almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

4 Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light.

Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight.

All praise we would render; O help us to see

’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR MISSION Evergreen Ministries                                                           

LITANY FOR TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

ONE: Blessed is the Lord our God,

who revealed the law to Moses.

MANY:The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: Blessed is the Lord our God,

who has spoken through the prophets.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: Blessed is the Lord our God,

who came to us in Jesus Christ.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: The one who spoke and called light out of darkness

now shines in our hearts.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: The one who comes and does not keep silence

now speaks in our midst.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: Now we have seen the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Great God of dazzling beauty and overshadowing majesty, in Jesus Christ, your beloved, we glimpse the image of your glory. Teach us to listen to him so that we may hear your voice and follow your holy way; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [BLUE#73*] [GTG#190]  “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory”          

1. Swiftly pass the clouds of glory,

Heaven’s voice, the dazzling light;

Moses and Elijah vanish;

Christ alone commands the height!

Peter, James, and John fall silent,

Turning from the summit’s rise

Downward toward the shadowed valley

Where their Lord has fixed His eyes.

2. Glimpsed and gone the revelation,

they shall gain and keep its truth,

not by building on the mountain

any shrine or sacred booth,

but by following the Savior

through the valley to the cross

and by testing faith’s resilience

through betrayal, pain, and loss.

3. Lord, transfigure our perception

with the purest light that shines,

and recast our life’s intentions

to the shape of Your designs,

till we seek no other glory

than what lies past Calvary’s hill

and our living and our dying

and our rising by Your will.   

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN         

REFRAIN [As Children Exit] [GTG192]

“Lord The Light of Your Love is Shining ” 

Shine, Jesus, shine; fill this land with the Father’s glory.

Blaze, Spirit, blaze; set our hearts on fire                     

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of compassion, in Jesus Christ you reveal the light of your glory, but we turn away, distracted by our own plans. We confess that we speak when we should listen, and act when we should wait. 

Forgive our aimless enthusiasms. Grant us wisdom to live in your light and to follow in the way of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. 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.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE                                                    Matthew 16:24-17:8

Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                       “Mountaintop”                       Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

CELEBRATION of the SACRAMENT of BAPTISM

Corinne Marie Kawaguchi

Child of: Nicole Gordy and Neil Kawaguchi

Grandchild of: Amy and Jeffrey Cardinale

Godparents: Eva Mace and Conner Stevens

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                               Scots Confession

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 [God’s] inscrutable providence for such end as [God’s] eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of [God’s] own glory.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “O Worship The King” arr. Victor Labenske

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 [BLUE#411*] [GTG #744]  “Arise, Your Light has Come!” 

 FESTAL SONG

1 Arise, your light has come! The Spirit’s call obey;

show forth the glory of your God which shines on you today.

2 Arise, your light has come! Fling wide the prison door;

proclaim the captives liberty, good tidings to the poor.

3 Arise, your light has come! All you in sorrow born,

bind up the brokenhearted ones and comfort those who mourn.

4 Arise, your light has come! The mountains burst in song!

Rise up like eagles on the wing, God’s power will make us strong.

PARTING PRAYER    

O God, in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah; and in the voice from the cloud you foreshadowed our adoption as your children. Make us, with Christ, heirs of your glory; and send us from the mountaintop of your experienced presence to the valleys of our lives bearing your light with us everywhere we go. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#747] “The Lord Now Sends Us Forth”

The Lord now sends us forth with hands to serve and give,

        to make of all the earth a better place to live.

        The angels are not sent into our world of pain

        to do what we were meant to do in Jesus’ name;

        that falls to you and me and all who are made free.

        Help us, O Lord, we pray, to do your will today. 

POSTLUDE          excerpts from Sonata No. 3 Felix Mendelssohn            

The flowers in the sanctuary were given by Evelyn Tobey in loving memory of Bob Tobey.

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

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

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

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett – Music Director

Kelly Cuppett – Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

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

Come to God’s own temple, come; raise the song of harvest home.

2 All the world is God’s own field, fruit in thankful praise to yield,

wheat and tares together sown, unto joy or sorrow grown.

First the blade, and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear.

Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR MISSION SOUPER BOWL           

CALL TO WORSHIP Mark 1:40–41

ONE: To Jesus we cry: Cleanse us, O Lord!

MANY: By the mercy of Christ we are made clean.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Almighty God, you gave the law to guide our lives. May we never shrink from your commandments, but, as we are taught by your Son Jesus, fulfill the law in perfect love; through Christ our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

*HYMN [BLUE# 298] [GTG 435]  “There’s a wideness in God’s Mercy”          

1 There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea.

There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty.

There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in heaven.

There is no place where earth’s failings have such kindly judgment given.

2 For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind.

And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more faithful, we would gladly trust God’s Word,

and our lives reflect thanksgiving for the goodness of our Lord.       

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN                               

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

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.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE                                                    Matthew 13:24-43

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’

He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet:

‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables;

   I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                   “To Put Along Side”                   Rev. Aaron Ochart

 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY           Children of Heavenly Father Dan Forrest
featuring Celia Watkins, cello and Cindy Freudenthal, flute

*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 [BLUE#376] [GTG #366]   Loves Divine All Loves Excelling 

1 Love divine, all loves excelling,

Joy of heaven, 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 every trembling heart.

2 Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every 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.

3 Come, Almighty, to deliver; let us all thy life receive;

suddenly return, and never, nevermore thy 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.

*PARTING PRAYER    

Holy God, you sent your Son to be baptized among sinners, to seek and save the lost. May we, who have been baptized in his name, never turn away from the world, but reach out in love to call others like us; by the mercy of Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [GTG95] “Prepare the way of the Lord ”

Prepare the way of the Lord prepare the way of the Lord

And all peoples will see the salvation of our God.

POSTLUDE              La Caprifolia Victor Macarty            

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

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

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett – Music Director

Kelly Cuppett – Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

 Devotional Spotlight: This week’s devotional is: African American History & Devotions: Readings and Activities for Individuals, Families, and Communities: Twenty-eight devotions for individuals, families, or small groups, including a scripture verse, a reflection on the scripture, related activities for each day, and a prayer. This intergenerational devotional is great for use during Black History Month, but can be used at any time.

Ash Wednesday Service: The Ash Wednesday service will be at 12 noon on February 22nd. Come and receive the imposition of ashes, and start the Lenten season. 

Music rehearsals for the Easter season : Cantata and Easter handbells will begin on March 8! Please email Sam at sam.garnett@johncalvinchurch.org if you are interested in participating. Please plan to attend all rehearsals if you commit to one of these ensembles. If you aren’t able to make that commitment, we encourage you to consider joining the Sunday choir, which does not require consistent attendance (ideally, members are present for the Sunday rehearsal prior to the Sunday they plan to sing).

Handbells: Easter Cantata: 

Wednesdays from 6-7pm Wednesdays from 7-8:15pm

March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29 & Apr. 5,12 Play in service on Easter Sunday, Apr. 9 Sing in service on Sunday, 

Apr. 16

Program of Hope: It’s our month to provide lunches again. Join us on Tuesday at 2:00 PM to make sandwiches. Speak with Richard or Sharon if you would like to join us on Wednesday to deliver and handout lunches. 

Souper Bowl of Caring: Today the youth will be collecting money for the Souper Bowl of caring. This money will go to our own food pantry. We have been blessed to serve many people in our community through our food pantry, gas cards, and grocery cards. Please consider giving generously to this wonderful mission. We also need small toiletry items which you can give to Louise any time. 

Playschool Mardi Gras Parade: Join us on February 15th and 16th to cheer on the kids in their Mardi Gras parades. 

• February 15: 9:45- Rm 9 MWF 3’s, 10:30- Rm 12 3’s, 11:15- Rm 108 3’s (In the courtyard) 
• February 16: 10:00- Wagon parade with both 4’s classes and TK (Out front near the parking lot) 

  Evergreen Offering: We will be receiving special offerings for Evergreen Life Services (Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc.) on Sunday, Feb. 19 and 26th.

  
  

  CE Survey: If you haven’t had a chance to take the CE survey please take a few minutes to do so today. We have sent a link out via email, but you can also use this one:  https://forms.gle/wqu9QbYfFKGJCp3i6 Please see Lousie if you have any questions or need help. We can also print you a hard copy if you prefer that. 

  Events and Meetings this Week:

  2/12 –  11:45 AM – Choir Practice

  2/13 – 12:15 AM – Playschool Committee Meeting 

             6:30 PM  – CE Meeting 

  2/14 – Presbytery Meeting 

  2/15 – 1:00 PM – Outreach Committee Meeting 

             6:00 PM – Worship Committee Meeting 

  2/16 – 10:30 AM – Committee On Ministry NOLA Cluster 

  2/19 – 9:30 AM – Sunday School 

            10:15 AM – Choir Practice 

            10:30 AM – Worship Service/Children’s Church 

            11:45 AM – Choir Practice