1. Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving

To God the creator triumphantly raise.

Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,

by guiding us on to the end of our days.

God’s banners are o’er us; pure light goes before us,

A pillar of fire shining forth in the night:

till shadows have vanished all fearfullness banished,

as forward we travel from light into light.

2. By law God enforces, the stars in their courses

the sun in its orbit obediently shine;

the hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,

the depths of the ocean proclaim God divine.

We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing;

with glad adoration a song let us raise,

till all things now living unite in thanksgiving:

“To God in the highest, Hosanna and praise!”

WORDS OF WELCOME

DEACON MINUTE AND MINUTE FOR MISSION: Program of Hope           

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. 7:17

ONE: The Lamb of God will be our shepherd;

MANY: he will guide us to the water of life.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of the Word, in the parable of the sower you showed us how your word can take root and grow within us. Nurture the seeds of your word in our hearts and help us to grow in faith and love. Amen.

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

*RESPONSE HYMN  (GTG#750)  Goodness is Stronger than Evil 

Goodness is stronger than evil;

Love is stronger than hate;

Light is stronger than darkness;

Life is stronger than death;

Victory is ours Victory is ours through Him who loves us.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

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

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

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         1 Thess 1:1-10

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY River in Judea John Leavitt

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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

*HYMN (Blue #272; GTG #22)   God of the Sparrow

1. God of the sparrow God of the whale

God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe

How does the creature say Praise

2. God of the earthquake God of the storm

God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature cry Woe

How does the creature cry Save

3. God of the rainbow God of the cross

God of the empty grave

How does the creature say Grace

How does the creature say Thanks

4. God of the hungry God of the sick

God of the prodigal

How does the creature say Care

How does the creature say Life

5. God of the neighbor God of the foe

God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love

How does the creature say Peace

6. God of the ages God near at hand

Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.

1. Jesus is Lord of all the earth.

He is the King of creation. Refrain.

4. Come let us praise the living God, 

joyfully sing to our Savior. Refrain.

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP 1 John 3:2

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

MANY: Peace be with you. The Risen Lord is here.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy Lord, your followers gave to your children something more powerful and more valuable than riches. They gave healing and hope. Bring healing and hope into our world and show us evidence of your presence in our lives. Amen.

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

*RESPONSE HYMN  (GTG#800)   Sometimes a Light Surprises

1 Sometimes a light surprises the child of God who sings;

it is the Lord who rises with healing in his wings;

when comforts are declining, he grants the soul again

a season of clear shining to cheer it after rain.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

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

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

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         Acts 3:1-10

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON      “The Name of Jesus”           Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH          Westminster Shorter Catechism               

ONE: What is the main purpose for humanity?

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

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

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

ONE: What do the Scriptures mainly teach?

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

ONE: How many Persons are there in the Trinity?

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

ONE: What is Sin?

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

ONE: Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

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

ONE: How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Waltz in A major, Op. 39/15 J. Brahms 

Lucia Benevento

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

LORD’S PRAYER

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

*HYMN (Blue #343; GTG #761)           

Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

1. Called as partners in Christ’s service, 

called to ministries of grace,

We respond with deep commitment 

fresh new lines of faith to trace.

May we learn the art of sharing, 

side by side and friend with friend,

Equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end.

2. Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring, 

Christ’s clear call to work and worth

let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth.

Men and women, richer, poorer, 

all God’s people young and old,

blending human skills together 

gracious gifts from God unfold.

3. Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission, 

in a small or global sense,

help us bear each other’s burdens, 

breaking down each wall or fence.

Words of comfort, words of vision, 

words of challenge said with care,

bring new power and strength for action, 

make us colleagues free and fair.

4. So God grant us for tomorrow ways to order human life

• The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad,

the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.  

From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free,

our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.

3. Now let the heavens be joyful; let earth its song begin;

the round world keep high triumph 

and all that is therein.

Let all things seen and unseen 

their notes of gladness blend,

for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end. 

WORDS OF WELCOME          

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP John 20:19, 21

ONE: Peace be with you. Jesus stands among us. 

MANY: Peace be with you. The Risen Lord is here.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

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

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

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         John 20:19-31

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.’

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON           “Slow to Understand”               Mike Isham

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                           Heidelberg Catechism               

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

LORD’S PRAYER

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

*HYMN (Blue #104; GTG #248)           

“Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!”        HYMN TO JOY

1. Christ is risen! Shout hosanna! Celebrate this day of days!

Christ is risen! Hush and wonder: all creation is amazed.

In the dessert all surrounding, 

see a spreading tree has grown.

Healing leaves of grace abounding 

bring a taste of love unknown. 

2. Christ is risen! Raise your spirits 

from the caverns of despair. 

Walk with gladness in the morning. 

See what love can do and dare. 

Drink the wine or resurrection, not a servant, but a friend.

Jesus is our strong companion. 

Joy and peace shall never end. 

3. Christ is risen! Earth and heaven 

never more shall be the same. 

Break with bread of new creation 

where the world is still in pain.

Tell its grim, demonic chorus: “Christ is risen! Get ye gone!”

God, the First and Last is with us. Sing hosanna every one!

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (Blue #113; GTG #245)       

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today!”       LLANFAIR

“Christ the Lord is risen today!” Al-le-lu-ia!

All creation, join to say: Al-le-lu-ia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Al-le-lu-ia!

Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Al-le-lu-ia!

POSTLUDE                         

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

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

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

STAFF

1. Jesus Christ is risen today, Al-le-lu-ia! 

our triumphant holy day, Al-le-lu-ia!

who did once upon the cross, Al-le-lu-ia!

suffer to redeem our loss, Al-le-lu-ia!

2. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Al-le-lu-ia! 

unto Christ, our heavenly king, Al-le-lu-ia!

who endured to cross and grave, Al-le-lu-ia!

sinners to redeem and save. Al-le-lu-ia!

3. But the pains which he endured, Al-le-lu-ia!

our salvation have procured. Al-le-lu-ia!

Now above the sky he’s King, Al-le-lu-ia!

where the angels ever sing. Al-le-lu-ia!

4. Sing we to our God above, Al-le-lu-ia!

praise eternal as God’s love. Al-le-lu-ia!

Praise our God, Ye heavenly host, Al-le-lu-ia!

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Al-le-lu-ia!

WORDS OF WELCOME   

MINUTE FOR MISSION: One Great Hour of Sharing          

ADORATION

LITANY for EASTER

ONE: This is the day that the Lord has made; 

let us rejoice, and be glad in it.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: This is the good news we have received,

in which we stand, and by which we are saved:

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: That Christ died for our sins, and was buried,

and rose again on the third day.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: He appeared to Peter, and to the twelve,

and to many faithful witnesses.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: At last he came to us, that we might come to believe

and proclaim this good news to the world. 

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

*HYMN (Blue #118; GTG#233)    

“The Day of Resurrection!”    LANCASHIRE

• The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad,

the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.  

From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free,

our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.

1. Let hearts be purged of evil that we may see aright

the Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light,

and listening to his accents, 

may hear, so calm and plain,

his own “All hail!” and hearing, 

may raise the victor strain. 

3. Now let the heavens be joyful; let earth its song begin;

the round world keep high triumph 

and all that is therein.

Let all things seen and unseen 

their notes of gladness blend.

for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end. 

       

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

* RESPONSE HYMN (GTG#241) Woman, Weeping in the Garden 

1 Woman, weeping in the garden,

who has pushed the stone aside?

Who has taken Jesus’ body, Jesus Christ the crucified?

5 Woman, dancing from the garden, 

find the others and proclaim

Christ is risen as he promised; 

tell the world he knew your name!

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI #581 

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

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

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         Mark 16:1-8

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

ANTHEM        Easter Introit  by Bob Moore

feat. Seth Guidry, trumpet

Cameron & Briana Mayfield, handbells

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY (GTG 609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

ONE: … According to Christ’s Commandment:

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

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

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

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN (Blue #108; GTG #246)           “Christ is Alive!”         TRURO

1. Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. 

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Lets streets and homes with praises ring. 

Love, drowned in death, shall never die. 

2. Christ is alive! No longer bound 

to distant years in Palestine,

but saving, healing, here and now,

and touching every place and time. 

3. In every insult, rift, and war,

where color, scorn, or wealth divide,

Christ suffers still, yet loves the more,

and lives, where even hope has died. 

4. Women and men, in age and youth,

can feel the Spirit, hear the call,

and find the way, the life, the truth,

revealed in Jesus, freed for all. 

5. Christ is alive, and comes to bring,

good news to this and every age,

till earth and sky and ocean ring

with joy, with justice, love, and praise. 

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (Blue #113; GTG #245)       

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today!”       LLANFAIR

“Christ the Lord is risen today!” Al-le-lu-ia!

All creation, join to say: Al-le-lu-ia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Al-le-lu-ia!

Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Al-le-lu-ia!

POSTLUDE  Christ the Lord is Risen Today arr. Carol Tornquist                     

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

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

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

STAFF

to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!

1 Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal Son,

who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and blessed One. [Refrain]

2 The people of the Hebrews with palms before thee went;

our praise and prayers and anthems before thee we present. [Refrain]

3 To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise;

to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. [Refrain]

4 Thou didst accept their praises;

accept the prayers we bring,

who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King! [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 118:26

ONE: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.

MANY: Hosanna in the highest!

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Hosanna! King of all, you reign over all. Reign in our lives, triumph over evil and teach us to follow in your footsteps. Amen.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN       

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

KYRIE [GTG#577]

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                   

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Mark 11:1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

CANTATA “The Passion Song”      by Lloyd Larson

Choir: Bill Bottomley, Lila Crotty, Sharon Fortin, Pat Ellzey, Will Ellzey, Cheryl Emery, Alice Hull, Linda Lowry, Aaron Ochart, Ron Palmisano, Renna Shows, Betty Wan, Theo Wan, Dee Watkins

Conductor: Kelly Cuppett Pianist: Tom Petterson

Movement I – Hosanna Intrada

Tune: ST. THEODULPH by Melchior Teschner (1584-1635)

arranged by Lloyd Larson

Narrator 1: The shouts of “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” seemed to echo in the streets of Jerusalem for days as people prepared for the Passover Feast. It was now the first day of the Feast and Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover meal?”

Narrator 2: Jesus said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there. 

Narrator 1: The disciples left, went into the city, and found everything just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared for the feast of the Passover Lamb.

Narrator 2: As evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve and they shared a feast of love. 

Narrator 1: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it. Giving it to His disciples, He said, “Take it; this is my body broken for you.”

Narrator 2: Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

Movement II – Feast of Love

Words and Music by Lloyd Larson

At the Lamb’s high feast of love, 

we praise our God who reigns above!

Praise the Servant who has gently led, 

who humbly shares the broken bread

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

Praise the One who by His love divine 

shares the cup of grace, the sacred wine,

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

“Remember me when you eat the bread, 

Remember me and the things I’ve said.

Remember me when you drink the cup.

Remember when I am lifted up 

I will draw the world unto me!

O children remember me.”

At the Lamb’s high feast of love, 

we praise our God who reigns above!

Praise the righteous One whom angels greet;

the King who kneels and washes feet 

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

Narrator 2: Following the meal, Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Narrator 1: Having already told them that one of the Twelve would betray Him, Jesus now told them that they would all fall away. “For it is written,” He said, “I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.”

Narrator 2: The prophecies of Jesus were to soon become reality as Judas, the betrayer, and a crowd armed with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the elders surrounded him. They seized and arrested Jesus. 

Narrator 1: They took him to a place where the religious leaders were gathered. Several of them made false accusations against Jesus. They condemned Him, saying He was worthy of death. 

Narrator 2: The religious leaders eventually reached a consensus. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate, the local Roman governor. As was customary at the Feast, the people were demanding the release of an imprisoned criminal named Barabbas. 

Narrator 1: Pilate asked the enraged crowd, “What shall I do, then, with the one you call King of the Jews?” “Crucify Him!” they shouted. “Crucify Him!”

Narrator 2: So Pilate had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. IN those few hours, the words of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled. 

Narrator 1: He was despised and rejected: a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. He was oppressed and afflicted; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. 

Movement III – Song of Golgotha

Words and music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating Tunes PASSION CHORALE and HERZLIEBSTER JESU

He was despised and rejected, scorned by His very own.

Yet He bore the cross of shame willingly.

He was pierced for our transgressions, broken and alone. 

Still, He chose to bear the cross for you and me. 

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows. 

Surely, surely He has born all our grief. 

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not say a word. 

And He bore the lowly cross to Calvary.

Like a lamb led to slaughter, He was crushed and suffered.

See the sacrificial Lamb upon the tree. 

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows. 

Surely, surely He has borne all our grief. 

Ah, holy Jesus, how have You offended,

that the mortal judgment has on You descended?

By foes derided, by Your own rejected, O most afflicted!

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows,

and borne all our grief. 

Narrator 1: Jesus was led away. Roman soldiers put a purple robe on Him and then twisted together a crown of thorns which they placed upon His head. In mockery they called out to Him, “Hail King of the Jews!”

Narrator 2: They struck Jesus on the head with a staff, spat upon Him, and continued to mock Him by falling on their knees in fake homage to the holy Lamb of God. 

Narrator 1: Then they put His own clothes back on Him and led Jesus out to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There He was crucified. 

Narrator 2: Those who passed by hurled insults at Jesus. Even those crucified with Him heaped insults on Him. 

Narrator 1: After several agonizing hours on the cross, with a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last. The Roman centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry, and saw how He died. In awe and wonder he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

Movement IV – Behold the Lamb

Words and music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating tunes NEAR THE CROSS and WONDROUS LOVE

Behold the Lamb, behold the Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb, the holy Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. 

Behold the Lamb!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss 

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul? 

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing

to God and to the Lamb I will sing!

To God and to the Lamb, who is the great “I AM,”

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing. 

Behold the Lamb of God, behold the Lamb of God! 

Behold the Lamb, the holy Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. 

Behold the Lamb! Behold the Lamb!

Narrator 2: Very early on the first day of the week following the Sabbath, just after sunrise, the women were on their way to the tomb. They asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb? 

Narrator 1: But as they looked up, they saw that the large stone had already been rolled away. They entered the tomb, and there they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side. They were very alarmed. 

 Narrator 2: But he said to them, “Do not be afraid! You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen! See the place where they laid Him. Now go and tell His disciples! Jesus is risen!”

Narrator 1: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy is the Lamb!

Narrator 2: He is worthy to receive power and wealth, wisdom and strength. He is worthy to receive honor glory and praise!

Narrator 1: Worthy is the Lamb!

Movement V – Resurrection Canticle

Words and Music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating tune DIADEMATA

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy is the Lamb!

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, the living Lamb of God. 

He’s worthy to receive power and wealth. 

He’s worthy of all wisdom and strength. 

He’s worthy of our honor and glory and praise!

Worthy is the Lamb! 

Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own. 

Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,

and hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of life, 

who triumphed o’er the grave,

and rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save. 

His glories now we sing, who died and rose on high,

who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! Risen now, forever to reign!

Worthy is the living Lamb of God!

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORDS’ PRAYER

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

*HYMN [BLUE#85] [GTG#215]  What Wondrous Love is This

1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,

what wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul!

3 To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,

to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;

to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;

while millions join the theme, I will sing!

4 And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,

and through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and through eternity I’ll sing on.

*PARTING PRAYER

Gracious God, our way in the wilderness, guide us, by your Word, through these forty days, and minister to us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be reformed, restored, and renewed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [BLUE#599] [GTG#227]  Jesus, Remember Me,

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

POSTLUDE         I Want Jesus to Walk with Me       arr. Jason Krug

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

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

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

STAFF

Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.

Chorus: You are the Potter; I am the clay.

Mold me and make me; this is what I pray.

Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN        

RESPONSE [GTG#368] We Fall Down

We fall down We lay our crowns At the feet of Jesus

The greatness of Mercy and love At the feet of Jesus

And we cry holy, holy, holy. And We cry holy, holy, holy.

And We cry holy, holy, holy Is the Lamb

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

KYRIE [GTG#577]

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                   

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Mark 13:1-8, 24-37

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

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

“But in those days, after that suffering,

the sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not give its light,

and the stars will be falling from heaven,

and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON       “Resurrection Life”             The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

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

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY       “You Are My Refuge” by Michael John Trotta

*DOXOLOGY

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

LORD’S PRAYER

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

*HYMN: [BLUE #5] [GTG#347] Let All Mortal Flesh 

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.

2 King of kings, yet born of Mary,

as of old on earth he stood,

Lord of lords, in human vesture,

in the body and the blood,

he will give to all the faithful

his own self for heavenly food.

3 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.

4 At his feet the six-winged seraph,

cherubim, with sleepless eye,

veil their faces to the presence,

as with ceaseless voice they cry,

“Alleluia, alleluia,

alleluia, Lord most high!”

*PARTING PRAYER

May the strength of God pilot us. May the power of God preserve us. May the wisdom of God instruct us. May the hand of God protect us. May the way of God direct us. May the shield of God defend us. May the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world. May Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ in us, Christ over us. May your salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and forevermore. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [BLUE#599] [GTG#227]  Jesus, Remember Me

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

POSTLUDE 

 

stoop to my weakness, mighty as thou art, and make me love thee as I ought to love.

3 Hast thou not bid us love thee, God and King;

all, all thine own, soul, heart, and strength, and mind?

I see thy cross; there teach my heart to cling. O let me seek thee, and O let me find!

5 Teach me to love thee as thine angels love, one holy passion filling all my frame;

the baptism of the heaven-descended Dove, my heart an altar, and thy love the flame.

WORDS OF WELCOME    

CALL TO ORDER and DECLARATION of QUORUM     

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                 Ephesians 5:8, 14

ONE: Live as Children of the light.

MANY: Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. 

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Lord of love, you have taught us that love is your greatest commandment.

Teach us to love as unconditionally as you love us. Amen.

*HYMN OF THE MONTH Change My Heart, O God (695)

Change my heart, O God; make it ever true. Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.

Chorus: You are the Potter; I am the clay. Mold me and make me; this is what I pray.

-CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE

• Brief Overview of CE: The Christian Education Committee has the duties of educating children, youth, and adults of John Calvin and providing a time of Christian Education to the children at the Playschool. We seek to help you deepen your faith through personal study, discernment, and fellowship activities for all ages. Through adult Sunday School, Youth Group, Children’s Church, Children’s Sermons, Youth Events, Youth Work Projects, Community Events, and Playschool Bible Time. 

• What we did in 2023

• We had several wonderful activities in 2023 including but not limited to: 

1. 1. 1. 1. 2 All church Work Days. Doing several projects all over campus
         2. Good Friday Day of Prayer with activities for all ages. 
         3. Father’s Day bowling and treats.
         4. A Youth Concert for Sundays at 6
         5. Celebrated the women of the church with flowers on Mother’s Day.
         6. We raised $870 for the Super Bowl of Caring to be used in our food pantry and gift cards
         7. We celebrated the graduation of High School Seniors with cake and gifts. 
         8. Events especially for youth. 
            1. Trip to the New Orleans Fan Expo 
            2. Workday at Okra Abby 
            3. Movie night and egg-stuffing party
            4. Youth Pool Party
            5. Jack-Box Party Game and Pizza Night
            6. June 18-24, 2023 we took 3 youths to Camp Agape.
               1.  Louise and Aaron were both counselors and Aaron was the spiritual leader and Teacher for the Camp. 

• Community Events, and Playschool Events

1. 1. 1. 1. Easter Egg Hunt: On April 1st with snacks, egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and crafts. 
         2.  2 All Church and Community Picnic. With food, Water Fun, get-to-know-you games, and The Saints game 

• Adult Education 

1. 1. 1. 1. From Jan. to Mar. we continued our intergenerational How To Read The Bible Series. 
         2. Over the summer, we started up prayer groups that would meet after church each Sunday have a small lesson on prayer, and then pray for a specific group of people. 
            1. After the summer the Deacons took over this activity. 
         3.  We started a New Sunday School series in Fall 2023: Off The Deep End Taught by Briana Mayfield. 
            1. Session 1 was a deep dive into the Gospel of John
            2. Season 2 was a Deep Dive into Maccabees  
         4. We had a Zoom Advent Book Study 
         5. We continue to offer topical book and Devotional recommendations each week. 

• Youth Sunday School and Children’s Church

1. 1. 1. 1. From Jan to March all ages were invited to join the intergenerational Sunday School.
            1. After the video, the kids had a brief discussion and then a time of fellowship.
         2. In the fall we started Fellowship time for youth instead of traditional Sunday School.
            1. Every other Sunday we had middle and high School Sunday School during this time using Spice Rack Curriculum. 
         3. We continue to use the narrative lectionary curriculum for elementary age so the kids are learning about the same scripture we are studying in Church, during our Children’s Church time 
         4. Once a month and most Sundays in Summer we had Bible Builds:
            1. This program continues to be a wonderful way to get the kids to engage with the Bible in a way that they enjoy and are excited about. 

•  Youth Services

1. 1. 1. 1. Youth Service based on the Lord’s Prayer: We had 11 kids involved in the service in various ways including a skit reminding us of the meaning behind the words of the Lord’s Prayer. 
         2. Christmas Service, with all the wonderful music and pageant. We had 11 youths involved in various ways. The youth did all the liturgy and presented a poetic twist on the nativity store. We celebrated after the service with Coffee, Chocolate milk, and  Cookies made by the youth.

• Playschool 

1. 1. 1. 1. Every other Monday we teach Bible Time for the 3 year olds classes. This includes a story, a song, prayer, and a handout to take home so their parents know what we studied and what’s going on here at Church. 
         2. Every Tuesday we host a Bible Time for the PK and TK classes. We open with a song, read a bible story, hear from Theophilus the faithful retriever, learn a new song, and close with prayer. We give them a take-home sheet with what they learned and tell them about the events here at church. 
            1. Special visit
               1. Pastor Aaron took us on a tour of the sanctuary and the special things we use in worship. 
               2. Kelly showed us how the organ and piano work and we learned more about worshiping God with music. 
            2. The kids also spent time learning about the bible stories told through our stained glass windows. 

• VBS: Hero Hotline July 18th – 22nd 

1. 1. 1. We had over 34 kids attend, 7 adults volunteered to be group leaders, 5 rotation leaders (Music, Craft, story, snack, and games), and between 10 and 12 youth volunteers (many not from our church).  

All in all, we had a fun and successful year with CE and we are looking forward to another awesome year in 2024. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN        

RESPONSE [GTG#62] Love the Lord Your God (62) 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart Love the Lord your God with all your soul

Love the Lord your God with all your mind Love the Lord your God with all that you are

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

KYRIE [GTG#577]

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                   

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE                                              Mark 12:28-44

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbor as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question.

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, ‘How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared,

“The Lord said to my Lord,

‘Sit at my right hand,

   until I put your enemies under your feet.’ ”

David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?’ And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.

As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

ANTHEM                      “I Give You a New Commandment”                                         by Peter Aston

ANNUAL MEETING

-CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE

• Brief Overview of CE: The Christian Education Committee has the duties of educating children, youth, and adults of John Calvin and providing a time of Christian Education to the children at the Playschool. We seek to help you deepen your faith through personal study, discernment, and fellowship activities for all ages. Through adult Sunday School, Youth Group, Children’s Church, Children’s Sermons, Youth Events, Youth Work Projects, Community Events, and Playschool Bible Time. 

• What we did in 2023

• We had several wonderful activities in 2023 including but not limited to: 

1. 1. 1. 1. 2 All church Work Days. Doing several projects all over campus
         2. Good Friday Day of Prayer with activities for all ages. 
         3. Father’s Day bowling and treats.
         4. A Youth Concert for Sundays at 6
         5. Celebrated the women of the church with flowers on Mother’s Day.
         6. We raised $870 for the Super Bowl of Caring to be used in our food pantry and gift cards
         7. We celebrated the graduation of High School Seniors with cake and gifts. 
         8. Events especially for youth. 
            1. Trip to the New Orleans Fan Expo 
            2. Workday at Okra Abby 
            3. Movie night and egg-stuffing party
            4. Youth Pool Party
            5. Jack-Box Party Game and Pizza Night
            6. June 18-24, 2023 we took 3 youths to Camp Agape.
               1.  Louise and Aaron were both counselors and Aaron was the spiritual leader and Teacher for the Camp. 

• Community Events, and Playschool Events

1. 1. 1. 1. Easter Egg Hunt: On April 1st with snacks, egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and crafts. 
         2.  2 All Church and Community Picnic. With food, Water Fun, get-to-know-you games, and The Saints game 

• Adult Education 

1. 1. 1. 1. From Jan. to Mar. we continued our intergenerational How To Read The Bible Series. 
         2. Over the summer, we started up prayer groups that would meet after church each Sunday have a small lesson on prayer, and then pray for a specific group of people. 
            1. After the summer the Deacons took over this activity. 
         3.  We started a New Sunday School series in Fall 2023: Off The Deep End Taught by Briana Mayfield. 
            1. Session 1 was a deep dive into the Gospel of John
            2. Season 2 was a Deep Dive into Maccabees  
         4. We had a Zoom Advent Book Study 
         5. We continue to offer topical book and Devotional recommendations each week. 

• Youth Sunday School and Children’s Church

1. 1. 1. 1. From Jan to March all ages were invited to join the intergenerational Sunday School.
            1. After the video, the kids had a brief discussion and then a time of fellowship.
         2. In the fall we started Fellowship time for youth instead of traditional Sunday School.
            1. Every other Sunday we had middle and high School Sunday School during this time using Spice Rack Curriculum. 
         3. We continue to use the narrative lectionary curriculum for elementary age so the kids are learning about the same scripture we are studying in Church, during our Children’s Church time 
         4. Once a month and most Sundays in Summer we had Bible Builds:
            1. This program continues to be a wonderful way to get the kids to engage with the Bible in a way that they enjoy and are excited about. 

•  Youth Services

1. 1. 1. 1. Youth Service based on the Lord’s Prayer: We had 11 kids involved in the service in various ways including a skit reminding us of the meaning behind the words of the Lord’s Prayer. 
         2. Christmas Service, with all the wonderful music and pageant. We had 11 youths involved in various ways. The youth did all the liturgy and presented a poetic twist on the nativity store. We celebrated after the service with Coffee, Chocolate milk, and  Cookies made by the youth.

• Playschool 

1. 1. 1. 1. Every other Monday we teach Bible Time for the 3 year olds classes. This includes a story, a song, prayer, and a handout to take home so their parents know what we studied and what’s going on here at Church. 
         2. Every Tuesday we host a Bible Time for the PK and TK classes. We open with a song, read a bible story, hear from Theophilus the faithful retriever, learn a new song, and close with prayer. We give them a take-home sheet with what they learned and tell them about the events here at church. 
            1. Special visit
               1. Pastor Aaron took us on a tour of the sanctuary and the special things we use in worship. 
               2. Kelly showed us how the organ and piano work and we learned more about worshiping God with music. 
            2. The kids also spent time learning about the bible stories told through our stained glass windows. 

• VBS: Hero Hotline July 18th – 22nd 

1. 1. 1. We had over 34 kids attend, 7 adults volunteered to be group leaders, 5 rotation leaders (Music, Craft, story, snack, and games), and between 10 and 12 youth volunteers (many not from our church).  

All in all, we had a fun and successful year with CE and we are looking forward to another awesome year in 2024. 

-PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN (PW) of

JOHN CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

PW Council 2023:

Sandy Cranfill Linda Lowry (Jan-Sept)

Emily Garland Barbara Remmelts

Lorraine Hicks Evelyn Tobey

Beverly Kennedy Ann Trapani

Jananne Lankard

The Presbyterian Women of John Calvin serve the church through Mission, Bible Study, and Fellowship.

MISSION

• Through a special collection, the PW bought school supplies for Alice Birney Elementary School. The supplies were given to the school in January 2023.
• Each year the Grace Circle (Bible Study) collects money for a Sunshine Fund. The Grace Circle bought a child’s bicycle for the Playschool Fun Fair Auction.
• In October, the PW coordinated the Fall Harvest Food Drive with the church and Playschool. This year’s collection was brought to Jefferson Presbyterian Church for their community food pantry.
• In December, 20 Salvation Army Christmas Angels were adopted by members of the congregation and sent back to the Salvation Army to bless children with a nice Christmas.

Many thanks to the John Calvin congregation for their generosity in reaching out to those in need!

BIBLE STUDY

A Bible Study for Presbyterian Women is scheduled for the 3rd. Tuesday of each month. It’s called the Grace Circle. The group meets at 10:00 AM in the church library. All women (and their friends) are welcome to attend. The curriculum comes from The Presbyterian Women of PCUSA. In January, the group study was Celebrating Sabbath: Accepting God’s Gift of Rest and Delight. The September Study was Sacred Encounters: The Power and Presence of Jesus Christ in Luke-Acts.

FELLOWSHIP

• Game Day – The PW sponsors a Game Day on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (with some exceptions). Anyone is welcome to attend.
• Palm Sunday Luncheon – The PW hosted a potluck luncheon after the Palm Sunday Cantata and invited the congregations of John Calvin, Chinese Presbyterian, and Little Farms United Church of Christ. Over 100 people attended.
• The PW hosted a Tablecloth dinner at Outback Steakhouse in May for any interested member of the congregation. A second Tablecloth dinner was offered in September at Sawgrass.
• Christmas Cantata Luncheon – The PW hosted a luncheon after the Christmas Cantata and invited the congregations of John Calvin, Chinese Presbyterian, and Little Farms United Church of Christ. Approximately 100 people attended.
• White Elephant Party – The annual White Elephant Party was held in December and was well attended, as usual.
• The PW worked in the kitchen and sweet booth for the Playschool Fair on March 11th.

For more information on the Presbyterian Women of the PCUSA, go to

www.presbyterianwomen.org

-OUTREACH COMMITTEE

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Committee Elders:  

Sue Crawford, Beverly Kennedy, Richard Britson, and Sharon Fortin

Frequent guests: Linda Lowry – Diaconate Chair, Louise Ochart – CE Committee Chair – Reverend Aaron Ochart

Did you notice?  We changed our name to the name that is always used anyway!  With session approval and along with the name change, we changed our structure to align with the Matthew 25 focus areas.  Learning about Matthew 25 was our theme throughout 2023.

Matthew 25 – Discovery

The Presbytery challenged all of our churches to consider becoming Matthew 25 Churches in 2023.  Sure, we could take a vote and sign-on, but the Outreach Committee decided that we needed to learn more before taking this step.  After looking into the resources, we determined that a Matthew 25 Bible Study would be a nice approach for the committee and congregation.

“August Cool Down Sundays!”

Joining in with the “Sundays at 6” activity planned by the music team at 6pm, we put together “Exploring Matthew 25” at 5pm and including a light supper.  The activities were held July 30 thru August 27.  We had 7 participants, and it was well received by those that attended.  A huge thank you to Joan and Sue for the desserts and snacks.

The most impactful session appears to have been a simulation activity.  Most participants learned things they never knew.

“Matthew 25 – Round 2”

An 2nd small group headed by Linda Lowry put together an additional 4-week Matthew 25 study to coincide with the sandwich making for Program of Hope throughout October.  Again the simulation activity was an eye opener.  Many expressed a wish that the Session would go through this activity.

Building Congregational Vitality

A huge “Thank You” to the Presbyterian Women and Beverly Kennedy who picked up the Tablecloth Dinner activity along with the White Elephant Party.  These seem to fit with the social event focused Game Day and Cookie Swap activities they have sponsored.  Thank you ladies for a job well done!

Church/Community Picnic

We invited Little Farms UCC , Chinese Presbyterian, and the Playschool to our Community Picnic on Sunday, May 21 after worship.  The picnic was sponsored by Outreach and Christian Ed, with lots of help from the congregation!  Thank you all for your help grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, and for bringing sides.  The kids enjoyed outside water activities and inside Video “Switch” golf and dance games.  Thank you to Louise Ochart and Sue Crawford for putting it all together!!

Glass Half Full

Several church members regularly take their glass down to Elysian Fields to the Glass Half Full recycling non-profit.  Neat idea, but kind of out-of-the-way.  Kelly Cuppett (with Sam) started collecting glass bottles and jars that they take to Glass Half Full and it really took off.  So much so the influx of glass became a bit overwhelming!  

Glass Half Full converts glass jars and bottles that have been going to landfills into sustainable and functional resources: glass sand and gravel that are used in applications from coastal restoration and flood mitigation to eco-construction (goes into concrete) and sandblasting.

So why not work the Glass Half Full organization to collect the glass right at our own church in a small corner of our large parking lot?  Glass Half Full will bring a glass collection bin and place it where we want it, then come periodically to pick up the bin and exchange it for a new one!  

Currently there are no glass drop-off locations outside of Orleans Parish.  Ours would be the first one in the area.

Kelly donated the money for the set-up fee, and we are using our portion of the Peace & Global Witness Offering to pay for the monthly fee.  This is the easiest outreach project ever!

Beer and Hymns & Carols in the Courtyard

Monday, April 24, we organized a Beer and Hymns event at Zony Mash.   We had a nice turnout of around 23 people, from 3 different local Presbyterian Churches, plus a few young people from Loyola.  Fun was had by all!

Thursday, Dec. 21, we held a new event geared to those who don’t want to venture down to New Orleans: Carols in the Courtyard!  Who’s courtyard?  Why, ours, under the large tree near the parking lot.  We had Christmas lights, and Kelly’s piano, and sang all the Christmas songs we could find – right out of the hymnals.  Sue provided cocoa and treats and folks brought a favorite beverage to enjoy with friends.  We had several from our church and 2 from Chinese PC, plus a few visitors, about 14 of us in all.

Wait, what?  “Favorite beverage”?  That sound like alcohol on the church grounds.  Yes, the session is considering allowing beer and wine, only, at events in the Fellowship Hall.  The session voted to allow beer and wine at this event.  It worked out fine, but probably would have been fine with or without the additional beverages.

Blood Drive

In the summer we were approached by a group wanting to hold a blood drive to benefit a 4-year-old girl with leukemia.  The event was held on Saturday, October 14 from 8.  All we had to do was open the Fellowship Hall, set up the table and chairs, bring snacks, and have a few volunteers on hand to help out. What a day!  We had nearly 200 people go through our Fellowship Hall!  

Thank you to Sue and Sharon for organizing, to Aaron and Louise for putting the flyer on the website and our Facebook page, and to Mike Fortin and the Deacons for set up, take down, and a dozen other tasks that needed doing!  Special thanks to the church members who donate blood.

The blood drive was done by “The Blood Center”.

Welcoming Card for Newcomers to the Area

Louise Ochart put together several wonderful options for a welcome card to send to people who recently moved into the area.  Due to inappropriate behavior by a member toward our pastor and his family, and the session’s struggle to deal with the problem, the welcoming card activity has been delayed until the session has a better idea of what we want our church to be.

Support for Church Activities

As always, the Outreach Committee is involved in support of the events that the other committees put together: easter egg stuffing, the easter egg Hunt, the Playschool Fair, the Church Work Day(s), etc.  Has anyone not noticed the repainting of our sign?

Dismantling Structural Racism

This possibly the toughest of the 3 Matthew 25 focus areas to tackle.  Our work with Program of Hope and our donations to some of the PCUSA offerings go toward dismantling structural racism, but nothing we are doing directly affects this problem.  In fact, we are generally unsure of what this really is and what the problem is.  With that in mind, we had several discussions within the Matthew 25 discovery sessions and participated in a simulation that addresses the structural aspects of racism.  Nearly everyone involved learned something new and gained a new understanding and appreciation for the ways our society have made life particularly difficult for our non-white neighbors.

 One discussion was about Juneteenth.  We found places to agree and place where we disagreed – with respect.  

Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.  Originating in Galveston, Juneteenth has since been observed annually in various parts of the United States, often broadly celebrating African-American culture. The day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law after the efforts of Lula Briggs Galloway, Opal Lee, and others. (Wikipedia)

Eradicating Systematic Poverty

Program of Hope

We continue to be leaders of Program of Hope, with 4 other Presbyterian congregations.  Program of Hope is a mission to the housing-challenged in New Orleans.  We provide lunch, a voucher for a night at the Salvation Army shelter, bus passes, toiletries, clothing, worship leadership, and most importantly a dignified, respectful, loving, respite from the world, on Wednesday mornings throughout the year.

We serve on the Advisory Board  for Program of Hope which meets via our zoom account monthly.  Program of Hope is pursuing becoming a New Worshipping Community to expand our ability to help our clients, and John Calvin PC’s Outreach Committee members are right in the thick of making the decisions.  John Calvin PC has been involved with Program of Hope for over 10 years, since Sue Crawford went to a meeting and got us involved.  

But it all comes down to the actual activities of which we have many to thank:

• Richard Britson has organized the volunteers and bought the food for years.  Lorraine Hicks spent time and effort.  This year, Sue Crawford has taken over much of that work.  Thank you both!
• Little Farms United Church of Christ is sending 3 or 4 people each Wednesday when it is our turn to serve.  This is really helping and the rest of the POH folks are getting to know and appreciate then.
• Aaron provides communion and a worship message at least once in the months when we serve, plus an empathic ear for our clients.
• All of you who stop by on Tuesday afternoons at 2:00 to make the sandwiches!  You vital to making this work.
• A huge thanks to our folks who come to serve on Wednesday’s.  In 2023 we’ve had much more of a role in working with the clothing, and our team is doing a great job of making it feel like a bit of a fun shopping experience for the clients, instead of a handout.

Program of Hope proved Narcan, and training on how and when to use it for all of the interested volunteers.

Clothing Drives

We held 2 clothing drives and subsequent sorting parties in 2023: one in May for summer clothes, and the other in September for winter clothing.

Thank you to everyone who donated the wonderful clean and well-kept clothing for the clients at Program of Hope!  And thank you to all of the sorters and labelers who came to package the clothing for easy use at POH.

Y’all did good!

Berean Presbyterian Church Christmas Party

Our Playschool holds a coat drive every year.  It is wonderful and many bags of coats for all ages are collected.  But what happens to those coats?  Did you know that the Outreach Committee are the ones who take care of distributing those coats?  In 2023, the coats for adults went to Program of Hope as part of their extra Christmas help for the clients.  But POH cannot use the children’s coats.

In 2023, the children’s coats all went to Berean Presbyterian Church for the Christmas party they hold for their community.  In making this arrangement, we discovered that they needed gifts for the young teens aged children, who are too old for “toys”.  A group of our wonderful women purchased all sorts of gifts for these kids, giving them a super Christmas!  Thank you ladies!!  We all make a great bunch of Mrs. Claus’s!

Ulster Project

Though our work with the Ulster Project is much smaller than what was needed many years ago, we are still involved.  Our church hosted a Northern Irish teenager this summer for the month of July.

PCUSA Offerings

This wonderful congregation always gives generously to the 4 PCUSA Offerings.  Thank you!

• One Great Hour of Sharing
• Pentecost – 40% stays here to impact the lives of young people within our community.
• Peace and Global Witness Offering – 25% stays here for peace projects.
• Christmas Joy Offering

You also give generously to Evergreen Life Services a long-time mission of this congregation.

Tackling our Money Troubles

Antique and Vintage Auction

Purely in an effort to do some small thing to decrease our budget, Sue Crawford along with Louise Ochart and Gwen Nolan came up with the idea of an On-Line “Antique and Vintage Item” Auction!  No one wanted to hear about a Yard Sale, so could we do something similar, but all on-line?

Using the “Auction32” platform that the Playschool uses for the Playschool Fair auction, Sue and Louise devised a way to sell donated items to fund a portion of the maintenance and insurance costs to run our church buildings!

Thank you to everyone who donated items and to everyone that purchased the items!  Gwen Nolan’s hand painted oyster shells were the rage. The auction made $1100!  Yes, it’s drop in the bucket, but we are looking at it as a good first try.

Building Use

The Outreach Rooms were used by 11 different Anonymous type groups and 2 additional groups for a fee.  The Outreach Committee with much help from Louise Ochart, screens these groups and supports their need for space, tables, chairs, and a screen for internet.

The Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary are used for various events for a substantial fee.  The Outreach Committee (Richard Britson and now Sue Crawford) does minor set up and take down, and monitors for cleanliness when the group is done.  Louise Ochart handles the paperwork for each group.  Thank you for this work, Richard, Sue, and Louise!

Examples:

• Use of the Sanctuary on Saturday, May 20 by Terry Liberto for a piano recital.
• Use if the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, May 11 for a meeting of the Boy Scout Council of Greater New Orleans.
• Use of the Sanctuary on Saturday, December 30, 2023, for the wedding of Ryan Isham.
• Use of the large Outreach Room (Room 2 and 3) by Kelly Cuppett, JCPC Music Director, for “Music Together” classes, an activity of Kelly’s small business and music studio, Garnett Music LLC.  
• Use of the sanctuary every Sunday and Thursday from for worship by the New Beginnings Ministry for a building use fee of $1500 per month ($18000 annually).  (This did not come to pass.  Pastor Chaz became very ill and has been unable to continue his church.  We pray for his recovery.)
• Use of the Fellowship Hall by Wayne Tracy for a “Boy Scout Adult Dinner for Wood Badge Training” on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
• Use of the Fellowship Hall for a Blood Drive on Saturday, October 14.

Changes to the Building Use Policy

The session has been discussing how we might “rent” out our space to raise money to cover our insurance and maintenance costs.

• In August, Kelly Cuppett approached us asking if she could rent one of the Outreach rooms to work with Playschool parents and children doing music together.
• The Playschool has had a small business for teaching Playschool students the game of soccer.  
• The Playschool has also had a small business for teaching music skills to Playschool students.  

All of these are for-profit businesses independent of the Playschool where parents enroll their children and pay directly to the small business.  The Building Use Policy does not currently allow for this and no fee for the building use was assessed.  So, what do we do?  A policy allowing for such businesses would allow us to charge the small business an appropriate fee for the use of our property.

But can we “rent” our facilities if we are a non-profit?  Much research and questioning has been done and we have guidance on renting church property.  Church buildings can be used for any of their own religious purposes, and further, for other religious purposes (including commercial), without regard for cost.  

Looking at any given space, it cannot be rented out for commercial use (insubstantial purpose) more than it is used by the church.  

• The use of the sanctuary by New Beginnings Ministries at $1500/month is fine – religious purpose.
• Rental of the office space (the space behind the glass area) is not fine – insubstantial purpose, not used by the church.  Could be used by a non-profit group.
• The use of the large outreach room by Kelly Cuppett’s LLC for 2 hours per week is either a mission of the church to foster parent/child bonding or the Outreach Groups are a mission of the church, and their use of the large outreach room is substantially greater than Kelly’s use.
• The rental of the Fellowship Hall to Little Farms is clearly fine – religious purpose.
• The rental of the Fellowship Hall for birthday parties and showers is substantially less than the Fellowship Hall is used for religious activities.

When we “rent” space to a group, we need a written contract (our building use form).  Our insurance carrier needs to know we are using our space for these purposes.

For continued uses by a non-profit we need: the written contract, their letter that states that they are a non-profit, proof of their insurance, and we need to tell our insurance carrier.

The Outreach Committee re-wrote the Building Use Policy to reflect this new information.  Kelly was allowed to rent an Outreach Room and if the Playschool allows any business to use the facility, they need to provide rent.

New Committee for 2024!

The Outreach Committee for 2024 is: Session Members: Sue Crawford, Beverly Kennedy, Joan Albright, and Brianne Mayfield.  Volunteers: Richard Britson, Andrew Crawford, and Sharon Fortin

-PLAYSCHOOL COMMITTEE

Playschool Committee Annual Report 

Members: Jeremy Moore – Chairperson, Linda Lowry, Sheryl Wise, Emily Garland, Rev. Aaron Ochart, Louise Ochart, Lauren Oufnac, and Stephanie Gagliano 

The purpose of the Playschool Committee is to provide a liaison between the Playschool and the Church. The committee works to make sure the Playschool has everything it needs from the Church to make it the best Playschool in the area. The Playschool has 155 students with 26 teachers. The Playschool has been in operation for over 50 years and has received numerous awards and accreditations throughout the years. Enrollment has been excellent as there is usually a waiting list at registration. 

John Calvin Presbyterian Church has a role in the development of the students as the Playschool was the first mission of John Calvin Presbyterian Church. This continues to be a mission for our congregation. Once a week, Linda and Louise lead a “Bible Time” with the students. The children are learning about the joy and love our Lord provides. We have church volunteers doing maintenance work around the campus and playground. We have church volunteers to help with the Playschool events, especially the Fair. Rev. Ochart leads Playschool ceremonies in the sanctuary with opening prayers. The Church has a Blessing service at the beginning of the school year for the teachers and staff. 

Highlights of Playschool Events from 2023

• Fundraisers- Little Caesar’s/Gift Wrap & Cookies/ Cane’s Night 
• Open House 
• Grandparents Week 
• Scholastic Book Fair 
• Big Red Barn Farm Tour 
• Art and Fun Festival 
• Family Fun Night Disney Dinner 
• Trunk or Treat 
• Thanksgiving Performance and feast 
• Christmas pictures with Santa 
• Angel Angel Christmas Play 
• Summer Camp 

2024 is here and the Playschool has some great events coming up. 

• Art and Fun Festival- Date TBD 
• Summer Camp registration 
• Big Red Barn Tour 
• Grandparent’s Day 

Thank you to everyone who has helped with the Playschool. There are so many to name, I believe most of our congregation has touched the lives of our wonderful students. It takes a village to raise a child. We have an unbelievable village of teachers, staff, parents, grandparents, and volunteers who love these children and have a desire to make a positive Christian influence in their lives. We can always use more villagers to help. If you have a desire to help in any capacity with the Playschool or with the maintenance and upkeep of our campus, please let the Church office or myself know.

-BOARD of DEACONS

DIACONATE (BOARD OF DEACONS) OF

JOHN CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2023

2023 Deacons: Mary Antill, Bill Bottomley, Laurie & Tony Hill, and Linda Lowry

Since deacons are new to John Calvin, 2023 has been a year of learning. The first thing we did was decide upon our mission. Building a community of believers was important so we saw our mission to be the spark for a congregational community that will care for and reach out to others.  

Each deacon chose families they knew (about 15 families for each deacon) to communicate with. It’s always a question of reaching out to people without being intrusive. This is an area the deacons continue to work on. You may have noticed that just because each deacon is responsible for a particular family, we do not limit our outreach. Through the diaconate, a member may hear from another deacon or another church member. Congregational care is a shared responsibility and one which the people of John Calvin do well.

Continuous communication between the deacons and Rev. Ochart is through group texts. Sometimes the communication simply asks all to pray. Other times, concerns are shared and a plan is made.

The deacons meet once a month. In September, the deacons decided to have a Deacon Minute for Mission once a month, followed by a prayer vigil after the worship service. The prayer vigil did not attract many people (people like to visit after the service and we encourage that as well) so we decided that the deacons will begin each monthly meeting praying for friends and members of the congregation.

The deacons prefer to do their work without fanfare, so you may wonder what deacons actually do. Here are some things the deacons have done during 2023

•         Visiting people in hospitals & nursing homes
•         Delivering food to those who are sick or have surgery
•         Providing transportation or help to persons who come to the church in need
•         Emailing church members to share concerns or needs of others
•         Greeting at the door for funerals
•         Volunteering for outreach activities
•         Providing coffee and cookies each Sunday
•         Sending Christmas cards to church families
•         Sending cards or Happy Birthday messages
•         Sending care and concern cards and/or notes

Galatians 5:14: “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

-WORSHIP COMMITTEE

Worship Committee Annual Report For the Year 2023 

Session Members: Volunteer Members: 

Aaron Ochart, Worship Mary Antil 

Kelly Cuppett, Music Beverly Kennedy 

Dennis Lauland and Mike Fortin, Technology Evelyn Tobey

Lorraine Hicks, Chair 

The Worship Committee is responsible for all church functions that are held in the sanctuary. Music and Technology for the worship service also come under the umbrella of the Worship Committee. The committee meets monthly to discuss the worship and music plans that are upcoming. Any technology issues relating to the airing of the worship service are discussed. 

The committee secures greeters, ushers, and liturgists for each Sunday. The committee is responsible for the monthly communion, which includes obtaining the communion supplies, arranging for communion servers, preparing the elements, and washing communion trays afterward. The committee is responsible for lighting the candles and placing flowers in the sanctuary each week. They are also responsible for putting pledge cards and prayer request cards in the pews racks, and for tidying the sanctuary after services. 

The Worship Committee is responsible for Easter and Christmas preparations. At Easter, this includes putting up the Cross and any other special items needed for the services. The committee orders the lilies and places them in the sanctuary. At Christmas, the Worship Committee organizes the decoration of the sanctuary and narthex, as well as ordering and placing poinsettias at the pulpit. The committee orders and assembles the candles for the Advent services and the Christmas Eve candlelight service. After these special services, the committee removes and stores the decorations. 

In the Summer our Music Director, Sam Garnet, was called to another church. The Worship Committee and Session approved moving Kelly Cuppett to the position of Music Director. Kelly is a gifted musician with two music-related Master’s degrees who has served as Assistant Music Director since 2022.

Instead of hiring a second music staff person, the Worship Committee and Session approved using the funds budgeted to provide stipends for music students from Loyola as additional singers in the choir (an increasingly common practice). This program provides additional strong voices for our volunteer choir, experience for these students in performance, and provides a ‘learning lab’ for music ministry in a local church (one of the fall students has even started playing piano at Chinese Presbyterian Church because of her experience at John Calvin). We have started referring to these students as ‘scholarship singers’ because of the generous money provided by congregation members which funded the singers through part of the fall. Funding for these singers has been approved by Session through Spring of 2024 noting the difference that these students have made in the overall music program. 

Thank you to all the many church members who assisted us with these duties during the year. We are always grateful and eager for any help you can provide. 

Respectfully Submitted, 

Lorraine Hicks, Chair

-MUSIC

-FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Annual Facilities Report 2023

It has been busy regarding facilities over the past year. Aside from normal maintenance, there were a few larger projects that were tackled in 2023.

Aside from day-to-day repairs that are done throughout the year, door knobs, leaking faucets, changing lightbulbs, etc.., we tackled many projects that we planned from last year.

In March we had a congregational work day and got many things accomplished. We were able to weed gardens, clean trash, trim bushes, paint rooms in the fellowship hall, as well as restriping the Glendale St. parking lot.

In April, we replaced the main LED Parking lot lights over the Glendale St, lot. These were years old and very dim. The new lights offer safety and security.

We had all the gates around the campus fixed to comply with playschool licensing.

Another large project we tackled in 2023 was the updating of lighting in the fellowship hall. We purchased 200 LED light bulbs to replace the old fluorescent bulbs that have been used for years. To date, we have changed approximately 140, and continue to upgrade as we move through the year.

While we were relatively fortunate, in regard to AC maintenance and repair this past year, we do have some work coming up. We have approved the replacement of the Narthex unit which will begin in the coming weeks. We also plan to replace an estimated 2 of the older problem units in 2024.

Throughout the year we have had repairs made to the fire system, and sprinkler system, as well as adding rodent control to address issues that have come up.

One of our largest upcoming projects is to address the aging metal awning and gutter system around the fellowship hall. While a structural assessment was done, and repairs are scheduled to be made, this just addresses the structural supports and beams. We will still have to address rust/paint, as well as the gutter system failing and needing replacement. This project along with the AC replacement are top priorities as we move into 2024.

I would like to thank Andrew Nolan, Jeremy Moore, Aaron Ochart, David Garland, and many others who help with the ongoing facilities projects at our campus.

Submitted By:

Jacob Russo

-PASTOR’S REPORT/HOMILY

This year has been a challenging one. As you know, John Calvin Presbyterian Church faces many challenges to continued ministry (let alone vibrant ministry). The good news (or the bad news) is that we are not alone in these struggles. The Session has been continuing the process to discern what the will of Christ is for the future of this congregation, and know that our current path is not sustainable. We also know that such a big deficit will likely require big changes to the way that we operate as a church, big changes which take time to discern and implement. This last year, we invited the Small Church Options team from our Presbytery (which I and Sharon Fortine served on) to hear some of the many solutions that churches like ours are taking. I was pleased to see how many from the congregation also attended this presentation. Session and staff have been exploring various solutions. Some examples: a team has been discussing the possibility of yoked ministry with a team from Chinese Presbyterian Church, the Outreach committee has been looking into the Matthew 25 Initiative to help focus our mission engagement, and the church auction that was held last December was also a result of these discussions. 

Session is continuing this discernment work through engagement with “Project Regeneration.” The Project is hosted by the Presbyterian Foundation, a part of our denomination, which has been safeguarding the long-term financial interests of the Presbyterian Church since 1799, and has overseen the longest running continually dispersing endowment since 1821 (in other words, they know what they are talking about). Project Regeneration is a tool that they have developed to help congregations like ours to discern where the Holy Spirit is leading. This program is paid for by the denomination, and is of no cost to us.

We had our first meeting with Joseph Moore, the Presbyterian Foundation representative, where we discussed the challenges that we face as a congregation, as well as the hope that we see. We went over some of the highlights and lowlights of this congregation’s history. He shared some of his experiences in work with other congregations, as well as his own years of experience in parish ministry. He introduced the Project’s main text, Sailboat Church: Helping Your Church Rethink Its Mission and Practice by Joan S. Gray, a teaching elder (minister) and former moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The big picture message of the book is to contrast ‘rowboat churches’ where everything that the congregation does is based solely on human effort, and ‘sailboat churches’ where the leaders and congregation discern and ‘sail’ where the Holy Spirit is leading. Both models take work and effort, just have different expectations for the involvement of God in the process. You may recognize the title from last year’s “Vital Churches” suggested reading list, and from our Zoom book study going on now! Those participating are reading and considering the bulk of the book between the first and second meetings. Anyone who is interested is invited to join us in reading this book, and reflecting on God’s call.

The second meeting will focus on an analysis of our specific financial situation. Our treasurer, Bill Bottomley, (with help from others) filled out a treasurer’s questionnaire with information about our budget and practices. This week, Bill and I met virtually with Paul Grier (one of the Presbyterian Foundation’s lead financial analysts) to go over their findings. The analysis that they have prepared takes our information and compares it to financial averages for our area, churches of similar sizes, national trends, and their suggestions for best practices. In the second meeting with Session, we will go over all of this information in detail to get an objective and honest view of the financial situation. One of the reasons that the proposed budget was approved to be reevaluated in April is so that we can have the benefit of hearing this analysis before we make any major changes. 

The third, and final, meeting will be held after an intentional 40 days of prayer. Using the Sailboat book as a guide, we will reflect on the lessons from the book and the financial analysis. In this time of discernment, we are each asked to listen for where God is leading us individually and together as a congregation. In our final meeting, we will discern together where the Holy Spirit is leading this congregation and expect that God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. We invite you to join us in prayer (especially during the 40 days), in discernment, and in expectation of where the Holy Spirit is leading us. 

Today’s scripture calls us back to the purty of our calling, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. If we do that, we will not be far from the Kindom. 

Aaron 

-FINANCE COMMITTEE

2024 Budget as approved by the Session (to be reevaluated in April)

2023 Budget Report for Congregational Meeting
			2023		2024
			Budget	Actual	2024 Proposed Budget
REVENUES
	Pledges		$219,100	$224,405	$218,160
	Other Offerings		$13,000	$11,359	$10,000
	Christian Education		$1,300	$1,514	$1,300
	Facilities Use		$15,600	$15,790	$13,860
		Outreach Rooms	$5,000	$6,435	$5,000
		Little Farms UCC	$6,000	$6,000	$6,000
		Other	$4,600	$3,355	$2,860
	Playschool		$144,000	$138,469	$130,000
	Other		$1,100	$644	$500
TOTAL REVENUES			$394,100	$392,182	$373,820
EXPENSES
	Staff		$181,097	$176,997	$179,845
		Minister	$109,067	$109,317	$112,343
		Christian Education Leader	$35,690	$35,140	$36,743
		Music Direction	$29,840	$26,842	$24,059
		Nursery	$500	$0	$500
		Other	$6,000	$5,698	$6,200
	Office		$21,800	$19,139	$22,000
	Benevolences/Stewardship		$12,500	$10,326	$10,660
	Facilities		$239,819	$220,653	$245,900
		Insurance	$101,019	$94,244	$100,000
		Utilities	$45,000	$51,773	$52,000
		All Other (Security, Grounds, Janitor, Repairs, AC Repairs)	$93,800	$74,636	$93,900
	Worship		$5,650	$4,020	$6,176
	Deacons		$1,200	$1,034	$1,500
	Outreach/Congregational Life		$200	$0	$200
	Christian Education		$4,500	$2,784	$4,500
	Playschool Committee		$300	$152	$300
TOTAL EXPENSES			$467,066	$435,106	$471,081
NET TOTAL			($72,966)	($42,924)	($97,261)

The budget proposed and being considered by the Session for 2024 has a projected deficit of $97,261.

• 44 giving units made donations in 2023. 34 giving units pledged for 2024.

• There was some savings in insurance premiums for 2023. Premiums in 2024 remain high.

• The church has approximately $330,000 in the bank.  Just under $270,000 is unrestricted.  The remainder is in restricted accounts.

• The Session and some others are working through the book, Sailboat Church. The Session is working through the Project Regeneration process with persons from the Presbyterian Foundation. Part of this process will involve 40 days of prayer and reflection.

Terms of Call

Annual Review of the Pastor’s Terms of Call – 2024

Per the Book of Order G-2.0804:

“The session shall review annually the minister’s terms of call and shall propose for congregational action such changes as the session deems appropriate.”

Recommendation from the Session

The Session reviewed Rev. Aaron Ochart’s Terms of Call for 2024 on January 15, 2023, and recommend a 3% raise to his annual salary, with the resulting changes in benefits:

2022 2023 2024 change

Total Effective Salary $68,052 $69,490 $71,618 +$1,960/year

Total to Board of Pensions for Medical and Pension, and Allowances

$32,545 $34,577 $35,725 +$1,148/year

Total Reimbursable Expenses Budgeted $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 +$0/year

Total Cost to the Church $105,596 $109,067 $112,343 +$3,276/year

Rev. Ochart chose to put $1,536 of his salary into a 403b retirement savings plan (just like 401k) which saves the church $417 in Board of Pension and SECA costs.

Board of Pensions Benefits Breakdown Rev. Aaron Ochart- 2024 Terms of Call
Benefit Type	Monthly Employer Dues	Annual Employer Dues
Medical	$1,730.75	$20,769.00
Pension	$507.29	$6,087.53
Death and Disability	$59.68	$716.18
Temporary Disability	$29.84	$358.09
Dental and Vision	$133.83	$1,606.00
Total	$2,461.39	$29,536.80

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Confession of Belhar

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

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

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

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  

*DOXOLOGY

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORDS’ PRAYER

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

*HYMN [BLUE#391] [GTG#697]  Take My Life (697)

1 Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee; take my moments and my days;

let them flow in ceaseless praise; let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2 Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love; take my feet and let them be

swift and beautiful for thee, swift and beautiful for thee.

3 Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King; take my lips and let them be

filled with messages from thee, filled with messages from thee.

4 Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold; take my intellect and use

every power as thou shalt choose, every power as thou shalt choose.

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

it shall be thy royal throne, it shall be thy royal throne.

6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store; take myself and I will be

ever, only, all for thee, ever, only, all for thee.

*PARTING PRAYER

Gracious God, our way in the wilderness, guide us, by your Word, through these forty days, and minister to us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be reformed, restored, and renewed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [BLUE#599] [GTG#227]  Jesus, Remember Me

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

POSTLUDE                               Improvisation on ‘I Give You a New Commandment’ 

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

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

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

STAFF

but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

4 When he shall come with trumpet sound,

O may I then in him be found,

dressed in his righteousness alone,

faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME        

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Romans 5:5

ONE: Through the gift of the Holy Spirit

MANY: God’s love is poured into our hearts.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Son of God, you spoke words to Jerusalem’s leaders that were hard to hear. Give us ears to receive your word of life, so that we can follow you faithfully. Amen.

*HYMN OF THE MONTH Change My Heart, O God (695)

Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.

Chorus: You are the Potter; I am the clay.

Mold me and make me; this is what I pray.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN      

RESPONSE [GTG#5] God the Sculptor of the Mountains 

God the dresser of the vineyard,

God the planter of the wheat,

God the reaper of the harvest,

God the source of all we eat:

you are host at every table,

we are hungry; feed us now.

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

KYRIE [GTG#577]

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                   

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Mark 12:1-12 [13-17]

Then he began to speak to them in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watch-tower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture:

“The stone that the builders rejected

   has become the cornerstone;

this was the Lord’s doing,

   and it is amazing in our eyes”?’

When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away.

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.’ And they brought one. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at him.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON    “Bountiful Harvest (Reprise)”   The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Brief Statement of Faith

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

Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.

We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image …, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. 

We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. 

With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Feast of Love”               by Lloyd Larson

*DOXOLOGY

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

ONE: … Praise to you, Lord Christ:

MANY: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory…

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

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

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN [BLUE#553] [GTG#36]  For the Fruit of All Creation

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

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

For the plowing, sowing, reaping,

silent growth while we are sleeping,

future needs in earth’s safekeeping, thanks be to God.

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

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

In our worldwide task of caring

for the hungry and despairing,

in the harvests we are sharing, God’s will be done.

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

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

For the wonders that astound us,

for the truths that still confound us,

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

my Lord should take frail flesh, and die?

3 Sometimes we strew his way, and his sweet praises sing,

resounding all the day hosannas to our King.

Then “Crucify!” is all our breath,

and for his death we thirst and cry.

5 Here might I stay and sing, no story so divine:

never was love, dear King, never was grief like thine.

This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise

I all my days could gladly spend.

WORDS OF WELCOME        

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Mark 8:34

ONE: Jesus calls us to be his disciples.

MANY: We take up the cross to follow him.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Lord Jesus, it was hard for your disciples to hear that they would have to suffer in order to follow you. Give us faith and courage to follow you when following is painful or frightening. Amen.

*HYMN OF THE MONTH Change My Heart, O God (695)

Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.

Chorus: You are the Potter; I am the clay.

Mold me and make me; this is what I pray.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN’        

RESPONSE [BLUE#421] [GTG#320] 

The Church of Christ in Every Age

3 Then let the servant church arise,

a caring church that longs to be

a partner in Christ’s sacrifice,

and clothed in Christ’s humanity.

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

KYRIE [GTG#577]

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON   

ANTHEM                   Give Me Jesus           by Kurt Kaiser                 

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Mark 10:32-52

They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.”

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” They came to Jericho. 

As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                 “Son of David”             The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Confession of 1967

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY 

*DOXOLOGY

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

*HYMN [GTG#727]  Will You Let Me Be Your Servant

1 Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?

Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

2 We are pilgrims on a journey; we’re together on the road.

We are here to help each other 

walk the mile and bear the load.

4 I will weep when you are weeping;

when you laugh I’ll laugh with you.

I will share your joy and sorrow

till we’ve seen this journey through.

6 Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?

Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.