Order of Worship 1-14-24

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

January 14th, 2024; Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Reverend Aaron Ochat        

Liturgist: Bill Bottomley

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [GTG#797] 

We Cannot Measure How you Heal

1.We cannot measure how you heal

or answer every sufferer’s prayer,

yet we believe your grace responds

where faith and doubt unite to care.

Your hands, though bloodied on the cross,

survive to hold and heal and warn,

to carry all through death to life

and cradle children yet unborn.

  1. The pain that will not go away,

the guilt that clings from things long past,

the fear of what the future holds,

are present as if meant to last.

But present too is love, which tends

the hurt we never hoped to find,

the private agonies inside,

the memories that haunt the mind.

WORDS OF WELCOME           

CALL TO WORSHIP John 1:36, 39

ONE: Look, here is the Lamb of God!

MANY: Jesus calls us: Come and see.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Lord of forgiveness, you healed a paralytic by forgiving his sins. Forgive us, heal us, and teach us to walk in your ways. Amen.

✝HYMN [GTG#319] Shout To The North

  1. Men of faith rise up and sing of the great and glorious King.

You are strong when you feel weak; in your brokenness complete.     

Refrain: Shout to the north and the south, 

sing to the east and the west.

Jesus is savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth. 

  1. Rise up women of the truth. Stand and sing to broken hearts

who can know the healing power of our awesome King of love. (Refrain)

Bridge: We’ve been through fire; we’ve been through rain;

we’ve been refined by the power of your name.

We’ve fallen deeper in love with you. 

You’ve burned the truth on our lips. (Refrain)

  1. Rise up, church, with broken wings; fill this place with songs again

of our God who reigns on high; by God’s grace again we’ll fly.  (Refrain)

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN                

 RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#795] Healer of Our Every Ill

 Refrain: Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow,

give us peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of glory, you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world, to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light. We turn away from the poor; we ignore cries for justice; we do not strive for peace. 

In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin, and pour out the gifts of your Spirit, that forgiven and renewed, we may show forth your glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

✝GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT 34 or 36]                                 Mark 2:1-22

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’

Jesus went out again beside the lake; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.

And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax-collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard this, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’

Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, ‘Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.

‘No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 

SERMON                “Up on the Rooftop”                the Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

✝AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, 

And in Jesus Christ [God’s] 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 communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.     

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

✝ DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below.

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

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 [GTG#731] Give Thanks For Those Whose Faith is Firm

  1. Give thanks for those whose faith is firm

when all around seems bleak:

on God’s good promise they rely,

so while they live and when they die

how forcefully they speak: the strong, who once were weak!

  1. Give thanks for those whose hope is clear,

beyond mere mortal sight:

who seek the city God has planned,

the true, eternal promised land,

and steer on toward that light, a beacon ever bright.

  1. Give thanks for those whose love is pure,

a sparkling precious stone:

they show by what they say and do

an inward beauty warm and true,

for God’s concerns they own: God’s love through them is known.

  1. Give thanks for saints of ages past and saints alive today:

though often by this world despised,

their hearts by God are richly prized.

Give thanks that we may say we share their pilgrim way.

✝PARTING PRAYER

Everlasting God, the radiance of faithful souls, who brought the nations to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising: Fill the world with your glory and show yourself to all nations; through him who is the true light and the bright morning star, Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [*Blue#394][GTG#792] There is a Balm in Gilead                

There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;

there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.

POSTLUDE                                   

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, 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. 

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375   

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

For more information, visit our website at www.JohnCalvinChurch.org

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on



Announcements 1-14-24

 Announcements:

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: Join us on Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM for Adult Sunday School. Relationships are often difficult; and so is forgiveness. How do we deal with broken relationships? How can we forgive? As we explore the story of the prodigal son, we will explore the Bible’s advice on healing broken relationships.

PROJECT REGENERATION: The session and Deacons will be engaging in a discussion with the Presbyterian Foundation using the book ‘Sailboat Church.’ If you are interested in this discussion or would like to read along with us, please let Aaron know.  

PLAYSCHOOL FUNDRAISER: It’s time for the playschool Little Caesar Fundraiser. Grab a brochure from the table in the narthex, with instructions. Then order some delicious treats. 

CHOIR RETURNS: The choir starts weekly rehearsals again today! Join us after the service until 1 pm for rehearsal. The choir will return to services on January 28th. 

DEVOTIONALS FOR LENT AND EASTER: Get yourself ready for Lent by ordering your devotional now. Here is this week’s suggestion: Lent of Liberation: Confronting the Legacy of American Slavery by Cheri L. Mills. This Lenten devotional invites readers to learn more about the brutal institution of slavery and its impact on Black people in America and recognize how its evolution and legacy continue to harm their descendants in the United States today. Each of the forty devotions includes the testimony of a person who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad, a Scripture passage, and a reflection connecting biblical and historical themes to challenge modern readers to work for liberation. Reflecting on Lenten themes of exodus, redemption, discipline, and repentance, readers, both Black and White, will be empowered for the work of racial justice.

CLOTHING DRIVE: We are doing a clothing drive for Program of Hope. We are looking only for these specific items: men’s t-shirts and sweatshirts size XL or larger, men’s pants, and men’s shoes. We will be collecting clothing until Jan 31st when we will have a sorting party. 

ZOOM BOOK STUDY: We plan on continuing the weekly Zoom book studies after the new year. Please fill out the form in the bulletin to let us know your preferences for the start date and book to study. The study will remain on Thursdays from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

CALENDAR:

1/15 – Office closed for Martin Lurther King Jr. Birthday 

6:30 PM – Session Meeting 

1/16 – 10:00 AM – Grace Circle Meeting 

1/17 – 12:15 – Playschool Committee Meeting 

1/21 – 9:15 AM – Adult Sunday School Messy People / Youth Fellowship Time 

         10:30 AM – Worship 

         11:45 AM – Choir Rehearsal 




ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements 1-21-14

 Announcements:

CLOTHING DRIVE: We are doing a clothing drive for Program of Hope. We are looking only for these specific items: men’s t-shirts and sweatshirts size XL or larger, men’s pants, and men’s shoes. We will be collecting clothing until Jan 31st when we will have a sorting party. 

PROGRAM OF HOPE: We will be making lunches and serving at Program of Hope in February. Please join us on February 6th, 12th, 20th and 27th at 2:00 PM to make sandwiches and assemble lunch bags. Then join us on Wednesdays in February at First Presbyterian Church to serve at Program of Hope. See Sue, Richard, or Sharon for more details.

PROJECT REGENERATION: The session and Deacons will be engaging in a discussion with the Presbyterian Foundation using the book ‘Sailboat Church.’ If you are interested in this discussion or would like to read along with us, please let Aaron know. The first meeting will be on January 23rd.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: We will have a congregational meeting on February 4th to elect new Elders.

DEVOTIONALS FOR LENT AND EASTER: Get yourself ready for Lent by ordering your devotional now. Here is this week’s suggestion: Pause: Spending Lent with the Psalms by Elizabeth F. Caldwell. The season of Lent encourages Christians to consider a different pace—one of slowing down, noticing, pausing—than what our dominant culture values. The invitation to pause with the Psalms begins on Ash Wednesday, starting with a mark of ashes on our foreheads that reminds us that in spite of our failures—things we have done or failed to do—we belong to God. Readers are then guided into an exploration of Psalm 51 and the theme of a clean heart. Each chapter helps readers to connect an image drawn from that psalm, such as paths, faces, blessing, tables, waiting, thanksgiving, listening, being alone or abandoned, and hands, with their own lives. At the close of each chapter, readers are invited to try a different prayer practice to help them continue to reflect on the theme and psalm each day. This intentional engagement—without feeling burdensome—opens just enough space and time for a creative spiritual practice to flourish, sustaining the life of faith during the Lenten season in ways that can make a difference in God’s world.

CANTATA REHEARSALS COMING SOON: Would you like to be a part of the choir but can’t committee long term. Then joining us for the Palm Sunday Cantata is the perfect solution. Join us Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM starting February 7th. There will not be a rehearsal on Ash Wednesday. The Cantata will be on March 24th at the 10:30 Worship Service with a dress rehearsal on March 23rd. 

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry each week. This month we are asking for Proteins including canned chicken, tuna, SpaghettiOs pasta, pasta sauce, and soups. If you prefer to donate a small amount of money just mark it for the food pantry and we will shop for you.

CALENDAR:

1/22 – 9:00 AM – Bible Time for 3’s in their classroom 

          1:00 PM – Staff Meeting 

1/23 – 9:30 AM – Bible Time 4’s and 5’s 

1/25 – 10:00 AM – Game Day 

1/28 – 9:15 AM – Adult Sunday School 

          9:30 AM – Youth Fellowship time 

         10:15 AM – Choir Warm-up 

         10:30 AM – Worship Service with offering for Evergreen 

  • Children’s Church 

          11:45 AM – Choir Rehearsal