Order of Worship 12_26_21

1st Sunday of Christmas

Little Farms United Church of Christ

John Calvin Presbyterian Church

December 26, 2021 10:30 am

Ministers: The Reverend Susan Lassalle

The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Please silence all cell phones.. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

HYMN 41                “O Come All Ye Faithful”                  ADESTE FIDELES

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant;

O come ye; O come ye; O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come and behold him, born the King of angels. 

(Refrain) O Come Let us adore him; O come let us adore him;

O come let us adore him; Christ the Lord!

True God from true God, Light from light eternal,

born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;

ve-ry G-od, begotten not created. (Refrain)

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;

sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest! (Refrain) 

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus to thee be all glory giv’n; 

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing (Refrain)

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE                       

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                       (Isaiah 9, 60) 

Leader: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

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

Leader: but the Lord will arise upon you, and God’s glory will appear over you.

Congregation: Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

Congregation: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.

All: Let us celebrate the Light of the world, for upon us has the Light shined.

SCRIPTURE READING                                                       Luke 2:41-52   

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

OFFERITORY                    “Tiny Miracle”                         Pepper Choplin

Come and see this tiny miracle, come and see this holy Child. 

Come and see this tiny miracle, there’s a spiritual presence here. 

O come and see this tiny being and know we’re seeing the holy Christ child. 

Come and see this tiny miracle, hear the lyrical baby’s cry.

It is the sound of new creation, the Incarnation, the holy Christ Child.

Come and see this holy Child. Come bow and worship.

We bring gifts of praise to lay before Him as we adore Him, the Lord, 

the Lord of Lords is here in this town, the town of Bethlehem,

few will welcome Him on His birth day

until the angels rouse the shepherds and start forever to celebration.

We come bow to worship We bring gifts of praise to lay 

before Him as we adore Him, the Lord. 

O Come and see this tiny miracle, there’s a spiritual presence here. 

O come and see this tiny being and know we’re seeing the holy Christ Child.

Come and see, the holy Child of God. 

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE                                                         

HYMN                      “The First Nowell”                    THE FIRST NOWELL

  1. The first Nowell the angel did say 

was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,

in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, 

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

Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the king of Israel. 

  1. They look-ed up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far;

and to the earth it gave great light, 

and so it continued both day and night. (Refrain) 

And by the light of that same star

three wisemen came from country far;

to seek for a king was their intent,

and to follow the star wherever it went. (Refrain)

This star drew nigh to the northwest;

o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,

and there it did both stop and stay,

right over the place where Jesus lay. (Refrain)

SCRIPTURE                                                                   Matthew 2:1-18

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

   who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

‘A voice was heard in Ramah,

   wailing and loud lamentation,

Rachel weeping for her children;

   she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’

MESSAGE             “Not a Snow Globe World”                 Rev. Susan Lassalle

HYMN             “Good Chriatian Friends Rejoice”         IN DULCI JUBILO

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;

give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today;

ox and ass before him bow, ands he is in the manger now.

Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice;

now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this!

He has opened heaven’s door, and we are blest forever more.

Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;

now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save!

Calls you one and calls you all to gain the everlasting hall.

Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION



Order of Worship 12_24_21

Nativity of the Lord: Christmas Eve

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

December 24, 2021 Six O’Clock in the Evening

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Please silence all cell phones.. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE                       

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive) 

Candle Lighter: We gather together tonight as those who gathered around a manger at the birth of Jesus. 

Minister, Staff, and Choir: We gather as those who wish to worship fully.

Grandparents: We gather as those who wish to spend less, knowing that spending more, does not mean loving more.

Parents: We gather as those who wish to give more, more of ourselves. 

Children: We gather as those who wish to give to others what we have.

(Light the Candles) 

Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said, 

“My soul magnifies the Lord, 

and my spirit rejoices in God my savior,

for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of God’s servant.

Surely, from now on, all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is God’s name.

God’s mercy is for those who fear God

from generation to generation.

God has shown strength with his arm;

God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

God has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly;

God has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

God has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of God’s mercy,

according to the promise God has made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

One: We gather as the people of God to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

All: Let us worship God!

HYMN 41                     “O Little Town of Bethlehem”                  ST. LOUIS

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 street shineth the everlasting light;

the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. 

For Christ was 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 praising sing to God the king, a peace to all on earth. 

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,

where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in. 

O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to 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!         

LITANY FOR CHRISTMAS   

One: The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: For a child has been born for us, a Son has been given to us.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: To us is born in the City of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: And the Word became flesh and lived among us. 

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

Christ has been born! Give him glory! 

Christ has come down from heaven! receive him!

Christ is now on earth! Exalt him!

O earth, sing to the Lord!

O you nations, praise him in joy, for he has been glorified!

Amen!

PROCLAMATION

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN     “What Christmas Means”

ANTHEM               “Unless You Consider the Child”             Mary Kay Beall

It was an ordinary night, a night like many nights before.

It was an ordinary night, so ordinary, nothing more.

A common, ordinary night, a night like many nights you’ve known…

Unless you consider the child. 

It was a simple, little town, a town like many towns before.

It was a simple, little town, a common place and nothing more.

A place you never would recall, a place so easy to forget…

Unless you consider the child.

Unless you consider the star; unless you consider the kings from afar.

Unless you consider the angels who sang, it was an ordinary night.

It was an ordinary night, and in a simple, quiet town.

A humble stable set the stage, while sheep and cattle gathered round.

There was a manger filled with hay. “So ordinary,” some would say…

Unless you consider the child, the Son, the Promised One.

Unless you consider the child.

FIRST LESSON                                                           Luke 2:1-14 

 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,

   and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

L: The Word of the Lord.

P: Thanks be to God.                    

HOMILY                       “Word made Flesh”              The Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE  

OFFERTORY                      “Angel Song”       Patricia Mock and Jon Paige

Angels soar into the night singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Fill the earth with heav’nly light singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Tell the news to ev’ry nation.  Celebrate what God has done!

Miracles are just beginning.  Glory to the King! Glory to the newborn King!

Shepherds listen to the call, bringing glory to the newborn King!

Lift your voices one and all singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

All the world as one rejoices, lifting carols of joy and praise!

Fill the earth with joyful noises.  Glory to the King! Glory to the King! 

Glory to the newborn King! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

All creatures greet your Lord, singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Songs of joy have been restored!  Singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Come and join the celebration.  Come and raise your voice as one!

This our cry of jubilation! Glory to the King! Glory to the newborn King!

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 

It is right to give our thanks and praise…

…Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

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…

According to Christ’s commandment:

We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming 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

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

SCRIPTURE READING, John 1:1-14 

CANDLE LIGHTING, and CLOSING HYMNS: (on Back)

HYMN:           “Away in a Manger”         MUELLER

Away in a manger; no crib for his bed, 

the little Lord Jesus, lay down his sweet head.

The stars in bringt sky looked down where he lay,

the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes, 

but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.

I love thee Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,

and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. 

“Silent Night, Holy Night”           STILLE NACHT

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 a the sight;

glories stream from heaven afar, 

heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia: 

Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light

radiant beams from thy holy face, 

with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. 

Silent night, holy night! wondrous star, lend thy light;

with the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King:

Christ the Savior is born; Christ the savior is born.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION



Order of Worship 12_19_21

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

December 19, 2021   Fourth Sunday of Advent

   Ten Thirty in the morning Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart

Bold face indicates congregational participation.          🔔 indicates to stand in body or in spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE: Kazoo Choir

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE: Kate Russo/David Russo           “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Lighting the Advent Candles)

Candle Lighter: This is the day the Lord has made! 

Congregation: We will rejoice and be glad in it! 

Light the candle John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Women and girls: Because God loves the whole world, we spread God’s love by giving from our wealth. 

Men and boys: For clean drinking water and nourishing food. 

Congregation: And we give from our talents and time to those in need of companionship 

Clergy, Lay Leader, and choir: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. 

Congregation: As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. 

All: Amen.

CALL TO CONFESSION: Christian Hebert                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

Merciful God, in your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and have turned them into bonds of oppression. Lord, have mercy upon us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON : Brock Moore                    

🔔GLORIA PATRI

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

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

world without end, amen, amen. 

🔔HYMN                                           “My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout”   

  1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great, 

and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn, 

so from east and west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.

  1. Though I am small, my God my all, you work great things in me, 

and your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,

you will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

  1. From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

there are tables spread; every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

  1. Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:

God’s mercy will deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound, 

till the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. (Refrain)

PROCLAMATION

FIRST READING (p. 105)                                                                                                 John 1:1-18 NRSV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

ANTHEM                                             “The Word was Made Flesh”                     Lee Dangler

In gracious love God touched the earth and gave His Son in human birth 

that all the world might know and see the Son of God’s humanity. 

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, Jesus Christ our Lord!

The angels sang their tidings sweet, the shepherds worshiped at his feet,

this tiny boy, God’s gift to earth will prove to all His precious worth.

The Son of God we’ve come to know who washed our sins as white as snow

will come again, just wait and see, to dwell with us eternally.

       CHRISTMAS PLAY    

“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”

Cast: Reader 1: David Russo Mouse 1: Joseph Hebert Reader 2: Asher Ochart

Mouse 2/Scripture Reader: Mia Lauland Angel 1: Sean Sens Gabriel: Matthew Freudenthal Angel 2: Michael Sens Innkeeper: Brock Moore Shepherd 1: Christian Hebert

Shepherd 2: Caleb Hebert Shepherd 3: Deborah Nolan Mary: Kate Russo Joseph: Ian Nolan

The First Nowell (#56)

  1. The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,

in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the king of Israel. 

  1. They look-ed up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far;

and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. (Refrain) 

Away in a Manger (#25)

  1. Away in a manger; no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky look down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

  1. The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes, close by me forever and love me, I pray.

I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. 

Angels We Have Heard on High (#23)

  1. Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, 

and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.

(Refrain) Glo-o-o-oria in excelsis Deo! Glo-o-o-oria in excelsis Deo!

  1. Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? 

    what the gladsome tiding bring, which inspire your heavenly song. 

     RESPONSE 

    RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

    OFFERTORY: Caleb Hebert                            “Carol of the Bells”                                   

    🔔DOXOLOGY

    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. 

    🔔HYMN 29                                       “Go Tell it on the Mountain”

    (Refrain) Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; 

    go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. 

    1. While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night, 

    behold throughout the heavens, there shone a holy light.

    1. The shepherds feared and trembled, when lo! above the earth

    rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth.

    1. Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,

    and God gave us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.

    PARTING PRAYER: Deborah Nolan                                             Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

    Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Amen.

    CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

    POSTLUDE: David Russo                                  “What a Wonderful World”   



Order of Worship 12_12_21

Christmas Cantata

December 12, 2021   Third Sunday of Advent

   Ten Thirty in the morning

Ministers: The Rev Susan Lassalle The Reverend Aaron Ochart                            

Bold face indicates congregational participation.          

🔔 indicates to stand in body or in spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE                                    Partita on ES IST EIN ROS                        

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Lighting the Advent Candles)

Candle Lighter: Why am I worried? 

Fathers and Grandfathers: Why do I worry about what I will wear, or how many gifts I have to buy? 

Mothers and Grandmothers: Why am I buying gifts? Because I have to? Or out of love? 

Children and youth: Do I have enough? What can I share? 

(Light the candle)

(Video) Matthew 1:21-23 

“She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: 

Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, 

And they will call him, Emmanuel. 

(Emmanuel means “God with us.”)”

Readers: God has given us so much, yet we insist on acquiring more. 

Choir: God doesn’t ask for things, God asks for our hearts. 

Congregation: I can give something more valuable than a box, that costs less and means more. Let us pray 

Great joy giver, you  have given us all that we need to flourish as your children. Help us find the deep joy  that comes not from treasure, but from you. Amen.

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

Merciful God, in your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and have turned them into bonds of oppression. Lord, have mercy upon us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

🔔GLORIA PATRI

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

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

world without end, amen, amen. 

🔔HYMN                       My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout”   

  1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great, 

and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn, 

so from east and west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring. 

Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, 

and the world is about to turn.

  1. Though I am small, my God my all, you work great things in me, 

and your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,

you will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

  1. From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

there are tables spread; every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

  1. Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:

God’s mercy will deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound, 

till the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. (Refrain)

PROCLAMATION

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE: 

SCRIPTURE READING                             Isaiah 55:1-13

CHRISTMAS CANTATA         “Night of the Father’s Love”                    by Pepper Choplin

Narration: Louise Ochart, Joseph Palermo, and David Russo

Choir:Bill Bottomly, Sandy Cranfill, Sharon Fortin, Sam Garnett, Aaron Ochart, Paula Palermo, Ron Palmisano, Evelyn Tobey, Ann Trapani

“The Coming of the Lord”

Lift up your heads O gates, and make the highway straight,

Prepare to celebrate the coming of the Lord.

Your waiting soon will end, God’s glory will descend,

Rise up and welcome in the coming of the Lord!

Prepare the way for the coming of the Lord!

The ancient words foretell, God with us, He will dwell,

Christ, our Emanuel, and all will see the glory of the Lord!

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

And then the deaf will hear, the blind will see Him clear,

The mute will find their voice, the lame will leap for joy,

Prepare the way for the coming of the Lord!

“Waiting”

We gather here to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. We come to remember when God visited the earth in the form of a child. And we meet to worship the Lord and celebrate the new life he offers us. We pray that we will experience God’s presence in a fresh way. This is the true meaning of Christ’s birth. The angel said that he would be “Emmanuel,” which means, “God with us”. God is always with us. But when we welcome His Spirit into our hearts and minds, we experience the comfort and power of God’s presence. 

Before Christ came into the world, God’s people awaited his arrival for centuries. So now, we wait- that God will move among us as we listen to the story of the Christmas miracle. The psalmist said, “…the Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him, it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Come… let us be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. 

Waiting, we are waiting, Lord. Waiting, we are waiting, Lord. Fill our mind ‘til we find Your light, Your truth.

Now let us know Your presence, Lord, Emmanuel, God, be with us. 

We welcome you with open hearts, Emmanuel, God be with us. God be with us, Emmanuel. 

Listening, we are listening, Lord. Listening, we are listening, Lord. Draw us near, let us hear Your Word for us. 

Now let us know your presence, Lord, Emmanuel, God be with us. 

We welcome you with open hearts, Emmanuel, God be with us. God be with us. Emmanuel.

Patience, give us patience, Lord. Patience, give us patience, Lord. 

When we pray, give us faith that You hear ev’ry prayer. As we’re waiting… We are waiting… Waiting.

Angels are Making Their Rounds

Narration: While the world waited, the Spirit of God was stirring. Angels began to appear and brought messages to earth as they prepared for Christ’s birth. And the angel said to Mary, Then the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah. Behold, the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Fear not…” “Fear not, Zechariah, your prayer has been heard.” “…fear not, Joseph, to take Mary as your wife…” “Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” “Zechariah, your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name, John.” “And behold, Mary, you will conceive in your womb, and you shall bring forth a son…” “…and she shall bring forth a son…” “…and you shall bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus.” “…and you shall call his name Jesus.”

Angels are making their rounds, O what a beautiful sound, angels are making their rounds.

Fear not Zechariah, for the Lord has heard your prayer. Elizabeth will bear a son.

Hail, O blessed one, you have favor with God. 

Angels are making their rounds, O my, what a beautiful sound. 

Heaven’s glory comes down when angels are making their rounds.

Fear not, Joseph, go and take Mary to be your wife, for she carries a holy Child.

Unto you is born a Savior, glory to God and peace on earth,for now the Lord is with you. 

Angels are making their rounds, O my, what a beautiful sound. 

Heaven’s glory comes down when angels are making their rounds.

“Night of the Father’s Love”

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to see,

He is Alpha and Omega.  He the source, the ending He.

Of the things that are, that have been and the future years shall see,

Evermore and evermore.

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.  

“The Shepherd’s Song”

While shepherd’s watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came near and glory shone around.

He said, “Fear not for I bring good news, it shall be for all people.

For unto you is born this day a Savior, Christ the Lord.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

For unto you is born this day, there, in Bethlehem,

A Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be your sign:

And this shall be the sign to you: for you shall find the baby,

there, all wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.”

The angel then was surrounded by a great and glorious throng,

And while the shepherds watched by night, the angels raised their song:

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

“Seeking the King”

Seeking, seeking the newborn King.

The road is dark, the dust is dry.  We find our path by star-light.

We are seeking the King.

Though we are tired, the journey’s long, we walk in faith to carry on.

We bring gold to crown Him with royalty,

Frankincense to show His divinity. 

We bring myrrh, the fragrance used when someone dies,

Though we’re not sure the reason why.

Now, we are so tired, we’ve come so far,

But now, once again, we see the star,

Now we rejoice with great joy,

We’re rejoicing, now we see the star of wonder, star of night,

Star of royal beauty bright.  Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to Thy perfect light.

And when we find the newborn King, our greatest gift we then shall bring

When we worship the King.  We’ll worship the newborn King.

“Fall on Your Knees”

Come see the Child, He is here by the fire,

Silently come, draw near the manger side.

Look in His face and see the world’s salvation,

And feel the holy peace, fall on your knees.

Open your eyes, now the holy star is rising,

Rays of the light will shine to touch your soul.

Open your heart to the glory and the wonder.

Feel the holy peace, fall on your knees.

Fall on your knees!  O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born.

Come now, and fall on your knees as you worship in His presence.

Thanks be to God you have found the holy Child.

Blessed are all who have seen the Lord’s salvation.

Come and lift your voice.  Let your heart rejoice

And praise the Prince of peace, fall on your knees.

“Christ is Born, Nowell!”

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

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.

Nowell! Heaven’s angel come to tell, “Christ is born, Nowell!”

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,

and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.

Nowell!  Joyous news we come to tell, “Christ is born, Nowell.”

“Now Christ is born!  Now all is well!”

Hail the heav’n born Prince of Peace!  Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings, ris’n with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.

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

 RESPONSE 

🔔AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                              Heidelberg Catechism: BOC 4.001                

Q1: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

A1: 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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                            “O Come All Ye Faithful”                         Arr. Patricia Cota

Handbells: Bill Bottomley, Sandy Cranfill, Sharon Fortin, Cindy Fredenthal, Karla Russo, and Ann Trapani

🔔DOXOLOGY

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. 

🔔HYMN 5                       Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”

1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; 

ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in his hand

Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand. 

  1. King of kings yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood,

Lord of Lords inhuman vesture, in the body and the blood,

he will give to all the faithful his own self for heavenly food.  

  1. Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way,

as the Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day,

that the powers of hell may vanish as the shadows clear away.

  1. At his feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim with ceaseless eye,

veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice their cry,

“Alleluia, aleluia, alleluia Lord most high!”

PARTING PRAYER                                                                    Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE         Carillon from 24 Pieces en style libre (excerpt) – Louis Vierne 



Order of Worship 12_05_21

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

December 5, 2021   Second Sunday of Advent

   Ten Thirty in the morning

                                    Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart                           

Liturgist: Suzanne Wooderson

Bold face indicates congregational participation        

  🔔 indicates to stand in body or in spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE         From Heaven to Earth I Come – Pachelbel                          

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Lighting the Advent Candles)

Candle Lighter: What is this season about?

Children and youth: Why do I have so many things? 

Choir, Minister and Lay Leader: Where did it all come from? 

All: And I don’t know where to put it all. 

Light the candle 

(Video) Matthew 6:19-21 “Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth, where moth and rust eat them and where  thieves break in and steal them. Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and  rust don’t eat them and where thieves don’t break in and steal them. Where your treasure is, there your  heart will be also.” 

Candle Lighter: I have so much more than things. 

Congregation: I have talents and time to share with everyone. 

All: We can give so much more while spending less. 

Let us pray: Prince of peace, we fill our lives with anxiety so that we are always in battle. Come among us today,  remind us of what is necessary, and give us grateful hearts. Amen.

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

Merciful God, in your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and have turned them into bonds of oppression. Lord, have mercy upon us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

🔔GLORIA PATRI

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

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

world without end, amen, amen. 

🔔HYMN                                           “My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout”   

  1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great, 

and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn, 

so from east and west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.

  1. Though I am small, my God my all, you work great things in me, 

and your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,

you will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

  1. From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

there are tables spread; every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

  1. Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:

God’s mercy will deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound, 

till the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. (Refrain)

PROCLAMATION

FIRST READING (p. 105)                                                                                                        John 11:17-27

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE:     

ANTHEM                                      Little Drop of Heaven- Pepper Choplin

Let a little drop of heaven fall to earth.   Bring peace to this world.

Let a little drop of heaven come to earth.  Bring peace, sweet peace.

Let a little drop of heaven come to earth.  Bring peace to this world. 

Let peace come, Your will be done, let it be done on this earth as it is in heaven.

Let peace come, Your will be done. Let it be done. 

Let Your peace come down from heaven to this world. We pray for peace. 

Let a little drop of heaven fall to earth.  Bring love, true love. 

Let a little drop of heaven come to earth. Bring love to this world.  Bring peace to this world.

Let love come, Your will be done, let it be done on this earth as it is in heaven.

Let your love come down from heaven to this world.  We pray for love.

 

Let a little drop of heaven come to earth.  Bring joy, sweet joy.

Let a little drop of heaven come to earth.  Bring joy to this world.

Let a little drop of heaven come down.  Bring peace, love and joy to this world.

SECOND READING (p. 806)                   Ezekiel 37:1-14

SERMON:              “Deez Bones”    the Rev. Aaron Ochart   

 RESPONSE 

🔔AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                                                                            Scots’ Confession

We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom alone we must worship, and in whom alone we must 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 Spirit; 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 his inscrutable providence for such end as his eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of his own glory.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                              “Sing of Mary, Pure and Holy”                                 Arr. Matthew Armstrong

 🔔DOXOLOGY

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. 

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

   The Lord be with you. And also with you.

   Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

   Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise…

…Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

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…

According to Christ’s commandment:

We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming glory…

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

🔔HYMN 260                                       “A Mighty Fortress is our God”

1 A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing. Our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe. 

His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he.

Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle.

3 And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him.

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure. One little word shall fell him.

4 That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth.

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also.

The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still. His kingdom is forever.

PARTING PRAYER                                                                    Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE             “A Mighty Fortress”                                                                                           Walcha


Order of Worship 11_14_21

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

25th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

November 14, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Lynn Sens

Please silence all cell phones. 

Face masks are to be worn by all participants unless leading worship.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME           

PRELUDE     Chaconne in F Minor by Pachelbel

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                    Isa. 12:2         

ONE: Surely God is our salvation;

MANY: Trust in the Lord and do not be afraid.                                                       

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of all people, Show us how to let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an every-flowing stream. Create justice and righteousness in us, that all may rejoice in your blessings. Amen.

HYMN                              “Together We Serve”

  1. Together we serve, united by love,

inviting God’s World to the glorious feast.

We work and we pray through sorrow and joy,

extending God’s love to the last and the least.  

  1. We seek to become a beacon of hope,

a lamp for the heart and a light for the feet.

We learn, year by year, to let love shine through

until we see Christ in each person we meet. 

  1. We welcome the scarred, the wealthy, the poor,

the busy, the lonely, and all who need care.

We offer a home to those who will come,

our hands quick to help, our hearts ready to dare.

  1. We gather, by grace, we witness and work,

remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong.

Together we serve in Spirit and truth,

 Remembering love is the strength of our song. 

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love. We have not loved our neighbors, and we have refused to hear the cry of the needy.

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

FIRST LESSON                                                          John 7:10-18, 37-44                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN    

ANTHEM                             Author of Justice                      Jordan/Larson

Author of justice, on time’s endless page, 

Your theme is justice in race, creed and age;                                                                                  Justice for women, for children, for men.  

Stewards of justice, we pledge our “Amen.”                                                                                        Where there is someone unfairly accused, 

where there is strength and in power abused,                                                                                   Where prejudice lives, and dignity dies, 

lead us to action courageous and wise.                                                                                                 Let it be written we sang freedom’s song, 

challenging rights that are morally wrong.                                                                                      From rage and chaos, to hope and control, 

Author of justice, heal our wounds, make us whole.                                                                             Friends of the helpless, of victims in need, 

foes of intolerance, hatred and greed;                                                                                             May we move mountains, as faith lights our way.  

Brighter tomorrows are born of today.                                                                                           Author of justice, your message impart, 

till loving kindness redeems ev’ry heart;                                                                                                     And earth embraces her new destiny,

 justice for everyone with true equity.  Amen.

 

        

SECOND LESSON                                         Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24

The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of King Uzziah of Judah and in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel, two years before the earthquake. And he said: The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds wither, and the top of Carmel dries up.

Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good,

and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals. I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

      

SERMON                         “Empty Devotion”               Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                   Brief Statement of Faith: Lines 1-8, 20-26, 27-27-41, 52-57, 77-80

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY      “God of Wonders” arr. Carol Tornquist             

*DOXOLOGY

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 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 434          “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples”

  1. Today we are all called to be Disciples of the Lord,

To help to set the captives free, Make plow-share out of sword,

To feed the hungry, quench their thirst, Make love and peace our fast,

To serve the poor and homeless first, Our ease and comfort last.

  1. God made the world and at its birth Ordained our human race

To live as stewards of the earth, Responding to God’s grace.

But we are vain and sadly proud, We sow not peace but strife,

Our discord spreads a deadly cloud That threatens all of life.

  1. Pray justice may come rolling down As in a mighty stream,

With righteousness in field and town To cleanse us and redeem.

For God is longing to restore An earth where conflicts cease,

A world that was created for A harmony of peace.

  1. May we in service to our God Act out the living word,

And walk the road the saints have trod Till all have seen and heard.

As stewards of the earth may we Give thanks in one accord

To God who calls us all to be Disciples of the Lord.

PARTING PRAYER               Thomas Merton

Almighty God, we thank you for all the gifts You have given us: our lives, our loved ones, all that we have and all that we are. Most of all, we thank You for Jesus, your Son and our Redeemer, who came among us to show us the way to eternal life. Jesus was the perfect steward of your gifts, showing that complete trust in You is necessary, and that giving of self is a most important part of following Him. May the offerings of our time, our talents, and our material resources be made in the same spirit of sacrifice that Jesus taught us by His life and death for us.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE     Toccata in C                        



Order of Worship 11_07_2021

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

24th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

November 7, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Lenny Nelson

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME    

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS

PRELUDE               “Celtic Blessing” by Jeff Perks

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP 

ONE: Let us call upon the one who knows every thread in the fabric of our lives.

MANY: God of every seam and stitch, gather and mend us.

ONE: Let us call upon the one who embroiders new designs, who weaves new textiles with patience and delight.

MANY: God of every seam and stitch, gather and mend us.

ONE: Let us call upon the one who patches worn places with compassion.

MANY: God of every seam and stitch, gather and mend us.

ONE: We are the tapestry of God, each strand important to the pattern, each frayed end worth the mending, every thread a treasure.

MANY: May we hope in these words, may harmony be our mending.

ONE: Let us worship our God! 

HYMN OF THE MONTH     “Together We Serve”

  1. Together we serve, united by love,

inviting God’s World to the glorious feast.

We work and we pray through sorrow and joy,

extending God’s love to the last and the least.  

  1. We seek to become a beacon of hope,

a lamp for the heart and a light for the feet.

We learn, year by year, to let love shine through

until we see Christ in each person we meet. 

  1. We welcome the scarred, the wealthy, the poor,

the busy, the lonely, and all who need care.

We offer a home to those who will come,

our hands quick to help, our hearts ready to dare.

  1. We gather, by grace, we witness and work,

remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong.

Together we serve in Spirit and truth,

Remembering love is the strength of our song. 

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                               John 12:27-36

 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN    

ANTHEM                  “Softly and Tenderly”               Charles McCartha

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me.

With open arms He is waiting and watching, watching for you and for me.

Come home, come home, you who are weary, come home.

Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling, “O sinner, come home!”

Why should we linger when Jesus is pleading, 

pleading for you and for me?

Why turn away when He offers His mercy, mercy for you and for me?

Come home, come home, you who are weary, come home.

Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling, “O sinner, come home!”

O for the wonderful love He has promised, promised for you and for me!

Though we have sinned He brings mercy and pardon, 

pardon for you and for me.

Come home, come home, you who are weary, come home.

Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling, “O sinner, come home!”

SECOND LESSON                                                       1 Kings 19:1-18

ONE: The Words of God for the People of God

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON       “What Are You Doing Here?”          Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE   

PRAYER OF BLESSING                                                                        

ONE: O Lord, bless the signs of our heritage we have presented today and bless the people of the clans and families which they signify. May we strive to live up to the very highest ideals they represent.

MANY: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

ONE: We thank you, God, for your Word which has ordained a rich heritage of faith and sacrifice from our ancestors: from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to David, so onward to the incarnation of Jesus, to the establishment of his church: our brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere. Never let us forget that a heritage of faith is a joy to be shared.

MANY: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

ONE: Thank you, O God, for the blessings of family; the warmth, comfort, and security of family love. Never let us forget that our family love is a gift to be shared with kin and stranger.

MANY: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

ONE: We praise you, O God, for those who have lived and died in Christ. We especially those who have died in the last year: Randall Patrick Antill, Dorothy Egan, Alba Hill, James Kennedy III, Julie Laporte, Eloyease Lybrand, The Rev. Michael Benjamin Mann, Bill Memmott, Mildred Miley, Joann Chastain Nunguesser, and Charlotte Diane Parry.

MANY: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

ONE: On behalf of all clans, families, and nations, we stand before God in gratitude for our heritage, and we pray God’s blessings on all beloved children in all lands.

MANY: We proclaim that we are united in the covenant of Jesus, the Christ, for there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. Amen.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                               Confession of Belhar

We believe that God has entrusted the church with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ; 

that the church is called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that the church is called blessed because it is a peacemaker, that the church is witness both by word and by deed to the new heaven and the new earth in which righteousness dwells…

that the credibility of this message is seriously affected and its beneficial work obstructed when it is proclaimed in a land which professes to be Christian, but in which the enforced separation of people on a racial basis promotes and perpetuates alienation, hatred and enmity…

Therefore, we reject any doctrine which, in such a situation sanctions in the name of the gospel or of the will of God the forced separation of people on the grounds of race and color and thereby in advance obstructs and weakens the ministry and experience of reconciliation in Christ. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY          

*DOXOLOGY

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. 

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

   The Lord be with you.

       And also with you.

   Lift up your hearts.

        We lift them to the Lord.

   Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise…

…Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

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…

According to Christ’s commandment:

We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming glory…

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

HYMN 563            “Lift Every Voice and Sing” 

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

ring with the harmonies of liberty.

Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies;

let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

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

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

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

let us march on, till victory is won.

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

felt in the days when hope unborn had died.

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

come to the place for which our parents sighed?

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

we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,

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

where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

PARTING PRAYER    

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Christ our Lord. Give us grace to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE (#596)  “May the Lord, Mighty God”

May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever;

grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavor.

Lift up your eyes and see God’s face, full of grace forever.

May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever. 

POSTLUDE    “Improvisation on SINE NOMINE”   



Order of Worship 10_31_21

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

October 31, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Jacob Russo

Please silence all cell phones. 

Face masks are to be worn by all participants unless leading worship.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME           

PRELUDE     Prelude in g BWV 558

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                              2 Thess. 1:3 

ONE: Thanks be to God for your abundant faith.

MANY: May the love of God continue to grow in us.                                                         

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The splendor of Solomon’s temple cannot compare to the majesty of your heart.

Show your heart in this place, that we might worship you with joy and gratitude. Amen.

HYMN                     “O God, Show Mercy to Us”

1 O God, show mercy to us, and bless us with your grace;

and cause to shine upon us the brightness of your face,

so that your way most holy on earth may soon be known,

and unto every people your saving grace be shown.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing;

in every land let praises and songs of gladness ring.

2 For you will judge the peoples in truth and righteousness,

and on the earth all nations will your just rule confess.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing.

Then earth in rich abundance to us its fruit will bring.

The Lord our God will bless us; our God will blessing send,

and all the earth will worship to its remotest end.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love. We have not loved our neighbors, and we have refused to hear the cry of the needy.

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

FIRST LESSON                                                                     John 2:13-22

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.  He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN    “Showing God That We Love Him”

ANTHEM                               Holy Manna

Lord! Shower us with holy manna, Lord, shower us from above.

We gather here to sing hosanna, we gather to share your love. 

We have gathered here to worship and adore the Lord, our God.

Will you pray with all your power while we try to preach the Word?

All is vain unless the spirit of the Holy One comes down.

Christians pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.

Lord! Shower us with holy manna, Lord shower us from above. 

We gather here to sing hosanna, we gather to share your love.

Let us love our God supremely, Let us love each other too,

Let us love and pray for sinners, till our God makes all things new. 

Christ will call us home to heaven, at his table we’ll sit down;

Christ will gird himself and serve us with sweet manna all around. 

        

SECOND LESSON                                                   1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13

Now King Hiram of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father; for Hiram had always been a friend to David. Solomon sent word to Hiram, saying, “You know that my father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor misfortune. So I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to my father David, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’    

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the ancestral houses of the Israelites, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. All the people of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the festival in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests carried the ark. So they brought up the ark of the Lord, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the most holy place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim made a covering above the ark and its poles. The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the holy place in front of the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside; they are there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses had placed there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites, when they came out of the land of Egypt. And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.”

SERMON                 “A House for God”                      Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             Confession of 1967 9.53-9.56

God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of man’s life: social and cultural, economic and political, scientific and technological, individual and corporate. It includes man’s natural environment as exploited and despoiled by sin. It is the will of God that his purpose for human life shall be fulfilled under the rule of Christ and all evil be banished from his creation. 

Biblical visions and images of the rule of Christ, such as a heavenly city, a father’s house, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom. The kingdom represents the triumph of God over all that resists his will and disrupts his creation. Already God’s reign is present as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in men and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgment and redemption. 

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.”

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN PRESENTATION 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                   “Ode to Joy”                   Kate and David Russo

*DOXOLOGY

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. 

HYMN 415                        “Come, Labor On” 

1.Come, Labor on. Who dares stand idle on the harvest plain

while all around us waves the golden grain?

And to each servant does the Master say, “Go work today.”

  1. Come, labor on. Claim the high calling angels cannot share;

to young and old the gospel gladness bear.

Redeem the time; it’s hours too swiftly fly. The night draws nigh.

  1. Come, labor on. Cast off all gloomy doubt and faithless fear!

No arm so weak but may do service here. 

Though feeble agents, may we all fulfill God’s righteous will. 

  1. Come, labor on. No time for rest, till glows the western sky, 

till the long shadows o’er our pathway lie,

and a glad sound comes with the setting sun, “Well done, well done!”

PARTING PRAYER               Thomas Merton

Almighty God, we thank you for all the gifts You have given us: our lives, our loved ones, all that we have and all that we are. Most of all, we thank You for Jesus, your Son and our Redeemer, who came among us to show us the way to eternal life. Jesus was the perfect steward of your gifts, showing that complete trust in You is necessary, and that giving of self is a most important part of following Him. May the offerings of our time, our talents, and our material resources be made in the same spirit of sacrifice that Jesus taught us by His life and death for us.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE   Fugue in G minor BWV 578 – J.S. Bach                

           



Order of Worship 10_24_21

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

22nd Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

October 24, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Jeremy Moore

Please silence all cell phones. 

Face masks are to be worn by all participants unless leading worship.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME           

PRELUDE     Verset – Léon Boëllmann

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                              Psalm 51:15    

One: O LORD, open my lips,

Many: And my mouth will declare your praise                

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of strength, In David you chose a king with a big heart. Create clean and willing hearts in us, and choose us to do your work. Amen.

HYMN                     “O God, Show Mercy to Us”

1 O God, show mercy to us, and bless us with your grace;

and cause to shine upon us the brightness of your face,

so that your way most holy on earth may soon be known,

and unto every people your saving grace be shown.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing;

in every land let praises and songs of gladness ring.

2 For you will judge the peoples in truth and righteousness,

and on the earth all nations will your just rule confess.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing.

Then earth in rich abundance to us its fruit will bring.

The Lord our God will bless us; our God will blessing send,

and all the earth will worship to its remotest end.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love. We have not loved our neighbors, and we have refused to hear the cry of the needy.

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

FIRST LESSON                                                                 Psalm 51:10-14

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.                                                                                                                                                         

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN    

ANTHEM            “Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God”      Carl Mueller

Create in me a clean heart, O God;

 and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; 

and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; 

and uphold me, with thy free spirit.

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; 

and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Create in me a clean heart, O God!

SECOND LESSON                                                        1 Samuel 16:1-13

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

          

SERMON                         “Clean Heart”                    Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 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 Christian Church is the congregation of the brethren in which Jesus Christ acts presently as the Lord in Word and Sacrament through the Holy Spirit. As the church of pardoned sinners, it has to testify in the midst of a sinful world, with its faith as with its obedience, with its message as with its order, that it is solely his property, and that it lives and wants to live solely from his comfort and from his direction in the expectation of his appearance.

The various offices in the church do not establish a dominion of some over the others; on the contrary, they are for the exercise of the ministry entrusted to and enjoined upon the whole congregation.

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.                     

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN PRESENTATION 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                  

*DOXOLOGY

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. 

HYMN                  My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

  1. My shepherd will supply my need; Jehovah is his name.

In pastures fresh he makes me feed, beside the living stream.

He brings my wandering spirit back when I forsake his ways,

and leads me, for his mercy’s sake, and paths of truth of grace.

  1. When I walk through the shades of death 

your presence is my stay;

one word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away.

Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;

my cup with blessings overflows; your oil anoints my head.

  1. The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;

O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.

There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;

no more a stranger, or a guest, but like a child at home. 

PARTING PRAYER     Thomas Merton

Almighty God, we thank you for all the gifts You have given us: our lives, our loved ones, all that we have and all that we are. Most of all, we thank You for Jesus, your Son and our Redeemer, who came among us to show us the way to eternal life. Jesus was the perfect steward of your gifts, showing that complete trust in You is necessary, and that giving of self is a most important part of following Him. May the offerings of our time, our talents, and our material resources be made in the same spirit of sacrifice that Jesus taught us by His life and death for us.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE               Flourish by Alan Bullard     



Order of Worship 10_17_21

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

21th Sunday after Pentecost

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

October 17, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Sheryl Wise 

Please silence all cell phones. 

Face masks are to be worn by all participants unless leading worship.

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME     

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN PRESENTATION                      

PRELUDE        

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                          1 Thess. 1:2–3

ONE: Give thanks to God for the faith we share;

ALL:  be steadfast in hope through Jesus Christ.                 

    

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Beckoning God, In the stillness of the night you called Samuel into your service. Call us into service with a voice we are able to hear, and give us hearts to come when we are called. Amen.

HYMN                     “O God, Show Mercy to Us”

1 O God, show mercy to us, and bless us with your grace;

and cause to shine upon us the brightness of your face,

so that your way most holy on earth may soon be known,

and unto every people your saving grace be shown.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing;

in every land let praises and songs of gladness ring.

2 For you will judge the peoples in truth and righteousness,

and on the earth all nations will your just rule confess.

Let all the peoples praise you; let all the nations sing.

Then earth in rich abundance to us its fruit will bring.

The Lord our God will bless us; our God will blessing send,

and all the earth will worship to its remotest end.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love. We have not loved our neighbors, and we have refused to hear the cry of the needy.

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

FIRST LESSON                                                                   John 20:19-23

                                                           

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 

                                                                                                                                                          

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN     “Listen and Reply”

ANTHEM                        “I Am Sending You”              Mary McDonald

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

And with these words, He said to them, “Receive the Holy One;

Forgive them of their sins and lead them to the Risen Son!”

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

How shall they believe in whom they’ve not heard?

How shall they call upon His name?

How shall they preach unless you go there and share in Jesus’ name?

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Go ye therefore to the world and tell them of Good News!

Teach them to do as I command and know I’m there with you!

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

SECOND LESSON                                                          1 Samuel 3:1-21

 

SERMON                       “Listening”                             Rev. Aaron Ochart 

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                        Westminster Shorter Catechism 

Q1. What is the main purpose for humanity?

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

Q2. What rule has God given to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God?

  1. 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.

Q3. What do the Scriptures mainly teach?
A. The Scriptures mainly teach what we are to believe about God, and what duty God requires of us.

Q6. How many Persons are there in the Trinity?
A. 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.

Q14. What is Sin?

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

Q18. What does this state of sin mean for humanity?
A. 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.

Q21. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
A. 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.

Q30. How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. 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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY               “Merry-Go-Round of Life”                 Caleb Hebert        

*DOXOLOGY

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. 

REAFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-

Jews and Greek, slaves and free– and we were all made to drink of the one Spirit. …

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world? I do.

Who is your Lord and Savior? Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love? I will, with God’s help.

            

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

HYMN 525                         “Here I Am, Lord”       

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go Lord, If you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.

I have wept for love of them, They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my words to them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go Lord, If you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them, My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide ‘Til their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.   

PARTING PRAYER     Thomas Merton

Almighty God, we thank you for all the gifts You have given us: our lives, our loved ones, all that we have and all that we are. Most of all, we thank You for Jesus, your Son and our Redeemer, who came among us to show us the way to eternal life. Jesus was the perfect steward of your gifts, showing that complete trust in You is necessary, and that giving of self is a most important part of following Him. May the offerings of our time, our talents, and our material resources be made in the same spirit of sacrifice that Jesus taught us by His life and death for us.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE