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 15th, 2019

9:30 AM

14th Sunday after Pentecost

GATHERING

REFLECTION

“It is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and good people who have a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any of the pleasures of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are Christians…and I am one of them.” Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage (died 258)

PRELUDE

“Here I Am, Lord”

Arr. Janet Linker

INTROIT: Three Spirituals (Keep your hand on the plow, Roll on clouds, Wade in the water)

Chancel Choir

CALL TO WORSHIP

We come to this place to search for God,

but God is already searching for us.

We come to this place to speak to God,

but God is already speaking to us.

Let us worship and listen for God,

who calls us together and leads us home.

OPENING PRAYER

*HYMN NO. 39

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Faithfulness

Serving as Acolyte today is Ella Flanagan

CONFESSION

CORPORATE CONFESSION

Almighty God, you poured your Spirit upon gathered disciples creating bold tongues, open ears, and a new community of faith. We confess that we hold back the force of your Spirit among us. We do not listen for your word of grace, speak the good news of your love, or live as a people made one in Christ. Have mercy on us, O God. Transform our timid lives by the power of your Spirit, and fill us with a flaming desire to be your faithful people, doing your will for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

PERSONAL CONFESSION

In the name of Jesus, 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

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

We welcome into the family of God through baptism Aurelia Evelyn Riga, daughter of Raymond and Erica (Toth) Riga, born May 13, 2019.

Assisting in the baptism today is Elder Paul Califf, and Sponsors, Andrea Best and Dan Strauss.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

The Apostles’ Creed (ecumenical)

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 again 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. 475

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

Nettleton

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. 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.

MINUTE FOR MISSION

Street Fair

New Beginnings, Sarah Solie

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 10:19-25

Page 211, NT

SERMON

“BeBeBe”

Dr. Sommers

*HYMN NO. 792

“There Is a Balm in Gilead ”

Balm in Gilead

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

“Great is the Lord”

Michael W. Smith, arr. Jack Schrader Chancel Choir

*RESPONSE OF THANKSGIVING NO. 708

“We Give Thee but Thine Own”

Schumann We give thee but thine own, what-e’er the gift may be; all that we have is thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from thee.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

GOING FORTH

*BENEDICTION

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE NO. 546

“Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing”

Sicilian Mariners

Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace; Let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace. O refresh us, O refresh us, traveling through this wilderness.

*THE PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

Please exchange greetings of welcome and peace with your neighbor.

*Please rise in body or in spirit

†We are glad you have chosen to worship here today! Please come again!

†You are respectfully requested to silence all cell phones. Our church is equipped with a hearing assistance system. Please ask the usher for a receiver.

†For more information about our church, please visit our website: www.firstprescaldwell.org. An information packet is available at the rear of the sanctuary and an Usher or one of the Greeters that you met as you came in will be glad to provide you with more information.

† The flowers this morning, are given to the glory of God…

… In celebration of the baptism of Aurelia Evelyn Riga by Erica Toth.

† 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:

...Maggie Bischoff, Alice Brackmann, Harry Coppens, Ray Corbin, Jay Courter, Catherine Fleming, Neil Garland, Sandra Harvey, Bill Hayden, Ann Jacobsen, Christopher Kerwin, Edna Lawshe, Dottie Leonard, Marge Lucas, Thelma Mitchell, Kara Nancoz, Robert Nathans, Kaye Prasad, Barbara Piggery, Louise Ritscher, Richard Rose, Barbara Romaine, Bob Scarrillo, Debbie Wefferling, 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. STEPHEN MINISTERS are confidential caregivers available in times of need. For more information about Stephen Ministry call 973-228-0310 Ext. 235.