Order of Worship 11-05-23
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost
November 5th Ten Thirty in the Morning
Minister: Reverend Ochart
Liturgist: Evelyn Tobey
Please silence all cell phones.
Bold face indicates congregational participation.
Please stand, in body or spirit
THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN
PRELUDE: Canon in D / Seek Ye First Annika Bergsma
PROCESSIONAL HYMN [*BLUE#333] [GTG#175] “Seek Ye First”
- Seek ye first the Kingdom of God And it’s righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you Allelu Alleluia
- Ask and it shall be given unto you Seek and you shall find
Knock and it shall be opened unto you Allelu Alleluia
- You shall not live by bread alone, but by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God. Allelu Alleluia
WORDS OF WELCOME
MINUTE FOR MISSION Pledge Sunday
ADORATION
CALL TO WORSHIP Deut. 6:4–5
ONE: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
MANY: You shall love the Lord your God.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of Elijah, with great fire you made your presence known to the worshipers of Baal. Help us to resist the temptation to place our trust and faith in anything other than you. Receive our worship and strengthen our faith. Amen.
HYMN OF THE MONTH [GTG# 301]“Let Us Build a House” Vs. 1,3,5
- Let us build a house Where love can dwell and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.
- Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat;
a banquet hall on holy ground where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us:
All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.
- Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome; all are welcome in this place.
MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN
RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#655] “What Shall I Render to the Lord”
- What shall I render to the Lord;
what shall my offering be,
for all the gracious benefits
God hath bestowed on me?
REPENTANCE
CALL TO CONFESSION
SILENT CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Almighty God, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed.
God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our redeemer. 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 OT 310 or 325] 1 Kings 18:20-39
Elijah then came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” The people did not answer him a word. Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets number four hundred fifty. Let two bulls be given to us; let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it; I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the Lord; the god who answers by fire is indeed God.” All the people answered, “Well spoken!” Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many; then call on the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” So they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, crying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no answer. They limped about the altar that they had made. At noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud! Surely he is a god; either he is meditating, or he has wandered away, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” Then they cried aloud and, as was their custom, they cut themselves with swords and lances until the blood gushed out over them. As midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice, no answer, and no response. Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come closer to me”; and all the people came closer to him. First he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down; Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name”; with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. Then he made a trench around the altar, large enough to contain two measures of seed. Next he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood. He said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” Then he said, “Do it a second time”; and they did it a second time. Again he said, “Do it a third time”; and they did it a third time, so that the water ran all around the altar, and filled the trench also with water. At the time of the offering of the oblation, the prophet Elijah came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your bidding. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord indeed is God; the Lord indeed is God.”
ONE: The Word of the Lord
MANY: Thanks be to God
SERMON “Limping” Reverend Ochart
RESPONSE
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Brief Statement of Faith
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 Jesus Christ, Fully human, fully God.
Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.
We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image …, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation.
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.
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 “Elijah” by Dan Davidson
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 THE 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: … Great is the mystery of faith:
MANY: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again…
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.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
HYMN[*Blue #263][GTG#12] “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
1 Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might:
thy justice, like mountains high soaring above;
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.
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!
PARTING PRAYER
O come to me, O servant Lord, pour water in your bowl, and wash my feet. I am bold to ask this because of my longing for fellowship with you. Wash my feet, then, and be my companion. Amen.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
RESPONSE [GTG#44] Like a Mother Who Has Borne Us v. 3
- Though as children we have wandered,
placed our trust in power and might,
Left behind our brothers, sisters, God still calls us into life.
POSTLUDE Improvisation on I’M GONNA LIVE
announcements 11-05-23
Announcements:
Advent Devotionals: Even though it’s not even thanksgiving yet now is a great time to get your advent devotional ordered. Here is this week’s suggestion: Three Wise Women: 40 Devotions Celebrating Advent with Mary, Elizabeth and Anna By Dandi Daley Mackall.
You are invited to spend the 40 days of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany in the company of Mary the mother of Jesus, Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist, and Anna the prophetess at the temple in Jerusalem.
Anticipate, celebrate, and marvel at Jesus’ birth with Three Wise Women, a richly researched and faith-building new devotional by Dandi Daley Mackall. We don’t hear many details directly from these three women at the heart of the first Christmas, but Scripture, studies in biblical culture, and an open heart that asks “what if” allows readers to experience new revelations for the holy season that will encourage and strengthen you in becoming a wise woman of God.
As bestselling author Dandi Mackall reflects on the events and lives of these Three Wise Women, she encourages you to: Delve deeper into what these real-life women may have experienced. Ponder a new aspect of the journey toward Christ’s birth and beyond through the voices of Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna. Meditate on Old and New Testament Scriptures that speak to women’s hearts across generations and cultures. Grow closer to God through insightful devotional readings about Patience, Hope, Faith, Trust, Persistence, Sacrifice, Joy, Grace, Love, Confidence, and more. Reflect on your own life using the daily “Pondering Questions,” as you see the story of Jesus’ birth afresh through the eyes of faithful women. (If you would like to see all the recommendations for this month check out the new reading recommendations tab on our website.)
CHURCH AUCTION COMING UP!! We are planning an online only auction to raise money for the church and we need your donations. We are looking for good quality furniture, vintage items, gift baskets, gifts cards, and other high value items to auction off for the church. Look through your house and see what treasures you are willing to part with. Items need to have a minimum value of $25. Take up to four pictures, send them to Louise (via email) along with a detailed description and we will get it on the website ready for a buyer to find that special item. If your items have any scratches or defects please make sure to snap a picture of that and put it in the description. Items will not be brought to the church until the auction has closed and your items have been purchased. Have questions? Talk with Sue or Louise. Don’t have an item that’s okay. We will be sending the link for the auction and will need you to share it with all your friends, family, and social media outlets.
PLEDGE DRIVE: The Annual Pledge drive is this month. Be on the lookout for your pledge letter and card in the mail. Please send in your pledge card by November 5th, even if you are unable to pledge at this time. As of Friday we have $132,000 pledged. Turn in your pledge card today and help us get to our goal of $225,000.
ANGEL TREE: Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year. So grab a tag off the tree on Nov. 12th, shop for your child, and return gifts to the church by Dec. 3rd. You can do this on your own or team up with a friend. We even have elves willing to do the shopping for you if you prefer to make a monetary contribution instead of shopping. More information can be found on the tag and the attached information sheet, when you take one off the tree.
FOOD DRIVE: Thank you to all who participated in the Fall Food Drive. Twenty boxes of food were delivered to Jefferson Presbyterian Food Bank. These items will be distributed to over a hundred families who participate in their food program. This food bank is a USDA approved food distribution site which is open on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Our donation was much appreciated by the church.
HELPING HANDS: We could use a few hands to help get down the Christmas decorations and set up the Christmas tree on Nov. 19th after the church service.
PLAYSCHOOL HAPPENING AND FUNDRAISERS: See the bulletin board for more information on any of the items bellow.
- Coat drive Nov. 2nd – 17th Drop coats of outside the playschool office
- Kendra Scott fundraiser Nov. 8th and 9th. Shop online and in-store and 20% of your purchase will benefit the playschool. Use code GIVEBACK-EXYTR online or mention it at checkout in-store.
- Nov. 29th Reginelli’s fundraiser. Eat at Reginelli’s between 11:00 am – 9:00 PM and they will donate 10% of your order when you mention the playschool.
CALENDAR
11/6 – 9:00 AM – Bible Time with 3’s in their classrooms
1:00 PM – Staff Meeting
6:30 PM Christian Education Meeting
11/7 – 9:15 AM – Bible Time for PK 5 and TK in Sanctuary
11/8 – 6:00 PM – Worship Committee Meeting
7:00 PM – Christmas Cantata Rehearsal
11/9 – 10:00 AM – Game Day
11/12 – 9:15 AM – Adult Bible Study, Fellowship time for youth and kids
10:30 AM – Worship