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!
September 7, 2014
10:00AM
13th Sunday after Pentecost
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
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GATHERING
REFLECTION
Whenever we are invited to minister to the needs of others, we would do well to ask ourselves the question: “Is this God’s call to me? Is God tapping me on the shoulder to minister in such a way?”
CALL TO WORSHIP
We have heard the call to “Come.”
But it takes risk to step out of the boat, head for the promised land, leave on a journey through the water and the waves.
Through the Spirit, God is with us. As God calls us to “Come,” so God goes before us in this journey.
Let us then risk responding. Let us give thanks to God who has brought us to this place. Let us worship, listen for God’s call and prepare to follow.
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN no. 726
“Will You Come and Follow Me”
THE SUMMONS
Lighting the candles today is Acolyte Chloe Theilmeier.
CONFESSION
CORPORATE CONFESSION
O God, we know that we are a wayward family. Our footsteps falter as we seek to follow your way; our gaze is turned away from awareness of your glory to preoccupation with our own needs and concerns; and even our love for one another grows cold. We trust only in your grace to create new life within us and to bind us together in love and common commitment. Let your spirit be born in us anew, and accept our lives, which we offer to you.
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. 654
“In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful”
In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful;
in the Lord I will rejoice!
Look to God; do not be afraid.
Lift up your voices, the Lord is near.
Lift up your voices; the Lord is near. (repeat)
PROCLAIMING AND RESPONDING
TIME FOR 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.
COMMISSIONING OF SUNDAY SCHOOL/CHRISTIAN EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS
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. Please place the cards in the offering plate and the staff will include them with their prayers this week.
OFFERING
OFFERTORY
"On This Jubilant Day" ROBERT LEAF
Chancel Choir
Danny Malloy, Trumpet
*RESPONSE OF THANKSGIVING
no. 609
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known:
Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
SCRIPTURE
Exodus 3 & 4 (selected verses);
pages 48-49; 810; 52-53
SERMON
“Anything New?”
Dr. Sommers
GIVING THANKS
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
*HYMN no. 769
“For Everyone Born”
FOR EVERYONE BORN
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING 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.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
GOING FORTH
*HYMN OF SENDING no. 753
“Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”
PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
*BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
no. 175
“Seek Ye First”
LAFFERTY
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 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 our Sunday School Kick Off Festival on the front lawn.
†The flowers this morning, are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ruth Kaup on her birthday, Sept. 10 by husband Ed.
†Our thanks to Wally Brixner for preparing the Lord’s Table today. Please note, so that all may partake, we use gluten free bread. Our Communion servers this week are: Paul Califf, Kris George, Andre Massop, Nancy McCarthy, Joyce McGrath, Mark Schalles, Laura Schalles, Steven Spinweber, Bill Trafton amd Sharon Baker Witzel.
†Special thanks to Courtney Weiss on bagpipes & Danny Malloy on trumpet for their musical leadership at today’s service.
†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:
… Harry Coppens, Doris Dusinberre, Phyllis Franciose, 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