Pennington Presbyterian FAITH ⧫ SERVICE ⧫ COMMUNITY

The Beginning of Ministry and the Call of the First Disciples

Pennington Presbyterian Church Service for the Lord’s Day Third Sunday after Epiphany Sunday, January 26, 2020

Worship notes: *Congregation is invited to stand | Bold is to be said by congregation

Assemble in God Gathering Music As the music begins, please quiet yourself in anticipation of the worship of God.

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude “Reflections from Iona” arr. Karen Thompson The Bell Choir

*Call to Worship from Psalm 27 Barbara L'Amoreaux The Lord is my light and my salvation.

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

Let us worship God! Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise *Hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” Hymnal #12 Call to Confession Prayer of Confession

(silent confession)

Words of Assurance

*Hymn “The Lord Is My Light” Hymnal #842 1 Proclaim God’s Word

Prayer for Illumination David Anderson

First Reading I Corinthians 1:10-18 Pew Bible page 1038 The Word of the Lord.

Time with the Children Christine James Young worshippers may return to their pews to worship with their families, or they may go to Child Care in Room 102 in the Nursery School building. Visitors are welcome. “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore” *Hymn “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore” Hymnal #721

Second Reading Matthew 4:12-23 Pew Bible page 879

Sermon Immediately they Followed Christine James

Service of Ordination and Installation

The Apostles’ Creed

Hymn “Take, O Take Me As I Am” Hymnal #698

2 Give Thanks to God

Offertory and Moment of Friendship

Offertory Anthem “Faith of Our Mothers” Sally Ann Morris The Adult Choir Faith of our mothers, living still, Faith of our daughters, hoping still, through gifts derided, calls denied, venturing pathways yet untrod, striving undaunted through the years, partners in witness to the world, 'til bolted doors have opened wide: seeking a living, moving God: Faith of our mothers, firm and strong, Faith of our daughters, bold and true, voices long silenced rise in song! restless 'til Christ makes all things new.

Faith of our sisters, serving still, Faith of our families, growing still, with towel and basin, cup and bread, varied in gender, class, and race, tending earth's needs with patient care, patchwork of patterns, shapes, and hues, 'til hurts are healed and hungers fed: vast as the mantle of God's grace: Faith of our sisters' art and skill, Faith of our families, growing faith, loving with heart and mind and will. we honor you in life and death.

*Doxology

*Prayer of Dedication

Pastoral Prayer

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

3 Go in God’s Name *Hymn “The Church's One Foundation” Hymnal #321

*Benediction

Postlude Trumpet Tune in D David N. Johnson

Notes on Today’s Music 4

Prelude & Postlude Reflections from Iona arr. Karen Thompson Reflections from Iona sets three different melodies from the Iona Community in Scotland. The Iona Community is a Christian community that, like Taizé, has a focus on praying and working together daily. This community grew out of the Church of Scotland, which is a relative of our own denomination, but it comprises ecumenical members all over the world. One of the distinctive features of the Iona Community is their ever-changing way of worshipping God, often drawing upon music from around the world and creating short, repetitive, sung prayers. In her piece, Karen Thompson sets three of these prayers from Iona: Take, O Take Me As I Am, Take This Moment, and Be Still and Know. We will sing Take, O Take Me As I Am later in the service as we ordain and install officers in our congregation.

Anthem Faith of Our Mothers Sally Ann Morris Faith of Our Mothers is an anthem that was commissioned by Princeton Theological Seminary for the Women in Ministry Conference in 2017. The text, written by Mel Bringle, celebrates the faith and the calling of women now and throughout history. We especially celebrate today how God has called us all to serve in varied and unique ways. Like a lot of the hymns in our hymnal, the melody that Sally Morris wrote for this anthem has its own name: BETSEY STOCKTON. Betsey Stockton was a slave in the service of Ashbel Green, the president of Princeton University. Once no longer a slave, she became highly respected educator and missionary, perhaps following a call God was making on her own life.

Hymns The Lord Is My Light is a brief chant from the community at Taizé. Taizé, France, hosts an ecumenical, monastic community that prays and works together daily. The community is visited by thousands of worshippers, especially young people, at a time. They use brief songs such as this one and repeat them extensively, that each person might be more deeply immersed in the prayer every repetition. This song sets the first verse of Psalm 27, which we read at the beginning of our service to call ourselves to worship God.

5 Pennington Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) 13 South Main Street, Pennington, New Jersey 08534 1 (609) 737-1221, ext. 10 www.pennpres.org | [email protected] Our Mission is: to be a joyful, nurturing community proclaiming by faith and action the transforming Gospel of Christ locally and globally.

We are on Facebook and Instagram! facebook.com/pennpres | @pennpres

Welcome! We extend a warm greeting to newcomers & visitors and invite you to join fully in the life of our church. For printed information, please stop by the Visitors Welcome Table in the narthex.

Children’s Bibles are available. Please feel free to look for one for your child and take it to where you are seated. Children’s worship bags with paper, crayons, etc.are also available. A special space for parents and babies is available with a rocking chair and foam padding for little ones. Nursery care is provided in Room 102 throughout the morning.

Reserved parking is available for people who must park close to our entrances. We are mindful and respect the special needs of others.

Important Note: We appreciate your consideration in not taking flash pictures and in silencing cell phones during services, as it is disruptive to the worship. Thank you.

Pennington Presbyterian Church Staff

Pastor: Rev. Nancy Mikoski Pastor Emeritus: Rev. William McQuoid Pastoral Assistant: Rev. Dr. Nancy Schluter Seminary Intern: Christine James Director of Music Ministries: Megan Coiley Organist: Don Dolan Director of Youth Music Ministries: Phil McMillan Bell Choir Director: Laura McMillan Interim Director of Middle School Ministry: Lee Office Administrator: Jenny Valdez Interim Director of High School Ministry: Ellen White Finance Administrator: Pamela Paluzzi Director of Pennington Presbyterian Nursery School: Hope Treasurer: John Coats Anderson Week at a Glance 6 Today! January 26 Upper Titus 9:00 am Adult Choir rehearsal Classrooms 9:00 am Christian Education hour for children, youth & adults Sanctuary 10:15 am Worship Service Upper Titus 11:30 am Fellowship Ellen and Christine 11:45 am Sr. Highs-Lunch Hopewell Valley Children's 2:00 pm SNC – “Aladdin Jr” Theater 6:30 pm Genesis Choir, grades 2-5 Room 206

MONDAY, January 27 10:30 am Parish Callers Narthex 6:00 pm Session Committee Chairs meeting Dove Room 7:00 pm Session Meets Upper Room

TUESDAY, January 28 7:00 pm Small group Barbara Rockel’s home

WEDNESDAY, January 29 9:30 am Shalom: Women’s Bible Study Upper Room 6:30 pm Gloria Deo Choir, grades 6-12 Upper Titus

THURSDAY, January 30 6:45 pm Bell Choir rehearsal Balcony loft 8:00 pm Adult choir rehearsal Upper Titus

FRIDAY, January 31 7:00 pm Fresh Start Al-Anon family group Room 206

SUNDAY, February 2 9:00 am Adult Choir rehearsal Upper Titus 9:00 am Christian Education hour for children, youth & adults Classrooms 10:15 am Worship Service Sanctuary 11:30 am Fellowship Upper Titus 12:00 pm Sunday Night Central & Senior High volunteering Legacy Lunch 6:30 pm Genesis Choir, grades 2-5 Room 206

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We pray each week for members listed alphabetically in our church directory. Michael, Audrey, Eleanor & Alexander Fiscor; Jaime Fletcher; Julie Fletcher; Robert & Joanne Fletcher; Mike, Nancy, Elizabeth, Samantha & Emily Gallagher; Beth Gensel; and Patrice Gensel.

Epiphany Stars This month we celebrated Epiphany and as part of the celebration, we received Stars with a word on it. Our Star Words are a gift for us, for reflection and prayer throughout the year. You are invited to think and pray about it and pay attention to the world around you in relation to your word. The stars are a way for us to open ourselves to an epiphany experience, one where the light of God shines in and we find new meaning, insight, calling, or inspiration.

Here are some questions for reflection: How do you feel about your word? Do you like it or do you wish you had another? Why do you react to it as you do?

Ask God to use your word as a window, helping you to see or experience something this year.

People of all ages are welcome to have a star. If you did not receive one, you may pick one up after worship or come by the church office during the week.

Epiphany Home Potluck Schedule Host Date Time Notes The Larthey Family Saturday, February 1 4pm All Ages

Hosts will serve the main dish; guests bring appetizers, sides, drinks, or desserts to share. Then we share stories of the impact of the words on your star, new and/or old. If you don't have a star or a story, please pass by the office and pick your star out of the basket. You are still welcome to attend.

How to sign up? Email [email protected] or call the church at 609-737-1221. Sign up during fellowship time on Sundays. 8 College Care Package Please take a heart (or two) from the College Care Package Heart Tree in Upper Titus to purchase snack items for the care packages the Deacons send to our college students. Cash donations are also being collected to offset the cost of shipping the packages. All items are due back the morning of Sunday, February 9, so that they can be boxed that evening and shipped that same week. Please see Ron Russell or Katie Michels with your questions.

Sunday Morning Adult Offerings Two new small groups began this month, and the Bible and Theology Class began a new study last Sunday. These are wonderful ways to learn and grow in faith. “Fill Your Cup: Spiritual Practices for Mental Wellness” Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Depressed or anxious? Looking for some new ways to engage with your faith? Come learn about specific practices drawn from the Christian tradition that can help you find peace of mind and a deeper connection to God. Try out these practices on your own throughout the week and join others for support and discussion. The material will be available by email for those who can’t make in-person gatherings. Sunday Mornings at 9am in Lower Titus, starting January 19. Email [email protected] to get on the email list. Bible and Theology Class In January, we will be reading "Confessions" by Augustine, followed (after Easter) by "A Grace Disguised" by Gerald Sittser. Rev. Dr. Gordon Mikoski and Joe Tully lead the discussion on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am in the Upper Room. All are invited. Newcomers are invited and warmly welcomed.

Directory and Annual Report The church office has begun collecting new and/or updated congregation members’ contacts. If you have had a change of contact information (mailing address, phone number, email address, etc.), please submit that update by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling the office at (609) 737-1221. The church office also needs to collect extremely important input for the 2019 Annual Report. If you have any photos stored on your phone or computer from attending our events, committees, or classes last year, please send all you can to the church office. We would love to save them and include them in our report. 9

The Legacy Circle The legacy circle is the church’s initiative to recognize, celebrate and thank our members and friends who have or intend to remember the church, in their planned giving. After the service on Sunday, February 2, the church will be hosting its Second Annual Legacy Sunday Luncheon. Besides thanking the Legacy Circle participants, the free luncheon will feature a presentation by the church’s financial advisor, Alison Denis, to address the topic: “Smooth Sailing into & through Retirement.” All are welcome to attend, and you are invited to reserve your place by e-mailing [email protected] or by phone at (609) 737-1221, ext. 10. For entry to the Legacy Circle, kindly submit the “Legacy Circle Letter of Intent” which states your intention to remember the church in your estate planning. All gifts are important, and it is the intention which we are to celebrate during our meal together. Find a copy of the form at the church office.

Brown Bag Lunch and Program- February 7, 2020 Adults of all ages are invited to attend the Brown Bag Lunch and Program at the Pennington Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 7 to learn about an important volunteer program entitled Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Volunteers are appointed by a Family Court Judge to advocate for the best interests of one of the 1300 children who are in foster care or other court placements in Mercer and Burlington Counties. Training and on-going guidance are provided to all volunteers. The speakers are Mauri Tyler, Director of Volunteer Recruitment, and Theresa Wrobel, a volunteer advocate. Come and learn more about this program that gives some of the neediest children a voice. Lunch is at 12:30, followed by the program from 1-2. Bring your own sandwich. A light dessert and beverages will be provided. Please call the church office to register, 609-737-1221, x10.

10 Meals and More Volunteer Opportunity If you bake or cook, Meals and More ministry could use your help! Meals and More provides meals to members of our church family, baked goods for holidays and special events, and more. Here’s how it works: your name goes on our contact list and an email or phone message is sent to you when we receive a request. You respond only if you can help out at the time. There is no commitment - other than checking your emails - and no obligation, but the service is an invaluable one for those with family in the hospital, or convalescing, or with a new baby, or house-bound family member, etc. Providing cookies, brownies, etc. for Easter or celebrations or funeral services is much appreciated by all. Please contact Cindy Carothers (609-213-2513 | [email protected]) to put your name on the list and be willing to help out when you can.

Early Wednesday Morning Lenten Services Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 & April 1 7:30-8:00 am

What a wonderful way to start your day gathering to worship with fellow friends and neighbors!! We meet in the reception room (Narthex). For working people and students, we conclude at 8 am. For those who can, we invite you to join us going out for breakfast or just coffee at a local establishment where we can talk and get to know each other better.

Each week we have a different lay church member lead us in a short devotional service, sharing something inspirational. One of our ordained ministers will serve communion by intinction (Cary Bruestle brings hot homemade bread), we sing, read scripture together, share joys and concerns, and pass the peace with one another. One week we will have breakfast during the service. Once you come, you'll want to return each week!

You are most welcome to invite friends and neighbors to join us! It's a great way to get to know one another better and for the community to know what we are about. I look forward to seeing you all.

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Praying for People of the World One Country at a Time STATE

This week we are praying for the Vatican City State, an independent city-state located on within Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world, with only a two-mile walled border that surrounds 109-acres, making it 1/8 the size of New York's Central Park. The Vatican became the seat of the when the construction of a basilica over St. Peter's grave began in the 4th century A.D. The Vatican City State is an absolute monarchy with the at its head. The Pope is the ruler of both Vatican City and the . The Holy See is the central governing body of the entire Roman Catholic Church. The designation ‘see', used as a noun, is "the seat or office of a bishop." Therefore, 'Holy See' means the seat of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). The Vatican palace is the residence of the Pope within the city walls. He also has a summer palace outside Rome.

The flag of Vatican City State was adopted on June 7, 1929, the year Pope Pius XI signed the with Italy, creating a new independent state governed by the Holy See. Vatican City citizenship is not based on birth because no one is born there. Citizenship is granted only to those who reside in the Vatican because of their work or office. Of the approximately 800 residents of Vatican City, over 450 have Vatican citizenship. The remainder of the over 2,400 people who work at the Vatican are daily commuters.

The 135 Swiss Guardsmen, officially known as the Pontifical , are citizens. They serve as the police force for the Vatican and are responsible for the Pope’s safety. The group was formed as a result of an alliance between the Swiss and the Holy Roman Empire, and have been protecting the Pope for 510 years. A Guardsman must be an unmarried Roman Catholic male with Swiss citizenship, between 19 and 30 years of age, and at least 5 feet 8 inches tall. They must have a professional diploma or high school degree, and have completed basic training with the Swiss military that includes hand-to-hand combat.

Vatican Hill is the site of St. Peter’s Basilica, whose dome is a dominant feature of the skyline of Rome. St. Peter’s may be the largest church in Christendom, covering about 5.7 acres. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age and is one of the four churches in the world that hold the rank of “major basilica.” (All four are in Rome.)

In addition to 's Basilica, the main tourist attractions in the Vatican State City are the 12 , founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century. The 54 Vatican Museums are Christian art museums displaying works from the immense collection amassed by throughout the centuries. The museums house ancient Roman sculptures such as “Laocoön and His Sons,” as well as Renaissance frescoes in the and the . The latter is also famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling and other important masterpieces of Renaissance art.

Eighty-eight countries currently maintain embassies to the Holy See. President Reagan established formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1984. The U.S. mission works in partnership with the Holy See on global issues including democracy, peace, security, human trafficking, interreligious dialogue, development, foreign aid, and human rights. In addition to these global issues, air pollution threatens the people and the art of the Vatican City. The Vatican City government has also struggled with financial mismanagement. The current Pope is working to reform how the Vatican’s resources are managed.

The Vatican's wealth is estimated to be in the $10-15 billion range, with major investments in banking, insurance, chemicals, steel, construction, and real estate. The Vatican and Italy signed an agreement in 2000, enabling the Holy See to adopt the euro as its official currency and, since 2002, the ability to mint its own euro coins. Vatican euros are legal tender now both in the Vatican City and Italy, and can be circulated freely throughout the entire Eurozone.

The Vatican City has a national football (soccer) team. It has no significant wildlife, as would be expected given that Vatican City and the surrounding Rome are completely urban and have been for centuries.

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