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