Bulletins - John Calvin Presbyterian Church

Order of Worship; November, 28, 2021- First Sunday pf Advent

Posted on Nov 27, 2021 in Bulletin, Orders of Worship |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

First Sunday of Advent

November 28, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart Liturgist: Dennis McCrea

Bold face indicates congregational participation. 🔔 indicates to stand in body or in spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent” Henry Colemen

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Lighting the Advent Candles)

Candle Lighters: What is worship?

Choir, Lay Leader and Minister: Is it something we do once a week?

Children and youth: Is it about us or about God?

(Light the candle)

(video) Luke 2:16-20 The shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.

Women and girls: We worship the Creator, the Messiah, the wind of the Spirit, the newborn King.

Men and boys: We worship with all that we are and all that we have, our hearts, our minds, our souls and our strength.

Congregation: Worship is here, and we worship everywhere, bringing to others the good news of the Prince of Peace.

Let us pray: Creator of all, as we begin this holy season, filled with the hope of the coming of the Messiah, quiet our hearts and minds that we may worship you fully, love you more dearly and see you more clearly. Amen.🔔 HYMN: “My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout” STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN

My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,

and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn,

so from east and west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.

Though I am small, my God my all, you work great things in me,

and your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,

you will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

there are tables spread; every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:

God’s mercy will deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound,

till the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. (Refrain)

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE: “ The Waiting Place”

ANTHEM: “Long ago, Prophets Knew” Arranged by Lloyd Larson

Long ago, prophets knew Christ would come, born a Jew, come to make all things new,

bear his people’s burden, freely love and pardon.

God in time, God in man, this is God’s timeless plan: He will come, as a man,

born himself of woman, God divinely human.

Ring bells ring! Sing choir sing! When he comes, who will make him welcome?

Mary hail! though afraid, she believed, and she obeyed. In her womb, God is laid

till the time expected, nurtured and protected.

Journey ends! Where afar, Bethl’hem shines, like a star, stable door stands ajar

unborn Son of Mary, Savior do not tarry!

READING: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 (p. 731)

HOMILY: “Wait” the Rev. Aaron Ochart

INVITATION TO CELEBRATE A GOOD ADVENT

One: Advent means waiting. As God’s people waited for deliverance, as they waited through exiles and occupations for the coming of David’s Son; so we wait for Christ to come afresh in our lives, and God’s Kingdom to be revealed.

Many: Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free.

THE SANCTUARY EVERGREENS/ WREATHS

ONE: How Shall we make this place a reminder of our need for repentance, and that faithfulness and integrity comes from God our maker and redeemer?

MANY: Let us hang garlands and wreaths as Hosea speaks the word of God.

READING: Hosea 14:8-9

O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me. Those who are wise understand these things; those who are discerning know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

One: God, the Holy one of Israel, is a God of comfort and compassion. With the Christmas tree we remember God’s everlasting promises to the poor and needy. Isaiah spoke of God’s making of the wilderness a place of blessing where water and plants, even pine trees, would manifest God’s loving action to save and provide.

MANY: God’s Love is everlasting, Christ is everliving.

READING: Isaiah 41:17-20

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, so that all may see and know, all may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.

HANGING CHRISMONS AND OTHER SYMBOLS OF FAITH

One: Here in this place we prepare for the coming of the Lord. Here we will remember his Advent, his birth in Bethlehem, weak and helpless as an infant. And here we rekindle our prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus” as we await his coming as the bright and morning star.

Many: Hang symbols and signs of Christ: ruler, prophet, priest. Hang stars, crosses, triangles, the ‘alpha’ and the ‘omega’ to remind us of his identity, his story, and of the holy Trinity.

READING: Revelation 22:12-21

‘See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’ Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. ‘It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’

The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’

And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’

And let everyone who is thirsty come.

Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift…

The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’

People: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

EXPLANATION OF OTHER SYMBOLS

RESPONSE

🔔 AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed

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

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

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

🔔DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE 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 9: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” VENI EMMANUEL

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appear.

Refrain: Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s hight

in ancient times didst give the law in cloud and majesty and awe. (Refrain)

O Come, thou root of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny;

from depths of hell thy people save and give them victory over the grave. (Refrain)

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. (Refrain)

O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;

bid envy, pride, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. (refrain)

🔔PARTING PRAYER: Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Garnett

Order of Worship 11_14_21

Posted on Nov 14, 2021 in Bulletin, HomePage |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

25th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

November 14, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Lynn Sens

Please silence all cell phones.

