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 30, 2014
Ten o’clock
4th Sunday in Lent
GATHERING
REFLECTION
Grant that I may become beautiful in my soul within, and that all my external possessions may be in harmony with my inner self. May I consider the wise to be rich, and may I have such riches as only a person of self-restraint can bear or endure.
—Plato
PRELUDE
“Serenade”
Chancel Handbell Choir
Jessica Goodson, Flute
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
arr. Fred Merrett
CALL TO WORSHIP
Sense the presence of God here in this place:
A sudden lifting of the heart, a child's ready smile,
The song that comes quickly to our lips,
A feeling of acceptance and hints of joy.
God moves over the mysteries of our living and our dying,
And God is on the Lenten journey with us so that our lives may become songs of praise.
Let us pray.
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN no. 412
“God, Reveal Your Presence”
ARNSBERG
Lighting the candles today is Acolyte Amanda Spinweber.
CONFESSION
CORPORATE CONFESSION
God of constant care, we come to you now in this season of repentance, aware of our inadequacies and the weakness of our spirits. Forgive us the ease by which we turn away from you. Help us to recognize and accept your guiding hand. God, forgive us our fears that cause us to reject your call upon our lives. Free us from the compulsions that move us away from you. Give us grace for daily living, that in this time of renewal, we may discover anew the joy and peace that your blessed assurance brings.
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
ANTHEM
“He, Watching over Israel” from Elijah
Chancel Choir
Felix Mendelssohn(1809-1847)
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 43
SERMON
“The Eye of the Needle”
Dr. Sommers
*HYMN no. 692
“Spirit, Open My Heart”
WILD MOUNTAIN THYME
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
“The Holy City”
Chancel Choir
Troy Quinn-Bailey, Solo
Stephen Adams & Frederick Weatherly
*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
*HYMN no. 546
“Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing”
SICILIAN MARINERS
*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.
†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…
...Dorothy McConnell by her daughter Dottie Leonard.
†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:
…Evelyn Anderson, 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