Order of Worship 5-26-24

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Trinity Sunday,

May 26th, 2024 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Aaron Ochart     Liturgist: Jananne Lankard

Musician: Maggie Probst 

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (BLUE#138 GTG#1)    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty

  1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning, Our song shall rise to thee,

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

  1. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, 

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; 

Cherubim and seraphim fall down before thee, 

Who wert, and art, and evermore shall be. 

  1. Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide thee,

though the eye of sinfulness thy glory may not see,

only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,

perfect in power, in love and purity.

  1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

WORDS OF WELCOME          

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Rom. 5:1, 5

ONE: We have peace with God through Jesus Christ;

MANY: we have love from God through the Holy Spirit.

LITANY FOR TRINITY SUNDAY

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:

Glory to you forever!

Speaker, Word, and Breath of Life:

Glory to you forever!

Font of Blessing, Living Water, Flowing River:

Glory to you forever!

Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child, Life-Giving Womb:

Glory to you forever!

Sun, Light, and Burning Ray:

Glory to you forever!

Giver, Gift, and Giving:

Glory to you forever!

Lover, Beloved, and Love itself:

Glory to you forever!

Rock, Cornerstone, and Temple:

Glory to you forever!

Consuming Fire, Dividing Sword, Overpowering Storm:

Glory to you forever!

Rainbow of Promise, Ark of Salvation, Dove of Peace:

Glory to you forever!

God who was, God who is, God who is to come:

Glory to you forever!

Almighty and ever-living God,

you have given us grace, by our confession of faith, to acknowledge and worship your triune name in the majesty of your unity. Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your eternal glory, one God, now and forever. Amen.

*HYMN (GTG #727) Will You Let Me Be Your Servant

  1. Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?

Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.

  1. We are pilgrims on the journey; we’re together on the road.

We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.

  1. I will hold the Christ-light for you in the nighttime of your fear.

I will hold my hand out to you,  speak the peace you long to hear.

  1. I will weep when you are weeping; 

when you laugh, I’ll laugh with you.

I will share your joy and sorrow 

till we’ve seen this journey through.

  1. When we sing to God in heaven, we shall find such harmony, born of all we’ve known together of Christ’s love and agony. 

  1. Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?

Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

*RESPONSE HYMN  (GTG#753) 

Make me a Channel of your peace

1 Make me a channel of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.

Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord,

and where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION            

ONE: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin first in a moment of silence and then together.                      

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of grace, love, and communion, we confess that we have failed to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We ignore your commandments, stray from your way, and follow other gods.

Have mercy on us. Forgive our sin and raise us to new life

that we may serve you faithfully and give honor to your holy name. Amen

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: God did not send the Son to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         Philippians 1:1-11, 27-30; 2:1-11

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

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.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON          “A Work Begun in You” Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH    Nicene Creed               

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY           “Jesus Our Re-Creator”

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

THE LORD’S PRAYER  

*HYMN (GTG#726) Will You Come and Follow Me 

  1. “Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?

Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known;

will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?”

  1. “Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?

Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?

Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?

Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?”

  1. “Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?

Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?

Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen,

and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?”

  1. “Will you love the ‘you’ you hide if I but call your name?

Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?

Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around,

through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?”

  1. Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.

Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.

In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.

Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

*PARTING PRAYER

Gracious Father, giver of all good things: For our home on earth and for your unfailing mercy, we give you thanks.

Christ, our redeemer: For your sacrifice on the cross and rising from death that we might live, we give you thanks and praise.

Holy Spirit, giver of life: For your abiding presence in our lives and for comforting and guiding us, we give you thanks, praise, and glory.

O triune God:

To you be glory and praise now and forever. Amen.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (GTG#747) The Lord Now Sends Us Forth 

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

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

The angels are not sent into our world of pain

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

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

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

POSTLUDE                          



Order of Worship 5-19-24

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Pentecost

May 19th, 2024 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Aaron Ochart     

Liturgists: John Calvin Youth

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE                     “In My Life”                      David Russo

*OPENING WORSHIP (Blue #356; GTG#475)    

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing 

1 Come, thou Fount of every blessing;

tune my heart to sing thy grace;

streams of mercy, never ceasing,

call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,

sung by flaming tongues above;

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.

Open the Eyes of My Heart (GTG#452)

  1. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You, I want to see You

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You, I want to see You

[Chorus] To see You high and lifted up

Shining in the light of your glory

Pour out your power and love

As we sing “Holy, holy, holy.”

Holy, holy, holy. Holy, holy, holy. 

Holy, holy, holy, I want to see you. (Repeat Song)

WORDS OF WELCOME and MINUTE for MISSION

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Matthew Freudenthal

ONE: Please join me in the call to worship. The Spirit of God renews the earth.

MANY: Bless the name of the Lord!

PRAYER OF THE DAY Matthew Freudenthal

One: Please Join me in the prayer of the Day.

Many: Spirit of fire, your holy presence burns bright within this world. Spread your spirit throughout our communities, so that our hearts may burn with love and hope. Amen.

*RESPONSE HYMN (GTG #288) ”Spirit of the Living God”            

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

Melt me; mold me; fill me; use me.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. 

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION          Brock Moore

Jesus says: Let anyone who is thirsty come to me. Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sins first in a moment of silence then together. 

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Caleb Hebert

Almighty God, you poured your Spirit upon gathered disciples creating bold tongues, open ears, and a new community of faith. We confess that we hold back the force of your Spirit among us. We do not listen for your word of grace, speak the good news of your love, or live as a people made one in Christ.

Have mercy on us, O God. Transform our timid lives by the power of your Spirit, and fill us with a flaming desire to be your faithful people, doing your will for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS   Brock Moore

ONE: Through Christ, God has poured out the Holy Spirit upon us for the forgiveness of sins. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON     David Russo         Acts 2:1-4, 1 Cor. 12:1-13

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

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.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

READERS THEATER The Talent Store

Asher Ochart, Ian Nolan, Kate Russo, Joseph Hebert     

Mr. Broney is helping three customers search for extra gifts in order to fulfill their roles at church when he realizes by working together, they might serve the church better.         

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH    “A Brief Statement of Faith” 

Christian Hebert             

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 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. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church. In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

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 “The Gift of Who You Are” by Sherri Porterfield

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

GRADUATE RECOGNITION

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#300)  We are One in the Spirit

JCPC Youth Kazoo Choir 

We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord;

We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord,

And we pray that all unity may one day be restored:

Chorus:

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love by our love;

yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

We will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand;

we will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand,

and together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land: (Chorus)

We will work with each other; we will work side by side;

we will work with each other; we will work side by side,

and we’ll guard human dignity and save human pride: (Chorus)

All praise to the Father, from whom all things come,

and all praise to Christ Jesus God’s only Son,

and all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one: (Chorus)

*PARTING PRAYER Deborah Nolan

Breath of God, Spirit who appeared like a driving wind,

blow away our prejudice and teach us to value all people.

Spirit of God, who appeared like tongues of flame,

burn in us as a passion for justice and a commitment to change.

Spirit of life, who caused the disciples to speak in tongues,

speak through us, and fill us with the courage to proclaim your love.

Spirit of truth, who fills us with wonder and awe,

inspire us to work for a better world and a future where injustice is swept away. Amen

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” Peter Lutkin

The Lord bless you and keep you

the Lord lift His countenance upon you 

and give you peace

the Lord make His face to shine upon you

and be gracious unto you

Amen 

POSTLUDE        “Never Grow Up” (Kate’s Version)     Kate Russo

*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

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on



Order of Worship 5-5-24

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

6th Sunday of Easter

May 5th, 2024 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Aaron Ochart     

Liturgist: Beverly Kennedy 

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE Let Us Break Bread Together,      arr. Chuck Siclair

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (GTG#837)    

What a Fellowship, What a Joy Devine

1 What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

leaning on the everlasting arms;

what a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain: Leaning, leaning,

safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning,

leaning on the everlasting arms.

2 O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,

leaning on the everlasting arms;

O how bright the path grows from day to day,

leaning on the everlasting arms. [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR MISSON: pw           

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP John 15:13

ONE: There is no greater love than this:

MANY: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Loving Lord, you have showered your world with faith, hope, and love. Help us to be faithful to you, to offer hope to those in need, and to love all your children. Amen.

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

  1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

  1. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

  1. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

*RESPONSE HYMN  ( Blue#370 GTG#442) Just as I am

1 Just as I am, without one plea

but that thy blood was shed for me,

and that thou biddest me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come; I come!. 

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         1 Cor. 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON ”Love is Love”   Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH    From the 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 Love Is Love Is Love by Abbie Betinis

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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: … Praise to you, Lord Christ:

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.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

*HYMN (Blue #335; GTG #693)   Though I May Speak

1 Though I may speak with bravest fire,

and have the gift to all inspire,

and have not love, my words are vain,

as sounding brass, and hopeless gain.

2 Though I may give all I possess,

and striving so my love profess,

but not be given by love within,

the profit soon turns strangely thin.

3 Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control;

our spirits long to be made whole.

Let inward love guide every deed;

by this we worship, and are freed.

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE Sevenfold Amen by Peter Lutkin

POSTLUDE     Seek ye first/Canon in D,     arr. Annika Bergsma

   



Order of Worship 4/21/24

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

4th Sunday of Easter

April 21st, 2024 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart      

Liturgist: Caleb and Christian Hebert

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE For the Beauty of the Earth by Jon Schmidt

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (Blue #554; GTG#37)    

Let All Things Now Living

  1. Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving

To God the creator triumphantly raise.

Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,

by guiding us on to the end of our days.

God’s banners are o’er us; pure light goes before us,

A pillar of fire shining forth in the night:

till shadows have vanished all fearfullness banished,

as forward we travel from light into light.

  1. By law God enforces, the stars in their courses

the sun in its orbit obediently shine;

the hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,

the depths of the ocean proclaim God divine.

We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing;

with glad adoration a song let us raise,

till all things now living unite in thanksgiving:

“To God in the highest, Hosanna and praise!”

WORDS OF WELCOME

DEACON MINUTE AND MINUTE FOR MISSION: Program of Hope           

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. 7:17

ONE: The Lamb of God will be our shepherd;

MANY: he will guide us to the water of life.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of the Word, in the parable of the sower you showed us how your word can take root and grow within us. Nurture the seeds of your word in our hearts and help us to grow in faith and love. Amen.

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

  1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

  1. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

  1. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

*RESPONSE HYMN  (GTG#750)  Goodness is Stronger than Evil 

Goodness is stronger than evil;

Love is stronger than hate;

Light is stronger than darkness;

Life is stronger than death;

Victory is ours Victory is ours through Him who loves us.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         1 Thess 1:1-10

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON             “Imitators of Christ”               Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH    Theological Declaration of Barmen               

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

    As Jesus Christ is God’s assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins, so in the same way and with the same seriousness is he also God’s mighty claim upon our whole life. Through him befalls us a joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to his creatures.

   The church’s commission, upon which its freedom is founded, consists in delivering the message of the free grace of God to all people in Christ’s stead, and therefore in the ministry of his own Word and work through sermon and Sacrament. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY River in Judea John Leavitt

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

*HYMN (Blue #272; GTG #22)   God of the Sparrow

  1. God of the sparrow God of the whale

God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe

How does the creature say Praise

  1. God of the earthquake God of the storm

God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature cry Woe

How does the creature cry Save

  1. God of the rainbow God of the cross

God of the empty grave

How does the creature say Grace

How does the creature say Thanks

  1. God of the hungry God of the sick

God of the prodigal

How does the creature say Care

How does the creature say Life

  1. God of the neighbor God of the foe

God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love

How does the creature say Peace

  1. God of the ages God near at hand

God of the loving heart

How do your children say Joy

How do your children say Home

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE Sevenfold Amen by Peter Lutkin

POSTLUDE     excerpt from River in Judea John Leavitt                    

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

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 



Order of Worship 4-14-24

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

3rd Sunday of Easter

April 14th, 2024 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Aaron Ochart         

Liturgist: Sue Crawford

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE Prelude in C Major J.S. Bach
  Mia Benevento

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (Blue #106; GTG#240)    

Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks

Refrain: Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord,

Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.

  1. Jesus is Lord of all the earth.

He is the King of creation. Refrain.

  1. Come let us praise the living God, 

joyfully sing to our Savior. Refrain.

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP 1 John 3:2

ONE: Beloved, we are God’s children now;

MANY: Peace be with you. The Risen Lord is here.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy Lord, your followers gave to your children something more powerful and more valuable than riches. They gave healing and hope. Bring healing and hope into our world and show us evidence of your presence in our lives. Amen.

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

  1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

  1. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

  1. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

*RESPONSE HYMN  (GTG#800)   Sometimes a Light Surprises

1 Sometimes a light surprises the child of God who sings;

it is the Lord who rises with healing in his wings;

when comforts are declining, he grants the soul again

a season of clear shining to cheer it after rain.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         Acts 3:1-10

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON      “The Name of Jesus”           Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH          Westminster Shorter Catechism               

ONE: What is the main purpose for humanity?

MANY: The main purpose for humanity is to glorify and enjoy God forever.

ONE: What rule has God given to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God?

MANY: The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is the only rule to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God.

ONE: What do the Scriptures mainly teach?

MANY: The Scriptures mainly teach what we are to believe about God, and what duty God requires of us.

ONE: How many Persons are there in the Trinity?

MANY: There are three Persons in the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

ONE: What is Sin?

MANY: Sin is any lack of obedience to, or violation of, the law of God.

ONE: Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

MANY: The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continues to be, God and human, in two distinct natures, and one Person forever.

ONE: How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

MANY: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Waltz in A major, Op. 39/15 J. Brahms 

Lucia Benevento

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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 #343; GTG #761)           

Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

  1. Called as partners in Christ’s service, 

called to ministries of grace,

We respond with deep commitment 

fresh new lines of faith to trace.

May we learn the art of sharing, 

side by side and friend with friend,

Equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end.

  1. Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring, 

Christ’s clear call to work and worth

let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth.

Men and women, richer, poorer, 

all God’s people young and old,

blending human skills together 

gracious gifts from God unfold.

  1. Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission, 

in a small or global sense,

help us bear each other’s burdens, 

breaking down each wall or fence.

Words of comfort, words of vision, 

words of challenge said with care,

bring new power and strength for action, 

make us colleagues free and fair.

  1. So God grant us for tomorrow ways to order human life

that surround each person’s sorrow 

with a calm that conquers strife.

Make us partners in our living, our compassion to increase,

messengers of faith, 

thus giving hope and confidence and peace.

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (Blue #113; GTG #245)       

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today!”       LLANFAIR

“Christ the Lord is risen today!” Al-le-lu-ia!

All creation, join to say: Al-le-lu-ia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Al-le-lu-ia!

Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Al-le-lu-ia!

POSTLUDE              Gavotte in G minor J.S. Bach
Olivia Benevento



Order of Worship 4-7-24

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

2nd Sunday of Easter

April 7th, 2024 Ten Thirty in the morning

Preacher: Mr. Mike Isham        

Liturgist: Evelyn Tobey

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (Blue #118; GTG#233)    

“The Day of Resurrection!”    LANCASHIRE

  • The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad,

the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.  

From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free,

our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.

  1. Now let the heavens be joyful; let earth its song begin;

the round world keep high triumph 

and all that is therein.

Let all things seen and unseen 

their notes of gladness blend,

for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end. 

WORDS OF WELCOME          

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP John 20:19, 21

ONE: Peace be with you. Jesus stands among us. 

MANY: Peace be with you. The Risen Lord is here.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

  1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

  1. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

  1. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON           “Slow to Understand”               Mike Isham

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                           Heidelberg Catechism               

ONE: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

MANY: That I belong body and soul, in life and in death not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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 #104; GTG #248)           

Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!”        HYMN TO JOY

  1. Christ is risen! Shout hosanna! Celebrate this day of days!

Christ is risen! Hush and wonder: all creation is amazed.

In the dessert all surrounding, 

see a spreading tree has grown.

Healing leaves of grace abounding 

bring a taste of love unknown. 

  1. Christ is risen! Raise your spirits 

from the caverns of despair. 

Walk with gladness in the morning. 

See what love can do and dare. 

Drink the wine or resurrection, not a servant, but a friend.

Jesus is our strong companion. 

Joy and peace shall never end. 

  1. Christ is risen! Earth and heaven 

never more shall be the same. 

Break with bread of new creation 

where the world is still in pain.

Tell its grim, demonic chorus: “Christ is risen! Get ye gone!”

God, the First and Last is with us. Sing hosanna every one!

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (Blue #113; GTG #245)       

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today!”       LLANFAIR

“Christ the Lord is risen today!” Al-le-lu-ia!

All creation, join to say: Al-le-lu-ia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Al-le-lu-ia!

Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Al-le-lu-ia!

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.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375   

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on



Order of Worship 3-31-24 Easter Sunday

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Easter Sunday,

March 31st, 2024 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart         

Liturgist: Mary Antill

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE Crown Him with Many Crowns arr. Gina Sprunger

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (Blue #123; GTG#232) 

“Jesus Christ is Risen Today”          EASTER HYMN

  1. Jesus Christ is risen today, Al-le-lu-ia! 

our triumphant holy day, Al-le-lu-ia!

who did once upon the cross, Al-le-lu-ia!

suffer to redeem our loss, Al-le-lu-ia!

  1. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Al-le-lu-ia! 

unto Christ, our heavenly king, Al-le-lu-ia!

who endured to cross and grave, Al-le-lu-ia!

sinners to redeem and save. Al-le-lu-ia!

  1. But the pains which he endured, Al-le-lu-ia!

our salvation have procured. Al-le-lu-ia!

Now above the sky he’s King, Al-le-lu-ia!

where the angels ever sing. Al-le-lu-ia!

  1. Sing we to our God above, Al-le-lu-ia!

praise eternal as God’s love. Al-le-lu-ia!

Praise our God, Ye heavenly host, Al-le-lu-ia!

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Al-le-lu-ia!

WORDS OF WELCOME   

MINUTE FOR MISSION: One Great Hour of Sharing          

ADORATION

LITANY for EASTER

ONE: This is the day that the Lord has made; 

let us rejoice, and be glad in it.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: This is the good news we have received,

in which we stand, and by which we are saved:

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: That Christ died for our sins, and was buried,

and rose again on the third day.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: He appeared to Peter, and to the twelve,

and to many faithful witnesses.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: At last he came to us, that we might come to believe

and proclaim this good news to the world. 

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

*HYMN (Blue #118; GTG#233)    

“The Day of Resurrection!”    LANCASHIRE

  • The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad,

the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.  

From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free,

our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.

  1. Let hearts be purged of evil that we may see aright

the Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light,

and listening to his accents, 

may hear, so calm and plain,

his own “All hail!” and hearing, 

may raise the victor strain. 

  1. Now let the heavens be joyful; let earth its song begin;

the round world keep high triumph 

and all that is therein.

Let all things seen and unseen 

their notes of gladness blend.

for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end. 

       

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

* RESPONSE HYMN (GTG#241) Woman, Weeping in the Garden 

1 Woman, weeping in the garden,

who has pushed the stone aside?

Who has taken Jesus’ body, Jesus Christ the crucified?

5 Woman, dancing from the garden, 

find the others and proclaim

Christ is risen as he promised; 

tell the world he knew your name!

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI #581 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         Mark 16:1-8

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

ANTHEM        Easter Introit  by Bob Moore

feat. Seth Guidry, trumpet

Cameron & Briana Mayfield, handbells

SERMON         “Fleeing from the Tomb”    The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                Scots Confession

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY (GTG 609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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: … According to Christ’s Commandment:

MANY: We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming 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.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN (Blue #108; GTG #246)           “Christ is Alive!”         TRURO

  1. Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. 

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Lets streets and homes with praises ring. 

Love, drowned in death, shall never die. 

  1. Christ is alive! No longer bound 

to distant years in Palestine,

but saving, healing, here and now,

and touching every place and time. 

  1. In every insult, rift, and war,

where color, scorn, or wealth divide,

Christ suffers still, yet loves the more,

and lives, where even hope has died. 

  1. Women and men, in age and youth,

can feel the Spirit, hear the call,

and find the way, the life, the truth,

revealed in Jesus, freed for all. 

  1. Christ is alive, and comes to bring,

good news to this and every age,

till earth and sky and ocean ring

with joy, with justice, love, and praise. 

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (Blue #113; GTG #245)       

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today!”       LLANFAIR

“Christ the Lord is risen today!” Al-le-lu-ia!

All creation, join to say: Al-le-lu-ia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Al-le-lu-ia!

Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Al-le-lu-ia!

POSTLUDE  Christ the Lord is Risen Today 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.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375   

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on



Order of Worship 3-24-24

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Palm Sunday,

March 24th, Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Aaron Ochart       

Liturgist: Loretta Credo

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE Nocturne Op. 37 No. 1 by F. Chopin

*PROCESSIONAL [BLUE #88] [GTG#196] All Glory, Laud, and Honor

Refrain: All glory, laud, and honor to thee, Redeemer, King,

to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!

1 Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal Son,

who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and blessed One. [Refrain]

2 The people of the Hebrews with palms before thee went;

our praise and prayers and anthems before thee we present. [Refrain]

3 To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise;

to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. [Refrain]

4 Thou didst accept their praises;

accept the prayers we bring,

who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King! [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 118:26

ONE: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.

MANY: Hosanna in the highest!

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Hosanna! King of all, you reign over all. Reign in our lives, triumph over evil and teach us to follow in your footsteps. Amen.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN       

 CONFESSION 

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 sins. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen. 

KYRIE [GTG#577]

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                   

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Mark 11:1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

CANTATA “The Passion Song”      by Lloyd Larson

Choir: Bill Bottomley, Lila Crotty, Sharon Fortin, Pat Ellzey, Will Ellzey, Cheryl Emery, Alice Hull, Linda Lowry, Aaron Ochart, Ron Palmisano, Renna Shows, Betty Wan, Theo Wan, Dee Watkins

Conductor: Kelly Cuppett Pianist: Tom Petterson

Movement I – Hosanna Intrada

Tune: ST. THEODULPH by Melchior Teschner (1584-1635)

arranged by Lloyd Larson

Narrator 1: The shouts of “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” seemed to echo in the streets of Jerusalem for days as people prepared for the Passover Feast. It was now the first day of the Feast and Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover meal?”

Narrator 2: Jesus said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there. 

Narrator 1: The disciples left, went into the city, and found everything just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared for the feast of the Passover Lamb.

Narrator 2: As evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve and they shared a feast of love. 

Narrator 1: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it. Giving it to His disciples, He said, “Take it; this is my body broken for you.”

Narrator 2: Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

Movement II – Feast of Love

Words and Music by Lloyd Larson

At the Lamb’s high feast of love, 

we praise our God who reigns above!

Praise the Servant who has gently led, 

who humbly shares the broken bread

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

Praise the One who by His love divine 

shares the cup of grace, the sacred wine,

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

“Remember me when you eat the bread, 

Remember me and the things I’ve said.

Remember me when you drink the cup.

Remember when I am lifted up 

I will draw the world unto me!

O children remember me.”

At the Lamb’s high feast of love, 

we praise our God who reigns above!

Praise the righteous One whom angels greet;

the King who kneels and washes feet 

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

Narrator 2: Following the meal, Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Narrator 1: Having already told them that one of the Twelve would betray Him, Jesus now told them that they would all fall away. “For it is written,” He said, “I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.”

Narrator 2: The prophecies of Jesus were to soon become reality as Judas, the betrayer, and a crowd armed with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the elders surrounded him. They seized and arrested Jesus. 

Narrator 1: They took him to a place where the religious leaders were gathered. Several of them made false accusations against Jesus. They condemned Him, saying He was worthy of death. 

Narrator 2: The religious leaders eventually reached a consensus. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate, the local Roman governor. As was customary at the Feast, the people were demanding the release of an imprisoned criminal named Barabbas. 

Narrator 1: Pilate asked the enraged crowd, “What shall I do, then, with the one you call King of the Jews?” “Crucify Him!” they shouted. “Crucify Him!”

Narrator 2: So Pilate had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. IN those few hours, the words of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled. 

Narrator 1: He was despised and rejected: a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. He was oppressed and afflicted; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. 

Movement III – Song of Golgotha

Words and music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating Tunes PASSION CHORALE and HERZLIEBSTER JESU

He was despised and rejected, scorned by His very own.

Yet He bore the cross of shame willingly.

He was pierced for our transgressions, broken and alone. 

Still, He chose to bear the cross for you and me. 

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows. 

Surely, surely He has born all our grief. 

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not say a word. 

And He bore the lowly cross to Calvary.

Like a lamb led to slaughter, He was crushed and suffered.

See the sacrificial Lamb upon the tree. 

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows. 

Surely, surely He has borne all our grief. 

Ah, holy Jesus, how have You offended,

that the mortal judgment has on You descended?

By foes derided, by Your own rejected, O most afflicted!

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows,

and borne all our grief. 

Narrator 1: Jesus was led away. Roman soldiers put a purple robe on Him and then twisted together a crown of thorns which they placed upon His head. In mockery they called out to Him, “Hail King of the Jews!”

Narrator 2: They struck Jesus on the head with a staff, spat upon Him, and continued to mock Him by falling on their knees in fake homage to the holy Lamb of God. 

Narrator 1: Then they put His own clothes back on Him and led Jesus out to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There He was crucified. 

Narrator 2: Those who passed by hurled insults at Jesus. Even those crucified with Him heaped insults on Him. 

Narrator 1: After several agonizing hours on the cross, with a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last. The Roman centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry, and saw how He died. In awe and wonder he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

Movement IV – Behold the Lamb

Words and music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating tunes NEAR THE CROSS and WONDROUS LOVE

Behold the Lamb, behold the Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb, the holy Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. 

Behold the Lamb!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss 

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul? 

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing

to God and to the Lamb I will sing!

To God and to the Lamb, who is the great “I AM,”

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing. 

Behold the Lamb of God, behold the Lamb of God! 

Behold the Lamb, the holy Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. 

Behold the Lamb! Behold the Lamb!

Narrator 2: Very early on the first day of the week following the Sabbath, just after sunrise, the women were on their way to the tomb. They asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb? 

Narrator 1: But as they looked up, they saw that the large stone had already been rolled away. They entered the tomb, and there they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side. They were very alarmed. 

 Narrator 2: But he said to them, “Do not be afraid! You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen! See the place where they laid Him. Now go and tell His disciples! Jesus is risen!”

Narrator 1: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy is the Lamb!

Narrator 2: He is worthy to receive power and wealth, wisdom and strength. He is worthy to receive honor glory and praise!

Narrator 1: Worthy is the Lamb!

Movement V – Resurrection Canticle

Words and Music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating tune DIADEMATA

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy is the Lamb!

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, the living Lamb of God. 

He’s worthy to receive power and wealth. 

He’s worthy of all wisdom and strength. 

He’s worthy of our honor and glory and praise!

Worthy is the Lamb! 

Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own. 

Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,

and hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of life, 

who triumphed o’er the grave,

and rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save. 

His glories now we sing, who died and rose on high,

who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! Risen now, forever to reign!

Worthy is the living Lamb of God!

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY

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#85] [GTG#215]  What Wondrous Love is This

1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,

what wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul!

3 To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,

to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;

to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;

while millions join the theme, I will sing!

4 And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,

and through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and through eternity I’ll sing on.

*PARTING PRAYER

Gracious God, our way in the wilderness, guide us, by your Word, through these forty days, and minister to us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be reformed, restored, and renewed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [BLUE#599] [GTG#227]  Jesus, Remember Me,

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

POSTLUDE         I Want Jesus to Walk with Me       arr. Jason Krug

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

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; and Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375   

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on



Order of Worship 3-17-24

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

5th Sunday of Lent

March 17th, Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Aaron Ochart       

Liturgist: Briana Mayfield

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

* Please stand, in body or spirit

GATHERING

PRELUDE Nocturne in C# Minor by Chopin Evelyn Moore

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN [GTG#357]  The Days are Surely Coming

1 The days are surely coming, says God to all the earth,

when you will see my promise: salvation come to birth.

My righteousness and justice 

will spread throughout the land

and you will be delivered by my almighty hand.

3 The days are surely coming when we will know at last

the fullness of God’s presence, God’s promise, come to pass.

The righteousness and justice

will spread throughout the land

and we will be delivered by God’s almighty hand.

WORDS OF WELCOME and MINUTE for MISSION

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP John 11:25-26

ONE: Jesus said: I am the Resurrection 

MANY: We take up the cross to follow him.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Son of Man, you encouraged your followers to obey only your voice, and promised that they would see your glorious presence. Show us your glory and teach us to obey. Amen.

*HYMN OF THE MONTH Change My Heart, O God (695)

Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.

Chorus: You are the Potter; I am the clay.

Mold me and make me; this is what I pray.

Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN        

RESPONSE [GTG#368] We Fall Down

We fall down We lay our crowns At the feet of Jesus

The greatness of Mercy and love At the feet of Jesus

And we cry holy, holy, holy. And We cry holy, holy, holy.

And We cry holy, holy, holy Is the Lamb

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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

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

KYRIE [GTG#577]

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                   

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Mark 13:1-8, 24-37

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

“But in those days, after that suffering,

the sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not give its light,

and the stars will be falling from heaven,

and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON       “Resurrection Life”             The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, 

And in Jesus Christ [God’s] 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.   

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY       “You Are My Refuge” by Michael John Trotta

*DOXOLOGY

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

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 #5] [GTG#347] Let All Mortal Flesh 

1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence,

and with fear and trembling stand;

ponder nothing earthly minded,

for with blessing in his hand

Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.

2 King of kings, yet born of Mary,

as of old on earth he stood,

Lord of lords, in human vesture,

in the body and the blood,

he will give to all the faithful

his own self for heavenly food.

3 Rank on rank the host of heaven

spreads its vanguard on the way,

as the Light of light descendeth

from the realms of endless day,

that the powers of hell may vanish

as the shadows clear away.

4 At his feet the six-winged seraph,

cherubim, with sleepless eye,

veil their faces to the presence,

as with ceaseless voice they cry,

“Alleluia, alleluia,

alleluia, Lord most high!”

*PARTING PRAYER

May the strength of God pilot us. May the power of God preserve us. May the wisdom of God instruct us. May the hand of God protect us. May the way of God direct us. May the shield of God defend us. May the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world. May Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ in us, Christ over us. May your salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and forevermore. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [BLUE#599] [GTG#227]  Jesus, Remember Me

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

POSTLUDE 

   Toccata by A. Khatchaturian
 
Evelyn Moore     


Announcements 3-17-24

Announcements Continued: 

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. This month we are asking for juice, juice boxes, and shelf-stable milk. 

BOOKS FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr.  Biblical womanhood–the belief that God designed women to be submissive wives, virtuous mothers, and joyful homemakers–pervades North American Christianity. From choices about careers to roles in local churches to relationship dynamics, this belief shapes the everyday lives of evangelical women. Yet biblical womanhood isn’t biblical, says Baylor University historian Beth Allison Barr. It arose from a series of clearly definable historical moments.

This book moves the conversation about biblical womanhood beyond Greek grammar and into the realm of church history–ancient, medieval, and modern–to show that this belief is not divinely ordained but a product of human civilization that continues to creep into the church. Barr’s historical insights provide context for contemporary teachings about women’s roles in the church and help move the conversation forward.

POT LUCK: Join us after the Palm Sunday Cantata on March 24th for a potluck lunch. John Calvin will provide drinks, please bring a dish to share. Drop off for food will begin at 9:00 AM. Please bring serving utensils. If you would like to help please reach out to Mary Antill. 

GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER VIGIL: We will be hosting a Prayer Vigil on Good Friday, March 29th.

Schedule: 

Church and activities open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

Noon – Special Music Sam Garnett

2:00 PM – Special Music Kelly Cuppett

5:00 PM – Special Music Kelly Cuppett

CALENDAR:

3/18- 1:00 PM – Staff Meeting 

          6:30 PM – Session Meeting 

3/19 – 10:30 AM – Grace Circle

3/20 -2:30 PM – EJIC Meeting 

         6:30 PM – Cantata Rehearsal

3/21 –  6:00 PM – Sailboat Church Zoom Book Study Chapters 8

3/22 – 10:00 AM – Cantata Rehearsal 

                          – Set-up for Cantata

3/24 -9:15 AM – Adult Sunday School 

        10:15 AM – Choir Warm-up 

        10:30 AM – Worship Service with Palm Sunday Cantata followed by Lunch

BIRTHDAYS: Alex Prince 3/19, Bhanu Patel 3/20