November 2, 2014 Our Mission In common with all churches we seek to: Worship God Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the scriptures Develop community Offer nurture through the pastoral care giving of our members and staff We call people to a life of: Discipleship Stewardship Spiritual development As a faith community we seek to be: An inviting church Offering hospitality and Encouragement to people in search of God.
Our Vision We will organize our church as a center for: Spiritual development Music and the arts Urban mission Ecumenical cooperation
Our Objectives We have some unique opportunities due to our Germantown location and congregational history. These include: Providing special programs for children and families in the local community Building a healthy, diverse congregation Developing an urban mission Developing a ministry of music and the arts Using our building and endowment creatively and responsibly
The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown logo seen on the cover of this bulletin represents the mul- tifaceted life of our energized congregation. The cross on the left symbolizes our Living Lord – the foun- dation upon which we build our faith. The harp in the yellow square represents our rich musical heritage, for we enjoy celebrating the gift of music in worship, workshops, and concerts. It is important for us to share music with our community. The dove symbolizes serving – offering educational and mission oppor- tunities through our many outreach activities. People – active and joy-filled – are represented in the red square on the right. We welcome all people to this church. We are a diverse congregation of many racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are, indeed, alive, spirit-filled, and caring. The colors are reflective of the beautiful stained glass windows of the church. In fact, the colors of the logo were taken directly from The Christmas Window– “Thy light is come” made by Nicola D’Ascenzo and seen in the southwest corner of the nave.
The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown – Alive, Celebrating & Serving the Living Lord!
IN PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP PLEASE TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK SILENTLY TO GOD. AT THE CLOSE OF THE SERVICE LET US GREET ONE ANOTHER WITH CHEERFULNESS. PLEASE BE SURE YOUR CELL PHONE IS TURNED OFF DURING WORSHIP.
November 2, 2014 Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
ORDER OF MORNING WORSHIP AT 10:00 AM
GATHERING AS GOD’S FAMILY
Prelude: Four Palette Sketches of Utrillo Robert Hebble
Welcome and Announcements Minute for Stewardship
Introit: The Lord Is A Mighty God Felix Mendelssohn The Lord is a mighty God and a mighty ruler over all false idols. From the 95 Psalm
†*Call to Worship Psalm 107:1-7 Leader: O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. People: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Leader: Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. People: Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town.
†*Hymn 276: Great Is Thy Faithfulness FAITHFULNESS
CONFESSING OUR SINS TO GOD
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (unison) Almighty God, we confess how hard it is to be your people. You have called us to be the church, to continue the mission of Jesus Christ to our lonely and confused world. Yet we acknowledge we are more apathetic than xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ______*congregation standing † latecomers may be seated active, isolated than involved, callous than compassionate, obstinate than obedient, legalistic than loving. Gracious Lord, have mercy upon us and forgive our sins. Remove the obstacles preventing us from being your rep- resentatives to a broken world. Awaken our hearts to the promised gift of your indwelling Spirit. This we pray in Jesus’ powerful name. Amen.
Silent Meditation
Assurance of Pardon Isaiah 44:21-22 Leader: To all who turn from sin in sorrow, to all who turn to God in hope, xx this is God’s word of grace: We are accepted, we are forgiven, we xxx are loved. This is the gift we have from God. People: Thanks be to God.
†*Congregational Response 2167: More Like You MORE LIKE YOU This Hymn is found in Sing the Faith More like you, Jesus, more like you. Fill my heart with your desire to make me more like you. More like you, Jesus, more like you. Touch my lips with holy fire and make me more like you. Lord, you are my mercy, Lord, you are my grace. All my deepest sins have forever been erased. Draw me in your presence. Lead me in your ways. I long to bring you glory in righteousness and praise. More like you, Jesus, more like you. Fill my heart with your desire to make me more like you. More like you, Jesus, more like you. Touch my lips with holy fire and make me more like you. Lord, you are my mercy, Lord, you are my grace.
†* Sharing the Peace of Christ Leader: The peace of Christ be with you. People: And also with you.
(As worshipers, we come from diverse experiences and points of view. We have different racial, educational, and economic backgrounds. Yet we are all one in Christ. We symbolize this as we exchange with one another, by words and gestures, signs of peace and reconciliation such as, “The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.”)
Children in grades five and younger may now leave for their classes
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
Prayer for Illumination Irene Overton, reader The First Lesson Joshua 3:7-17 The Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses. You are the one who shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, ‘When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’” Joshua then said to the Israelites, “Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God.” Joshua said, “By this you shall know that among you is the living God who without fail will drive out from before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites: the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going to pass before you into the Jordan. So now select twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.” When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.
Leader: God’s Word is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. People: Thanks be to God!
Choir: Psalm 86 Carl J. Nygard, Jr. Hear my voice, O Lord, when I pray. Hear my prayer when I cry from the lowly place; In your mercy, Lord, let me stay; Hear my voice, O Lord, when I pray. Hear my voice, O Lord, when I cry. Hear my words when I cry from the lowly place; I will pray, O Lord, lest I die; Hear my voice, O Lord, when I cry. From the grave’s descent You have taken me, When the men of the world have forsaken me, In my day of need and my time of grief, Hear my prayer for my body and soul’s relief. In the morning, Lord, I will sing with a song that will rise from the holy place, And my praises, Lord I will bring: In the morning Lord, I will sing. Alleluia. Amen.
The Second Lesson Matthew 23:1-12 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Phari- sees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes xxx long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble them- selves will be exalted.”
Leader: God we thank you for your Word; People: The Story of your grace.
*Hymn 426: Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak CANONBURY
Sermon: THE GREATEST SERVANT Pastor Randal L. Bremer
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
*Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the commun- ion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of the People [Response: We praise you, O God]
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.
Offering of Our Gifts and Lives Offertory: Here My Prayer Moses Hogan O Lord, please hear my prayer, In the morning when I rise. It’s your servant bound for glory. O dear Lord hear my prayer, Keep me safe in your arms. It’s your servant bound for glory. O dear Lord hear my prayer. When my work on earth is done, And you come to take me home. Just to know I’m bound for glory. And to hear You say well done. Done with sin and sorrow, have mercy, mercy. Amen. *Congregational Response 592: Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME
*Hymn 413: All Who Love and Serve Your City CHARLESTOWN
*Charge and Benediction What does the LORD your God require of you? Only to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
*Congregational Response 585: Threefold Amen McNeil Robinson II
*Postlude: Toccata in a-minor Johann Sebastian Bach
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WELCOME: If you are visiting with us today, please sign the Fellowship Pad at the end of your pew. We pray the hour will be meaningful to you and you will come and worship with us again. Everyone is cordially invited to a time of fellowship in the Longstreth Auditorium fol- lowing the worship service.
NEXT WEEK’S COFFEE HOUR: Deborah Thompson
COFFEE HOUR: Please consider taking a turn. You provide the goodies/munchies of your choice. The Congressional Development and Fellowship Committee provides the Half & Half and juice. A member of the committee will make the Coffee and assist you with setup and clean- up.
STEWARDSHIP LUNCHEON: This year's luncheon will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2014. Everyone is invited and encouraged to sit at the table with their Deacon.
SESSION Wednesday, November 5, 2014
7:00 PM
PLAY PRACTICE: On November 7, 14 and 21 from 6:00-9:00 PM all participants and lead- ers of the annual Christmas play will be rehearsing songs and lines for our annual Christmas Festival on December 20. A meal will be served to open each rehearsal as children of all ages, their parents, and leaders are invited to come to receive and practice various parts as we seek to offer a Christmas message to our broader Germantown community in the form of a drama at our annual festival of our Lord's birth among us. Call Christian Heyer-Rivera at 267-972-5662 for more information and to find out what role you can play in making this annual play a suc- cess! You don't have to perform, but we can always use help with everything from food prep and service, to costume, stage and prop design, and more.
NOVEMBER CHALLENGE OFFERING - CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: How many blankets do you have in your home? Do you have a favorite — the one you reach for when you have a cold or when the house is a little chilly? A blanket is a comfort to us but may mean sur- vival to someone whose home is under water or has been destroyed by bombs. For more than sixty years, Church World Service has helped to make life a bit more bearable for victims of both natural and man made disasters. Your donation to the November Challenge Offering goes a long way because the blankets are purchased locally and in bulk. Count the blankets in your house and think of the people who have lost everything. Your gift will make a difference in our neighborhoods and around the world.
MESSIAH CHOIR REHEARSALS will begin Tuesday, November 11, from 7:00 PM till 9:00 PM in the Choir Room. This years rehearsal schedule is very compact with the following rehearsals dates: November 11, 18, 25 and December 2. The dress rehearsal with Philadelphia Sinfonia will be on Saturday, December 6, beginning at 9:30 AM. The concert followed by the annual Christmas Dinner will be on Sunday, December 7, 2014, at 3:00 PM. Anyone interested in singing this wonderful, inspiring work should contact David Daugherty at 215-843-8811, ex- tension 11 or by email [email protected]
DINNERS FOR EIGHT: If you want to get to know other members of our congregation and share a good meal, this is just the opportunity for you. We are going to start Dinners for Eight again and will have them every month. Dinners for Eight are held at someone's home on a Sat- urday. Each person attending contributes to the meal, from the main course to a side dish, salad, dessert, bread or beverage. If you are interested in hosting a dinner at your home or would like to be a guest, please let Susan Mills Farrington know by email, smfarring- [email protected] or call 215-882-2792. The November date is Saturday, November 22, 2014.
CHRISTMAS DINNER: This year's Christmas dinner will be held Sunday, December 7 fol- lowing the Messiah Concert. Beginning Sunday, November 2, 2014 tickets may be purchased during coffee hour or by calling Jo Ann in the church office at 215-843-8811, Extension 12. This year’s menu: Main Course: Sliced roast beef, or Sliced turkey (both with gravy.) Sides: Stuffing, Rice, Vegetable Medley, Macaroni and Cheese, Cranberry Sauce, Garden Salad, Roll. Dessert: Fruit Crisp. Ticket prices: Adults (12 and up) $12.00, Youth (5 - 11) $6.00, Children under 5 - free.
AS YOUR INTERIM PASTOR, I would like to be informed when a member of FPC in Germantown is hospitalized. Please contact me when you, a friend or a family member is going into the hospital. My cell phone number is 757-508-6947. Randy Bremer.
LEAD THE WAY BEYOND: Last year Reverend Paul Rhebergen, our consultant, spent a few months with us. He spoke with some members and friends of First Church and held several open forums and workshops where all were invited to attend. He presented his findings during one final session and The Lead the Way Beyond Team, the umbrella for the Covenant and Rec- onciliation Teams, was formed. The Covenant Team has provided us with Our Cove- nant. The Reconciliation Team is compiling data from a questionnaire they mailed out earlier this year. The Lead the Way Beyond (LTWB) Team has been on hiatus awaiting the arrival of the Interim Pastor. On Monday, September 29th, Carolyn Ballard Freeman, Contina Lundy, Lois Nafziger, Madeline Valentine, Daniel Conner and Drew Hood, members of the LTWB Team, met with Reverend Bremer. Regular monthly congregational conversations around topics highlighted in Paul's report are planned. Due to the busyness of the church calendar at this time of the year these gatherings are slated to begin January 2015, on Saturday mornings. The LTWB Team will continue to keep you updated and informed as we move forward. PUBLICATION DEADLINE: The deadline for announcements in the weekly bulletin is noon on Wednesday. The deadline for articles and information for the monthly publication of WINDOWS is the fourteenth of every month. Please send your announcements and articles to David Daugherty at [email protected]
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
There will be a Congregational meeting following worship next Sunday, November 9, 2014 for the purpose of presenting the 2015 budget and a financial report to the congregation. Please plan to attend.
In Memoriam Frederick Morrison Henry Valentine Mary Lavin Linda Leube Mamie Lewis
According to our records, these are the members of FPCG who have died since last All Saints Day. If we have missed anyone, we sincerely apologize and ask that you contact Jo Ann Brownlee in the church office 215-843-8811, ext. 12 as soon as pos- sible.
During the Season of Thanksgiving During the Season of Advent During the Season of reconciliation
Identical evening and afternoon sessions: Mondays 7:00 PM—8:15 PM † November 3,10,17; December 1, 8 Fridays 1:00 PM—2:15 PM † November 7, 14, 21; December 5, 12
Each class will begin with a look at biblical faith odysseys, and explore how these journeys can inform and shape our own personal faith odysseys. We will remember and share our own stories.
In the stories (biblical and personal), we will: Find a multitude of reasons for thanksgiving. Uncover unique gifts that we can give and receive at Christmas-time and beyond. Better appreciate what God is doing in our own lives and in the lives of each other.
Deacon Don Carlin, M. Div., will lead these classes, and he invites your questions at the church or by calling 215-247-4196 or 215-847-7895.
NOTES WINDOW ON THE WEEK
Sunday, November 2 Daylight Saving Time Ends 8:45 AM Chancel Choir Rehearsal—Sanctuary 10:00 AM Worship Service—Pastor Randal L. Bremer, preaching 11:10 AM Coffee Hour—Longstreth Auditorium 11:10 AM Children’s Choir—Music Room 11:30 AM Adult Education 11:30 AM Sunday School 11:30 AM Chancel Choir—Music Room
Monday, November 3 7:00 PM Bible Study—Don Carlin
Tuesday, November 4 9:30 AM Classic Towns
Wednesday, November 5 2:45 PM Staff Meeting 4:00 PM Keystone State Boychoir 7:00 PM Session
Thursday, November 6 6:00 PM Keystone State Boychoir 6:30 PM Gospel Choir
Friday, November 7 1:00 PM Bible Study—Don Carlin 3:30 PM Drop-in-Center 6:30 PM Christmas Play Rehearsal
Saturday, November 8 8:00 AM Keystone State Boychoir 9:30 AM Congregational Development & Fellowship Committee 10:00 AM Open Gym
Sunday, November 9 8:45 AM Chancel Choir Rehearsal—Sanctuary 10:00 AM Worship Service—Pastor Randal L. Bremer, preaching 11:10 AM Congregational Meeting 11:10 AM Coffee Hour—Longstreth Auditorium 11:10 AM Children’s Choir—Music Room 11:30 AM Adult Education 11:30 AM Sunday School 1:00 PM Basketball Practice—Gym
Church Officers
Deacons
2015 2016 2017 Sarah Andrews Delores Solomon Randy Clever Donald Carlin David Wolford Susan Mills Farrington Ruth Cato Veda Gibbs Evadney Miller
Elders
2015 2016 2017 Sherry Archer Denise Cowie Andrew Hood Carolyn Ballard-Freeman Contina Lundy Christopher Scott Madeline Valentine Lois Nafziger Faith Wolford
Madeline Valentine Clerk of Session
First Church Staff Interim Pastor Randal L. Bremer Director of Adult Education and Community Life Kevin L. Porter Director of Urban Ministry Eileen Jones Director of Music and Communication David C. Daugherty Director of the Gospel Choir Sara Carter-Blanford Director of Christian Education Christian Heyer-Rivera Parish Visitor Heidi Mercado-Littles Facilities Superintendent Jesse Jacobs Administrative Assistant Jo Ann Brownlee Bookkeeper Cindy Osborne Sextons Terry Boyer, Melissa Forrest, Illya (J.R.) Pasture The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown 35 West Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144 215-843-8811 www.fpcgermantown.org