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 29th, 2019

9:30 AM

16th Sunday after Pentecost

 

GATHERING

 

REFLECTION

“I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you.” (Romans 1:8)

 

PRELUDE

"Blessed Assurance"

arr. Cynthia Dobrinski

Chancel Handbell Choir

 

CALL TO WORSHIP (inspired from Micah 6:6-8)

With what shall we come before the Lord?

What shall we bring into the presence of our God,

as an expression of our worship and praise?

Shall we bring him all that we own—

our finest possessions, our life-savings,

our investments and property?

Would God be satisfied if we brought everything we possess?

No, that’s not what God is looking for.

God has told you what is good,

and what God expects of you:

To do justice.

To love mercy.

To walk humbly before God.

 

OPENING PRAYER

 

*HYMN NO. 401

“Here in This Place”

Gather Us In

 

Serving as Acolyte today is Andrew Casazza

 

CONFESSION

CORPORATE PRAYER

Far too often, O God, we desire to look wise in the eyes of the world. We have not spoken truth with our hearts. We have said and done hurtful things to our friends. We have forgotten our true identity, wandering into ways that are not yours. We have lost the path of true worship, focusing on form and words rather than deeds. We have forgotten what true discipleship is. And because of this, you have a quarrel with us.

 

Forgive us and help us live into becoming the people you have created and called us to be: people of justice and love and truth and humility, and yes, even foolishness. May we be fools for Christ, embracing our true identity, even in the face of the world’s scorn and derision.

 

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. 292

“As the Wind Song”

Wairua Tapu

As the wind song through the trees, as the stirring of the breeze, so it is with the Spirit of God, as the heart made strangely warm, as the voice within the storm, so it is with the Spirit of God.

 

Never seen, ever known where this wind has blown

bringing life, bringing power to the world, as the dancing tongues of fire, as the soul’s most deep desire,

so it is with the Spirit of God.

 

PROCLAIMING AND RESPONDING

 

ANTHEM

"My Eternal King"

(See Insert)

Jane Marshall (1924-2019)

Chancel Choir, Westminster Choir, Pilgrim Choir

Choir Alums & Friends of the Choir

 

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.

 

SCRIPTURE

Jeremiah 29:10-13 Page 687, OT

Romans 1:8-9 Page 142, NT

 

SERMON

“A Future with Hope”

Dr. Sommers

 

*HYMN NO. 22

“God of the Sparrow”

Roeder

 

THANKSGIVING FOR THE MINISTRY OF DR. RICK SOMMERS

 

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

"The Plans I Have For You"

(Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Allen Pote

Chancel Choir, Westminster Choir, Pilgrim Choir

Choir Alums & Friends of the Choir

 

*RESPONSE OF THANKSGIVING NO. 292

“As the Wind Song”

Wairua Tapu

As the rainbow after rain, as the hope that’s born again,

so it is with the Spirit of God,

as the green in the spring, as a kite on a string,

so it is with the Spirit of God,

making worlds that are new, making peace come true,

bringing gifts, bringing love to the world,

as the rising of the yeast, as the wine at the feast,

so it is with the Spirit of God.

 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

GOING FORTH

 

*HYMN NO. 769

“For Everyone Born”

For Everyone Born

 

*BENEDICTION

 

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE

“The Kingdom of God”

Taizé Chant

The kingdom of God is justice and peace

And joy in the Holy Spirit

Come, Lord and open in us the gates of your kingdom

 

*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!

 

†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.

 

† 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,, Bill Hayden, Edna Lawshe, Dottie Leonard, Marge Lucas, Thelma Mitchell, Robert

Nathans, Kaye Prasad, Barbara Piggery, Louise Ritscher, Richard Rose, Bob Scarrillo, Debbie

Wefferling, 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.