John Calvin Presbyterian Church

   but the way of the wicked will perish.

[Pew Bible OT #735 or #691]       Jeremiah 31:31-34

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord’, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

[Pew Bible NT #214 or #228] James 1:19-25

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON “Studying Scripture and the Issues of Christian Faith and Life” 

        Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH          “A Brief Statement of Faith”- Jesus

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. 

 We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.

With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY     Excerpt from “L’Union” by L.M. Gottschalk  

DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

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. 

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.

ONE: … Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

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.

HYMN [*Blue #339] [GTG#450] “Be Thou My Vision”    

1 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

naught be all else to me, save that thou art;

thou my best thought, by day or by night,

waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

2 Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true Word;

I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;

thou my soul’s shelter, and thou my high tower;

raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

3 Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;

thou, mine inheritance, now and always;

thou and thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

4 High King of Heaven, my victory won,

may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

PARTING PRAYER 

Grant unto us, O God, the fullness of your promises.

where we have been weak, grant us your strength;

where we have been confused, grant us your guidance;

where we have been distraught, grant us your comfort;

where we have been dead, grant us your life.

Apart from you, O Lord, we are nothing,

in and with you we can do all things. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [*Blue#432][GTG# 765] “Song of Hope” 

May the God of hope go with us every day,

filling all our lives with love and joy and peace. 

May the God of justice speed us on our way,

bringing light and hope to every land and race.

Praying, let us work for peace; singing, share our joy with all;

Working for a world that’s new, faith-ful when we hear Christ’s Call

POSTLUDE     Trumpet Tune by Michael McCabe

*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

   Who may dwell on your holy hill?

Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,

   and speak the truth from their heart;

who do not slander with their tongue,

   and do no evil to their friends,

   nor take up a reproach against their neighbours;

in whose eyes the wicked are despised,

   but who honour those who fear the Lord;

who stand by their oath even to their hurt;

who do not lend money at interest,

   and do not take a bribe against the innocent.

Those who do these things shall never be moved.

[Pew Bible OT #319 or 334] 2 Kings 4:8-37

One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. She said to her husband, ‘Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God. Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us.’

One day when he came there, he went up to the chamber and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, ‘Call the Shunammite woman.’ When he had called her, she stood before him. He said to him, ‘Say to her, Since you have taken all this trouble for us, what may be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’ She answered, ‘I live among my own people.’ He said, ‘What then may be done for her?’ Gehazi answered, ‘Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.’ He said, ‘Call her.’ When he had called her, she stood at the door. He said, ‘At this season, in due time, you shall embrace a son.’ She replied, ‘No, my lord, O man of God; do not deceive your servant.’

The woman conceived and bore a son at that season, in due time, as Elisha had declared to her.

When the child was older, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. He complained to his father, ‘Oh, my head, my head!’ The father said to his servant, ‘Carry him to his mother.’ He carried him and brought him to his mother; the child sat on her lap until noon, and he died. She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, closed the door on him, and left. Then she called to her husband, and said, ‘Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, so that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.’ He said, ‘Why go to him today? It is neither new moon nor sabbath.’ She said, ‘It will be all right.’ Then she saddled the donkey and said to her servant, ‘Urge the animal on; do not hold back for me unless I tell you.’ So she set out, and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.

When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, ‘Look, there is the Shunammite woman; run at once to meet her, and say to her, Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is the child all right?’ She answered, ‘It is all right.’ When she came to the man of God at the mountain, she caught hold of his feet. Gehazi approached to push her away. But the man of God said, ‘Let her alone, for she is in bitter distress; the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.’ Then she said, ‘Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, Do not mislead me?’ He said to Gehazi, ‘Gird up your loins, and take my staff in your hand, and go. If you meet anyone, give no greeting, and if anyone greets you, do not answer; and lay my staff on the face of the child.’ Then the mother of the child said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave without you.’ So he rose up and followed her. Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. He came back to meet him and told him, ‘The child has not awakened.’

When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and closed the door on the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. Then he got up on the bed and lay upon the child, putting his mouth upon his mouth, his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands; and while he lay bent over him, the flesh of the child became warm. He got down, walked once to and fro in the room, then got up again and bent over him; the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, ‘Call the Shunammite woman.’ So he called her. When she came to him, he said, ‘Take your son.’ She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground; then she took her son and left.

[Pew Bible NT #163 or 174] 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:7

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot were to say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear were to say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’, nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honourable we clothe with greater honour, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honour to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

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.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON “Lifting One Another Up in Prayer, Mutual Concern, and Active Support” Rev. Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        “A Brief Statement of Faith”- Spirit 

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. 

We trust in God the Holy Spirit everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church. In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY           Elevation. Tierce en Tallie by Couperin  

DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

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

1. We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;

And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.

Chorus: And they’ll know we are Christians 

by our love, by our love,

yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

1. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;

And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.(Chorus)

1. We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;

We will work with each other, we will work side by side;

And we’ll guard human dignity and save human pride. (Chorus)

1. All praise to the Father, from whom all things come;

And all praise to Christ Jesus, God’s only Son.

And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one. (Chorus) 

PARTING PRAYER 

Grant unto us, O God, the fullness of your promises.

where we have been weak, grant us your strength;

where we have been confused, grant us your guidance;

where we have been distraught, grant us your comfort;

where we have been dead, grant us your life.

Apart from you, O Lord, we are nothing,

in and with you we can do all things. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE[*Blue#432][GTG# 765] “Song of Hope” 

May the God of hope go with us every day,

filling all our lives with love and joy and peace. 

May the God of justice speed us on our way,

bringing light and hope to every land and race.

Praying, let us work for peace; singing, share our joy with all;

Working for a world that’s new, faith-ful when we hear Christ’s Call

POSTLUDE     A Festal Tune by Jacob B. Weber

1. There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,

And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;

There are sweet expressions on each face,

And I know that it’s the presence of the Lord.

Chorus: Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly dove,

Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love;

And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise

Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,

When we shall leave this place.

1. There are blessings you cannot receive,

‘Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;

You’re the one to profit when you say,

“I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.” (Chorus)

WORDS OF WELCOME      

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Mark 4:31–32

ONE: The kingdom of God is like a tiny mustard seed;

MANY: it grows into a great plant with many branches.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

All-powerful God, in Jesus Christ you turned death into life,

and defeat into victory. Increase our faith and trust in him,

that we may triumph over all evil, in the strength of the same 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 #461] [GTG#409]  “God is Here!” 

1 God is here! As we your people

meet to offer praise and prayer,

may we find in fuller measure

what it is in Christ we share.

Here, as in the world around us,

all our varied skills and arts

wait the coming of the Spirit

into open minds and hearts.

2 Here are symbols to remind us

of our lifelong need of grace;

here are table, font, and pulpit;

here the cross has central place.

Here in honesty of preaching,

here in silence, as in speech,

here, in newness and renewal,

God the Spirit comes to each.

3 Here our children find a welcome

in the Shepherd’s flock and fold;

here as bread and wine are taken,

Christ sustains us as of old.

Here the servants of the Servant

seek in worship to explore

what it means in daily living

to believe and to adore.

4 Lord of all, of church and kingdom,

in an age of change and doubt

keep us faithful to the gospel;

help us work your purpose out.

Here, in this day’s dedication,

all we have to give, receive:

we, who cannot live without you,

we adore you! We believe!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN             

RESPONSE HYMN [Blue#304] [GTG#188] “Jesus Love Me ”

• Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to him belong. They are weak, but he is strong.

Chorus: Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of grace, love, and communion, we confess that we have failed to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We ignore your commandments, stray from your way, and follow other gods. Have mercy on us. Forgive our sin and raise us to new life that we may serve you faithfully and give honor to your holy name. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581] 

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 [Pew Bible OT 597 or 635}  Isaiah 6:1-13

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory.’

The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: ‘Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’ And he said, ‘Go and say to this people:

“Keep listening, but do not comprehend;

keep looking, but do not understand.”

Make the mind of this people dull,

   and stop their ears,

   and shut their eyes,

so that they may not look with their eyes,

   and listen with their ears,

and comprehend with their minds,

   and turn and be healed.’

Then I said, ‘How long, O Lord?’ And he said:

‘Until cities lie waste

   without inhabitant,

and houses without people,

   and the land is utterly desolate;

until the Lord sends everyone far away,

   and vast is the emptiness in the midst of the land.

Even if a tenth part remains in it,

   it will be burned again,

like a terebinth or an oak

   whose stump remains standing

   when it is felled.’

The holy seed is its stump.

[Pew Bible NT #210 or 224] Hebrews 10:19-25

Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

[Pew Bible NT #233 or 248] Revelation 5:6-14

Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song:

‘You are worthy to take the scroll

   and to open its seals,

for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God

   saints from every tribe and language and people and nation;

you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God,

   and they will reign on earth.’

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,

‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honour and glory and blessing!’

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,

‘To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb

be blessing and honour and glory and might

for ever and ever!’

And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ And the elders fell down and worshipped.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON: “Taking Part in the Common Life and Worship of a Congregation” Rev. Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        “A Brief Statement of Faith”- God

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. 

We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments. W violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still.

With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY            

DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

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. 

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

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.

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 #525] [GTG#69]  “ I,The Lord of Sea and Sky”

1. I, The Lord Of Sea And Sky,

I Have Heard My People Cry.

All Who Dwell In Dark And Sin,

My Hand Will Save.

I Who Made The Stars Of Night,

I Will Make Their Darkness Bright.

Who Will Bear My Light To Them?

Whom Shall I Send?

Chorus: Here I Am Lord, Is It I, Lord?

I Have Heard You Calling In The Night.

I Will Go Lord, If You Lead Me.

I Will Hold Your People In My Heart.

1. I, The Lord Of Snow And Rain,

I Have Borne My People’s Pain.

I Have Wept For Love Of Them, They Turn Away.

I Will Break Their Hearts Of Stone,

Give Them Hearts For Love Alone.

I Will Speak My Word To Them

Whom Shall I Send? (Chorus) 

1. I, The Lord Of Wind And Flame

I Will Tend The Poor And Lame.

I Will Set A Feast For Them,

My Hand Will Save

Finest Bread I Will Provide,

Till Their Hearts Be Satisfied.

I Will Give My Life To Them,

Whom Shall I Send? (Chorus).

For thus says the Lord: You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money. For thus says the Lord God: Long ago, my people went down into Egypt to reside there as aliens; the Assyrian, too, has oppressed them without cause. Now therefore, what am I doing here, says the Lord, seeing that my people are taken away without cause? Their rulers howl, says the Lord, and continually, all day long, my name is despised. Therefore my people shall know my name; therefore on that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here am I.

How beautiful upon the mountains

   are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,

who brings good news,

   who announces salvation,

   who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’

Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,

   together they sing for joy;

for in plain sight they see

   the return of the Lord to Zion.

Break forth together into singing,

   you ruins of Jerusalem;

for the Lord has comforted his people,

   he has redeemed Jerusalem.

The Lord has bared his holy arm

   before the eyes of all the nations;

and all the ends of the earth shall see

   the salvation of our God.

Depart, depart, go out from there!

   Touch no unclean thing;

go out from the midst of it, purify yourselves,

   you who carry the vessels of the Lord.

For you shall not go out in haste,

   and you shall not go in flight;

for the Lord will go before you,

   and the God of Israel will be your rearguard.

Matthew 28:16-20 [Pew Bible #32 or 34] 

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON “Proclaiming the Good News in Word and Deed” Rev. Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        “A Brief Statement of Faith”- Jesus

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. 

 We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.

With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY            Sonata in E minor, II. Andante by Florence Price

DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

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. 

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: … According to Christ’s Commandment:

MANY: We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming in glory.…

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

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

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

HYMN [*Blue #563] [GTG#339]  “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

1. Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring,

ring with the harmonies of liberty.

Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies;

let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

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

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

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

let us march on, till victory is won. 

2. Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod,

felt in the days when hope unborn had died. 

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

come to the place for which our parents sighed?

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

we have come, treading the path 

through the blood of the slaughtered,

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

where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

3. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,

thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;

thou who hast by thy might led us into the light,

keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee;

lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee;

shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand,

true to our God, true to our native land. 

1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;

dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart

2. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king,

born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. 

By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne. 

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ADORATION         

CALL TO WORSHIP Matt. 28:19

ONE: Jesus calls us to go and make disciples,

MANY: baptizing them in the triune name of God.

LITANY FOR TRINITY SUNDAY                                        

ONE: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: 

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: Speaker, Word, and Breath of Life:

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: Font of Blessing, Living Water, Flowing River: 

MANY:Glory to you forever!

ONE: Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child, Life-Giving Womb:

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: Sun, Light, and Burning Ray: 

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: Giver, Gift, and Giving: 

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: Lover, Beloved, and Love itself: 

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: Rock, Cornerstone, and Temple: 

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: Consuming Fire, Dividing Sword, Overpowering Storm: 

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: Rainbow of Promise, Ark of Salvation, Dove of Peace: 

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: God who was, God who is, God who is to come: 

MANY: Glory to you forever! 

ONE: Almighty and ever-living God, you have given us grace, by our confession of faith, to acknowledge and worship your triune name in the majesty of your unity. Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your eternal glory, one God, now and forever. Amen

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

O blessed Trinity, in whom we know the maker of all things seen and unseen, the Savior of all both near and far: By your Spirit enable us to worship your divine majesty, so that with all the company of heaven we may magnify your glorious name,

saying: Holy, holy, holy. Glory to you, O Lord most high. Amen.

HYMN [*Blue #138][GTG#1] “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” 

1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. 

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

2. Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore thee,

casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,

who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

3. Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide thee,

through the eye of sinfulness thy glory may not see,

only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,

perfect in power, in love and purity. 

4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. 

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#192] “Shine Jesus Shine”

Shine, Jesus, shine Fill this land with the Father’s glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth your word Lord, and let there be light

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION   John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life.                      Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin first silently and then together.                                      

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of grace, love, and communion, we confess that we have failed to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We ignore your commandments, stray from your way, and follow other gods. Have mercy on us. Forgive our sin and raise us to new life that we may serve you faithfully and give honor to your holy name. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON        

God did not send the Son to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!             

GLORIA PATRI [*Blue#579[ [GTG#581]

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 [Pew Bible NT #9]                         Matthew 9:35-38

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                             “Selflessness”                           Mike Isham

 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY    Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4 by Frederic Chopin  

DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

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 [GTG# 450]  “Be Thou My Vision” SLANE

1. Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

naught be all else to me, save that thou art;

thou my best thought, by day or by night,

walking and sleeping, thy presence my light. 

2. Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true Word;

I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;

thou my soul’s shelter, and thou my high tower;

raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power. 

3. Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;

thou mine inheritance, now and always;

thou and thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art. 

4. High King of Heaven, my victory won,

may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

PARTING PRAYER  

Grant unto us, O God, the fullness of your promises.

where we have been weak, grant us your strength;

where we have been confused, grant us your guidance;

where we have been distraught, grant us your comfort;

where we have been dead, grant us your life.

Apart from you, O Lord, we are nothing,

in and with you we can do all things. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [*Blue #138][GTG#1] 

“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!”

4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

ven guíanos, ven guíanos.

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

Blaze, Spirit, blaze; set our hearts on fire.

Flow, river, flow; flood the nations with grace and mercy.

Send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light.

(Coro) Brilla Jesús muestra gloria de nuestro Padre.

Espíritu ven y avivanos

Fluya la paz y la gracia de nuestro Padre

Habla Señor y que sea la luz

Lord, I come to your awesome presence,

From the shadows into your radiance;

by the blood I may enter your brightness.

Search me; try me; consume all my darkness.

Shine on me; shine on me (Refrain)

Dios estamos en tu presencia

en tinieblas to luz nos brilla

con tu sangre to pueblo salvaste

Y por eso hemos de alabarte

ven guíanos, ven guíanos. (coro)

WORDS OF WELCOME 

MINUTE FOR MISSION  

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS   

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Acts 2:17

ONE (English): Remember the promise of the Lord:

MANY: God will pour out the Spirit on all flesh.

ONE (Spanish): Recuerda la promesa del Señor:

MANY: God will pour out the Spirit on all flesh.

ONE (Gujarati): પ્રભુના વચનને યાદ રાખો

Prabhunā vacananē yāda rākhō

MANY: God will pour out the Spirit on all flesh.

ONE (Hindi): यहोवा का वचन याद रखो:

MANY: God will pour out the Spirit on all flesh.

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#322] [GTG#288] “Spirit of the Living God”    

Spirit of the living God, Santo Espiritu de Dios,

fall afresh on me, ven sobre mí, 

Spirit of the living God, Santo Espiritu de Dios,

fall afresh on me. ven sobre mí.

Melt me; mold me; Tómame, cámbiame,

fill me; use me. lléname, úsame.

Spirit of the living God, Santo Espiritu de Dios,

fall afresh on me. ven sobre mí.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN   

RESPONSE[*BLUE#316][GTG#286]

 “Breath on Me Breath of God”

Breathe on me, Breath of God;

fill me with life anew,

that I may love what thou dost love,

and do what thou wouldst do 

CONFESSION 

LITANY for PENTECOST                                                                  

HINDI: पवित्र आत्मा, निर्माता, शुरुआत में आप पानी के ऊपर चले गए। आपकी सांसों से सारी सृष्टि ने जीवन खींचा। तुम्हारे बिना, जीवन धूल हो जाता है।

(Holy Spirit, the Creator, in the beginning You walked on the water. The whole creation drew life from your breath. Without you, life turns to dust.)

MANY: Come, Holy Spirit/ आओ, पवित्र आत्मा

      આવો, પવિત્ર આત્મા/ Ven, espíritu santo

ENGLISH: Holy Spirit, Counselor, by your inspiration, the prophets spoke and acted in faith. You clothed them in power to be hearers of your Word.

MANY: Come, Holy Spirit/ आओ, पवित्र आत्मा

      આવો, પવિત્ર આત્મા/Ven, espíritu santo

SPANISH: Espíritu Santo, Poder, viniste como fuego a los discípulos de Jesús; les diste voz ante los gobernantes de este mundo.

Holy Spirit, Power, you came as fire to Jesus’ disciples; you gave them voice before before the rulers of this world. 

MANY: Come, Holy Spirit/ आओ, पवित्र आत्मा

      આવો, પવિત્ર આત્મા/ Ven, espíritu santo

GUJARATI: પવિત્ર આત્મા, પવિત્ર કરનાર, તમે અમને ભગવાનના બાળકો બનાવ્યા છે; તમે અમને તમારી હાજરીનું જીવંત મંદિર બનાવો છો; તમે શબ્દો માટે ખૂબ ઊંડા નિસાસો સાથે અમારી અંદર મધ્યસ્થી કરો છો.

(Holy Spirit, Sanctifier, you created us children of God; you make us the living temple of your presence; you intercede within us with sighs too deep for words.) 

MANY: Come, Holy Spirit/ आओ, पवित्र आत्मा

      આવો, પવિત્ર આત્મા/ Ven, espíritu santo

(Brief silence)

ENGLISH: Holy Spirit, Giver of life, you guide and make holy the church you create; you give gifts- the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of council and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and piety, the spirit of the fear of the Lord, that the whole creation may be transformed. 

MANY: Come, Holy Spirit/ आओ, पवित्र आत्मा

      આવો, પવિત્ર આત્મા/ Ven, espíritu santo               

GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581] 

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 [Pew Bible NT 119 or 111]             Acts 2:1-13

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.  

(Gujarati) જ્યારે પેન્ટેકોસ્ટનો દિવસ આવ્યો, ત્યારે તેઓ બધા એક જગ્યાએ ભેગા હતા. અને અચાનક સ્વર્ગમાંથી હિંસક પવનના ધસારો જેવો અવાજ આવ્યો, અને તે જ્યાં તેઓ બેઠા હતા તે આખું ઘર ભરાઈ ગયું. વિભાજિત જીભ, અગ્નિની જેમ, તેમની વચ્ચે દેખાઈ, અને તેમાંથી દરેક પર એક જીભ છે. તેઓ બધા પવિત્ર આત્માથી ભરપૂર હતા અને આત્માએ તેઓને ક્ષમતા આપી હોવાથી તેઓ અન્ય ભાષાઓમાં બોલવા લાગ્યા. 

(Hindi)ब पिन्तेकुस का दिन आया, तो वे सब एक जगह इकट्ठे थे। और एकाएक आकाश से बड़ी आंधी की सी सनसनाहट का शब्द हुआ, और उस से सारा घर जहां वे बैठे थे, गूंज गया। और उन्हें आग की सी जीभें फटती हुई दिखाई दीं; और उन में से हर एक पर आ ठहरीं। और वे सब पवित्र आत्मा से भर गए, और जिस प्रकार आत्मा ने उन्हें बोलने की सामर्थ दी, वे अन्य अन्य भाषा बोलने लगे॥

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

MEDITATION “Breaking Bread as Followers of Christ.” 

Caroline Kothari

Second Lesson [ Pew Bible NT 148 or 158]         Romans 8:14-17 

Los que se dejan conducir por el Espíritu de Dios, esos son hijos de Dios. En cuanto a ustedes, no han recibido un Espíritu que los convierta en esclavos, de nuevo bajo el régimen del miedo. Han recibido un Espíritu que los convierte en hijos y que nos permite exclamar: “¡Abba!”, es decir, “¡Padre!”.  Y ese mismo Espíritu es el que, uniéndose al nuestro, da testimonio de que somos hijos de Dios. Y si somos hijos, también somos herederos: herederos de Dios y coherederos con Cristo, ya que ahora compartimos sus sufrimientos para compartir también su gloria. (BHTI)

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (NRSV)                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

MEDITATION  “Children of God/Hijes de Dios”  Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        “Credo”           by Jane Marshall

NICENE CREED (Insert)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OFFERTORY  

DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

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.

HYMN [*Blue#318] [GTG#291] “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” 

Refrain: Spirit Spirit of gentleness Blow through the wilderness

Calling and free, Spirit Spirit of restlessness

Stir me from placidness Wind wind on the sea

1. You moved on the waters You called to the deep

Then You coaxed up the mountains From the valleys of sleep

And over the eons You called to each thing

Awake from your slumbers And rise on your wings (Refrain)

2. You swept through the desert You stung with the sand