John Calvin Presbyterian Church

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

2nd Sunday in Lent

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

February 28, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Mike Fortin

Please silence all cell phones.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME 

MINUTE FOR MISSION     

PRELUDE                   Aria by Giovanni Allevi                         Guest Musician Sadie Cambre

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)                                 

We are not the first to make the journey to Jerusalem; many have gone before us and many will come after us. From near and far, God’s people gathered to celebrate God’s goodness on the holy mountain.

We are pilgrims on a journey.

We are travelers on the road.

Jesus often went to Jerusalem as a child to celebrate Passover. Now he has set his face toward Jerusalem again, knowing this time will be different.

We are pilgrims on a journey.

We are travelers on the road.

Jesus’ last journey to Jerusalem is somber.

He has no illusions about what is to come.

Still, he goes ahead, doing God’s will.

We are travelers on the road.

Let us pray:

God of light, we want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, but we have our fears and doubts. We would rather avoid the pain and darkness on our journey. Give us courage and perseverance when the journey is difficult and the grace to help others on the road. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

HYMN 81        “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days”

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

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. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI 579 

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                         2 Timothy 2:8-13

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

ANTHEM               “There is a Balm In Gilead”                                                   William Dawson

There is a Balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole,

There is a Balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my work’s in vain,

But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.

There is a Balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.

If you cannot sing like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul.

You can tell the love of Jesus and say, “He died for all”.

There is a Balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole.

There is a Balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.

SECOND LESSON                                                    Luke 13:1-9, 31-35

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me,‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”      

SERMON                       “Poop Happens”                                           Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE  

THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH          Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q1. What is the main purpose for humanity?

Q18. What does this state of sin mean for humanity?
A. This state of sin means that humanity: bears the guilt of Adam and Eve’s first sin, lacks the righteousness that God intended for us, and that human nature has been corrupted; along with all actual transgressions which result from our fallen nature.

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

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 298              “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”         

PARTING PRAYER                               Augustine of Hippo (354–430)      

from the crowding turmoil of worldly thought beneath the shadow of your wings. Let my heart, this sea of restless waves, find peace in you, O God. Amen.                                    

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE             Fugue in G minor BWV 578 – J.S. Bach

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

1st Sunday in Lent

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

February 21, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Sue Crawford

Please silence all cell phones.. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME 

MINUTE FOR MISSION Jananne Lankard

PRELUDE   Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ “I Call to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ” -J.S. Bach    

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)                                     

One: Lent is a journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem, toward the cross, toward resurrection and new life. We will be transformed and blessed on this journey.

Many:  We are pilgrims on a journey. We are travelers on the road.

One: We undertake the journey knowing we will not remain the same. 

Many: We are pilgrims on a journey. We are travelers on the road.

One:  The journey will take time. We will feel the strain in our bodies and in our souls, yet love will urge us onward.

Many:  We are pilgrims on a journey. We are travelers on the road.

One:  Let us start the journey with prayer:

All: God of all times and places, as we begin the pilgrimage from life to death to new life, you will surprise us and nurture us. We put our trust in you, knowing you will guide and provide for us. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

HYMN 309                  “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”

1. Of the Father’s love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be,

He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,

Of the things that are, that have been,

And that future years shall see, Evermore and evermore!

2. O ye heights of heaven adore Him; 

Angel hosts, His praises sing;

Powers, dominions, bow before Him, 

And extol our God and King; Let no tongue on earth be silent,

Every voice in concert ring, Evermore and evermore!

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

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. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI 579 

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 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. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly,[b] but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

ANTHEM                   Spirit of God       Steve Garnaas-Holmes

Spirit of God, bright wind, breath that bids life begin,

blow as you always do; create us anew.

Give us the breath to sing, lifted on soaring wing,

held in your hands, borne on your wings.

Spirit of God, bright Flame, send us in your holy name,

the power to heal, to share your love everywhere.

We cannot fail or fall, or know defeat at all, held in your hands, borne on your wings.

Spirit of God, bright Hands,

even in far off lands you hold all the human race in warm embrace.

No matter where we go, you hold us, you hold us together so,

held in your hands, borne on your wings.

Alleluia! Come, Spirit, come!                 

SECOND LESSON                                                           Luke 10:25-42

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”                                                                       

One:  The Word of the Lord.

Many:  Thanks be to God.    

SERMON       “Your Focus Determines Your Reality”  Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE  

REAFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

One:  Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

MANY:  For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body- Jews and Greek, slaves and free– and we were all made to drink of the one Spirit…

One:  Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?

