June 21, 2020

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Father’s Day

High School Senior Graduation Recognition

 

Reflection

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. 

We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children,  healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel.

Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain, and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal. 

 

PRELUDE

Hymn Favorites for the 2020 Graduating Class                   

 

WORDS OF WELCOME  

 

CALL TO WORSHIP & OPENING PRAYER  

Psalm 86:1 – 10

Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long.

Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.  For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.  Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication.  In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me.

There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.  All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.  For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.

 

HYMN NO. 22, St. 1 – 3

“God of the Sparrow”

ROEDER

God of the sparrow

God of the whale

God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe

How does the creature say Praise.

 

God of the earthquake

God of the storm

God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature say Woe

How does the creature cry Save.

 

God of the rainbow

God of the cross

God of the empty grave

How does the creature say Grace

How does the creature say Thanks.

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION & ASSURANCE OF PARDON (In Unison)

Healer and Helper, we again come to seek life renewed.  There is so much that is lovely in your creation, but we confess that we have sought the unhealthy.  It is different for each of us.  It is the same for each of us.  We have one thing in common.  We know that healing comes from You.  Receive now the words of our mouths that anticipate the needs of our hearts.  Help us be open to You in this hour, so that we may see your hopes for us the rest of our hours.  Our souls are transparent to You, may they be as accessible to us.  May we know the goodness You see in us, and in our neighbors, so that we will be willing agents of Your love.  We pray this in the confidence of the love of Jesus, Amen.

 

HYMN N0. 582                                   

“Glory to God”

GLORY TO GOD

Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me,

And to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me.

And to the Spirit, whose love has set me free.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.  Amen.

 

World without end, without end.  Amen.

World without end, without end.  Amen.

World without end, without end.  Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.  Amen.

 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

 

PRESENTATION OF THE STAFFORD SCHOLARSHIP                            

Jennifer Masson

 

A GRADUATION LITANY & BLESSING

 

A VIDEO PRESENTATION TO THE CLASS OF 2020

 

OLD TESTAMENT READING          

Jeremiah 20:7 – 13

 

NEW TESTAMENT READING           

Romans 6:1-11

 

SERMON

“Alive to God”

Rev. Tom Malek- Jones

 

SPECIAL MUSIC

“Beautiful City” from GODSPELL    

Stephen Schwartz, arr. Mac Huff

Madison Borys & Trevor Heun, Duet

 

A FATHER’S DAY LITANY

For fathers everywhere, who have given us life and love,

that we may show them respect and love.

Holy God, hear this prayer for our fathers.

For fathers who have lost a child through death, that their faith may give them hope, and their family and friends support and console them.  

Holy God, hear this prayer for our fathers that mourn.

For men who may or may not have children of their own, but act like a father to someone in need of advice, support, nurturing, and love.

Holy God, hear this prayer for our father figures.

For step-fathers who have assumed that role with love and joy, who have loved the children of another as their own and created a new family.

Holy God, hear this prayer for step-fathers.

For adoptive fathers, who have heard the call of God to lovingly step forward for those that need their care.

Holy God, hear this prayer for adoptive fathers.

For fathers who have been unable to be a source of strength, who have not responded to  the needs of their children and have not sustained their families.

Holy God, have mercy on absentee fathers.

For fathers who struggle with temptation, violence, or addiction. For those who do harm, and for those whom they have harmed.

Holy God, have mercy on fathers that struggle.

For new fathers, full of hope. For long-time fathers, full of wisdom. For the fathers yet to be, and fathers soon to be.

Holy God, hear our prayer for the fathers of your Church.

For those that have shaped our lives without claim of family or kinship. For those who have taught us, guided us, shaped us, and molded us into servants of Christ our Lord.

Holy God, hear our prayer for the fathers of our faith. Amen.

 

PASTORAL PRAYER & 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.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CLOSING HYMN NO. 22, St. 3 – 6 

“God of the Sparrow”

ROEDER 

God of the hungry

God of the sick

God of the prodigal 

How does the creature say Care

How does the creature say Life.

 

God of the neighbor

God of the foe

God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love

How does the creature say Peace

 

God of the ages

God near at hand

God of the loving heart

How do your children say Joy

How do your children say Home.

 

BENEDICTION

 

SPECIAL MUSIC               

 

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS

Rev. Tom Malek-Jones

Rev. Barbara Piercy

Noel A. Piercy

Susan Jones & Kaitlyn Heun

Gabriella Suda, Worship Leader

Madison Borys & Trevor Heun, Vocalists & Cantors

Ray Liptak & Rob Thiemann, Technical Assistance  

 

Congratulations High School Graduates!

 

*Madison Borys, daughter of Heidi and Paul Borys, is graduating from James Caldwell High School where she became a member of the peer leadership program and National Honor Society during her sophomore year. Madison was voted in as the President of the Theatre Arts Program Board during her senior year, and she was the choreographer for the spring musical, as well as multiple cabarets at JCHS. Madison graduated in the top 15% of her class and was the top recipient of the Music and More Booster Club Scholarship. At FPC, Madison was involved with Westminster Choir for 7 years, and Chancel Choir for 2 years. She has assisted with Sunday School for 2 years, and Cherub and Youth Choir s for 4 years. Madison has been an advisor for Choir Camp for 7 years and has been a VBS helper for 3 years. Madison has been an active member of the FPC Youth Fellowship program and has participated in The Pittsburgh Project for 5 years. Madison was nominated as a teen deacon in January 2020. This fall, Madison will begin an accelerated Occupational Therapy program at The University of Scranton, in which she will graduate with a master’s degree in OT. Madison is a recipient of this year’s John R. and Inge P. Stafford Memorial Scholarship.

 

*Anna Bradley, daughter of Tom and Susan Bradley (number 5 of 6 children), is graduating from Montclair Kimberley Academy where she has attended school since the fourth grade and has been a consistent Honor Role student. She graduated from MKA on June 7, 2020 after serving in coveted leadership roles on the Student Athletic Council and as a Captain for the House of Strong; she also proudly ran cross country and track from grades 6 through 12. Anna served as the women’s cross country team Captain her senior year, and was deemed one of the most accomplished female long distance runners in Essex County during her four years in high school. As part of the women’s track & field team at MKA, Anna joined her teammates in setting a number of school records in the 4 x 400 relay, the 4 x 800, the 4 x 1600 and the mixed medley relay. The most rewarding part of Anna’s high school running career was having the honor to train under the late, great Coach Tom Fleming, who was a two-time New York City Marathon winner! Anna was baptized at First Presbyterian Church Caldwell and sang in the youth choirs as a child and attended Sunday school over the years. Following her confirmation, she helped teach the preschool Sunday school classroom for several years. Anna is beyond excited to attend Penn State University in the fall, where she is interested in studying Business Administration as well as continuing her study of World Languages. An avid NY Giants fan, Anna looks forward to cheering on the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, as well as running Club cross country/track & field in college. 

 

Nick Farro, son of Leah and Paul Farro, is graduating from James Caldwell High School where he was a peer leader, a member of the National Honor Society, and was the Captain for Varsity Winter & Spring Track. Additionally, Nick received High Honor Roll and was honored at the academic banquet. Nick was the recipient of the Allan Engal Memorial Scholarship & Kiwanis Community Service and Academic Excellence Award. At FPC, Nick was a member of Westminster Choir, the Youth Fellowship program, and an advisor for Choir Camp and VBS. Nick has attended The Pittsburgh Project and he has assisted with the sound board for Sunday worship services. This fall, Nick will attend the University of Delaware, majoring in Business. 

 

*Jason Fusaro, son of AnnaMarie & Darren Fusaro, is graduating from James Caldwell High School where he was a three-sport athlete: Cross Country, Basketball and Lacrosse. At FPC, Jason participated in Youth Club and attended The Pittsburgh Project. Jason will attend Virginia Tech in the fall and will major in Accounting. 

 

*Jack Jones, son of Eugene and Susan Jones, is graduating from Passaic Valley Regional High School where he played Varsity Lacrosse for 4 years, was the Treasurer for the Italian Club, a member of the Passaic Valley Honor Society, Ski Club and Physics Club. At FPC, Jack participated in Youth Club and The Pittsburgh Project. Additionally, he was a Youth Club Helper and a Sunday School Helper. Jack was a member of the Christian Education Committee and he attended Triennium in 2019. This fall, Jack will attend University of Rhode Island and he will major in Ocean Engineering, with a minor in Political Science. 

 

*Maggie Lonsinger, daughter of Fay and Bryan, is graduating from Verona High School where she was a High Honor Roll student for all 4 years. Maggie played varsity soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. She was a captain for all three sports during her senior year. Maggie was chosen as Athlete of The Year, and SEC scholar-athlete. Maggie was confirmed at FPC and participated in church retreats and community service activities. This fall, Maggie will attend UConn, where she will play lacrosse. 

 

*Kieran Lewis Maguire, son of Julianne Lewis Maguire and Michael Maguire, is graduating from James Caldwell High School where he played varsity golf and received recognition with Essex Country All Conference Golf. He also was a member of the JCHS Patriot Club. Additionally, Kieran is a University of Delaware Merit Scholar. At FPC, Kieran attended The Pittsburgh Project from 2013-2018, and participated in the Oasis Water Drive in 2018. This fall, Kieran will attend University of Delaware, majoring in Finance with a minor in Spanish. 

 

*Anthony Mattern, son of Claire and Kenneth Mattern, is graduating from James Caldwell High School. Anthony is a member of the New Jersey State Troopers Explorers Program. He is a football player, and a member of Ju Jitsu. Anthony earned a paid internship last summer with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office’s Criminal Justice Program and participated in the New Jersey State Trooper Week. At FPC, Anthony has been a part of the Westminster and Pilgrim Choirs for 7 years and attended many choir tours. This fall, he will attend University of New Haven as a Homeland Security major. 

 

*Tyler Maxwell, son of Robert and Angie Maxwell, is graduating from Cedar Grove High School where he ran track & cross country. At FPC, Tyler attended The Pittsburgh Project mission trop for 6 years and was a VBS and Sunday School Helper. This fall, Tyler will attend Ramapo College to study Computer Science. 

 

Andrew McLaughlin, son of Brian & Andrea McLaughlin, is graduating from James Caldwell High School. At FPC, Andrew was a member of the Westminster Choir, participated in the Youth Fellowship program, attended The Pittsburgh Project mission troops, and assisted with VBS. This fall, Andrew will attend Montclair State University.   

 

*Kara Louise Motsch, daughter of Roland & Donna Motsch, is graduating from Hanover Park High School where she was a member and treasurer of the National Honor Society, and received distinguished honors (4.0 or higher GPA) every semester for all 4 years of high school. Kara has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and she is finalizing her Girl Scouts Gold Award. Kara started a new club at high school called “Helping Hands” to help those with cancer/diseases. She was a member of the high school dance team, as well as a member of the ADXT Dancextensions competition dance team for 8 years. Kara was a member of Key Club, E.R.A.S.E. Club, and Paws for a Cause. Kara is a recipient of the Presidential Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. At FPC, Kara participated with soup kitchens, sandwich nights, Sunday School and Confirmation retreats. This fall, Kara will attend University of Florida for Nursing. 

 

Tara Perrothers, daughter of Colette & Ralph Perrothers, is graduating from James Caldwell High School where she was a member of the drama club for all four years. Tara is the recipient of the Music and More Scholarship, and the Presidential Scholarship from Seton Hall University. At FPC, Tara has been a member of The Westminster Choir for 5 years. This fall, Tara will attend Seton Hall University, studying psychology and theater. 

 

*Michael Soccio, son of Joseph Soccio and Mary DeBonis, is graduating from James Caldwell High School where he played Baseball and participated in track & field (shotput). Michael was a member of the theater program, band, chorus, Retromen, Madrigals, Mock Trial Club, Environmental Protection Club, Envirothon team, and Math Club at JCHS. Michael is the recipient of the Amanda McDonald Heart of Gold Scholarship, David Gould Memorial Scholarship, Historical Society of West Caldwell Scholarship, Rotary Club of Caldwell Service Scholarship, West Caldwell Local Assistance Board Human Services Award, West Essex PBA local #81 Scholarship, West Essex Unico Scholarship, William Payne Memorial Scholarship, and the Classon Family Scholarship. At FPC, Michael assisted with the Crane’s Mill Bus, attended The Pittsburgh Project, and was a member of Westminster Choir. Additionally, he was a helper with Sunday School, Choir Camp and VBS. Michael assisted the committee for hiring a Director of Children & Youth in 2018. This Fall, Michael will attend New York University (NYU) with a double major in Philosophy and Economics with the intention of going to law school. 

 

*Gabriella Suda, daughter of Gynine and Gary Suda, is graduating from James Caldwell High School where she has been a member of the varsity cross country team for 2 years, winter track for 3 years, and spring track for 4 years. She has also been a member of the National Honors Society for 2 years. Gabriella is the recipient of the 2020 Seal of Biliteracy for Italian, the West Essex Unico Scholarship, the Jennifer Nesbit Scholarship, the JCHS XC Scholarship, as well as this year’s John R. and Inge P. Stafford Memorial Scholarship at FPC. Gabriella has been a member of the cherub choir, youth club, and Westminster Choir for 12 years. She has also taught Sunday School, and was nominated as the 2019 Teen Deacon. Gabriella has attended The Pittsburgh Project for 4 consecutive years. In the fall, Gabriella will attend Penn State University with an Undeclared major. 

 

*Francesca Valle, daughter of Heather Angelo and David Valle, is graduating from Verona High School where she did cheerleading in the fall, her school musical in the winter, and track in the spring. Francesca participated in all of these activities for all four years. Additionally, Francesca was in the American Sign Language Club. She was inducted into the National Thespian Society her junior year and was appointed Secretary of her Thespian Society Class. She was also given the role of cheer captain in the fall. Francesca has been a very active member of the FPC community since the age of 5. She attended Sunday School throughout her childhood and now has been a teen volunteer of Sunday School for all four years of high school. Additionally, she was in Westminster Choir for two years, and has enjoyed her time at First Pres more than anything. After high school, Francesca will attend College of Charleston in South Carolina. 

 

Iris Wilson, daughter of Ayhan and Gary Wilson, is graduating from James Caldwell High School where she was a member of the soccer, swim and track teams. Iris is the recipient of a swim scholarship. Additionally, she was a member of Key Club and Service Club, and she volunteered at soup kitchens. At FPC, Iris attended The Pittsburgh Project, and helped at Sandwich Nights. Iris will attend Marist College in the fall and she is majoring in Fashion Design.  

 

* Member of The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell