reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence, praise.

2 In simple trust like theirs who heard beside the Syrian sea

the gracious calling of the Lord, let us, like them, without a word rise up and follow thee.

3 O Sabbath rest by Galilee, O calm of hills above,

where Jesus knelt to share with thee the silence of eternity, interpreted by love!

4 Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease;

take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of thy peace.

5 Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm;

let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,

O still, small voice of calm!

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS    

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                 Micah 6:8

ONE: What does the Holy One require of us?

MANY: to be just, kind, and humble before God.                                               

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Holy God,

You challenge the ruling powers of this world and show favor to the lowly. Make us to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and keep us steady in peeking peace, that we may be your faithful children and know the blessedness of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn [BLUE #] [GTG#720] Jesus Calls Us 

1 Jesus calls us: o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea;

day by day his sweet voice soundeth saying, “Christian, follow me.”

2 Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world’s golden store,

from each idol that would keep us, saying, “Christian, love me more.”

3 In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease,

still he calls, in cares and pleasures, “Christian, love me more than these.”

4 Jesus calls us: by thy mercies, Savior, may we hear thy call,

give our hearts to thy obedience, serve and love thee best of all.

 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. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                   

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#] [GTG#762]  

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

1ST SCRIPTURE                                              Psalm 19

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

   Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;

yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,

which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;

the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;

the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.

Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

2ND SCRIPTURE                                              Luke 4:14-30

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

Sermon                                    “The Homecoming Game”                                         CP Ford Dieth

CALL TO ORDER and DECLARATION of QUORUM  

ANNUAL MEETING

• CHRISTIAN ED COMMITTEE

• Brief Overview of CE: The Christian Education Committee has the duties of educating children, youth, and adults of John Calvin and providing a time of Christian Education to the children at the Playschool. We seek to help you deepen your faith through personal study, discernment, and fellowship activities for all ages. Through adult Sunday School, Youth Group, Children’s Church, Children’s Sermons, Youth Events, Youth Work Projects, Community Events, and Playschool Bible Time. 

• What we did in 2024:
  • Good Friday Day of Prayer with activities for all ages. 
  • Montreat: Kelly Cuppett attended. One of our youth’s that graduated, Jonathan Zea, went as well. We were able to assist him in paying for it through the youth garage sale fund.
  • We celebrated the graduation of High School Seniors with cake and gifts. 
• • Community Events, and Playschool Events
    • Easter Egg Hunt: On April 1st with snacks, egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and crafts. 
    •  One All Church and Community Picnic for the Teacher’s Appreciation service. With food, Water Fun, get-to-know-you games, and The Saints game 
  • Adult Education 
    • Linda Lowry started off the year with a series, Messy People. She also led a series on Prayer after Easter. I had two “Off the Deep End” series. One for Lent where we went through the Book of Numbers. The other one was through 1 Corinthians where we focused on different themes Paul discussed in his letter to the church of Corinth. Rev. Jan Condren picked up after my fall series with a Study of Six themes from Genesis. She also led an Advent study of the different people who found their place at the manger.
    • We continue to offer topical books and Devotional recommendations each week. 
  • Youth Sunday School and Children’s Church
    • From Jan to March all ages were invited to join the intergenerational Sunday School.
      • After the video, the kids had a brief discussion and then a time of fellowship.
    • In the fall we started Fellowship time for youth instead of traditional Sunday School.
      • Every other Sunday we had middle and high School Sunday School during this time using Spice Rack Curriculum. 
    • We continue to use the narrative lectionary curriculum for elementary age so the kids are learning about the same scripture we are studying in Church, during our Children’s Church time 
    • Once a month and most Sundays in Summer we had Bible Builds:
      • This program continues to be a wonderful way to get the kids to engage with the Bible in a way that they enjoy and are excited about. 
  • Playschool 
    • Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, I host a Bible Time for the PK and TK classes here in the Sanctuary. We open with questions about the topic of the day, read a bible story, hear from Theophilus the faithful retriever, learn a new song, and close with prayer. I give them a take-home sheet with what they learned and a coloring sheet that reflects what we discussed during class.
    • Special visit
      • Elder Cameron took us on a tour of the sanctuary and the special things we use in worship. He also taught the kids different instruments used in worship and they were allowed to use the stick hand bells to play a song.
      • The kids also spent time learning about the bible stories told through our stained glass windows. 
    • Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, I teach Bible Time for the 3’s in their classroom. This includes a story, a song, prayer, and a handout to take home so their parents know what we studied and a coloring activity that matches what we talked about. 

• VBS 
  • We were unable to find a director for VBS therefore it was decided to cancel it last year. I may try to do it this year just depending on how my schedule will look around Playschool summer camp and if any members are able to volunteer with the kids we will have. I will start a google document to send to playschool parents and other congregations’ youth for any interest to do so.

-PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN (PW) of

JOHN CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

PW Council 2024:

Robin Bush                     Sandy Cranfill 

Emily Garland               Beverly Kennedy 

Paula Palermo               Ernie Price

Barbara Remmelts      Beverly Ross 

Evelyn Tobey                 Jananne Lankard 

Ann Trapani                   Sheryl Wise 

The Presbyterian Women of John Calvin serve the church through Mission, Bible Study, and Fellowship.  We meet the first Thursday of every month at 10:00a in the library. 

MISSION 

• Each year the PW sponsor a special offering in order to buy school supplies for our neighboring school, Alice Birney. The supplies are given at the beginning of the first and second semester. 
• In the fall, the PW coordinated a food drive with the church and the playschool. This years food collection was brought to Jefferson Presbyterian Church for their community food pantry. 
• We also assisted Sue Crawford with the clothing drive by sorting, folding and boxing the clothes. 
• Diane’s Food Pantry in our church is manned by Beverly Kennedy. Food items are donated and given to people in our community who are in need. 
• In December, we requested 15 Salvation Army Angels who were then adopted by women in the church. Gifts were purchased to bless needy children with a nice Christmas. 
• Each spring, the PW supports a PCUSA special Birthday Offering. These funds provide much needed financial assistance to several programs both domestic and international. A birthday cake was served in the narthex. 
• Grace Circle contributes to a Sunshine Fund at each meeting. Funds were used to purchase a gift card from Austin’s Restaurant. The card was donated to the playschool to be auctioned off at their Fair. 
• The PW assisted with a garage sale that was led by Sue Crawford. This involved a week of work setting up tables in the fellowship hall, sorting, pricing, displaying and selling hundreds of items. Proceeds were given to the church. 
• Presbyterian women assisted with the Playschool Fun Fair by working in the kitchen, selling tickets, passing out the food and sweet booth items. 

Many thanks to the John Calvin congregation for their generosity in reaching out to those in need!

 BIBLE STUDY – GRACE CIRCLE 

A Bible study is scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month at 10:00 in the church library. All are welcome to attend. We are now studying “Let Justice Roll Down – God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation.” The curriculum comes from the PW of PCUSA. 

FELLOWSHIP 

• The Presbyterian women hosted two successful Tablecloth Dinners. One was at Orleans Bistro and the other at Mr. Ed’s. 
• The PW hosted a Potluck Dinner after the Christmas cantata, and invited the members of the Chinese Presbyterian church and Little Farms United Church of Christ. 
• We assisted Mary Antill as she chaired the Palm Sunday Potluck after the Easter cantata. Members from Little Farms, Chinese Presbyterian, Jefferson Presbyterian, and John Calvin were invited. 
• The White Elephant party was held at the home of Emily and David Garland. It was well attended and much fun was had by all. 

The PW hosts a Game Day on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. They meet in the church library at 10:00a. All are welcome to attend. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Barbara Remmelts 

Many thanks to the John Calvin congregation for their generosity in reaching out to those in need!

BIBLE STUDY

A Bible Study for Presbyterian Women is scheduled for the 3rd. Tuesday of each month. It’s called the Grace Circle. The group meets at 10:00 AM in the church library. All women (and their friends) are welcome to attend. The curriculum comes from The Presbyterian Women of PCUSA. In January, the group study was Celebrating Sabbath: Accepting God’s Gift of Rest and Delight. The September Study was Sacred Encounters: The Power and Presence of Jesus Christ in Luke-Acts.

FELLOWSHIP

• Game Day – The PW sponsors a Game Day on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (with some exceptions). Anyone is welcome to attend.
• Palm Sunday Luncheon – The PW hosted a potluck luncheon after the Palm Sunday Cantata and invited the congregations of John Calvin, Chinese Presbyterian, and Little Farms United Church of Christ. Over 100 people attended.
• The PW hosted a Tablecloth dinner at Outback Steakhouse in May for any interested member of the congregation. A second Tablecloth dinner was offered in September at Sawgrass.
• Christmas Cantata Luncheon – The PW hosted a luncheon after the Christmas Cantata and invited the congregations of John Calvin, Chinese Presbyterian, and Little Farms United Church of Christ. Approximately 100 people attended.
• White Elephant Party – The annual White Elephant Party was held in December and was well attended, as usual.
• The PW worked in the kitchen and sweet booth for the Playschool Fair on March 11th.

For more information on the Presbyterian Women of the PCUSA, go to

www.presbyterianwomen.org

-PLAYSCHOOL COMMITTEE

Playschool Committee Annual Report 

Committee Members: Jeremy Moore- Chair, Sheryl Wise, Emily Garland, Lauren Crisler, and Stephanie Gagliano

The purpose of the Playschool Committee is to provide a liaison between the Playschool and the Church.  The Committee works to make sure the Playschool has everything it needs from the Church to make it the best Playschool in the area.  The Playschool has over 150 students with 26 teachers and staff.  The Playschool has been in operation over 50 years and has received numerous awards and accreditations throughout the years.  Enrollment has been excellent as there is usually a waiting list at registration.

John Calvin Presbyterian Church has a role in the development of the students as the Playschool was the first mission of John Calvin Presbyterian Church.  This continues to be a mission for our congregation.  Once a week, Briana leads a “Bible Time” with the students.  The children are learning about the joy and love our Lord provides.  We have Church volunteers doing maintenance work around the campus and playground.  We have Church volunteers to help with the Playschool events, especially the Fair. The Church has a Blessing Service at the beginning the school year for teachers and staff along with a end of year luncheon to thank the teachers and staff.  The Playschool works with the Church on clothing and food drives during the year. 

Highlights of Playschool Events from 2024

Fundraisers- Little Caesar’s/Gift Wrap/Cookies/Cane’s Night

Open House

Grandparents Week

Scholastic Book Fair

Big Red Barn Farm Tour

Art and Fun Fair

Family Fun Night Disney Dinner

Trunk or Treat

Thanksgiving Performance and Feast

Christmas Pictures with Sant

Easter Egg Hunt

Angel Angel Christmas Play

Summer Camp

Thank you to everyone who has helped with the Playschool.  There are so many to name, I believe mist of our congregation has touched the lives of our wonderful students.

It takes a village to raise a child.  We have an unbelievable village of teachers, staff, parents, grandparents,  and volunteers that love these children and have a desire to make a positive Christian influence in their lives.  We can always use more villagers to help.  If you have a desire to help in any capacity, please talk to a member of the committee.   

-WORSHIP COMMITTEE

Worship Committee Annual Report For the Year 2024 

The Worship Committee is responsible for all church functions that are held in the sanctuary.  Music and Technology for the worship service are also the responsibility of this committee.  The committee meets monthly to discuss the worship and music plans.  Any technology issues related to the airing of the worship service are discussed.  The committee is responsible for securing qualified people to work the “Sound Booth”.

Each week the committee prepares the sanctuary for the service.  This involves placing flowers in the sanctuary, lighting the candles, arranging the appropriate paraments, and placing the chalice and plate on the communion table.  Following any service they must straightened out the sanctuary.

The committee secures weekly greeters, ushers and liturgists.  Communion is also the responsibility of the committee.  This involves securing and preparing the elements for the worship service and securing elders to serve the communion.  Following the service, they must collect the used cups from the pew racks then clean all the trays for storage.

The Worship Committee works with the minister on Lent and Christmas preparations.  At Easter this includes putting up the Cross and any other special items needed for the services.  At Christmas the committee organizes the decorations for the sanctuary and narthex, as well as ordering and placing poinsettias in the sanctuary.   Participants are secured for the weekly Advent readings.  Candles must be ordered and assembled for the Christmas Eve candlelight service.  After these special services, all decorations must be removed and stored for the next year.

In April we were informed that the minister, Rev Aaron Ochart, would be leaving John Calvin on 

June 2, 2024 to return to South Carolina.  The Worship Committee immediately began the process to secure someone to preach each Sunday until the Session secured a pastor in some more permanent arrangement.  From June through July we had various people filling the pulpit.  Beginning in August we were able to secure Ford Dieth and Rev. Dr Martha Robson on a more permanent basis, each serving two weeks of the month.

 Music Director, Kelly Cuppett, organized a series of musical concerts during the summer.  “Sundays at Six” began July 7 and ended August 4.  These concerts were opened to the public and were very successful. 

Kelly and the choir presented two cantatas this year—one at Easter and another at Christmas.  Singers were recruited from several churches. 

In the Fall, Kelly Cuppett, resigned her position effective at the conclusion of the Christmas Eve service—December 24, 2024.  Kelly assisted us by posting that John Calvin needed substitute organists or pianists.  Several people applied and we have been able to fill this position weekly.

The responsibilities of the Worship Committee have been greatly increased since the absence of a permanent pastor.  Thank you to all the many church members who have assisted us with these duties.  We are always grateful and eager for any help.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Mary Antill, Chair

-FACILITIES COMMITTEE

-FINANCE COMMITTEE

The finance committee was formed in August at the request of the session to give the session and congregation a better understanding of the financial situation of the church and advise in financial matters. As part of these responsibilities the committee submits the budget and financial information that is included in the weekly bulletin, and delivers monthly detailed reports to the session.

The year 2024 ended with a small surplus in our budget due to the lack of a pastor and Christian Education director. The committee is currently finishing a draft budget to submit to the session at the February meeting. If the current situation continues, we are projected to have another small surplus this year. Pledges and giving have been generous given the small size of the congregation.

The committee is currently exploring options for someone to take on the task of managing the playschool finances day to day.

A further report will be given to the congregation after the 2025 budget is approved by session.

In Christ,

Cameron Mayfield, Chair

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and in Jesus Christ His 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.

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. 

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORDS’ 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#] [GTG#451]  Open My Eyes that I May See

1 Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me.

Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.

Chorus

Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my eyes; illumine me,

Spirit divine!

2 Open my ears, that I may hear voices of truth thou sendest clear.

And while the wave notes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear. Chorus

3 Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere.

Open my heart, and let me prepare love with thy children thus to share. Chorus

PARTING PRAYER

Almighty God,

You sent Jesus to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with your Spirit, that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [BLUE#] [GTG#171]  Be Thou My Vision Verse 1

 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

naught be all else to me, save that thou art;

thou my best thought, by day or by night,

waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

POSTLUDE               Be Thou My Vision Reprise                

*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. 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. 

here the love of Christ shall end divisions:

Chorus

All are welcome; all are welcome; 

all are welcome in this place.

2 Let us build a house where prophets speak,  and words are strong and true, where all God’s children dare to seek to dream God’s reign anew.

Here the cross shall stand as witness and as symbol of God’s grace;

here as one we claim the faith of Jesus: Chorus

3 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:Chorus

4 Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond the wood and stone to heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the Word they’ve known. Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God’s face;

let us bring an end to fear and danger: Chorus

5 Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words 

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADORATION   

CALL TO WORSHIP 1 Samuel 3:10-11

ONE: The Lord is about to do a new thing.

MANY: Speak, O God, for your servants are listening.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty God,

Your Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world.

May your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments,

shine with the radiance of his glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; for he lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [GTG#762] When the Poor Ones

1 When the poor ones who have nothing share with strangers, 

when the thirsty water give unto us all, when the crippled in their 

weakness strengthen others,

Chorus

Then we know that God still goes that road with us,

then we know that God still goes that road with us.

2 When at last all those who suffer find their comfort, when they hope though even hope seems hopelessness, when we love though hate at times seems all around us, Chorus.

3 When our joy fills up our cup to overflowing, when our lips can speak no words other than true, when we know that love for simple 

things is better, Chorus

4 When our homes are filled with goodness in abundance, when we learn how to make peace instead of war, when each stranger that we meet is called a neighbor, Chorus

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 and sinful ways

ASSURANCE OF PARDON 

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#] [GTG#762]  

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

1st SCRIPTURE                       John 2: 1-11        

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                                   1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON     “Growing Elder”  Rev. Dr. Martha J. Robson

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF ELDERS (see insert)

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and in Jesus Christ His 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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY   Blest Are They  arr. David Haas and Michael Joncas

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#296] Go in Grace and Make Disciples

1 Go in grace and make disciples. Baptize in God’s holy name.

Tell of death and resurrection; Easter’s victory now proclaim.

Christ’s commission sends us forth to the nations of the earth.

Go in grace and make disciples, midwives for the world’s rebirth.

2 Go and follow Christ’s example, not to vanquish, but to heal.

Mend the wounds of sin’s divisions. Servant love to all reveal.

Roles and ranks shall be reversed; justice flow for all who thirst.

Go and follow Christ’s example. Forge a world of last made first.

3 Go in Pentecostal spirit, many tongues and many gifts.

Feed the hearts of hungry people. Spread the gospel that uplifts.

Till the day of Christ’s return, as disciples, teach and learn.

Go in Pentecostal spirit: let God’s flame of witness burn.

PARTING PRAYER 

Almighty and eternal God, 

by your grace you have called us to this time and place to be your servant people as we follow our servant Lord. Make your Holy Spirit move within and among us, that together we may live a new life in the crucified and risen Christ. Bind us together in faith, so that as we receive all spiritual gifts needed to fulfill our calling, we may support one another in common ministry; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE  [Blue#536][GTG#313] Lord, Make Us More Holy

1 Lord, make us more holy;

Lord, make us more holy;

Lord, make us more holy, until we meet again:

holy, holy, holy, until we meet again.

POSTLUDE   We Are Marching in the Light of God (Siyahamba)   

*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. 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. 

praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unchanging love!

2 Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come;

and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;

he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.

3 O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!

Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;

here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ADORATION   

CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 43:1

ONE: Do not fear, for the Lord has spoken:

MANY: I have called you by name; you are mine.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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,

HYMN [GTG#498] Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken

1 Loaves were broken, words were spoken

by the Galilean shore. Jesus, Bread of Life from heaven,

was their food forevermore.

Chorus:

By your body broken for us,

by your wine of life outpoured,

Jesus, feed again your people.

Be our Host, our Life, our Lord.

2 Loaves were broken, words were spoken

in a quiet room one night.In the bread and wine 

you gave them, Christ, you came as Light from Light. Chorus

3 Loaves are broken, words are spoken,

as in faith we gather here. Jesus speaks across the ages:

“I am with you; do not fear!” Chorus

4 By the loaves you break and give us,

send us in your name to share bread for which 

the millions hunger, words that tell your love and care. Chorus

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION 

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Merciful God,

In baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from one another. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another.

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,

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                       Isaiah 43:1-7         

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

2nd SCRIPTURE                                                    Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY   Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word    arr. J.S. Bach

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 

HYMN [GTG#547] Go, My Children, with My Blessing

1 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.

2 Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.

Here you learned how much I love you, what I can cure.

Here you heard my dear Son’s story; here you touched him,  saw his glory. Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.

3 Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me.

Grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free.

Here my Spirit’s power filled you; here my tender comfort stilled you.

Go, my children,  fed and nourished, joyful and free.

PARTING PRAYER 

O God Almighty,

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Grant us, we pray, to be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming down of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. That which we know not, reveal; that which is wanting in us, fill up; that which we know, confirm; and keep us blameless in your service; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Election of Elders

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#700] I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

1 I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

POSTLUDE        Trumpet Tune    arr. Dennis Janzer

*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. 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. 

CELEBRATION of the LORD’S SUPPER

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them up to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise. 

ONE: …who forever sing to the glory of your name:

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.

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.

HYMN [GTG#154] Jesus Entered Egypt

1 Jesus entered Egypt fleeing Herod’s hand,

living as an alien in a foreign land.

Far from home and country with his family,

was there room and welcome for this refugee?

2 Jesus was a migrant living as a guest

with the friends and strangers who could offer rest.

Do we hold wealth lightly so that we can share

shelter with the homeless, and abundant care?

3 Jesus crosses borders with the wandering poor,

searching for a refuge, for an open door.

Do our words and actions answer Jesus’ plea:

PARTING PRAYER

God of all who wander,

We have come through many deserts; we have endured them all. And now we see the Light that the Holy Child sheds upon our path. We worship him, offering the treasure of our hearts. God, be our guiding light. Dispel all darkness, and let the good news shine in our lives in word and deed. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#137] He Came Down

     1 He came down that we may have love;

he came down that we may have love;

he came down that we may have love;

hallelujah forevermore. 

POSTLUDE            He Came Down Reprise   arr. John L. Bell                       

**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. 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. The Prayer of Confession is reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, copyright 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.”

1st SCRIPTURE                                                      Isaiah 52:7-10  

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

SCRIPTURE                                                         John 1:1-18                           

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

(John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON   “He Came Down”  Rev. Jan Condren

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and in Jesus Christ, His 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. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Some Children See Him”  by Alfred Burt

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 [*Blue #29][GTG#136]  Joy to the World, vv. 1-3

1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king;

let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ,

while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy,

repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

3 No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;

he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found,

far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.

PARTING PRAYER  

As we leave worship this day, Holy God, teach us to know this world as a place blessed by Christ’s birth. Help us to be strong witnesses to your glorious reign of peace and love. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [*Blue #29][GTG#134] Joy to the World, v. 4

4 He rules the world with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness

and wonders of his love,

and wonders of his love,

and wonders, wonders of his love.

POSTLUDE    “Go Tell It on the Mountain”                            

**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. 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. ThePrayer of Confession is reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, copyright 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.”