1. An upper room did our Lord prepare 

for those he loved until the end:

and his disciples still gather there

to celebrate their risen friend. 

2. A lasting gift Jesus gave his own:

to share his bread, his loving cup.

Whatever burdens may bow us down,

he by his cross shall lift us up.

3. And after supper he washed their feet,

for service too is sacrament.

In Christ our joy shall be made complete:

sent out to serve, as he was sent. 

4. 4. No end there is! We depart in peace.

He loves beyond the utmost.

in every room in our Father’s house

Christ will be there, as Lord and Host.             

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, whose covenant with us is never broken, we confess that we fail to fulfill your will. Though you have bound yourself to us, we will not bind ourselves to you. In Jesus Christ, you serve us freely, but we refuse your love and withhold ourselves from others. We do not love you fully or love one another as you command. 

In your mercy, forgive and cleanse us. Lead us once again to your table and unite us to Christ, who is the bread of life and the vine from which we grow in grace. Amen.

KYRIE #572

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                 Exodus 12:1-14

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbour in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

SECOND LESSON                                        John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                   “Is It Me?”                  The Rev. Aaron Ochart 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

ONE: Lord, in your mercy,

MANY: hear our prayer.

 LORD’S SUPPER     

OFFERTORY           In Christ Alone arr. Carol Tornquist

OFFERING

ONE: What shall we offer for all God’s goodness to us?

MANY: Let us lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. 

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

MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

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                       “Ah, Holy Jesus”               HERZLIEBSTER JESU

1. Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended, 

that we to judge thee have in hate pretended?

By foes derided, by thine own rejected, O most afflicted. 

2. Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee?

Alas, my treason, Jesus hath undone thee. 

‘Twas I Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee, I crucified thee. 

3. Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered; 

the slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;

for our atonement, while we nothing heeded, God interceded.

4. For me, kind Jesus, was thine incarnation, 

thy mortal sorrow, and thy life’s oblation,

thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion, 

for my salvation. 

5. Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee,

I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee,

think on thy pity and thy love unswerving, 

not my deserving. 

STRIPPING OF THE CHURCH  

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. 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.  

Church Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504.888.1375

Playschool Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head of Staff

Louise Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Director

Kelly Cuppett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano. . . . . Playschool Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

1. My Song is love unknown, my Savior’s love to me, 

love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake

My Lord should take frail flesh and die. 

2. He came from heaven’s throne salvation to bestow;

the world that was his own would not its Savior know.

But O, my Friend, my Friend indeed,

who at my need his life did spend!

3. Sometimes we strew his way, and his sweet praises sing,

resounding all the day hosannas to our King.

Then “Crucify!” is all our breath, 

and for his death we thirst and cry. 

4. 4. Unheeding, we will have our dear Lord made a way,

a murderer to save, the prince of life to slay.

Yet steadfast he to suffering goes, 

that he his foes from thence might free.

5. 5. Here might I stay and sing, no story so divine:

never was love, dear King, never was grief like thine. 

This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise

I all my days could gladly spend.                

 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 #572

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                 Psalm 146

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

I will praise the Lord as long as I live;

   I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

Do not put your trust in princes,

   in mortals, in whom there is no help.

When their breath departs, they return to the earth;

   on that very day their plans perish.

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

   whose hope is in the Lord their God,

who made heaven and earth,

   the sea, and all that is in them;

who keeps faith for ever;

   who executes justice for the oppressed;

   who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;

   the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

   the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the strangers;

   he upholds the orphan and the widow,

   but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign for ever,

   your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN              

ANTHEM   Behold the Love, the Grace of God 

 Tom Fettke & Thomas Grassi     

SECOND LESSON                                             John 19:1-16a

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON         “Systematic Failure”         The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Theological Declaration of Barmen 

Statement 5: 8.22-24

“Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (I Peter 2:17.) 

