1. Shout with gladness! Dance for joy! 

O come before the Lord. 

And play for God on glad tambourines, 

and let your trumpet sound.

2. Rise, O children, from your sleep;

your Savior now has come. 

He has turned your sorrow into joy, 

and filled your soul with song.

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

The trumpet sounds; the dead shall be raised.

I know my Savior lives.              

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION      

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

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

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

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

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

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

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

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

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                           1 Cor. 13: 4-7

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

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

SECOND LESSON                                      Proverbs 31 : 10, 15 – 31

A good woman is hard to find, 

and worth far more than diamonds.

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

 and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it,

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

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, 

rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She senses the worth of her work, 

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

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

 diligent in homemaking.

She’s quick to assist anyone in need,

 and reaches out to help the poor.

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

their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing,

 and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected 

when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them,

 brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant, 

and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. 

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, 

and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, 

and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her; 

her husband joins in with words of praise:

“Many women have done wonderful things,

 but you’ve outclassed them all!”

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.

 The woman to be admired and praised

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

Give her everything she deserves!

 Festoon her life with praises!

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                       Woman of Valor Rev. Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Heidelberg Catechism 4.001

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

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY               “Clouds”                 

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

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

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

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

Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heav’n, to earth come down,

fix in us thy humble dwelling,

all thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, thou art all compassion,

pure, unbounded love thou art.

Visit us with thy salvation;

enter ev’ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit

into ev’ry troubled breast.

Let us all in thee inherit,

let us find the promised rest.

Take away the love of sinning;

Alpha and Omega be.

End of faith, as its beginning,

set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty, to deliver,

let us all thy life receive.

Suddenly return, and never,

nevermore they temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray, and praise thee without ceasing,

glory in thy perfect love.

Finish, then, thy new creation;

Pure and spotless let us be.

Let us see thy great salvation

perfectly restored in thee.

Changed from glory into glory,

till in heav’n we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee,

lost in wonder, love and praise.

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE:                      “Alleluia!”                    CELTIC ALLELUIA

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

POSTLUDE    A Festal Tune Weber  JCPC Youth Kazoo Choir           

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland, Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

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

Church Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504.888.1375

Playschool Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head of Staff

Louise Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Director

Kelly Cuppett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano. . . . . Playschool Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

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

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

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

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

Events and Meetings this Week:

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

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

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

5/11 – 11:00 AM – Staff Meeting 

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

5/11 – 7:00 PM – Choir Practice 

5/12 – 10:00 AM – Game Day 

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

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

      10:15 AM – Choir Practice 

      10:30 AM – Worship Service 

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

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

PLAYSCHOOL FUN FAIR – SATURDAY, MAY 21ST. 

BRING SWEETS FOR THE SWEET BOOTH

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

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

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

VOLUNTEER ON SATURDAY

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

BRING ITEMS FOR THE SILENT AUCTION

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

BE A SPONSOR

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

BUY TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME

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

1200 S. Clearview Pkwy.

504-207-4444

LaserTagNola.com

John Calvin Presbyterian Church FUNdraiser

@ Adventure Quest Laser Tag!

Thursday May 12th, 2022

Time: 4pm-9pm

Get your UNLIMITED wristband for just $20 plus tax! 

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

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

brought here to you in the light of this day.

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

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

we shall arise at the sound of our name.

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

called to be light to the whole human race.

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

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

give us the courage to enter the song.

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

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

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

lives that are holy and hearts that are true.

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

now is the Kingdom, and now is the day.

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

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

fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

WORDS OF WELCOME           

PRELUDE”     Crown Him With Many Crowns” 

arr. Anna Laura Page JCPC Handbell Choir

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP John 20:19, 21

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

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

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

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

Sing a new song unto the Lord; 

let your song be sung from mountains high.

Sing a new song unto the Lord, singing hallelujah!

1. Shout with gladness! Dance for joy! 

O come before the Lord. 

And play for God on glad tambourines, 

and let your trumpet sound.

2. Rise, O children, from your sleep;

your Savior now has come. 

He has turned your sorrow into joy, 

and filled your soul with song.

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

The trumpet sounds; the dead shall be raised.

I know my Savior lives.      

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN              

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS                    

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                            Rev. 1: 1-8 

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

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

John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

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

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

Look! He is coming with the clouds;

   every eye will see him,

even those who pierced him;

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

So it is to be. Amen.

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

ANTHEM The Glories of Christ Tom Fettke and Thomas Grassi    

SECOND LESSON                                    John 20:19-31

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

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

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

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

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                             

RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Nicene Creed: BOC 1.1-3

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

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven,

was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary

and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again, in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY           

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

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

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

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

*HYMN Blue # 151      Crown Him With Many Crowns

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

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

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

And hail Him as thy matchless King Through all eternity.

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

Rich wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorified:

No angel in the sky Can fully bear that sight,

But downward bends his burning eye At mysteries so bright.

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

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

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

Fair flowers of paradise extend Their fragrance ever sweet.

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

Creator of the rolling spheres, Ineffably sublime.

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

Thy praise shall never, never fail Throughout eternity. 

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE                      “Alleluia!”                    CELTIC ALLELUIA

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

POSTLUDE                    A Festal Tune Weber             

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

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

Church Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504.888.1375

Playschool Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head of Staff

Louise Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Director

Kelly Cuppett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano. . . . . Playschool Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 10

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

April 3rd

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

• Nick Jenco, having shoulder replacement surgery.

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

love to the loveless shown 

that they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake

My Lord should take frail flesh and die. 

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

the world that was his own 

would not its Savior know.

But O, my Friend, my Friend indeed,

who at my need his life did spend!

3. Sometimes we strew his way, 

and his sweet praises sing,

resounding all the day hosannas to our King.

Then “Crucify!” is all our breath, 

and for his death we thirst and cry. 

4. 4. Unheeding, we will have 

our dear Lord made a way,

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

Yet steadfast he to suffering goes, 

that he his foes from thence might free.

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

never was love, dear King, 

never was grief like thine. 

This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise

I all my days could gladly spend.               

PROCLAMATION

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

FIRST LESSON                                                John 18:1-27

HYMN 97       “Go to Dark Gethsemane”     REDHEAD 76

1. Go to dark Gethsemane, 

all who feel the tempter’s power;

your Redeemer’s conflict see; 

watch with him one bitter hour;

turn not from your griefs away; 

learn from Jesus Christ to pray.

2. Follow to the judgment hall; 

view the Lord of life arraigned;

O the wormwood and the and the gall! 

O the pangs his soul sustained!

Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; 

learn from him to bear the cross. 

3. Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; 

there adoring at his feet, 

mark that miracle of time, 

God’s own sacrifice complete; 

“It is finished!” hear him cry. 

Learn from Jesus Christ to die. 

SECOND LESSON                        John 18:28-19:16a

HYMN 101    “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”          HAMBURG

1. When I survey the wondrous cross 

on which the Prince of glory died, 

my richest gain I count as loss, 

and pour contempt on all my pride. 

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

sorrow and love flow mingled down;

did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown. 

THIRD LESSON                             John 19:16b-30

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

1. Alas! and did my Savior bleed, 

and did my Sovereign die!

Would he devote that sacred head 

for sinners such as I! 

2. Was it for sins that I have done 

he suffered on the tree?

Amazing pity! Grace unknown! 

And love beyond degree! 

3. Well might the sun in darkness hide 

and shut its glories in,

when Christ the great Redeemer died, 

for human creatures’ sin. 

4. But drops of grief can ne’er repay 

the debt of love I owe;

here, Lord, I give myself away; 

‘tis all that I can do. 

THE SOLEMN INTERCESSION

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

THIRD LESSON                         John 19:31-37

HYMN                “Were You There?”                  

1. Were you there 

when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there 

when they crucified my Lord?

O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, 

tremble, tremble.

Were you there 

when they crucified my Lord? 

2. Were you there 

when they nailed him to the tree?

3. Were you there 

when they pierced him in the side?

4. Were you there 

when the sun refused to shine?

5. Were you there 

when they laid him in a tomb? 

FOURTH LESSON                      John 19:38-42

SOLEMN REPROACHES OF THE CROSS

ONE: This is the cross 

that held the Savior of the world.

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

…Holy God

Holy and mighty,

Holy immortal One,

have mercy on us.      

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland, Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

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

Church Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504.888.1375

Playschool Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head of Staff

Louise Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Director

Kelly Cuppett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano. . . . . Playschool Administrative Assistant

1. An upper room did our Lord prepare 

for those he loved until the end:

and his disciples still gather there

to celebrate their risen friend. 

2. A lasting gift Jesus gave his own:

to share his bread, his loving cup.

Whatever burdens may bow us down,

he by his cross shall lift us up.

3. And after supper he washed their feet,

for service too is sacrament.

In Christ our joy shall be made complete:

sent out to serve, as he was sent. 

4. 4. No end there is! We depart in peace.

He loves beyond the utmost.

in every room in our Father’s house

Christ will be there, as Lord and Host.             

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, whose covenant with us is never broken, we confess that we fail to fulfill your will. Though you have bound yourself to us, we will not bind ourselves to you. In Jesus Christ, you serve us freely, but we refuse your love and withhold ourselves from others. We do not love you fully or love one another as you command. 

In your mercy, forgive and cleanse us. Lead us once again to your table and unite us to Christ, who is the bread of life and the vine from which we grow in grace. Amen.

KYRIE #572

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                 Exodus 12:1-14

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbour in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

SECOND LESSON                                        John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                   “Is It Me?”                  The Rev. Aaron Ochart 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

ONE: Lord, in your mercy,

MANY: hear our prayer.

 LORD’S SUPPER     

OFFERTORY           In Christ Alone arr. Carol Tornquist

OFFERING

ONE: What shall we offer for all God’s goodness to us?

MANY: Let us lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. 

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

ONE: …who forever sing to the glory of your name:

MANY: 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.

ONE: … Praise to you, Lord Christ:

MANY: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory…

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

ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN                       “Ah, Holy Jesus”               HERZLIEBSTER JESU

1. Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended, 

that we to judge thee have in hate pretended?

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

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

Alas, my treason, Jesus hath undone thee. 

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

3. Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered; 

the slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;

for our atonement, while we nothing heeded, God interceded.

4. For me, kind Jesus, was thine incarnation, 

thy mortal sorrow, and thy life’s oblation,

thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion, 

for my salvation. 

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

I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee,

think on thy pity and thy love unswerving, 

not my deserving. 

STRIPPING OF THE CHURCH  

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland, Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

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

Church Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504.888.1375

Playschool Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head of Staff

Louise Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Director

Kelly Cuppett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano. . . . . Playschool Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

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

love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake

My Lord should take frail flesh and die. 

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

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

But O, my Friend, my Friend indeed,

who at my need his life did spend!

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

resounding all the day hosannas to our King.

Then “Crucify!” is all our breath, 

and for his death we thirst and cry. 

4. 4. Unheeding, we will have our dear Lord made a way,

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

Yet steadfast he to suffering goes, 

that he his foes from thence might free.

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

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

This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise

I all my days could gladly spend.                

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen. 

KYRIE #572

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                 Psalm 146

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

I will praise the Lord as long as I live;

   I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

Do not put your trust in princes,

   in mortals, in whom there is no help.

When their breath departs, they return to the earth;

   on that very day their plans perish.

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

   whose hope is in the Lord their God,

who made heaven and earth,

   the sea, and all that is in them;

who keeps faith for ever;

   who executes justice for the oppressed;

   who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;

   the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

   the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the strangers;

   he upholds the orphan and the widow,

   but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign for ever,

   your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN              

ANTHEM   Behold the Love, the Grace of God 

 Tom Fettke & Thomas Grassi     

SECOND LESSON                                             John 19:1-16a

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON         “Systematic Failure”         The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Theological Declaration of Barmen 

Statement 5: 8.22-24

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

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

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

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY            Were You There? Arr. Fred Bock 

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

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

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

MANY: 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.

ONE: … Praise to you, Lord Christ:

MANY: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory…

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

ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN Blue #102      Were You There?               

1 Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

(Were you there?)

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord? 

(Were you there?)

2 Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

 (Were you there?)

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? 

(Were you there?)

3 Were you there when they pierced Him in the side?

 (Were you there?)

Were you there when they pierced Him in the side?

Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they pierced Him in the side? 

(Were you there?)

4 Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? 

(Were you there?)

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

 (Were you there?)

*PARTING PRAYER

Gracious God, our way in the wilderness, guide us, by your Word, through these forty days, and minister to us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be reformed, restored, and renewed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE #363      “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me”     SOJOURNER

I want Jesus to walk with me; I want Jesus to walk with me;

All along my pilgrim journey, 

Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. 

POSTLUDE                   Toccata in C             

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

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

Church Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504.888.1375

Playschool Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head of Staff

Louise Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Director

Kelly Cuppett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano. . . . . Playschool Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

Lenten Devotional: The Staff have put together a daily Lenten Devotional which is available on Facebook and Instagram. 

Youth Group: We have Youth Group and Confirmation Class this evening Starting at 5:00 PM. 

Little Farms Collection: We are collecting items to make care bags for the transient and homeless. We’ll continue until Palm Sunday, April 10. On that day we will put the bags together as a mission activity as we enjoy the luncheon. Here is the list of items to bring in: deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, small wet wipes, a snack, and bottled water.

Tablecloth Dinner: Join us for a Tablecloth Dinner on Thursday, April 7, at Bistro Orleans 6:30 Meet ’n Greet, 7:00 Dinner. We are also planning a Kid’s Night In so parents may join the group for dinner. We need a minimum of 20 people, so sign up soon! There is no preordering, and a great menu!!  $34 covers a 3-course dinner and beverage including tax and tip!

Luncheon: Join us for some delicious pastalaya, on April 10th following the Palm Sunday Cantata service.  

Game Day: Join us April 14th and 28th at 10:00 am in the Library for Game Day. 

Events and Meetings this Week:

4/3 – 5:00 PM Youth Group and 

4/6 – 7:00 PM Cantata and Choir (7:45 PM)  Practice 

4/7 – 10:00 AM PW Council Meeting 

4/7 – 7:00 PM Tablecloth Diner and Youth Night In 

4/9 – 9:00 AM  Easter Egg Hunt 

4/10 – 9:30 AM Adult Sunday School, Elementary Age Sunday School, 

Discussion Group Sunday School 

4/10 – 10:30 AM Worship Service – One Great Hour of Sharing offering 

4/10 – 11:30 AM Handbells Practice

-Prayer List-

April 3rd

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

• Nick Jenco, continued health issues.

March 27 

• Olga’s Husband has been diagnosed with Cancer and will be having surgery on April 22nd.

• Sarah Elliot, daughter of Theresa (a colleague of Aaron’s), who is having surgery in a few weeks. 

• Family and Friends of Betty Sundmaker.

March 20

• The family and friends of Martha Gordy, Bill Bottomley’s cousin. Especially husband, Ernest, and daughter, Dawn.

March 13th 

• Conflict in Ukraine
• Lorraine Weindell’s friend, family out of Ukraine and safe in Russia. 
• John Savage and his family. John was placed in Hospice care, but he has rebounded. 

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

love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake

My Lord should take frail flesh and die. 

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

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

But O, my Friend, my Friend indeed,

who at my need his life did spend!

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

resounding all the day hosannas to our King.

Then “Crucify!” is all our breath, 

and for his death we thirst and cry. 

4. 4. Unheeding, we will have our dear Lord made a way,

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

Yet steadfast he to suffering goes, 

that he his foes from thence might free.

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

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

This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise

I all my days could gladly spend.                

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

KYRIE #572

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Philippians 2:1-11

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN             Service and Stinky Feet 

ANTHEM                 Give Me Jesus     

SECOND LESSON                                              John 13: 1-17

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON       “Give Space/Take Space”         The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH      Theological Declaration of Barmen

2. “Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” (I Cor. 1:30.)

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.

We reject the false doctrine, as though there were areas of our life in which we would not belong to Jesus Christ, but to other lords—areas in which we would not need justification and sanctification through him. Amen

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY               “The Goodness of God”                 Bethel

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

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

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

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

*HYMN 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 captive 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

Gracious God, our way in the wilderness, guide us, by your Word, through these forty days, and minister to us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be reformed, restored, and renewed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE #363      “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me”     SOJOURNER

I want Jesus to walk with me; I want Jesus to walk with me;

All along my pilgrim journey, 

Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. 

POSTLUDE                    Toccata Belier          

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor John Calvin; The Rev. Susan Lassalle, Pastor Little Farms; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

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

• Conflict in the Ukraine
• Lorraine W. friend who is unable to contact his parents in the Ukraine
• John S. and his family.  John has just been placed in Hospice care.

February 27

• The Family and Friends of Cathy F., a former member who has been living in Virginia. 
• Bobby O., Aaron’s uncle, in medical rehab
• Friend of Beverly K. who is in ill health
• Family and Friends of James Bruce E., 38, son of Bruce and Donna, classmates of Bill B.
• Continued prayers for Jananne L. Recovering from Pelvic fracture

February 20

• Patrick A., friend of Aaron, asks for prayer for his friend. 
• Tom, a friend of Bill B., has pain in his bones and is suffering from depression.
• David, a friend of Bill B., who lost a good friend of his to violence along with the friend’s daughter. 
• Family of Bonnie P. (Dennis’s sister-in-law) who passed away following open heart surgery.
• Family of Dolores W. (Ernie’s sister) who passed away. 
• Family and friends of Javelin G., Nick’s mother.

February 13

• Friends and Family of Suzanne D., friend of Jananne.

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH HEALTH ISSUES:  Debra B., Teddy B., Troy D., Suzanne D., Ernest and Patricia E., Mel F., Neil F., Buddy H., James K., George M., Wayne T., Eleanor W., Bob W., and others struggling with health issues.    

   Announcements

Wedding Announcement: John and Linda Laporte would like to announce the marriage of their Grandson Logan Laporte to Brooke Bennett This past Saturday March 5th. The newlyweds will honeymoon in St. Lucia.

Lenten Devotional: The Staff have been put together a daily Lenten Devotional which is available on Facebook and Instagram. 

Easter Egg Hunt: Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is coming up on April 9th from 9:00 am – Noon. Candy Donations will be accepted outside of the playschool and church offices. Individually wrapped candy and please no nuts. We have plenty of Volunteer Opportunities so please let Louise know if you are able to help. 

Bible Builds, Elementary Grade Bible Study: We will be doing a once a month Bible Study for our elementary age kids utilizing Minecraft. We will come together after Sunday Worship Service, the kids will be given a story from the Bible, and an hour to build something related to the story in a Minecraft world. We will take time for each child to tell about their build and explore the story further. Lunch will be provided. We will have a Nintendo Switch which can accommodate four players, plus some tablets to use during the building portion of the bible study. Kids can bring their own portable gaming systems, tablets, phone, or laptop with Minecraft on it to use to join the world if they prefer. Our first meeting will be on March 27th following Sunday Worship. The Children will be given the bible story after Sunday School or Worship service on March 20th so they can have the week to think about and plan their build. 

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

love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake

My Lord should take frail flesh and die? 

2. Christ came from heaven’s throne salvation to bestow;

But people scorned and none The longed-for Christ would know But O,

my Friend, my Friend indeed, who at my need his life did spend!

3. Sometimes they strew his way, and his sweet praises sing,

resounding all the way hosannas to our King.

Then “Crucify!” is all their breath, and for his death They thirst and cry. 

a murderer to save, the prince of life they slay. Yet steadfast he to suffering goes, 

that He His foes from thence might free.

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

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

This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise I all my days could gladly spend.                

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

KYRIE #572

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                 Psalm 130

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

   Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

   to the voice of my supplications!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,

   Lord, who could stand?

But there is forgiveness with you,

   so that you may be revered.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

   and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord

   more than those who watch for the morning,

   more than those who watch for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord!

   For with the Lord there is steadfast love,

   and with him is great power to redeem.

It is he who will redeem Israel

   from all its iniquities.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN              Reading Signs

SECOND LESSON                                              John 11:1-44

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON      “Resurrection and the Life”    The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH       Theological Declaration of Barmen

1. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6.) “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. . . . I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” (John 10:1, 9.)

      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.

      We reject the false doctrine, as though the church could and would have to acknowledge as a source of its proclamation, apart from and besides this one Word of God, still other events and powers, figures and truths, as God’s revelation. Amen. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY             Prelude in E minor Chopin

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

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

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

MANY: 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…

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

ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN [Blue #316]     Breathe on Me, Breath of God 

1 Breathe on me, Breath of God, Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love,

2 Breathe on me, Breath of God, Until my heart is pure,

3 Breathe on me, Breath of God, Till I am wholly Thine,

4 Breathe on me, Breath of God, So shall I never die,

But live with Thee the perfect life Of Thine eternity.

• The Family and Friends of Cathy F., a former member who has been living in Virginia. 
• Bobby O., Aaron’s uncle, in medical rehab
• Friend of Beverly K. who is in ill health
• Family and Friends of James E., 38, son of Bruce and Donna, classmates of Bill B.
• Continued prayers for Jananne L. Recovering from Pelvic fracture

February 20

• Patrick A., friend of Aaron, asks for prayer for his friend. 
• Tom, a friend of Bill B., has pain in his bones and is suffering from depression.
• David, a friend of Bill B., who lost a good friend of his to violence along with the friend’s daughter. 
• Family of Bonnie P. (Dennis’s sister-in-law) who passed away following open heart surgery.
• Family of Dolores W. (Ernie’s sister) who passed away. 
• Family and friends of Javelin G., Nick’s mother

February 13

• Friends and Family of Suzanne D., friend of Jananne.

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH HEALTH ISSUES:  Debra B., Teddy B., Troy D., Suzanne D., Ernest and Patricia E., Mel F., Neil F., Buddy H., James K., George M., Wayne T., Eleanor W., Bob W., and others struggling with health issues.    

   Announcements

Youth Bible Study: We kick off a new Middle and High School Youth Bible Study tonight at 5:00 pm. Dinner will be included. We will be using the Reckless Love video study series from RightNow Media. Youth Group will wrap up around 6:30 pm. Just in time for those that want to attend our 45 min confirmation class to join Pastor Aaron for that. The meeting dates for this new Youth Bible Study will be March 6th and 20th, April 3rd and 15th (This one will be a special Good Friday event more on this later), May 1st and 15th, and June 5th. We would love to see all our Youth at these fun evenings and hope they will invite some friends too. 

Confirmation Class: As noted above we will have a confirmation class Bi-Monthly right after our Youth Bible Study and we will be joined by youth from First Presbyterian Church. Please speak with Pastor Aaron if you are interested in joining us for this. We know this first class is coming up fast so let us know if you can’t make this one and we will make alternate arrangements to catch you up. The meeting dates for Confirmation class will be March 6th and 20th, April 3rd, May 1st and 15th. 

Bible Builds, Elementary Grade Bible Study: We will be doing a once a month Bible Study for our elementary age kids utilizing Minecraft. We will come together after Sunday Worship Service, the kids will be given a story from the Bible, and an hour to build something related to the story in a Minecraft world. We will take time for each child to tell about their build and explore the story further. Lunch will be provided. We will have a Nintendo Switch which can accommodate four players, plus some tablets to use during the building portion of the bible study. Kids can bring their own portable gaming systems, tablets, phone, or laptop with Minecraft on it to use to join the world if they prefer. Our first meeting will be on March 27th following Sunday Worship. The Children will be given the bible story after Sunday School or Worship service on March 20th so they can have the week to think about and plan their build. 

Birthdays: Andrew Crawford 3/6, Ann Trapani 3/6, Megan Lauland 3/6, Greg Russo 3/6, Dennis Lauland, 3/12

Church Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504.888.1375

Playschool Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head of Staff

Louise Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Director

Kelly Cuppett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano. . . . . Playschool Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

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

now is the darkness vanished away; 

see in this space our fears and our dreamings

brought here to you in the light of this day.

Gather us in the lost and forsaken, gather us in the blind and the lame;

call to us now, and we shall awaken; we shall arise at the sound of our name.

2. We are the young, our lives are a mystery. 

We are the old who yearn for your face. 

We have been sung throughout all of history, 

called to be light to the whole human race. 

Gather us in, the rich and the haughty; gather us in the proud and the strong;

give us a heart, so meek and so lowly; give us the courage to enter the song.

3. Here we will take the wine and the water; 

here we will take the bread of new birth.

Here you shall call your sons and your daughters,

call us anew to be salt for the earth.

Give us to drink the wine of compassion; 

give us to eat the bread that is you;

nourish us well, and teach us to fashion 

lives that are holy and hearts that are true,

4. Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven, light years away:

here in this place the new light is shining;

now is the kingdom, and now is the day.

Gather us in and hold us forever; gather us in and make us your own;

gather us in, all peoples together, fire of love in our flesh and our bone.  

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, you fully love us, but we have not fully loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, hatred, warfare, and greed. 

God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our redeemer. 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 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

   whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

   of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me

   to devour my flesh—

my adversaries and foes—

   they shall stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,

   my heart shall not fear;

though war rise up against me,

   yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the Lord,

   that will I seek after:

to live in the house of the Lord

   all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the Lord,

   and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter

   in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

   he will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up

   above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent

   sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,

   be gracious to me and answer me!

‘Come,’ my heart says, ‘seek his face!’

   Your face, Lord, do I seek.

   Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger,

   you who have been my help.

Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,

   O God of my salvation!

If my father and mother forsake me,

   the Lord will take me up.

Teach me your way, O Lord,

   and lead me on a level path

   because of my enemies.

Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,

   for false witnesses have risen against me,

   and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord

   in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;

   be strong, and let your heart take courage;

   wait for the Lord!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN           

ANTHEM                       Hymn of Promise                            Natalie Sleeth    

In the bulb there is a flower; In the seed, an apple tree;

In cocoons, a hidden promise: Butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter, There’s a spring that waits to be, 

Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, seeking work and melody;

There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see. 

In our end is our beginning; In our time, infinity.

In our doubt, There is believing; In our life, eternity. 

In our death, a resurrection; At the last, a victory,

Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see

Unrevealed until its season, Something yet unknown, which God alone can see.

SECOND LESSON                                                                  John 9:1-41    

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON               “I Once Was Blind”               The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*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    Be Thou My Vision Carrolton Forrester

*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

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM James Ferguson 

ONE: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the hope of your calling,

MANY: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all…

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

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

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

*HYMN #280                   “Amazing Grace”               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.

5 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’d first begun.

*PARTING PRAYER         The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Our loving Father, from Thy hand have come all the days of the past. To Thee we look for whatever good the future holds. We are not satisfied with the world as we have found it. It is too little the kingdom of God as yet. Grant us the privilege of [being] a part in its regeneration. We are looking for a new earth in which dwells righteousness. It is our prayer that we may be children of light, the kind of people for whose coming and ministry the world is waiting.—Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE  “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee”             HYMN TO JOY

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the gloom of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!

POSTLUDE              

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

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