Order of Worship 4-2-23

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Palm Sunday

April 2nd, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Emily Garland

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

CALLED TO FOLLOW

PRELUDE     “Sonata III” Felix Mendelssohn 

PROCESSION

ONE: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

MANY: Hosanna in the highest!

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#88*] [GTG#196]

“All Glory, Laud, and Honor”

Refrain: All glory, laud, and honor to thee, Redeemer King,

To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!

1.Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal Son,

Who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and blessed One. Refrain
  1. The people of the Hebrews with palms before thee went;

our praise and prayers and anthems before thee we present. Refrain

  1. To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise;

to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. Refrain

  1. Thou didst accept their praises; accept the prayer we bring,

who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King! Refrain

WORDS OF WELCOME   

MINUTE for MISSION: One Great Hour of Sharing                                                     

CALL TO WORSHIP: Zechariah 9:9

ONE: Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!

MANY: Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!

ONE: Lo, your king comes to you;

MANY: triumphant and victorious is he,

ONE: humble and riding on a donkey,

MANY: on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you

We praise you, O God, for your redemption of the world through Jesus Christ, who entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph and was proclaimed Messiah and king by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Let these branches be signs of his victory, and grant that we may follow him in the way of the cross, that, dying and rising with him, we may enter into your kingdom; though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.  

✝HYMN [BLUE#13*] [GTG#106]  “Prepare the Way, O Zion”          

1 Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!

Let every hill and valley a level way appear.

Greet one who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.

O blessed is Christ who came, in God’s most holy name. 

2 He brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.

His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love.

Lift high your praise resounding 

for grace and joy abounding 

O blessed is Christ who came, in God’s most holy name. 

3 Fling wide your gates, O Zion; 

your Savior’s rule embrace,

and tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.

All lands will bow rejoicing, their adoration voicing.

O blessed is Christ who came, in God’s most holy name.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE (While Children leave) [BLUE#] [GTG#591]

“Halle, Halle, Hallelujah!”

Halle, halle, hale-lujah! 

Halle, halle, hale-lujah!

Halle, halle, hale-lujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah! 

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.21 or 23]   Matthew 21:1-17

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

‘Tell the daughter of Zion,

Look, your king is coming to you,

   humble, and mounted on a donkey,

     and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

‘Hosanna to the Son of David!

   Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!’

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’

Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, ‘It is written,

“My house shall be called a house of prayer”;

   but you are making it a den of robbers.’

The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’, they became angry and said to him, ‘Do you hear what these are saying?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Yes; have you never read,

“Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies

   you have prepared praise for yourself”?’

He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON:     “Parody Parade”     The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW   

✝AFFIRMATION OF FAITH   Theological Declaration of Barmen

  1. “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Matt. 28:20.) “The word of God is not fettered.” (II Tim. 2:9.) 

The church’s commission, upon which its freedom is founded, consists in delivering the message of the free grace of God to all people in Christ’s stead, and therefore in the ministry of his own Word and work through sermon and Sacrament.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the church in human arrogance could place the Word and work of the Lord in the service of any arbitrarily chosen desires, purposes, and plans. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  Excerpt from “Sing Hosanna to the King” Lloyd Larson

✝OFFERTORY RESPONSE [GTG 701] “Lord Prepare Me”

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORDS PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

✝HYMN [GTG #218]  “Ah Holy Jesus” 

  1. Ah holy Jesus, how hast thou offended, 

that we to judge thee have in hate pretended?

By foes derided, by thine own rejected, O most afflicted!

  1. Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee?

Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone thee.

‘Twas I Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee; I crucified thee. 

  1. Lo, the Good shepherd for the sheep is offered;

the slave hath sinned, and the Son has suffered;

for our atonement, while we nothing heeded, 

God interceded.

  1. For me, kind Jesus, was thy incarnation,

thy mortal sorrow, and thy life’s oblation,

thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion, 

for my salvation.

  1. Therefore kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee, 

I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee,

think on thy pity and thy love unswerving, 

not my deserving.

✝PARTING PRAYER (Richard of Chichester c. 1197-1253)

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have won for us, for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know you more clearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [GTG#227] Jesus, Remember Me

Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. 

POSTLUDE:   Rondeau from “Sinfonie de Fanfares” by Mouret

 


Announcements 4-2-23

Announcements:

 Devotional Spotlight: This week’s devotional is: Awaken to Rest: Daily words of comfort and hope The Lord wants your freedom and for you to feel the joy in His heart for you. Listen to the words in this book to jumpstart a deeper relationship with Him. Sink into His vision of you. See that you are a canvas where He is creating a beautiful life. The finished work of the Cross secured your liberty into a radically new existence.

As you read these messages daily, let them awaken you to truths that are liberating. Awakening to His rest is the key to fulfillment and peace. Striving and anxiously trying to control your life is a dead-end that leads nowhere. Come into the open pasture and lean against the heart of your Creator. Allow Him to show you a new and better way.

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 and on Easter Sunday.

FOR A POTLUCK LUNCHEON AFTER THE CANTATA!: On Sunday, April 16th. the Presbyterian Women will host a pot luck 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!

Events and Meetings this Week:

4/2 – 11:45 AM – Choir 

4/5 -11:00 AM – Staff Meeting  

          6:00 PM – Handbells 

          7:00 PM – Cantata Choir Rehearsal 

4/6 – 7:00 PM – Maundy Thursday Service at Chinese Presbyterian 

4/7 – 8:00 AM – Good Friday Drop In  Prayer Vigil 

4/9 – 10:15 AM – Choir Rehearsal 

         10:30 AM- Easter Sunday  Worship Service

         11:45 AM – Choir

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!

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.

Love Offering For Olga: Olga, our long-term cleaning help, is retiring this week. Her husband, who has been battling mouth cancer for the last several months, started radiation treatments last week, and then will undergo chemotherapy. She needs to retire to be able to care for him. We would like to take up a love offering for Olga in recognition of her time with us and to support her in her time of need. Please put “Love Offering” in the memo line.

Birthdays: Lorraine Weindel 4/6, Chuck Corcoran 4/9



Worship 3-26-23

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

5th Sunday of Lent

March 26th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Karla Russo

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

CALLED TO FOLLOW

PRELUDE     “Sonata in E Minor, II. Andante”   Florence Price

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#434*] [GTG#757]          

 “Today We All Are Called To Be Disciples”

 Cindy Freudenthal, flute

  1. Today we are all called to be Disciples of the Lord,

To help to set the captives free,

Make plow-share out of sword,

To feed the hungry, quench their thirst,

Make love and peace our fast,

To serve the poor and homeless first,

Our ease and comfort last.

  1. May we in service to our God

Act out the living word,

And walk the road the saints have trod

Till all have seen and heard.

As stewards of the earth may we

Give thanks in one accord

To God who calls us all to be

Disciples of the Lord.

WORDS OF WELCOME                                                        

CALL TO WORSHIP: Matt. 5:14, 16

ONE: Jesus says: You are the light of the world.

MANY: Let your light shine before others.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy God, by your Word and Spirit, come and transform your church to be a living sign of your love for the world — where the poor are filled with good things, the dividing walls are broken down, and the dead are raised to new life;

through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

✝HYMN [BLUE#87*] [GTG#165]  “The Glory of These Forty Days”          

1 The glory of these forty days

we celebrate with songs of praise;

for Christ, by whom all things were made,

himself has fasted and has prayed.

2 Alone and fasting Moses saw

the loving God who gave the law;

and to Elijah, fasting, came

the steeds and chariots of flame.

3 So Daniel trained his mystic sight,

delivered from the lion’s might;

and John, the Bridegroom’s friend, became

the herald of Messiah’s name.

4 Then grant that we like them be true,

consumed in fast and prayer with you;

our spirits strengthen with your grace,

and give us joy to see your face.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE (While Children leave) 

“Jesus, Be With Us (Matthew 25 Hymn)    

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Merciful God, we confess that we have wandered from your way of truth and life. You call us to share all that we have 

and work together for the common good, but we hoard up treasures for ourselves and deny others their daily bread.

You call us to set the captives free and seek justice for the oppressed, but we live in fear of our neighbors and hide ourselves from our own kin.

You call us to walk in newness of life and to be witnesses to the resurrection, but we dwell in the valley of dry bones and keep silent about your saving love.

Forgive us, God of grace. Set us free from sin, death and fear

so that we may serve you with gladness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

KYRIE [GTG Hymnal #575] 

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON  

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.27 or 29]   Matthew 25:31-46

‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON:     “Kindom Work”     The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW   

✝AFFIRMATION OF FAITH   Theological Declaration of Barmen

  1. “Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (I Peter 2:17.)

Scripture tells us that, in the as yet unredeemed world in which the Church also exists, the State has by divine appointment the task of providing for justice and peace. [It fulfills this task] by means of the threat and exercise of force, according to the measure of human judgment and human ability. The church acknowledges the benefit of this divine appointment in gratitude and reverence before him. It calls to mind the Kingdom of God, God’s commandment and righteousness, and thereby the responsibility both of rulers and of the ruled. It trusts and obeys the power of the Word by which God upholds all things.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the State, over and beyond its special commission, should and could become the single and totalitarian order of human life, thus fulfilling the church’s vocation as well.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the church, over and beyond its special commission, should and could appropriate the characteristics, the tasks, and the dignity of the State, thus itself becoming an organ of the State.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY     “Prayer for Peace” David M. Cherwien

✝OFFERTORY RESPONSE [GTG 701] “Lord Prepare Me”

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORDS PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

✝HYMN [GTG #852]  “When the Lord Redeems the Very Least” 

  1. When the Lord redeems  the very least, we will rejoice.

When the hungry gather for the feast, we will rejoice.

We will rejoice with gladness. We will rejoice. 

All our days we’ll sing to God in praise. We will rejoice!

2.When the Lord restores  the sick and weak, we will rejoice.

When the earth is given to the meek, we will rejoice.

We will rejoice with gladness. We will rejoice.

All our days we’ll sing to God in praise. We will rejoice!

  1. When the Lord revives the world from death, we will rejoice.

When the word of God  fills every breath, we will rejoice.

We will rejoice with gladness. We will rejoice.

All our days we’ll sing to God in praise. We will rejoice!

  1. When the Lord returns in victory, we will rejoice.

When we live in glorious liberty, we will rejoice.

We will rejoice with gladness. We will rejoice.

All our days we’ll sing to God in praise. We will rejoice!

✝PARTING PRAYER (St. Patrick)

Lord, be with us this day- within us to purify us; above us to draw us up; beneath us to sustain us; before us to lead us; behind us to restrain us; around us to protect us. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [GTG#771] What is the World Like

  1. These are the stories that Jesus imparts,

filled with the Spirit who joins us as one.

Born through our voices, our hands, and our hearts,

this is a new world where God’s will is done.

POSTLUDE:   “Festal March” Florence Price      

*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. 

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. 



Announcements 3-26-23

Announcements:

 Devotional Spotlight: This week’s devotional is: Come, Holy Spirit : A Daily Discipleship Travel Log for Easter to Pentecost. Learning to Pray, “Come, Holy Spirit!”

When was the last time you prayed for the Holy Spirit? The person and work of the Spirit sometimes seem mysterious, if not confusing. We pray to the Father and the Son while the Spirit often remains behind the scenes, a silent partner in God’s Work in the world. But the Scriptures envision so much more.

Over the course of 40 days, this Discipleship Travel Log explores the role of the Spirit as a sculptor who shapes us to look more like Jesus. The daily Scripture readings, devotions, and prayers help you lean into the work of the Spirit in your everyday life. Custom-made Faith Experiments will help you: try something new, find the next step, and get into the groove. The Spirit is already working in your life. The Father gladly gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Today is a good day to pray, “Come, Holy Spirit! Help me take a small next step.”

Bigger isn’t always better: Have you been wondering why the Bulletin is getting smaller? As we continually assess our call to be good stewards of both the earth and the financial resources that God has given us, we are working on reducing our footprint. Using smaller paper, and printing less of the service is both less expensive and better for the environment. While sometimes we need to use creative spacing, nearly everything that was on the larger paper fits on this smaller version and with a font that is only .5 smaller then we were using. Also everything that is in the paper bulletin is also on the slides or available online, so you may find that you don’t even need the paper version. We will have a QR code available to scan that will take you to the online version, on our website, or you can go completely hands free and just use the slides.We will also have copies of the announcement page for those who opt out of a bulletin but still want the prayer list and announcements to take home.  We will of course keep providing a printed version for those who prefer it, but the less we print the better for the earth and our budget. 

Love Offering For Olga: Olga, our long-term cleaning help, is retiring this week. Her husband, who has been battling mouth cancer for the last several months, started radiation treatments last week, and then will undergo chemotherapy. She needs to retire to be able to care for him. We would like to take up a love offering for Olga in recognition of her time with us and to support her in her time of need. Please put “Love Offering” in the memo line.

Good Friday Prayer Vigil: We cannot experience the glory of Easter if we do not first experience the pain of Maundy Thursday, the loss of Good Friday and the sadness of Holy Saturday. Setting aside specific time in church to wait and pray with Jesus, to reflect on the events that led up to his death and resurrection, to speak to God and seek his guidance and listen to his heart, is essential to preparing our hearts for the Joy of Easter. To that end we would like to host a Prayer Vigil on Good Friday. This will be a time to blanket our church, our community, our parish, our state, our nation and the world in continual prayer. Please take a moment to consider what time you would like to come in and pray for yourself and our community. Our hope is to have an extended vigil with at least two people in the sanctuary throughout Good Friday. Use the sign up sheet in the Bulletin to let us know when you would like to come in and pray. 

Birthdays: Beverly Ross 3/28, Tracy Wayne 4/1, 

Events and Meetings this Week:

 3/26 – 11:45 AM – Choir

           5:00 PM – Egg Stuffing & Pizza Party  

3/22 -11:00 AM – Staff Meeting  

          6:00 PM – Cantata Handbells 

          7:00 PM – Cantata Choir Rehearsal 

4/1 – 9:00 AM – Noon – Easter Egg Hunt

3/26 – 9:30 AM – Sunday School 

          10:15 AM – Choir Rehearsal 

          10:30 AM- Worship Service

          11:45 AM – Choir



Video 03-19-23

 



Order of Worship 3-19-23

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

4th Sunday of Lent

March 19th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Karla Russo 

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

CALLED TO FOLLOW

PRELUDE         Prelude in b, Op. 28 No. 6           Frederic Chopin

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#15*]  [GTG#362]     

“Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers”                      Mike Isham, saxophone

1 Rejoice! Rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear;

the evening is advancing and darker night is near.

The Bridegroom is arising and soon he will draw nigh.

Up, watch with expectation; at midnight comes the cry.

 

2 See that your lamps are burning; replenish them with oil;

look now for your salvation, the end of sin and toil.

The marriage feast is waiting; the gates wide open stand;

arise, O heirs of glory; the Bridegroom is at hand!

WORDS OF WELCOME     

MINUTE FOR THE CHURCH                                                   

CALL TO WORSHIP: Eph. 5:8, 14

ONE: Live as children of the light.

MANY: Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Gracious God,

in order that the children of earth might discern good from evil you sent your Son to be the light of the world. As Christ shines upon us, may we learn what pleases you, and live in all truth and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

✝HYMN [BLUE#87*] [GTG#165]  “The Glory of These Forty Days”          

1 The glory of these forty days

we celebrate with songs of praise;

for Christ, by whom all things were made,

himself has fasted and has prayed.

 

2 Alone and fasting Moses saw

the loving God who gave the law;

and to Elijah, fasting, came

the steeds and chariots of flame.

 

3 So Daniel trained his mystic sight,

delivered from the lion’s might;

and John, the Bridegroom’s friend, became

the herald of Messiah’s name.

 

4 Then grant that we like them be true,

consumed in fast and prayer with you;

our spirits strengthen with your grace,

and give us joy to see your face.

 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE {SUNG AS CHILDREN EXIT} [BLUE# 335] [GTG#693]

“Though I May Speak The Gift of Love” 

 1 Though I may speak with bravest fire,

and have the gift to all inspire,

and have not love, my words are vain,

as sounding brass, and hopeless gain.       

REPENTANCE

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.

KYRIE [GTG Hymnal #575] 

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON  

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.26 or 28]   Matthew 25:1-30

‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

 

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 

SERMON: “Use What God Gave You”     The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW   

✝AFFIRMATION OF FAITH   Theological Declaration of Barmen

 

  1. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,

and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” (Matt. 20:25, 26.)

The various offices in the church do not establish a dominion of some over the others; on the contrary, they are for the exercise of the ministry entrusted to and enjoined upon the whole congregation.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the church, apart from this ministry, could and were permitted to give to itself, or allow to be given to it, special leaders vested with ruling powers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY     “Offertory” by John Ness Beck
    Sharon Fortin & Kelly Cuppett

✝OFFERTORY RESPONSE [GTG 701] “Lord Prepare Me”

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you. 

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

✝HYMN [BLUE#41*] [GTG #719]  “Come, Labor On” 

1 Come, labor on.

Who dares stand idle on the harvest plain

while all around us waves the golden grain?

And to each servant does the Master say,

“Go work today.”

2 Come, labor on.

Claim the high calling angels cannot share;

to young and old the gospel gladness bear.

Redeem the time; its hours too swiftly fly.

The night draws nigh.

3 Come, labor on.

Cast off all gloomy doubt and faithless fear!

No arm so weak but may do service here.

Though feeble agents, may we all fulfill

God’s righteous will.

4 Come, labor on.

No time for rest, till glows the western sky,

till the long shadows o’er our pathway lie,

and a glad sound comes with the setting sun,

“Well done, well done!”

✝PARTING PRAYER (St. Patrick)

Lord, be with us this day- within us to purify us; above us to draw us up; beneath us to sustain us; before us to lead us; behind us to restrain us; around us to protect us. Amen. 

 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [GTG#771] What is the World Like

  1. What is the world like when God’s will is done?

Ready for feasting, we watch through the night,

tending our lamps till the new day’s begun.

This is how God readies us for the light.

POSTLUDE:   “Mighty Maker of All” by Rachel Sawyer

*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. 

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

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The 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

JCPC Prayer Team

You may write your prayer request on one of the forms, located in the pew rack in front of you, and place it in the offering plate. You may also enter prayer requests on-line at www.johncalvinchurch.org, just click

 “Prayer Request.”



Worship for March 12, 2023



Announcements 3- 12

Announcements:

 Devotional Spotlight: This week’s devotional is: A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal It’s no secret that we are overworked, overpressured, and edging burnout. Unsurprisingly, this fact is as old as time—and that’s why we see so many prayer circles within a multitude of church traditions. These gatherings are a trusted space where people seek help, hope, and peace, energized by God and one another.

This book, curated by acclaimed author Sarah Bessey, celebrates and honors that prayerful tradition in a literary form. A companion for all who feel the immense joys and challenges of the journey of faith, this collection of prayers says it all aloud, giving readers permission to recognize the weight of all they carry. These writings also offer a broadened imagination of hope—of what can be restored and made new. Each prayer is an original piece of writing, with new essays by Sarah Bessey throughout.

Encompassing the full breadth of the emotional landscape, these deeply tender yet subversive prayers give readers an intimate look at the diverse language and shapes of prayer.

Work Day Thank You!!!!: A Big Thank you goes out to all the amazing people who came out for our work day on Saturday March 4th. Look at all we were able to accomplish together with Little Farms. 

  1. Cleaning The Sanctuary: Emily Garland, Sue Crawford, Evelyn Tobey and Charlotte (LFUCC). 
  1. Painting Classrooms in the Fellowship Hall: Linda Lowry, George Cowand, Susan (LFUCC), Chole (LFUCC), Steve (LFUCC), Gwen Nolan, Julie Hebert, 
  2. Youth Space Projects: Aaron Ochart, Deborah Nolan, Jeremy Moore, Jacob Russo 
  3. Various Gardening Projects and Trash Pick-up: Matthew Freudenthal, Sam Garnet, Kelly Cuppett, Ann Trapani, Amy Cardinale, Linda (LFUCC), Scott (LFUCC), Asher Ochart, Ian Nolan, Jeremy Moore, Adris Moore, Brock Moore, Aaron Ochart
  4. Re-striping the Parking lot: Kelly Trail, Jonathan Zea, Caleb Hebert, Jacob Russo, Andrew Nolan, Asher Ochart, Ian Nolan, Gwen Nolan, Aaron Ochart, Kate Russo
  5. Cleaning Gutter:  Linda (LFUCC), Scott (LFUCC)
  6. Fixing Sinks and Lights in Food Pantry: Gary Lowry, Mike Trapani 

We are already looking forward to the next work day on April 22nd to spruce up the garden beds for Earth Day. 

Congregational Meeting: Join us on Sunday March 12th for a congregational meeting for the purpose of electing elders for session.

Liturgy Lagniappe! In the reflective season of Lent, we are asked to listen more carefully. A voice cries out in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. Our acappella processional hymn responds to that voice with conviction of faith, forming the Church Body which breathes and sings together even when our supports are lacking. 

Events and Meetings this Week:

3/12 – 10:30 AM- Worship Service – Congregational Meeting

          11:45 AM – Choir 

3/13 – 12:15 Am – Playschool committee Meeting 

          6:30 PM – CE Committee Meeting

3/14 – 10:00 AM – Outreach Committee Meeting  

3/15 -11:00 AM – Staff Meeting  

                       6:00 PM – Cantata Handbells 

          7:00 PM – Cantata Choir Rehearsal 

3/16 – COM Nola Cluster Meeting 

3/17 – Church Office Closed 

3/19 – 9:30 AM – Intergenerational Sunday School 

          10:15 AM – Choir Rehearsal 

          10:30 AM- Worship Service – Congregational Meeting

          11:45 AM – Choir 



Worship 3-12-23

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

3rd Sunday of Lent

March 12th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Kelly Trail

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

CALLED TO FOLLOW

PRELUDE     “ When We are in the Upmost Need” JS Bach

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [GTG#301] with Mike Islam, saxophone     

“Let us Build a House” 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

WORDS OF WELCOME                                                        

CALL TO WORSHIP: Isa. 55:1

ONE: Let all who thirst come to the waters;

MANY: let all who are hungry come and eat

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son.

Help us to hear your word and obey it, that we may become instruments of your saving love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen.

✝HYMN [BLUE#87*] [GTG#165]  “The Glory of These Forty Days”          

1 The glory of these forty days

we celebrate with songs of praise;

for Christ, by whom all things were made,

himself has fasted and has prayed.

2 Alone and fasting Moses saw

the loving God who gave the law;

and to Elijah, fasting, came

the steeds and chariots of flame.

3 So Daniel trained his mystic sight,

delivered from the lion’s might;

and John, the Bridegroom’s friend, became

the herald of Messiah’s name.

4 Then grant that we like them be true,

consumed in fast and prayer with you;

our spirits strengthen with your grace,

and give us joy to see your face.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

CHILDRENS SONG {SUNG AS CHILDREN EXIT} [BLUE#267] [GTG#20]

“All Things Bright and Beautiful”  

All things bright and beautiful,

all creatures great and small,

all things wise and wonderful,

the Lord God made them all.

                       

REPENTANCE

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.

KYRIE [GTG Hymnal #575] 

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON  

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.23 or 24]    Matthew 22:1-14

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, “Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.” But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, maltreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?” And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON:     “Many Are Called”     The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW   

ANNOUNCEMENTS

✝AFFIRMATION OF FAITH   Theological Declaration of Barmen

  1. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body [is] joined and knit together.” (Eph. 4:15, 16.)

The Christian Church is the congregation of the brethren in which Jesus Christ acts presently as the Lord in Word and Sacrament through the Holy Spirit. As the Church of pardoned sinners, it has to testify in the midst of a sinful world, with its faith as with its obedience, with its message as with its order, that it is solely his property, and that it lives and wants to live solely from his comfort and from his direction in the expectation of his appearance.

 We reject the false doctrine, as though the church were permitted to abandon the form of its message and order to its own pleasure or to changes in prevailing ideological and political convictions.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY    “Think on These Things” Mark Patterson

✝OFFERTORY RESPONSE [GTG 701] “Lord Prepare Me”

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you. 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Nominating Committee Report

Ordination and Installation of Elder

STATEMENT on ORDINATION

We are called into the church of Jesus Christ by baptism, and marked as Christ’s own by the Holy Spirit. 

This is our common calling, to be disciples (followers/learners) of Jesus Christ and servants of our servant Lord. 

Within the community of the church, some are called to particular service as deacons, as ruling elders, and as ministers of Word and Sacrament. 

Ordination is Christ’s gift to the whole church, assuring his ministry continues among us.Through ordination, God provides for acts of care and compassion in the world, for the ordering and governance of the church, and for the preaching of the word and celebration of the sacraments. 

PRESENTATION

Representing the one holy catholic and apostolic church, the session of John Calvin Presbyterian Church now ordains Beverly Kennedy and install her to active service as an Elder in this congregation.

CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS

Beverly, in baptism, you were claimed by the love of God, clothed in the grace of Jesus Christ, and anointed with gifts of the Holy Spirit to share Christ’s mission in the world. 

Now you are called by God through the voice of the church for new service and ministry in Jesus’ name. 

In accordance with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), show your commitment to this calling by responding to these questions:

Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge him Lord of all and Head of the Church, and through him believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? I do

Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal, and God’s Word to you? I do

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads us to believe and do, and will you be instructed and led by those confessions as you lead the people of God? I do and I will

Will you fulfill your ministry in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture, and be continually guided by our confessions? I will

Will you be governed by our church’s polity, and will you abide by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God’s Word and Spirit? I will

Will you in your own life seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, love your neighbors, and work for the reconciliation of the world? I will

Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the church? I do

Will you pray for and seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love? I will

(For ruling elders) Will you be a faithful ruling elder, watching over the people, providing for their worship, nurture, and service? Will you share in government and discipline, serving in councils of the church, and in your ministry will you try to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ? I will

QUESTIONS for the CONGREGATION

Do we, the members of John Calvin Presbyterian Church, accept Beverly Kennedy as a ruling elder chosen by God through the voice of this congregation to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ? We do.

Do we agree to pray for them, to encourage them, to respect their decisions, and to follow as they guide us, serving Jesus Christ, who alone is Head of the Church? We do.

Prayer After Ordination and Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

✝HYMN [BLUE#76*] [GTG #209]  “My Song is Love Unknown” 

1 My song is love unknown, my Savior’s love to me,

love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be.

O who am I that for my sake

my Lord should take frail flesh, and die?

2 He came from heaven’s throne salvation to bestow;

the world that was his own would not its Savior know.

But O my Friend, my Friend indeed,

who at my need his life did spend!

3 Sometimes we strew his way,and his sweet praises sing,

resounding all the day hosannas to our King.

Then “Crucify!” is all our breath,

and for his death we thirst and cry.

4 Unheeding, we will have our dear Lord made away,

a murderer to save, the prince of life to slay.

Yet steadfast he to suffering goes,

that he his foes from thence might free.

5 Here might I stay and sing, no story so divine:

never was love, dear King, never was grief like thine.

This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise

I all my days could gladly spend.

✝PARTING PRAYER (St. Patrick)

Lord, be with us this day- within us to purify us; above us to draw us up; beneath us to sustain us; before us to lead us; behind us to restrain us; around us to protect us. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [GTG#771] What is the World Like

  1. What is the world like when God’s will is done?

Witness the wandering child coming home;

watch as the parent breaks into a run.

This is how God longs for us when we roam.

POSTLUDE:    Toccata Belier       

*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. 

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

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The 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

JCPC Prayer Team

You may write your prayer request on one of the forms, located in the pew rack in front of you, and place it in the offering plate. You may also enter prayer requests on-line at www.johncalvinchurch.org, just click

 “Prayer Request.”



Worship March 5th, 2023