Hope Church Fifth Sunday of Lent 21

HOPE CHURCH FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

21 MARCH 2021 In response to COVID-19, the Hope Church building will remain closed to in-person until further notice. This policy will be consistently reviewed according to developments in treatment and remediation of the COVID-19 virus.

Hope Church, RCA Statement of Mission

OUR FAITH Hope Church is called by God and equipped by the Holy Spirit to be a witness to the unity, reconciliation and justice given in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. These touchstones drawn from the Belhar Confession give voice to the historic Christian faith in our time and place.

"If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation! God has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation." II Corinthians 5:17-18

OUR MISSION Hope Church affirms these values to be at the core of our calling: TO GROW IN FAITH: We seek to grow not only in numbers but, most importantly, in depth of Christian commitment. We seek to identify and engage each person's particular gifts and to direct all our gifts in faithfulness to God's Word. TO PIONEER: Founded as a pioneering congregation, Hope Church is willing to experiment courageously and to press ahead in new directions. We continue to seek creativity and excellence in worship, nurture, governance, and outreach. TO BE OPEN: We celebrate and proclaim God’s welcome of all people. Hope Church is blessed and strengthened by the rich diversity of background, race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, gifts, and interests present among and around us. TO LEAD IN CHRISTIAN ACTION: Hope Church is committed to service, both locally and worldwide, and we support the work of justice and compassion by all people of good will. We serve both as a congregation and individually through our daily living.

"There are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, varieties of service but the same Lord, varieties of working but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." I Corinthians 12:4-7

Blessings as you worship with us today.

Reformed Church in America 77 W 11th St Holland, Michigan 49423 (616) 392-7947 www.hopechurchrca.org + https://www.facebook.com/hopechurchholland A proud member of Room for All: the open and affirming movement of the RCA

HOPE CHURCH FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER March 21, 2021 ~ 11:00 AM

THE APPROACH TO GOD

PRELUDE We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder Timothy Albrecht Meditation on "Peace like a River" Brenda Portman

WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP Open My Heart Open my heart, open my heart.

VOTUM AND SENTENCES Our help is in the name of the LORD who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8 Amen. God makes a new covenant with us, not written on stone tablets easily broken, but inscribed on our hearts, filled with joy and hope. Jeremiah 31 God desires truth and gives to us wisdom. Create in us a clean heart, O God. Restore to us the joy of your salvation, and sustain in us a willing spirit.

* PROCESSIONAL HYMN Purple #694 Great God of Every Blessing

______*Congregation to rise in body or spirit Bold type indicates congregational response

*SALUTATION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION I Want Jesus to Walk With Me

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your steadfast love. We are in need of facing our waywardness and finding life in your forgiveness. We are in need of lives cleansed from what diminishes us and others.

prayer continues in stillness

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your steadfast love. Teach us your wisdom and truth, O Lord. Open our hearts to hear your voice, that we may know your presence and live as your people.

prayer continues in stillness

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your steadfast love. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew my spirit with all that is good. Fill us with the joy of true life and sustain us with courage and hope. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE AND CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

RESPONSE Purple #423 Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

*THE PEACE The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.

THE WORD OF GOD IN PROCLAMATION AND SACRAMENT

WORD WITH THE CHILDREN

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Jeremiah 31:31-34 31The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. 33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

THE EPISTLE LESSON Hebrews 5:5-10 5So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” 7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,

10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

THE GOSPEL LESSON John 12:20-33

20Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

27“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

PRAYER FOR BLESSING ~ silent meditation

*CONFESSION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

LIFE OF HOPE

OFFERING Offertory For Your Glory Tasha Cobbs Leonard Lord if I Find favor in Your sight Lord please Hear my hearts cry I wanna be where You are I gotta be where You are I'm desperately waiting I wanna be where You are To be where You are I gotta be where You are I'll cross the hottest desert I'll travel near or far I wanna be where You are Peace is where You are For Your glory I will do anything Joy is where You are Just to see You And Love is who You are To behold You as my King

*Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow NEW DOXOLOGY

*Prayer of Dedication

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Meaning of the Sacrament Communion Prayer The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty ...... we worship and adore your glorious name.

Sanctus

silence (Revelation 8.1)

Most righteous God, we remember in this Supper ...... Together we proclaim the Mystery of the faith: Christ has died! Christ is Risen! Christ will come again!

Words of Institution

The Communion

Communion Hymn: Purple #527 Eat This Bread congregation to sing Option A twice

THE RESPONSE TO GOD

*THANKSGIVING Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God’s holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits. God gave Jesus Christ for us all, and will give us all things with Christ. Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the LORD, from this time forth forevermore. from Psalm 103 with additions

*RECESSIONAL HYMN Purple #215 What Wondrous Love is This

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE In Christ There is no East or West Gilbert Martin

Open My Heart, music by Ana Hernandez Copyright © 2003 Ana M. Hernández. Great God of Every Blessing, words by David Gambrell © 2011 David Gambrell (admin. Presbyterian Publishing Corp.) I Want Jesus to Walk With Me, words and music African American Spiritual, music arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr. arr. © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc.. Create in me a Clean Heart, words and music by John Carter © 1997 Hope Publishing Company. Holy, Holy, Holy, from a Mass for Soulful People, music by Grayson Warren Brown © North American Liturgy Resources. Eat this Bread, words by Taize Community music by Jacques Berthier, © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé (admin. GIA Publications, Inc.). What Wondrous Love is This, American folk song, Harmonization by Carlton Young © 1965 Abingdon Press (admin. the Copyright Company) We are Climbing Jacob's Ladder by Timothy Albrecht, from Grace Notes IX, © 2001 Augsburg Fortress; Meditation on Peace Like a River by Brenda Portman, from Peace Like a River © 2019 Lorenz; In Christ There is no East or West from Spirituals for Organ by Gilbert Martin © 1992 Sacred Music Press All songs listed are used with permission. All rights reserved. Reprinted for print and streaming rights under OneLicense.net #A-703252. All other hymn texts/tunes are in the public domain. For Your Glory, text and music by Tasha Cobbs & Bryan Pierce ℗ 2012 Motown Gospel. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Reprinted for print and streaming rights under CCLI # 11067032.

Assisting in worship today are Pastor Jill Russell, preacher; Pastor Gordon Wiersma, Pastor Beth Carroll, liturgists; Carole Hintz, reader; Brian Carder, cantor; Rhonda Edgington, organist; Andrew Bunnell, sound-av technician; Hope College Jazz Combo I: Ka'niya Houston, Vocals; Joe Wilkins, Piano; Dr. Jordan VanHemert, Director

Music Notes: While we continue to celebrate the African-American tradition throughout Lent with the music of spirituals and black composers, we're also celebrating Women's History month in March with the music of women composers. Brenda Portman is an organist and composer based in Cincinnati. She has won prizes in international organ competitions, and acclaim for her organ composition which are lyrical and compelling, including this setting of the African-American spiritual, I've Got Peace Like a River.

Worship in the Season of Lent: The season of Lent can be approached in different ways: as a season of repentance and reflection, as a time to focus on what it means to be a disciple and follower of Jesus, as a preparation for the joy and celebration of Easter. Surely all of these themes will emerge throughout the season but we are hoping to evoke that feeling of preparation to celebrate. And we are turning to the music of the Black church and to Jazz in particular to support this “getting ready to celebrate”. We are grateful for the creative work of the Hope College Jazz Combo I for developing musical arrangements/improvisations for the five Sundays of Lenten worship at Hope Church. Many thanks to Houston Patton Michael Pineda, Joe Wilkins, Dylan Sherman, Carlos Flores, and director Dr.Jordan Van Hemert.

Ministry of Prayer

“in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6

Prayer Concerns: As you pray, please remember Jackie Heisler, Phil VanEyl, Michael Henry, Rae Pearson, Ted Bosch, Dan De Graaf, Daniel Hawley-Lowry, Barbara Schmitt, Lila Vohlken, and Marjorie French. Also pray for James Croom (husband of former member, Stephanie Croom), Brian Knoops (son of Barb & John Knoops), Abe Smith (son of Jan Smith), Vicky Schminky (friend of Barb Schmitt), Doug Kuyers (son of Nancy VandeWater), Etienne (Pellebon-Smith family), and Pastor Shewaye Molla (father of Rode Molla).

Sympathy to the family of Ronald Schaddelee, a member of Hope Church who died on Sunday, March 14. We give thanks to God for Ron’s faithful life, and pray for the Spirit’s comfort and peace for his family.

Hope Church Households: During the course of the year we hold every Hope Church household in prayer. We invite you to pray with us this week for the families of De Graaf (Dan); DeBlaay (Marge); DeLeau (Richard & Carmel, Jourdan, Marena, Max); Denherder (Jean, Martha); Denison (Lisa); Derrick (Keith & Becky); and DeVries (Michael).

Prayers for People of Faith: We ask you to pray for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In most of the area once known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Orthodox Church suffered persecution and destruction. It’s an amazing and powerful testimony of the Spirit that the church survived and is rebuilding.

Prayers for Justice and Peace: Pray for Habitat for Humanity. This international group works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life. Habitat for Humanity works to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses. Their aim is that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends.

Locally, Hope Church supports Lakeshore Habitat in building homes in our community.

Hope Church Health Care & Mental Health Workers: Tom Arendshorst, Ben Killilea, Celaine Bouma-Prediger, Peter Hoekman, Tom Mullens, Ann McKnight, John Beyer, John Koch, Scott Parrott, Moira Gargano, Allison Davelaar, Cindi Veldheer DeYoung, David Blauw, Anna Blauw, Anne Baker, Cecily Lozada, Kelly Hanley, Arlan Branderhorst, Nancee Branderhorst, Tammi Griswold, Jason VanderLugt, Jim Dumerauf, and Mark Laman.

Hope Church Educators: Kim Rosenau, Steve Bouma-Prediger, Curtis Gruenler, Emily Christensen, Avril Wiers, Caitlin Rizner White, Amy VanZetten, Lise Topp, Andrew Bunnell, Joshua Rumpsa, Jessica Killilea, Pat Bloem, Anne Heath Wiersma, Bethany Wiersma, Joy Zomer, Michael VanDoornik, Carol Carder, Tatjcha Lambers, Elizabeth Knoll, Richard Perez, Kristen Hintz, Kim Rosenau, Family members of Judy VanderWilt: Jeffrey, Jennifer, Stephen, and Lori, Extended family members of Paul and Janet Elzinga: Bob, Sarah, Rachel, Lizzi, and Emily Bast, Cathy Holbrook, Carol Tyler, Diana and Katherine Bast.

Prayer Link Prayer Requests If you would like to receive prayer requests through Prayer Link emails, you can sign up at this link: https://tinyurl.com/prayersignuplink. You can send prayer requests to the church office or to any of the pastors. This is a great way for us to be sharing things we are longing for, worried about, or need in this time. These requests do not need to be reserved for hospitalization or life threatening illnesses.

Building and Grounds Ministry would like to invite you to a socially distanced gardening party on Saturday, March 27, from 9:00-12:00. This will be for the annual cleaning up of the Hope Church gardens which involves raking leaves, some pruning, cutting off of grasses, etc. Please bring your own tools. Masks will need to be worn at all times and please try to maintain a minimum of 6’ of distance from anyone not a part of your household. If you would like to help with this project but prefer to not be part of a group, you are welcome to work any time from now until April 4, the deadline for the City of Holland pickup.

Containers for Community Kitchen NOT accepted at this time: Community Kitchen states that unfortunately due to Covid 19 they are unable to accept containers and bags. Please do not bring them to the Hope Church vestibule.

Update on the Community Action for Reform & Equity initiatives. The following announcement is being circulated in the community. CARE Initiative - Relocation of Funds for Resource Officers in Holland Public Schools: The following letter to the HPS Board of Education is collecting signatures from community members. If you would like to support this initiative to remove the role of community resource officers (from Holland Public Safety) from the schools and reallocate those funds for other services, you can go to the following link to view the letter: https://tinyurl.com/hollandletter You can sign the petition by going to https://tinyurl.com/signCAREpetition. The initiative is coming from members of the Community Action for Reform & Equity (CARE) group. You can read about CARE on their facebook page: Community Action for Reform & Equity | Facebook. Members of CARE provided an advance copy of this letter to the HPS School Board on March 15th and you can read about this presentation in this Holland Sentinel article: https://tinyurl.com/hollandsentinelarticle. If you have questions about this petition you can contact: Chris Theule-VanDam at [email protected], Rev. Jill R. Russell at [email protected].

Signing Up for Covid Vaccine Help: Covid-19 vaccines are now available for people over the age of 65. The quickest way to get an appointment for this is through an online website. If you need assistance in getting signed up, please email Ginger Clark at [email protected] or call 616-392-7947 ext. 108

Visit with the Pastors or Parish Nurse: To indicate interest in a visit with one of the pastors or with the parish nurse please fill out this form: www.tinyurl.com/pastormeetingrequest. You can also call or email Parish Nurse, Ginger Clark, RN: [email protected], or phone: office 616-392-7947 or cell 616-648-1046.

Adult Education: 9:40 – 10:40am https://tinyurl.com/adulteducation2021 For those joining by computer whether using a camera or audio only you can click this link: https://tinyurl.com/adulteducation2021 For those planning to call in through a regular phone line (whether cell phone or landline) then you will do the following: 1. Call 1-312-626-6799 2. There will be a prompt for you to put in the meeting ID number followed by the # symbol: you will key in 845 6859 7314# 3. There will be a prompt for you to enter a participant ID or if you don't have one to put in the # symbol --- just push #

March 21 – What Lockdown & Sabbath Do–and Don’t–Have in Common: Carol Bechtel, professor of Old Testament at Western Theological Seminary and Hope Church member, will talk about her sabbatical research and experiences in Italy during the first half of 2020.

March 28 – The Migration Crisis in Southern Europe: Carol Bechtel will lead a discussion of a recent webinar on “how NGOs and churches in southern Europe are working together to welcome refugees facing xenophobia and racism. Parallels will be drawn between the migration issues facing Europe and the U.S.”

WORSHIP TIME for FAMILIES with YOUNGER CHILDREN will be offered via zoom on Sunday, March 21 during the 11:00am service. The Family Worship time will start directly after the Word with the Children in the Sanctuary service and will continue on zoom from a Children in Worship room, as we’ll hear a Children in Worship story and share communion. This time will be a chance for children/parents to connect through zoom with Miss Jocelyn and one of the Pastors. To join go to https://tinyurl.com/familyservice0214

2021 Hope Church Directory: The 2021 Hope Church Directory is now available for pick up in the vestibule! Pick up your copy when the vestibule is unlocked, anytime Monday- Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm.

Worship During Holy Week

Palm Sunday, March 28 11:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Celebration Via Facebook Live (facebook.com/hopechurchholland), We begin the journey through Holy Week with liturgy, preaching, and song.

Tenebrae Service, Maundy Thursday, April 1, 7pm: Service of Shadows Via Facebook Live (facebook.com/hopechurchholland), we will share in our traditional Tenebrae Service on Maundy Thursday. The service follows the path of Jesus’ passion through the Last Supper and crucifixion and includes scripture, prayer, reflection & music.

Easter Sunday, April 4 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Outdoor Easter Service We are so excited to be able to come together and have an Easter outdoor service in the Hope Church parking lot. The service will consist of a brass ensemble, hymns, scripture and prayer and we are thrilled to use our new outdoor sound system! Please bring your own chairs as people will be seated with their household. Covid protocols will be in place. Please park in the Park Theatre lot or on the street. 11:00 am Worship Service Via Facebook Live (facebook.com/hopechurchholland),Celebrate the Risen Lord! Pastor Gordon Wiersma, preaching, and Pastors Beth Carroll and Jill Russell, liturgists.

Seder Dinner, March 24, 6:30pm For those who reserved a seder kit, kits will be available in the church vestibule on March 23 & 24 between 9 am - 5 pm for pickup. We will then celebrate a simplified liturgy together over Zoom.

Early Worship meets via Zoom at 8:30am on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. This will be a simple worship time of prayer, scripture and fellowiship which the Pastors will lead from the Chapel. To join go to https://tinyurl.com/earlyworshiplink Passcode: 12345

Wednesday Morning Prayers: The pastors are offering an opportunity for people to join with them for morning prayer on Wednesdays at 8:30am via Zoom. This contemplative time of prayer will include space to offer aloud your own prayers for the coming day and for the life of the world. For those planning to join in through a computer (whether to use video or just audio) then you will go to this site: https://tinyurl.com/WedPrayers

Men’s Breakfast meeting over Zoom – Join us! The men’s breakfast group continues to meet (without breakfast) on Zoom from 7 to 8 AM on Wednesdays. Join the meeting at https://tinyurl.com/hopemensbreakfast

Holding Hope Mental Health Support Group The Holding Hope mental health support group is now being offered every Tuesday from noon-1:30pm. Please email the office at [email protected] if you are interested.

Bible Study Pastor Beth is leading a Bible Study via Zoom every other Wednesday from 3- 4. To join, just access the Zoom link https://tinyurl.com/hopezoombiblestudy The meeting dates and Gospel passages are listed below! Meeting ID: 875 3637 1589, Password: 306658 March 31 - Mark 11:1-11 & John 20:1-18 To view the Bible Study Dates and the Gospel Texts for each session go to https://tinyurl.com/hopebiblestudy2021

Creation Care Announcement: By PLANTING A TREE, you will be TAKING ACTION to combat Climate change. Ottawa County Conservation District will be selling small trees, most of them native. Order online by APRIL 7, pick up on the 16th https://ottawacd.org/tree-sale/