First Presbyterian Church of Farmington 26165 Farmington Road Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (248) 474-6170 The Church of the Open Hands www.farmington-pres.org ______

March 31, 2019 4th Sunday - Season of Feast & Conversations with the Pastor

Prayer of Preparation Ruth Harms Calkin, Pakistan One unforgettable day, dear God, you reached down where I was and lifted me up to where you are and we have been inseparable from that moment on.

We Enter into God’s Presence *Please stand in body or spirit Welcome & Congregational Life Invitation to the Holy Spirit 695 Change My Heart, O God Prelude Organ Piece in G Major Adolph Hesse

Epistle Lesson 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 N.T. p. 181 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

1

*Call to Worship (responsively) How blessed we are that God forgives us and loves us! For all those times when we have fallen short of what God would have us be, we have been forgiven. God makes us new in God’s Spirit! Now is the time to joyfully accept the newness of life which God offers to us. Come, let us worship and be thankful. Let us open our hearts to the peace and joy of God. AMEN.

*Hymn 821 My Life Flows On Confessing Our Separation from God (unison) Reconciling God, we confess that at times, even when we do our best, we fail. We sometimes do not recognize when our words or actions, even when we mean well, can cause harm. We miss signs and cues from others. Call us into accountability and show us mercy. Instill in our hearts kindness and compassion, for others and ourselves. Teach us how to forgive well, in ways that protect ourselves from further harm, but extend the same mercy You have extended to us. Forgive us when we have failed to notice the harm we have caused, and help us to correct our faults and make amends as best as we are able. Amen. A Time of Silent, Personal Prayer for Peace *Song of 698 Take, O Take Me as I Am Take, O take me as I am; summon out what I shall be; Set your seal up-on my heart and live in me.

We Hear God’s Word Mindfulness Prayer (a candle is extinguished) It's Sunday morning. Last week, with all its demands, is over. The coming week, with yet another round of challenges and demands is not quite here. I invite you to close your eyes and be in the moment. No matter where you are in your thoughts and feelings -- relieved about what you have accomplished, anxious about what's left undone, concerned about people or projects --- no matter where you are in your journey this day -- I encourage you to set all that aside and consider where you are right now. Whatever is true for you right now, in this moment, whether it be joy or sadness, gratitude or anxiety, let it come forward. When it is fully present, then listen ... for God is present in these moments, too. God meets you where you are and calls you forward, moment by moment, guiding you slowly but surely toward transformation. (Silent time.) 2

As we extinguish this light, we acknowledge the darkness and pain caused by the lack of basic needs-lack of food, of shelter, of education, of healthcare, of love. (A candle is extinguished.) Loving God, we thank you that you are with us, and that we may call upon you no matter where we are, or what we are feeling. Keep us mindful of your presence and trusting in your promise - - that you are working with us in the moment-by-moment unfolding of our lives. Amen. Anthem Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring J.S. Bach Not for Children Only Prayer cards collected. *Passing of the Peace of Christ Turn to your neighbor and pass the Peace of Christ.

Gospel Lesson Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 N.T. p. 78 The Parable of the Lost Sheep 15 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe — the best one — and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

3

25 “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes; you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”

Reflection No Strings Attached Pastor Eddie

We Respond To God’s Word *Affirmation of Faith (unison) Phil. 2:5-11 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Song of Invitation 469 Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying Lord, listen to your children praying. Lord, send your Spirit in this place. Lord, listen to your children praying. Send us love; send us power; send us grace. Joys and Hopes of the People of God & The Lord’s Prayer & Signing Sollt ich meinem Gott nicht singen Johann Ernst Rembt of the Friendship Pad * All That We Have Gerald Custer

4

*Prayer of Thanksgiving (unison) David S. Bell Patient God, we cherish the scripture story of the prodigal son. You are always willing to accept us, even in our bleakest moment. You surround us with the hushed silence of your love. Like a compassionate parent, you wait to receive us in your embrace while we struggle to place you first in our lives. Multiply these tithes and offerings so that they open the ears of your lost children to your message of unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Based on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

We Follow God’s Word into the World *Hymn 649 Amazing Grace

*Benediction

Postlude Now Thank We All Our God Sigfried Karg-Elert

Prayers for the grieving: [Names provide in print edition.]

Today’s worship flowers were provided by: [Names provide in print edition.]

We hold in our prayers: [Names provide in print edition.]. We also hold in prayer those impacted by recent storms and natural disasters and the tragic deaths because of gun violence and terrorism, as well as those who put themselves in harm’s way to assist them.

Fellowship Time Today: Agape Meal and Conversation with Pastor Eddie The Agape Meal, or Love Feast, is a Christian fellowship meal recalling the meals Jesus shared with disciples during his ministry and expressing the koinonia (community, sharing, fellowship) enjoyed by the family of Christ. Although its origins in the early church are closely interconnected with the origins of the Lord's Supper, the two services are quite distinct. The Lord’s Supper, one of the sacraments of our denomination, is the sign and seal of our with the crucified and risen Lord. An Agape Meal is a celebration of our relationship with God, a time of personal witness, praise and prayer for all that God is doing in our lives.

Today, our Agape Meal will feature Mediterranean finger food, a modern-day variation of what might have been served to Jesus and his disciples. Food and water will be located at each dining table, providing nourishment as you meet, eat together and chat. After a time of fellowship around the table, Pastor Eddie will invite us all to join in a conversation with Pastor and other church leaders.

5

Assisting in Worship March 31 April 7 Liturgist Sharon Cressman Tom Neal Ushers Jeff Ely Irwin Moyna Ellen Ely Bill Vincent Sue Carlson Sue Andrews Dave Carlson Greeters Manny Sharpe Pres & Mary Happel Sunday Sextons Dwight Kish Alvine Cooper Irwin Moyna Cressman Family Hospitality Time Hosts Last names A - D Communion Bread Baker Georgia Roed

Holy Week Starting Palm Sunday and continuing through Easter day, follow the path of Jesus through a series of church services, each unique and each an opportunity to go deeper in faith. Sunday, April 14 – Passion / Palm Sunday Drama @ 10:00 am. The beginning of and Jesus’ final journey to the cross. The English word passion comes from the Latin word that means “to suffer,” the same word from which we derive the English word patient. Thursday, April 18 – Taizé Thursday – Ritual of Hand Washing and The Sacrament of Holy Communion @ 7:00 pm. Designed to help us remember the -- The Passover Meal as an expression of Christ’s love for us through short songs followed by scripture readings and silence. Taizé is a contemplative service that encourages people to “rest in God,” with candlelight and dim lights, moments for meditation and unique music. Friday, April 19 – @ 12 noon. An ecumenical service with our sister churches of the Farmington Area Interfaith Association, hosted by First , 33112 Grand River Avenue, west of Farmington Road in downtown Farmington. Sunday, April 21 – Easter/Resurrection Day and the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion @10:00 am, followed by Easter Breakfast/Brunch. Join us for breakfast and an Easter egg hunt following worship.

Help rebuild our community: This year we will be working on multiple houses to help low-income homeowners in the Farmington Hills area update their homes. The workday this year will be Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can sign-up at https://sforce.co/2V8j4NG. Our Tri-Captains are Tom Neal, Dan Cressman and Emily Davis, who have already gone through RTSEM House Captain training. First Pres will be working in cooperation with three other groups on the houses: Muslim Community Association; Northville First Presbyterian Church; and New Hope of Michigan, Southfield Korean Presbyterian.

6

Pictorial Directory available for iPhones: We can now offer access to the 2018 Pictorial Directory — including family photos and updated directory — through a special App just for First Pres members and friends. This App currently works only on iOS (Apple devices). The App will allow you to send emails, text and make phone calls directly from the directory listing, as well as map to a specific address. Send an email to the church office at [email protected] to request the instruction sheet and your personal access code. A pdf version of the pictorial directory (including church activities pages, family photos and updated directory listings) also can be requested through the church office.

Sign of the Times: A church sign replacement task for has been assembled and has started its factfinding quest. One more interested individual is welcome to join the crew and be part of this important team looking at upgrading a key part of the church's "welcome mat." If you're interested in coming on board, get in touch with Chris Davis. Save the date for our Craft Show: Our 4th Annual Craft Show and Bake Sale it will be on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in Knox Hall. We are known for being the church with open hands and what a wonderful outreach to the community it is to invite them to be crafters at our show! We already have four returning crafters and plenty of room for more. Space size is 8’ X 8’ and the event is open to all members of the church and community. Please spread the word! For applications or more information, contact Deborah Draper. Save pull tabs for a good cause: Please bring pull tabs from pop cans and others to church for the Ronald McDonald House! Mitchell Cressman has put out little boxes in the and Knox Hall to the pull tabs. Pull tabs turn in to coins to support the Ronald McDonald House. Mitchell has a personal connection as his family stayed in one in Indiana. Hospitality Time schedule: You are invited to bring ONE food item on ONE Sunday each month. Your Sunday depends on the first letter of your last name. It would be greatly appreciated if you are also able to help with set-up or clean-up on your scheduled day or any other Sunday! Here’s the upcoming schedule: • March 31: Agape Feast • April 7: Last names beginning A - D • April 14: Last names beginning E - K and L - R • April 21: Easter Brunch • April 28: Last names beginning S - Z

7

This Week at First Presbyterian Sunday, March 31 4th Sunday in Lent & Conversation with the Pastor 9:00 am Adult Study 10:00 am Worship 10:15 am Church School 11:15 am Agape Feast/Hospitality Time & Conversation with the Pastor 6:00 pm Little Flock Bible Study Monday, April 1 1:00 pm Women’s Sunday Planning meeting 6:30 pm Worship Team 7:00 pm Soul Stretch Yoga Tuesday, April 2 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast at Leo’s Coney Island 10:00 am Lenten Bible Study 3:00 pm Operations-Endowment 7:00 pm Scouts Wednesday, April 3 9:00 am GLRO Toastmasters 6:30 pm Joy! Study Thursday, April. 4 10:00 am ESL Class 12 noon Farm. Area Interfaith Assn. (offsite) 7:30 pm Chancel Rehearsal Friday, April 5 6:00 pm Little Flock Bible Study Saturday, April 6 9:00 am Speaker installation, Knox Hall Sunday, April 7 Sacrament of Holy Communion 9:00 am Adult Bible Study 10:00 am Worship with Communion 11:15 am Hospitality Time 11:20 am PW CT 6:00 pm Little Flock Bible Study 7:00 pm Thistle Rose Auditions

8

First Presbyterian Staff Senior Pastor The Rev. Eddie Jusino Ministers Members of the Congregation Pastoral Care Parish Associate The Rev. Craig Aue Pastoral Care Intern Joshua Archey of Music Dr. Gerald Custer Organist Shari Fiore Office Manager Karen Spica Sexton Vanya Georgieva

9