Scripture tells us that, in the as yet unredeemed world in which the church also exists, the State has by divine appointment the task of providing for justice and peace. [It fulfills this task] by means of the threat and exercise of force, according to the measure of human judgment and human ability. The church acknowledges the benefit of this divine appointment in gratitude and reverence before him. It calls to mind the Kingdom of God, God’s commandment and righteousness, and thereby the responsibility both of rulers and of the ruled. It trusts and obeys the power of the Word by which God upholds all things. 

We reject the false doctrine, as though the State, over and beyond its special commission, should and could become the single and totalitarian order of human life, thus fulfilling the church’s vocation as well.

 We reject the false doctrine, as though the church, over and beyond its special commission, should and could appropriate the characteristics, the tasks, and the dignity of the State, thus itself becoming an organ of the State. Amen. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY            Were You There? Arr. Fred Bock 

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

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

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 #102      Were You There?               

1 Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

(Were you there?)

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord? 

(Were you there?)

2 Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

 (Were you there?)

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? 

(Were you there?)

3 Were you there when they pierced Him in the side?

 (Were you there?)

Were you there when they pierced Him in the side?

Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they pierced Him in the side? 

(Were you there?)

4 Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? 

(Were you there?)

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

 (Were you there?)

*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 #363      “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me”     SOJOURNER

I want Jesus to walk with me; I want Jesus to walk with me;

All along my pilgrim journey, 

Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. 

POSTLUDE                   Toccata in C             

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. 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.  

Church Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504.888.1375

Playschool Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head of Staff

Louise Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Director

Kelly Cuppett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano. . . . . Playschool Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

Lenten Devotional: The Staff have put together a daily Lenten Devotional which is available on Facebook and Instagram. 

Youth Group: We have Youth Group and Confirmation Class this evening Starting at 5:00 PM. 

Little Farms Collection: We are collecting items to make care bags for the transient and homeless. We’ll continue until Palm Sunday, April 10. On that day we will put the bags together as a mission activity as we enjoy the luncheon. Here is the list of items to bring in: deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, small wet wipes, a snack, and bottled water.

Tablecloth Dinner: Join us for a Tablecloth Dinner on Thursday, April 7, at Bistro Orleans 6:30 Meet ’n Greet, 7:00 Dinner. We are also planning a Kid’s Night In so parents may join the group for dinner. We need a minimum of 20 people, so sign up soon! There is no preordering, and a great menu!!  $34 covers a 3-course dinner and beverage including tax and tip!

Luncheon: Join us for some delicious pastalaya, on April 10th following the Palm Sunday Cantata service.  

Game Day: Join us April 14th and 28th at 10:00 am in the Library for Game Day. 

Events and Meetings this Week:

4/3 – 5:00 PM Youth Group and 

4/6 – 7:00 PM Cantata and Choir (7:45 PM)  Practice 

4/7 – 10:00 AM PW Council Meeting 

4/7 – 7:00 PM Tablecloth Diner and Youth Night In 

4/9 – 9:00 AM  Easter Egg Hunt 

4/10 – 9:30 AM Adult Sunday School, Elementary Age Sunday School, 

Discussion Group Sunday School 

4/10 – 10:30 AM Worship Service – One Great Hour of Sharing offering 

4/10 – 11:30 AM Handbells Practice

-Prayer List-

April 3rd

• Michael Larson, a former co-worker of Bill Bottomley, who is in the hospital, after suffering a heart attack. Pray also for his wife, Shonda.

• Nick Jenco, continued health issues.

March 27 

• Olga’s Husband has been diagnosed with Cancer and will be having surgery on April 22nd.

• Sarah Elliot, daughter of Theresa (a colleague of Aaron’s), who is having surgery in a few weeks. 

• Family and Friends of Betty Sundmaker.

March 20

• The family and friends of Martha Gordy, Bill Bottomley’s cousin. Especially husband, Ernest, and daughter, Dawn.

March 13th 

• Conflict in Ukraine
• Lorraine Weindell’s friend, family out of Ukraine and safe in Russia. 
• John Savage and his family. John was placed in Hospice care, but he has rebounded. 

1. My Song is love unknown, my Savior’s love to me, 

love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake

My Lord should take frail flesh and die. 

2. He came from heaven’s throne salvation to bestow;

the world that was his own would not its Savior know.

But O, my Friend, my Friend indeed,

who at my need his life did spend!

3. Sometimes we strew his way, and his sweet praises sing,

resounding all the day hosannas to our King.

Then “Crucify!” is all our breath, 

and for his death we thirst and cry. 

4. 4. Unheeding, we will have our dear Lord made a way,

a murderer to save, the prince of life to slay.

Yet steadfast he to suffering goes, 

that he his foes from thence might free.

5. 5. Here might I stay and sing, no story so divine:

never was love, dear King, never was grief like thine. 

This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise

I all my days could gladly spend.                

 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 #572

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Philippians 2:1-11

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN             Service and Stinky Feet 

ANTHEM                 Give Me Jesus     

SECOND LESSON                                              John 13: 1-17

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON       “Give Space/Take Space”         The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH      Theological Declaration of Barmen

2. “Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” (I Cor. 1:30.)

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.

We reject the false doctrine, as though there were areas of our life in which we would not belong to Jesus Christ, but to other lords—areas in which we would not need justification and sanctification through him. Amen

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY               “The Goodness of God”                 Bethel

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

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

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

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

*HYMN 434  Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples     

Today we are all called to be

Disciples of the Lord,

To help to set the captive free,

Make plow-share out of sword,

To feed the hungry, quench their thirst,

Make love and peace our fast,

To serve the poor and homeless first,

Our ease and comfort last.

God made the world and at its birth

Ordained our human race

To live as stewards of the earth,

Responding to God’s grace.

But we are vain and sadly proud,

We sow not peace but strife,

Our discord spreads a deadly cloud

That threatens all of life.

Pray justice may come rolling down

As in a mighty stream,

With righteousness in field and town

To cleanse us and redeem.

For God is longing to restore

An earth where conflicts cease,

A world that was created for

A harmony of peace.

May we in service to our God

Act out the living word,

And walk the road the saints have trod

Till all have seen and heard.

As stewards of the earth may we

Give thanks in one accord

To God who calls us all to be

Disciples of the Lord.

*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 #363      “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me”     SOJOURNER

I want Jesus to walk with me; I want Jesus to walk with me;

All along my pilgrim journey, 

Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. 

POSTLUDE                    Toccata Belier          

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor John Calvin; The Rev. Susan Lassalle, Pastor Little Farms; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. 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.  

• Conflict in the Ukraine
• Lorraine W. friend who is unable to contact his parents in the Ukraine
• John S. and his family.  John has just been placed in Hospice care.

February 27

• The Family and Friends of Cathy F., a former member who has been living in Virginia. 
• Bobby O., Aaron’s uncle, in medical rehab
• Friend of Beverly K. who is in ill health
• Family and Friends of James Bruce E., 38, son of Bruce and Donna, classmates of Bill B.
• Continued prayers for Jananne L. Recovering from Pelvic fracture

February 20

• Patrick A., friend of Aaron, asks for prayer for his friend. 
• Tom, a friend of Bill B., has pain in his bones and is suffering from depression.
• David, a friend of Bill B., who lost a good friend of his to violence along with the friend’s daughter. 
• Family of Bonnie P. (Dennis’s sister-in-law) who passed away following open heart surgery.
• Family of Dolores W. (Ernie’s sister) who passed away. 
• Family and friends of Javelin G., Nick’s mother.

February 13

• Friends and Family of Suzanne D., friend of Jananne.

