John and Linda LaPorte in celebration of their Anniversary. 

BIRTHDAYS: Connor Boudreaux 9/26, Johnny Walker 9/29, Evelyn Tobey 10/1



Order of Worship 9-17-23

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

September 17th, 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          Hymn of Promise Natalie Sleeth

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#488] [GTG#49]

“The God of Abraham Praise” Ver. 1,2

1 The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above,

the Ancient of Eternal Days, the God of love!

The Lord, the great I AM, by earth and heaven confessed,

we bow before your holy name, forever blest.

2 Your spirit still flows free, high surging where it will.

In prophet’s word you spoke of old and you speak still.

Established is your law, and changeless it shall stand,

deep writ upon the human heart by your strong hand.

WORDS OF WELCOME         

DEACON MINUTE

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP     Matthew 22:32

ONE: “I AM the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”, says the Lord;

MANY: God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

God of promise, Abraham scoffed and Sarah laughed when they were told of your plans for them and their family. Yet you remained faithful to your promise, and gave them a son, Isaac. Help us to trust in your promises for our lives, and to live according to your will. Amen. 

✝HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#458] [GTG #26] 

“Earth and All Stars” Ver. 1,3,4

  1. Earth and all stars! loud rushing planets!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Hail, wind, and rain, loud blowing snowstorms!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.

We too sing praise with a new song!

  1. Engines and steel! Loud pounding hammers!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Limestone and beams! Loud building workers,

Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.

We too sing praise with a new song!

4 Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Daughter and son! Loud praying members!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.

We too sing praise with a new song!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN             

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG #488] 

“I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”

2.”When you heard the wonder of the Word

I was there to cheer you on;

You were raised to praise the living Lord,

to whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time

and you join your hearts as one,

I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme

from dusk ’till rising sun.”

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors, and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. In your great mercy forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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 541 or 573]                 Psalm 127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

Unless the LORD builds the house,

   those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the LORD guards the city,

   the guard keeps watch in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early

   and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

   for he gives sleep to his beloved.

Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD,

   the fruit of the womb a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

   are the sons of one’s youth.

Happy is the man who has

   his quiver full of them.

He shall not be put to shame

   when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

SCRIPTURE  [Pew Bible NT 13 or 14]           Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7

The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, ‘My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.’ So they said, ‘Do as you have said.’ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.’ Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

They said to him, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ Then one said, ‘I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?’ The LORD said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too wonderful for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.’ But Sarah denied, saying, ‘I did not laugh’; for she was afraid. He said, ‘Oh yes, you did laugh.’…

The LORD dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as he had promised. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Now Sarah said, ‘God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.’ And she said, ‘Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON:       “God of Hope”               Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE     

✝AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             “Nicene Creed”

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 Hymn of Promise Natalie Sleeth

✝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.

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#498] [GTG#486] 

“Child of Blessing, Child of Promise”    

1 Child of blessing, child of promise,

baptized with the Spirit’s sign,

with this water God has sealed you

unto love and grace divine.

2 Child of love, our love’s expression,

love’s creation, loved indeed!

Fresh from God, refresh our spirits;

into joy and laughter lead.

3 Child of joy, our dearest treasure,

God’s you are, from God you came.

Back to God we humbly give you:

live as one who bears Christ’s name.

4 Child of God, your loving Parent,

learn to listen for God’s call.

Grow to laugh and sing and worship;

trust and love God more than all.

✝PARTING PRAYER 

Lord, the gift of your Word is a light for our path. Help us to study your way and follow your teaching, until we know the true Light who has come into the world and will come again in glory: Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [GTG# 547] “Go, My Children, with My Blessing”

“Go, my Children, with my blessing, never alone. 

Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own. 

In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever. 

Go, my children, with my blessing. You are my own.”  

POSTLUDE Invention No. 8 in F J.S. Bach

*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; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, 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



Newsletter- September 2023



Order of Worship 9-10-23

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

September 10th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart         

Lay Leader: Cindy Friedenthal 

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE           As the Deer Martin Nystrom

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [GTG#658]

“God is So Good”

1 God is so good, God is so good, 

God is so good; God’s so good to me. 

  1. God cares for me, God cares for me, 

God cares for me; God’s so good to me. 

  1. God loves me so, God loves me so, 

God loves me so; God’s so good to me. 

  1. God is so good, God is so good, 

God is so good; God’s so good to me.

WORDS OF WELCOME         

MINUTE FOR THE CHURCH Christian Education and Fellowship 

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP                     Ps. 1:1–3

ONE: Happy are those who delight in God’s word.

MANY: They are like trees planted by the water. 

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Holy Creator, you created all people in your own image to till the earth and help one another. Give us hearts to continue tending to all that you have made so that the earth will sustain life for generations to come. Amen.

✝HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#458] [GTG #26] 

“Earth and All Stars” Verses 1, 2, and 4

  1. Earth and all stars! loud rushing planets!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Hail, wind, and rain, loud blowing snowstorms!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.

We too sing praise with a new song!

  1. Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Harp, lute, and lyre! Loud humming cellos!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.

We too sing praise with a new song!

  1. Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Daughter and son! Loud praying members!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.

We too sing praise with a new song!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

COMMISSIONING of TEACHERS: 

Playschool Teachers to be commissioned: Lauren Crisler Director, Stephanie Galliano, Adm. Asst., Michelle Henry, TK Teacher, Sue McKenzie, TK Teacher, Nancy James, PK+ Teacher, Cherie Corcoran, PK+ Teacher, Briana Pertuit, PK+ Teacher, Debbie Perrie, PK+ Teacher, Sherry Welch-Kinler, 3’s Teacher, Virginia LaHatte, 3’s Teacher, May Masri,  3’s Teacher, Sharon Penny, 3’s Teacher, Kim Knouse, 3’s Teacher, Jamie Orlando, 3’s/2’s Teacher, Brittanie Amerland, 2’s Teacher, Kim Joseph, 2’s Teacher,  Angle’ Young, 2’s Teacher, Amanda Rowell, 2’s Teacher, Stacey O’Neil, 2’s Teacher, Gina Nissenbaum, 2’s Teacher, Yvette Burst, 1’s Teacher, Brittany Louis, 1’s Teacher, Alexandria Franks, Music Teacher, Hollie Gomila, Body Movement Teacher, Kaitlin Novak, Art Teacher, Cherie Mosbey, Substitute Teacher, Angelle Muscarello, Substitute Teacher, Laura DaCunha, Substitute Teacher, Janelle D’Herete, Substitute Teacher, Marleen Delle, Substitute Teacher, Debby Haydel, Substitute Teacher. 

JCPC Sunday School Teachers and Nursery Care workers to be Commissioned: Briana Mayfield, Cameron Mayfield, Linda Lowry, Louise Ochart, Rev. Aaron Ochart, Cynthia Palmisano

ONE: God calls ordinary people from ordinary places to do extraordinary work with God’s people. God called Abraham and Sarah to pack their belongings and follow God to a new land.

ALL: So they followed God. 

ONE: God called Moses to take the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt. 

ALL: So they followed God. 

ONE: God called David to be a king, even though he was a young boy and the youngest of all of Jesse’s sons.

ALL: So they followed God. 

ONE: God called Mary to have a baby and name the child “Jesus,” because he would save the people from their sins.

ALL: So they followed God.

ONE: God called Peter and James and John away from their families, their homes, and their work as fishermen.

ALL: So they followed God. 

ONE: God called Martha away from the kitchen and Lydia away from her purple cloth, and Priscilla to open her home as a new church.

ALL: So they followed God. 

LOUISE: Sunday School teachers and other church educators, You have been called to teach the faith to those in your congregation, from the youngest to the oldest. You are called to teach and to learn lessons from the Bible, deep spiritual truths, and to mutually call one another to deeper faith and life. Will you serve with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love? 

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS: We will.

LAUREN: Playschool Teachers, You have been called to serve God in this place by teaching our smallest ones. You will teach colors, letters, and numbers, as well as foundational lessons of how to be a human being.  Will you serve with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love?

PLAYSCHOOL TEACHERS: We will.

AARON: Lord our God, we are like trees planted by the Living Water of your Word. May we meditate on your Word day and night. Your Spirit calls out to us in the business of our lives to learn her wisdom, to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to rely on our own understanding. 

Bless the teachers called to these particular ministries, whether they are here in person or elsewhere. Give them your strength when they have none and your peace that passes all understanding. Help them to remember that they are called to learn as well. Bless all of their students, no matter the age, and give them a great year of learning and growth. Bless also all of the students, teachers, staff, and administration of the many schools around us. Keep them all safe and in your tender loving kindness. Amen.    

RESPONSE HYMN [BLUE#304] [GTG #188] 

“Jesus Loves Me!”

1 Jesus loves me! This I know,

for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to him belong.

They are weak, but he is strong.

Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors, and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. In your great mercy forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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 472 or 499]                   Psalm 20

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

The LORD answer you in the day of trouble!

   The name of the God of Jacob protect you!

May he send you help from the sanctuary,

   and give you support from Zion.

May he remember all your offerings,

   and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices.

          Selah

May he grant you your heart’s desire,

   and fulfill all your plans.

May we shout for joy over your victory,

   and in the name of our God set up our banners.

May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;

   he will answer him from his holy heaven

   with mighty victories by his right hand.

Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,

   but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.

They will collapse and fall,

   but we shall rise and stand upright.

Give victory to the king, O Lord;

   answer us when we call.

SCRIPTURE  [Pew Bible NT 2]                         Genesis 2:4-25

These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

A river flows out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it divides and becomes four branches. The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; and the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.’

Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.’ So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,

‘This at last is bone of my bones

   and flesh of my flesh;

this one shall be called Woman,

   for out of Man this one was taken.’

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON: “Rescuing Deliverer” Reverend Ochart 

 RESPONSE     

✝AFFIRMATION OF FAITH              “Apostles’ Creed”

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, 

And in Jesus Christ [God’s] only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY   You Are the One         Thomas Keesecker   

✝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. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORD’S PRAYERS

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#455] [GTG#15] 

“All Creatures of Our God And King” Verses 1, 3, and 6    

1 All creatures of our God and King,

lift up your voice and with us sing,

Alleluia! Alleluia!

O brother sun with golden beam,

O sister moon with silver gleam,

sing praises! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

3 O brother fire, so warm and bright,

chase off the shadows of the night.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Dear mother earth, who day by day

unfolds such blessings on our way,

sing praises! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

6 O sisters, brothers, take your part,

and worship God with humble heart.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

All creatures, bless the Father, Son,

and Holy Spirit, Three in One!

Sing praises! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

✝PARTING PRAYER  (Jarome c.342-420)

Lord, the gift of your Word is a light for our path. Help us to study your way and follow your teaching, until we know the true Light who has come into the world and will come again in glory: Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [GTG# 547] “Go, My Children, with My Blessing”

“Go, my Children, with my blessing, never alone. 

Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own. 

In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever. 

Go, my children, with my blessing. You are my own.”  

POSTLUDE LASST UNS ERFREUEN

 

setting by Eric Wall