Service for the Lord's Day REFORMATION SUNDAY and KIRKIN’ O’ the TARTANS 28 October 2018

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Service for the Lord's Day REFORMATION SUNDAY and KIRKIN’ O’ the TARTANS 28 October 2018 Our sole purpose is to glorify God, proclaiming through word and deed the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. We trust God’s Spirit to lead and nurture us in all our community and congregational endeavors. We desire that all who come through our doors find deeper faith, larger hope, and more complete love. Service For The Lord's Day REFORMATION SUNDAY and KIRKIN’ O’ THE TARTANS 28 October 2018 ** PRELUDE “Carolan’s Concerto” and “The Clergy’s Lamenation” O’Carolan/Barlow RINGING OF THE BELLS PROCESSIONAL “Scotland the Brave” & “March Medley” Patrick Knox Unrein, piper (Congregation remains seated for Processional) * THE OPENING OF THE WORD The Beadles: Morgan Leigh Jackson & Savannah Kate Jackson THE CONGREGATION GATHERS Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP “Clap Your Hands!” GENEVAN 47 “Clap your hands, all you people! Shout for joy! God is Lord, Most High, King of all the earth. Nations bow to the might that God has shown; we have triumphed through God and God alone. Sound the trumpet, O sing with heart and voice. All you people, unite in God, rejoice!” BLESSING OF THE TARTANS Rev. Dr. Stephen Howell Wilkins, Pastor Dr. Falvy Carl Barr, Jr., Clerk of Session Leader 1: Thank you, O Lord, for your self-revealed Word which has ordained a rich heritage of faith and sacrifice from our ancestors, from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to David, so onwards to the incarnation of Jesus Christ to the establishment of his church: our brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere. Leader 2: Never let us forget that a heritage of faith is a responsibility, not a treasure to be hoarded. People: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord. Leader 1: Thank you, O Lord, for the blessing of family; the warmth, comfort, and security of family love. Leader 2: Never let us forget that our family love is a gift to be shared, that the stranger may be as welcome as the brother. People: Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord. Leader 1: We praise you, O Lord, for those who have lived and died in Christ that we might have the freedom to dwell in a community of faith. Leader 2: Never let us forget that the days of sacrifice are not yet over, that we too, have lives to live in faith. People: On behalf of all clans, families, and nations, we raise these tartans before Almighty God in gratitude for our heritage and pray God’s blessing on His servant people in all lands. PRAYER OF INVOCATION (Adapted from the weekly worship resources of the Church of Scotland) Glorious and gracious God, your people once scattered are now gathered; invited to join you in the house where a welcome always waits; ready and willing to praise you with open hearts and eager minds. Enter our lives and hearts, we pray, that we may begin this day assured of the love which came from on high to live and grow among us and which springs fresh every day through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. * HYMN 45 “I to the Hills Will Lift My Eyes” DUNDEE * PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Adapted from John Knox’s liturgy of 1560) Rebekah MacKay Bryan Almighty God, we are unworthy to come into your presence, because of our many sins. We do not deserve any grace or mercy from you, if you dealt with us as we deserve. We have sinned against you, O Lord, and we have offended you. And yet, O Lord, as we acknowledge our sins and offenses, so also do we acknowledge you to be a merciful God, a loving and favorable Father, to all who turn to you. And so we humbly ask you, for the sake of Christ your son, to show mercy to us, and forgive us all our offenses. Forgive the sins of our youth, and the sins of our old age. By your Spirit, O God, take possession of our hearts, so that, not only the actions of our lives, but also the words of our mouths, and the smallest thoughts of our minds, may be guided and governed by you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. * CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE “Amazing Grace” (first verse) AMAZING GRACE Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. * ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Adapted from The Scots Confession, chapters 6-8) Rebekah MacKay Bryan When the fullness of time came God sent his Son, his