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH HEALTH ISSUES:  Debra B., Teddy B., Troy D., Suzanne D., Ernest and Patricia E., Mel F., Neil F., Buddy H., James K., George M., Wayne T., Eleanor W., Bob W., and others struggling with health issues.    

   Announcements

Wedding Announcement: John and Linda Laporte would like to announce the marriage of their Grandson Logan Laporte to Brooke Bennett This past Saturday March 5th. The newlyweds will honeymoon in St. Lucia.

Lenten Devotional: The Staff have been put together a daily Lenten Devotional which is available on Facebook and Instagram. 

Easter Egg Hunt: Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is coming up on April 9th from 9:00 am – Noon. Candy Donations will be accepted outside of the playschool and church offices. Individually wrapped candy and please no nuts. We have plenty of Volunteer Opportunities so please let Louise know if you are able to help. 

Bible Builds, Elementary Grade Bible Study: We will be doing a once a month Bible Study for our elementary age kids utilizing Minecraft. We will come together after Sunday Worship Service, the kids will be given a story from the Bible, and an hour to build something related to the story in a Minecraft world. We will take time for each child to tell about their build and explore the story further. Lunch will be provided. We will have a Nintendo Switch which can accommodate four players, plus some tablets to use during the building portion of the bible study. Kids can bring their own portable gaming systems, tablets, phone, or laptop with Minecraft on it to use to join the world if they prefer. Our first meeting will be on March 27th following Sunday Worship. The Children will be given the bible story after Sunday School or Worship service on March 20th so they can have the week to think about and plan their build. 

1. My Song is love unknown, my Savior’s love to me, 

love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake

My Lord should take frail flesh and die? 

2. Christ came from heaven’s throne salvation to bestow;

But people scorned and none The longed-for Christ would know But O,

my Friend, my Friend indeed, who at my need his life did spend!

3. Sometimes they strew his way, and his sweet praises sing,

resounding all the way hosannas to our King.

Then “Crucify!” is all their breath, and for his death They thirst and cry. 

a murderer to save, the prince of life they slay. Yet steadfast he to suffering goes, 

that He His foes from thence might free.

5. 5. Here might I stay and sing, no story so divine:

never was love, dear King, never was grief like thine. 

This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise I all my days could gladly spend.                

 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 #572

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                 Psalm 130

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

   Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

   to the voice of my supplications!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,

   Lord, who could stand?

But there is forgiveness with you,

   so that you may be revered.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

   and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord

   more than those who watch for the morning,

   more than those who watch for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord!

   For with the Lord there is steadfast love,

   and with him is great power to redeem.

It is he who will redeem Israel

   from all its iniquities.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN              Reading Signs

SECOND LESSON                                              John 11:1-44

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON      “Resurrection and the Life”    The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH       Theological Declaration of Barmen

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

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

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

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY             Prelude in E minor Chopin

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, 

pure and holy, tried and true.

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

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest…

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 #316]     Breathe on Me, Breath of God 

1 Breathe on me, Breath of God, Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love,

2 Breathe on me, Breath of God, Until my heart is pure,

3 Breathe on me, Breath of God, Till I am wholly Thine,

4 Breathe on me, Breath of God, So shall I never die,

But live with Thee the perfect life Of Thine eternity.

• The Family and Friends of Cathy F., a former member who has been living in Virginia. 
• Bobby O., Aaron’s uncle, in medical rehab
• Friend of Beverly K. who is in ill health
• Family and Friends of James E., 38, son of Bruce and Donna, classmates of Bill B.
• Continued prayers for Jananne L. Recovering from Pelvic fracture

February 20

• Patrick A., friend of Aaron, asks for prayer for his friend. 
• Tom, a friend of Bill B., has pain in his bones and is suffering from depression.
• David, a friend of Bill B., who lost a good friend of his to violence along with the friend’s daughter. 
• Family of Bonnie P. (Dennis’s sister-in-law) who passed away following open heart surgery.
• Family of Dolores W. (Ernie’s sister) who passed away. 
• Family and friends of Javelin G., Nick’s mother

February 13

• Friends and Family of Suzanne D., friend of Jananne.