Face masks are to be worn by all participants unless leading worship.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE Chaconne in F Minor by Pachelbel

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Isa. 12:2

ONE: Surely God is our salvation;

MANY: Trust in the Lord and do not be afraid.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of all people, Show us how to let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an every-flowing stream. Create justice and righteousness in us, that all may rejoice in your blessings. Amen.

HYMN “Together We Serve”

Together we serve, united by love,

inviting God’s World to the glorious feast.

We work and we pray through sorrow and joy,

extending God’s love to the last and the least.

We seek to become a beacon of hope,

a lamp for the heart and a light for the feet.

We learn, year by year, to let love shine through

until we see Christ in each person we meet.

We welcome the scarred, the wealthy, the poor,

the busy, the lonely, and all who need care.

We offer a home to those who will come,

our hands quick to help, our hearts ready to dare.

We gather, by grace, we witness and work,

remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong.

Together we serve in Spirit and truth,

Remembering love is the strength of our song.

CONFESSION

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love. We have not loved our neighbors, and we have refused to hear the cry of the needy.

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON John 7:10-18, 37-44

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

ANTHEM Author of Justice Jordan/Larson

Author of justice, on time’s endless page,

Your theme is justice in race, creed and age; Justice for women, for children, for men.

Stewards of justice, we pledge our “Amen.” Where there is someone unfairly accused,

where there is strength and in power abused, Where prejudice lives, and dignity dies,

lead us to action courageous and wise. Let it be written we sang freedom’s song,

challenging rights that are morally wrong. From rage and chaos, to hope and control,

Author of justice, heal our wounds, make us whole. Friends of the helpless, of victims in need,

foes of intolerance, hatred and greed; May we move mountains, as faith lights our way.

Brighter tomorrows are born of today. Author of justice, your message impart,

till loving kindness redeems ev’ry heart; And earth embraces her new destiny,

justice for everyone with true equity. Amen.

SECOND LESSON Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24

The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of King Uzziah of Judah and in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel, two years before the earthquake. And he said: The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds wither, and the top of Carmel dries up.

Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good,

and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals. I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

SERMON “Empty Devotion” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Brief Statement of Faith: Lines 1-8, 20-26, 27-27-41, 52-57, 77-80

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.

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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “God of Wonders” arr. Carol Tornquist

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

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 434 “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples”

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

To help to set the captives free, Make plow-share out of sword,

To feed the hungry, quench their thirst, Make love and peace our fast,

To serve the poor and homeless first, Our ease and comfort last.

God made the world and at its birth Ordained our human race

To live as stewards of the earth, Responding to God’s grace.

But we are vain and sadly proud, We sow not peace but strife,

Our discord spreads a deadly cloud That threatens all of life.

Pray justice may come rolling down As in a mighty stream,

With righteousness in field and town To cleanse us and redeem.

For God is longing to restore An earth where conflicts cease,

A world that was created for A harmony of peace.

May we in service to our God Act out the living word,

And walk the road the saints have trod Till all have seen and heard.

As stewards of the earth may we Give thanks in one accord

To God who calls us all to be Disciples of the Lord.

PARTING PRAYER Thomas Merton

Almighty God, we thank you for all the gifts You have given us: our lives, our loved ones, all that we have and all that we are. Most of all, we thank You for Jesus, your Son and our Redeemer, who came among us to show us the way to eternal life. Jesus was the perfect steward of your gifts, showing that complete trust in You is necessary, and that giving of self is a most important part of following Him. May the offerings of our time, our talents, and our material resources be made in the same spirit of sacrifice that Jesus taught us by His life and death for us.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Toccata in C

Order of Worship 11_07_2021

Posted on Nov 4, 2021 in Bulletin, HomePage |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

24th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

November 7, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Lenny Nelson

Please silence all cell phones.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS

PRELUDE “Celtic Blessing” by Jeff Perks

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

ONE: Let us call upon the one who knows every thread in the fabric of our lives.

MANY: God of every seam and stitch, gather and mend us.

ONE: Let us call upon the one who embroiders new designs, who weaves new textiles with patience and delight.

MANY: God of every seam and stitch, gather and mend us.

ONE: Let us call upon the one who patches worn places with compassion.

MANY: God of every seam and stitch, gather and mend us.

