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!
__________________________________
March 9, 2014
Ten o’clock
1st Sunday in Lent
GATHERING
REFLECTION
Christianity has not been tried and found wanting;
it has been found difficult and not tried.
—GK Chesterton
PRELUDE
“A Lenten Meditation”
Daniel Burton
CALL TO WORSHIP (Isaiah 32:1-3)
Patrick Maguire, Lay Reader
See, a king will reign in righteousness
And princes will rule with justice
Each will be like the hiding place from the wind
A covert from the tempest
Then the eyes of those who have sight will not be closed
And the ears of those who have hearing will listen
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN no. 166
“Lord, Who throughout These Forty Days”
ST. FLAVIAN
Lighting the candles today is Acolyte Ian Flanagan.
CONFESSION
CORPORATE CONFESSION
We may not actively conspire against you, but we do make those conscious choices which draw us away from you. We fear ridicule from neighbors and co-workers, and so do not mention who you are in our lives. We want to walk your path, but find ourselves going down trails which lead to trouble. We find it so easy to listen to the seductive words of our culture, but have trouble hearing your whispers of hope and healing.
Forgive us. Call us to that discipleship that is found on mountaintops in your presence, and in the valleys where we serve others in your name. As people of faith, we would not stay here, but follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, into every place which longs for your glory and your grace, your strength as well as your gentleness.
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. 626
“As the Deer”
As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you.
You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you.
You alone are my strength, my shield; to you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship you.
PROCLAIMING AND RESPONDING
ANTHEM
“How Can I Keep From Singing”
Chancel Choir
arr. Craig Courtney
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
Please note: Children through 7th grade may leave the sanctuary for Sunday School following the
Time with the Children. Please exit through the doors on either side of the Choir loft.
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. The ushers will collect the cards during the hymn following the sermon and they will be offered during the Prayers of the People.
SCRIPTURE
page 51
SERMON
“Longinus”
Rev. Brown
*HYMN no. 215
“What Wondrous Love Is This”
WONDROUS LOVE
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.
OFFERING
OFFERTORY
“Wondrous Love”
arr. David Johnson
*RESPONSE OF THANKSGIVING no. 607
“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
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.
__________________________________
*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.
†The Deacons invite you to call the Inspirational Phone Line at 973-228-2604 any time during the week for a short devotional message.
†The flowers this morning are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of…
...Mr. and Mrs. Archie Weith from the Weith flower fund.
†You will find CDs of the 10:00AM Worship Service at the back of the church along with CD’s of other recent services. Keep the CD for your own use, pass it on to your friends and neighbors or return them for re-use by other people. Just another way to share news about our Church!
†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:
…Harold Kuhefuss, Doris Brixner, 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