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