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 14, 2014
Ten o’clock
14th Sunday after Pentecost
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GATHERING
REFLECTION
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” — Mahatma Gandhi
PRELUDE
“Great is Thy Faithfulness”
arr. Joel Raney
CALL TO WORSHIP
In sacred times of word, wonder, and awe, in ordinary days of work and play:
in every moment, God is with us.
Whether we are stuck in doubt's mud, or standing on faith's shoreline:
in every place, God is with us.
In those who teach us and those who trouble us; in those who surprise us, and those who forgive us:
in every person, God is with us.
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN no. 363
“Rejoice, the Lord is King!”
DARWALL’S 148TH
Lighting the candles today is Acolyte Jessica Day
CONFESSION
CORPORATE CONFESSION
It is never easy to confess, but deep down we know that we have trouble being grace-full to others. Forgiven, we are eager to judge and punish all who hurt us. Freed, we find ways to put restrictions on people we fear. Forgive us, O God. You show mercy more often than we deserve. You pardon us more times than we can count. Why? Because we are yours. We are sisters and brothers of Jesus Christ, who died and lived again that we might live beyond death with 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
ANTHEM
“Hymn of Assurance”
Chancel Choir and Rebecca Vega, Flute
arr. Howard Helvey
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.
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.
MINUTE FOR MINISTRY
Operation Christmas Child
Dave Johnson
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
We welcome into the family of God through baptism: Brandon Levon Chappell, son of Ramon Chappell and Melissa Welborn, born on August 19, 2013; Assisting in the baptism today is Elder William Nunamacher, Brandon’s Great-Grandfather.
*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. 486
“Child of Blessing, Child of Promise”
KINGDOM
SCRIPTURE
page 19
SERMON
“The Things We Don’t Have To Do”
Rev. Don Brown
*HYMN no. 366
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
HYFRYDOL
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
“Like as a Father”
Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842)
Trio: Nancy Nunamacher, Cynthia Welborn, Melissa Welborn
*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.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
GOING FORTH
*BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
no. 333
“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 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 celebration of our 58th wedding anniversary by Joan and John Hamilton.
… in memory of my parents, Kenneth E. and Louise M. Ritscher, by Louise Blanche Ritscher
†Our sympathy as a Christian family to the Piercy family on the death of Noel’s mother, Agnes, on September 5th.
†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, Phyllis Franciose, Bill Hayden, Ruth Hults, Roger Jones, Olga Muller, Marilyn O’Connell, Barbara Piggery, 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 Session has called a congregational meeting following worship on October 12th to provide an update on the status and disposition of the West Caldwell Campus. A town-hall style meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 28th following the 10:00 service to provide specifics and answer questions. If you have questions that cannot wait until the 28th, please direct them to Dr. Sommers.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
AT CALDWELL
326 Bloomfield Avenue
Caldwell, New Jersey 07006
973-228-0310
www.firstprescaldwell.org