Order of Worship 9-3-23
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost
September 3rd, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning
Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart
Lay Leader: Lorraine Hicks
Please silence all cell phones.
Bold face indicates congregational participation.
Please stand, in body or spirit
THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN
PRELUDE At An Old Trysting-Place Edward MacDowell
PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#527] [GTG#824]
“There Is a Place of Quiet Rest (Near to the Heart of God)”
1 There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God,
a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.
Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
hold us, who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.
2 There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God,
a place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God. [Refrain]
3 There is a place of full release, near to the heart of God,
a place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God. [Refrain]
WORDS OF WELCOME
ADORATION
CALL TO WORSHIP James. 1:17–18
ONE: Every generous act is a gift from God,
MANY: who gives birth to us through the word.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, author and giver of all good things, plant in our hearts the love of your name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#458] [GTG #26]
“Earth and All Stars”
- Earth and all stars! loud rushing planets!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Hail, wind, and rain, loud blowing snowstorms!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too sing praise with a new song!
- Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Harp, lute, and lyre! Loud humming cellos!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too sing praise with a new song!
- Engines and steel! Loud pounding hammers!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Limestone and beams! Loud building workers,
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too sing praise with a new song!
4 Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Daughter and son! Loud praying members!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too sing praise with a new song!
MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN
RESPONSE HYMN [GTG #700]
“I am Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”
1 I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!
REPENTANCE
CALL TO CONFESSION
SILENT CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of grace, love, and communion, we confess that we have failed to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We ignore your commandments, stray from your way, and follow other gods. Have mercy on us. Forgive our sin and raise us to new life that we may serve you faithfully and give honor to your holy name. Amen
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581]
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end, Amen, Amen.
THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible OT 156 or 162] Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Observe the sabbath day and keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. For six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, or your son or your daughter, or your male or female slave, or your ox or your donkey, or any of your livestock, or the resident alien in your towns, so that your male and female slave may rest as well as you. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day.
SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT 11 or 12] Matthew 12:1-14
At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.’ He said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’
He left that place and entered their synagogue; a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, ‘Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?’ so that they might accuse him. He said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.’ Then he said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
ONE: The Word of the Lord
MANY: Thanks be to God
SERMON: “Sabbath Rest” Rev. Aaron Ochart
RESPONSE
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “A Brief Statement of Faith” – Spirit
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.
We trust in God the Holy Spirit everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church. In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!
With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
ONE: The Lord be with you.
MANY: And also with you.
ONE: Lift up your hearts.
MANY: We lift them to the Lord.
ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:
MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
ONE: … Praise to you, Lord Jesus:
MANY: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory…
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
ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.
MANY: Thanks be to God.
HYMN [BLUE#343] [GTG#761]
“Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”
- Called as partners in Christ’s service, called to ministries of grace,
We respond with deep commitment fresh new lines of faith to trace.
May we learn the art of sharing, side by side and friend with friend,
Equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end.
- Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring,
Christ’s clear call to work and worth
let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth.
Men and women, richer, poorer, all God’s people young and old,
blending human skills together gracious gifts from God unfold.
- Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission, in a small or global sense,
help us bear each other’s burdens, breaking down each wall or fence.
Words of comfort, words of vision, words of challenge said with care,
bring new power and strength for action,
make us colleagues free and fair.
- So God grant us for tomorrow ways to order human life
that surround each person’s sorrow with a calm that conquers strife.
Make us partners in our living, our compassion to increase,
messengers of faith, thus giving hope and confidence and peace.
PARTING PRAYER
Grant unto us, O God, the fullness of your promises.
where we have been weak, grant us your strength;
where we have been confused, grant us your guidance;
where we have been distraught, grant us your comfort;
where we have been dead, grant us your life.
Apart from you, O Lord, we are nothing,
in and with you we can do all things. Amen.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
RESPONSE [GTG# 547] “Go, My Children, with My Blessing”
“Go, my Children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.
In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing. You are my own.”
POSTLUDE Improvisation on I’M GONNA LIVE
Announcements 9-3-23
Announcements:
RESTOCK THE CLOSET: The food pantry has been used quite a bit this summer. We are running low on small toiletries, diapers both adult and child sizes and Shelf stable food items. We would love some help restocking or $25 gas and walmart gift cards. See Louise if you have questions.
Books On Spiritual Practices: As the summer draws to a close the weather cools, but our lives seem to only heat up. There is more to do with the start of the school year, sports activities, and even fellowship opportunities. While these can all be wonderful experiences and opportunities, the busyness of life can make it hard to make time to focus on our spiritual life. This month’s CE reading recommendations all center around engaging in spiritual practices to strengthen ourselves, our families and the community we have chosen to be with. Most books are made for families but that doesn’t have to be just you and your kids or even immediate family, it can also be friends or small groups. So grab a partner, your family or group and dive deeper into your faith and time with God. Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home Paperback by Traci Smith. Add family faith moments to your daily routine with little or no prep, and share meaningful spiritual experiences with your children! Traci Smith, a pastor and mother of three, offers ways to discover and develop new spiritual practices as a family, whether you’re a new seeker or a lifelong follower. Faithful Families is brimming with easy, do-it-yourself ideas for transforming your family’s everyday moments into sacred moments.
SCHOLARSHIP SINGERS: The Session has approved the funds to hire three university music students as Scholarship Singers. These students will augment the choir and bring new ideas to our music program while receiving training, mentorship, and experience in music ministry. We are exploring grants to help offset the costs, but we also welcome donations from anyone who wishes to support the development of new church professionals. If you’d like to assist financially with this program beyond your existing pledge, please give via your usual method and specify that it is for the Scholarship Singers.
MUSEUM TOUR: On Sept. 13th. Join us for lunch followed by an afternoon of Art at NOMA. We will meet at the church at 10:30 AM then head to the museum. The Museum is free to Louisiana residents. You can use the insert in the bulletin to sign up or speak with Beverly Kennedy.
ALL CHURCH AND COMMUNITY PICNIC: Please plan to join us on September 10th for our all Church and Community Picnic. We have lots of volunteer opportunities, however even if you can’t volunteer we hope you will join us for this great fellowship opportunity. Sign up to volunteer or let us know you are coming using the inset in the Bulletin. Please plan to bring a Picnic side or dessert to share. Oh and Saints fans don’t worry we plan to have the game projected so you won’t miss a moment of the game and we will outdoor water activities for the kids.
GET INVOLVED IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: We have a great year planned and would love for you to get involved. Here is what we are looking for:
- Sunday School teachers for our middle and high School youth which will meet twice a month at 9:30 AM. They will be using the Spice Rack Curriculum: Habits.
- Nursery volunteers.
- Teachers for our age PK- 2nd grade Children’s Church. They will be using a narrative lectionary Curriculum. While we don’t have younger children in the church yet we still want to be prepared to provide a children’s church and nursery option if we do have families worship with us. Louise will work with those who are interested to
STARTING THIS FALL: We have so many wonderful programs starting up on September 17th for all ages. At 9:30 am adults can join us in the library for a new Adult Sunday School series called Off the Deep End
taught by Briana Mayfield, where you will dive deeper in the scripture each week. Youth of all ages are welcomed to join us upstairs in the youth area for a time of Fellowship and snacks also starting at 9:30, the kids will also have access to the switch and Elementary classroom. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month the middle and High School youth will have Sunday School where we will discuss Spiritual Habits we can form to have a deeper and stronger relationship with God. Children’s church will offer lessons for PK – 2nd grade and 3rd – 5th grade Students to study the Narrative Lectionary. Each group will be studying the same scripture that Pastor Aaron is preaching on, engaging with it in an age appropriate manner. My hope is that Children’s church teaches our kids that Church is for everyone, not just the grown ups. By offering them a lesson during church that is meant for them they learn that Church is for them
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements 9-3-23
Announcements:
RESTOCK THE CLOSET: The food pantry has been used quite a bit this summer. We are running low on small toiletries, diapers both adult and child sizes and Shelf stable food items. We would love some help restocking or $25 gas and walmart gift cards. See Louise if you have questions.
Books On Spiritual Practices: As the summer draws to a close the weather cools, but our lives seem to only heat up. There is more to do with the start of the school year, sports activities, and even fellowship opportunities. While these can all be wonderful experiences and opportunities, the busyness of life can make it hard to make time to focus on our spiritual life. This month’s CE reading recommendations all center around engaging in spiritual practices to strengthen ourselves, our families and the community we have chosen to be with. Most books are made for families but that doesn’t have to be just you and your kids or even immediate family, it can also be friends or small groups. So grab a partner, your family or group and dive deeper into your faith and time with God. Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home Paperback by Traci Smith. Add family faith moments to your daily routine with little or no prep, and share meaningful spiritual experiences with your children! Traci Smith, a pastor and mother of three, offers ways to discover and develop new spiritual practices as a family, whether you’re a new seeker or a lifelong follower. Faithful Families is brimming with easy, do-it-yourself ideas for transforming your family’s everyday moments into sacred moments.
SCHOLARSHIP SINGERS: The Session has approved the funds to hire three university music students as Scholarship Singers. These students will augment the choir and bring new ideas to our music program while receiving training, mentorship, and experience in music ministry. We are exploring grants to help offset the costs, but we also welcome donations from anyone who wishes to support the development of new church professionals. If you’d like to assist financially with this program beyond your existing pledge, please give via your usual method and specify that it is for the Scholarship Singers.
MUSEUM TOUR: On Sept. 13th. Join us for lunch followed by an afternoon of Art at NOMA. We will meet at the church at 10:30 AM then head to the museum. The Museum is free to Louisiana residents. You can use the insert in the bulletin to sign up or speak with Beverly Kennedy.
ALL CHURCH AND COMMUNITY PICNIC: Please plan to join us on September 10th for our all Church and Community Picnic. We have lots of volunteer opportunities, however even if you can’t volunteer we hope you will join us for this great fellowship opportunity. Sign up to volunteer or let us know you are coming using the inset in the Bulletin. Please plan to bring a Picnic side or dessert to share. Oh and Saints fans don’t worry we plan to have the game projected so you won’t miss a moment of the game and we will outdoor water activities for the kids.
GET INVOLVED IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: We have a great year planned and would love for you to get involved. Here is what we are looking for:
- Sunday School teachers for our middle and high School youth which will meet twice a month at 9:30 AM. They will be using the Spice Rack Curriculum: Habits.
- Nursery volunteers.
- Teachers for our age PK- 2nd grade Children’s Church. They will be using a narrative lectionary Curriculum. While we don’t have younger children in the church yet we still want to be prepared to provide a children’s church and nursery option if we do have families worship with us. Louise will work with those who are interested to
STARTING THIS FALL: We have so many wonderful programs starting up on September 17th for all ages. At 9:30 am adults can join us in the library for a new Adult Sunday School series called Off the Deep End
taught by Briana Mayfield, where you will dive deeper in the scripture each week. Youth of all ages are welcomed to join us upstairs in the youth area for a time of Fellowship and snacks also starting at 9:30, the kids will also have access to the switch and Elementary classroom. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month the middle and High School youth will have Sunday School where we will discuss Spiritual Habits we can form to have a deeper and stronger relationship with God. Children’s church will offer lessons for PK – 2nd grade and 3rd – 5th grade Students to study the Narrative Lectionary. Each group will be studying the same scripture that Pastor Aaron is preaching on, engaging with it in an age appropriate manner. My hope is that Children’s church teaches our kids that Church is for everyone, not just the grown ups. By offering them a lesson during church that is meant for them they learn that Church is for them