Announcements 5-7

Posted on May 5, 2023 in Announcements |

Announcements:

DEVOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Contemplations from the Heart: Spiritual Reflections on Family, Community, and the Divine How do we find God in a world where God often seems to be hidden? How do we love one another and seek social justice? This series of theological and spiritual reflections on family and community helps readers see spirituality in daily life, exploring current issues such as global warming, environment, racism, child rearing, and sexism in relation to the church to offer readers new insights and directions for living as faithful Christians.

This book’s brief, daily reflections on universal concerns give voice to what many people feel but struggle to articulate, bringing emotions to the surface to help readers apply theology in their everyday lives. The book’s thirty entries make it ideal for a month of daily personal devotions or group study and discussion.

TABLE CLOTH DINNER: Join us Wednesday 5/17 at 6:30PM at outback steakhouse for our next tablecloth dinner. We will be able to order from the menu and get separate checks. They also offer a senior discount.

CLOTHING DRIVE: Are you taking advantage of this season to do some spring closet cleaning but don’t know where to donate your clean gently used clothes? Fear not, we are collecting clothing for the Program of Hope. We will distribute items to our POH guests in the hot month of June along with lunches. The Drive will end on May 24 with our sorting and boxing party. Needed are Men’s and Women’s: Summer casual slacks, jeans, tops, white shirts, blouses, black pants for work, plain sturdy shoes (no formal shoes or high heels please), tote bags, new socks and underwear in (ORIGINAL UNOPENED PACKAGE), rain ponchos and sunglasses.

YOUTH SUNDAY: Sunday May 21st will be our next youth service. If your youth wants to be part of the service please let Louise know.

ALL CHURCH AND COMMUNITY PICNIC: Please plan to Join us on May 21st for our next youth service followed by an all church and community Picnic to kick off the Summer. This is an all hands on deck activity so please see the insert in your Bulletin to sign up to help. We welcome all volunteers and have lots of options for before, during, and after the event. The Church will provide the main dish, hamburgers and hotdogs. Please bring a dessert or picnic side to share, such as salad, fruit, a variety pack of chips, or whatever you like to eat at a picnic. Most importantly don’t forget to invite your friends and neighbors. This event is for everyone, and we can’t wait to fellowship together.

PW BIRTHDAY OFFERING: This week we will be taking up the PW Birthday offering. Each year, the Birthday Offering awards grants to up to five programs. Primarily making possible capital improvement projects, the Birthday Offering supports domestic and international ministries, focusing on areas such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence or women’s concerns.

EVENTS AND MEETINGS THIS WEEK:

5/7 – 11:45 AM – Choir Rehearsal

5/8 – 12:15 PM – Playschool Meeting

5/10 – 6:00 PM – Worship Committee Meeting

5/11 – 10:00 AM – Game Day

5/14 – Mother’s Day

9:30 AM – Sunday School
10:15 AM – Choir Practice
10:30 AM – Worship Service
11:45 AM – Choir Rehearsal

Order of Worship 4-30-23

Posted on Apr 28, 2023 in Bulletin, Orders of Worship |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Fourth Sunday of Easter

April 30, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Ministers: Rev. Aaron Ochart

Please silence all cell phones.

Please fill out the attendance sheet.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

OPENING WORSHIP

HYMN [GTG#301] “Let Us Build a House”

Let us build a house Where love can dwell and all can safely live,

a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.

Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;

here the love of Christ shall end divisions:

All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where prophets speak,

and words are strong and true,

where all God’s children dare to seek to dream God’s reign anew.

Here the cross shall stand as witness and a symbol of God’s grace;

here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:

All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat;

a banquet hall on holy ground where peace and justice meet.

Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space;

as we share in Christ the feast that frees us:

All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where hands will reach

beyond the wood and stone

to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,

and live the Word they’ve known.

Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face;

let us bring an end to fear and danger:

All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where all are named,

their songs and visions heard

and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.

Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace,

let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:

All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

WORDS OF WELCOME

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Acts 13:1-3

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

CONFESSION

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth.

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*GLORIA PATRI #579

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.

PROCLAMATION

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

FIRST LESSON [Pew Bible NT pg.125 or 133] Acts 14:21-15:5

After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, then on to Iconium and Antioch. There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, ‘It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.’ And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe.

Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had completed. When they arrived, they called the church together and related all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. And they stayed there with the disciples for some time.

Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the believers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘It is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.’

REFLECTION the Rev. Aaron Ochart

*SONG [Blue #358] [GTG 754] Help Us Accept Each Other

Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;

teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.

Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe

we are ourselves accepted, and meant to love and live.

Teach us, O Lord, your lessons, as in our daily life

we struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.

Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some,

to love them as we find them, or as they may become.

Let your acceptance change us, so that we may be moved

in living situations to do the truth in love;

to practice your acceptance until we know by heart

the table of forgiveness, and laughter’s healing art.

Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,

who hunger for acceptance, for justice and for bread,

we need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on:

renew us with your Spirit; Lord, free us; make us one!

SECOND LESSON [Pew Bible NT pg.126 or 134] Acts 15:6-21

The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, ‘My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the Gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us; and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Now therefore why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.’

The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, ‘My brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the Gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name. This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written,

“After this I will return,

and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen;

from its ruins I will rebuild it,

and I will set it up,

so that all other peoples may seek the Lord—

even all the Gentiles over whom my name has been called.

Thus says the Lord, who has been making these things known from long ago.”

Therefore I have reached the decision that we should not trouble those Gentiles who are turning to God, but we should write to them to abstain only from things polluted by idols and from fornication and from whatever has been strangled and from blood. For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every sabbath in the synagogues.’

RESPONSE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY [GTG 767] “Together We Serve”

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Allelujah, alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus Fully known

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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.

CLOSING LESSON Acts 15:22-35

Then the apostles and the elders, with the consent of the whole church, decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers, with the following letter: ‘The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the believers of Gentile origin in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that certain persons who have gone out from us, though with no instructions from us, have said things to disturb you and have unsettled your minds, we have decided unanimously to choose representatives and send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.’

So they were sent off and went down to Antioch. When they gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. When its members read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation. Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. After they had been there for some time, they were sent off in peace by the believers to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, and there, with many others, they taught and proclaimed the word of the Lord.

CLOSING SONG [GTG 319] Men of Faith Rise Up And Sing (Shout to the North)

Men of faith rise up and sing of the great and glorious King.

You are strong when you feel weak; in your brokenness complete.

Refrain: Shout to the north and the south,

sing to the east and the west.

Jesus is savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth.

Rise up women of the truth. Stand and sing to broken hearts

who can know the healing power of our awesome King of love. (Refrain)

Bridge: We’ve been through fire; we’ve been through rain;

we’ve been refined by the power of your name.

We’ve fallen deeper in love with you.

You’ve burned the truth on our lips. (Refrain)

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG 319] Men of Faith Rise Up And Sing (Shout to the North)

Rise up, church, with broken wings; fill this place with songs again

of our God who reigns on high; by God’s grace again we’ll fly

Shout to the north and the south,

sing to the east and the west.

Jesus is savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth.

Announcement 4-30-23

Posted on Apr 28, 2023 in Announcements |

Announcements:

SMALL CHURCH EVENT: We had a great turn out for the small church event. If you missed this one and want to know more about this topic talk with Rev. Ochart or Sharon Fortin.

DEVOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT: God Is Still Speaking: 365 Daily Devotionals “God is Still Speaking: 365 Daily Devotionals” is a collection of light-hearted, God-filled, and provocative devotionals for the person who thinks devotionals are “too religious.” Do you wonder if God has anything to say about what you face each day when you get up in the morning? Not sure that the Bible has much to tell you, but you are curious and willing to find out? The book includes relevant, brief, insightful devotionals designed to give you a powerful jolt each day. Each easy-to-read devotional provides a scripture verse, reflection, and prayer for every day of the year. Whether as a thoughtful gift or a personal resource, this book will encourage, inspire, and strengthen anyone’s Christian journey.

OUR NEXT CLOTHING DRIVE: Are you taking advantage of this season to do some spring closet cleaning but don’t know where to donate your clean gently used clothes? Fear not we are collecting clothing for the Program of Hope. We will distribute items to our POH guests in the hot month of June along with lunches.

The Drive will end on May 24 with our sorting and boxing party.

Needed are Men’s and Women’s: Summer Casual Slacks, Jeans, Tops, White Shirts, Blouses, Black Pants for Work, Plain Sturdy shoes. (No formal shoes or high heels, please), Tote Bags, new socks and underwear In ORIGINAL UNOPENED PACKAGE, Rain Ponchos and Sunglasses.

WORK DAY!!!: Thank you to all those that helped at Work Day on Saturday. Rev. Ochart, Amy Cardinale, Emily Garland, Andrew Nolan, Gwen Nolan, Ian Nolan, Mathew Fredenthal, Sharon Fortin, and Beverly Kenedy all worked hard to beautify our campus. They trimmed trees, cleaned gutters, trimmed hedges, weeded the garden beds and repainted our wooden sign. We don’t have another Work Day scheduled as of yet but remember if you have a project you want to do, we are always happy to help you plan and support your efforts. Many hands make light work!

PW Birthday Offering: Next week we will be taking up the PW Birthday offering. Each year, the Birthday Offering awards grants to up to five programs. Primarily making possible capital improvement projects, the Birthday Offering supports domestic and international ministries, focusing on areas such as agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence or women’s concerns.

GIVENOLA: Givenola day is May 2nd! Our New Orleans Area New Worshiping Communities: Okra Abbey, Be Well, Come Together, and Labyrinth Café are all on the list of recipients. Check it out on May 2nd at https://www.givenola.org/.

EVENTS AND MEETINGS THIS WEEK:

4/30 – 11:45 AM Choir

5/1 – 6:30 PM – Called Session Meeting

5/3 – 11:00 AM – Staff Meeting

5/4 – 10:00 AM – PW Council Meeting

5/7 – 9:30 AM – Adult Sunday School

10:15 AM – Choir rehearsal

10:30 AM – Worship Service – PW Birthday Offering

11:45 AM – Choir Rehearsal

Order of Worship 4-23-23

Posted on Apr 20, 2023 in Bulletin, Orders of Worship |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Third Sunday Of Easter

April 23rd, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Amy Cardinale

Please silence all cell phones.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#442*] [GTG#321]

“The Church’s One Foundation”

1 The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.

She is his new creation by water and the word.

From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride.

With his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.

2 Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth,

her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.

One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,

and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.

WORDS OF WELCOME

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

ONE: Beloved, we are God’s children now;

MANY: when Christ is revealed, we will be like him.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

MANY: Almighty God, through your only Son you overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. Grant that we who celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, may, through the renewing power of your Spirit, arise from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [GTG#318] “In Christ There is No East or West”

In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north,

but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.

In Christ, shall true hearts everywhere their high communion find;

his service is the golden cord close-binding humankind.

Join hands, disciples of the faith, what e’er your race may be.

All children of the living God are surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both east and west; in him meet south and north. All Chistly souls are one in him throughout the whole wide earth.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#399] “God Welcomes All”

God welcomes all, strangers and friends

God’s love is strong and it never ends.

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]

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.

THE GOSPEL PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.120 or 128] Acts 10:1-17, 34-48

In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. One afternoon at about three o’clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, ‘Cornelius.’ He stared at him in terror and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ He answered, ‘Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.’ When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa.

About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat; and while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. Then he heard a voice saying, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean.’ The voice said to him again, a second time, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.

Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon’s house and were standing by the gate.

Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON: “What God has Made Clean” The Rev. Aaron Ochart

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Scots Confession 3.01

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 “Bleached” by Video Days

Caleb Hebert, Piano

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Allelujah, alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus Fully know:

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

REMEMBRANCE of BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

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

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

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN [BLUE#120*] [GTG#277]

“Hail Thee Festival Day”

Refrain: Hail thee festival day! Blest day to be hallowed forever;

day when our Lord was raised, breaking the kingdom of death.

All the fair beauty of the earth

from the death of the winter arising!

Every good gift of the year now with Master returns: (Refrain)

Spirit of life and of power,

now flow in us, fount of our being,

light that enlightens us all, life that in all may abide: (Refrain)

PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life.

Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you overcame death and opened the gate to everlasting life.

Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth.

Glory to you, Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#277] “Hail Thee Festival Day”

Hail thee festival day! Blest day to be hallowed forever;

day when our Lord was raised, breaking the kingdom of death.

POSTLUDE: “Festivities” Phil Lehenbauer

Announcement 4-23

Posted on Apr 20, 2023 in Announcements |

Announcements:

DEVOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Tongues of Fire: 40 Devotional Insights for Today’s Church from the Book of Acts The book of Acts was a thrilling time for the early church. Now you can capture the excitement and passion of the first-century Christians in this devotional Bible study designed to take you through the book of Acts. In Tongues of Fire: 40 Devotional Insights for Today’s Church from the Book of Acts, you’ll connect the biblical narrative with today’s reality in 40 easy-to-read reflections about Christian life and church.

Discover how the Spirit moved through early believers’ lives, how the Gospel spread, and what we can learn as the body of Christ today. Through forty daily devotionals, you’ll gain insights that can help guide your faith and expand your spiritual practices as you uncover how this book influences Jesus’s followers two millennia later.