eternal wisdom, the substance of his own glory, into this world, who took the nature of humanity from the substance of a woman, a virgin, by means of the Holy Ghost… We acknowledge and confess that this wonderful union between the Godhead and the humanity in Christ Jesus did arise from the eternal and immutable decree of God from which all our salvation springs and depends… Further, it behooved the Messiah and Redeemer to be true God and true man, because he was able to undergo the punishment of our transgressions and to present himself in the presence of his Father’s judgment, as in our stead, to suffer for our transgression and disobedience, and by death to overcome him that was the author of death. So we confess, and most undoubtedly believe. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! * CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE “Amazing Grace” (fourth verse) AMAZING GRACE The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures. ** INSTRUMENTAL RESPONSE “Amazing Grace” Columbian Harmony, 1829 (Congregation remains seated for Instrumental Response) ** ANNOUNCEMENTS FIRST LESSON: Ephesians 2:1-10, NT 192 Rebekah MacKay Bryan ANTHEM “In Praise of the Trinity” Beall/Carter SECOND LESSON: Isaiah 6:1-8, NT 635 SERMON “The Faith of the Kirk” Rev. Dr. Stephen Howell Wilkins, Pastor * HYMN 739 “O for a Closer Walk with God” CAITHNESS, Scottish Psalter - 1615 * THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Taken from The Scots Confession, Chapter 1; the prayer is the epilogue to The Scots Confession) We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom alone we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust; who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; by whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by his inscrutable providence for such end as his eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of his own glory. Arise, O Lord, and let thine enemies be confounded; let them flee from thy presence that hate the godly Name. Give thy servants strength to speak thy Word with boldness, and let all nations cleave to the true knowledge of thee. Amen. * CHORAL GLORIA PATRI (Congregation remains standing for choral Gloria Patri) Scottish Chant, Hymn No. 580 OFFERTORY “Fantasy On An Irish Tune” arr. Arnold Sherman * DOXOLOGY Genevan Psalter – 1551, Hymn No. 606 * PRAYER OF DEDICATION * HYMN 833 “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go” ST. MARGARET * BENEDICTION AND BLESSING * CHORAL RESPONSE “A Scottish Blessing” David Blackwell “Be a light before to lead me; be a guiding star above; Jesu, may I always know Thee, may I always know Thy love… Be a kindly shepherd for me, keep me safe through all my days; Jesu, may I always know Thee, may I always sing Thy praise… As the day falls into evening, as the night is lit with stars, at the ending of life’s journey may Thy heavenly peace by ours…” * RECESSION OF THE TARTANS “March of the Champion Supreme” W. Baird Patrick Knox Unrein, piper In honor of all former members of Graves Memorial whose membership is now in the Church Triumphant. * Those who are able, please stand ** Seating of worshipers A covered dish luncheon will follow in the MacQueen Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited. Please allow senior adults priority in line and seating. The stained glass image of the lion pictured on the front of the bulletin represents the Gospel According to Mark; the image is taken from the stained glass panels in the rear of our sanctuary. There are four figures in the stained glass, each representing one of the gospels. In addition to the lion, you will find a winged angel (Matthew), a winged ox (Luke), and an eagle (John). The four figures are taken from visions found in the Ezekiel 1:1-21, and later in Revelation 4:6-8. In the second century AD, each symbol was associated with a particular gospel. (Photo credit: Steve Wilkins) __________ MR. AND MRS. WILBERT FAIRCLOTH AND MR. AND MRS. NEAL MATTEWS CELEBRATE THE MEMORY OF MR. AND MRS. J. ALFRED BUTTS, MR. AND MRS. CROOM FAIRCLOTH, AND MISS CAROLE FAIRCLOTH WITH A GIFT TO OUR YOUTH MINISTRY IN LIEU OF FLOWERS. TO GOD BE THE GLORY. __________ October ushers are: Carl Barr, Bonnie Barr, Mike Carter, Jeff Heath, Hal Price, Boyde Bristow FLAGS & TARTAN BANNERS PROVIDED BY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF GMPC In 1999, paraments in the clergy tartan for the pulpit and lectern and the pastor’s stole, were handmade and anonymously given to GMPC in honor of the ministry of The Rev.
Recommended publications
  • Presbyterian Worship Questions and Answers
    Presbyterian Worship Questions and Answers David Gambrell Order Now from Your Preferred Retailer Contents Acknowledgments xi Introduction xiii 1. Worship Basics 1 1. What is worship? 1 2. Why do we worship? 2 3. Do Christians really have to go to worship? 3 4. What are the essentials of Christian worship? 4 5. What if there are some parts of worship I hate? 6 2. Leadership and Participation 8 6. Who directs the worship service? 8 7. What does it mean to participate in worship? 9 8. Doesn’t participation involve a speaking part? 10 9. Why do certain people have special roles? 12 10. What kind of worship will attract young people? 13 11. What should we do with children in worship? 14 12. How can we make worship more seeker-friendly? 16 13. Why do we use songs and prayers from other cultures? 17 3. The Order of Worship 19 14. What is the order of worship? 19 15. Why does the order of worship matter? 20 16. Why do Presbyterians say confession every week? 21 17. Why is there an offering during worship? 23 18. Is it charge and blessing or blessing and charge? 24 19. Should Presbyterian worship be traditional, contemporary, or blended? 25 viii Contents 4. The Word 27 20. Is there an official version of Scripture? 27 21. What is the lectionary, and where does it come from? 28 22. How many readings are required? 29 23. Does the sermon have to be so long? 30 24. Are there other ways to proclaim the gospel? 31 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Volume of Reports 2021
    Published in 2021 by THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ASSEMBLY BUSINESS COMMITTEE 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN © The Church of Scotland Assembly Business Committee 2021 ISBN 978-1-80083-017-2 Scottish Charity Number: SC011353 British Library Catalogue in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library All copy keyed by the Church of Scotland Produced by APS Group Scotland 21 Tennant Street, Edinburgh EH6 5NA Reports The Church of Scotland General Assembly 2021 Contents GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2021 Reports 1/1 Assembly Business Committee 2/1 Delegation of General Assembly 3/1 Assembly Trustees 4/1 Special Commission on the Effectiveness of the Presbyterian Form of Church Government 5/1 Legal Questions Committee 6/1 Ecumenical Relations Committee 7/1 Faith Nurture Forum 8/1 Housing and Loan Fund 9/1 Church of Scotland Guild 10/1 Theological Forum 11/1 Registration of Ministries Committee 12/1 Faith Impact Forum 01 13/1 Board of the Iona Community 14/1 Social Care Council 15/1 Safeguarding Committee 16/1 Committee on Chaplains to Her Majesty’s Forces 17/1 General Trustees 18/1 Church of Scotland Pension Trustees 19/1 Nomination Committee 20/1 Church Hymnary Trustees 21/1 Church of Scotland Trust 22/1 Church of Scotland Investors Trust Reports The Church of Scotland General Assembly 2021 Report of the Assembly Business Committee.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................01 ..................................................... ASSEMBLY BUSINESS COMMITTEE MAY 2021 Proposed Deliverance Report The General Assembly: 1. THE VERY REV DR W MARTIN FAIR 1. Receive the Report. Very Rev Dr Martin Fair’s year as Moderator has been distinct.
    [Show full text]
  • American Presbyterian Worship and the Organ Jonathan Jakob Hehn
    Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2013 American Presbyterian Worship and the Organ Jonathan Jakob Hehn Follow this and additional works at the FSU Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected] THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN WORSHIP AND THE ORGAN By JONATHAN JAKOB HEHN A Treatise submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Music Degree Awarded: Summer Semester, 2013 Jonathan Hehn defended this treatise on June 28, 2013. The members of the supervisory committee were: Charles Brewer Professor Co-Directing Treatise Michael Corzine Professor Co-Directing Treatise James Mathes University Representative Matthew Shaftel Committee Member Seth Beckman Committee Member The Graduate School has verified and approved the above-named committee members, and certifies that the dissertation has been approved in accordance with university requirements. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to acknowledge all those who have offered their help and support throughout the process of researching and writing this treatise. Special thanks to Kelly Hehn for her support, encouragement, and patience over the past eleven years. Special thanks also to Michael Corzine for being a truly wonderful teacher and mentor. Thank you to Charles Brewer; Jonathan Bowen of the Church of Saint Luke and the Epiphany in Philadelphia; Frans Vandergrijn, Rudy Hehn; Susan Hehn; Barbara Rhodes for her help documenting the history of First Presbyterian of Tallahassee; Will Scarboro for his help documenting the history of First Presbyterian of Tallahassee; Steven Schnurr for his help documenting the history of First Presbyterian of Chicago; and the staffs of the Robert Manning Strozier Library, Warren Dwight Allen Music Library, the Presbyterian Historical Society, First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, and First Presbyterian Church of Tallahassee.
    [Show full text]
  • Worship Participant Guide
    Welcome to Worship at University Presbyterian Church! We invite you to use this guide as needed to better understand worship at UPC. That said, this guide is, at best, a supplemental resource to the experience of w orship itself. Christian worship is a joyful mystery during which the presence of God moves within and through the people, both as individuals and as the gathered community. A guide such as this cannot possibly contain or describe the fullness of the experience of God in worship. Remaining fully engaged in worship is important, and our hope is that this guide does not become a distraction from your attending to the presence of God in this place. The same can be said for the printed worship bulletin you received on your way in the door. These materials are provided to assist and enhance your full participation in worship. Again, welcome to worship. We are glad you are here! Copyright 2017, 2019, University Presbyterian Church, Austin, TX. Content may be used with permission. Permitted use must include an acknowledgment of UPC Austin. Order of Worship for the Lord’s Day Gathering with Praise Presbyterian worship services follow a pattern of four movements throughout the order of worship to help the assembly tell the story of God. The first movement is the physical and spiritual gathering of the people. The people, for a time, transition out of the realm of the world and into an “in between” space where we encounter God. Prelude & Introit – These are musical selections that begin to set the tone of today’s worship and invite the people to prepare their hearts for worship in prayer and meditation.
    [Show full text]
  • An Order for the Public Worship of God
    An Order for the Public Worship of God The Thirteenth Annual Service of the “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” Eleven o’clock in the morning The Twenty-Second of March Two Thousand and Fifteen A.D. The Laurinburg Presbyterian Church Laurinburg, North Carolina Founded 1859 Welcome to our Guests The staff and congregation of The Laurinburg Presbyterian Church welcome you to our church and to this service. We hope you find it uplifting and our members friendly. We invite you to sign the Friendship Pad so we may remember you in our prayers. If you are seeking worship and fellowship just for today, thank you for celebrating with us. But, if you are searching for a new church community, we wish to respond in whatever manner will suit you best. Our services are open to all, and we will welcome you when and if you return. If you would like more information about participating more fully in the life of The Laurinburg Presbyterian Church or have questions or needs to which we may respond, please call the church office (276-0831, x. 301) or so indicate on the Friendship Pad as it is passed today. Please—No Flash Photography in the Sanctuary On this special day, we gather for the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan Service. “Kirk” is Scottish for Church, usually referring to the Church of Scotland. However, this service and ceremony, although based on Scottish history, legend and folklore, are of American origin. More details of the history and legends are found in the “Programme Notes” portion of this bulletin.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecumenical Relations Committee Reported to the General Assembly
    Report of the Ecumenical Relations Committee ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ECUMENICAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE MAY 2021 Proposed Deliverance Report The General Assembly: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Receive the Report. It is now two years since the Ecumenical Relations Committee reported to the General Assembly. The Report, 2. Instruct the Committee to engage with the reformed therefore, covers work which has taken place since May 2019. Presbyteries of the Church and report to a future Like every part of the Church, the Committee has had to General Assembly. (Section 1) contend with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and 06 3. Instruct the Committee to facilitate a conference to this has impacted its ability to work as efficiently as usual. explore the establishing of a cooperative partnership The Committee would like to record its gratitude to the to enable Christian mission and service to the people Ecumenical Officer who has done an enormous amount to of Scotland. (Section 1.6-1.9) facilitate effective ecumenical responses to the challenges we have all faced. The fact that the leadership of so many of 4. Note the establishing of the Scottish Church Leaders’ the churches in Scotland have worked so well and so Forum and welcome the development of an effective supportively together is testament to his skills and ecumenical forum during the Covid-19 pandemic. dedication, as well as to the benefit of building up (Section 2) ecumenical relations over many years. 5. a) Approve the Saint Andrew Declaration, The Report covers the following topics: consisting of mutual Acknowledgements and Commitments between the Church of Scotland 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Calvinism: B
    Introduction A. Special Terminology I. The Persons Understanding Calvinism: B. Distinctive Traits A. John Calvin 1. Governance Formative Years in France: 1509-1533 An Overview Study 2. Doctrine Ministry Years in Switzerland: 1533-1564 by 3. Worship and Sacraments Calvin’s Legacy III. Psycology and Sociology of the Movement Lorin L Cranford IV. Biblical Assessment B. Influencial Interpreters of Calvin Publication of C&L Publications. II. The Ideology All rights reserved. © Conclusion INTRODUCTION1 Understanding the movement and the ideology la- belled Calvinism is a rather challenging topic. But none- theless it is an important topic to tackle. As important as any part of such an endeavour is deciding on a “plan of attack” in getting into the topic. The movement covered by this label “Calvinism” has spread out its tentacles all over the place and in many different, sometimes in conflicting directions. The logical starting place is with the person whose name has been attached to the label, although I’m quite sure he would be most uncomfortable with most of the content bearing his name.2 After exploring the history of John Calvin, we will take a look at a few of the more influential interpreters of Calvin over the subsequent centuries into the present day. This will open the door to attempt to explain the ideology of Calvinism with some of the distinctive terms and concepts associated exclusively with it. I. The Persons From the digging into the history of Calvinism, I have discovered one clear fact: Calvinism is a religious thinking in the 1500s of Switzerland when he lived and movement that goes well beyond John Calvin, in some worked.
    [Show full text]
  • Worship on the Web
    Worship on the Web FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (marriage) Please note this advice applies to getting in married in Scotland. For a wedding in a Church of Scotland church in England, the law may be different and the minister should be contacted early on to ensure legal requirements there can be met. Questions about marriage in the Church of Scotland 1. Can anyone be married in a Church of Scotland church? 2. Can divorced people be remarried in the Church of Scotland? 3. Can people come from outwith Scotland to be married in a Church of Scotland church? 4. Can a minister of another Church conduct a wedding in Scotland? 5. Is it true that a minister can marry a couple anywhere? 6. What should I do next? 7. What if I am marrying a Roman Catholic? Q. Can anyone be married in a Church of Scotland church? A. The Church of Scotland is 'national', in that every district has its parish church. The parish minister is willing to discuss conducting marriage for any member of the parish. If you are not a church member, the minister will want to discuss with you whether a religious ceremony is what you are looking for, whether it will have meaning for you, and whether he or she agrees it is appropriate in your situation. Q. Can divorced people be remarried in the Church of Scotland? A. Marriage is not understood in the Church of Scotland to be a sacrament, and therefore binding for ever. A minister may therefore conduct the marriage of a divorced person whose former spouse is still alive.
    [Show full text]
  • Kirkin' O' the Tartans
    Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church 201 Fayetteville Street Clinton, North Carolina 28328 Dr. Stephen H. Wilkins, Pastor Sean & Lara Capparuccia, Directors of Music Melissa Griffin, Secretary Service of the Lord's Day Reformation Sunday / Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans Sunday, October 25, 2020 ** PRELUDE “Starkindler” Michael Card RINGING OF THE BELLS PROCESSIONAL “Scotland the Brave” & “March Medley” Patrick Knox Unrein, piper (Congregation remains seated for Processional) The Beadle: Silas Lockamy * THE OPENING OF THE WORD THE CONGREGATION GATHERS The Lord be with you. And also with you. CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP “Celtic Alleluia” O’ Carroll/Wlaker BLESSING OF THE TARTANS Dr. Falvy Carl Barr, Jr., Clerk of Session Thank you, O Lord, for your self-revealed Word which has ordained a rich heritage of faith and sacrifice from our ancestors, from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to David, so onwards to the incarnation of Jesus Christ to the establishment of his church: our brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere. Never let us forget that a heritage of faith is a responsibility, not a treasure to be hoarded. Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord. Thank you, O Lord, for the blessing of family; the warmth, comfort, and security of family love. Never let us forget that our family love is a gift to be shared, that the stranger may be as welcome as the brother. Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord. We praise you, O Lord, for those who have lived and died in Christ that we might have the freedom to dwell in a community of faith.
    [Show full text]
  • The Witness of the Kames Free Presbyterian Church, Argyllshire
    Scottish Reformation Society Historical Journal, 3 (2013), 221-272 ISSN 2045-4570 ______ The Witness of the Kames Free Presbyterian Church, Argyllshire N ORMAN C AMPBELL eformed principles as they affected the work of believers at local level have not been the focus of many studies. This article examinesR how these principles are seen in the history and witness of one Argyllshire congregation between its establishment in 1893 and its closure in 1997, as well as the lessons from the strategies employed to attempt maintenance of the witness in rural areas. Kirk Session and Presbytery records relevant to the Kames congregation of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland in the Cowal peninsula provide a picture of believers striving to witness in a period when the Reformed faith – never strongly-rooted in the area – was increasingly less influential in wider Scottish and British society. The tiny Lochgilphead congregation of the same denomination is also discussed. Appendices highlight the early elders and their place of residence, the number of communicants, the role of the Gaelic language, and the resignation of one minister.1 1 This article is supplementary to the one entitled “Resistance to the 1892 Declaratory Act in Argyllshire”, Scottish Reformation Society Historical Journal, Vol. 2 (2012), pp. 221-274. The writer wishes to thank the Kirk Session of St. Jude’s Glasgow Free Presbyterian congregation for kindly granting access to the Kames Kirk Session records and to other Kames and Lochgilphead congregational documents. Miss Catherine MacPherson of Kames and Glasgow, who along with her parents and grandparents was instrumental in maintaining the work of the congregation, gave a great deal of advice and provided photographs.
    [Show full text]
  • The Public Worship of Presbyterian and Other Reformed Churches in the United States
    Public Worship in the United States 57 The Public Worship of Presbyterian and other Reformed Churches in the United States. IT is impossible to understand the United States without a clear idea of its development from varied origins, the impact of fresh forces and the emergence of a new American civilisation as a result. If worship is the flower of a national culture we must keep in mind the nature of the soil as well as the changing scene and background. Let the approach to our survey be historical. I. Starting with the New England Puritans, we find the simple order of the old country transplanted. By the close of the 17th century, the following order of service had become general :—There was prayer " about a quarter of an houre," then a psalm " lined off " by a precentor, leading to an exposition of Scripture, the long prayer, the sermon, another psalm, and the Benediction. Brattle St. Church, Boston, dared to introduce Scripture reading without comment (" dumb-reading ") ; other con- gregations refused fellowship, but were relieved when even Brattle St. declined the legacy of an organ in 1713 ! Ex- tempore prayers were de rigueur, but in the first quarter of the 18th century written sermons had " become extremely Fashionable." As in Scotland, the people took their lunch " between Sermons." " Once a month is a Sacrament of the Lord's Supper," noted Lechford, " . all others departing save the Church which is a great deal less in number than those that goe away ; the Ministers and ruling Elders sitting at the table, the rest in their
    [Show full text]
  • Worship Responsibilities of a Presbytery Moderator
    Worship Responsibilities of a Presbytery Moderator David Gambrell Associate for Worship Presbyterian Mission Agency Overview of Workshop • General guidelines for planning worship • Worship at presbytery meetings • Services of ordination and installation General Guidelines • Presbyterian Worship Beyond the Local Congregation: Guidelines for Planning Worship at Meetings of Presbyteries, Synods, and General Assembly, and at Special Gatherings • approved by the 214th General Assembly (2002) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) • will be available online at pcusa.org/worship (click “Resources and Publications”) General Guidelines Principles of Worship •“Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God.” (Directory for Worship W-1.1001) •God is the only source and object of our worship; worship is initiated by God and directed to God •Worship is about the gospel: God’s redemptive action in Jesus Christ; it must not be instrumental to other purposes, agendas, or programs General Guidelines Principles of Worship (continued) •Worship should shape the way we relate to God, each other, and the world; doesn’t merely sanctify existing cultural or personal values •Worship is a corporate event, the action of the body of Christ; should always engage us in personal ways, but is primarily a communal act General Guidelines Authority for Planning • Authority for planning resides with the presbytery, may be designated to a particular group or team of leaders • The presbytery authorizes sacramental celebrations, oversees
    [Show full text]