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH HEALTH ISSUES:  Debra B., Teddy B., Troy D., Suzanne D., Ernest and Patricia E., Mel F., Neil F., Buddy H., James K., George M., Wayne T., Eleanor W., Bob W., and others struggling with health issues.    

   Announcements

Youth Bible Study: We kick off a new Middle and High School Youth Bible Study tonight at 5:00 pm. Dinner will be included. We will be using the Reckless Love video study series from RightNow Media. Youth Group will wrap up around 6:30 pm. Just in time for those that want to attend our 45 min confirmation class to join Pastor Aaron for that. The meeting dates for this new Youth Bible Study will be March 6th and 20th, April 3rd and 15th (This one will be a special Good Friday event more on this later), May 1st and 15th, and June 5th. We would love to see all our Youth at these fun evenings and hope they will invite some friends too. 

Confirmation Class: As noted above we will have a confirmation class Bi-Monthly right after our Youth Bible Study and we will be joined by youth from First Presbyterian Church. Please speak with Pastor Aaron if you are interested in joining us for this. We know this first class is coming up fast so let us know if you can’t make this one and we will make alternate arrangements to catch you up. The meeting dates for Confirmation class will be March 6th and 20th, April 3rd, May 1st and 15th. 

Bible Builds, Elementary Grade Bible Study: We will be doing a once a month Bible Study for our elementary age kids utilizing Minecraft. We will come together after Sunday Worship Service, the kids will be given a story from the Bible, and an hour to build something related to the story in a Minecraft world. We will take time for each child to tell about their build and explore the story further. Lunch will be provided. We will have a Nintendo Switch which can accommodate four players, plus some tablets to use during the building portion of the bible study. Kids can bring their own portable gaming systems, tablets, phone, or laptop with Minecraft on it to use to join the world if they prefer. Our first meeting will be on March 27th following Sunday Worship. The Children will be given the bible story after Sunday School or Worship service on March 20th so they can have the week to think about and plan their build. 

Birthdays: Andrew Crawford 3/6, Ann Trapani 3/6, Megan Lauland 3/6, Greg Russo 3/6, Dennis Lauland, 3/12

Church Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504.888.1375

Playschool Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Head of Staff

Louise Ochart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Director

Kelly Cuppett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Music Director

Lauren Oufnac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano. . . . . Playschool Administrative Assistant

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

1. Here in this place, the new light is streaming; 

now is the darkness vanished away; 

see in this space our fears and our dreamings

brought here to you in the light of this day.

Gather us in the lost and forsaken, gather us in the blind and the lame;

call to us now, and we shall awaken; we shall arise at the sound of our name.

2. We are the young, our lives are a mystery. 

We are the old who yearn for your face. 

We have been sung throughout all of history, 

called to be light to the whole human race. 

Gather us in, the rich and the haughty; gather us in the proud and the strong;

give us a heart, so meek and so lowly; give us the courage to enter the song.

3. Here we will take the wine and the water; 

here we will take the bread of new birth.

Here you shall call your sons and your daughters,

call us anew to be salt for the earth.

Give us to drink the wine of compassion; 

give us to eat the bread that is you;

nourish us well, and teach us to fashion 

lives that are holy and hearts that are true,

4. Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven, light years away:

here in this place the new light is shining;

now is the kingdom, and now is the day.

Gather us in and hold us forever; gather us in and make us your own;

gather us in, all peoples together, fire of love in our flesh and our bone.  

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, you fully love us, but we have not fully loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, hatred, warfare, and greed. 

God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our redeemer. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

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

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

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                        Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

   whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

   of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me

   to devour my flesh—

my adversaries and foes—

   they shall stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,

   my heart shall not fear;

though war rise up against me,

   yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the Lord,

   that will I seek after:

to live in the house of the Lord

   all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the Lord,

   and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter

   in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

   he will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up

   above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent

   sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,

   be gracious to me and answer me!