ONE: We are the tapestry of God, each strand important to the pattern, each frayed end worth the mending, every thread a treasure.

MANY: May we hope in these words, may harmony be our mending.

ONE: Let us worship our God!

HYMN OF THE MONTH “Together We Serve”

Together we serve, united by love,

inviting God’s World to the glorious feast.

We work and we pray through sorrow and joy,

extending God’s love to the last and the least.

We seek to become a beacon of hope,

a lamp for the heart and a light for the feet.

We learn, year by year, to let love shine through

until we see Christ in each person we meet.

We welcome the scarred, the wealthy, the poor,

the busy, the lonely, and all who need care.

We offer a home to those who will come,

our hands quick to help, our hearts ready to dare.

We gather, by grace, we witness and work,

remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong.

Together we serve in Spirit and truth,

Remembering love is the strength of our song.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON John 12:27-36

“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

ANTHEM “Softly and Tenderly” Charles McCartha

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me.

With open arms He is waiting and watching, watching for you and for me.

Come home, come home, you who are weary, come home.

Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling, “O sinner, come home!”

Why should we linger when Jesus is pleading,

pleading for you and for me?

Why turn away when He offers His mercy, mercy for you and for me?

Come home, come home, you who are weary, come home.

Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling, “O sinner, come home!”

O for the wonderful love He has promised, promised for you and for me!

Though we have sinned He brings mercy and pardon,

pardon for you and for me.

Come home, come home, you who are weary, come home.

Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling, “O sinner, come home!”

SECOND LESSON 1 Kings 19:1-18

ONE: The Words of God for the People of God

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON “What Are You Doing Here?” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

PRAYER OF BLESSING

ONE: O Lord, bless the signs of our heritage we have presented today and bless the people of the clans and families which they signify. May we strive to live up to the very highest ideals they represent.

MANY: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

ONE: We thank you, God, for your Word which has ordained a rich heritage of faith and sacrifice from our ancestors: from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to David, so onward to the incarnation of Jesus, to the establishment of his church: our brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere. Never let us forget that a heritage of faith is a joy to be shared.

MANY: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

ONE: Thank you, O God, for the blessings of family; the warmth, comfort, and security of family love. Never let us forget that our family love is a gift to be shared with kin and stranger.

MANY: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

ONE: We praise you, O God, for those who have lived and died in Christ. We especially those who have died in the last year: Randall Patrick Antill, Dorothy Egan, Alba Hill, James Kennedy III, Julie Laporte, Eloyease Lybrand, The Rev. Michael Benjamin Mann, Bill Memmott, Mildred Miley, Joann Chastain Nunguesser, and Charlotte Diane Parry.

MANY: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

ONE: On behalf of all clans, families, and nations, we stand before God in gratitude for our heritage, and we pray God’s blessings on all beloved children in all lands.

MANY: We proclaim that we are united in the covenant of Jesus, the Christ, for there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. Amen.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Confession of Belhar

We believe that God has entrusted the church with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ;

that the church is called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that the church is called blessed because it is a peacemaker, that the church is witness both by word and by deed to the new heaven and the new earth in which righteousness dwells…

that the credibility of this message is seriously affected and its beneficial work obstructed when it is proclaimed in a land which professes to be Christian, but in which the enforced separation of people on a racial basis promotes and perpetuates alienation, hatred and enmity…

Therefore, we reject any doctrine which, in such a situation sanctions in the name of the gospel or of the will of God the forced separation of people on the grounds of race and color and thereby in advance obstructs and weakens the ministry and experience of reconciliation in Christ.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

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…

According to Christ’s commandment:

We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming glory…

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

HYMN 563 “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring,

ring with the harmonies of liberty.

Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies;

let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us;

sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

let us march on, till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod,

felt in the days when hope unborn had died.

Yet, with a steady beat, have not our weary feet

come to the place for which our parents sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered;

we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,

out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last

where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

PARTING PRAYER

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Christ our Lord. Give us grace to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE (#596) “May the Lord, Mighty God”

May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever;

grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavor.

Lift up your eyes and see God’s face, full of grace forever.

May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever.

POSTLUDE “Improvisation on SINE NOMINE”

Order of Worship 10_31_21

Posted on Oct 28, 2021 in Bulletin, HomePage |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

October 31, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Jacob Russo

Please silence all cell phones.

Face masks are to be worn by all participants unless leading worship.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE Prelude in g BWV 558

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP 2 Thess. 1:3

ONE: Thanks be to God for your abundant faith.

MANY: May the love of God continue to grow in us.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The splendor of Solomon’s temple cannot compare to the majesty of your heart.

Show your heart in this place, that we might worship you with joy and gratitude. Amen.

HYMN “O God, Show Mercy to Us”

1 O God, show mercy to us, and bless us with your grace;

and cause to shine upon us the brightness of your face,

so that your way most holy on earth may soon be known,

and unto every people your saving grace be shown.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing;

in every land let praises and songs of gladness ring.

2 For you will judge the peoples in truth and righteousness,

and on the earth all nations will your just rule confess.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing.

Then earth in rich abundance to us its fruit will bring.

The Lord our God will bless us; our God will blessing send,

and all the earth will worship to its remotest end.

CONFESSION

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON John 2:13-22

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN “Showing God That We Love Him”

ANTHEM Holy Manna

Lord! Shower us with holy manna, Lord, shower us from above.

We gather here to sing hosanna, we gather to share your love.

We have gathered here to worship and adore the Lord, our God.

Will you pray with all your power while we try to preach the Word?

All is vain unless the spirit of the Holy One comes down.

Christians pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.

Lord! Shower us with holy manna, Lord shower us from above.

We gather here to sing hosanna, we gather to share your love.

Let us love our God supremely, Let us love each other too,

Let us love and pray for sinners, till our God makes all things new.

Christ will call us home to heaven, at his table we’ll sit down;

Christ will gird himself and serve us with sweet manna all around.

SECOND LESSON 1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13

Now King Hiram of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father; for Hiram had always been a friend to David. Solomon sent word to Hiram, saying, “You know that my father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor misfortune. So I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to my father David, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the ancestral houses of the Israelites, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. All the people of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the festival in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests carried the ark. So they brought up the ark of the Lord, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the most holy place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim made a covering above the ark and its poles. The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the holy place in front of the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside; they are there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses had placed there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites, when they came out of the land of Egypt. And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.”

SERMON “A House for God” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Confession of 1967 9.53-9.56

God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of man’s life: social and cultural, economic and political, scientific and technological, individual and corporate. It includes man’s natural environment as exploited and despoiled by sin. It is the will of God that his purpose for human life shall be fulfilled under the rule of Christ and all evil be banished from his creation.

Biblical visions and images of the rule of Christ, such as a heavenly city, a father’s house, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom. The kingdom represents the triumph of God over all that resists his will and disrupts his creation. Already God’s reign is present as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in men and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgment and redemption.

With an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks and strives for a better world. It does not identify limited progress with the kingdom of God on earth, nor does it despair in the face of disappointment and defeat. In steadfast hope, the church looks beyond all partial achievement to the final triumph of God.

“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN PRESENTATION

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Ode to Joy” Kate and David Russo

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

HYMN 415 “Come, Labor On”

1.Come, Labor on. Who dares stand idle on the harvest plain

while all around us waves the golden grain?

And to each servant does the Master say, “Go work today.”

Come, labor on. Claim the high calling angels cannot share;

to young and old the gospel gladness bear.

Redeem the time; it’s hours too swiftly fly. The night draws nigh.

Come, labor on. Cast off all gloomy doubt and faithless fear!

No arm so weak but may do service here.

Though feeble agents, may we all fulfill God’s righteous will.

Come, labor on. No time for rest, till glows the western sky,

till the long shadows o’er our pathway lie,

and a glad sound comes with the setting sun, “Well done, well done!”

PARTING PRAYER Thomas Merton

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

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

Order of Worship 10_24_21

Posted on Oct 22, 2021 in Bulletin, HomePage |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

22nd Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

October 24, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Jeremy Moore

Please silence all cell phones.

Face masks are to be worn by all participants unless leading worship.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE Verset – Léon Boëllmann

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 51:15

One: O LORD, open my lips,

Many: And my mouth will declare your praise

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of strength, In David you chose a king with a big heart. Create clean and willing hearts in us, and choose us to do your work. Amen.

HYMN “O God, Show Mercy to Us”

1 O God, show mercy to us, and bless us with your grace;

and cause to shine upon us the brightness of your face,

so that your way most holy on earth may soon be known,

and unto every people your saving grace be shown.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing;

in every land let praises and songs of gladness ring.