Tongues of Fire challenges us to seek answers on what today’s church can learn from Jesus’s first followers and how they moved under the Holy Spirit’s power. This easy-to-read Bible study will give you forty days of devotional insights that can help you grow in your faith and discover how to celebrate the role of the Holy Spirit then and now. It will encourage you toward deeper community and an effective personal ministry. Perfect for women, men, or small groups.

HYMNS AND BEER We’ve also scheduled our next Hymns and Beer for Monday, April 24th at 7pm at Zony Mash! The brewery is child and pet-friendly, and there will be a food truck (Boils by Brad) serving up crawfish. In celebration of Earth Day, all the hymns will be nature-themed and half of the musicians’ tips will be donated to Glassroots, a New Orleans non-profit which turns glass bottles into sand for use in coastal restoration projects. See you there!

SMALL CHURCH OPTIONS: Are you concerned about church attendance, finances and community engagement? Do you want to get involved with the solutions? Do you want to know what options are available and have productive conversations with other churches experiencing the same thing? Then join us on April 26th for the Small Church Options presentation. We will enjoy delicious pastalaya and an informative presentation about what the church can do in this day and age. Presented by the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. Please use the RSVP insert so we know you are coming and we can have enough food.

https://www.givenola.org/.

OUR NEXT CLOTHING DRIVE: Are you taking advantage of this season to do some spring closet cleaning but don’t know where to donate your clean gently used clothes? Fear not!! Our next clothing drive is starting right now. We are collecting clothing now through May 14th to be given out at the Program of Hope in June. We will have a sorting party on May 24th from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM. See Sue or Sharon if you are interested in joining the party.

ALL CHURCH AND COMMUNITY PICNIC: Please plan to Join us on May 21st for our next youth service followed by an all church and community Picnic to kick off the Summer. This is an all hands on deck activity so please see the insert in your Bulletin to sign up to help. We welcome all volunteers and have lots of options for before, during, and after the event. The Church will provide the main dish, hamburgers and hotdogs, please bring a dessert or picnic side to share, such as salad, fruit, a variety pack of chips, or whatever you like to eat at a picnic. Most importantly don’t forget to invite your friends and neighbors. This event is for everyone and we can’t want to fellowship together.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: A Big thank you to everyone who felt called to donate to One Great Hour of Sharing this year $1630.21 has been collected as of 4/10!

EVENTS AND MEETINGS THIS WEEK:

4/23 – 11:45 AM Choir

4/24 – 6:30 PM – Hymns and Beer

4/26 – 6:30 PM – Small Church Options

4/27 – 10:00 AM – Game Day

4/30 – 9:30 AM – 5th Sunday Fun Sunday School

10:15 AM – Choir

10:30 AM – Worship Service

11:45 AM – Choir

announcements 4-16-23

Posted on Apr 15, 2023 in Announcements |

Announcements:

DEVOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT: One Year of Dinner Table Devotions & Discussion Starters: 365 Opportunities to Grow Closer to God as a Family A daily serving of spiritual nourishment for your whole family. Between sports practice, music lessons, and homework, we can feel like our days pass by without ever really talking with each other about the most important matters of life and faith. This family devotional serves up a year’s worth of daily truths from God’s Word to chew on and apply to real life. Going beyond Bible stories, your whole family will enjoy discussing biblical words and themes at a level kids from 5 to 95 will understand and relate to.

SPECIAL MUSIC OFFERING: This morning we are taking up a Special Music Offering. This offering is used to supplement the music program at John Calvin Presbyterian, and has been used for things like: guest musicians, music rights, music staff development, and special arrangements. If you would like to give to this offering, please use the pink envelope, or use ‘Music Offering’ in the memo line on Venmo.

POTLUCK LUNCHEON AFTER THE CANTATA!: Join us after the service for food, Fellowship and a community in the Fellowship hall.

OUR NEXT CLOTHING DRIVE: We are looking for prom dresses and party dresses to take to the folks we have been working with in Lake Charles. Short, long, and all sizes. We will be collecting in April. Look for a clothing rack in the Narthex for this collection.

WOR DAY: Don’t forget to sign up for workday next saturday. If we do not have enough interest we may postpone so please let me know if you plan on coming. Just place the insert in the offering tray.

EVENTS AND MEETINGS THIS WEEK:

4/16 – 11:45 AM -Potluck luncheon

4/17 – 6:30 PM – Session Meeting

4/18 – 10:00 AM – Grace Circle

4/19 – 11:00 AM – Staff Meeting

2:30 PM – EJICA meeting

4/20 – 10:30 AM – COM Nola Cluster

4/22 – 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Work Day

4/23 – 9:30 AM – Sunday School

10:15 – Choir Practice

10:30 AM – Worship Service

Order of Worship 4-16-23 (Easter Cantata)

Posted on Apr 15, 2023 in Bulletin, Orders of Worship |

Easter Choir Cantata

April 16th, 2023

Ten Thirty in the morning

Presented by John Calvin Presbyterian Church

with Chinese Presbyterian

and Little Farms UCC

Easter Cantata

Second Sunday of Easter

April 16th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* indicates to stand in body or in spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN {Blue#155] [GTG# 363] “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”

1 Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore!

Rejoice, give thanks, and sing, and triumph evermore.

Lift up your heart; lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

2 Our Savior, Jesus, reigns, the God of truth and love;

when he had purged our stains, he took his seat above.

Lift up your heart; lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

3 His kingdom cannot fail; he rules o’er earth and heaven;

the keys of death and hell are to our Jesus given.

Lift up your heart; lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

4 Rejoice in glorious hope! For Christ, the Judge, shall come

and gather all the saints to their eternal home.

Lift up your heart; lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

WORDS OF WELCOME

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (John 20:19, 21)

ONE: Peace be with you. Jesus stands among us.

MANY: Peace be with you. The risen Lord is here.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI (Blue#579) (GTG581)

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.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE READING [Pew Bible NT pg.32 or 33] Matthew 28:16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

RESPONSIVE HYMN [GTG543] “God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me”

God be the love to search and keep me

God be the prayer to move my voice

God be the strength to now uphold me

O Christ, surround me

EASTER CANTATA

“No Greater Love”

By Lloyd Larson

Music Director/Conductor: Sam Garnett

Assistant Music Director/Accompanist: Kelly Cuppett

Narration: Louise Ochart

Choir: Bill Bottomley, Lila Crotty, Pat Ellzey, Will Ellzey, Cheryl Emory, Sharon Fortin, Briana Mayfield, Cameron Mayfield, Aaron Ochart, Ron Palmisano, Lindsay Shin, Betty Wan, Theo Wan, and Dee Watkins

Forward From the Composer

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (Jn. 15:13)

This biblical verse has always enthralled me. It is certainly a succinct summary of the sacrifice that Jesus demonstrated for His followers and for us. It also reflects the immeasurable gift of this One who subjected Himself to hate, rejection, and ultimately a cruel death on the cross merely because He lived a life of service and love for others. Truly amazing!

In our world, love is a prominent theme. It is addressed in all forms of media, from music to movies, from TV to think tanks. We yearn for it. We need it. We value it on a personal level. It is something all of us have experienced in some fashion. Yet, we struggle to define it, to receive it, or to adequately convey it to the important people in our daily circles of life.

Jesus brought a whole new dimension to the meaning of love. In a world where selfish love was the norm, Jesus modeled a selfless form of love. He whole-heartedly gave of Himself while anticipating nothing in return. What does that kind of love mean for us? Our feeble words may attempt to explain and describe it. But it is in our actions that we validate what selfless love truly is.

You or I may never be called upon to sacrifice our love for another person. But each day we likely have the opportunity to sacrifice our preferences, our convenience, our time, our resources for the sake of others. Whether noticed or not, it seems to me that this is one of the great lessons to be modeled by those of us who claim to be followers of Christ, who lived a life of perfect love.

We cannot journey to the cross and ultimately an empty tomb without again being challenged by Jesus to be conduits of love. That may mean offering a cup of cold water to a thirsty person or it may mean sacrificing our all to save another from catastrophe. Our Lord has demonstrated that love is something we live out in the daily deeds of life, be they large or small. Love one another as I have loved you. (Jn 13:34). There is no greater love than this.

-Lloyd Larson

“Sing Hosanna to the King!”

Sing hosanna to the King of kings! Sing hosanna to the King!

Lift your voice in praise and let it ring.

Sing hosanna to the King of kings, sing hosanna to the King.

Lift up your heads, O mighty gates; open wide you ancient doors

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory who comes in the name of the Lord?

He is the Lord Almighty! Sing hosanna to the King!

Hosanna, loud hosanna, the little children sang;

through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang.

To Jesus who had blessed them, close folded to His breast,

the children sang their praises, the simplest and the best.

Hosanna in the highest! That ancient song we sing;

for Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heav’n our King.

O may we ever praise Him with heart and life and voice,

and in His blissful presence eternally rejoice!

“Remember Me”

Remember Me in the bread and wine, remember Me in these sacred signs.

Take the truths I’ve planted in your soul,

share with others that they may be whole,

and remember you are mine.

Remember Me, seek and you shall find; remember Me till the end of time.

Go to all the world and save the lost; go and serve as one, count not the cost,

And remember you are mine.

Go and teach, go and preach, be a light that all may see.

Go and pray, I will guide your way, and my truth will set you free.

“Alone in the Garden He Prays”

Alone in the garden the Savior kneels to pray.

“My God, my God, please take this cup away!

Yet not my will, but Your will be done.”

Alone in the garden He prays.

Alone in the garden, Gethsemane, the Savior prays beneath the trees.

“My soul is in anguish, with grief overwhelmed.”

Alone in the garden He prays.

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,

what wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul.

Alone in the garden, a solemn, holy place,

the Savior pleads, blood and sweat stain His face.

“Abba, take this cup from me, but Your will be done.”

Alone in the garden He prays.

“Betrayed, Rejected, Condemned”

Christ was betrayed, rejected, condemned by His very own,

yet He chose to bear sin’s heavy load.

He was denied, abandoned by those He came to save,

and alone He walked Calv’ry’s road.

Betrayed by Judas for thirty silver coins,

and a gentle kiss in the garden where He prayed.

Denied by Peter, His faithful, loyal friend:

the “Rock” who said he’d love Him to the end!

Rejected by those who had hailed Him as their King!

“Free Barabbas!” they did loudly proclaim.

Condemned, convicted in a trial of deceit,

the Savior bore our cross of shame!

“Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs”

Surely He has borne our griefs. Surely He has borne our sorrows.

He was wounded for us, bruised and rejected for us.

The chastisement of our sin was placed on Him.

Surely He has borne our griefs. Surely He has borne our sorrows.

He was chosen for us, alone, He stands there for us.

The sins of all the world were placed on Him.

All we like sheep have gone astray, we’ve turned to our own way,

yet by His stripes we have been healed.

Messiah, holy Lamb of God, Redeemer full of love,

rejected Man of sorrows.

“Man of Sorrows,” what a name for the Son of God, who came.

He came for ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die, “It is finished,” was His cry;

now in heav’n exalted high! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

“There Is No Greater Love”

Truly this was the Son of God, blameless, the perfect Lamb of God.

Yet He paid the price, holy sacrifice!

Truly this was God’s Son.

Worthy! This servant sent from God. Redeemer, eternal love of God!

Yet He died for me. How can it be?

Truly this was God’s son.

There is no greater love than this;

no greater sacrifice than this that One lay down His life so willingly,

this One who lived so perfectly.

There’s no greater love than this.

O Living God, what have I done that You would send Your only Son

To die for me, to set us free.

My Lord is crucified for me!

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died,

my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

“Christ Is Risen from the Dead!”

Christ is risen! Sing alleluia!

Celebrate and sing His praise!

All creation, sing alleluia! Celebrate this day of days!

Christ is risen! Sing alleluia!

Gift of God who came to save.

All creation, sing alleluia! Christ is risen from the grave!

Sent by God to set us free, He lives to reign eternally.

Alleluia, alleluia! Christ is risen from the dead.

Son of God who was crucified; the Gift of love now glorified!

Alleluia, alleluia! Christ is risen from the dead!

There is no greater love than this;

no greater sacrifice than this that One lay down His life so willingly,

this One who lived so perfectly.

There’s no greater love than this.

Christ is risen! Sing alleluia!

All creation, sing alleluia!

Christ is risen from the dead! Alleluia!

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

*DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus Fully know:

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

*HYMN [GTG277] Hail Thee Festival Day!

Refrain:

Hail thee, festival day!

Blest day to be hallowed forever,

day when our Lord was raised,

breaking the kingdom of death.

1 All the fair beauty of earth,

from the death of the winter arising!

Ev’ry good gift of the year

now with its master returns: [Refrain]

3 God the Almighty, the Lord,

the ruler of earth and the heavens,

guard us from harm without;

cleanse us from evil within: [Refrain]

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life.

Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you overcame death and opened the gate to everlasting life.

Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE, BENEDICTION, and PRAYER for MEAL

*RESPONSE [GTG277]

Hail thee, festival day!

Blest day to be hallowed forever,

day when our Lord was raised,

breaking the kingdom of death

POSTLUDE Carillon from 24 Pieces en style libre (excerpt) – Louis Vierne

A special thanks to Little Farms United Church of Christ and Chinese Presbyterian Church for joining us this morning for worship, and sharing in worship leadership and choir members.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Susan Lassall, Pastor of Little Farms UCC; Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor John Calvin Presbyterian Church; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. 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.

JOHN CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

CHINESE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

or find us on

LITTLE FARMS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

or find us @littlefarmsucc on

Good Friday Prayer Vigil Resources

Posted on Apr 7, 2023 in Bulletin |

Labyrinth Walk

What’s the history of labyrinth Walk: In 325 A.D. Christians placed a labyrinth on the floor of their church. Although Christians must have been using the labyrinth earlier, this is the first historical record we have of the Christian use of the labyrinth. Since that time labyrinths have been prayed, studied, danced, traced and drawn as Christians sought to use this spiritual tool to draw closer to God.

Why do we do a labyrinth Walk: Using a labyrinth involves moving one’s body and opening one’s heart to Jesus. All you have to do is follow the path and you will find the center. The word “labyrinth” is not found in the Bible, but themes of following God’s way, spiritual journeys, and enjoying God’s presence—all central to labyrinth experiences – are found throughout Scripture.

How do we do a Labyrinth Walk: Unlike a maze the labyrinth has no tricks. A “typical” labyrinth experience involves preparing oneself at the threshold, following the single path to the center, spending time in the center, following the same pathway out the threshold, and then responding to the experience. Two verses that can be used while praying in the labyrinth are, “You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11) and Jesus’ words, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” (John 14:16). Also simple Celtic Prayers may be helpful. See the handout. These help focus our minds in a way that is uncomplicated. You can also use the questions below to focus your heart and body.

Things to keep in mind:

Maintain the Quite
Pause at the entry into the labyrinth take a deep breath and prepare your heart
Take your time, don’t feel rushed or prolong it do what come naturally
Follow the path. Don’t think about where you are going, focus on your prayer or meditation.
3 stages of walking the labyrinth
1. At the start of the labyrinth ask yourself
  1. What do i need to leave behind
  2. What do I need to ask forgiveness for
  3. What concerns me that I need to bring before God
2. Rest at the center and ask
  1. What is God Saying to me right now
  2. How am I receiving God
3. As you walk out of the Labyrinth
  1. How have I been changed
  2. How does it feel to be accompanied by the spirit
  3. How can I best respond to God for that which I have been given
  4. How can I best prepare to return to the world?

For More information on Labyrinth’s: For more information on the Christian use of the labyrinth see Jill Geoffrion’s three books: Praying the Labyrinth: A Journal for Spiritual Creativity; Living the Labyrinth: 101 Paths To A Deeper Connection with the Sacred; and The Labyrinth and the Enneagram: Circling into Prayer. Pilgrim Press publishes them. ©JilI Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion Jillkhg@aol.com www.Jillkhg.com

The Solemn Intercession

A Bidding prayer for the whole world and family of God.

Beloved people of God,

as Jesus stretched out his arms on the cross

to offer life and salvation to all,

let us pray for the world that God loves so much.

In the biddings to follow, the petitions may be adapted as appropriate.

The people may stand, sit, kneel, or bow down.

The silence should be of significant length.

Let us pray for the church throughout the world.

Silent prayer.

Almighty and eternal God,

you have shown your glory to all the nations in Jesus Christ.

By your Holy Spirit, guide the church

and gather it throughout the world.

Help it to persevere in faith, proclaim your name,

and bring the good news of salvation in Christ to all people.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for the Presbytery of South Louisiana and John Calvin Presbyterian Church (and/or your own congregation).

Silent prayer.

Almighty and eternal God,

your Spirit guides the church and makes it holy.

Strengthen and uphold pastors and other leaders;

keep them in health and safety for the good of the church.

Help each of us to do faithfully

the work to which you have called us.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us for those preparing for baptism.

Silent prayer.

Almighty and eternal God,

you continue to bless the church for new members.

Increase the faith and understanding

of those preparing for baptism.

Give them new birth as your children.

Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy church.

Make all the baptized one in the fullness of faith

and keep us united in the fellowship of love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for people of other faiths.

Silent prayer.

Almighty and eternal God,

gather into your embrace

all those who call out to you under different names.

Bring to an end to interreligious strife,

and make us more faithful in our witness

to the love made known to us in your Son.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for those who cannot believe.

Silent prayer.

Almighty and eternal God,

you created humanity so that all might long to know you

and find peace in you.

Grant that all may recognize signs of your love and grace

in the world and in the lives of Christians,

and gladly acknowledge you as the one true God.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for God’s creation.

Silent prayer.

Almighty and eternal God,

you are the creator of a magnificent universe.

Hold this world in the arms of your care,

heal the damage we have done,

and bring all things to fulfillment in you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for the leaders and people of all nations.

Silent prayer.

Almighty and eternal God,

you are the champion of the poor and the oppressed.

In your goodness, give wisdom to those in authority

so that people everywhere may enjoy justice, peace, freedom,

and a share in the goodness of your creation.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for all who suffer and are in need.

Silent prayer.

Almighty and eternal God,

you give strength to the weary

and new courage to those who have lost heart.

Hear the prayers of all who call on you in trouble

that they may have the joy of receiving your help in their need.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

As our Savior Christ has taught us,

we are bold to pray:

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.

Solemn Reproaches of the Cross

A solemn prayer of confession, contrasting the grace given to humanity, and humanity’s cruelty to Jesus.

Worshipers may pray focused on the rough-hewn cross at the front of the Sanctuary.

This is the cross that held the Savior of the world.

Come, let us worship God.

This is the cross that held the Savior of the world.

Come, let us worship God.

This is the cross that held the Savior of the world.

Come, let us worship God.

Worshipers may kneel.

O my people, O my church,

what more could I have done for you?

Answer me!

I led you out of slavery into freedom,

and delivered you through the waters of rebirth,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

Forty years I led you through the desert,

feeding you with manna on the way;

I saved you from the time of trial

and gave you my body, the bread of heaven,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I lead you on your way in a pillar of cloud and fire,

but you led me to the judgment hall of Pilate;

I guided you by the light of the Holy Spirit,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I poured out saving water from the rock,

but you gave me vinegar to drink;

I poured out my life and gave you the new covenant in my blood,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I gave you a royal scepter, but you gave me a crown of thorns;

I gave you the kingdom and crowned you with eternal life,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I struck down your enemies, but you struck my head with a reed;

I gave you my peace, but you drew the sword in my name,

and you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I opened the waters to lead you into the promised land,

but you opened my side with a spear;

I washed your feet as a sign of my love,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I lifted you up to the heights,

but you lifted me high on the cross;

I raised you from death and prepared for you the tree of life,

but you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I grafted you into my people Israel,

but you made them scapegoats for your own guilt,

and you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

I was hungry and you gave me no food,

thirsty and you gave me no drink,

a stranger and you di not welcome me,

naked and you did not clothe me,

sick and in prison and you did not visit me,

and you have made a cross for your Savior.

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy on us.

Amen.

Friday Morning Holy Week Prayer

A simple prayer service for use during Holy Week.

OPENING SENTENCES (1 Peter 2:24)

Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the cross,

so that, free from sins, we might live to righteousness;

by his wounds we have been healed.

MORNING PSALM or HYMN

Psalm 22

Ah Holy Jesus (Presbyterian Hymnal 93; Glory to God 218)

THANKSGIVING for BAPTISM

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Reconciling God, we give you thanks that through the gift of baptism you have broken down dividing walls and made us members of your house. By the power of your Holy Spirit, build us up to be your holy temple, a place of peace and welcome for all; through Jesus Christ our Savior.

PSALM(S)

Psalm 22, 148

SCRIPTURE

Choose one or more scriptures to read

Hebrew Scriptures: Genesis 22:1-14 (Binding of Isaac)

Epistle: 1 Peter 1:10-20 (Holy Living)

Gospel: Matthew 26:36-46 (Jesus prays in Gethsemane)

Matthew 26:47-56 (the Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus)

Matthew 26:57-68 (Jesus Before the High Priest)

Matthew 26:69-75 (Peter’s Denial of Jesus)

Matthew 27:1-2, 11-14 (Jesus brought before Pilate)

Matthew 27:15-23 (Barabbas or Jesus?)

Matthew 27:24-26 (Pilate Hands Jesus Over to be Crucified)

Matthew 27:27-31 (The Soldiers Mock Jesus)

Matthew 27:32-44 (The Crucifixion of Jesus)

Matthew 27:45-56 (The Death of Jesus)

Matthew 27:57-66 (Burial of Jesus and Guarded Tomb)

CANTICLE

Seek the Lord

Canticle of Penitence

Holy God, We Praise Your Name/ Te Deum

Glory to God

The New Jerusalem

THANKSGIVING and INTERCESSION

Satisfy us with your love in the morning,

and we will live this day in joy and praise.

Take all our doubts and uncertainties, O God, and fill us with such faith that we may be confident of your love and loyal in the service of him who died and yet lives for us, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

Especially we thank you for

ministries of teaching and pastoral care…

those who work to help and heal…

sacrifices others have made for our benefit…

opportunities for generous giving…

the presence of Christ in our weakness and suffering…

Individual prayers of thanksgiving may be invited

God of grace, let our concern for others reflect Christ’s self-giving love, not only in our prayers, but also in our practice.

Especially we pray for

the church in Latin America…

a right relationship between humans and the earth…

those who are wounded or face death…

those who keep watch over the sick and dying…

all who speak up and take action for what is right…

Individual prayers of intercession may be invited.

There may be a time of silent prayer.

God of love, as you have given your life for usm so may we live according to your holy will revealed in Jesus Christ. Make us bold to share your life, and show your love, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Grant this through Jesus Christ our redeemer and Lord. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer: Our Father…

DISMISSAL

Like good stewards of the grace of God, let us serve one another with whatever gifts we have received. Amen.

Bless the Lord. The Lord’s name be praised.

Seek the Lord

A Canticle from Isaiah 55:6-11

Refrain: You are full of mercy, O Lord

for you will abundantly pardon.

Seek the LORD who is still to be found;

call upon God who is yet at hand.

Let the wicked forsake their way,

and the unrighteous their thoughts;

[Unison] let them return to the LORD, who will have mercy,

to our God, who will abundantly pardon. Refrain

For my thoughts are not your thoughts;

nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth;

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts. Refrain

For as the rain and snow fall from the heavens;

and return not again but watered the earth

bringing forth life and giving growth;

giving seed to the sower and bread to the hungry;

so is my word that goes forth from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I desire;

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Refrain

Canticle of Penitence

A Canticle from Psalm 183

Refrain: O Lord, your are full of compassion,

long-suffering and abounding in mercy.

O Lord almighty and God of our ancestors,

you made the heavens and the earth, in their glorious array.

All things quake with fear at your presence;

they tremble because of your power.

But your merciful promise is beyond all measure;

it surpasses all that our minds can fathom. Refrain

Lord you are full of compassion,

long-suffering, and abounding in mercy.

And now, O Lord, I humble my heart,

and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness.

For you, O Lord, are the God of the penitent,

and in me you will show forth your goodness. Refrain

Unworthy as I am, you will save me,

and so I will praise you continually, all the days of my life.

For all the host of heaven sing your praises,

and your glory is forever and ever. Refrain

We Praise You, O God

Te Deum Laudamus (15th Century Latin Hymn)

We praise you, O God,

we claim you as Lord,

all creation worships you,

Father everlasting

To you, all angels, all the power of heaven,

the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of the apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy church acclaims you;

Father of majesty unbounded,

your true and holy Son, worthy of all praise,

the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,

the eternal Son of the Father.

When you took our flesh to set us free

you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death

and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.

We believe that you will come, and be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people,

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints

to glory everlasting.

Glory to God

Gloria in Excelsis

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to all people on earth.

Lord, God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen

Arts & Faith: Lent—Good Friday Imaginative Prayer Exercise

By Steve Connor

An imaginative prayer experience in the Ignatian tradition

Preparation

As you begin this time of quiet prayer, I invite you to find a comfortable place to sit with your back straight and your legs planted on the ground. Take a few moments to breathe in and breathe out.

Spend this time centering yourself to listen to what God may be saying to you during this time of prayer, to listen to what rises up in your heart. Close your eyes for a few moments. As you sit with your eyes closed, use these or similar words: “Here I am, Lord. Here I am.” When you are ready, open your eyes and pray.

Is it Finished?

The day begins with a bright sun and a blue sky. Imagine you’re walking along a street feeling joyful and peaceful. You pass by people who are smiling because the day makes everyone feel alive and fresh. Springtime has that effect on people. After walking about an hour, you notice that the sky is turning dark. Big, gray and black clouds have moved in, as if a tremendous storm is about to happen. You think of finding a place to wait it out, but something keeps you moving forward, pulling you to continue. You see a hill in the distance. People are standing around what looks like several men hanging from trees. Getting closer, you see that they are crosses. The man on the center cross is covered in blood and sores. On his head is a wooden crown with thorns that pierce his skin. You see that it is Jesus. His eyes catch yours. He looks at you with eyes that don’t show pain, but peace. He speaks to you in a voice that only you can hear. What does Jesus say to you? Is there something you want to say in response to Jesus?

Some of the people around you are crying. Some are yelling at Jesus, telling him to come down if he truly is who he says he is. You want to turn away, to walk away, but you can’t. You stand there caught in the horror, yet knowing this is not the conclusion to Jesus’ life. You want to tell those around you that this is not the end, that there is more. It is not finished.

Someone comes up to you, wrapped in a cloak, and stands beside you. You can’t see his face, but he holds out a hand to you. In his hand, you see the nail mark. You realize it is Jesus. He removes the cloak from around his face as he turns to you. He looks at you with a peaceful, warm smile. What do you say to Jesus? How does he respond?

As Jesus stands beside you, you feel a power coming from him. It makes you feel safe and, at the same time, energized. Your mind is full of questions and races from one thing to another, but you remain quiet. Jesus turns to you again and says, “You know this is not the end. It isn’t finished. It has just begun. And now, it’s up to you.” He looks at you, smiles, and slowly walks into the crowd and disappears. You look up at the scene before you. On the cross, Jesus lifts his head and says, “It is finished.” Your eyes fill with tears. You whisper to yourself, No, it is not finished. No. It has just begun.What are the crosses in your life that you need to bring to Jesus so he can help carry them for you? How have you brought the good news of Jesus to others in your life?

Concluding Prayer

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

GOOD FRIDAY

By Eva Sullivan-Knoff

An imaginative prayer experience in the Ignatian tradition

Opening

Lord, help us to journey with you throughout this day, ever so mindful of you.

Reflection

This is a day that is hard to take in, the extent of God’s love for us. We pray oh Lord, please stir our hearts and change us as we humbly, enter the story again.

Invitation

Read the scripture through slowly, pausing where you are drawn. Take as long as you need. Imagine you are there. As you read keep your eyes on Jesus. Listen to His words. Imagine his face as He speaks. What do you see in His eyes? Watch his actions. How does He respond? Stay focused on Him as you read. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your prayerful reading.

(To read the whole account, read from John 18:1-19:42)

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3 They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him…14 Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew[d] is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth,[e] the King of the Jews… 28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Prayer of Response

On this day, words are hard to find.

Moved by all that has been given,

By all that has been done,

I sit in silence with Jesus.

I remain with Him.

I offer my heart in quiet

just as He offers Himself

completely to me.

Amen.

The Suffering Servant

Isaiah 42:1-9; 52:13-53:12 (NRSV)

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,

my chosen, in whom my soul delights;

I have put my spirit upon him;

he will bring forth justice to the nations.

He will not cry or lift up his voice,

or make it heard in the street;

a bruised reed he will not break,

and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;

he will faithfully bring forth justice.

He will not grow faint or be crushed

until he has established justice in the earth;

and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

Thus says God, the Lord,

who created the heavens and stretched them out,

who spread out the earth and what comes from it,

who gives breath to the people upon it

and spirit to those who walk in it:

I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,

I have taken you by the hand and kept you;

I have given you as a covenant to the people,

a light to the nations,

to open the eyes that are blind,

to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,

from the prison those who sit in darkness.

I am the Lord, that is my name;

my glory I give to no other,

nor my praise to idols.

See, the former things have come to pass,

and new things I now declare;

before they spring forth,

I tell you of them…

See, my servant shall prosper;

he shall be exalted and lifted up,

and shall be very high.

Just as there were many who were astonished at him

—so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance,

and his form beyond that of mortals—

so he shall startle many nations;

kings shall shut their mouths because of him;

for that which had not been told them they shall see,

and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.

Who has believed what we have heard?

And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a young plant,

and like a root out of dry ground;

he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,

nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by others;

a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity;

and as one from whom others hide their faces

he was despised, and we held him of no account.

Surely he has borne our infirmities

and carried our diseases;

yet we accounted him stricken,

struck down by God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions,

crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the punishment that made us whole,

and by his bruises we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have all turned to our own way,

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,

and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

By a perversion of justice he was taken away.

Who could have imagined his future?

For he was cut off from the land of the living,

stricken for the transgression of my people.

They made his grave with the wicked

and his tomb with the rich,

although he had done no violence,

and there was no deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain.

When you make his life an offering for sin,

he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days;

through him the will of the Lord shall prosper.

Out of his anguish he shall see light;

he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge.

The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous,

and he shall bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great,

and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;

because he poured out himself to death,

and was numbered with the transgressors;

yet he bore the sin of many,

and made intercession for the transgressors.

Psalm 22 (NRSV)

To the leader: according to The Deer of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?

O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;

and by night, but find no rest.

Yet you are holy,

enthroned on the praises of Israel.

In you our ancestors trusted;

they trusted, and you delivered them.

To you they cried, and were saved;

in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.

But I am a worm, and not human;

scorned by others, and despised by the people.

All who see me mock at me;

they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;

‘Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—

let him rescue the one in whom he delights!’

Yet it was you who took me from the womb;

you kept me safe on my mother’s breast.

On you I was cast from my birth,

and since my mother bore me you have been my God.

Do not be far from me,

for trouble is near

and there is no one to help.

Many bulls encircle me,

strong bulls of Bashan surround me;

they open wide their mouths at me,

like a ravening and roaring lion.

I am poured out like water,

and all my bones are out of joint;

my heart is like wax;

it is melted within my breast;

my mouth is dried up like a potsherd,

and my tongue sticks to my jaws;

you lay me in the dust of death.

For dogs are all around me;

a company of evildoers encircles me.

My hands and feet have shriveled;

I can count all my bones.

They stare and gloat over me;

they divide my clothes among themselves,

and for my clothing they cast lots.

But you, O Lord, do not be far away!

O my help, come quickly to my aid!

Deliver my soul from the sword,

my life from the power of the dog!

Save me from the mouth of the lion!

From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.

I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

You who fear the Lord, praise him!

All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;

stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

For he did not despise or abhor

the affliction of the afflicted;

he did not hide his face from me,

but heard when I cried to him.

From you comes my praise in the great congregation;

my vows I will pay before those who fear him.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied;

those who seek him shall praise the Lord.

May your hearts live for ever!

All the ends of the earth shall remember

and turn to the Lord;

and all the families of the nations

shall worship before him.

For dominion belongs to the Lord,

and he rules over the nations.

To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down;

before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,

and I shall live for him.

Posterity will serve him;

future generations will be told about the Lord,

and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,

saying that he has done it.

Matthew 27 (NRSV)

When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ But they said, ‘What is that to us? See to it yourself.’ Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, ‘It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.’ After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’

Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘You say so.’ But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, ‘Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?’ But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, ‘Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.’ Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’ Then he asked, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Let him be crucified!’

So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ Then the people as a whole answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.’

Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’ In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, “I am God’s Son.” ’ The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way.

From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘This man is calling for Elijah.’ At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.’ Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’

Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise again.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, “He has been raised from the dead”, and the last deception would be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.’ So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.

Order of Worship 4-9-23

Posted on Apr 5, 2023 in Bulletin, Orders of Worship |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Easter Sunday

April 9th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Caroline Kothari

Please silence all cell phones.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING AT THE TOMB

PRELUDE “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

by James Ellie arr. Patricia Sanders Cota

Performed by the JCPC Handbell Choir

PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#123*] [GTG#232]

“Jesus Christ is Risen Today”

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!

our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!

suffered to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!

unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!

who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!

sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!

our salvation have procured. Alleluia!

Now above the sky he’s King, Alleluia!

where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!

praise eternal as God’s love. Alleluia!

Praise our God, ye heavenly host, Alleluia!

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Alleluia!

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR MISSION: One Great Hour of Sharing

LITANY for EASTER

ONE: This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice, and be glad in it.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: This is the good news we have received,

in which we stand, and by which we are saved:

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: That Christ died for our sins, and was buried,

and rose again on the third day.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: He appeared to Peter, and to the twelve,

and to many faithful witnesses.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: At last he came to us, that we might come to believe

and proclaim this good news to the world.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [BLUE#104*] [GTG#248] “Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!”

Christ is risen! Shout hosanna! Celebrate this day of days!

Christ is risen! Hush and wonder; all creation is amazed.

In the desert all surrounding, see a spreading tree has grown.

Healing leaves of grace abounding bring a taste of love unknown.

Christ is risen! Raise your spirits from the caverns of despair.

Walk with gladness in the morning. See what love can do and dare.

Drink the wine of resurrection, not a servant, but a friend.

Jesus is our strong companion. Joy and peace shall never end.

Christ is risen! Earth and heaven never more shall be the same.

Break the bread of new creation where the world is still in pain.

Tell this grim, demonic chorus: “Christ is risen! Get you gone!”

God the First and Last is with us. Sing Hosanna every one!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE HYMN [BLUE#106*] [GTG#240]

“Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks”

Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord;

alleluia, alleluia, give praise to his name.

THE GOSPEL PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.32 or 33] Matthew 28:1-10

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead

men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON: “Universal Resurrection” The Rev. Aaron Ochart

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW

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.

HYMN [BLUE#118*] [GTG#233] “The Day of Resurrection”

The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad,

the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.

From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free,

our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.

Let hearts be purged of evil that we may see aright

the Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light,

and listening to his accents, may hear, so calm and plain,

his own “All hail!” and hearing, may raise the victor strain.

Now let the heavens be joyful; let earth its song begin;

the round world keep high triumph and all that is therein.

Let all things seen and unseen their notes of gladness blend,

for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Ring the Easter Bells” by Joseph M. Martin

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Allelujah, alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus Fully know:

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

ONE: Living God,

MANY: hear our prayer

CELEBRATION of the LORD’S SUPPER

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them up 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

HYMN [BLUE#120*] [GTG#277] “Hail Thee Festival Day”

Refrain: Hail thee festival day! Blest day to be hallowed forever;

day when our Lord was raised, breaking the kingdom of death.

All the fair beauty of the earth

from the death of the winter arising!

Every good gift of the year now with Master returns: (Refrain)

God the Almighty, the Lord,

the ruler of earth and the heavens,

guard us from harm without; cleanse us from evil within: (Refrain)

PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life.

Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you overcame death and opened the gate to everlasting life.

Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth.

Glory to you, Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#277] “Hail Thee Festival Day”

Hail thee festival day! Blest day to be hallowed forever;

day when our Lord was raised, breaking the kingdom of death.

POSTLUDE: Festive Trumpet Tune by David German

*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; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Assistant Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service.

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett – Music Director

Kelly Cuppett – Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

Announcements 4-9-23

Posted on Apr 5, 2023 in Announcements |

Announcements:

DEVOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT: This week’s devotional is: Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals Designed to help individuals, families, and congregations pray together across denominations, this book of common prayer will help you and your community join together each day with the same songs, scriptures, and prayers. Composed under an advisory team of liturgy experts, these three influential and inspiring authors have created Common Prayer–a tapestry of prayer that will help the church be one as God is one.

OFFICE CLOSED: Pastor Aaron and Louise will be out of town April 10th – 14th. The office will be closed. If something urgent comes up please email us or call and leave a voice message and we will respond as soon as we are able.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: Lent is a time to think about others, instead of ourselves. Easter is a time for connecting friends, family, and those in need. ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING……is a time when people throughout the world come together and share what they have with others that have less!

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING is the single, largest way that Presbyterians connect every year to work for justice, resilience, and sustainability, providing relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed.

During the season of Lent, we celebrate that God connects with us through Jesus’ resurrection and connects us with “those who have least” – that’s how Matthew 25 puts it – and that’s what One Great hour of Sharing (OGHS) is all about.

We will be collecting the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering this Sunday.

POTLUCK LUNCHEON AFTER THE CANTATA!: On Sunday, April 16th the Presbyterian Women will host a potluck luncheon after our annual cantata. Just bring a dish to share with others. It can be homemade or store bought. Anything yummy you would like, someone else is sure to like too! The Presbyterian women will be in the Fellowship Hall before the worship service to accept the food (and to have it heated or refrigerated, if necessary).The PW will provide the drinks. Plan to join us on April 16th. for beautiful music and wonderful fellowship as we join Chinese Presbyterian and Little Farms United Church of Christ as a community of believers praising God together!

EASTER EGG HUNT THANK YOU!!!: A Big Thank you to all those who came out and helped at the Easter Egg Hunt on the 1st. Julie, Christian, Joseph, Greg, Claire, Aaron, Asher, Ardis, Jermey, Brock, Sue, Ron, Cynthia, and Emily we could not have done it without you. Thank you for all your hard work. The kids had a great time and the parents were impressed with what we had to offer.

THANK YOU FROM EVERGREEN: Thank you to everyone who donated to Evergreen Life Services Last month. We collected 1,220. Check out the Thank you letter from Evergreen on the Bulletin board to find out more about how this money will be used.

FLOWERS: The Flowers were given to the Glory of God by the Garlands.

BIRTHDAYS: Chuck Corcoran 4/9

EVENTS AND MEETINGS THIS WEEK:

4/10 – 4/14 – Office Closed

4/12 -6:00 PM – Worship Committee Meeting

7:00 PM – Cantata Choir Rehearsal

4/13 – 10:00 AM – Game Day Sponsored by PW

4/16 – 9:30 AM – Canta Warm-up and Rehearsal

10:30 AM- Easter Cantata

11:45 AM -Potluck luncheon

February 2023 Finances

Revenues: $ 62,817 Expenses: $109,511.95 ($46,694.95)