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 23, 2014
Ten o’clock
3rd Sunday in Lent
GATHERING
REFLECTION
He who is devoid of the power to forgive, is devoid of the power to love.
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are called to turn the other cheek
So we will seek to be vulnerable
In our lives of faith and service
We are called to go the extra mile
So we will walk with those around us
In the journeys of hope as well as fear
We are called to love those who make that so hard
So we will rely on the One who loves us
To fill us with grace.
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN no. 418
“Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling”
SOFTLY AND TENDERLY
Lighting the candles today is Acolyte Chloe Theilmeier.
CONFESSION
CORPORATE CONFESSION
We may try to trick ourselves, but we cannot fool you. We tell lies about others, and profane your name. We hold onto grudges as if they were the most precious of jewels. We steal another's identity when we ridicule who they are, and we boast about all we are without a nod toward you, who have blessed us.
No matter how often we hurt you, you show us your merciful nature. As you seek to teach us your ways, may we pay close attention. As you love us despite our foolish choices, may we be more compassionate toward others. As we seek to follow Jesus, may we be willing to go as far as he will take us, even into that place of hope and peace, which is the realm of your heart.
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
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
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.
MINUTE FOR MINISTRY
Urban Promise
Jim Cummings
SCRIPTURE
page 83
*RESPONSE no. 227
“Jesus, Remember Me”
REMEMBER ME
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
To be sung through 3 times.
SERMON
“Dismas”
Rev. Brown
*HYMN no. 417
“Lord Jesus, Think on Me”
SOUTHWELL
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
“I Saw the Cross of Jesus”
Chancel Choir
Victor C. 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.
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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.
†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…
...Carl E. Thyren by his wife, Jean.
†Our sympathy as a Christian family to…
...Lisa Stein and family on the death of her mother on March 18th.
†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:
…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