John Calvin Presbyterian Church

 

 

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

CANTATA: Let There Be Christmas

Joseph M. Martin

Conductor: Kristin Schmitz Pianist: Kelly Cuppett

CANTATA:  Christmas Overture and Processional

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.
O come, ye O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.
O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him.
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Verse 2: Choir only

WORDS OF WELCOME: Rev. Michael Ball

Let There Be FAITH: Rev. Susan Lassalle

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

Call to Worship 1 John 4:9-11

ONE: God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us;

MANY: and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE (Lindsay and Austin Shin with Lea, Penny, and Oliver)

1st PERSON: Introduction of the Advent Day 

2nd PERSON: Lighting of the Candle

[Light the Candle] 

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Let There Be HOPE: Rev. Susan Lassalle

CANTATA: “The Divine Expectation”

Let There Be PEACE: Rev. Susan Lassalle

CANTATA: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”  

(Low Voices): O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light.
The hopes and fears of al the years are met in thee tonight.

(High Voices): O Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth;
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all the earth!

Verse 3: Choir only

(All Voices): O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend on us we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell.
O come to us; abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel.

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God with us, you are coming into the world to bring all people together in peace. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit and abuse both neighbor and nature and refuse your justice and peace. In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world. 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, 

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE LESSON    Luke 1:68-79    Rev. Michael Ball   

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”                    

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God

THE WORD MADE FLESH   

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             Apostle’s Creed

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

OFFERTORY: Let There Be LOVE: Rev. Susan Lassalle

CANTATA: “Carols from a Quiet Manger” feat. Briana Mayfield      

     

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. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Let There Be JOY: Rev. Susan Lassalle

CANTATA: “Arise!”

PARTING PRAYER:  Let There Be GRACE: Rev. Michael Ball

One: Let there be Grace…

And the darkness has not overcome it.

Many: The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the World. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION: 

Let There Be LIFE: Rev. Susan Lassalle

A JOYFUL GATHERING OF CAROLS

Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns. Let all their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

Infant holy, infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall.

Oxen lowing, little knowing, Christ the Babe is Lord of all.

Swift are winging, angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing,

“Christ the Babe is Lord of all.”

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon virgin mother and Child.

Holy infant so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar. 

Heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia!”

Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

The first Noel the angel did say, 

was to certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay.

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, noel, noel noel!

Born is the King of Israel.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies.

With angelic hosts proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

POSTLUDE: Reprise

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

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

STAFF

×

 

 

 

 

when the stars begin to fall, when the stars begin to fall.

1 You will hear the trumpet sound to wake the nations underground,

looking to my God’s right hand, when the stars begin to fall. [Refrain]

2 You will hear the sinner cry, to wake the nations underground,

looking to my God’s right hand, when the stars begin to fall. [Refrain]

3 You will hear the Christian shout, to wake the nations underground,

WORDS OF WELCOME

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

Call to Worship Isaiah 60:2

ONE: For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness, the peoples;

MANY: but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE 

1st PERSON: Introduction of the Advent Day 

2nd PERSON: Lighting of the Candle

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

HYMN  [GTG#86]      The People Who Walked in Darkness

The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light.

The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow

rise to a star shining bright.

Chorus:

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,

Father forever, Prince of Peace.

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,

Father forever, Prince of Peace.

For God has enlarged the nation, and prospered the fruit of its land.

God’s people are blest with the harvest of victory,

gift from a bountiful hand. Chorus

The yoke of despair and bondage, the chains of the slave master’s rod

are shattered and scattered like dust in a windstorm,

loosed by the justice of God. Chorus

For us now a child is given, for all the despised and forlorn.

The rule of compassion shall rest on his shoulder.

God’s own Messiah is born! Chorus

How vast is our God’s dominion! How far truth and mercy extend.

The zeal of the Lord will accomplish its purpose:

justice shall reign without end. Chorus

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of the future,

you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, and refuse your justice and peace.

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, 

and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.

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, 

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                                        Psalm 25:1-10

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.

Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                1 Thessalonians 3: 6-13

But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON        “Thanks and Avanti”         CP Ford Dieth 

 THE WORD MADE FLESH   

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             Apostle’s Creed

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

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

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN [Blue ] [GTG#88]  O Come, O Come Emmanuel

1 O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel.

2 O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily: to us the path of knowledge show; and teach us in her ways to go. [Refrain]

3 O come, O come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height in ancient times didst give the law

in cloud and majesty and awe. [Refrain]

4 O come, thou Root of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny; from depths of hell thy people save

and give them victory o’er the grave. [Refrain]

5 O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high,

and close the path to misery. [Refrain]

6 O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

and death’s dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain]

7 O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife, and discord cease;

PARTING PRAYER

Faithful God,

your promises stand unshaken through all generations. Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert as we watch for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our judge and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [GTG#654] In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful

In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful; in the Lord I will rejoice!

Look to God; do not be afraid.

Lift up your voices, the Lord is near.

Lift up your voices; the Lord is near.

POSTLUDE                      

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

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

STAFF

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

 

 

 

and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

2 Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side,

rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified:

no angel in the sky can fully bear that sight,

but downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.

3 Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways

from pole to pole, that wars may cease, absorbed in prayer and praise.

His reign shall know no end; and round his pierced feet

fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.

4 Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time;

creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.

All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me;

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENT  

         

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Revelation 1:6-7

ONE: Jesus Christ is coming to reign.

MANY: To God be glory forever and ever!

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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,

HYMN [GTG# 368] We Fall Down

We fall down; we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus:

The greatness of mercy and love, at the feet of Jesus.

 And we cry holy, holy, holy.

And we cry holy, holy, holy.

And we cry holy, holy, holy

is the Lamb.  

 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Righteous God, you have crowned Jesus Christ as Lord of all.

We confess that we have not bowed before him, and are slow to acknowledge his rule. We give allegiance to the powers of this world and fail to be governed by justice and love. In your mercy, forgive us. Raise us to acclaim him as ruler of all, that we may be loyal ambassadors, obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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

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

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Psalm 138

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.

On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth.

They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.

For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.

2nd SCRIPTURE John 18:28-40

Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY     

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN [GTG#265] Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

1 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run;

his kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.

2 To him shall endless prayer be made, and praises throng to crown his head; his name, like sweet perfume, shall rise

with every morning sacrifice.

3 People and realms of every tongue dwell on his love with sweetest song, and infant voices shall proclaim

their early blessings on his name.

4 Blessings abound where’er he reigns: the prisoners leap to loose their chains; the weary find eternal rest,

and all who suffer want are blest.

5 Let every creature rise and bring honors peculiar to our King;

angels descend with songs again, and earth repeat the loud Amen!

PARTING PRAYER    

Almighty and ever-living God,

ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this congregation. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#36] For the Fruit of All Creation

1 For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.

For the gifts to every nation, thanks be to God.

For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping,

POSTLUDE       Crown Him with Many Crowns       arr. Gina Sprunger 

*Today’s altar flowers are sponsored by Briana Mayfield for Cynthia Palmisano’s birthday today. Thanks Cynthia for being a crafts rockstar for our youth!             

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

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

STAFF

×

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

 

 

 

 

As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning, new mercies I see.

All I have needed thy hand hath provided.

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

2 Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

sun, moon, and stars in their courses above

join with all nature in manifold witness

to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. Refrain

3 Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,

strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow:

blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Refrain

 

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ADORATION   

CALL TO WORSHIP Hebrew 10:23

ONE: Hold fast to your hope without wavering,

MANY: for God who has promised is faithful.                                                  

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Ever-living God,

before the earth was formed and even after it shall cease to be, you are God. Break into our short span of life and show us those things that are eternal, that we may serve your purpose in all we do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you

in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [GTG#840] When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)

1 When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

it is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:

It is well with my soul;

it is well; it is well with my soul.

2 Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

and hath shed his own blood for my soul. Refrain

3 He lives: O the bliss of this glorious thought. My sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! Refrain

4 Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend;

even so it is well with my soul. Refrain

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.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

 

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]                                                                  

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.  

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                       1 Samuel 1:4-10        

On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”

After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                                    Mark 13:1-6

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  I’ve Got Peace Like a River   arr. Anna Laura Page   

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORD’S PRAYER 

HYMN [GTG#357] The Days Are Surely Coming

1 The days are surely coming, says God to all the earth,

when you will see my promise: salvation come to birth.

My righteousness and justice will spread throughout the land

and you will be delivered by my almighty hand.

2 The days are surely coming, says Christ, the promised one,

when you will read my warning in moon and stars and sun.

Though earth and heaven tremble, stand up and do not fear,

for I am your redeemer, and I am drawing near.

3 The days are surely coming when we will know at last

the fullness of God’s presence, God’s promise, come to pass.

Then righteousness and justice will spread throughout the land

and we will be delivered by God’s almighty hand.

PARTING PRAYER 

Almighty and gracious God, 

since our whole salvation stands in our knowledge of your holy word, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, that our hearts may be freed from the chains of sin, so that we may hear and receive your word, recognizing your gracious will for us. Teach us by scripture 

to love and serve you with delight, praising and glorifying you 

in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#36] For the Fruit of All Creation

3 For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God.

For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God.

For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us,

most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE       

Altar flowers for today’s service were sponsored by Jeremy and Ardis Moore in celebration of Ardis’ birthday today.

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

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

STAFF

×

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

Deacons

Bill Bottomley 504-885-3850 pslclerk@earthlink.net

Mary Antill 504-247-5720 buzz2moosetaco@gmail.com

Tony Hill 504-214-8095 rolandohill2003@yahoo.com

Laurie Hill 504-344-9079 la.tres@yahoo.com 

 

 

 

PRELUDE The King of Love My Shepherd Is arr Gonzalo L Gonzalez

 

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 as symbol of God’s grace;

here as one we claim the faith of Jesus: Chorus

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: Chorus

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: Chorus

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: Chorus

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADORATION   

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 146:9

ONE: The Lord watches over the strangers;

MANY: God upholds those who are in need.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God, your blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of evil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life. Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

HYMN [GTG#316]   Where Charity and Love Prevail

1. Where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found;

brought here together by Christ’s love, by love we thus are bound.

2. Let us recall that in our midst dwells Christ, God’s holy Son.

As members of each body joined, in him we are made one.

3. Let strife among us be unknown; let all contentions cease. 

Be God’s the glory that we seek; be his our only peace.

4. Let us forgive each other’s faults as we our own confess, 

that we may love each other well in Christian gentleness.

5. Love can exclude no race or creed if honored be God’s name; 

our common life embraces all whose Maker is the same.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Gracious God,

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]                                                                  

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.

 

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                       Mark 12:38-44       

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

2nd SCRIPTURE                                                  Hebrews 9:24-28

For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

3rd SCRIPTURE                                                   Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17

Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” She said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.”

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

                          

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY     The King of Love My Shepherd Is arr Gonzalo L Gonzalez            

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

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 #][GTG#363]  Rejoice, the LORD is King!

1 Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore!

Rejoice, give thanks, and sing, and triumph evermore.

Lift up your heart; lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

2 Our Savior, Jesus, reigns, the God of truth and love;

when he had purged our stains, he took his seat above.

Lift up your heart; lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

3 His kingdom cannot fail; he rules o’er earth and heaven;

the keys of death and hell are to our Jesus given.

Lift up your heart; lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

4 Rejoice in glorious hope! For Christ, the Judge, shall come

and gather all the saints to their eternal home.

Lift up your heart; lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

PARTING PRAYER 

O gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you,

wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you.

Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you;

ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#36] For the Fruit of All Creation 

2. In the just reward of labor, God’s will be done.

In the help we give our neighbor, God’s will be done.

In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,

POSTLUDE  Seek Ye First/Canon in D arr. Annika Bergsman  

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

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

STAFF

×

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

Deacons

Bill Bottomley 504-885-3850 pslclerk@earthlink.net

Mary Antill 504-247-5720 buzz2moosetaco@gmail.com

Tony Hill 504-214-8095 rolandohill2003@yahoo.com

Laurie Hill 504-344-9079 la.tres@yahoo.com