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The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell

326 Bloomfield Avenue

Caldwell, NJ 07006

973-228-0310

www.firstprescaldwell.org

 

August 23, 2020

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Choir Camp Sunday

REFLECTION

"Today’s reading invites us to look to God for our salvation, deliverance, and wholeness. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we gain perspective on life and see the storms and trials of life in terms of God’s movements in our lives and not our own fallible and individualistic efforts. We are never alone. Our prayers touch the heart of God and receive God’s response in the midst of life’s often challenging and difficult moments."  - Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly

 

PRELUDE                               Noah & the Doves”(Genesis 8:6-16)            Jim Kelsey (Op. 40)

                 

WORDS OF WELCOME 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP & OPENING PRAYER  

 

SPECIAL MUSIC                       A Choir Camp Mini-Tour”            Tom S. Long & Allen Pote

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (In Unison)

Lord, you know us too well. You know how easy it is for us to come to you and to proclaim loudly of our faith when all is going well. But when the waters get rough and the waves threaten to swamp our little boats, we cry and wail in fear. We are sure that these waves will be the very things that destroy us. Over the wind and the waves, you call to us to place our trust in you. That’s not so easy for us. We are so used to getting lots of reassurances and written guarantees of safety. But still you call to us. Help us take our focus off the wind and the waves and place our gaze directly on you. Attune our hearts and our lives to hear your call and to respond in faith. For we offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. AMEN.

 

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Don’t be afraid. Jesus is with you at all times. You are healed, forgiven, and loved. 

Forgiven and renewed, we will live in the love of the Lord. AMEN.

 

HYMN No. 315, St. 3                In the Midst of New Dimensions”                         NEW DIMENSIONS

 

As we stand, a world divided by our own self-seeking schemes,

Grant that we, your global village might envision wider dreams.

God or rainbow, fiery pillar leading where the eagles soar,

We your people, ours the journey now and ever, now and ever, now and evermore.

 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE     The Story of Noah & the Great Flood”                     Rice & Pote

 

            

SPECIAL MUSIC                    Leaning On the Everlasting Arms”              arr. Carol Tornquist

Madison Goodson, Solo

Jessica Goodson, Piano

                                          

GOSPEL LESSON                              Matthew 14:22-33

 

SERMON                              Dumbest People in the Bible – Peter”          Rev. William Schram

 

SPECIAL MUSIC              The Story of Jonah & the Great Fish”                           Rice & Pote

 

HYMN No. 315, No. 2            In the Midst of New Dimensions”                         NEW DIMENSIONS

 

Through the flood of starving people, waring factions, and despair,

Who will lift the olive branches?  Who will light the flame of care?

God or rainbow, fiery pillar leading where the eagles soar,

We your people, ours the journey now and ever, now and ever, now and evermore.

 

PASTORAL PRAYER & 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.

 

HYMN No. 315, No. 5            In the Midst of New Dimensions”                         NEW DIMENSIONS

 

Should the threats of dire predictions cause us to withdraw in pain,

May your blazing phoenix spirit each a love song to be sung.

God or rainbow, fiery pillar leading where the eagles soar,

We your people, ours the journey now and ever, now and ever, now and evermore.

     

 

BENEDICTION

 

BENEDICTION RESPONSE                    Good News”                 Rice & Pote

 

POSTLUDE                                         

 

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS

Rev. William Schram

Rev. Barbara Piercy

Susan Jones

Michael Hardenberg, Cantor

Madison Goodson & Jessica Goodson, Soloist & Accompanist

Videos:  Jessica Goodson & Madison Goodson, Michael Hardenberg, Barbara Piercy, Noel Piercy

Ray Liptak & Rob Thiemann, AV Engineers