John Calvin Presbyterian Church

1. Shout with gladness! Dance for joy! 

O come before the Lord. 

And play for God on glad tambourines, 

and let your trumpet sound.

2. Rise, O children, from your sleep;

your Savior now has come. 

He has turned your sorrow into joy, 

and filled your soul with song.

3. 3. Glad my soul for I have seen the glory of the Lord.

The trumpet sounds; the dead shall be raised.

I know my Savior lives.              

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN             More Than Enough

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*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

FIRST LESSON                                              Luke 9:43b-50

And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.’ But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.’

John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.’

ANTHEM      Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel arr. Lloyd Larson 

SECOND LESSON                                        Philippians 1:1-18a

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear.

Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                         “Love Letter”                      Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE

RECOGNTION of GRADUATES      

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Theological Declaration of Barmen: 

Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death.

As Jesus Christ is God’s assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins, so in the same way and with the same seriousness is he also God’s mighty claim upon our whole life. Through him befalls us a joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to his Creatures.

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.

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.

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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY            He Is Exalted arr. Fred Bock

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

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

*HYMN [Blue Hymnal #419]  How Clear is Our Vocation Lord

How clear is our vocation, Lord,

When once we heed your call:

To live according to your word,

And daily learn, refreshed, restored,

That you are Lord of all,

and will not let us fall.

But if, forgetful, we should find

Your yoke is hard to bear;

If worldly pressures fray the mind,

and love itself cannot unwind

Its tangled skein of care:

Our inward life repair.

We mark Your saints, how they became

In hindrances more sure;

Whose joyful virtues put to shame

The casual way we wear your name,

And by our faults obscure

Your power to cleanse and cure.

In what you give us, Lord, to do,

Together or alone,

In old routines or ventures new,

May we not cease to look to you, 

The cross you hung upon –

All you endeavored done.

*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 have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE                      “Alleluia!”                    CELTIC ALLELUIA

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

POSTLUDE                    Lord of All Life Edward Broughton            

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; 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.  

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 Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

1. Shout with gladness! Dance for joy! 

O come before the Lord. 

And play for God on glad tambourines, 

and let your trumpet sound.

2. Rise, O children, from your sleep;

your Savior now has come. 

He has turned your sorrow into joy, 

and filled your soul with song.

3. 3. Glad my soul for I have seen the glory of the Lord.

The trumpet sounds; the dead shall be raised.

I know my Savior lives.              

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

 Right Where It’s Supposed to be

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*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

FIRST LESSON                                                                  John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

ANTHEM            “Cantate Domino” by Hassler, arr. Schroth    

SECOND LESSON                                                        Acts 17:16-34

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                    “Interfaith Dialogue”            Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH           Westminster Shorter Catechism 

Q1. What is the main purpose for humanity?

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

Q2. What rule has God given to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God?

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

Q3. What do the Scriptures mainly teach?

1. The Scriptures mainly teach what we are to believe about God, and what duty God requires of us.

Q6. How many Persons are there in the Trinity?

1. There are three Persons in the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

Q14. What is Sin?

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

Q21. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

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

Q30. How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

1. The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. Amen. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  All Hail the Power of Jesus Name 

Oliver Holden arr. Gina Sprunger

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

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

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

RECEPTION of NEW MEMBERS

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

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 #263]  Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,

most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,

almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,

nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;

thy justice like mountains high soaring above

thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3 To all life thou givest, to both great and small;

in all life thou livest, the true life of all;

we blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,

Then wither and perish but naught changeth thee.

4 Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in light,

thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;

all praise we would render, O help us to see

’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.

*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 have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE                      “Alleluia!”                    CELTIC ALLELUIA

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ie!

POSTLUDE                   Promenade Gordon Young           

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; 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.  

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 Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

The Flowers in the Sanctuary were donated by Sharon and Mike Fortin In Honor of Cindy Reed and in memory of John and Edith Gregersen.

Presbyterain Women: Presbyterian Women Annual end of year celebration for all ladies of John Calvin Church will be on May 17th at 11:30am at Zea restaurant in Kenner LA. Please Call or text your RSVP to Evelyn T. or Linda L. We will be leaving the church after the circle at 11:00 if you would like a ride please meet at the church.

Youth: We will have confirmation class tonight at 6:00 PM. We will not have Youth Group or dinner. The next Youth Group will be on May 29th at 5:00 PM. The next bible Build is May 29th after Service.

Marriage Announcement: John and Linda Laporte would like to announce the marriage of their grandson Mason Drouant to Kaitlyn Hughes on Saturday May 7th. The Couple will honeymoon in Italy and France. 

PlaySchool Fun Fair: It’s almost here but don’t worry there’s still time to sign up and still many ways you can help.  You can bring individually bagged sweets for the sweet booth. You can Volunteer to help on Saturday. Please see Linda Lowry or Jeremy Moore after the service. There is still time to become a sponsor, $25 gets you a game booth sponsorship or $150 lets you sponsor the petting zoo, slide, or obstacle course.  Contact Stephanie in the Playschool office (504) 888-1378 for a form. And don’t forget to buy your tickets ahead of time. See Jermery after the service. 

• Barbara, Ashley’s next-door neighbor, is having surgery on Monday.
• Rick B. and family.  Rick’s wife, Trish, died unexpectedly.
• Ann F., Jane M.’s twin, in Raleigh NC serious health concerns. 
• Linda F., Jane M.’s youngest sister, in Middletown OH, serious health concerns. 

May 8th

• Cathy B., friend of Ashley M., medical issues.
• Mike M., friend of Aaron O., in hospital with multiple health concerns.
• Unspoken request for healing from depression and sadness. 

1. Shout with gladness! Dance for joy! 

O come before the Lord. 

And play for God on glad tambourines, 

and let your trumpet sound.

2. Rise, O children, from your sleep;

your Savior now has come. 

He has turned your sorrow into joy, 

and filled your soul with song.

3. 3. Glad my soul for I have seen the glory of the Lord.

The trumpet sounds; the dead shall be raised.

I know my Savior lives.              

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION      

Remember that our Lord Jesus can sympathize with us in our weaknesses, since in every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with boldness approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and grace to help in time of need. Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor first in a moment of silence, then together.                                    

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*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

FIRST LESSON                                           1 Cor. 13: 4-7

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

ANTHEM   We Are All God’s Children      Brahms, arr. Ziegenhals  

SECOND LESSON                                      Proverbs 31 : 10, 15 – 31

A good woman is hard to find, 

and worth far more than diamonds.

She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family

 and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it,

 then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, 

rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She senses the worth of her work, 

and is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,

 diligent in homemaking.

She’s quick to assist anyone in need,

 and reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; 

their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing,

 and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected 

when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them,

 brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant, 

and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. 

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, 

and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, 

and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her; 

her husband joins in with words of praise:

“Many women have done wonderful things,

 but you’ve outclassed them all!”

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.

 The woman to be admired and praised

 is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

Give her everything she deserves!

 Festoon her life with praises!

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                       Woman of Valor Rev. Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Heidelberg Catechism 4.001

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

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY               “Clouds”                 

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

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

*HYMN [Blue # 376] Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heav’n, to earth come down,

fix in us thy humble dwelling,

all thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, thou art all compassion,

pure, unbounded love thou art.

Visit us with thy salvation;

enter ev’ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit

into ev’ry troubled breast.

Let us all in thee inherit,

let us find the promised rest.

Take away the love of sinning;

Alpha and Omega be.

End of faith, as its beginning,

set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty, to deliver,

let us all thy life receive.

Suddenly return, and never,

nevermore they temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray, and praise thee without ceasing,

glory in thy perfect love.

Finish, then, thy new creation;

Pure and spotless let us be.

Let us see thy great salvation

perfectly restored in thee.

Changed from glory into glory,

till in heav’n we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee,

lost in wonder, love and praise.

*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 have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE:                      “Alleluia!”                    CELTIC ALLELUIA

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ie!

POSTLUDE    A Festal Tune Weber  JCPC Youth Kazoo Choir           

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; 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.  

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 Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

NEWSLETTER: The May newsletter went out via email this week. If you would prefer a printed copy there are some at the table in the narthex. Would you or someone you know prefer a copy mailed to them? Let us know by signing up on the sheet in the Narthex.

PW: Presbyterian Women Annual end of year celebration for all ladies of JC will be meeting on May 17th at 11:30am at Zea restaurant in Kenner LA. Please Call or text your RSVP to Evelyn Tobey at 504-577-2250 or Linda Lowry at 504-874-3266. We will be leaving the church after the circle at 11:00 if you would like a ride please meet at the church. 

GAME DAY: Join us on Thursday May 12th at 10:00 am in the Library for game day. 

Confirmation Class: We will have confirmation class on the 15th at 6:00 PM. We will not have Youth Group or dinner that evening. The next Youth Group will be on May 29th at 5:00 PM 

Events and Meetings this Week:

5/9 – 12:15 PM – Playschool Committee Meeting 

5/9 – 6:30 PM – Christian Education Committee Meeting 

5/10 – 11:30 AM – Outreach Committee Meeting 

5/11 – 11:00 AM – Staff Meeting 

5/11 – 6:00 PM – Worship Committee Meeting 

5/11 – 7:00 PM – Choir Practice 

5/12 – 10:00 AM – Game Day 

5/12 – 4:00 PM – Youth Laser Tag Fundraiser – Adventure Quest

5/15 – 9:30 AM – Adult Bible Study, Discussion Group, Elementary age Sunday School

      10:15 AM – Choir Practice 

      10:30 AM – Worship Service 

5/15 – 6:00 PM – Confirmation Class only no youth group or dinner 

Birthdays:  David Russo 5/12, George Coward 5/14

PLAYSCHOOL FUN FAIR – SATURDAY, MAY 21ST. 

BRING SWEETS FOR THE SWEET BOOTH

Preferably homemade sweets but bought is ok too (no nuts, please)

Each sweet sells for $1 each, so wrap up a $1’s worth individually and

bring sweet donations to the Fellowship Hall on Friday, May 20th (after 12:00 noon) or leave in the church office Thursday or Friday morning

VOLUNTEER ON SATURDAY

If you can work just one or two hours, that helps! Contact Jeremy Moore or Linda Lowry. Youth Don’t forget you can get service hours so contact Louise to let her know when you can help. 

BRING ITEMS FOR THE SILENT AUCTION

Anything you would like to bid on, someone else will bid on. Gift cards for restaurants are especially popular. You can bring any donations for the silent auction to Stephanie in the Playschool office or Louise in the church office between now and Friday, May 13th.

BE A SPONSOR

For a donation of $25 you can sponsor a game booth. For $150 you or your business can sponsor the petting zoo, slide, & obstacle courses Contact Stephanie in the Playschool office (504) 888-1378 for a form.

BUY TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME

Everything at the Fun Fair is paid for using tickets. Tickets are $1.00 each. If you buy tickets in advance, you get $6 worth of tickets for $5. If you have a young child, you can buy an Activity Band for $21 ($25 on the day of the fair.) The Activity Band gives the child unlimited visits to the petting zoo, slide, and inflatable obstacle course. See Jeremy Moore after church. You can order pre-sale tickets and pay Jeremy now  or pay when you pick them up. You can pick them up the day of the Fair at the indoor ticket booth run by Jananne Lankard.

1200 S. Clearview Pkwy.

504-207-4444

LaserTagNola.com

John Calvin Presbyterian Church FUNdraiser

@ Adventure Quest Laser Tag!

Thursday May 12th, 2022

Time: 4pm-9pm

Get your UNLIMITED wristband for just $20 plus tax! 

1. Here in this place, new light is streaming, now is the darkness

vanished away; See, in this space, our fears and our dreamings,

brought here to you in the light of this day.

Gather us in – the lost and forsaken, gather us in  

the blind and the lame; Call to us now, and we shall awaken,

we shall arise at the sound of our name.

2. We are the young – our lives are a mystery, we are the old who yearn for your face. We have been sung throughout all of history,

called to be light to the whole human race.

Gather us in – the rich and the haughty, gather us in  the 

proud and the strong; Give us a heart so meek and so lowly;

give us the courage to enter the song.

3. Here we will take the wine and the water, here we will take the bread of new birth. Here you shall call your sons and your daughters, call us anew to be salt for the earth.

Give us to drink the wine of compassion, give us to eat the

bread that is you. Nourish us well, and teach us to fashion

lives that are holy and hearts that are true.

4. Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven, light years a-way:  here in this place, the new light is shining;

now is the Kingdom, and now is the day.

Gather us in – and hold us forever, gather us in – and

 make us your own. Gather us in – all peoples together,

fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

WORDS OF WELCOME           

PRELUDE”     Crown Him With Many Crowns” 

arr. Anna Laura Page JCPC Handbell Choir

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 

God of resurrection, Your son, Jesus, awed his followers by appearing among them. With awe we also celebrate his resurrection and rejoice in eternal life. Amen.

*HYMN     “Sing a New Song unto the Lord”     SING A NEW SONG

Sing a new song unto the Lord; 

let your song be sung from mountains high.

Sing a new song unto the Lord, singing hallelujah!

1. Shout with gladness! Dance for joy! 

O come before the Lord. 

And play for God on glad tambourines, 

and let your trumpet sound.

2. Rise, O children, from your sleep;

your Savior now has come. 

He has turned your sorrow into joy, 

and filled your soul with song.

3. 3. Glad my soul for I have seen the glory of the Lord.

The trumpet sounds; the dead shall be raised.

I know my Savior lives.      

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN              

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS                    

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                            Rev. 1: 1-8 

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it; for the time is near.

John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Look! He is coming with the clouds;

   every eye will see him,

even those who pierced him;

   and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.

So it is to be. Amen.

‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

ANTHEM The Glories of Christ Tom Fettke and Thomas Grassi    

SECOND LESSON                                    John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                             

RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Nicene Creed: BOC 1.1-3

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. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY           

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 

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 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 # 151      Crown Him With Many Crowns

1 Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne;

Hark, how the heavenly anthem drowns All music but its own!

Awake, my soul, and sing Of Him who died for thee,

And hail Him as thy matchless King Through all eternity.

2 Crown Him the Lord of love; Behold His hands and side,

Rich wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorified:

No angel in the sky Can fully bear that sight,

But downward bends his burning eye At mysteries so bright.

3 Crown Him the Lord of peace; Whose power a scepter sways

From pole to pole, that wars may cease, Absorbed in prayer and praise:

His reign shall know no end; And round His piercèd feet

Fair flowers of paradise extend Their fragrance ever sweet.

4 Crown Him the Lord of years, The Potentate of time;

Creator of the rolling spheres, Ineffably sublime.

All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou hast died for me;

Thy praise shall never, never fail Throughout eternity. 

*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 have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE                      “Alleluia!”                    CELTIC ALLELUIA

Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ie!

POSTLUDE                    A Festal Tune Weber             

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; 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.  

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 Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

The Flowers in the Sanctuary were donated by Mike and Sharon Fortin in celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary.

Game Day: Join us on April 28th in the Library for game day at 10:00 AM. 

Laser Tag Fundraiser: We will be doing a youth Fundraiser at Adventure Quest Laser Tag on May 12th. The Event Starts at 4:00 PM. It’s $20 for unlimited laser Tag, Bumper Cars, and Cosmic Golf. There is no charge for adults who don’t plan on playing. But I bet some Dads out there would enjoy a game or two of laser tag. This is open to everyone so please help get the word out and invite all your friends!! We will have information you can share on your Social Media and a link to pre-buy your wristband on our Facebook Page next week and on the website.

Youth Group: The Next Youth Group meeting will be May 1st. 

Grace Circle: Grace Circle will meet on Tuesday the 19th at 10:00 am. Please join the women of the Church as they continue their study, What My Grandmothers Taught Me. 

Mothers Day Service Rehearsals: We will have rehearsals for the Mothers Day Service Sunday April 1st at 9:30 AM, Saturday April 7th at 10:30 AM – Noon and Sunday April 8th at 9:30 AM. Please see Louise for More information. 

• Family and friends of Stephen Frey, 
• Pam, Bill’s friend, was in the hospital over the weekend. 

April 10

• Family and Friends of John Savage, a friend of Bill’s. 
• For innocent people hurt in senseless crimes.

April 3rd

• Michael Larson, a former co-worker of Bill Bottomley, who is in the hospital, after suffering a heart attack. Pray also for his wife, Shonda.

• Nick Jenco, having shoulder replacement surgery.

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. 4. Unheeding, we will have 

our dear Lord made a way,

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. 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.               

PROCLAMATION

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

FIRST LESSON                                                John 18:1-27

HYMN 97       “Go to Dark Gethsemane”     REDHEAD 76

1. Go to dark Gethsemane, 

all who feel the tempter’s power;

your Redeemer’s conflict see; 

watch with him one bitter hour;

turn not from your griefs away; 

learn from Jesus Christ to pray.

2. Follow to the judgment hall; 

view the Lord of life arraigned;

O the wormwood and the and the gall! 

O the pangs his soul sustained!

Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; 

learn from him to bear the cross. 

3. Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; 

there adoring at his feet, 

mark that miracle of time, 

God’s own sacrifice complete; 

“It is finished!” hear him cry. 

Learn from Jesus Christ to die. 

SECOND LESSON                        John 18:28-19:16a

HYMN 101    “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”          HAMBURG

1. When I survey the wondrous cross 

on which the Prince of glory died, 

my richest gain I count as loss, 

and pour contempt on all my pride. 

3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet, 

sorrow and love flow mingled down;

did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown. 

THIRD LESSON                             John 19:16b-30

HYMN 78       “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed”           MARTYRDOM

1. Alas! and did my Savior bleed, 

and did my Sovereign die!

Would he devote that sacred head 

for sinners such as I! 

2. Was it for sins that I have done 

he suffered on the tree?

Amazing pity! Grace unknown! 

And love beyond degree! 

3. Well might the sun in darkness hide 

and shut its glories in,

when Christ the great Redeemer died, 

for human creatures’ sin. 

4. But drops of grief can ne’er repay 

the debt of love I owe;

here, Lord, I give myself away; 

‘tis all that I can do. 

THE SOLEMN INTERCESSION

…Lord we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

THIRD LESSON                         John 19:31-37

HYMN                “Were You There?”                  

1. Were you there 

when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there 

when they crucified my Lord?

O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, 

tremble, tremble.

Were you there 

when they crucified my Lord? 

2. Were you there 

when they nailed him to the tree?

3. Were you there 

when they pierced him in the side?

4. Were you there 

when the sun refused to shine?

5. Were you there 

when they laid him in a tomb? 

FOURTH LESSON                      John 19:38-42

SOLEMN REPROACHES OF THE CROSS

ONE: This is the cross 

that held the Savior of the world.

MANY: Come, Let us Worship God. (3x)

…Holy God

Holy and mighty,

Holy immortal One,

have mercy on us.      

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; 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.  

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 Administrative Assistant