‘Come,’ my heart says, ‘seek his face!’

   Your face, Lord, do I seek.

   Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger,

   you who have been my help.

Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,

   O God of my salvation!

If my father and mother forsake me,

   the Lord will take me up.

Teach me your way, O Lord,

   and lead me on a level path

   because of my enemies.

Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,

   for false witnesses have risen against me,

   and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord

   in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;

   be strong, and let your heart take courage;

   wait for the Lord!

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN           

ANTHEM                       Hymn of Promise                            Natalie Sleeth    

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 and snow of winter, There’s a spring that waits to be, 

Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, seeking work 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. 

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

Unrevealed until its season, Something yet unknown, which God alone can see.

SECOND LESSON                                                                  John 9:1-41    

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON               “I Once Was Blind”               The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                    Confession of Belhar

We believe that God has entrusted the church with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ; 

that the church is called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that the church is called blessed because it is a peacemaker, that the church is witness both by word and by deed to the new heaven and the new earth in which righteousness dwells…

that the credibility of this message is seriously affected and its beneficial work obstructed when it is proclaimed in a land which professes to be Christian, but in which the enforced separation of people on a racial basis promotes and perpetuates alienation, hatred and enmity…

Therefore, we reject any doctrine which, in such a situation sanctions in the name of the gospel or of the will of God the forced separation of people on the grounds of race and color and thereby in advance obstructs and weakens the ministry and experience of reconciliation in Christ.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY    Be Thou My Vision Carrolton Forrester

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM James Ferguson 

ONE: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the hope of your calling,

MANY: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all…

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

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

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

*HYMN #280                   “Amazing Grace”               AMAZING GRACE

1 Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

2 ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!

3 Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;

’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

4 The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.

5 When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.

*PARTING PRAYER         The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Our loving Father, from Thy hand have come all the days of the past. To Thee we look for whatever good the future holds. We are not satisfied with the world as we have found it. It is too little the kingdom of God as yet. Grant us the privilege of [being] a part in its regeneration. We are looking for a new earth in which dwells righteousness. It is our prayer that we may be children of light, the kind of people for whose coming and ministry the world is waiting.—Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE  “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee”             HYMN TO JOY

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the gloom of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!

POSTLUDE              

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. 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.  

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP           Isaiah 55

ONE: Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; 

MANY: And those who have no money, come, buy and eat!

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

*HYMN                               “Here in this Place”                GATHER US IN

1. Here in this place, the new light is streaming; 

now is the darkness vanished away; 

see in this space our fears and our dreamings

brought here to you in the light of this day.

Gather us in the lost and forsaken, gather us in the blind and the lame;

call to us now, and we shall awaken; 

we shall arise at the sound of our name.

2. We are the young, our lives are a mystery. 

We are the old who yearn for your face. 

We have been sung throughout all of history, 

called to be light to the whole human race. 

Gather us in, the rich and the haughty; 

gather us in the proud and the strong;

give us a heart, so meek and so lowly; 

give us the courage to enter the song.

3. Here we will take the wine and the water; 

here we will take the bread of new birth.

Here you shall call your sons and your daughters,

call us anew to be salt for the earth.

Give us to drink the wine of compassion; 

give us to eat the bread that is you;

nourish us well, and teach us to fashion 

lives that are holy and hearts that are true,

4. Not in the dark of buildings confining, 

not in some heaven, light years away:

here in this place the new light is shining;

now is the kingdom, and now is the day.

Gather us in and hold us forever; gather us in and make us your own;

gather us in, all peoples together,

fire of love in our flesh and our bone.  

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, you fully love us, but we have not fully loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, hatred, warfare, and greed. 

God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our redeemer. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

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

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

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                        Psalm 147:1-11

Praise the Lord!