2 For you will judge the peoples in truth and righteousness,

and on the earth all nations will your just rule confess.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing.

Then earth in rich abundance to us its fruit will bring.

The Lord our God will bless us; our God will blessing send,

and all the earth will worship to its remotest end.

CONFESSION

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON Psalm 51:10-14

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

ANTHEM “Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God” Carl Mueller

Create in me a clean heart, O God;

and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me, with thy free spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;

and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Create in me a clean heart, O God!

SECOND LESSON 1 Samuel 16:1-13

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

SERMON “Clean Heart” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

*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.

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN PRESENTATION

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

HYMN My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

My shepherd will supply my need; Jehovah is his name.

In pastures fresh he makes me feed, beside the living stream.

He brings my wandering spirit back when I forsake his ways,

and leads me, for his mercy’s sake, and paths of truth of grace.

When I walk through the shades of death

your presence is my stay;

one word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away.

Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;

my cup with blessings overflows; your oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;

O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.

There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;

no more a stranger, or a guest, but like a child at home.

PARTING PRAYER Thomas Merton

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Flourish by Alan Bullard

Order of Worship 10_17_21

Posted on Oct 14, 2021 in Bulletin, HomePage |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

21th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

October 17, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Sheryl Wise

Please silence all cell phones.

Face masks are to be worn by all participants unless leading worship.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN PRESENTATION

PRELUDE

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP 1 Thess. 1:2–3

ONE: Give thanks to God for the faith we share;

ALL: be steadfast in hope through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Beckoning God, In the stillness of the night you called Samuel into your service. Call us into service with a voice we are able to hear, and give us hearts to come when we are called. Amen.

HYMN “O God, Show Mercy to Us”

1 O God, show mercy to us, and bless us with your grace;

and cause to shine upon us the brightness of your face,

so that your way most holy on earth may soon be known,

and unto every people your saving grace be shown.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing;

in every land let praises and songs of gladness ring.

2 For you will judge the peoples in truth and righteousness,

and on the earth all nations will your just rule confess.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing.

Then earth in rich abundance to us its fruit will bring.

The Lord our God will bless us; our God will blessing send,

and all the earth will worship to its remotest end.

CONFESSION

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON John 20:19-23

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.”

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN “Listen and Reply”

ANTHEM “I Am Sending You” Mary McDonald

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

And with these words, He said to them, “Receive the Holy One;

Forgive them of their sins and lead them to the Risen Son!”

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

How shall they believe in whom they’ve not heard?

How shall they call upon His name?

How shall they preach unless you go there and share in Jesus’ name?

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Go ye therefore to the world and tell them of Good News!

Teach them to do as I command and know I’m there with you!

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

SECOND LESSON 1 Samuel 3:1-21

SERMON “Listening” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q1. What is the main purpose for humanity?

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?

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?
A. 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?
A. 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?

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

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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Merry-Go-Round of Life” Caleb Hebert

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

REAFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

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. …

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.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

HYMN 525 “Here I Am, Lord”

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go Lord, If you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.

I have wept for love of them, They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my words to them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go Lord, If you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them, My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide ‘Til their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

PARTING PRAYER Thomas Merton

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

Order of Worship 10_03_21

Posted on Oct 1, 2021 in Bulletin, HomePage |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

World Communion Sunday

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

October 3, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Linda Lowry

Please silence all cell phones.

Face masks are to be worn by all participants.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRESENTATION of STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

Bill Bottomley

PRELUDE Prelude in B BMV 560 – J.S. Bach

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Hebrews 1:3

ONE: In Jesus Christ we know the glory of God;

MANY: He sustains all things by his mighty word.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of all people, You remembered your children who were enslaved in Egypt, and by the power of your name you set them free. Remember us and free us from slavery to sin by the power of your name. Amen.

HYMN “O God, Show Mercy to Us”

1 O God, show mercy to us, and bless us with your grace;

and cause to shine upon us the brightness of your face,

so that your way most holy on earth may soon be known,

and unto every people your saving grace be shown.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing;

in every land let praises and songs of gladness ring.

2 For you will judge the peoples in truth and righteousness,

and on the earth all nations will your just rule confess.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing.

Then earth in rich abundance to us its fruit will bring.

The Lord our God will bless us; our God will blessing send,

and all the earth will worship to its remotest end.

