John Calvin Presbyterian Church

“Guide Me, O thou Great Jehovah”

1. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand;

Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,

Feed me till I want no more, Feed me till I want no more.

2. Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow;

Let the fire and cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through;

Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,

Be Thou still my strength and shield, Be Thou still my strength and shield.

WORDS OF WELCOME   

MINUTE FOR MISSION

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP Exod. 20:2–3

ONE: The Lord has delivered us from slavery;

MANY: there is no other god but the Lord.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of redemption, you call us to step out in faith and trust that you will be with us. Help us see beyond the answers that we are expecting, to the salvation that you are opening before us. Guard us from the fears and complaints that can obscure your calling. Amen.

HYMN  [music in pew]                      “Your Endless Love, Your Mighty Acts”

1. Your endless love, your mighty acts Surpass what words can tell; 

Lord, may the joys your people know be mine to share as well 

2. Our Rebel Forebears rarely grasped your mercy or your might; 

We need your mercy just like them: we, too, do wrong not right. ”

3. Before a golden calf they bowed an idol in your place! 

Until, by Moses faithful prayer, you drew them back to grace. 

4. But when they spurned the promised land, you made your anger plain: 

They wandered long on desert paths, and served the Baals again. 

5. Yet those whom once you sold in wrath, in mercy you restored; 

May we, like them, be gathered in to thank and praise you, Lord. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty and merciful God, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.

O Lord, have mercy upon us. Forgive those who confess their faults.

Restore those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to the world in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O merciful God, for his sake, that we may live a holy, just, and humble life to the glory of your holy name. 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

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                         Exodus 14:5-7, 10-14, 21-29

When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the minds of Pharaoh and his officials were changed towards the people, and they said, ‘What have we done, letting Israel leave our service?’ So he had his chariot made ready, and took his army with him; he took six hundred picked chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them.

As Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked back, and there were the Egyptians advancing on them. In great fear the Israelites cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the very thing we told you in Egypt, “Let us alone and let us serve the Egyptians”? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.’ But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.’

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, ‘Let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.’

Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.’ So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the Lord tossed the Egyptians into the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                  “Through the Waters”               The Rev. Aaron Ochart 

RESPONSE     

ANNOUNCEMENTS

*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.

PLEDGE DRIVE TESTIMONIAL                                                Mike Isham

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERING       “I will Arise”       arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw

I will arise and go to Jesus; he will embrace me in his arms.

In the arms of my dear Saviour, oh! there are ten thousand charms.

Teach me some melodious sonnet sung by flaming tongues above.

Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Come, thou font of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace.

Streams of mercy never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.

*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

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.

SUNG RESPONSE [Blue Hymnal #581]  “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord”

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

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, 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 [Purple Hymnal #80]  “You Shall Go Out With Joy”

You Shall go with joy and be led forth with peace;

the mountains and the hills will break forth before you;

there’ll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the fields, 

will clap, will clap their hands

and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands;

the trees of the fields will clap their hands;

the trees of the field will clap their hands while you go out with joy. 

*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

Our God is an awesome God who reigns from heaven above 

with wisdom, power, and love; our God is an awesome God! 

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.  

1. To Abraham and Sarah the call of God was clear;

“Go forth and I will show you a country rich and fair.

You need not fear the journey, for I have pledged my word

that you shall be my people and I will be your God. 

2. From Abraham and Sarah arose a pilgrim race,

dependent for their journey on God’s abundant grace;

and in their heart was written by God this saving word,

“That you shall be my people and I will be your God.”

3. We of this generation on whom God’s hand is laid

can journey to the future secure and unafraid,

rejoicing in God’s goodness and trusting in this word,

“That you shall be my people and I will be your God.”

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, in your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste to the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. 

We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and have turned them into bonds of oppression. 

Lord, have mercy on us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ. 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

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                                  Genesis 39:1-23

Now Joseph was taken down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man; he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him; he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge; and, with him there, he had no concern for anything but the food that he ate.

Now Joseph was handsome and good-looking. And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, ‘Lie with me.’ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Look, with me here, my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my hand. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?’ And although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not consent to lie beside her or to be with her. One day, however, when he went into the house to do his work, and while no one else was in the house, she caught hold of his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me!’ But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside, she called out to the members of her household and said to them, ‘See, my husband has brought among us a Hebrew to insult us! He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice; and when he heard me raise my voice and cry out, he left his garment beside me, and fled outside.’ Then she kept his garment by her until his master came home, and she told him the same story, saying, ‘The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to insult me; but as soon as I raised my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me, and fled outside.’

When his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, saying, ‘This is the way your servant treated me’, he became enraged. And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; he remained there in prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love; he gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison, and whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. The chief jailer paid no heed to anything that was in Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                           The Rev. Aaron Ochart 

RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                  Heidelberg Catechism                            

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

ALL: 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

*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 [Blue Hymnal #404]   “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand,

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;

Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light:

Take my hand, precious Lord,

Lead me home.

When my way grows drear, Precious Lord, linger near

When my life is almost gone 

Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand lest I fall.

Take my hand, precious Lord,

Lead me home.

*PARTING PRAYER    

Faithful God, your promises stand unshaken through all generations. Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert as we watch for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our Judge and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “Trumpet Tune” by Michael McCabe

Flowers were given by John and Linda Laporte in honor of their 63rd wedding anniversary.

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

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: [Blue Hymnal 485]      “To God be the Glory”

1 To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory: great things He hath done.

2 Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME   

MINUTE FOR MISSION

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP Phil. 1:27

ONE: Live in a way that is worthy of the gospel

MANY: Stand firm in the Spirit, side by side.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty God, you created the heavens and the earth,

and humankind in your image. Teach us to discern your hand in all your works and to serve you with reverence and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN  [music in pew]                                     “To Abraham and Sarah”

1. To Abraham and Sarah the call of God was clear;

“Go forth and I will show you a country rich and fair.

You need not fear the journey, for I have pledged my word

that you shall be my people and I will be your God. 

2. From Abraham and Sarah arose a pilgrim race,

dependent for their journey on God’s abundant grace;

and in their heart was written by God this saving word,

“That you shall be my people and I will be your God.”

3. We of this generation on whom God’s hand is laid

can journey to the future secure and unafraid,

rejoicing in God’s goodness and trusting in this word,

“That you shall be my people and I will be your God.”

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, in your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste to the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. 

We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and have turned them into bonds of oppression. 

Lord, have mercy on us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ. 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

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                                  Genesis 12:1-9

Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages towards the Negeb.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON               “A Place I Will Show You”            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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERING       “His Voice as the Sound”

arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw

His voice as the sound of the dulcimer sweet, 

Is heard thro’ the shadows of death

The cedars of Lebanon bow at his feet,

The air is perfum’d with his breath.

His lips as a fountain of righteousness flow 

that waters the garments of grace.

From which their salvation the Gentiles shall know, 

And bask in the smile of his face. 

Love sits in his eyelids and scatters delight 

Thro’ all the bright regions on high.

Their faces the Cherubim veil in his sight, 

And tremble with fullness of joy.

He looks, and ten thousands of angels rejoice, 

And myriads wait for his word,

He speaks, and eternity filled with his voice, 

Re-echoes the praise of her Lord

*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 [Blue Hymnal #488]  “The God of Abraham Praise”

1 The God of Abraham praise, Who reigns enthroned above;

The ancient of eternal days, The God of Love!

The Lord, the great I Am, By earth and heaven confessed,

We bow before Your holy name, Forever blest.

2 Your spirit still flows free, High surging where it will;

In prophet’s word You spoke of old And You speak still.

Established is Your law, And changeless it shall stand,

Deep writ upon the human heart, On sea, or land.

3 You have eternal life Implanted in the soul;

Your love shall be our strength and stay, While ages roll.

We praise You, living God! We praise Your holy name;

The first, the last, beyond all thought, And still the same!

*PARTING PRAYER    

Faithful God, your promises stand unshaken through all generations. Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert as we watch for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our Judge and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “Festivities” by Phil Lehenbauer

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

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.

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.

WORDS OF WELCOME   

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP         Rom. 13:10      

ONE: Love does no wrong to a neighbor;

MANY: love is the fulfillment of the law. 

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. You are high above us, but we build towers to our own greatness. We trust our own intellect and inspiration to save us, rather than your grace. We build houses in the sand, rather than on the rock of your Word. Help us to build eternal structures, in ourselves and in the world, and put our trust in you. Amen. 

HYMN                                       “To Abraham and Sarah”

1. To Abraham and Sarah the call of God was clear;

“Go forth and I will show you a country rich and fair.

You need not fear the journey, for I have pledged my word

that you shall be my people and I will be your God. 

2. From Abraham and Sarah arose a pilgrim race,

dependent for their journey on God’s abundant grace;

and in their heart was written by God this saving word,

“That you shall be my people and I will be your God.”

3. We of this generation one whom God’s hand is laid

can journey to the future secure and unafraid,

rejoicing in God’s goodness and trusting in this word,

“That you shall be my people and I will be your God.”

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, in your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste to the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. 

We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and have turned them into bonds of oppression. 

Lord, have mercy on us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ. 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

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                                  Genesis 11:1-9

Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.’ And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.’ The LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. And the LORD said, ‘Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.’ So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore it was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                         “Building Towers”                  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 

*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

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

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

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

ONE: … Great is the mystery of faith:

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

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

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

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN [Blue Hymnal #379]  “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”

1. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand. 

2. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. (refrain)

3. His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;

When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. (refrain)

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found,

Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne, (refrain)

*PARTING PRAYER    

Faithful God, your promises stand unshaken through all generations. Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert as we watch for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our Judge and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

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.  

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. 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

3. 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

WORDS OF WELCOME   

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP Ps. 103:8          

ONE: The Lord is merciful and gracious,

MANY: slow to anger and abounding in love.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty God, you have taught us that all our deeds without love are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the very bond of peace and of all goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

HYMN                                                “Thy Word”

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path,

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

1. When I feel afraid, and I think I’ve lost my way, 

still you’re there right beside me. 

Nothing Will I fear as long as you are near

please be near me to the end. (chorus)

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors, and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. 

In your great mercy forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our 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

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                  Genesis 6:9-24; 8:15-22

These are the descendants of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. And Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw that the earth was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted its ways upon the earth. And God said to Noah, ‘I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence because of them; now I am going to destroy them along with the earth. Make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above; and put the door of the ark in its side; make it with lower, second, and third decks. For my part, I am going to bring a flood of waters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. And of every living thing, of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground according to its kind, two of every kind shall come in to you, to keep them alive. Also take with you every kind of food that is eaten, and store it up; and it shall serve as food for you and for them.’ Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him…

 Then God said to Noah, ‘Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.’ So Noah went out with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. And every animal, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out of the ark by families.

Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt-offerings on the altar. And when the Lord smelled the pleasing odor, the Lord said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of humankind, for the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth; nor will I ever again destroy every living creature as I have done.

As long as the earth endures,

   seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,

summer and winter, day and night,

   shall not cease.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                    “The Great Flood”                      The Rev. Aaron Ochart 

RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                   Brief Statement of Faith

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, Fully human, fully God.

Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.

We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image …, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. 

We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. 

With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY              Listen to God Ronald Palmisano  

*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 

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

CLOSING PRAYER

Gracious God, by water and the Spirit you claimed us as your own, cleansing us from sin, and giving us new life. You made us members of your body, the church, calling us to be your servants in the world. Continue the good work you have begun in us. Send us forth by the power of your Spirit to love and serve you with joy, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

*HYMN [Blue Hymnal #384]  O love that Will Not Let Me Go

1. O love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

2. O light that followest all my way,

I yield my flickering torch to thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day

May brighter, fairer be.

3. O joy that seekest me through pain,

I cannot close my heart to Thee;

I trace the rainbow through the rain,

And feel the promise is not vain

That morn shall tearless be.

4. O cross that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to fly from Thee;

I lay in dust life’s glory dead,

And from the ground there blossoms red

Life that shall endless be.

*PARTING PRAYER    

Almighty God, by the love of Jesus Christ you draw people to faith, and welcome them into the church family. May we show your joy by embracing new siblings, who with us believe and with us will work to serve you. Keep us close together in your Spirit, breaking bread in faith and love, one with Jesus Christ our Lord and Master. Amen

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

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; and Josh Sierra Delgado, guest musician.  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. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; To his feet thy tribute bring;

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore his praises sing, 

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King. 

2. Praise him for his grace and favor to his people in distress;

Praise him still the same as ever, slow to chide and quick to bless.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in his faithfulness. 

WORDS OF WELCOME   

ADORATION 

CALL TO WORSHIP           

ONE: Our God is a God of creation and life.

MANY: Let us praise the Lord.

ONE: Our God is a God of love, compassion, forgiveness and grace.

MANY: Let us praise the Lord.

ONE: Our God is a God of friendship, new beginnings, peacefulness and sharing of gifts.

MANY: Let us praise and worship the Lord.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty God, you built your church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the cornerstone. Join us together by their teaching, so that we may be a holy temple in whom your Spirit dwells; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

HYMN                                                “Thy Word”

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path,

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

1. When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, 

still you’re there right beside me. 

Jesus be my guide, hold me to your side, 

please be near me ‘till the end. (chorus)

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

ONE: Creator God, by your design we are whole people, yet we deny this gift of wholeness when

MANY:  we have been willing to be entertained but not changed;

ONE: We have allowed our insights to harden into clichés;

MANY: We have seen our youth as “the future of the church,” but not as valuable members of the church today;

ONE: We have called on you only to hear the sound of our own voices;

MANY: Forgiving God, who makes community from the raw materials

of our lives, teach us the humility to learn from those who know

a true rejoicing.

Restore to us wholeness through the Oneness we have in your Son,

our risen Savior, Christ Jesus. 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

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                                              Genesis 5

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON           “Genealogies and Generations”         The Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE     

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY              “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”           David Russo

*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

PROFESSION of FAITH

ELDER: Christian Hebert, Deborah Nolan, and David Russo are presented by the session for the reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant. They now desire to profess their faith publicly and accept greater responsibility in the life of the church and God’s mission in the world. 

PRESIDER: We rejoice that you now desire to declare your faith and to share with us our common ministry. In baptism, you were joined to Christ and made members of his body. In the community of the people of God you have learned of God’s purpose for you and for all creation. You have been nurtured at the table of our Lord and called to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

CONGREGATION: You are citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

FAITH QUESTIONS

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil in the world?

I do.

Who is your Lord and Savior?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his word and showing his love?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you devote yourself to the church’s teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers?

I will, with God’s help.

*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.

CLOSING PRAYER

Gracious God, by water and the Spirit you claimed us as your own, cleansing us from sin, and giving us new life. You made us members of your body, the church, calling us to be your servants in the world. Renew in David, Deborah, and Christian the covenant you made at their baptism. Continue the good work you have begun in them. Send them forth by the power of your Spirit to love and serve you with joy, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

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 Hymnal #526]  “For All the Saints”

1. For all the saints, who from their labor rest, 

who thee by faith before the word confessed,

thy name, O Jesus be forever blessed, Aleluia! Aleluia!

2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;

thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;

thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light, Aleluia! Aleluia!

3. O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle; 

they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all art thine. Aleluia! Aleluia!

4. From earth’s wide bounds, from oceans farthest coast,

gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Aleluia! Aleluia!

*PARTING PRAYER    

Almighty God, by the love of Jesus Christ you draw people to faith, and welcome them into the church family. May we show your joy by embracing new siblings, who with us believe and with us will work to serve you. Keep us close together in your Spirit, breaking bread in faith and love, one with Jesus Christ our Lord and Master. Amen

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

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; and Josh Sierra Delgado, guest musician.  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

Water park: Don’t forget next Saturday Aug. 20th is our final Summer event with a Trip to Gulf Island Water park. If you haven’t signed up yet or if you want to invite some more friends there is still time. Just let me know ASAP. 

Choir Kickoff and Ice Cream Social Rescheduled: We have rescheduled this fun event due to covid. If you are not sure about choir and want to know more, if you are a die-hard chorister chomping at the bit to sing again, or you just like cold desserts, please join us for a Choir Kickoff and Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, August 24th at 7:00 PM. This is a fellowship opportunity with a little singing- not a rehearsal, but a preview and stumble-through of the anthems we have planned this fall. 

Lost and Found: We have several pairs of glasses and sunglasses on the table in the Narthex. If you are missing a pair please come take a look we will be donating unclaimed pairs at the end of August.  

All church and Community Picnic: Everyone mark your calendars for an all church picnic on Sept. 11th following the service. Invite your friends and neighbors too. More information to come in the next few weeks, but we will be looking for volunteers to help put this together. We hope to see everyone there! 

Events and Meetings this Week:

8/15 – 6:30 PM – Session Meeting 

8/17 – 11:00 AM – Staff Meeting 

8/18 – Office closed for carpet cleaning 

8/20 – Family and Youth Water Park Trip

8/21 – 9:30 AM –  Deacon Training, no kids activity

1. Come, live in the light 

Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord

We are called to be light for the kingdom

To live in the freedom of the city of God

Chorus: We are called to act with justice

We are called to love tenderly

We are called to serve one another

2.Come, open your heart

Show your mercy to all those in fear

We are called to be hope for the hopeless

So all hatred and violence will be no more (chorus)

3. Sing, sing a new song

Sing of that great day when all will be one

God will reign and we’ll walk with each other

As sisters and brothers united in love (chorus)  

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors, and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. 

In your great mercy forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our 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, 

PROCLAMATION

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                  “My Sibling’s Keeper”                  The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                               Confession of 1967

God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of [hu]man’s life: social and cultural, economic and political, scientific and technological, individual and corporate. It includes [hu]man’s natural environment as exploited and despoiled by sin. It is the will of God that [God’s] purpose for human life shall be fulfilled under the rule of Christ and all evil be banished from [God’s] 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 him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                

*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

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.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN [Blue Hymnal #419]  “How Clear is Our Vocation Lord”

How clear is our vocation, Lord, When once we heed your call:

To live according to your word, And daily learn, refreshed, restored,

That you are Lord of all, and will not let us fall.

But if, forgetful, we should find Your yoke is hard to bear;

If worldly pressures fray the mind, and love itself cannot unwind

Its tangled skein of care: Our inward life repair.

We mark Your saints, how they became In hindrances more sure;

Whose joyful virtues put to shame The casual way we wear your name,

And by our faults obscure Your power to cleanse and cure.

In what you give us, Lord, to do, Together or alone,

In old routines or ventures new, May we not cease to look to you, 

*PARTING PRAYER    

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

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

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.  

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

Clothing Donations: The outreach committee will be collecting clean gently used clothing to take to our neighbors in Lake Charles. This area was particularly hard hit in the last several hurricane seasons and people are still in need of many things. We are partnering with another local church to send these donations of clothing. We will have boxes in the narthex or you can drop items off in the office. 

Choir Kickoff and Ice Cream Social: If you are not sure about choir and want to know more, if you are a die-hard chorister chomping at the bit to sing again, or you just like cold desserts, please join us for a Choir Kickoff and Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, August 10th. This is a fellowship opportunity with a little singing- not a rehearsal, but a preview and stumble-through of the anthems we have planned this fall. We hope to see you there!

Flowers: Would you like to supply flowers for the sanctuary one Sunday? You can sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex. This is a wonderful way to mark a special occasion or give in remembrance of someone special. 

Lost and Found: We have several pairs of glasses and sunglasses on the table in the Narthex. If you are missing a pair please come take a look we will be donating unclaimed pairs at the end of August.  

Events and Meetings this Week:

8/7 – 9:30 AM –  Deacon Training 

        5:30 PM – Youth Group

8/8 – 12:00 PM – Playschool Committee Meeting

         6:30 PM – Christian Education Meeting 

8/10 – 11:00 AM – Staff Meeting

          6:00 PM – Worship Committee Meeting 

          7:00 PM – Ice Cream Social and Choir Kick-Off

8/12 – 10:00 AM – Clothes Sorting

The Flowers in the Sanctuary were donated by Dennis and Ernestine Price in celebration of their 62nd wedding anniversary.

John Calvin Presbyterian Church

-Prayer List-

August 7th

• Tom G., Sharon’s brother, in hospital for double pneumonia.
• Nick J., moving to an Assisted Living facility. 
• Amy C. recovering from back surgery.
• Don M. is home from the hospital.

July 31st

• Aquileo, Olga’s husband, finished radiation treatments.
• Family and Friends of George McLean, a long-time member who passed away this week. His service will be on September 9th at 11am at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.
• Peter H. back home after 2 months in medical rehab after recovering from abdominal surgeries. 
• Maurice, Denis M’s neighbor, whose wife passed away suddenly last week. 

July 24th 

• Family and friends of Debbie O’Regan, John O’Regan’s wife, who passed away. 
• Faye R,, friend of Cynthia F., needs heart surgery.
• Tony H. will be undergoing radiation treatment for cancer in his Tonsils. The cancer has been contained. 
• Jack, online request, for friends and family.
• Friends of Beverly K.
• Friends and Family of Joe T., Lynn S. uncle.
• Joy de B. (former Playschool teacher and friend of Debbie R.’s) underwent her second and third cancer surgeries. She is home but will need more chemotherapy. 

one God, forever and ever. Amen

HYMN               Come! Live in the Light!     WE ARE CALLED

1. Come, live in the light 

Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord

We are called to be light for the kingdom

To live in the freedom of the city of God

Chorus: We are called to act with justice

We are called to love tenderly

We are called to serve one another

To walk humbly with God

2.Come, open your heart

Show your mercy to all those in fear

We are called to be hope for the hopeless

So all hatred and violence will be no more (chorus)

3. Sing, sing a new song

Sing of that great day when all will be one

God will reign and we’ll walk with each other

As sisters and brothers united in love (chorus)  

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors, and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. 

In your great mercy forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our 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

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                                       Genesis 2:4b-25

In the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

A river flows out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it divides and becomes four branches. The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; and the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.’

Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.’ So out of the ground the LORD God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,

‘This at last is bone of my bones

   and flesh of my flesh;

this one shall be called Woman,

   for out of Man this one was taken.’

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                   “To Till and To Keep”                    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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY          Excerpts from L’Union Gottschalk        

*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. 

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

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

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

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

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

ONE: … Great is the mystery of faith:

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

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

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

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN [Blue #563]    Lift Every Voice and Sing       

Lift every voice and sing

Till earth and heaven ring

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty

Let our rejoicing rise

High as the listening skies

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun

Let us march on till victory is won

Stony the road we trod

Bitter the chastening rod

Felt in the days when hope unborn had died

Yet with a steady beat

Have not our weary feet

Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered

We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered

Out from the gloomy past

Till now we stand at last

Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast

God of our weary years

God of our silent tears

Thou who has brought us thus far on the way

Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light

Keep us forever in the path, we pray

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee

Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee

Shadowed beneath Thy hand

May we forever stand

True to our God

True to our native land

*PARTING PRAYER    

Holy Spirit, you have filled us with your life. 

Christ our Savior, you have embraced us in your love. 

God our Mother, you have fed us with your grace.

Now send us out into your beloved world

to share your life, your love, your grace with all.

Blessing and honor and glory to you,

holy, holy, holy Lord. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE        Overture from The Music For the Royal Fireworks – Handel         

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

Announcements. 

Treasurer: The John Calvin Session is looking for someone to help oversee the finances of the church. If you or someone you know might be interested, please let us know.

VBS VOLUNTEERS: It’s that time of year again time to volunteer for VBS! We will be doing Spark Studios VBS July 18th – 22nd and we can’t do it without you. Our biggest volunteer needs are those willing to be group leaders. Ideally we would like to have two adults per group. So grab a friend and come have some fun with us teaching the kids about creativity and God’s plan for their lives. 

Conducting Clinic: Join us In a 3-week masterclass, setting intended for those with some music literacy, to learn the basic gestures of conducting and choose a piece from the choral or handbell library to prepare. The dates are July 6th, 13th and 20th from 6-7pm. Those who enjoy it may find themselves on the podium this fall! Please let Kelly know of your interest by July 1.

Handbell Choir: If you are interested in participating in a summer handbell choir, please let Sam know by July 1st. Rehearsals will take place July 13th, 20th, 27th and Aug. 7th at 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM for participation in August 7th service.

Bible Builds: Join us for bible builds, July 10th, 24th and Aug 7th at 9:30 AM. We will read a story from the bible and then the kids log on to Minecraft and build something from the story. We will talk about their builds and explore the story further using their ideas and builds. 

Wedding Bands: We give thanks to God that David Bottomley and Angel Jacobs were married on Friday, and we ask God to bless their marriage.