MANY: I do.

ONE:  Who is your Lord and Savior? 

MANY: Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

ONE: Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love?

MANY: I will, with God’s help.

THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                          Heidelberg Catechism 

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A. That I am not my own, 1 but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

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 430                   “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”              

1. What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer!

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer!

PARTING PRAYER                               Augustine of Hippo (354–430)      

    O God, full of compassion, I commit and commend myself to you, in whom I am, and live, and know. Be the goal of my pilgrimage, and my rest by the way. Let my soul take refuge from the crowding turmoil of worldly thought beneath the shadow of your wings. Let my heart, this sea of restless waves, find peace in you, O God. Amen.                                    

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE         Fugue in C Major BWV 553 (“Little”) attributed to J.S. Bach

ASH WEDNESDAY

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

February 17, 2021 

   Six O’clock in the Evening

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart                        

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE 

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)

One:  God sent Christ into the world

not to condemn the world,

but that the world might be saved through him.

Many:  God’s love endures forever. 

One:  God is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

One:  God’s love endures forever.                      

PRAYER OF THE DAY

All:  Almighty God, you despise nothing you have made and you forgive the sins of all who trust in you. create in us new and contrite hearts, that truly repenting of our sins, and acknowledging our brokenness, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness; through your Son, Jesus Christ our redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                          Luke 9:51-62

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’                                

HOMILY     “He Set His Face”              The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE 

INVITATION to OBSERVE a HOLY LENT

Beloved people of God: 

Every year at the time of the Christian Passover we celebrate our redemption through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lent is a time to prepare for that celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery. 

We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance, and for the mercy and forgiveness  proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We begin our journey to Easter with the sign of the ashes. This ancient sign speaks of the frailty and uncertainty of human life, and marks the penitence of this community. I invite you therefore, in the name of Christ, to observe a holy Lent by self examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, by works of love, and by meditating on God’s word. Now let us bow before God, our creator and redeemer, and confess our sin. 

Psalm 51

One: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;

in your great compassion blot out my offences.

Many:  Wash me through and through from my wickedness,

and cleanse me from my sin.

One:  For I know my offenses,

and my sin is ever before me.

Many:  Against you only have I sinned 

and done what is evil in your sight;

so you are justified when you speak

and right in your judgement.

One:  Indeed I was born steeped in wickedness,

a sinner from my mother’s womb.

Many:  Indeed, you delight in truth deep within me,

and would have me know wisdom deep within.

One:  Remove my sins with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me, and I shall be purer than snow.

Many:  Let me hear joy and gladness;

that the body you have broken may rejoice.

One:  Hide your face from my sins,

and blot out my wickedness.

Many:  Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

One:  Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Many:  Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.

One:  Let me teach your ways to offenders,

and sinners shall be restored to you.

Many:  Rescue me from bloodshed, O God of my salvation,

and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness.

One:  O LORD, open my lips,

and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Many: For you take no delight in sacrifice, or I would give it. 

You are not pleased with burnt offering.

All:  The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit;

a troubled and broken heart, O God, you will not despise.

LITANY OF PENITENCE

One:  Holy and merciful God, we confess to you and one another, and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth, that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not forgiven others as we have been forgiven.

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One:  We have not listened to your call to serve as Christ served us. We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved the Holy Spirit.

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One: We confess to you, O God, all our past unfaithfulness. For the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience in our lives, 

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One:  For our self-indulgent appetites and ways and our exploitation of people,

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One:  For our anger at our own frustration and our envy for those more fortunate than ourselves,

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One:  For our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and our dishonesty in daily life and work,

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One:  For our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to commend the faith that is in us,

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One:  Accept our repentance, O God, for the wrongs we have done. For our neglect of human need and suffering and our indifference to injustice and cruelty,

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One:  For all false judgements, for uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us,

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One:  For our waste and pollution of your creation and our lack of concern for those who come after us,

Many:  Have mercy on us, O God. 

One:  Restore us, O God of our salvation, and show us your steadfast love.

Many:  Turn to us in your mercy

and redeem us.

IMPOSITION of ASHES

People are invited to come forward to receive the imposition of ashes. 

A worship leader marks the forehead of each person with the ashes, using the following words: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19)”

After all who desire ashes have received them, the confession concludes with the following words:

One: Accomplish in us, O God, the work of your salvation,

Many: that we may show forth your glory in the world.

One: By the cross and the passion of our Savior,

Many: bring us with all your saints

to the joy of Christ’s resurrection. 

BLESSING and CHARGE

Those assembled are invited to leave in contemplative silence. 

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Transfiguration of the Lord

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

February 14, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Ron Palmisano

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME 

PRELUDE         7 pieces in C major and C minor – I   C. Franck       

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)                                 Matt. 17:1–2, 5       

On a high mountain, Jesus was transfigured,

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our failure to be what you created us to be. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love. By your loving mercy, help us to live in your light and abide in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI 579 

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                   Colossians 1:15-23

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.

ANTHEM          

“I Want To Walk As A Child of the Light”                    Kathleen Thomerson

 Flute solo:  Linda Lowry

I want to walk as a child of the light, I want to follow Jesus.

God sent the Son to be Light to the world.  The star of my life is Jesus.

In Him there is no darkness at all, the night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.  Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. 

I want to see the brightness of God.  I want to look at Jesus. 

Clear Son of Righteousness shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.  Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. 

I’m looking for the coming of Christ, I want to be with Jesus.

When we have run with patience the race, we shall know the joy of Jesus.

In Him there is no darkness at all, the night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.  Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

 RESPONSE  

THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                              Scots Confession 3.01  

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

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

5th Sunday after Epiphany

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

February 7, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Sheryl Wise

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

PRELUDE         Prelude in C Major – Buxtehude        

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)                                       Matt. 5:14, 16

Jesus said: You are the light of the world. 

Let our light shine, giving glory to God.  

PRAYER OF THE DAY       

HYMN                   “A Prophet Woman Broke a Jar”               HYFRODOL

A prophet woman broke a jar, by Love’s divine appointing.

With rare perfume she filled the room, presiding and anointing.

A prophet woman broke a jar, the sneers of scorn defying.

with rare perfume, she filled the room, preparing Christ for dying. 

Through woman wisdom, woman truth, for centuries were hidden,

unsung, unwritten, and unheard, desired and forbidden,

the Spirit’s breath, the Spirit’s fire, on free and slave descending,

can tumble our dividing walls, our shame and sadness mending. 

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION

Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our failure to be what you created us to be. You alone know how often we have

ASSURANCE OF PARDON       

GLORIA PATRI 579 

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                             Romans 8:1-8

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.      

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

ANTHEM         

     “Let All Things Now Living”                          Traditional Welsh Melody

Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving to God the Creator triumphantly raise,

Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us, 

who guides us and leads to the end of our days.

God’s banners fly o’er us; God’s light goes before us, a pillar of fire shining forth in the night,

Till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished, as forward we travel from light into light.

The law God enforces, the stars in their courses and sun in its orbit obediently shine;

The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains, 

the deeps of the ocean proclaim the Divine.

We, too, should be voicing our love and rejoicing;

With glad adoration a song let us raise,

Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving: to God in the highest hosanna and praise!

SECOND LESSON                                                               Luke 7: 36-50

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and

anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “speak.”  “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”                                           

L: The Word of the Lord.

P: Thanks be to God.   

THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                           Nicene Creed

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

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

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

   The Lord be with you.

        And also with you.

   Lift up your hearts.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise…

…Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

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

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life.

Lord Jesus, come in glory…

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

The gifts of God for the people of God.

HYMN 280                        “Amazing Grace”       AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind but now I see. 

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed. 

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;

‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. 

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,

PARTING PRAYER                                            Maria Ware (1798)

Lord, hear; Lord, forgive; Lord do.Hear what we speak not; forgive what we speak amiss; do what we leave undone; that not according to our words, or our deeds, but according to your mercy and truth, all may work for your glory, and the good of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ. Amen.     

POSTLUDE         Chaconne in C Major  Buxtehude              

Annual Meeting

4th Sunday after Epiphany

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

January 31, 2021 

 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart                           Liturgist: David Garland

Please silence all phones and beepers. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

PRELUDE             “Verset – Léon Boëllmann”

WORDS OF WELCOME and CALL TO ORDER

OPENING SENTENCES                  2 Cor. 13:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:4       

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 

And also with you.        

As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.            

There is one body and one Spirit, just as we were called to the one hope of our calling.                                       

GATHERING PRAYER   

Almighty and eternal God, by your grace you have called us to this time and place to be your servant people as we follow our servant Lord. Make your Holy Spirit move within and among us, that together we may live a new life in the crucified and risen Christ. Bind us together in faith, so that as we receive all spiritual gifts needed to fulfill our calling, we may support one another in common ministry; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.                                          

HYMN 339                  “Be Thou My Vision”    

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

Merciful and loving God, you have called us to be your people and claimed us for the service of Jesus Christ. We confess that we have not lived up to our calling to proclaim the good news in word and deed. We are quick to speak when we ought to listen, and remain silent when it is time to speak. We put too much faith in our own actions and fail to trust the strength of your Spirit. 

O God, forgive our foolish ways. Strengthen us anew to follow Christ’s way in the world. By your Holy Spirit, give us the grace we need to be faithful disciples and fulfill our common calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579                 

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                        Luke 6:1-16                                                                                               

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN   

ANTHEM                  “Now Let Us All Praise God and Sing”

       Now let us all praise God and sing our great Redeemer’s praise;

That we may all with one accord our joyful voices raise.

Sing alleluia!

All ye servants of the Lord, praise Him forever,

Sing Jehovah’s mighty pow’r, praise Him forever,

Sing of His righteousness, praise Him forever.

So let us all praise God and sing our great Redeemer’s praise;

That we may all with one accord our joyful voices raise.

Sing alleluia!

SECOND LESSON                                                  Philippians 2:1-13                         

INTERPRETATION OF ANNUAL REPORT 

 RESPONSE 

INSTALLATION 

There are varieties of gifts, but it is the same Spirit who gives them. 

There are different ways of serving God, but it is the same Lord who is served. 

God works through each person in a unique way, but it is God’s purpose that is accomplished. 

To each is given a gift of the Spirit to be used for the common good. 

Together we are the body of Christ, and individually members of it. 

STATEMENT ON ORDINATION                 

We are all 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 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 church, assuring that his ministry continues among us. Through ordination, God provides for acts of care and governance of the church, and for the preaching of the word and celebration of the sacraments. 

Representing the one holy catholic and apostolic church, the session of John Calvin Presbyterian Church now ordains Jacob Russo to ministry as a ruling elder, and installs him to active service in this congregation. 

The session also installs to active service those who have been previously ordained: ruling elders Richard Britson, Sharon Fortin, Lorraine Hicks, and Don Melchert.  

PROFESSION OF FAITH

As God calls some to particular forms of ministry, God calls us all to bear gladly the yoke of Christ given in the covenant of Baptism. 

Let us, therefore, reaffirm our baptismal vows, renouncing all that opposes God and God’s rule and affirming the faith of the holy catholic church. 

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world? I do. 

Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his grace and love? I do. 

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love? I will with God’s help. 

JOHN CALVIN CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT AND CORE VALUES 

“The coming of God’s Kingdom on earth was inaugurated with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Incarnationally, as the body of Christ, we are called by God, in Christ’s example, to close the gap between ‘what is’ and ‘what ought to be,’ until Christ comes again. We do that through intentional mission. 

Accordingly, we believe God calls the John Calvin Presbyterian Church to community by: 

Engaging and equipping one another in the life and work of God’s Church in worship in spiritual development in vibrant fellowship, and by actively proclaiming the Gospel in our community inviting new friends into Christian fellowship providing for their health and bringing wholeness to God’s creation.”

CORE VALUES

We welcome all

We are friendly

We value and respect all people 

(individuals & families)

We depend on prayer

We are guided by Scripture

We value music

We live joyfully

We give of our time, talent, and treasure

We serve the community

We are caring and nurture people

We share our faith with others

CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS

Jacob, Don, Lorraine, Sharon, and Richard, in Baptism, you were claimed by the love of God, clothed in the grace of Jesus Christ, and anointed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to share Christ’s mission in the word…

Do we, the members of John Calvin Presbyterian Church, accept Lorraine, Sharon, Richard, Don, and Jacob as ruling elders, 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 OF INSTALLATION

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. 

DECLARATION OF INSTALLATION

Lorraine, Don, Jacob, Sharon, and Richard, you are ruling elders, ordained to ministries of service and governance in the church of Jesus Christ and for this congregation.

Be faithful and true in your ministry so that your whole life will bear witness to the crucified and risen Christ. Amen.

WELCOME

CHARGE TO THE INSTALLED AND ORDAINED RULING ELDERS

CHARGE TO THE CONGREGATION

 CHARGE

HYMN 343                 “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”

MOTION TO ADJOURN

PRAYER, BLESSING, AND CHARGE 

POSTLUDE          III. Allegro maestoso e vivace 

from Mendelssohn’s Organ Sonata No. 2

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor, Julie Hebert, CE Leader, Sandy Cranfill, Music Director, and Sam Garnett, Organist. Appreciation to David Garland and Dennis Lauland for the video production of today’s service.  

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

3rd Sunday after Epiphany

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

January 24, 2021 

   Ten Thirty in the morning

                   Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart                          

                     Liturgist: Sharon Fortin                         

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE     Verset by Leon Boellmann

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)                             1 Cor. 1:17–18

We proclaim the message of the cross: 

this is the wisdom and power of God.                           

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Lord Jesus of fisher folk, You taught your disciples to cast a wide net — not for fish, but for people. Teach us the fishing craft. Make our fingers nimble so we may handle hearts and hands gently; make our minds quiet and patient while we wait for those who are not yet ready to receive you; and make our hearts hungry for your word, for the sake of the one who has captured our hearts already, Jesus Christ. Amen.    

HYMN 371                       “Lift High the Cross”

Refrain:

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim

Till all the world adore His sacred name.

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

January 17, 2021 

   Ten Thirty in the morning

                         Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart                        

                       Liturgist: Dennis Lauland                         

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE     Prayer – Jean Langlais

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)                                      John 1:36, 39

Look, here is the Lamb of God! 

Jesus calls us: Come and see.     

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of the nations, Show us how to love all the people of the earth, of all colors and kinds: those with technology and without; those who make due with very little and who use many resources; those with formal education and without; those who call upon your name and who do not; so that all your children may be glorified in the name of the One who brought glory and liberty, Jesus Christ our salvation. Amen.

1 Arise, your light has come!

The Spirit’s call obey;

show forth the glory of your God

2 Arise, your light has come!

Fling wide the prison door;

proclaim the captive’s liberty,

good tidings to the poor.

CALL TO CONFESSION        

SILENT CONFESSION                                                          

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

By your loving mercy, help us to live in your light and abide in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON               

GLORIA PATRI 579        

FIRST LESSON                         2 Corinthians 4:1-6

ANTHEM                    “The Fragrance Of Christ”              David Haas

Lord, may our prayer rise like incense in your sight,

may this place be filled with the fragrance of Christ.

I will thank you, Lord, with all of my heart,

You have heard the words of my mouth. 

In the presence of the Lord I will bless you,

I will adore before your holy temple. 

Lord, may our prayer rise like incense in your sight,

may this place be filled with the fragrance of Christ.

I will thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and love,

Beyond all my hopes and dreams

On the day that I called you answered;

You gave life to the strength of my soul.

Lord, may our prayer rise like incense in your sight,

Second Lesson                                                            Luke 4:14-30

 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.      

SERMON “The Gospel for Other People”     The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                             Brief Statement of Faith

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, Fully human, fully God.

Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.

We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love. 

We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. 

With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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

1 Live into hope of captives freed,

Of sight regained, the end of greed.

The oppressed shall be the first to see

The year of God’s own jubilee!

2 Live into hope the blind shall see

With insight and with clarity,

Removing shades of pride and fear–

A vision of our God brought near.

PARTING PRAYER                                                Maria Ware (1798)

Lord, hear; Lord, forgive; Lord do.

Hear what we speak not; forgive what we speak amiss; do what we leave undone; that not according to our words, or our deeds, but according to your mercy and truth, all may work for your glory, and the good of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ. Amen.       

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE   Toccata – Belier                                     

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Baptism of the Lord

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

January 10, 2021 

   Ten Thirty in the morning

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE     Adagio from Toccata Undecima – George Muffat

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                          Psalms 29:3, 9

The voice of the Lord is over the waters, 

and in the temple God’s people say: Glory!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Heavenly Father, with joy and awe we praise you for claiming us as your sons and daughters, and for pouring your Holy Spirit upon us. Help us to prepare this earth for your glory, and shine your light on all your faithful children, for the sake of the one whose birth and baptism brought renewal and transformation to this world, Jesus Christ. Amen.                                     

1 When Jesus came to Jordan
To be baptized by John,
hH did not come for pardon.
But as God’s Holy One.

2 He came to share repentance
With all who mourn their sins,
To speak the vital sentence
With which good news begins.

3 He came to share temptation,
Our utmost woe and loss;
For us and our salvation
To die upon the cross.

LITANY FOR BAPTISM OF THE LORD

In the beginning, darkness covered the deep, and God said: Let there be light.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters!

Through the words of the prophet, the Lord said: when you pass through the waters, I will be with you.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters!

Do not fear, says the Lord: I am with you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 

The voice of the Lord is over the waters!

When Jesus was baptized by John, suddenly the heavens were opened.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters!

And as Jesus was coming out of the water, the Spirit of God rested on him like a dove.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters!

And the voice said: You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters!

(Brief silence)

Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit, and revealed him as your beloved Son.

Keep us, your children born of water and the Spirit, faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

CALL TO CONFESSION        

SILENT CONFESSION                                                          

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

Merciful God, in baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from one another. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another. We allow the past to hold us captive.

In your loving-kindness, have mercy on us, and free us from sin. Fulfill the promises of our baptism so that we may raise to new life, and live together in grace. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON  

As a voice from heaven said to Jesus, so, in Christ, God speaks to us: you are my child, my beloved; with you I am well pleased.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God!                  

GLORIA PATRI 579        

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                       1 Corinthians 12:12-26  For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.             

ANTHEM          “When Jesus Came to Jordan”        Arr. Carlton Young

When Jesus came to Jordan to be baptized by John,

He did not come for pardon but as the sinless one.

He came to share repentance with all who mourn their sins,

To speak the vital sentence with which good news begins.

He came to share temptation, our utmost woe and loss,

For us and our salvation to die upon the cross.

So when the dove descended on Him, the Son of Man,

The hidden years had ended, the age of grace began.          

Second Lesson                                                                      Luke 3:1-22

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, added to them all by shutting up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”                   

 RESPONSE 

REAFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

Here these words from holy Scripture

Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body- Jews and Greek, slaves and free– and we were all made to drink of the one Spirit. 

Beloved people of God, our baptism is the sign and seal of our cleansing from sin, and of our being grafted into Christ. through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the power of sin was broken and God’s kingdom entered our world. 

Through our baptism we were made citizens of God’s kingdom, and freed from the bondage of sin. Let us celebrate that freedom and redemption through the renewal of the promises that we made in baptism. 

I ask you, therefore, once again to reject sin, to profess your faith in Christ Jesus,  and confess the faith of the church, the faith in which we were baptized. 

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?

I do.

Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

With the whole church, let us confess our faith.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH   Belhar Confession

We believe in the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who gathers, protects and cares for the church through Word and Spirit. This, God has done since the beginning of the world and will do to the end.

We believe in one holy, universal Christian church, the communion of saints called from the entire human family.

We believe that Christ’s work of reconciliation is made manifest in the church as the community of believers who have been reconciled with God and with one another; that unity is, therefore, both a gift and an obligation for the church of Jesus Christ; that through the working of God’s Spirit it is a binding force, yet simultaneously a reality which must be earnestly pursued and sought: one which the people of God must continually be built up to attain; that this unity must become visible so that the world may believe that separation, enmity and hatred between people and groups is sin which Christ has already conquered, and accordingly that anything which threatens this unity may have no place in the church and must be resisted; that this unity of the people of God must be manifested and be active in a variety of ways;…  that this unity can be established only in freedom and not under constraint; that the variety of spiritual gifts, opportunities, backgrounds, convictions, as well as the various languages and cultures, are by virtue of the reconciliation in Christ, opportunities for mutual service and enrichment within the one visible people of God; that true faith in Jesus Christ is the only condition for membership of this church;

We believe that, in obedience to Jesus Christ, its only head, the church is called to confess and to do all these things, even though the authorities and human laws might forbid them and punishment and suffering be the consequence. Jesus is Lord. To the one and only God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be the honor and the glory for ever and ever.  Amen. 

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise. 

Glory to you, O God- your voice is over the waters, full of power and majesty. Your word shakes the wilderness and blesses us with peace. 

We give you thanks and praise that by the grace of our baptism, you have claimed us as well and poured out the gifts of your Spirit so that we might be dead to sin and alive to you in Christ Jesus. 

Continue to pour out your Spirit upon us. Empower us to love and serve you and live as your faithful people, bearing witness to the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

(Visibly pour out the water)

Remember your baptism and be thankful.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER               

1 Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Cleansed by the blood of Christ, our King;
Heirs of salvation,
Trusting the promise,
Faithfully now God’s praises we sing.

2 Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Dead in the tomb with Christ, our King;
One with his rising,
Freed and forgiven
Thankfully now God’s praises we sing.

PARTING PRAYER                                                Maria Ware (1798)

Lord, hear; Lord, forgive; Lord do.

Hear what we speak not; forgive what we speak amiss; do what we leave undone; that not according to our words, or our deeds, but according to your mercy and truth, all may work for your glory, and the good of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ. Amen.       

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION