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!
August 17, 2014
Ten o’clock
10th Sunday after Pentecost
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GATHERING
REFLECTION
“The habit of thanksgiving is a brave and cheerful habit. It builds character; it creates within us a buoyancy, a sprit, an outlook which can never be defeated.”
PRELUDE
“Come, Ye Sinners” arr. Douglas Smith
Veeresh Popat, Saxophone
CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 103:1-2)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
Bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all God’s benefits.
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN SING
Lighting the candles today is Acolyte Alexis Chiappetta
CONFESSION
CORPORATE CONFESSION
O God, if we carry the name Christian, we are signs of Christ's presence in the world. Yet we confess that we do not always live as joyous, loving and hopeful people in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. We get so caught up in the values of this world that we do not seek to discern your will for our lives. By your grace and forgiveness, renew us in mind, body and spirit, that we will witness and work for Christ wherever you have placed us.
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. 535
“Bless the Lord, O My Soul”
Leader: Bless the Lord, O my soul; Response: and all that is within me, bless God's holy name!
Leader: Bless the Lord, O my soul,
Response: and forget not all God's benefits.
(x2)
PROCLAIMING AND RESPONDING
ANTHEM
“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”
arr. Luigi Zaninelli
Martin Hurt, Soloist
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
Please note: Children ages 2-5 may leave the sanctuary for Kid’s Page to be held in room A-8. Children entering 1st through 4th grade will meet for Kid’s Page Plus in the Youth Room.
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.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
We welcome into the family of God through baptism:
Isla Alyson Adamo, daughter of Thomas and Caitlyn Adamo, born on November 6, 2013;
and Joely Caroline Meyer, daughter of Eric and Carly Meyer, born on January 10, 2014.
Assisting in the baptism today is Ruling Elder William Trafton.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The Apostles’ Creed (ecum)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*HYMN no. 488
“I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” Waterlife
SCRIPTURE
SERMON
“Thoughtful and Thankful”
Dr. Sommers
*HYMN no. 610
“O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
Azmon
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
“Amazing Grace”
arr. John Carter
Veeresh Popat, Saxophone
*RESPONSE OF THANKSGIVING
no. 607
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Old Hundreth
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise Christ, all creatures
here below;
praise Holy Spirit evermore;
praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
GOING FORTH
*BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
no. 543
“God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me”
Green Tyler
God, be the love to search and keep me;
God, be the prayer to move my voice;
God, be the strength to now uphold me:
O Christ, surround me;
O Christ, surround me.
*THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Please exchange verbal greetings of welcome and peace with your neighbor.
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*Those who are able, please stand
†If you are new to the 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 10:00am 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…
…my husband, Conrad by Olga Muller.
†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:
…Kay Ball, Harry Coppens, Doris Dusinberre, Bill Hayden, Ruth Hults, Roger Jones, Olga Muller, Marilyn O’Connell, Barbara Piggery, Bob Pryor, Louise Ritscher, Rob Thiemann, Laura Winter, and Helena Wispelwey.
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