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!
May 18, 2014
Ten o’clock
5th Sunday of Easter
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GATHERING
REFLECTION
“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”
— Mother Teresa
PRELUDE
Siciliana and Presto (Op. 6 No. 5)
G. F. Handel
Arr. Howard D. McKinney
CALL TO WORSHIP
Amanda Herzig, Lay Reader
In You O Lord, I seek refuge, do not ever let me be put to shame
Incline your ear to me, rescue me speedily, be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me
You are indeed my rock and my fortress, for your names sake lead me and guide me
Into your hand I commend my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, Faithful God
[All:] Let us worship God
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN no. 724
“O Jesus, I Have Promised”
ANGELS’ STORY
Lighting the candles today is Acolyte Alyssa White
CONFESSION
CORPORATE CONFESSION
Lord, you know how easy it is for us to sit here tethered to our darkness and fear. We get bound up by chains of mistrust. We dare not to hope, for so many times we have been disappointed. So we sit and wonder where you are. Lord, come to us in our darkness, Help us to open our eyes to the good news of your eternal glory. Give us visions of the place in which love and hope will reign. Forgive us our resistance to your love and mercy.
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. 71
“Surely, It Is God Who Saves Me”
Surely, it is God who saves me;
I will trust and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my strong-hold
and my sure defense,
and God will be my Savior.
PROCLAIMING AND RESPONDING
ANTHEM
Chancel Choir
“Simple Gifts”
Michaell Mauldin
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 READING
page 102
SERMON
“Surprised By Joy”
Rev. Brown
*HYMN no. 634
“To God Be the Glory”
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
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
Andante
Chancel Choir
Carl Reinecke
arr. Hal Hopson
*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, who we adore. Amen.
GOING FORTH
*BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
Seek ye first the kingdom of God And his 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 flowers this morning, are given to the glory of God and in memory of loved ones by Doris Dusinberre.
†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:
…Rob Thiemann, Doris Dusinberre, Roger Jones, Clarence Wispelwey, 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