thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3 To all, life thou givest, to both great and small.

In all life thou livest, the true life of all.

We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,

then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR MISSION: Evergreen Ministries                                                            

CALL TO WORSHIP: Gen. 9:12

ONE: God’s promise is for all generations;

MANY: God’s covenant is with every living thing.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty God, your Son fasted forty days in the wilderness,

and was tempted as we are but did not sin. Give us grace to direct our lives in obedience to your Spirit, that as you know our weakness, so we may know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our redeemer, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [BLUE#87*] [GTG#165]  “The Glory of These Forty Days”          

1 The glory of these forty days

we celebrate with songs of praise;

for Christ, by whom all things were made,

himself has fasted and has prayed.

2 Alone and fasting Moses saw

the loving God who gave the law;

and to Elijah, fasting, came

the steeds and chariots of flame.

3 So Daniel trained his mystic sight,

delivered from the lion’s might;

and John, the Bridegroom’s friend, became

the herald of Messiah’s name.

4 Then grant that we like them be true,

consumed in fast and prayer with you;

our spirits strengthen with your grace,

and give us joy to see your face.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN                               

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. 

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

KYRIE [GTG Hymnal #575] 

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON  

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT pg.19 or 20]    Matthew 18:15-35

     ‘If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’

    Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

     ‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON: “A Community of Grace” The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW   

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH   Theological Declaration of Barmen

1. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6.) “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. . . . I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” (John 10:1, 9.)

Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the church could and would have to acknowledge as a source of its proclamation, apart from and besides this one Word of God, still other events and powers, figures and truths, as God’s revelation. Amen. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Be Thou My Vision” by Dan Forrest

OFFERTORY RESPONSE [GTG 701] “Lord Prepare Me”

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you. 

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#347*] [GTG #444]  “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive” 

1. 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.

2. How can your pardon reach and bless 

the unforgiving heart

That broods on wrongs and will not let 

old bitterness depart?

3. In blazing light your cross reveals 

the truth we dimly knew:

What trivial debts are owed to us; 

how great our debt to you!

4. Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls

 and bid resentment cease;

Then, bound to all in bonds of love 

our lives will spread your peace.

PARTING PRAYER    

God of love, as you have given your life to us,

so may we live according to your holy will revealed in Jesus Christ. Make us bold to share your life, and show your love, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Grant this through Jesus Christ our redeemer and Lord. Amen

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#771] “What is the World Like”

1. What is the world like when God’s will is done?

Mustard seeds grow more than we can conceive:

roots thread the soil; branches reach for the sun.

This is how God moves us each to believe.

POSTLUDE: “Toccata” Pachabel          

*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; 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. 

STAFF

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.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

JCPC Prayer Team You may write your prayer request on one of the forms, located in the pew rack in front of you, and place it in the offering plate. You may also enter prayer requests on-line at www.johncalvinchurch.org, just click  “Prayer Request.”

almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

4 Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light.

Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight.

All praise we would render; O help us to see

’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR MISSION Evergreen Ministries                                                           

LITANY FOR TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

ONE: Blessed is the Lord our God,

who revealed the law to Moses.

MANY:The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: Blessed is the Lord our God,

who has spoken through the prophets.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: Blessed is the Lord our God,

who came to us in Jesus Christ.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: The one who spoke and called light out of darkness

now shines in our hearts.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: The one who comes and does not keep silence

now speaks in our midst.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

ONE: Now we have seen the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.

MANY: The Lord our God is holy!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Great God of dazzling beauty and overshadowing majesty, in Jesus Christ, your beloved, we glimpse the image of your glory. Teach us to listen to him so that we may hear your voice and follow your holy way; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [BLUE#73*] [GTG#190]  “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory”          

1. Swiftly pass the clouds of glory,

Heaven’s voice, the dazzling light;

Moses and Elijah vanish;

Christ alone commands the height!

Peter, James, and John fall silent,

Turning from the summit’s rise

Downward toward the shadowed valley

Where their Lord has fixed His eyes.

2. Glimpsed and gone the revelation,

they shall gain and keep its truth,

not by building on the mountain

any shrine or sacred booth,

but by following the Savior

through the valley to the cross

and by testing faith’s resilience

through betrayal, pain, and loss.

3. Lord, transfigure our perception

with the purest light that shines,

and recast our life’s intentions

to the shape of Your designs,

till we seek no other glory

than what lies past Calvary’s hill

and our living and our dying

and our rising by Your will.   

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN         

REFRAIN [As Children Exit] [GTG192]

“Lord The Light of Your Love is Shining ” 

Shine, Jesus, shine; fill this land with the Father’s glory.

Blaze, Spirit, blaze; set our hearts on fire                     

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of compassion, in Jesus Christ you reveal the light of your glory, but we turn away, distracted by our own plans. We confess that we speak when we should listen, and act when we should wait. 

Forgive our aimless enthusiasms. Grant us wisdom to live in your light and to follow in the way of your beloved Son, 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 16:24-17:8

Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                       “Mountaintop”                       Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

CELEBRATION of the SACRAMENT of BAPTISM

Corinne Marie Kawaguchi

Child of: Nicole Gordy and Neil Kawaguchi

Grandchild of: Amy and Jeffrey Cardinale

Godparents: Eva Mace and Conner Stevens

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                               Scots Confession

We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. By whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by [God’s] inscrutable providence for such end as [God’s] eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of [God’s] own glory.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “O Worship The King” arr. Victor Labenske

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#411*] [GTG #744]  “Arise, Your Light has Come!” 

 FESTAL SONG

1 Arise, your light has come! The Spirit’s call obey;

show forth the glory of your God which shines on you today.

2 Arise, your light has come! Fling wide the prison door;

proclaim the captives liberty, good tidings to the poor.

3 Arise, your light has come! All you in sorrow born,

bind up the brokenhearted ones and comfort those who mourn.

4 Arise, your light has come! The mountains burst in song!

Rise up like eagles on the wing, God’s power will make us strong.

PARTING PRAYER    

O God, in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah; and in the voice from the cloud you foreshadowed our adoption as your children. Make us, with Christ, heirs of your glory; and send us from the mountaintop of your experienced presence to the valleys of our lives bearing your light with us everywhere we go. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#747] “The Lord Now Sends Us Forth”

The Lord now sends us forth with hands to serve and give,

        to make of all the earth a better place to live.

        The angels are not sent into our world of pain

        to do what we were meant to do in Jesus’ name;

        that falls to you and me and all who are made free.

        Help us, O Lord, we pray, to do your will today. 

POSTLUDE          excerpts from Sonata No. 3 Felix Mendelssohn            

The flowers in the sanctuary were given by Evelyn Tobey in loving memory of Bob Tobey.

*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; 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.  

STAFF

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.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

JCPC Prayer Team You may write your prayer request on one of the forms, located in the pew rack in front of you, and place it in the offering plate. You may also enter prayer requests on-line at www.johncalvinchurch.org, just click  “Prayer Request.”