Announcements 02/08/2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOOD PANTRY: We need help restocking our food pantry as food insecurities are starting to arise again. You can drop these items off before worship or during office hours. Thanks in advance for assisting our church in helping others. We need the following things the most:

Grains (rice, pasta), Water based meals (hamburger helper, Zatarain’s meal kits), Ready to eat meals (Chef Boyardee), Non-perishable Carton Milk, Toilet paper, Juice, Canned meat, Deodorant, Toothpaste, and Toothbrushes

ASH WEDNESDAY: As part of the combined services series, we are invited to join Jefferson Presbyterian Church in kicking off the Lenten season with prayer and reflection. It will be held February 18, 2026 at 6p and located at 4451 E Falk Pl, Jefferson, LA 70121.

PROGRAM OF HOPE: Mark your calendars!  John Calvin is serving POH in March. Please meet with Sue Crawford about any clothing donations. Sandwich prep will be on Tuesdays at 2:45p at the church, and we will serve on Wednesday mornings at First Presbyterian Church. We will carpool from John Calvin at 7:45a and feast on a Costco hotdog afterwards for lunch!

PSL BOOK CLUB: Pat Ellzey, from Chinese Presbyterian Church, is working to put together the next Greater NOLA churches Presbyterian book study! She is hoping to lead a discussion class on the book  Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America: A Guide to Reclaiming the Good News of God’s Grace.” Dates/time to be determined once interested parties are identified.  CPC would order and provide the book to those who participate. The contact person is Pat Ellzey.

CALENDAR:

02/09    Playschool Committee Meeting 12p

02/12    PW Game Day 10a

02/15    Worship Service 10:30a



Order of Worship 02/08/2026

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

February 8th, 2026 Ten Thirty in the morning

Pulpit Supply: The Rev. Dr. Martha J. Robson     

Liturgist: Sandy Cranfill

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE  God of Justice” 

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MINUTE FOR MISSION Souper Bowl Sunday          

ADORATION

INTROIT [GTG#701] “Lord Prepare Me” 

*CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from Psalm 112)      

ONE: People of God, praise the Lord!

MANY: Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, those who greatly delight in his commandments.

ONE: Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

MANY: Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.

ONE: We who gather are broken yet holy; sinners at heart, yet fully redeemed. We are God’s very own, called together here this day.

MANY: Let us sing. Let us pray. Let us join together in worship. Praise the Lord!

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Faithful God, 

You have appointed us your witnesses, to be a light that shines in the world. Let us not hide the bright hope you have given us, but tell everyone your love, revealed in Jesus Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

✝HYMN [Blue#][GTG#401] “Here in This Place (A New Light is Streaming)” 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Gracious Lord, we confess that it is harder to do than we expected, this life of faith. You call us to be salt of the earth and to live lives of justice and righteousness and love. But our lives become busy. Following what others do is just easier. And sometimes the cost for doing what is right seems too high. 

Forgive us, we pray. Startle our senses and disrupt our routines. Renew in us the passion for doing what is right in your eyes, and inspire us to be sources of your light in the world. May we, like the prophets and the saints, act by faith no matter how high the cost.

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 Corinthians 2:1-12

2nd  SCRIPTURE Matthew 5:13-20       

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

   

SERMON   “Halos and Holiness”   Rev. Dr. Martha J. Robson

✝HYMN [Blue#456] [GTG#663] “Awake My Soul and With the Sun”

 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  “Sing a New Song” with Sandy Cranfill on vocals and Randy Martono-Chai on piano.

✝ 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

Prayer of Thanksgiving

✝HYMN [GTG#673] “Jesus Light of Joy”

✝PARTING PRAYER    

Almighty One,

who chose to reveal your wisdom not through human eloquence but through the power of the cross: help us to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified. Send your Holy Spirit among us, that we may receive the gifts freely given by you

and live with faith, humility, and hope in your saving love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [Blue#][GTG#765] “May the God of Hope Go with Us” 

POSTLUDE   “Be Thou My Vision”           

*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.

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

Randy Martono-Chai – Music Director

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Lauren Crisler – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on Facebook and Instagram.



Announcements 02/01/2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOOD PANTRY: We need help restocking our food pantry as food insecurities are starting to arise again. We need the following things the most:

Grains (rice, pasta) 

Water based meals (hamburger helper, Zatarain’s meal kits)

Ready to eat meals (Chef Boyardee) 

Non-perishable Carton Milk

Toilet paper

Juice

Canned meat

Deodorant

Toothpaste 

Toothbrushes

You can drop these items off before worship or during office hours. Thanks in advance for assisting our church in helping others. 

CALENDAR:

02/01     Worship Committee Meeting 11:45a 

02/05     PW Council Meeting 10a

02/01-02/07    Playschool Book Fair

02/08    Worship Service 10:30a (Souper Bowl Sunday offering)



Order of Worship 02/01/2026

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

February 1st, 2026 Ten Thirty in the morning

Pulpit Supply: CP Ford J. Dieth     

Liturgist: Sue Crawford

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE  “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MINUTE FOR MISSION          (Evergreen Offering)

ADORATION

INTROIT “Here I Am, Lord” 

*CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 15)      

ONE: Lord, we come into your sanctuary with eagerness.

MANY: May we hear your call and speak your truth.

ONE: Lord, we come to abide with you in love.

MANY: Gather us in honest and faithful community.

ONE: Lord, prepare us to be people of hope and grace.

MANY: Kindle in us courage to live as brave and faithful disciples.

ONE: Let us worship our God together in this holy place. 

MANY: Alleluia. Amen.

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Holy Sovereign,

You confound the world’s wisdom by giving your kingdom to the lowly and pure in heart. Give us such hunger and thirst for justice and perseverance in striving for peace, that by our words and deeds the world may see the promise of your kingdom, revealed in 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#485][GTG#634] “To God Be the Glory” 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Based on Micah 6:1-8)

Gracious Lord,

we come before you in confession. You have showered us with blessings, but we hoard those gifts, refusing to share with our neighbors in need. You have given us freedom to live justly, but

we choose to oppress and judge others. You have called us to live in peaceful community, but we sow discord and breed fear among ourselves. Forgive us. Soften our hearts and open our minds to hear your call. Inspire us to act justly, love fiercely, and walk in your way each and every day.

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 84

2nd  SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 1:18-31       

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

   

SERMON   “God’s Foolishness”   CP Ford J. Dieth 

✝HYMN [Blue#306] [GTG#630] “Fairest Lord Jesus”

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  “Day By Day”

✝ 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#101][GTG#223] “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”

✝PARTING PRAYER    

Lord Almighty,

whose power is made known in the cross of Christ, humble our hearts and silence our boasting, that we may trust not in human wisdom but in your saving grace. Make us one in Christ,

who is our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, our redemption and our life. Amen.

 

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [Blue#306] [GTG#630] “Fairest Lord Jesus” 

verse 4 only

POSTLUDE   “I Saw the Light” by Hank Williams        

*Liturgical material taken from the “Weekly Liturgy” of the Presbyterian Outlook. Author: Terri Ott ©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.

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

Randy Martono-Chai – Music Director

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Lauren Crisler – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on Facebook and Instagram.



Order of Worship 01/25/2026

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Third Sunday after Epiphany

January 25th, 2026 Ten Thirty in the morning

Pulpit Supply: CP Ford J. Dieth     

Liturgist: Cindy Freudenthal

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE  “Christ Be Our Light”

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS          

ADORATION

INTROIT “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky” 

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 27:1)      

ONE: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

MANY: The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

ONE: We gather in the presence of God. Let us open our hearts and minds in worship                                

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Almighty God, 

by grace alone you call us 

and accept us in your service. 

Strengthen us by your Spirit, 

and make us worthy of your call; 

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#276][GTG#39] “Great is Thy Faithfulness” 

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 and sinful 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.

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 Isaiah 9: 1-4

2nd  SCRIPTURE Matthew 4: 12-24       

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

✝HYMN [Blue#388] [GTG#724] “O Jesus I Have Promised”

   

SERMON   “Praise the Lord, I Saw the Light”   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  “Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)” performed by Sandy Cranfill on vocals and Randy Martono-Chai on Piano

✝ 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#357][GTG#738] “O Master Let Me Walk With Thee”

✝PARTING PRAYER    

Holy Father,

who called your Son to proclaim good news in Galilee, to shine light in places of shadow, and to call ordinary people into your transforming work: make us instruments of your compassion and signs of your kingdom, that your light may spread through our lives and your mercy be known to all. Give us grace to hear his voice, to repent and believe the good news, and to follow faithfully wherever he leads. Amen.

 

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [Blue#388] [GTG#724] “O Jesus I Have Promised” verse 1 only

POSTLUDE   “This Little Light of Mine”        

*Liturgical material taken from the “Weekly Liturgy” of the Presbyterian Outlook. Author: Terri Ott ©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.

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

Randy Martono-Chai – Music Director

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Lauren Crisler – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on Facebook and Instagram.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALENDAR:

02/01    Worship Service 10:30a

             Worship Committee Meeting 11:45a



Announcements 01/18/2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TABLE CLOTH DINNER: The next white table cloth dinner will be held at Bistro Orleans on Wednesday, January 21st at 6:30p. The address is 3216 W Esplanade Ave, Metairie, LA 70002. The sign up sheet will be in the narthex.

CALENDAR:

01/20    Session 6:30p

01/22    PW Game Day 10a

01/25    Worship Service 10:30a

01/19-20 Playschool Closed for MLK

01/19    Office Closed in observance of MLK Day



Order of Worship 01/18/2026

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Second Sunday after Epiphany

January 18th, 2026 Ten Thirty in the morning

Pulpit Supply: The Rev. Dr. Martha J. Robson     

Liturgist: Judy Tracy

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE  “There is a Balm in Gilead”

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS          

ADORATION

INTROIT “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone – Chorus)” 

*CALL TO WORSHIP      

ONE: God calls us here together — each of us, all of us, our whole selves.

MANY: We bring our questions, our longings, our hopes, our dreams and our fears.

ONE: Jesus invites us to come and see where God is at work.

MANY: Across the street and across the globe, Jesus is present.

ONE: Within these walls and within our hearts, God is here.

MANY: Let us worship the God who reaches out in love and invites us to come and see!

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Living God, 

Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ is the light of the world. May your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, shine with the radiance of his glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; for he lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

✝HYMN [Blue#324][GTG#451] “Open My Eyes” 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Saving God, we confess that we often have not waited patiently for you. We have preferred to sing our own song, to go our own way, and to put our trust in idols, institutions and individual strength rather than trusting you. We confess that it is easier to bring you sacrifices and offerings, rather than offering our lives to you. We search for delight in all the wrong places. We keep quiet about the ways we have experienced your love and presence, and we fail to invite others to come and see you, the source of life and love, at work all around us. Forgive us, God. Abide in us until your new song of hope and redemption pours from our lips, and your love is shared in our words and deeds. 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 Corinthians 1:1-9

2nd  SCRIPTURE John 1:29-42       

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

✝HYMN [Blue#126] [GTG#279] “Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove”

   

SERMON   “What We Have Seen”   Rev. Dr. Martha J. Robson

 

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  “You Are Mine” performed by Sandy Cranfill on vocals and Randy Martono-Chai on Piano

✝ 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#386][GTG#372] “O For a World”

✝PARTING PRAYER    

Great Redeemer,

who in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world: turn our eyes and hearts to him, that, following when he calls, we may abide in his presence, be transformed by his grace, and invite others to come and see the life we have found in him. Amen.

 

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [Blue#276] [GTG#39] “Great is Thy Faithfulness” verse 1 and refrain only

POSTLUDE   “No Longer Slaves”        

*Liturgical material taken from the “Weekly Liturgy” of the Presbyterian Outlook. Author: Stephanie Sorge ©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.

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

Randy Martono-Chai – Music Director

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Lauren Crisler – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on Facebook and Instagram.



Announcements 01/11/2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2026 OFFERING BOX SET/DIRECTORY: The 2026 box set of envelopes for Sunday offerings are in. They are located next to the welcome table in the foyer alongside the new directory for the congregation.

TABLE CLOTH DINNER: The next white table cloth dinner will be held at Bistro Orleans on Wednesday, January 21st at 6:30p. The address is 3216 W Esplanade Ave, Metairie, LA 70002. The sign up sheet will be in the narthex.

CALENDAR:

01/12    Playschool Committee Meeting 12p

01/18    Worship Service 10:30a



Order of Worship 01/11/2026

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

First Sunday after Epiphany

January 11th, 2026 Ten Thirty in the morning

Pulpit Supply: The Rev. Dr. Martha J. Robson     

Liturgist: Beverly Kennedy

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE  Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized”  duet with Dr. Dale Norris on Piano and Randy Martono-Chai on Organ

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS          

ADORATION

INTROIT “We Are Standing on Holy Ground” arr. David/Bledsoe

CALL TO WORSHIP 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 his name;

 worship the Lord in holy splendor.

ONE: The voice of the Lord is over the waters; 

the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.

MANY: The voice of the Lord is powerful; 

the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

ONE: The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;

 the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

MANY: He makes Lebanon skip like a calf and Sirion like a young wild ox.

ONE: The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.

MANY: The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;

the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

ONE: The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl and strips the forest bare, and in his temple all say, “Glory!”

MANY: The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; 

the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.

ONE: May the Lord give strength to his people!

May the Lord bless his people with peace!

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

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 rescue the wayward; by the mercy of Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

✝HYMN [Blue#461][GTG#409] “God is Here” 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we are estranged from you and from one another. We treat others as strangers rather than as people created in your image and fellow children of God. We exploit the earth as though it were our possession rather than a gift entrusted to our care and a reflection of your image and glory. Forgive us our sins and transform us by your Spirit that we might live as people who have been baptized as your own children. 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 Isaiah 42:1-9

2nd  SCRIPTURE Matthew 3:13-17       

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

✝HYMN [Blue#499] [GTG#489] “Wonder of Wonders”

   

SERMON   “By the River”   Rev. Dr. Martha J. Robson

 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  “I Can Only Imagine” performed by Cindy Freudenthal on Flute, Dr. Dale Norris on Violin, and Randy Martono-Chai on Piano

✝ 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: [GTG#530] “One Bread, One Body” with Sandy Cranfill on vocals and Randy Martono-Chai on piano.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

✝HYMN [GTG#488] “I Was There”

✝PARTING PRAYER    

God of Heaven and Earth

who at the baptism of your Son Jesus Christ revealed him as your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Grant that we, who are baptized into his death and resurrection,

may hear your gracious call, be filled with your Spirit, and walk faithfully in the way of your beloved Son. Amen.

 

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [Blue#316] [GTG#286] “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” verse 3 only

POSTLUDE   “Baptized in Water”  duet with Dr. Dale Norris on Piano and Randy Martono-Chai on Organ   

Special thanks and blessings to our guest musician, Dr. Dale Norris of Parkway Presbyterian Church, for his accompaniment on piano and violin during our worship.         

*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.

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

Randy Martono-Chai – Music Director

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Lauren Crisler – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on Facebook and Instagram.



Order of Worship 01/04/2026

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Second Sunday of Christmas

January 4th, 2026 Ten Thirty in the morning

Pulpit Supply: CP Ford J. Dieth      

Liturgist: Greg Freudenthal

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE  “O Little Town” with Ron Palmisano on vocals and Randy Martono-Chai on piano

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS          

ADORATION

INTROIT “O Tannenbaum” 

CALL TO WORSHIP (Jeremiah 31)      

ONE: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; 

MANY: Give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people.”

ONE: They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion; 

MANY: They shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again.

ONE: With expectation and joy as we begin a new year, let us worship the living God!

                                        

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Eternal God, 

a thousand years in your sight 

are like a watch in the night. 

As you have led us in days past, 

so guide us now and always, 

that our hearts may learn to choose your will, 

and new resolves be strengthened; 

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#263][GTG#12] “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

We cry out: “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel,” for we are a people in need of saving. You promise to gather your people, but we confess that we want to put limitations on who is saved. We want you to save those we define as strong and beautiful and wise; You call the blind and the lame, the children and those in labor. Forgive us, O Holy God, for our prejudice and narrow vision. Forgive us for our lack of faith. Forgive us for doubting your promise and declining your invitation. By your Spirit, renew us. Turn our mourning into joy and our sorrow into gladness that we might return to you and your way.

 

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 147:12-20

2nd  SCRIPTURE John 1:1-18       

                                

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

✝HYMN [Blue#303] [GTG#440] “Jesus, Lover of my Soul”

   

SERMON   “Light, Grace and Truth”   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   “What Child is This?” duet with Cindy Freudenthal on organ and Randy Martono-Chai on piano.

✝ 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#280] [GTG#649] “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound”

✝PARTING PRAYER   A prayer of Jerome  

Lord, the gift of your Word is a light for our path. Help us to study your way and follow your teaching until we know the true Light who has come into the world and will come again in glory: 

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [Blue#] [GTG#137] “He Came Down” verse 1 only

1 He came down that we may have love;

he came down that we may have love;

he came down that we may have love;

hallelujah forevermore.

POSTLUDE   Hallelujah Chorus by G. Handel             

*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.

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

Randy Martono-Chai – Organist/Pianist

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Lauren Crisler – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on Facebook and Instagram.