John Calvin Presbyterian Church

1. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God And it’s righteousness

And all these things shall be added unto you Allelu Alleluia

2. Ask and it shall be given unto you Seek and you shall find

Knock and it shall be opened unto you Allelu Alleluia

3. You shall not live by bread alone, but by every word

That proceeds from the mouth of God. Allelu Alleluia

WORDS OF WELCOME           

MINUTE FOR MISSION Pledge Sunday

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Deut. 6:4–5

ONE: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

MANY: You shall love the Lord your God.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of Elijah, with great fire you made your presence known to the worshipers of Baal. Help us to resist the temptation to place our trust and faith in anything other than you. Receive our worship and strengthen our faith. Amen.

HYMN OF THE MONTH [GTG# 301]“Let Us Build a House” Vs. 1,3,5

1. Let us build a house Where love can dwell and all can safely live,

a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.

Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;

here the love of Christ shall end divisions: 

All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place. 

3. Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat;

a banquet hall on holy ground where peace and justice meet.

Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space;

as we share in Christ the feast that frees us:

All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place. 

5. Let us build a house where all are named, 

their songs and visions heard

and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.

Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace,

let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:

All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN      

 RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#655] “What Shall I Render to the Lord” 

1. What shall I render to the Lord;

what shall my offering be,

for all the gracious benefits

God hath bestowed on me?

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [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.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible OT 310 or 325]                   1 Kings 18:20-39

Elijah then came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” The people did not answer him a word. Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets number four hundred fifty. Let two bulls be given to us; let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it; I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the Lord; the god who answers by fire is indeed God.” All the people answered, “Well spoken!” Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many; then call on the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” So they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, crying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no answer. They limped about the altar that they had made. At noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud! Surely he is a god; either he is meditating, or he has wandered away, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” Then they cried aloud and, as was their custom, they cut themselves with swords and lances until the blood gushed out over them. As midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice, no answer, and no response. Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come closer to me”; and all the people came closer to him. First he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down; Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name”; with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. Then he made a trench around the altar, large enough to contain two measures of seed. Next he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood. He said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” Then he said, “Do it a second time”; and they did it a second time. Again he said, “Do it a third time”; and they did it a third time, so that the water ran all around the altar, and filled the trench also with water. At the time of the offering of the oblation, the prophet Elijah came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your bidding. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord indeed is God; the Lord indeed is God.”

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                               “Limping”                       Reverend Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Brief Statement of Faith

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 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.

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 …, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we 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. 

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. 

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                 “Elijah”       by Dan Davidson

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: … Great is the mystery of faith:

MANY: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again…

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

1 Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,

most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,

almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,

nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might:

thy justice, like mountains high soaring above;

thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3 To all, life thou givest, to both great and small.

In all life thou livest, the true life of all.

We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,

then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.

4 Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light.

Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight.

All praise we would render; O help us to see

’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee! 

PARTING PRAYER                

O come to me, O servant Lord, pour water in your bowl, and wash my feet. I am bold to ask this because of my longing for fellowship with you. Wash my feet, then, and be my companion. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#44] Like a Mother Who Has Borne Us v. 3

3. Though as children we have wandered, 

placed our trust in power and might,

Left behind our brothers, sisters, God still calls us into life.

POSTLUDE           Improvisation on I’M GONNA LIVE           

At Bethlehem I had my birth.

Refrain: Dance then wherever you may be;

I am the Lord of the Dance, said he, 

and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,

And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he. 

2 I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee, 

but they would not dance, and they would not follow me.

I danced for the fishermen, for James and John. 

They came with me and the dance went on.(refrain)

3 I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame.

The holy people said it was a shame. 

They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high,

and left me there on the cross to die. (refrain)

5 They cut me down and I leapt up high

  I am the life that will never never die. 

I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me, 

I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. (refrain)

WORDS OF WELCOME     

MINUTE FOR MISSION Linda Lowry

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP     Ps. 90:1–2

ONE: The Lord is our eternal dwelling place;

MANY: from age to age, the Lord is our God.

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Holy One of Israel, King David worked hard to return the Ark of the Covenant to Israel so that the people could honor you in your house of worship. Receive our praise in this house of worship, as we rejoice in your presence. Amen.

WORSHIP

“How Great Is Our God”

1 The splendor of our King, clothed in majesty; 

let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice.

God wraps themself in light, and darkness tries to hide’ 

It trembles at their voice, trembles at their voice. 

Refrain: How great is our God! Sing with me, “How great is our God!

And all will see how great, how great, is our God!

2 Age to age God stands, and time is in their hands; 

Beginning and the end, beginning and the end.

The Godhead three in one, Father, Spirit, Son,

the Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb. (Refrain)

Bridge: Name above all names, worthy of all praise;

My heart will sing, how great is our God! (Refrain)

“I Could Sing of Your Love Forever”

Over the mountains and the sea, your river runs with love for me,

and I will open up my heart and let the healer set me free. 

I’m happy to be in the truth, and I will daily lift my hands,

for I will always sing of when your love came down.

Refrain: I could sing of your love forever (4x)

Bridge: Oh I feel like dancing, it’s foolishness I know

but when the world has seen the light,

they will dance with joy like we’re dancing now (Refrain)     

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE  [Pew Bible OT 551 or 583] Psalm 150

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
  praise him in his mighty firmament!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
  praise him according to his surpassing greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;
  praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
  praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with clanging cymbals;
  praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN       

SCRIPTURE  [Pew Bible OT 267 or 279] 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 6:1-5

Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, ‘Look, we are your bone and flesh. For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The Lord said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.’ So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah for seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years.

David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart with the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON:             “Undignified”                  Rev. Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH            “Confession of 1967”

God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of [hu]man’s life: social and cultural, economic and political, scientific and technological, individual and corporate. It includes [hu]man’s natural environment as exploited and despoiled by sin. It is the will of God that [God’s] purpose for human life shall be fulfilled under the rule of Christ and all evil be banished from [God’s] creation… With an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks and strives for a better world. It does not identify limited progress with the kingdom of God on earth, nor does it despair in the face of disappointment and defeat. In steadfast hope, the church looks beyond all partial achievement to the final triumph of God. “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY             “Undignified”

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 

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.

CLOSING WORSHIP  “Heart of Worship”    

1 When the Music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come. 

Longing just to bring something that’s of worth, that will bless your heart. 

Pre chorus: I’ll bring you more than a song, 

for a song in itself is not what you have required.

You search much deeper within, through the way things appear;

you’re looking into my heart. 

Chorus: I’m coming back to the heart of worship, 

and it’s all about you, all about you, Jesus.

I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it,

when it’s all about you, all about you, Jesus. 

2 King of endless worth, no one could express how much you deserve. 

Though I’m weak and poor, all I have is yours, every single breath.

Pre chorus: I’ll bring you more than a song, 

for a song in itself is not what you have required.

You search much deeper within, through the way things appear;

you’re looking into my heart. 

Chorus: I’m coming back to the heart of worship, 

and it’s all about you, all about you, Jesus.

I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it,

when it’s all about you, all about you, Jesus.

“Seek Ye First” [*BLUE #333][GTG#175]

1 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and it’s righteousness,

and all these things Shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

2 Ask, and it shall be give unto you; seek and you shall find;

knock and the door will be opened unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

3 You shall not live by bread alone, but by every word

that proceeds from the mouth of God. Allelu, alleluia!

Chorus: I’m coming back to the heart of worship, 

and it’s all about you, all about you, Jesus.

I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it,

when it’s all about you, all about you, Jesus. 

PARTING PRAYER 

O come to me, O servant Lord, pour water in your bowl, and wash my feet. I am bold to ask this because of my longing for fellowship with you. Wash my feet, then, and be my companion. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG# 406] “We Are Standing On Holy Ground”

We are standing on holy ground

And I know there are angels all around 

Let us praise Jesus now

We are standing in his presence On holy ground     

*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; Kelly Cuppett, 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

MANY: when they call, God will answer them.

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Almighty and Everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations. Preserve the works of your mercy, that your church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#330] [GTG #50] 

“Deep in the Shadows of the Past”

1 Deep in the shadows of the past,

far out from settled lands,

some nomads traveled with their God

across the desert sands.

The dawning hope of humankind

by them was sensed and shown:

a promise calling them ahead,

a future yet unknown.

2 While others bowed to changeless gods,

they met a mystery,

invisible, without a name:

“I AM WHAT I WILL BE”;

and by their tents, around their fires

in story, song, and law,

they praised, remembered, handed on

a past that promised more.

3 From Exodus to Pentecost

the promise changed and grew,

while some, remembering the past,

recorded what they knew,

or with their letters and laments,

their prophecy and praise,

recovered, kindled, and expressed

new hope for changing days.

4 For all the writings that survived,

for leaders, long ago,

who sifted, copied, and preserved

the Bible that we know,

give thanks, and find its story yet

our promise, strength, and call,

the model of emerging faith,

alive with hope for all.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN             

RESPONSE HYMN [Blue#138] [GTG #1] 

“Holy Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty!”

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!

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O Lord our God, you call us to proclaim your gospel, but we remain silent in the presence of evil. You call us to be reconciled to you and one another, but we are content to live in separation. You call us to seek the good of all, but we fail to resist the powers of oppression. You call us to bring liberty for the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. You call us to fight pretensions and injustice, but we sit idly by, endangering the lives of people far and near. 

Forgive us, Lord. Reconcile us to you by your Spirit, and give us the courage and strength to be reconciled to others; through Jesus Christ. 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 76 or 79] Exodus 33:12-23

Moses said to the LORD, ‘See, you have said to me, “Bring up this people”; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, “I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.” Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.’ He said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.’

The LORD said to Moses, ‘I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Show me your glory, I pray.’ And he said, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, “The LORD”; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But’, he said, ‘you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.’ And the LORD continued, ‘See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON: “Sanctuary” Mike Isham

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH           “Theological Declaration of Barmen”

Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death.

    As Jesus Christ is God’s assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins, so in the same way and with the same seriousness is he also God’s mighty claim upon our whole life. Through him befalls us a joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to his creatures.

   The church’s commission, upon which its freedom is founded, consists in delivering the message of the free grace of God to all people in Christ’s stead, and therefore in the ministry of his own Word and work through sermon and Sacrament.

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. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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#701] “Lord, Prepare Me (Sanctuary)”    

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary

Pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You (x2)

PARTING PRAYER 

O come to me, O servant Lord, pour water in your bowl, and wash my feet. I am bold to ask this because of my longing for fellowship with you. Wash my feet, then, and be my companion. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#406] “We Are Standing On Holy Ground”

We are standing on holy ground

And I know there are angels all around 

Let us praise Jesus now

We are standing in his presence On holy ground

POSTLUDE  

 

MANY: and destroy the power of death forever.

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

God of the people, your servant Ruth showed great love when she clung to  Naomi. Teach us to show great compassion, and to turn to you when we are in  need. Amen. 

HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#330] [GTG #50] 

“Deep in the Shadows of the Past”

1 Deep in the shadows of the past,

far out from settled lands,

some nomads traveled with their God

across the desert sands.

The dawning hope of humankind

by them was sensed and shown:

a promise calling them ahead,

a future yet unknown.

2 While others bowed to changeless gods,

they met a mystery,

invisible, without a name:

“I AM WHAT I WILL BE”;

and by their tents, around their fires

in story, song, and law,

they praised, remembered, handed on

a past that promised more.

3 From Exodus to Pentecost

the promise changed and grew,

while some, remembering the past,

recorded what they knew,

or with their letters and laments,

their prophecy and praise,

recovered, kindled, and expressed

new hope for changing days.

4 For all the writings that survived,

for leaders, long ago,

who sifted, copied, and preserved

the Bible that we know,

give thanks, and find its story yet

our promise, strength, and call,

the model of emerging faith,

alive with hope for all.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN             

RESPONSE HYMN  [GTG#324]

“For All the Faithful Women”

1. For all the faithful women who served in days of old,

to you shall thanks be given; to all, their story told.

They served with strength and gladness in tasks your wisdom gave.

To you their lives bore witness, proclaimed your pow’r to save.

2. We praise your name for Miriam, who sang triumphantly

while Pharaoh’s vaunted army lay drowned beneath the sea;

for Ruth, who left her homeland and ventured forth in faith,

who pledged to serve and worship Naomi’s God till death.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O Lord our God, you call us to proclaim your gospel, but we remain silent in the presence of evil. You call us to be reconciled to you and one another, but we are content to live in separation. You call us to seek the good of all, but we fail to resist the powers of oppression. You call us to bring liberty for the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. You call us to fight pretensions and injustice, but we sit idly by, endangering the lives of people far and near. 

Forgive us, Lord. Reconcile us to you by your Spirit, and give us the courage and strength to be reconciled to others; through Jesus Christ. 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 230 or 241] Ruth 1:1-17

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there for about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons or her husband.

Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had had consideration for his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, ‘Go back each of you to your mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband.’ Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. They said to her, ‘No, we will return with you to your people.’ But Naomi said, ‘Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the Lord has turned against me.’ Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

So she said, ‘See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.’ But Ruth said,

‘Do not press me to leave you

   or to turn back from following you!

Where you go, I will go;

   where you lodge, I will lodge;

your people shall be my people,

   and your God my God.

Where you die, I will die—

   there will I be buried.

May the Lord do thus and so to me,

   and more as well,

if even death parts me from you!’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON:      “Where You Go, I Will Go”     Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH          “Westminster Shorter Catechism”

ONE: What is the main purpose for humanity?

MANY: The main purpose for humanity is to glorify and enjoy God forever.

ONE: What rule has God given to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God?

MANY: The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is the only rule to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God.

ONE: What do the Scriptures mainly teach?
MANY: The Scriptures mainly teach what we are to believe about God, and what duty God requires of us.

ONE: How many Persons are there in the Trinity?
MANY: There are three Persons in the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

ONE: What is Sin?

MANY: Sin is any lack of obedience to, or violation of, the law of God.

ONE: Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
MANY: The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continues to be, God and human, in two distinct natures, and one Person forever.

ONE: How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
MANY:The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY God Moves in a Mysterious Way by Raymond H. Haan

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.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

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

1 Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!

All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near;

join me in glad adoration!

2 Praise ye the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,

shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!

Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been

granted in what he ordaineth?

3 Praise ye the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!

All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!

Let the amen sound from his people again;

gladly for aye we adore him.

 

MANY:The righteous will live by their faith.

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Loving Lord, you gave commandments to your people as a gift. Teach us to be  obedient to your word and to care for each other as we do your will. Amen. 

HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#330] [GTG #50] 

“Deep in the Shadows of the Past”

1 Deep in the shadows of the past,

far out from settled lands,

some nomads traveled with their God

across the desert sands.

The dawning hope of humankind

by them was sensed and shown:

a promise calling them ahead,

a future yet unknown.

2 While others bowed to changeless gods,

they met a mystery,

invisible, without a name:

“I AM WHAT I WILL BE”;

and by their tents, around their fires

in story, song, and law,

they praised, remembered, handed on

a past that promised more.

3 From Exodus to Pentecost

the promise changed and grew,

while some, remembering the past,

recorded what they knew,

or with their letters and laments,

their prophecy and praise,

recovered, kindled, and expressed

new hope for changing days.

4 For all the writings that survived,

for leaders, long ago,

who sifted, copied, and preserved

the Bible that we know,

give thanks, and find its story yet

our promise, strength, and call,

the model of emerging faith,

alive with hope for all.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN             

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG #453] 

“Open Your Ears, O Faithful People (453)”

Open your ears, O faithful people,

open your ears and hear God’s word.

Open your hearts, O royal priesthood,

God has come to you.

God has spoken to the people, Hallelujah!

God has spoken words of wisdom, Hallelujah!

God has spoken to the people, Hallelujah!

God has spoken words of wisdom, Hallelujah!

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O Lord our God, you call us to proclaim your gospel, but we remain silent in the presence of evil. You call us to be reconciled to you and one another, but we are content to live in separation. You call us to seek the good of all, but we fail to resist the powers of oppression. You call us to bring liberty for the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. You call us to fight pretensions and injustice, but we sit idly by, endangering the lives of people far and near. 

Forgive us, Lord. Reconcile us to you by your Spirit, and give us the courage and strength to be reconciled to others; through Jesus Christ. 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 156 or 162] Deut. 5:1-21; 6:4-9

Moses convened all Israel, and said to them:

Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I am addressing to you today; you shall learn them and observe them diligently. The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. Not with our ancestors did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today. The Lord spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the fire. (At that time I was standing between the Lord and you to declare to you the words of the Lord; for you were afraid because of the fire and did not go up the mountain.) And he said:

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.

You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

Observe the sabbath day and keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. For six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, or your son or your daughter, or your male or female slave, or your ox or your donkey, or any of your livestock, or the resident alien in your towns, so that your male and female slave may rest as well as you. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day.

Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

You shall not murder.

Neither shall you commit adultery.

Neither shall you steal.

Neither shall you bear false witness against your neighbor.

Neither shall you covet your neighbor’s wife.

Neither shall you desire your neighbor’s house, or field, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON:  “Big Ten” Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH            Heidelberg Catechism: BOC 4.001          

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY You Shall Love the Lord Your God 

by Victoria Davison and Rudy Lupinski

You shall love the Lord your God with

 all your heart and soul and mind and strength:

This is the greatest commandment. (Repeat)

And the second commandment is like it:

 You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

On these two commandments

 the whole law is based, and the prophets as well.

Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!

Therefore, you shall love the Lord your God 

with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.

This is the greatest commandment. (Repeat)

And the second commandment is like it: 

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

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 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#519]  “You are My Strength When I Am Weak”    

You are my strength when I am weak; you are the treasure that I seek;

you are my all in all.

When I fall down you pick me up.

When I am dry you fill my cup.

You are my all in all.

Jesus, lamb of God, worthy is your name.

Jesus, lamb of God, worthy is your name.