John Calvin Presbyterian Church

 

 

PRELUDE 

 

 

 

 

 

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                     Philippians 2:1-11

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                 Romans 12:3-8

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

  

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON     “What is the Most Difficult Instrument to Play?”                                    Elder Robert Lowry

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day, he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

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;

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 #439][GTG#317]     In Christ There Is No East or West

1 In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north,
but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.

2 In Christ shall true hearts everywhere their high communion find;
his service is the golden cord close-binding humankind.

3 Join hands, disciples of the faith, whate’er your race may be.
All children of the living God are surely kin to me.

4 In Christ now meet both east and west; in him meet south and north.
All Christly souls are one in him throughout the whole wide earth.

PARTING PRAYER 

RESPONSE GTG#850 In a Deep, Unbounded Darkness

God of Hagar, God of Sarah, God of nomad Abraham;
God of Miryam, God of Moses, Fiery Pillar, great I AM:
lead us homeward, lead us homeward, to the love-feast of the Lamb,
evermore and evermore.

POSTLUDE                                        

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

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. 

*Robert Lowry bio

 

Robert has been Pulpit Supply in Southeast Louisiana Presbyterian Churches for 30 years. Robert is continually influenced by Rev Douglas Wilson of Moscow, Idaho. In addition, Robert is a “preacher’s kid”. His father, Rev. Louis Lowry, was a Southern Baptist Minister for 47 years. 

Before becoming PSL Pulpit Supply, Robert held many lay leadership positions. He has served as a deacon, an elder, and as the clerk of session. He was not only a Stephen Minister, but he also trained the  Stephen Minister group at the Hammond church. 

Robert is currently a member of Highland Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge. 

Robert was born & reared in Beaumont, Texas. He has four children, two girls and two boys, all in their  30’s & early 40’s; he has three grandchildren. He resides in Gonzales. He is a Professional Engineer and a recently retired Quality Control Consultant. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-l-lowry-18a99861

STAFF

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

Deacons

Bill Bottomley 504-885-3850 pslclerk@earthlink.net

Mary Antill 504-247-5720 buzz2moosetaco@gmail.com

Tony Hill 504-214-8095 rolandohill2003@yahoo.com

Laurie Hill 504-344-9079 la.tres@yahoo.com 

 

 

 

PRELUDE The King of Love My Shepherd Is arr. G. Gonzalez

 

 

 

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                     1 Timothy 1:12-17 NIV

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                 Romans 8:1 NIV

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

  

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON     “No Condemnation”      Elder Robert Lowry

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day, he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, 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

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORD’S PRAYER 

HYMN [*Blue #298][GTG#435] There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy

1 There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea.
There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than up in heaven. There is no place where earth’s failings have such kindly judgment given.

2 For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind.
And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more faithful, we would gladly trust God’s Word,
and our lives reflect thanksgiving for the goodness of our Lord.

PARTING PRAYER 

RESPONSE GTG#850 In a Deep, Unbounded Darkness

In a deep, unbounded darkness, long before the first light shone,
You O God beyond all merit worked a wonder faith made known:
in your mercy, in your mercy, you embraced us as your own,
evermore and evermore.     

              

POSTLUDE    Improvisation on ST. DENIO               

                     

*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. 

*Robert Lowry bio

 

Robert has been Pulpit Supply in Southeast Louisiana Presbyterian Churches for 30 years. Robert is continually influenced by Rev Douglas Wilson of Moscow, Idaho. In addition, Robert is a “preacher’s kid”. His father, Rev. Louis Lowry, was a Southern Baptist Minister for 47 years. 

Before becoming PSL Pulpit Supply, Robert held many lay leadership positions. He has served as a deacon, an elder, and as the clerk of session. He was not only a Stephen Minister, but he also trained the  Stephen Minister group at the Hammond church. 

Robert is currently a member of Highland Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge. 

Robert was born & reared in Beaumont, Texas. He has four children, two girls and two boys, all in their  30’s & early 40’s; he has three grandchildren. He resides in Gonzales. He is a Professional Engineer and a recently retired Quality Control Consultant. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-l-lowry-18a99861

STAFF

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

Deacons

Linda Lowry 504-874-3266 llowry321@gmail.com

Bill Bottomley 504-885-3850 pslclerk@earthlink.net

Mary Antill 504-247-5720 buzz2moosetaco@gmail.com

Tony Hill 504-214-8095 rolandohill2003@yahoo.com

Laurie Hill 504-344-9079 la.tres@yahoo.com 

 

Please stand, in body or spirit

PROCESSIONAL HYMN [*Blue #559][GTG#336]
We Gather Together

1 We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens his will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing, praises to his name; he forgets not his own.

2 Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou Lord, wast at our side; all glory be thine!

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ADORATION      

CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 55:11

ONE: The word of the Lord will not return empty;

MANY:  it will accomplish all that God intends. 

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

HYMN [*Blue #339][GTG#450] Be Thou My Vision 

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.

2 Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true Word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;
Thou my soul’s shelter, and thou my high tower;
Raise thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

3 Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Holy and merciful God, in Your presence we confess our failure to be what You created us to be. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from Your ways, in wasting Your gifts, in forgetting Your love. By Your loving mercy, help us to live in Your light and abide in Your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior.  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                                   Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

  

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON     “The Cost of Being a Prophet”      Elder Donovan Bourgeois

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day, he rose again;he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

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 #420][GTG#307] God of Grace and God of Glory

1 God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power;
Crown thine ancient church’s story; bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour
For the facing of this hour.

2 Lo! The hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days,
For the living of these days.

3 Cure thy children’s warring madness; bend our pride to thy control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.

4 Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore.
Let the gift of thy salvation be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving thee whom we adore,
Serving thee whom we adore.

PARTING PRAYER 

RESPONSE GTG#850 In a Deep, Unbounded Darkness  

Joy transforms our lips to boasting only in your matchless grace,
Sending Christ to dwell among us, Word made flesh in time and space:
Friend and Savior, Friend and Savior, in whose life we glimpse your face
Evermore and evermore.                   

POSTLUDE                                        

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

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

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

Deacons

Linda Lowry 504-874-3266 llowry321@gmail.com

Bill Bottomley 504-885-3850 pslclerk@earthlink.net

Mary Antill 504-247-5720 buzz2moosetaco@gmail.com

Tony Hill 504-214-8095 rolandohill2003@yahoo.com

Laurie Hill 504-344-9079 la.tres@yahoo.com 

 

 

 

 

 

PRELUDE     In the Garden arr. Gina Sprunger

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                       Jonah 3:6-4:3        

When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may relent and change His mind; he may turn from His fierce anger, so that we do not perish.” When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed His mind about the calamity that He had said He would bring upon them; and He did not do it.

But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

2nd SCRIPTURE                                                  Psalm 115:1-11

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they make no sound in their throats. Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them. O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.

                          

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day, he rose again;he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

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 SACRAMENT OF 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: … Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

MANY: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory…

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.

HYMN [*Blue #479][GTG#619] Praise My Soul, the God of Heaven 

1 Praise, my soul, the God of heaven; glad of heart your carols raise;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who like me should sing God’s praise?
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the Maker all your days!

2 Praise God for the grace and favor shown our forebears in distress; God is still the same forever, slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Sing our Maker’s faithfulness!

3 Like a loving parent caring, God knows well our feeble frame,
gladly all our burdens bearing, still to countless years the same.
Alleluia! Alleluia! All within me, praise God’s name!

4 Angels, teach us adoration; you behold God face to face.
Sun and moon and all creation, dwellers all in time and space:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace!

PARTING PRAYER 

RESPONSE [GTG#850] In a Deep, Unbounded Darkness

POSTLUDE          Blessed Be Your Name arr. Carol Tornquist

*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. 

STAFF

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

Deacons

Linda Lowry 504-874-3266 llowry321@gmail.com

Bill Bottomley 504-885-3850 pslclerk@earthlink.net

Mary Antill 504-247-5720 buzz2moosetaco@gmail.com

Tony Hill 504-214-8095 rolandohill2003@yahoo.com

Laurie Hill 504-344-9079 la.tres@yahoo.com 

 

PRELUDE Rippling Spring Waltz Estelle Ricketts  

 

 

 

O God, light of the minds that know You, life of the souls that love You, strength of the thoughts that seek You: Help us so to know You that we may truly love You, so to love You that we may fully serve You, whose service is perfect freedom; 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#564][GTG#338] O Beautiful for Spacious Skies

1 O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.   We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength.  We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.     In your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of Your holy name.  Amen. 

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,

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                     John 3:16-21    

      

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

2nd SCRIPTURE                                                John 8:31-32

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

                          

   ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day, he rose again;he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY             

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORD’S PRAYER 

HYMN [*Blue #366][GTG#703] Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me

1 Jesus, thy boundless love to me no thought can reach, 

no tongue declare;

O knit my thankful heart to thee, and reign without a rival there!

Thine wholly, thine alone, I’d live; myself to thee entirely give.

2 O grant that nothing in my soul may dwell, but thy pure love alone;

O may thy love possess me whole, my joy, my treasure, and my crown!

All coldness from my heart remove; 

may every act, word, thought be love.

3 O Love, how gracious is thy way All fear before thy presence flies;

Care, anguish, sorrow melt away where’er thy healing beams arise.

O Jesus, nothing may I see, nothing desire, or seek, but thee.

PARTING PRAYER 

RESPONSE [*Blue #525][GTG#69]
I, The Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I Am, Lord)  

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? 

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

POSTLUDE          La Caprifolia Victor Macarty         

*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. 

STAFF

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

Deacons

Linda Lowry 504-874-3266 llowry321@gmail.com

Bill Bottomley 504-885-3850 pslclerk@earthlink.net

Mary Antill 504-247-5720 buzz2moosetaco@gmail.com

Tony Hill 504-214-8095 rolandohill2003@yahoo.com

Laurie Hill 504-344-9079 la.tres@yahoo.com 

PROCESSIONAL HYMN [*Blue #477][GTG#299]
You Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim

1 You servants of God, your Master proclaim,

And publish abroad Christ’s wonderful name.

The name all victorious of Jesus extol, 

whose kingdom is glorious, who rules over all.

2 Ascended on high, almighty to save,

He still remains nigh; his presence we have.

The great congregation his triumph shall sing,

Ascribing salvation to Jesus our King.

3 “Salvation to God, who sits on the throne!”

Let all cry aloud and honor the Son.

The praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,

Fall down on their faces, and worship the Lamb.

4 Then let us adore and give him his right:

All glory and power, all wisdom and might,

All honor and blessing, with angels above,

And thanks never ceasing, and infinite love!

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ANNOUNCEMENTS    

ADORATION      

CALL TO WORSHIP Galatians 2:19-20

ONE: We have been crucified with Christ;

MANY: Now it is Christ who lives in us!

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

All-powerful God, in Jesus Christ you turned death into life, and defeat into victory. Increase our faith and trust in him, that we may triumph over all evil, in the strength of the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [GTG#419] Lord, Who May Dwell within Your House

1 Lord, who may dwell within your house or on your holy hill?
Those who do good and speak the truth, whose lives are blameless still;

2 Who have no guile upon their tongues nor harm their neighbor’s life,
But honor those who fear the Lord and turn away from strife;

3 Who do no wrong, but keep their word and seek no bribe or gain.
All those who do such things shall live and safe from harm remain.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.   We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength.  We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.     In your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of Your holy name.  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

1st SCRIPTURE                               Exodus 20:7

You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

2nd SCRIPTURE                           Colossians 3:12-17

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

  

   ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                 “Profanity without Words”          Elder Robert Lowry

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day, he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, 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. 

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 #376][GTG#366] Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

1 Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven to earth come down.

Fix in us thy humble dwelling; all they faithful mercies crown.

Jesus thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art;

Visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.

2 Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast;

Let us all in thee inherit; let us find the promised rest.

Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;

3 Come, Almighty to deliver; let us all thy life receive;

Suddenly return, and never, never more thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above,

Pray, and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.

4 Finish then thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be;

Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee:

Changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,

Till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.

PARTING PRAYER 

Almighty God, bless Your people. Give us Your peace, Your help, and Your love, for we are the sheep of Your pasture. Let us be united in Your peace— one in the Body, one in the Spirit, and one in the hope of our calling, all through the gift of Your endless grace. Amen

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [*Blue #525][GTG#69]
I, The Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I Am, Lord)  

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life for them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? 

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

POSTLUDE                     

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

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. 

*Robert Lowry bio

 

Robert has been Pulpit Supply in Southeast Louisiana Presbyterian Churches for 30 years. Robert is continually influenced by Rev Douglas Wilson of Moscow, Idaho. In addition, Robert is a “preacher’s kid”. His father, Rev. Louis Lowry, was a Southern Baptist Minister for 47 years. 

Before becoming PSL Pulpit Supply, Robert held many lay leadership positions. He has served as a deacon, an elder, and as the clerk of session. He was not only a Stephen Minister, but he also trained the  Stephen Minister group at the Hammond church. 

Robert is currently a member of Highland Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge. 

Robert was born & reared in Beaumont, Texas. He has four children, two girls and two boys, all in their  30’s & early 40’s; he has three grandchildren. He resides in Gonzales. He is a Professional Engineer and a recently retired Quality Control Consultant. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-l-lowry-18a99861

STAFF

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

Deacons

Linda Lowry 504-874-3266 llowry321@gmail.com

Bill Bottomley 504-885-3850 pslclerk@earthlink.net

Mary Antill 504-247-5720 buzz2moosetaco@gmail.com

Tony Hill 504-214-8095 rolandohill2003@yahoo.com

Laurie Hill 504-344-9079 la.tres@yahoo.com