John Calvin Presbyterian Church

INTROIT [GTG#406]  “Holy, Holy, Holy”

*CALL TO WORSHIP      

ONE: Rejoice in the Lord! Praise the Lord with instruments and shouts of joy!

MANY: God loves justice and righteousness. The earth is full of God’s love.

ONE: Let all of creation revel in awe of God, our creator.

MANY: God’s love endures forever.

ONE: Let us worship the Lord our God!

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Lord God of the nations, 

You have revealed Your Will to all people and promised us your saving help. May we hear and do what you command, that the power of evil may be overcome by the gift of your healing grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [Blue#281][GTG#65] “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Faithful Giver and Preserver of life,

We thank you for your never-ending care for us. You have always met our needs, you have never let us down. Yet our confidence in you has wavered; we have tried to take care of our own selves, rather than trusting that you will watch carefully over us wherever you may lead us. 

Forgive our lack of faith, and by your Spirit enable us to believe that your promises are indeed dependable, and thus to stake our lives on them, to the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

RESPONSE  [Blue#586] [GTG#601] “Amen”

1st SCRIPTURE Psalm 33: 1-22

2nd  SCRIPTURE Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26       

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

HYMN [Blue#302][GTG#157] “I Danced in the Morning”   

SERMON   “No Laughing Matter”   CP Ford J. Dieth

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY   “My Lord, What a Morning”

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving – Blue Presbyterian Hymnal p. 13

The Lord’s Prayer – Blue Presbyterian Hymnal p.16

RESPONSE “Hear Our Prayer O Lord”

Breaking the Bread and Sharing the Cup

Sharing the Body and Blood of Christ

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION “I Come With Joy / Deep River”

Prayer of Thanksgiving

HYMN [Blue#408][GTG#343] “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life”

PARTING PRAYER    

Almighty and Merciful,

You remind us through Scripture that you desire mercy and not sacrifice. You showed us an example of your mercy in the life and actions of Jesus Christ. Let your church live out that mercy for others, as the healing and compassionate presence that Jesus was in the world. In his name we pray Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#394][GTG#792] “There is a Balm in Gilead” refrain only 

POSTLUDE  “Peace Like a River”          

*Liturgical material taken from the “Weekly Liturgy” of the Presbyterian Outlook. ©Presbyterian Outlook, 2026.

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. 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.

INTROIT “Michael, Row the Boat Ashore”

CALL TO WORSHIP     -from Psalm 29

ONE: Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings: ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

MANY: Ascribe to the Lord the glory of God’s name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.

ONE: The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

MANY: May the Lord give strength to God’s people!   May the Lord bless the people with peace.

ONE: Let us worship God!               

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Holy God, remind us of the promises given in our own baptism and renew our trust in you. Make us strong to obey your will and to serve you with joy; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN[Blue#482][GTG#35] “Praise Ye The Lord, The Almighty” 

REPENTANCE

*CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

 PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty and most merciful Father we have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.

We have offended against Your holy laws.

We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us.

O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders.

Spare those, O God, who confess their faults.

Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto mankind Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O merciful Father, for His sake; that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

A Time for Silent Confession/Assurance of Forgiveness

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

ONE: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

MANY: Amen.                  

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

RESPONSE  [Blue#586]  “Amen”

Old Testament Reading Deuteronomy 7:6-7

New Testament Reading 1 Peter 2: 9-16       

Scriptures to be read in English first then Cantonese by Theobald Wan from Chinese Presbyterian Church                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God   

HYMN[GTG#840] “It Is Well”

SERMON  “Called Back From the Darkness”  Elder Robert Lowry

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  “My Lord, What a Morning”

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYER OF DEDICATION 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

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.

RESPONSE “Hear Our Prayer O Lord”

HYMN[BLUE#316][GTG#286] “Breathe on Me Breath of God”

PARTING PRAYER    

God our Creator,

you have called us out of darkness into your marvelous light and made us your own people. Grant us grace to proclaim your mercy, to live honorably and faithfully, and to use our freedom not for selfish gain but in humble service to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#401]  “Here in This Place” 

4th verse only

POSTLUDE  “Jesus Is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”

*Liturgical material taken from the “Weekly Liturgy” of the Presbyterian Outlook. ©Presbyterian Outlook, 2026.

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. 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.

INTROIT “I Believe” sung by Ron Palmisano as vocalist.

CALL TO WORSHIP      

ONE: Come to Jesus, you who are thirsty.

MANY: Come, Holy Spirit!

ONE: Drink deeply of the Holy Spirit.

MANY: Come, Holy Spirit!

ONE: Let your heart overflow with the living water that renews the face of the earth.

MANY: Alleluia! Thanks be to God                  

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

God our Creator,

Earth has many languages, but your gospel proclaims your love to all nations in one heavenly tongue. Make us messengers of the good news that, through the power of your Spirit, all the world may unite in one song of praise; through your Son, 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#476][GTG#41] “O Worship the King, All Glorious Above” 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

 SILENT CONFESSION

 PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, you poured your Spirit upon gathered disciples creating bold tongues, open ears, and a new community of faith. We confess that we hold back the force of your Spirit among us. We do not listen for your word of grace, speak the good news of your love, or live as a people made one in Christ.

Have mercy on us, O God. Transform our timid lives by the power of your Spirit, and fill us with a flaming desire to be your faithful people, doing your will for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

ONE: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and freed. 

MANY: Amen                  

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

RESPONSE  [Blue#586]  “Amen”

Old Testament Reading Psalm 104: 24-34

New Testament Reading Acts 2: 1-21       

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God   

HYMN[BLUE#316][GTG#286] “Breathe on Me Breath of God”

SERMON  “Every Time I Feel the Spirit”   CP Ford J. Dieth

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist, BuxWV 208 by Dietrich Buxtehude

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYER OF DEDICATION 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

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.

RESPONSE “Hear Our Prayer O Lord”

HYMN[GTG#291] “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”

PARTING PRAYER    

Holy Lord,

who poured out your Holy Spirit upon the disciples with fire and power, fill your Church anew with your presence and grace. Kindle in us the flame of your love, that we may proclaim your truth, serve our neighbors, and live as faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE[BLUE#315][GTG#66]  “Every Time I Feel the Spirit” 

Refrain, First Verse, Refrain

POSTLUDE  Fantasia in C Major, BWV 570 by. Johann Sebastian Bach    

*Special thanks to guest musician Chris Warwick for his outstanding contributions to today’s service.   

*Liturgical material taken from the “Weekly Liturgy” of the Presbyterian Outlook. ©Presbyterian Outlook, 2026.

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. 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.

INTROIT “Standing in the Need of Prayer” 

CALL TO WORSHIP      

ONE: O come, let us sing to the Lord;

let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation

MANY: Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving;

let us make a joyful noise to God with songs of praise!

ONE: O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

MANY: For the Lord is our God, and we are the people of God’s pasture, the flock under his care.                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Redeeming God,

You call us to be one with you, as you are one with Christ. As his perfect love casts out our fear, and changes it to love, unite us by your Spirit of peace, that we may be one with you, as you are one with Christ. Amen.

HYMN[Blue#357][GTG#738] “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

 SILENT CONFESSION

 PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God who calls us to lives restored,

there are times when our way grows confused. We struggle to know what to do. Or worse, we know what needs to be done and find it easier to stay on the wrong path. Forgive us for failing to heed opportunities to follow a better way. Remind us that you stand more ready to forgive than we are to confess those aspects of our lives that stand in need of your grace. And thus forgiven, help us to lean in to what you would teach us about how we are to be. We pray all these things in Jesus’ name, and for his sake. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

RESPONSE  [Blue#586]  “Amen”

Old Testament Readings Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 61:6

New Testament Readings 1 Peter 2:5, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 20:6, & Ephesians 4:11-16       

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God   

SERMON  “Why Are We on the Face of the Earth?”   Elder Robert Lowry

HYMN[BLUE#85][GTG#215] “What Wondrous Love Is This”

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Nobody Knows de Trouble I’ve Seen” sung by Sandy Cranfill as vocalist.

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYER OF DEDICATION 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

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.

RESPONSE “Hear Our Prayer O Lord”

HYMN[BLUE#324][GTG#451] “Open My Eyes, That I May See”

PARTING PRAYER    

Gracious God,

you have called and gifted your Church to build up the body of Christ in love: Grant us unity in faith, maturity in spirit, and the wisdom to grow into the fullness of your Son; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE[GTG#547]  “Go, My Children, with My Blessing” verse 1 only

POSTLUDE  “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” sung by Ron Palmisano as vocalist.        

*Liturgical material taken from the “Weekly Liturgy” of the Presbyterian Outlook. ©Presbyterian Outlook, 2026.

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. 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.

INTROIT [GTG#406]  “We Are Standing on Holy Ground”

*CALL TO WORSHIP      

ONE: We gather to celebrate the God of wonder and majesty!

MANY: Awesome God, help us to worship you in spirit and in truth.

ONE: We gather to celebrate Jesus Christ, who was dead and buried, and now risen indeed!

MANY: Jesus, renew our hope in your great power and love. 

ONE: We gather to celebrate the Holy Spirit, our promised comforter and guide!

MANY: Come Holy Spirit! Fill us with your presence and peace.

ONE: We gather to celebrate the ancient hope of Christians:

MANY: God is with us and will never let us go.

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Gracious Lord, 

You have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you, that, loving you above all else, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

HYMN [Blue#145][GTG#804] “Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart” 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Ever-present God, we come before you knowing we have ignored your promised Holy Spirit living within us. Therefore, we forfeit peace and bear needless worry. We become confused and deaf to your voice of truth. We struggle with obedience to your Word and fight an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Forgive us! Help us to remember that we are never alone, that you are with us and for us, by the power of your Spirit abiding in us, the Spirit of Jesus the Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

RESPONSE  [Blue#586] [GTG#601] “Amen”

1st SCRIPTURE 1 Peter 3:13-22

2nd  SCRIPTURE John 14:15-21       

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON   “Believing Into Faith”   Rev. Dr. Martha J. Robson

HYMN [GTG#490] “Wash, O God, Your Sons and Daughters”

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  “Crying in the Chapel” sung by Ron Palmisano as vocalist 

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving – Blue Presbyterian Hymnal p. 13

The Lord’s Prayer – Blue Presbyterian Hymnal p.16

RESPONSE “Hear Our Prayer O Lord”

Breaking the Bread and Sharing the Cup

Sharing the Body and Blood of Christ

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION “Let Us Break Bread Together / I Come With Joy” sung by  Sandy Cranfill as vocalist

Prayer of Thanksgiving

HYMN [GTG#410] “God is Calling Through the Whisper”

PARTING PRAYER    

Heavenly Creator,

who calls us to suffer for doing good rather than evil, grant us courage to follow in the steps of Christ, who bore our sins and brought us safely to you. Strengthen us by your Spirit in every trial, that we may live with a clear conscience and steadfast hope, proclaiming your saving grace in all we do; through our Lord Jesus. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#300] “We Are One in the Spirit” verse 1 

POSTLUDE   “Open My Eyes, That I May See”           

*Liturgical material taken from the “Weekly Liturgy” of the Presbyterian Outlook. ©Presbyterian Outlook, 2026.

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. 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.