How good it is to sing praises to our God;

    for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.

The Lord builds up Jerusalem;

    he gathers the outcasts of Israel.

He heals the brokenhearted

    and binds up their wounds.

He determines the number of the stars;

    he gives to all of them their names.

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;

    his understanding is beyond measure.

The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;

    he casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

    make melody to our God on the lyre.

He covers the heavens with clouds,

    prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills.

He gives to the animals their food,

    and to the young ravens when they cry.

His delight is not in the strength of the horse,

    nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;

But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,

    in those who hope in his steadfast love. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN              “River of Life”

ANTHEM           Sing A New Song To The Lord                   Natalie Sleeth    

SECOND LESSON                                                                  John 7:37-52

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But some asked, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not arrest him?” The police answered, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” Then the Pharisees replied, “Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” They replied, “Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.”

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                   “Nazarene”                         The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                         Confession of 1967 

God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of human life: social and cultural, economic and political, scientific and technological, individual and corporate. It includes the natural environment as exploited and despoiled by sin. It is the will of God that the divine purpose for human life shall be fulfilled under the rule of Christ and all evil be banished from creation… With an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks and strives for a better world. It does not identify limited progress with the kingdom of God on earth, nor does it despair in the face of disappointment and defeat. In steadfast hope, the church looks beyond all partial achievement to the final triumph of God. “Now to [God] who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to [God] be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY   Excerpts from Prelude Op. 28 No. 15 by Frederic Chopin

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

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 #356       “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”      NETTLETON

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.

*PARTING PRAYER         The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Our loving Father, from Thy hand have come all the days of the past. To Thee we look for whatever good the future holds. We are not satisfied with the world as we have found it. It is too little the kingdom of God as yet. Grant us the privilege of [being] a part in its regeneration. We are looking for a new earth in which dwells righteousness. It is our prayer that we may be children of light, the kind of people for whose coming and ministry the world is waiting.—Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE  “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee”             HYMN TO JOY

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the gloom of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!

POSTLUDE     Excerpts from Prelude Op. 28 No. 15       Frederic Chopin            

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Sam Garnett, Music Director; and Kelly Cuppett, Asst. 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.  

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Sam Garnett – Music Director

Kelly Cuppett – Asst. Music Director

Lauren Oufnac – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

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

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

1. Here in this place the new light is streaming; 

now is the darkness vanished away; 

see in this space our fears and our dreamings

brought here to you in the light of this day.

Gather us in the lost and forsaken, gather us in the blind and the lame;

call to us now, and we shall awaken; 

we shall arise at the sound of your name.

2. We are the young, our lives are a mystery. 

We are the old who yearn for your face. 

We have been sung throughout all of history, 

called to be light to the whole human race. 

Gather us in, the rich and the haughty; 

gather us in the proud and the strong;

give us a heart, so meek and so lowly; 

give us the courage to enter the song.

3. Here we will take the wine and the water; 

here we will take the bread of new birth.

Here you shall call your sons and your daughters,

call us anew to be salt for the earth.

Give us to drink the wine of compassion; 

give us to eat the bread that is you;

nourish us well, and teach us to fashion 

lives that are holy and hearts that are true,

4. Not in the dark of buildings confining, 

not in some heaven, light years away:

here in this place the new light is shining;

now is the kingdom, and now is the day.

Gather us in and hold us forever; gather us in and make us your own;

gather us in, all peoples together,

fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, you fully love us, but we have not fully loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, hatred, warfare, and greed. 

God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our redeemer. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

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

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

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                                   Psalm 34:1-10

I will bless the Lord at all times;

    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

    let the humble hear and be glad.

 O magnify the Lord with me,

    and let us exalt his name together.

 I sought the Lord, and he answered me,

    and delivered me from all my fears.

 Look to him, and be radiant;

    so your faces shall never be ashamed.

 This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,

    and was saved from every trouble.

 The angel of the Lord encamps

    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

 O taste and see that the Lord is good;

    happy are those who take refuge in him.

 O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,

    for those who fear him have no want.

 The young lions suffer want and hunger,

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN        

ANTHEM                     “Come, Jesus, Holy Son of God”         Hal Hopson 

SECOND LESSON                                                                John 6:35-59

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON              “True Heavenly Bread”             The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             Theological Declaration of Barman

     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. Amen. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY     Woodland Sketches, III. At An Old Trysting Place
by Edward MacDowell

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

*HYMN 510            “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts” 

1 Jesus, thou joy of loving hearts, thou fount of 

life, thou light of all, from the best bliss that 

earth imparts we turn, unfilled, to heed thy call.

1. Here in this place the new light is streaming; 

now is the darkness vanished away; 

see in this space our fears and our dreamings

brought here to you in the light of this day.

Gather us in the lost and forsaken, gather us in the blind and the lame;

call to us now, and we shall awaken; 

we shall arise at the sound of your name.

2. We are the young, our lives are a mystery. 

We are the old who yearn for your face. 

We have been sung throughout all of history, 

called to be light to the whole human race. 

Gather us in, the rich and the haughty; 

gather us in the proud and the strong;

give us a heart, so meek and so lowly; 

give us the courage to enter the song.

3. Here we will take the wine and the water; 

here we will take the bread of new birth.

Here you shall call your sons and your daughters,

call us anew to be salt for the earth.

Give us to drink the wine of compassion; 

give us to eat the bread that is you;

nourish us well, and teach us to fashion 

lives that are holy and hearts that are true,

4. Not in the dark of buildings confining, 

not in some heaven, light years away:

here in this place the new light is shining;

now is the kingdom, and now is the day.

Gather us in ans hold us forever; gather us in and make us your own;

gather us in, all peoples together,

fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful and loving God, you have called us to be your people and claimed us for the service of Jesus Christ. We confess that we have not lived up to our calling to proclaim the good news in word and deed. We are quick to speak when we ought to listen, and remain silent when it is time to speak. We put too much faith in our own actions and fail to trust the strength of your Spirit. 

O God, forgive our foolish ways. Strengthen us anew to follow Christ’s way in the world. By your Holy Spirit, give us the grace we need to be faithful disciples and fulfill our common calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

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

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

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                               John 4:46-54 

Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my little boy dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.’ The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN   

ANTHEM            “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”          Hal Hopson    

SECOND LESSON                                                     John 5:1-18                     

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralysed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Stand up, take your mat and walk.’ At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.

Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, ‘It is the sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.’ But he answered them, ‘The man who made me well said to me, “Take up your mat and walk.” ’ They asked him, ‘Who is the man who said to you, “Take it up and walk”?’ Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.’ The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing such things on the sabbath. But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is still working, and I also am working.’ For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

INTERPRETATION OF ANNUAL REPORT 

Christian Education Committee

Outreach/ Congregational Life Committee

Playschool Committee

Presbyterian Women

Worship Committee

Board of Deacons

Homily and Pastor’s Report

 RESPONSE     

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY         Kelly Cuppett

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

ONE: … Great is the mystery of faith:

MANY: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again…

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

ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

Hymn 394          “There is a Balm in Gilead”            BALM IN GILEAD

Refrain: There is a balm in Gilead To make the wounded whole.

There is a balm in Gilead To heal the sin-sick soul.

1 Some times I feel discouraged, And think my work’s in vain,But 

then the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again. (Refrain)

2 Don’t ever feel discouraged, For Jesus is your friend, And

if you lack for knowledge He’ll not refuse to lend. (Refrain)

3 If you cannot preach like Peter, If you cannot pray like Paul, You can 

tell the love of Jesus And say “He died for all.”( Refrain)

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE        “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee”             HYMN TO JOY

Joyful, joyful, we adore You, God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before You, Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!