Announcements 9-24-23

Announcements:

PROGRAM OF HOPE: October is our month for the Program of Hope. We will be making sandwiches and bagging lunches at 2:00 PM every Tuesday in October except Oct. 31st. We will also be collecting and sorting clothing. The clothing drive will end with a sorting and boxing party on Thursday September 28th at 1:00 PM in the library. Needed are Men’s and Women’s: casual pants, jeans, tops, white shirts, blouses, black pants for work, plain sturdy shoes, tote bags, new socks and underwear in (ORIGINAL UNOPENED PACKAGE), rain ponchos and sunglasses.

MATTHEW 25: Tuesdays in October we will be presenting another program on the Matthew 25 initiative. Join us for this wonderful program at 12:30 PM in the Library. After the program you are welcome to join us in making sandwiches for Program of Hope. More information to come so mark your calendar now. 

Books On Spiritual Practices: There is more to do with the start of the school year, sports activities, and even fellowship 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. Imaginative Prayer: A Yearlong Guide for Your Child’s Spiritual Formation by Jared Patrick Boyd How do we help our kids connect with God? Most parents want their kids to learn to love God. But most of us struggle to facilitate real spiritual experiences. It’s hard enough to have a meaningful conversation with our kids about spiritual things, let alone help them experience true transformation in the presence of God. Jared Patrick Boyd discovered that children’s spiritual formation is rooted in the imagination. When we lead our children through guided times of imaginative prayer, they can experience a connection with God that transcends mere Bible knowledge or doctrinal content. This unique resource provides six units of weekly guided imaginative prayer, themed around core topics: God’s love, loving others, forgiveness, God as king, the good news of God, and the mission of God. Each unit has six sessions, providing a yearlong experience of spiritual formation for children ages five to thirteen. Through imaginative prayer, you can help your child connect with God. As you do so, you may find yourself connecting more closely with your child, and your own formation as a parent will deepen into greater awareness of God’s work in your lives.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Join us Sept. 28th for our next Tablecloth Dinner at Saltgrass, 4860 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006. Cocktails at 6:00 PM and dinner at 6:30pm you will be able to order off the menu and receive separate checks. 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Mark your calendars for a brief congregational meeting after the service on Oct. 8th to elect the nominating committee. 

BLOOD DRIVE: We are excited to be hosting a Blood Drive Bash for Vivian Peranio. Vivian is a 3 year old girl who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia last year.  This drive will be around the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis. She is now in the maintenance phase, meaning the worst of the chemo is over, but the blood center and her family are continuing to host blood drives to help not only Viv, but other children in similar circumstances. Even if you cannot give blood we can use your help with snacks or registration. Please speak with Sharon or Sue about volunteering. To sign up ahead of time please use the QR code on the bulletin board.  

Calendar 

9/24 – 10:30 AM – Worship Offering for Peace and Global Witness

Children’s Church 

9/25 – 1:30 PM – Staff Meeting 

9/26 – 9:15 AM – Bible Time PK 4 and TK in the Sanctuary 

9/28 – 10:00 AM – Game Day in the Library 

          1:00 PM – Clothes Sorting Party 

          6:00 PM – Tablecloth Dinner – Saltgrass 

10/1 – 9:15 AM – Sunday School 

         Adults in the Library 

         Fellowship Time for the Youth Fellowship Hall

         10:30 AM – Worship Offering for Peace and Global Witness

Children’s Church 

FLOWERS: The Flowers today were given by John and Linda LaPorte in celebration of their Anniversary. 

BIRTHDAYS: Connor Boudreaux 9/26, Johnny Walker 9/29, Evelyn Tobey 10/1



Order of Worship 9-17-23

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

September 17th, 2023 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart         

Lay Leader: Carolyn Calvin

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE          Hymn of Promise Natalie Sleeth

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [BLUE#488] [GTG#49]

“The God of Abraham Praise” Ver. 1,2

1 The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above,

the Ancient of Eternal Days, the God of love!

The Lord, the great I AM, by earth and heaven confessed,

we bow before your holy name, forever blest.

2 Your spirit still flows free, high surging where it will.

In prophet’s word you spoke of old and you speak still.

Established is your law, and changeless it shall stand,

deep writ upon the human heart by your strong hand.

WORDS OF WELCOME         

DEACON MINUTE

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP     Matthew 22:32

ONE: “I AM the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”, says the Lord;

MANY: God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

God of promise, Abraham scoffed and Sarah laughed when they were told of your plans for them and their family. Yet you remained faithful to your promise, and gave them a son, Isaac. Help us to trust in your promises for our lives, and to live according to your will. Amen. 

✝HYMN OF THE MONTH [BLUE#458] [GTG #26] 

“Earth and All Stars” Ver. 1,3,4

  1. 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!

  1. 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 #488] 

“I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”

2.”When you heard the wonder of the Word

I was there to cheer you on;

You were raised to praise the living Lord,

to whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time

and you join your hearts as one,

I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme

from dusk ’till rising sun.”

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors, and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. In your great mercy forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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 541 or 573]                 Psalm 127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

Unless the LORD builds the house,

   those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the LORD guards the city,

   the guard keeps watch in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early

   and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

   for he gives sleep to his beloved.

Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD,

   the fruit of the womb a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

   are the sons of one’s youth.

Happy is the man who has

   his quiver full of them.

He shall not be put to shame

   when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

SCRIPTURE  [Pew Bible NT 13 or 14]           Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7

The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, ‘My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.’ So they said, ‘Do as you have said.’ And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.’ Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

They said to him, ‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ Then one said, ‘I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?’ The LORD said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too wonderful for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.’ But Sarah denied, saying, ‘I did not laugh’; for she was afraid. He said, ‘Oh yes, you did laugh.’…

The LORD dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as he had promised. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Now Sarah said, ‘God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.’ And she said, ‘Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON:       “God of Hope”               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 Hymn of Promise Natalie Sleeth

✝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. 

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

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.

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#498] [GTG#486] 

“Child of Blessing, Child of Promise”    

1 Child of blessing, child of promise,

baptized with the Spirit’s sign,

with this water God has sealed you

unto love and grace divine.

2 Child of love, our love’s expression,

love’s creation, loved indeed!

Fresh from God, refresh our spirits;

into joy and laughter lead.

3 Child of joy, our dearest treasure,

God’s you are, from God you came.

Back to God we humbly give you:

live as one who bears Christ’s name.

4 Child of God, your loving Parent,

learn to listen for God’s call.

Grow to laugh and sing and worship;

trust and love God more than all.

✝PARTING PRAYER 

Lord, the gift of your Word is a light for our path. Help us to study your way and follow your teaching, until we know the true Light who has come into the world and will come again in glory: Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 Invention No. 8 in F J.S. Bach

*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 Rev. 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

Announcements 9-24-23

Announcements:

PROGRAM OF HOPE: October is our month for the Program of Hope. We will be making sandwiches and bagging lunches at 2:00 PM every Tuesday in October except Oct. 31st. We will also be collecting and sorting clothing. The clothing drive will end with a sorting and boxing party on Thursday September 28th at 1:00 PM in the library. Needed are Men’s and Women’s: casual pants, jeans, tops, white shirts, blouses, black pants for work, plain sturdy shoes, tote bags, new socks and underwear in (ORIGINAL UNOPENED PACKAGE), rain ponchos and sunglasses.

MATTHEW 25: Tuesdays in October we will be presenting another program on the Matthew 25 initiative. Join us for this wonderful program at 12:30 PM in the Library. After the program you are welcome to join us in making sandwiches for Program of Hope. More information to come so mark your calendar now. 

Books On Spiritual Practices: There is more to do with the start of the school year, sports activities, and even fellowship 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. Imaginative Prayer: A Yearlong Guide for Your Child’s Spiritual Formation by Jared Patrick Boyd How do we help our kids connect with God? Most parents want their kids to learn to love God. But most of us struggle to facilitate real spiritual experiences. It’s hard enough to have a meaningful conversation with our kids about spiritual things, let alone help them experience true transformation in the presence of God. Jared Patrick Boyd discovered that children’s spiritual formation is rooted in the imagination. When we lead our children through guided times of imaginative prayer, they can experience a connection with God that transcends mere Bible knowledge or doctrinal content. This unique resource provides six units of weekly guided imaginative prayer, themed around core topics: God’s love, loving others, forgiveness, God as king, the good news of God, and the mission of God. Each unit has six sessions, providing a yearlong experience of spiritual formation for children ages five to thirteen. Through imaginative prayer, you can help your child connect with God. As you do so, you may find yourself connecting more closely with your child, and your own formation as a parent will deepen into greater awareness of God’s work in your lives.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Join us Sept. 28th for our next Tablecloth Dinner at Saltgrass, 4860 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006. Cocktails at 6:00 PM and dinner at 6:30pm you will be able to order off the menu and receive separate checks. 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Mark your calendars for a brief congregational meeting after the service on Oct. 8th to elect the nominating committee. 

BLOOD DRIVE: We are excited to be hosting a Blood Drive Bash for Vivian Peranio. Vivian is a 3 year old girl who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia last year.  This drive will be around the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis. She is now in the maintenance phase, meaning the worst of the chemo is over, but the blood center and her family are continuing to host blood drives to help not only Viv, but other children in similar circumstances. Even if you cannot give blood we can use your help with snacks or registration. Please speak with Sharon or Sue about volunteering. To sign up ahead of time please use the QR code on the bulletin board.  

Calendar 

9/24 – 10:30 AM – Worship Offering for Peace and Global Witness

Children’s Church 

9/25 – 1:30 PM – Staff Meeting 

9/26 – 9:15 AM – Bible Time PK 4 and TK in the Sanctuary 

9/28 – 10:00 AM – Game Day in the Library 

          1:00 PM – Clothes Sorting Party 

          6:00 PM – Tablecloth Dinner – Saltgrass 

10/1 – 9:15 AM – Sunday School 

         Adults in the Library 

         Fellowship Time for the Youth Fellowship Hall

         10:30 AM – Worship Offering for Peace and Global Witness

Children’s Church 

FLOWERS: The Flowers today were given by John and Linda LaPorte in celebration of their Anniversary. 

BIRTHDAYS: Connor Boudreaux 9/26, Johnny Walker 9/29, Evelyn Tobey 10/1