John Calvin Presbyterian Church

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

3rd Sunday of Easter

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

  Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart                 

        Liturgist: Dennis McCrea                          

Please silence all phones and beepers. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE    

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)                                    Luke 24:31–32

When Jesus speaks, our hearts burn within us; 

our eyes are opened when he breaks the bread.                          

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy Giver and Receiver of life,                                                        Your martyr, Stephen, shined with the light of your Holy Spirit. When his opponents took his life, he offered up his spirit to you, and prayed mercy for theirs. Make Stephen an example of faith and courage for all your followers, for the sake of the one who brought light and life to this world, Jesus Christ. Amen.

HYMN 119                           “The Strife is O’er”                              Victory

1 The strife is o’er, the battle done,

The victory of life is won;

The song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!

2 The powers of death have done their worst,

But Christ their legions hath dispersed;

Let shouts of holy joy outburst. Alleluia!

CALL TO CONFESSION        

SILENT CONFESSION                                                          

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

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

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

ASSURANCE OF PARDON               

GLORIA PATRI 579        

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                       Luke 6:32-38

‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.* Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’                          

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN         “A Quiet Power”        Julie Hebert

ANTHEM                  

“Sweet Are The Prayers of a Friend”                                 Pepper Choplin

How sweet are the prayers of a friend.  

How sweet are the prayers that are offered up by a friend who calls, calling up to heav’n, calling, 

“Lord, come down, come down and bless again.” 

Friends pray for healing, 

they pray revealing the heavy burdens of our souls.

They pray for courage, unfailing courage, asking God to make us whole.

How sweet are the prayers of a friend.  How sweet are the prayers that are offered up by a friend who calls, calling up to heav’n, calling, 

“Lord, come down, come down and bless again.” 

Friends pray us through troubles, 

through all our struggles when life seems to fall, fall apart.

They pray us through grieving, 

always believing our God can heal the broken heart.

How sweet are the prayers of a friend. How sweet are the prayers that are offered up by a friend who calls, calling up to heav’n, calling, 

“Lord, come down, come down and bless again.”

Second Lesson     Acts 6:1-11, 7:54-60                                          

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. …

When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.                        

“The Joy and Impact of Giving”               Dr. Raju and Ginny Thomas                 

 RESPONSE 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                  Scots Confession 3.01

God 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 his inscrutable providence for such end as his eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of his own glory.

                         

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 420          “God of Grace and God of Glory”           CWM Rhondda

God of grace and God of glory,

on the people pour thy power;

crown thine ancient church’s story,

bring her bud to glorious flower.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

for the facing of this hour,

for the facing of this hour.

2 Lo! the hosts of evil round us

scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!

Fears and doubts too long have bound us;

free our hearts to work and praise.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

for the living of these days,

for the living of these days.

PARTING PRAYER                                         St. Giles Cathedral (1637)

 O Lord our God, you are always more ready to bestow your good gifts than we are to seek them. You are more willing to give than we desire or deserve. Help us so to seek that we may truly find, so to ask that we may joyfully receive, so to knock that the door of your mercy may be opened for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.                                                     

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE               “Mighty Maker of All”                       Rachel Sawyer

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

2nd Sunday of Easter

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

April 11, 2021 

                    Pastor Emeritus: The Reverend Robert Malsbary                      

                         Liturgist: Linda Lowry                         

Please silence all phones and beepers. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE    Psalm 19

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)                                  John 20:19, 21   

Peace be with you. Jesus stands among us. 

Peace be with you. The risen Lord is here.                                 

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

HYMN 543                            “Abide With Me”                               Eventide

1 Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;

The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide!

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

2 Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;

Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

CALL TO CONFESSION        

SILENT CONFESSION                                                          

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

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

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

ASSURANCE OF PARDON               

GLORIA PATRI 579        

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                     John 20:19-31

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

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

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

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN   

ANTHEM                   Hallelujah!  Jesus Lives!              Mark Shepperd

Hallelujah!  Jesus Lives!  He is now the Living One;

from the gloomy halls of death Christ, the conqueror has gone,  

bright forerunner to the skies of his people, yet to rise.

 

Hallelujah!  Angels sing!  Join with us in hymns of praise.

Let your chorus swell the strain which our feebler voices raise:

Glory to our God above and on earth his peace and love!

Hallelujah! 

Second Lesson                                                                     Acts 4:32-35

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.                                             

SERMON                 “Living the Easter Faith”        Rev. Bob Malsbary

 RESPONSE 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                               Nicene Creed: BOC 1.1-3

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. 

 

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.

 

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 108                     “Christ is Alive!”                                            Truro

1 Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Let streets and homes with praises ring.

Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

2 Christ is alive! No longer bound

To distant years in Palestine,

But saving, healing, here and now,

And touching every place and time.

 

PARTING PRAYER                                         St. Giles Cathedral (1637)

 O Lord our God, you are always more ready to bestow your good gifts than we are to seek them. You are more willing to give than we desire or deserve. Help us so to seek that we may truly find, so to ask that we may joyfully receive, so to knock that the door of your mercy may be opened for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.                         

                                      

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE  

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Easter

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

April 4, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Bill Bottomley

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME 

MINUTE FOR MISSION            One Great Hour of Sharing    

PRELUDE (Bell Choir)         “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”    

   

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)

    

Christ is risen!

 

Christ is risen, indeed!

He was dead and now he lives.

Hallelujah, Christ is risen!

The tomb is empty. 

He was dead and now he lives.

The journey begins again.

Come, let us follow him.

And let us start the new journey with prayer:

God of life, you came to us and you redeem all things.  And now we give ourselves to you and continue your work of good news and reconciliation in the world. Give us the strength to follow you on the mission you have called us to. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

HYMN 118                “The Day of Resurrection!”             LANCASHIRE

1 The day of resurrection!
Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness,
The Passover of God.
From death to life eternal,
From this world unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over
With hymns of victory.

2 Our hearts be pure from evil,
That we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal
Of resurrection light;
And listening to His accents,
May hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing,
May raise the victor strain.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

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

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

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                                         1 Peter 1:3-9 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

      

ANTHEM                     “Risen Indeed”                         Allen Pote

Christ is risen, Christ is risen, alleluia!  Sing alleluia, sing alleluia, he is risen!

Lift up your voices sing alleluia!  Christ is risen indeed, he is risen from the dead.

He died for us, our sinful souls to save,  Now he is risen, risen from the grave.

The tomb stands empty, the stone was rolled away.  

Darkness has vanished, the night has turned to day.

Jesus will meet us when our death is near.

He gives us hope eternal.  We need not fear!

Sing alleluia, sing alleluia he is risen.

Lift up your voices sing alleluia!  

Christ is risen indeed.   Christ is risen.  Alleluia!

                 

SECOND LESSON                                                                Luke 24:1-12 

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,  that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.                         

                  

 RESPONSE     

SPECIAL MUSIC         “In Christ Alone”                 Getty/Townend

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                              Apostles’ Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. 

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

   The Lord be with you.

        And also with you.

   Lift up your hearts.

        We lift them to the Lord.

   Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise…

…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…

Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

Dying you destroyed our death,

rising you restored our life.

Lord Jesus, come in glory…

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

1 Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

2 Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

PARTING PRAYER                                         St. Giles Cathedral (1637)

 O Lord our God, you are always more ready to bestow your good gifts than we are to seek them. You are more willing to give than we desire or deserve. Help us so to seek that we may truly find, so to ask that we may joyfully receive, so to knock that the door of your mercy may be opened for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.                         

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Palm Sunday

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

March 28, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Please silence all cell phones. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

MINUTE FOR MISSION

PRELUDE              Prelude by J.K.F Fischer

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive) 

Jerusalem, at last! We join the crowd streaming to the mountain. We watch Jesus approach on a lowly donkey.  We hear the crowds cry “Hosanna!”

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

There is a joyful song in the air: the people cheer and the palms wave. But the adulation of the crowd is shallow.

Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna to the blessed of God. Son of David, save us now.

The crowd grows—the people want to be part of something important.

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

 Let us pray.

HYMN 89                “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

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.                 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI 579 

PROCLAMATION

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

How Marvelous Are The Works

How marvelous are the works of the Lord.  

How excellent are His ways.

How wonderful is His glory and fame, 

ever the same, great is the name, of the Lord.

Great is the God of Israel, 

and great are the works of His hands.

He alone is the King of Kings.  Creation bows at His command.

Great is the God of Abraham, and perfect is His law.

In majesty and in holiness He rules Lord of all.  

You Are The Christ

Jesus gathered the chosen together.  

Then He asked this question: 

“Who do the people say the Son of Man is?”  

Some say You are Isaiah. Some say Jerimiah.

Some say you are a prophet, a prophet from long ago.

Jesus looked into the eyes of Peter. 

Then He asked this question:

“Who do you say I am?”  

You are the Christ, you are Messiah.

You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  

You are the King, you are the Savior.

You are the way, the truth, the life, you are the Christ!  

Oh, Lord most high, you are the Christ!

Once unto every man and nation comes the moment to decide.

What will our answer be to Jesus?  Will we in faith reply?

You are the Christ, you are Messiah.

You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  

You are the King, you are the Savior.

You are the way, the truth, the life, you are the Christ!  

Oh, Lord most high, you are the Christ!

Who Is This King

Who is this King that lays aside His crown?  

Who is this King that gently kneels down?

Who is this King that comes to the meek, strengthens the weak?  Who is this King?

Who is this King, the servant of man?  

Who is this King with carpenter’s hands?

Who is this King that holds the unclean, dies to redeem? 

Who is this King?

From heaven’s bright throne and courts filled with praise King Jesus came humbly, a servant of grace.

Trading His glory for shadows and fears, 

He washes the feet of the world with His tears.

Who is this King that lays aside His crown?  

Who is this King that gently kneels down?

Who is this King that comes to the meek, 

strengthens the weak?  Who is this King?

King Of Tears

Go to dark Gethsemane, see the Savior as He prays.

The man of sorrows bows His head 

and groans an anguished prayer.

Redemption’s cup, the price of sin is His alone to bear.

Beneath the olive trees He cries and battles with His fears.

The shadows write His name in black, 

“Behold the King of Tears.”

The suffering Savior prays alone, surrounded by the night.

He lays aside His crown of gold, His legacy of light.

The moaning wind repeats the call that only heaven hears.

“Oh Father let Thy will be done!” Cries out the King of Tears.

Come to the garden, to Olivet’s hill.  

Come to the shadows, be silent and still.

Pause for a moment, consider the cost.  

As Jesus rises and chooses the cross.

Behold the Son of God who came from heavens highest throne.

Standing in an earthly court forsaken and alone.  Despised and rejected, reviled by angry jeers.

“Behold the King,” the rabble cries, 

“Behold the King of Tears!”

 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 male and female, 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.               

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

PARTING PRAYER   Augustine of Hippo (354–430) 

O God, full of compassion, I commit and commend myself to you, in whom I am, and live, and know. Be the goal of my pilgrimage, and my rest by the way. Let my soul take refuge from the crowding turmoil of worldly thought beneath the shadow of your wings. Let my heart, this sea of restless waves, find peace in you, O God. Amen.            

 CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE   Toccata – Belier   

                                                            

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

5th Sunday in Lent

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

March 21, 2021 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Liturgist: Jeremy Moore 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME 

MINUTE FOR MISSION     

PRELUDE Bells        “Our Great Savior”           arr. Patricia Cota

 ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)                                 

We are closer to the events in Jerusalem every day.

We are pilgrims on a journey. We are travelers on the road.

When your people were slaves, you led the faithful through the waters and set them free. But we struggle with the freedom you give us.

We are pilgrims on a journey. We are travelers on the road.

Always you reach out to us. Yet so often we have ignored your open arms and fled from your grace and freedom—and our responsibility.

We are pilgrims on a journey. We are travelers on the road.

One:  Let us pray.

All:  Loving God, you have loved us beyond all measure, but we continue to look for life outside of your embrace. On this journey, remind us that true freedom comes in obedience to you and following where you lead. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

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!

CONFESSION 

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

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. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI 579 

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                        Hebrews 12:1-12

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children—“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.” Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees.