Worship Service

9:00 a.m. Worship Service

March 21, 2010 5th Sunday in Lent

Westminster Presbyterian Church extends an enthusiastic welcome, in Christ’s name, to all who would worship here or join us in fellowship. We affirm that there can be no exclusion within the body of Christ. We invite all children of God to join us as disciples of Christ and participate fully in the life of our congregation.

Worship Resources – Large print hymnals and hearing devices may be obtained from any usher. Kids’ Notes and worship bags for children are also available from the ushers. Kids’ Notes emphasize listening and seeing during worship.

PASTORAL STAFF: Gregory K. Jones, Head of Staff Anne R. Ledbetter, Associate Pastor CHURCH EDUCATOR: Susan Moseley

MUSIC STAFF: Paul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music 1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and Handbells Section Leaders/Soloists: Diana Milburn, Ruth Bailis, Justin Gonzalez, Brian Carter

This Morning at Westminster 8:45 – Noon Child Care for Cribbery (birth – toddler)

9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service with Westminster Choir and organ

After TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN, if you wish, your children may leave the Sanctuary and go to:

 Godly Care — A unique opportunity for children ages 2 – 4 to get to know God through music, crafts, prayers and stories. Classes are in the Under Six Classrooms A & B.

 Godly Play — Children in kindergarten through second grade gather in the Ruth Christie Room to learn the language of God’s people through sacred space, stories, parables and liturgical actions. You may pick up your children in Under Six Classroom C.

 Godly Kids — Worship education for children in grades 3 and 4. You may pick up your children in Under Six Classroom C.

10:10 a.m. Prime Time Sunday School Classes for All Ages  Under Six Sunday School – Under Six Classrooms  Workshop Rotation for Grades 1 thru 5 – Grace Hall & Classrooms 1-4  Prime Time for Grades 6 thru 8 – Classroom 7  Confirmation Class – Classroom 8  Senior High Gathering – Library  Exploring Membership – Classroom 5  Adult Education Classes – Page 5  Genesis Circle – Holy Toast

11:15 a.m. Worship with old hymns, new songs and creative liturgy. Children are always welcome in worship, however, childcare is available in Under Six for ages 2 – Grade 2.

Hospitality and Fellowship The Holy Toast Café, located today in Community Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Coffee, tea and fellowship are free. Breakfast foods are available for one dollar per item. Deacon Team of the Month: Patti Ridout, Beth Bowersock, Carla Krupanski, Sally Bittel Thomas Later Today

11:15 a.m. Family Promise Grace Hall and downstairs classrooms 4:30 p.m. Living with Loss – Grief Support Ruth Christie Room 3:15 p.m. 180° Grades 7 & 8 Grace Hall 4:30 p.m. Youth Choir Youth Music Room 5:30 p.m. 180° Grades 9 - 12 Chandler Funeral Home Community Meetings 1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org 2:00 p.m. Pacem in Terris ~ Concert Rodney Chapel 6:00 p.m. Clean But Not Straight – NA Club Room 8:00 p.m. AA Club Room

1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org ORDER OF WORSHIP

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP O Lord our God, you are always more ready to bestow your good gifts upon us than we are to seek them. You are more willing to guide our journey than we desire. Help us to seek that we may truly find, to ask that we may joyfully receive, to knock that the door of your wisdom may be opened for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

PRELUDE I’m Just a Poor Wayfaring Stranger Arr. by Hart Morris

Reverberations Handbell Choir Barbara Prugh, trumpet

CALL TO WORSHIP

We gather in this sacred space to worship God whose teaching is perfect; whose directions are sure. We gather in this holy place to worship God whose standards are right; whose commandments are clear; We come to be given life, and made wise, to have our hearts stirred and our eyes opened wide. Let the words of our mouths and the whispering of our hearts be in harmony with God’s will.

*HYMN NO. 132 “Come, Great God of All the Ages” ABBOT’S LEIGH

Verses 1-3

CALL TO CONFESSION Jesus gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. But too often we choose neither to see nor hear God’s word.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Lord, we confess, we turn to you to get the inside track and to obtain special favors. We ask for your direction in our lives only when it coincides with the direction we have decided to go. We want your power only when it will benefit our personal projects. 1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org We ask you to sanction our selfish ambitions. We want you to hand us a blank check that we can fill out however we wish. Help us to listen for what is your purpose for our lives. Help us to be willing to being used by you rather than trying to use you. In Christ’s name we pray. At the asterisk (*), please stand as you are able.

SILENT PRAYER

ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN Anne Ledbetter

ANTHEM Psalm III T. Charles Lee Westminster Choir

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help, no help for you, no help in God. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people.

TELLING OF THE SCRIPTURE STORY Matthew 7:7-11 New Testament, page 6

Charlie Depfer, storyteller Westminster By Heart

SERMON “Ask and It Will Be Given” Greg Jones

*HYMN NO. 333 “Seek Ye First” LAFFERTY

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We believe in one true and living God. We acknowledge one God alone, whose demands on us are absolute, whose help for us is sufficient. That One is the Lord, whom we worship, serve, and love. God is greater than our understanding. We do not fully comprehend who God is or how God works. God’s reality far exceeds all our words can say. The Lord’s requirements are not always what we think is best. The Lord’s care for us is not always what we want. God takes the initiative and is able to do far more than we ask or think. A Declaration of Faith OFFERING During the offering, please sign your name and pass the red folders down each row. As folders are returned to the center aisle, note the names of fellow worshippers on your pew.

OFFERTORY Prayer David W. Guion Justin Gonzalez, tenor

1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org Lord, in this hour of tumult, Lord, in this night of fears, Keep open, oh, keep open My eyes, my heart, my ears. Not blindly, not in hatred, Lord, let me do my part; Keep open, oh, keep open, dear Lord, My eyes, my mind, my heart! Hear Thou my pleading, Hear Thou my prayer!

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymn No. 591)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

LORD’S PRAYER (page 16 in The Presbyterian Hymnal, using “debts” and “debtors”)

*HYMN NO. 446 “Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken” AUSTRIAN HYMN

BENEDICTION

CHORAL POSTLUDE Joseph W. Clokey

Ask, and it shall be given to you; Seek, and ye shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened unto you, For ev’ry one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

GOING FORTH

1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org If you are visiting with us for the first time, we invite you to meet today’s ambassadors, Ellie and Don Furry, at the back of the sanctuary. They will have a gift for you, and can share information regarding our many ministries for children, youth and adults.

1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org Adult Education Classes

This Morning, 10:10 – 11:00 a.m.

Wrestling with Angels: An Intimate Look at the Tough Questions of Life (through April 18) Meeting Room – Today, Prayer with Richard Foster; a Christian theologian and author in the Quaker tradition A six-part video series that tackles the kind of tough, real life questions that can lead you into a deeper understanding of God. Each episode features ordinary people sharing their experiences of struggling with these questions. Their stories are interwoven with reflections and commentaries by some of the most sought-after and best selling Christian authors and speakers of our time.

Bible Study on Romans (through March 28) - Classroom 6 In the final two weeks, we are looking at Paul’s answer to the question: Can unbelief separate God’s people, Israel, from God’s love?

Progress in New Orleans – Holy Toast Café in Community Hall Please stop by to visit. Church in the World will be discussing their recent trip to New Orleans, their Habitat to Humanity build and new project possibilities in New Orleans.

Ongoing Classes: Parenting Group – Ruth Christie Room Participant led, with Yvonne Nass, Parenting Consultant, leading the first Sunday of each month

Westminster By Heart – Meeting Room Led by Biblical Storytellers Mary-beth Howard and Shelley Gnade

Thursday Evening Class Exploring Isaiah I, II and III March 25, April 8 and 22 in the Rowell Conference Room, 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Engaging the Old and New Testaments as we explore the depths of ancient prophecy

1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org WORSHIP NOTES The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ann Pickering.

Sanctuary Flowers - Consider giving the flowers for Sunday worship to remember or honor loved ones, or to celebrate an event, while expressing praise and thanksgiving to God. Please contact Linda Watson during business hours at 302-571-6719 or [email protected]. Available dates for flowers are May 2, 16, 23, 30 and June 13, 20, 27.

The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated on Maundy Thursday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. Are you wearing a nametag? Whether you are a longtime member or new to the church, wearing a nametag provides others the opportunity to meet you, greet you by name, and for you to become more familiar with others at church. Nametags and markers are in baskets at all major entrances. “Westminster to Go” Audio tapes and DVD’s of recent Westminster worship services are available at the front desk. Printed sermons are available on the literature tables and at www.wpc.org.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE AND PRAYER Please remember in your prayers:  Those recently hospitalized: Reena, Shyla, and Aliya Shah, Vera Walker.  Westminster’s homebound family who can no longer attend worship with us. Send a card, say a prayer, visit! This week we ask you to remember Anne Burrough #308 and Virginia Mentzer #309, both of Gilpin Hall, 1101 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806 and Kneale Dockstader, 306 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, PA 19390.  Our brothers and sisters in worldwide ministry.

Westminster’s Covenant Prayer Group prays weekly for specific needs of the faith community. Anyone may submit a prayer requests by leaving a confidential message on 302-654-5848, ext. 335, or filling out a prayer request card (in the pew pocket) and placing it in the offering plate.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan often seem far away, and we may neglect to realize that Americans, as well as Iraqis, Afghans and members of coalition forces, continue to die each day. As Christians, we are called to pray for the spreading of peace and justice and an end to violence. If someone in your family is serving in these wars, please let us know, so that we may include that person on our prayer list. Contact Colleen Falasco: 302-m-5214 ext. 131, or [email protected]. This week we pray for  Those known to the WPC Community presently serving in the Middle East: Afghanistan: Edward Maloney, Chris Martin, Neal Moody and Daniel Reinsenberger

 The families of those from the U.S. who have died most recently: Private 1st Class Adriana Alvarez, age 20, Sergeant Marcos Gorra, age 22 Private 1st Class JR Salvacion, age 27, Chief Warrant Officer Billie Grinder, age 25 Captain Marcus Alford, age 28, Corporal Daniel O’Leary, age 23 Sergeant William Spencer, age 40, Private 1st Class William Ricketts, age 27 Sergeant Vincent Owens, age 21, Lance Corporal Carlos Aragon, age 19 Specialist Ian Gelig, age 25, Specialist Matthew Huston, age 24  Those who have returned from service, possibly suffering from wounds or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, whose scars may by deep and long-lasting.

1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org MEMORIAL EASTER LILY ORDER You are invited to place lilies in the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday in memory or in honor of loved ones. Cost: $20 per plant. Please complete the form below, make checks payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church, and return to Susan Alexander at the front desk no later than Monday, March 29.

______Number of Plants

______Please deliver to a homebound member, OR ______I will pick up at 12:00 p.m. Easter Sunday.

In Memory Of: (please print) ______

In Honor Of: (please print) ______

Given By: (please print)

1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org 11:15 a.m. Worship Service

March 21, 2010 5th Sunday in Lent

Westminster Presbyterian Church extends an enthusiastic welcome, in Christ’s name, to all who would worship here or join us in fellowship. We affirm that there can be no exclusion within the body of Christ. We invite all children of God to join us as disciples of Christ and participate fully in the life of our congregation.

Worship Resources – Large print hymnals and hearing devices may be obtained from any usher. Kids’ Notes and worship bags for children are also available from the ushers. Kids’ Notes emphasize listening and seeing during worship.

PASTORAL STAFF: Gregory K. Jones, Head of Staff Anne R. Ledbetter, Associate Pastor CHURCH EDUCATOR: Susan Moseley

MUSIC STAFF: Paul Fleckenstein, Organist/Director of Music Mary Beth Davis, Director of Music for Children, Youth and Handbells Vocal Ensemble: Diana Milburn, Ruth Bailis, Justin Gonzalez, Brian Carter 1502 West 13th Street ♦ Wilmington, DE 19806 ♦ 302-654-5214 ♦ www.wpc.org This Morning at Westminster 8:45 – Noon Child Care for Cribbery (birth – toddler)