CONFESSION

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON John 8:48-59

The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, ‘He is our God,’ though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN “Willing to Serve”

ANTHEM

“When Israel Was in Egypt’s Land/ The God of Abraham Praise”

When Israel was in Egypt land; Let my people go!

Oppressed so hard they could not stand; Let my people go!

Go down, Moses, way down to Egypt land

Tell old Pharaoh to let my people go

The God of Abraham praise, Who reigns enthroned above;

The ancient of eternal days, The God of love!

The Lord, the Great I Am, By earth and heaven confess,

We bow before your holy name, Forever blessed.

You have eternal life implanted in the soul;

Your love shall be our strength and stay, While ages roll.

We praise you, living God! We praise your holy name;

The first, the last, beyond all thought, and still the same!

SECOND LESSON Exodus 2:23-25; 3:1-15; 4:10-17

SERMON “Call Me By Your Name” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Scots Confession: BOC 3.01

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Open the Eyes of My Heart”

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

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…

According to Christ’s commandment:

We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming glory.

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

HYMN 517 “We Come as Guests Invited”

1 We come as guests invited when Jesus bids us dine,

his friends on earth united to share the bread and wine;

the bread of life is broken; the wine is freely poured

for us, in solemn token of Christ our dying Lord.

2 We eat and drink, receiving from Christ the grace we need,

and in our hearts believing on him by faith we feed;

with wonder and thanksgiving for love that knows no end,

we find in Jesus living our ever-present friend.

PARTING PRAYER Thomas Merton

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Allegro maestoso from Handel’s “Water Music”

Order of Worship 09_26_2021

Posted on Sep 23, 2021 in Bulletin, HomePage |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

18th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

September 26, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Cindy Freudenthal

Please silence all cell phones.

Face masks must be worn while in the building

Bold face indicates congregational participation

*Please Stand in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE Prelude in g BWV 558

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Phil. 2:11

ONE: Let every tongue confess the good news:

MANY: Jesus Christ is Lord; glory to God!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Loving God, You have covenanted to be with us and for us, not because of what we have done, but because of what you have done. Give us a glimpse of your goodness and grace, and help us to share that grace with others. Amen.

HYMN “God of the Sparrow”

1.God of the sparrow God of the whale God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe How does the creature say Praise

2.God of the earthquake God of the storm God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature cry Woe How does the creature cry Save

3.God of the rainbow God of the cross God of the empty grave

How does the creature say Grace How does the creature say Thanks

God of the hungry God of the sick God of the prodigal

How does the creature say Care How does the creature say Life

5.God of the neighbor God of the foe God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love How does the creature say Joy

God of the ages God near at hand God of the loving heart

How do your children say Joy How do your children say Home

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

Merciful God, in your presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves, as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and have turned them into bonds of oppression. Lord, have mercy upon us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON John 1:43-51

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

ANTHEM “Wrestling Jacob”

SECOND LESSON Genesis 28:10-17

Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the Lord stood beside him and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!” And he was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

SERMON “Unmerited Grace” Rev. Aaron Ochart

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.

COLLECTION OF OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)”

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER

SENDING

*HYMN 341 “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!”

1 Blessed assurance: Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit,

washed in His blood.

Refrain: This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.

2 Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels, descending, bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. (Refrain)

3 Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

filled with His goodness, lost in His love. (Refrain)

*PARTING PRAYER Clement of Rome (1st Century)

We pray to you, O God: be our helper and protector. Save the afflicted, have mercy on the lowly, raise up the fallen, help the needy, humble the proud, return the lost, feed the hungry, release the captive, heal the sick, revive the weak, and comfort those in fear. All this we ask for the sake of the world you love, and in the name of the one you sent to save us: Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Little Preludes and Intermezzi: No. 6 Poco Vivace – Herman Schroeder

Order of Worship 09_19_21

Posted on Sep 16, 2021 in Bulletin |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

17th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

September 19, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Rev. Aaron Ochart

Please silence all cell phones.

Face masks must be worn while entering and exiting

Bold face indicates congregational participation

*Please Stand in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE Prayer – Jean Langlais

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

ONE: Live in a way that is worthy of the Gospel

MANY: Stand firm in the Spirit, side by side.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of abundance, you emptied yourself in order to serve us, and you ask that we make of ourselves a living sacrifice. Help us to let go of the things that hold us back from you. Help us to give cheerfully of ourselves for your glory. Amen.

HYMN “God of the Sparrow”

1.God of the sparrow God of the whale God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe How does the creature say Praise

2.God of the earthquake God of the storm God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature cry Woe How does the creature cry Save

3.God of the rainbow God of the cross God of the empty grave

How does the creature say Grace How does the creature say Thanks

God of the hungry God of the sick God of the prodigal

How does the creature say Care How does the creature say Life

5.God of the neighbor God of the foe God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love How does the creature say Joy

God of the ages God near at hand God of the loving heart

How do your children say Joy How do your children say Home

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON John 1:19-34

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

ANTHEM “Lamb of God”

SECOND LESSON Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14

The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him.

After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac; he cut the wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place in the distance that God had shown him. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place far away. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there; we will worship, and then we will come back to you.” Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. Isaac said to his father Abraham, “Father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.

When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

SERMON “Here. For. It.” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ [God’s] only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

COLLECTION OF OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

REAFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

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. …

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.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

THE LORD’S PRAYER

SENDING

*HYMN 379 “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”

1 My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.

2 When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace;

in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]

3 His oath, his covenant, his blood support me in the whelming flood;

when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay. [Refrain]

4 When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found,

dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]

*PARTING PRAYER Clement of Rome (1st Century)

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Carillon from 24 Pieces en style libre Louis Vierne

Order of Worship 09_12_21

Posted on Sep 10, 2021 in Bulletin, Orders of Worship |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

16th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

September 12, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning (CST)

Virtual service of Worship

Minister: The Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist:

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE – Morning Has Broken – Richard Blake

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Genesis 1:1-2 NIV)

ONE: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

MANY: Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Spirit of God, just as you hovered over the deep darkness, you hover over our lives. Just as you brought light and love to the creation, you bring it into our lives as well. Fill us with your light and form us into a new creation, made in your image. Amen.

HYMN “God of the Sparrow”

1.God of the sparrow God of the whale

God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe

How does the creature say Praise

2.God of the earthquake God of the storm

God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature cry Woe

How does the creature cry Save

3.God of the rainbow God of the cross

God of the empty grave

How does the creature say Grace

How does the creature say Thank

God of the hungry God of the sick

God of the prodigal

How does the creature say Care

How does the creature say Life

5.God of the neighbor God of the foe

God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love

How does the creature say Joy

God of the ages God near at hand

God of the loving heart

How do your children say Joy

How do your children say Home

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: Cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PASSING THE PEACE

PROCLAMATION

FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON – John 1:1-18 NRSV

The Word Became Flesh

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,[c] 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.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

SCRIPTURE LESSON – Genesis 1:1-2:4a NRSV

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.

And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

So God created humankind in his image,

in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.

God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

SERMON “Over the Chaos” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

COLLECTION OF OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “God So Loved the World”

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER

SENDING

*HYMN “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”

1 Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!

All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;

Praise Him in glad adoration!

2 Praise ye the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,

Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!

Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been

Granted in what He ordaineth?

3 Praise ye the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!

All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.

Let the Amen sound from His people again,

Gladly for aye we adore Him.

*PARTING PRAYER The Three Step Prayer- Jose Hobday (1929-2009)

First Step: Plant your feet firmly on the earth. Using your five senses, give thanks to our Creator God for the countless ways God comes to us through creation- for all the beauty that your eyes see, for all the sounds that your ears ear, for all the scents that you smell, the tastes that you taste, for all that you feel (the sun, wind, rain, snow, warm, or cold). Pray this day that you may be open and attuned to the countless ways that our Creator God comes to us through your senses, through the gifts of creation.

Second Step: Let go of all the pain, struggle, regret, failures, garbage of yesterday – step out of it – leave it behind- brush the dust of it from your feet.

Third Step: With this third and final step, step into the gift of the new day, full of hope, promise, and potential. Give thanks for the gift of this new day, which God has made!

Amen.

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Toccata – Belier

Order of Worship September 5, 2021

Posted on Sep 5, 2021 in Bulletin |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

15th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

September 5, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning (CST)

Virtual service of Worship

Minister: The Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Julie Hebert

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE – I -“Poco allegretto” from Seven Pieces in C major and C minor – C. Franck

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 46)

ONE: God is our refuge and strength,

MANY: A very present help in trouble.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of earthquake and storm; you call us in the wilderness, separated by space and time. You call us in the many places where you have sent us to continue to be your people. We thank you for the safety that you have provided, and pray for your grace on those who were harder hit than us. Amen.

HYMN “God of the Sparrow”

1.God of the sparrow God of the whale

God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe

How does the creature say Praise

2.God of the earthquake God of the storm

God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature cry Woe

How does the creature cry Save

3.God of the rainbow God of the cross

God of the empty grave

How does the creature say Grace

How does the creature say Thank

God of the hungry God of the sick

God of the prodigal

How does the creature say Care

How does the creature say Life

5.God of the neighbor God of the foe

God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love

How does the creature say Joy

God of the ages God near at hand

God of the loving heart

How do your children say Joy

How do your children say Home

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PASSING THE PEACE

PROCLAMATION

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

SCRIPTURE LESSON – Acts 28:11-31 NRSV

Three months later we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead. We put in at Syracuse and stayed there for three days; then we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. After one day there a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. The believers from there, when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.

When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Three days later he called together the local leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, ‘Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, yet I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. When they had examined me, the Romans wanted to release me, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor—even though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.’ They replied, ‘We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken anything evil about you. But we would like to hear from you what you think, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.’

After they had fixed a day to meet him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: ‘The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah,

“Go to this people and say,

You will indeed listen, but never understand,

and you will indeed look, but never perceive.

For this people’s heart has grown dull,

and their ears are hard of hearing,

and they have shut their eyes;

so that they might not look with their eyes,

and listen with their ears,

and understand with their heart and turn—

and I would heal them.”

Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.’

He lived there for two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

SERMON “The Ends of the Earth” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

COLLECTION OF OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “My Jesus I Love Thee”

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

SENDING

*HYMN “Amazing Grace”

1 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.

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

how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

3 Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come:

’tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

4 The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures;

he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

When we’ve been there ten-thousand years, bright shining as the sun.

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we first begun.

*PARTING PRAYER Attributed to Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-c. 547)

O gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you. Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Allegro maestoso from Handel’s “Water Music”

Order of Worship 08_29_21

Posted on Aug 27, 2021 in Bulletin |

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

14th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

August 29, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Rev. Aaron Ochart

Liturgist: Louise Ochart

Bold face indicates congregational participation

*Please Stand in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE “Voluntary in G” Henry Heron

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Hebrews 13:16

Do good and share what you have

for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of compassion, you desire that all people might be drawn to you. You leave the ninety-nine sheep behind to find the missing one, you search for the last coin, you look for the missing child, and you give your own life so that we might live. Give us the faith and courage to proclaim your good news through word and deed. Amen.

HYMN 370 “Just as I Am”

Just as I am without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me,

and that thou biddest me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thy love unknown has broken every barrier down;

now to be thine, yea, thine alone, O lamb of God, I come, I come.

CALL TO CONFESSION

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI 579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON Matthew 10:5a, 16-23 NRSV

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions…

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

ANTHEM

SECOND LESSON Acts 25:23-26:29 NRSV

So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then Festus gave the order and Paul was brought in. And Festus said, ‘King Agrippa and all here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish community petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. But I found that he had done nothing deserving death; and when he appealed to his Imperial Majesty, I decided to send him. But I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write— for it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.’

Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You have permission to speak for yourself.’ Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself:

‘I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defence today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg of you to listen to me patiently.

‘All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, a life spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?…

‘After that, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had help from God, and so I stand here, testifying to both small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would take place: that the Messiah must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.’

While he was making this defence, Festus exclaimed, ‘You are out of your mind, Paul! Too much learning is driving you insane!’ But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth. Indeed the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely; for I am certain that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.’ Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?’ Paul replied, ‘Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am—except for these chains.’

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

SERMON “Whether Quickly or Not” Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Heidelberg Catechism: BOC 4.001

Q1: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

A1: 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 the Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

COLLECTION OF OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER

SENDING

*HYMN 371 “Lift High the Cross”

Refrain:

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim

till all the world adore his sacred name.

1 Come, Christians, follow where our Savior trod,

the Lamb victorious, Christ, the Son of God. [Refrain]

2 All newborn servants of the Crucified

bear on their brow the seal of Christ who died. [Refrain]

3 O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,

your death has brought us life eternally. [Refrain]

4 So shall our song of triumph ever be:

praise to the Crucified for victory. [Refrain]

*PARTING PRAYER Attributed to Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-c. 547)

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “Lord of all Life” by Edward Broughton

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