THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT CALDWELL
Our Purpose:
To help all people build life-transforming relationships with God and each other.
The members and friends of FPC welcome people from all backgrounds - - people of faith from throughout the world, people who profess no faith, Christians of all denominations and those who are searching for religious and spiritual meaning.
Welcome!
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March 2, 2014
Ten o’clock
Transfiguration of the Lord
CHURCH FAMILY SUNDAY
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
GATHERING
REFLECTION
The Love that dances at the heart of things
Shone out upon us from a human face
And to that light the light in us leaped up,
We felt it quicken somewhere deep within,
A sudden blaze of long-extinguished hope
(from a sonnet entitled “Transfiguration” by Malcolm Guite)
PRELUDE
Rondeau Fanfare
Chancel Handbell Choir
Jean-Joseph Mouret (1682-1738)
arr. Martha Lynn Thompson
CALL TO WORSHIP
Austin Mattern, Lay Reader
The Lord said to Moses: Come up to the mountain,
and the glory of the Lord shone all around.
Let us worship the Lord our God.
Jesus led his disciples up a high mountain,
and he was transfigured, shining like the sun.
Let us worship the Lord our God.
Let us pray.
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN no. 12
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
ST. DENIO
CONFESSION
CORPORATE CONFESSION
Our days, Most Holy Friend, are spent between light and darkness. Often, as the result of our own sin, or the evil of others, we find ourselves in the darkness. On other precious occasions we find ourselves caught up in your light and love. More often we are in between, busy in the half light, trying to make the best of a compromising existence, stumbling and falling, rising and achieving. With your help we do make some headway, but still fall far short of the light of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
Most gracious God, please persist with your mission of saving us all. By your grace, banish our darkness and enlighten us today. Do not allow us to linger dolefully in the gloom of guilt or self pity. Make us bold to move out to where the shadows are fewer, even though the brighter light shows up our flaws. Please give us more of the light of Christ that our lives may declare your praise.
PERSONAL CONFESSION
In Christ’s name we pray.
Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
...Friends, believe the good news.
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
*RESPONSE OF PRAISE no. 70
“What does the Lord Require of You?”
What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?
Justice, kindness, Walk humbly with your God
To seek justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God.
What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?
PROCLAIMING AND RESPONDING
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
Please note: Preschool children, Kindergartners and 1st Graders will head down to Rooms A4 and A5 following the Time with the Children to participate in the Young Children and Worship Program.
PARISH LIFE
Members, friends and visitors, please sign the Friendship Pad in each pew and pass it to the person next to you. The last person will pass the pad back to the first person who will then please place the sheet in the offering plate. Worshipers are invited to use the cards in the pew racks for prayer requests so we may share one another’s joys and concerns. Please place the cards in the offering plate and the staff will include them with their prayers this week.
OFFERING
OFFERTORY
“Kum Ba Yah”
Chancel Choir
arr. John Leavitt
*RESPONSE OF THANKSGIVING no. 591
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ, all people here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
SCRIPTURE
page 65
SERMON
“Coming Down the Mountain”
Dr. Sommers
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
*HYMN OF PREPARATION no. 190
“Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory”
GENEVA
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING 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.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
GOING FORTH
*BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE no. 175
“Seek Ye First”
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!
*THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Please exchange greetings of welcome and peace with your neighbor.
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*Those who are able, please stand
†If you are new to our church...Welcome! We’re glad to have you here. Please ask an usher to direct you to Visitor packets at the rear of the church. They can be found on the table near the usher’s closet under the balcony stairs. After the 10:00 service today, we hope you will join us for Coffee Hour in Room 120 located through the door to the left of the choir loft and left to the end of the hall.
†Our thanks to Wally Brixner for preparing the Lord’s Table today. Our Communion servers this week are: Jeanne Archibald, Wally Brixner, Wendy Busby, Suzanne Courtwright, Debbie Donker, Barbara Heuston, André Massop, Joyce McGrath, Laura Schalles, and Steve Urban.
†The flowers this morning are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of…
...Ed Czuba by his brother in-law, Martin VanderMolen.
†Your prayers of intercession are requested for those members and friends known to be currently or recently hospitalized or who continue to need our prayers and support:
…Doris Brixner, Harold Kuhefuss, Bill Hayden, Marilyn O’Connell, Louise Ritscher, Barbara Piggery, Olga Muller, Laura Winter, and Harry Coppens.
The church office will be happy to verify their home addresses for you should you wish to send them words of encouragement or get well wishes.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
AT CALDWELL
326 Bloomfield Avenue
Caldwell, New Jersey 07006
973-228-0310
www.firstprescaldwell.org