Come to God’s own temple, come; raise the song of harvest home.

2 All the world is God’s own field, fruit in thankful praise to yield,

wheat and tares together sown, unto joy or sorrow grown.

First the blade, and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear.

Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR MISSION SOUPER BOWL           

CALL TO WORSHIP Mark 1:40–41

ONE: To Jesus we cry: Cleanse us, O Lord!

MANY: By the mercy of Christ we are made clean.

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Almighty God, you gave the law to guide our lives. May we never shrink from your commandments, but, as we are taught by your Son Jesus, fulfill the law in perfect love; through Christ our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

*HYMN [BLUE# 298] [GTG 435]  “There’s a wideness in God’s Mercy”          

1 There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea.

There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty.

There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in heaven.

There is no place where earth’s failings have such kindly judgment given.

2 For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind.

And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more faithful, we would gladly trust God’s Word,

and our lives reflect thanksgiving for the goodness of our Lord.       

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN                               

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful and loving God, you have called us to be your people and claimed us for the service of Jesus Christ. We confess that we have not lived up to our calling to proclaim the good news in word and deed. We are quick to speak when we ought to listen, and remain silent when it is time to speak. We put too much faith in our own actions and fail to trust the strength of your Spirit. 

O God, forgive our foolish ways. Strengthen us anew to follow Christ’s way in the world. By your Holy Spirit, give us the grace we need to be faithful disciples and fulfill our common calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

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                                                    Matthew 13:24-43

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’

He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet:

‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables;

   I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                   “To Put Along Side”                   Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY           Children of Heavenly Father Dan Forrest
featuring Celia Watkins, cello and Cindy Freudenthal, flute

*DOXOLOGY

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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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.

*HYMN [BLUE#376] [GTG #366]   Loves Divine All Loves Excelling 

1 Love divine, all loves excelling,

Joy of heaven, to earth come down,

fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, thou art all compassion; pure, unbounded love thou art;

visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.

2 Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast;

let us all in thee inherit; let us find the promised rest.

Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;

end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.

3 Come, Almighty, to deliver; let us all thy life receive;

suddenly return, and never, nevermore thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing, 

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray, and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.

*PARTING PRAYER    

Holy God, you sent your Son to be baptized among sinners, to seek and save the lost. May we, who have been baptized in his name, never turn away from the world, but reach out in love to call others like us; by the mercy of Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [GTG95] “Prepare the way of the Lord ”

Prepare the way of the Lord prepare the way of the Lord

And all peoples will see the salvation of our God.

POSTLUDE              La Caprifolia Victor Macarty            

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Assistant Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.  

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett – Music Director

Kelly Cuppett – Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

 Devotional Spotlight: This week’s devotional is: African American History & Devotions: Readings and Activities for Individuals, Families, and Communities: Twenty-eight devotions for individuals, families, or small groups, including a scripture verse, a reflection on the scripture, related activities for each day, and a prayer. This intergenerational devotional is great for use during Black History Month, but can be used at any time.

Ash Wednesday Service: The Ash Wednesday service will be at 12 noon on February 22nd. Come and receive the imposition of ashes, and start the Lenten season. 

Music rehearsals for the Easter season : Cantata and Easter handbells will begin on March 8! Please email Sam at sam.garnett@johncalvinchurch.org if you are interested in participating. Please plan to attend all rehearsals if you commit to one of these ensembles. If you aren’t able to make that commitment, we encourage you to consider joining the Sunday choir, which does not require consistent attendance (ideally, members are present for the Sunday rehearsal prior to the Sunday they plan to sing).

Handbells: Easter Cantata: 

Wednesdays from 6-7pm Wednesdays from 7-8:15pm

March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29 & Apr. 5,12 Play in service on Easter Sunday, Apr. 9 Sing in service on Sunday, 

Apr. 16

Program of Hope: It’s our month to provide lunches again. Join us on Tuesday at 2:00 PM to make sandwiches. Speak with Richard or Sharon if you would like to join us on Wednesday to deliver and handout lunches. 

Souper Bowl of Caring: Today the youth will be collecting money for the Souper Bowl of caring. This money will go to our own food pantry. We have been blessed to serve many people in our community through our food pantry, gas cards, and grocery cards. Please consider giving generously to this wonderful mission. We also need small toiletry items which you can give to Louise any time. 

Playschool Mardi Gras Parade: Join us on February 15th and 16th to cheer on the kids in their Mardi Gras parades. 

• February 15: 9:45- Rm 9 MWF 3’s, 10:30- Rm 12 3’s, 11:15- Rm 108 3’s (In the courtyard) 
• February 16: 10:00- Wagon parade with both 4’s classes and TK (Out front near the parking lot) 

  Evergreen Offering: We will be receiving special offerings for Evergreen Life Services (Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc.) on Sunday, Feb. 19 and 26th.

  
  

  CE Survey: If you haven’t had a chance to take the CE survey please take a few minutes to do so today. We have sent a link out via email, but you can also use this one:  https://forms.gle/wqu9QbYfFKGJCp3i6 Please see Lousie if you have any questions or need help. We can also print you a hard copy if you prefer that. 

  Events and Meetings this Week:

  2/12 –  11:45 AM – Choir Practice

  2/13 – 12:15 AM – Playschool Committee Meeting 

             6:30 PM  – CE Meeting 

  2/14 – Presbytery Meeting 

  2/15 – 1:00 PM – Outreach Committee Meeting 

             6:00 PM – Worship Committee Meeting 

  2/16 – 10:30 AM – Committee On Ministry NOLA Cluster 

  2/19 – 9:30 AM – Sunday School 

            10:15 AM – Choir Practice 

            10:30 AM – Worship Service/Children’s Church 

            11:45 AM – Choir Practice

Let us pray: ‘We are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

‘We are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, we should let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON Matthew 7:7-11

‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

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.

PROCLAMATION

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN            

INTRODUCTION

FIRST LESSON                                                               Matthew 5:21-26

‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

REFLECTION                                                    the Rev. Susan Lassalle

SECOND LESSON                                                          Matthew 5:38-42

‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

REFLECTION                                                       the Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS 

Matthew 6:1-4, 19-21, 24-34

OFFERTORY  “He Knows My Name” by Francesca Battistelli -Kelly

*DOXOLOGY

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

*SONG [GTG 444]        “Forgive our Sins and We Forgive”

“Forgive our sins as we forgive,” you taught us, Lord, to pray,

but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say.

PRAYERS                                                Matthew 6:5-18, 22-23

‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

‘Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,

   hallowed be your name.

   Your kingdom come.

   Your will be done,

     on earth as it is in heaven.

   Give us this day our daily bread.

   And forgive us our debts,

     as we also have forgiven our debtors.

   And do not bring us to the time of trial,

     but rescue us from the evil one.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

*SONG [GTG 444]        “Forgive our Sins and We Forgive”

“Forgive our sins as we forgive,” you taught us, Lord, to pray,

but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say

‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

*SONG [GTG 444]        “Forgive our Sins and We Forgive”

“Forgive our sins as we forgive,” you taught us, Lord, to pray,

but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say.

By: Our Daily Bread. Tell the Story, allows you to hear about visionaries like Opal Lee, Richard Allen, and Benjamin Mays in this 40-day devotional from the Voices Collection of Our Daily Bread Ministries. Each day, inspire your own faith with a different testimony that includes relevant Scripture. Hear how each trailblazer looked to God and, against the odds, maintained dignity, served the community, sought social justice, and grew historic organizations and institutions.

Annual Meeting: our service on February 5th will serve as our annual meeting. This gives us all a chance to celebrate with the session and staff all that was accomplished in 2022, and to look ahead to the coming year. The church budget will be presented, and Aaron’s Terms of Call will be voted on. 

Updated Directory: Last Call for updated information for the directory. We need everyone to check all your information and to give us a current picture we can use for the directory. We prefer a digital copy of a picture and can crop a picture as needed. However a hard copy is also okay, just give it to Louise. 

All Church Work Day: Would you like to spend some time giving back to the church? Join us for the all church work day on Feb. 4th. We will have sandwiches and snacks. We will have jobs for all skill levels, from painting and weeding to more complicated projects like fixing the leaky sink. Please sign-up in the Narthex or email Louise. Do you have a project around the church you think needs to get done, let us know and we will try to add it to the list.  

The Great Key Collection of 2023: If you have a key to the church, fellowship hall or any other building on the grounds that you no longer need please turn it into the office.