John Calvin Presbyterian Church

And step by step You’ll lead me And I will follow You all of my days 

Oh God, You are my God And I will ever praise you

Oh God, You are my God And I will ever praise you

I will seek You in the morning And I will learn to walk in Your ways

And step by step You’ll lead me And I will follow You all of my days

WORDS OF WELCOME                                  

MINUTE FOR MISSION Pentecost offering                  

Hallowed Be Thy Name 

CALL TO WORSHIP Caleb Hebert

   ONE: Our Father Who Art In Heaven 

MANY: Hallowed Be Thy Name 

PRAYER OF THE DAY: Caleb Hebert

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 

HYMN[*Blue#589][GTG#464] “Our, Father Which Art in Heaven”

1 Our Father, which art in heaven:
hallowed-a be thy name.
Thy kingdom come; thy will be done:
hallowed-a be thy name.

2 On earth as it is in heaven:
hallowed-a be thy name.
Give us this day our daily bread:
hallowed-a be thy name.

3 And forgive us all our debts:
hallowed-a be thy name.
As we forgive our debtors:
hallowed-a be thy name.

4 And lead us not into temptation:
hallowed-a be thy name.
But deliver us from evil:
hallowed-a be thy name.

5 For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory:
hallowed-a be thy name.
Forever and ever, amen:
hallowed-a be thy name.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN Rev. Aaron Ochart 

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#469]  

“Lord Listen to your Children Praying”

Lord, listen to your children praying.

Lord, send your Spirit in this place.

Lord, listen to your children praying.

Send us love; send us power; send us grace.

FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS 

CALL TO CONFESSION: Deborah Nolan  

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But when we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.                                                       

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Deborah Nolan

O Lord our God, you call us to work for a world where all will be fed and have dignity, but we find ourselves distracted by our own desires. You call us to seek justice and peace, but we are satisfied with injustice and discord. You call us to bring liberty to the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. Forgive us, O Lord. Turn us to your will by the power of your Spirit, so that all may know your justice and peace; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON Deborah Nolan

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#658] “God Is So Good”

God is so good; God is so good;
God is so good; God’s so good to me.

God cares for me; God cares for me;
God cares for me; God’s so good to me.

THY KINGDOM COME

SCRIPTURE Matt. 6: 7-14 Connor Boudreaux

‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

‘Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,

   hallowed be your name.

   Your kingdom come.

   Your will be done,

     on earth as it is in heaven.

   Give us this day our daily bread.

   And forgive us our debts,

     as we also have forgiven our debtors.

   And do not bring us to the time of trial,

     but rescue us from the evil one.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

The Lord’s Prayer Drama

 by Mathew Pole   

 Ian Nolan, Brock Moore, Asher Ochart, Joseph Hebert, Jack Dixon

THY WILL BE DONE    

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH  Apostles’ Creed      Jonathan Zea    

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, 

And in Jesus Christ [God’s] only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.         

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  The Gift of Who You Are by Sherri Porterfield 

Bill Bottomley and Ron Palmissano

When you were born the world had a chance for a miracle to start anew.

To see the mystery in a child develop into what is you.

Your own unique thoughts and dreams will help you to strengthen and grow.

Your talent will become your wings to take you where you want to go.

Chorus:

Dance for the world if your heart says to dance. 

Sing for your song must be heard.

Paint life with colors bold and bright.

Speak truth ’til cold hearts are stirred. 

Offer the world the best that you have.

Laugh and lift others with love.

Pour upon the waiting world the gift of who you are.

You are a gift; give the gift of who you are.

Power will come when you decide that you can create and excel.

Trust that you have what the world really needs; 

You must believe in yourself.

So, look within your heart

and search for a flame or spark.

There you’ll find your skills and strengths and the special gift of who you are.

Repeat Chorus

So you must dance for the world.

You must sing your song, sing out loud and strong.

Reach from your heart and give of yourself;

give the gift of who you are.

Your gift is who you are.

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Allelujah, alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus Fully know:

Creator, Word, and Spirit one. 

Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM

GRADUATE RECOGNITION 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Ochart

THE LORD’S PRAYER           Matthew Freudenthal

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 #697] “Take My Life” 

1 Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days let them flow in ceaseless praise;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2 Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

3 Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King;
take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

4 Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect and use every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

5 Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

PARTING PRAYER Christain Hebert

Eternal God, you set Jesus Christ to rule over all things, and made us servants in your kingdom. By your Spirit empower us to love the unloved, and to minister to all in need. Then at the last bring us to your eternal realm where we may worship and adore you and be welcomed into your everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG #697] “Take My Life”

6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store;

take myself and I will be ever, only, all for thee,

ever, only, all for thee.

POSTLUDE:  Caleb Hebert

Flowers were given by Jeremy and Ardis Moore in honor of all graduates.

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

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

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

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett – Music Director

Kelly Cuppett – Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

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

with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

 

2 O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,

with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;

and keep us in God’s grace, and guide us when perplexed,

and free us from all ills in this world and the next.

WORDS OF WELCOME        

MINUTE FOR MISSION                  Summer Kick Off Picnic                                             

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP John 15:13

ONE: There is no greater love than this:

MANY: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

 

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God, you have prepared for those who love you

joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you,

that, loving you above all else, we may obtain your promises,

which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever. Amen

HYMN [GTG#192]   “Lord the Light of Your Love Is Shining” 

Lord, the light of your love is shining,

In the midst of the darkness, shining;

Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us;

Set us free by the truth you now bring us.

Shine on me, shine on me.

 

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.

 

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)

 

As we gaze on your kingly brightness,

So our faces display your likeness;

ever changing from glory to glory,

mirrored here may our lives tell your story.

Shine on me; shine on me. (Refrain)

 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#475] 

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

1 Come, thou Fount of every blessing; tune my heart to sing thy grace;

streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above;

praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unchanging love!

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. 

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. 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 GOSPEL PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.144 or 115] Rom. 3:28-30 5:1-11

For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one; and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 

SERMON:          The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW   

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. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “23rd Psalm”  Bobby McFerrin 

 

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Allelujah, alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus Fully know:

Creator, Word, and Spirit one. 

Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

 

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 “Faith of Our Mothers”

1 Faith of our mothers, living still
In cradle song and bedtime prayer;
In nursery lore and fireside love,
Thy presence still pervades the air.
Faith of our mothers, living faith,
We will be true to thee till death.

 

2 Faith of our mothers, loving faith,
Fount of our childhood’s trust and grace,
Oh, may thy consecration prove
Source of a finer, nobler race;
Faith of our mothers, loving faith,
We will be true to thee till death.

3 Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
For youthful longing, youthful doubt,
How blurred our vision, blind our way,
Thy providential care without.
Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
We will be true to thee till death.
4 Faith of our mothers, Christian faith,
In truth beyond our stumbling creeds,
Still serve the home and save the Church,
And breathe thy spirit through our deeds;
Faith of our mothers, Christian faith,
We will be true to thee till death.

 

PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. 

Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you overcame death and opened the gate to everlasting life. 

Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. 

Glory to you, Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [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.

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 may one day be restored:

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

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

3. 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:

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

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

WORDS OF WELCOME 

MINUTE FOR MISSION                                      PW Birthday Offering                                        

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP John 13:34

ONE: This is our new commandment in Christ:

MANY: As Jesus loves us, let us love one another.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God, form the minds of your faithful people into a single will.

Make us love what you command and desire what you promise,

that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

HYMN Of The MONTH [GTG#192]  

 “Lord the Light of Your Love Is Shining” 

Lord, the light of your love is shining,

In the midst of the darkness, shining;

Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us;

Set us free by the truth you now bring us.

Shine on me, shine on me.

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.

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)

As we gaze on your kingly brightness,

So our faces display your likeness;

ever changing from glory to glory,

mirrored here may our lives tell your story.

Shine on me; shine on me. (Refrain)

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#399] “God Welcomes All”

God welcomes all, strangers and friends 

God’s love is strong and it never ends. (repeat)

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. 

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. 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 GOSPEL PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.142 or 152]   Romans 1:1-17

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, asking that by God’s will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you. For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as I have among the rest of the Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish — hence my eagerness to proclaim the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, ‘The one who is righteous will live by faith.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON:     “The Power of the Gospel”    The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW   

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: What does this state of sin mean for humanity?

MANY: This state of sin means that humanity: bears the guilt of Adam and Eve’s first sin, lacks the righteousness that God intended for us, and that human nature has been corrupted; along with all actual transgressions which result from our fallen nature.

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   Christ is Risen from the Dead Lloyd Larson 

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Allelujah, alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus Fully know:

Creator, Word, and Spirit one. 

Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

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.

SONG DURING COMMUNION [GTG #527]

Eat this bread; drink this cup; come to me and never be hungry.

Eat this bread; drink this cup; trust in me and you will not thirst.” (Repeat)

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

HYMN [BLUE#466*] [GTG#610]   

“O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing”

1 O for a thousand tongues to sing my dear Redeemer’s praise,

the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace!

2 The name of Jesus charms our fears, and bids our sorrows cease,

sing music in the sinner’s ears, brings life, and health and peace.

3 Christ speaks, and listening to his voice new life the dead receive; the mournful waken to rejoice; the poor in heart believe. 

4 My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim,

to spread through  all the earth abroad the honors of your name.

5 To God all glory, praise, and love be now and ever given

by saints below and saints above, the Church in earth and heaven.

PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. 

Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you overcame death and opened the gate to everlasting life. 

Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. 

Glory to you, Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [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

POSTLUDE:  “Overture” from Fireworks Music by G.F. Handel

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

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

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

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett – Music Director

Kelly Cuppett – Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

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

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. 

2. Let us build a house where prophets speak,

 and words are strong and true,

where all God’s children dare to seek to dream God’s reign anew.

Here the cross shall stand as witness and a symbol of God’s grace;

here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:

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. 

4. Let us build a house where hands will reach

 beyond the wood and stone

to heal and strengthen, serve and teach, 

and live the Word they’ve known.

Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face;

let us bring an end to fear and danger:

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.

WORDS OF WELCOME

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                            Acts 13:1-3

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                                

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION     

    God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. 

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen.           

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN            

FIRST LESSON  [Pew Bible NT pg.125 or 133] Acts 14:21-15:5        

After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, then on to Iconium and Antioch. There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, ‘It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.’ And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe.

Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had completed. When they arrived, they called the church together and related all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. And they stayed there with the disciples for some time.

Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the believers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘It is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.’                                

REFLECTION                                                       the Rev. Aaron Ochart

*SONG [Blue #358]  [GTG 754] Help Us Accept Each Other

Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;

teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.

Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe

we are ourselves accepted, and meant to love and live.

2. Teach us, O Lord, your lessons, as in our daily life

we struggle to be human and search for hope and faith. 

Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some,

to love them as we find them, or as they may become. 

3. Let your acceptance change us, so that we may be moved

in living situations to do the truth in love;

to practice your acceptance until we know by heart

the table of forgiveness, and laughter’s healing art. 

4. Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need, 

who hunger for acceptance, for justice and for bread,

we need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on:

renew us with your Spirit; Lord, free us; make us one!

SECOND LESSON [Pew Bible NT pg.126 or 134]              Acts 15:6-21

The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, ‘My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the Gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us; and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us. Now therefore why are you putting God to the test by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.’

The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, ‘My brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the Gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name. This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written,

“After this I will return,

and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen;

   from its ruins I will rebuild it,

     and I will set it up,

so that all other peoples may seek the Lord—

   even all the Gentiles over whom my name has been called.

     Thus says the Lord, who has been making these things known from long ago.”

Therefore I have reached the decision that we should not trouble those Gentiles who are turning to God, but we should write to them to abstain only from things polluted by idols and from fornication and from whatever has been strangled and from blood. For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every sabbath in the synagogues.’

 RESPONSE     

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS 

OFFERTORY [GTG 767]              “Together We Serve”

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Allelujah, alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus Fully known

Creator, Word, and Spirit one. 

Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

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. 

CLOSING LESSON  Acts 15:22-35

    Then the apostles and the elders, with the consent of the whole church, decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers, with the following letter: ‘The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the believers of Gentile origin in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that certain persons who have gone out from us, though with no instructions from us, have said things to disturb you and have unsettled your minds, we have decided unanimously to choose representatives and send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.’

So they were sent off and went down to Antioch. When they gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. When its members read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation. Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. After they had been there for some time, they were sent off in peace by the believers to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, and there, with many others, they taught and proclaimed the word of the Lord.                       

CLOSING SONG [GTG 319] Men of Faith Rise Up And Sing (Shout to the North)

1. Men of faith rise up and sing of the great and glorious King.

You are strong when you feel weak; in your brokenness complete.     

Refrain: Shout to the north and the south, 

sing to the east and the west.

Jesus is savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth. 

2. Rise up women of the truth. Stand and sing to broken hearts

who can know the healing power of our awesome King of love. (Refrain)

Bridge: We’ve been through fire; we’ve been through rain;

we’ve been refined by the power of your name.

We’ve fallen deeper in love with you. 

You’ve burned the truth on our lips. (Refrain)

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG 319] Men of Faith Rise Up And Sing (Shout to the North)

3. Rise up, church, with broken wings; fill this place with songs again

With his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.

 

2 Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth,

her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.

One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,

and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.

WORDS OF WELCOME                                                      

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

ONE: Beloved, we are God’s children now;

MANY: when Christ is revealed, we will be like him.

 

PRAYER OF THE DAY

MANY: Almighty God, through your only Son you overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. Grant that we who celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, may, through the renewing power of your Spirit, arise from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [GTG#318]   “In Christ There is No East or West” 

1. In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north,

but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.

 

2. In Christ, shall true hearts everywhere their high communion find;

his service is the golden cord close-binding humankind. 

 

3. Join hands, disciples of the faith, what e’er your race may be. 

All children of the living God are surely kin to me. 

 

4. In Christ now meet both east and west; in him meet south and north. All Chistly souls are one in him throughout the whole wide earth. 

 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#399] “God Welcomes All”

God welcomes all, strangers and friends 

God’s love is strong and it never ends.

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. 

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. 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 GOSPEL PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.120 or 128]   Acts 10:1-17, 34-48

In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. One afternoon at about three o’clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, ‘Cornelius.’ He stared at him in terror and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ He answered, ‘Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.’ When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa.

About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat; and while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. Then he heard a voice saying, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean.’ The voice said to him again, a second time, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.

Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon’s house and were standing by the gate.

Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 

SERMON:     “What God has Made Clean”     The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Scots Confession 3.01 

We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. By whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by [God’s] inscrutable providence for such end as [God’s] eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of [God’s] own glory.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY   “Bleached” by Video Days

Caleb Hebert, Piano 

 

DOXOLOGY [GTG#609]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Allelujah, alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus Fully know:

Creator, Word, and Spirit one. 

Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

REMEMBRANCE of BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

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#120*] [GTG#277]   

“Hail Thee Festival Day”

Refrain: Hail thee festival day! Blest day to be hallowed forever;

day when our Lord was raised, breaking the kingdom of death.

 

1. All the fair beauty of the earth 

from the death of the winter arising! 

Every good gift of the year now with Master returns: (Refrain)

 

5. Spirit of life and of power, 

now flow in us, fount of our being, 

light that enlightens us all, life that in all may abide: (Refrain)

 

PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. 

Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you overcame death and opened the gate to everlasting life. 

Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. 

Glory to you, Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen.