John Calvin Presbyterian Church

PRELUDE – I -“Poco allegretto” from Seven Pieces in C major and C minor – C. Franck

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 46)                      

ONE: God is our refuge and strength,

MANY: A very present help in trouble.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of earthquake and storm; you call us in the wilderness, separated by space and time. You call us in the many places where you have sent us to continue to be your people. We thank you for the safety that you have provided, and pray for your grace on those who were harder hit than us. Amen. 

HYMN                              “God of the Sparrow”

1.God of the sparrow God of the whale

God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe

How does the creature say Praise

2.God of the earthquake God of the storm

God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature cry Woe

How does the creature cry Save

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 Thank

4. God of the hungry God of the sick

God of the prodigal

How does the creature say Care

How does the creature say Life

5.God of the neighbor God of the foe

God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love

How does the creature say Joy

6. God of the ages God near at hand

God of the loving heart

How do your children say Joy

How do your children say Home

CALL TO CONFESSION        

SILENT CONFESSION                                                          

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

Merciful God, in your 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 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 upon 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.

PASSING THE PEACE

PROCLAMATION

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN                             

SCRIPTURE LESSON – Acts 28:11-31 NRSV 

Three months later we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead. We put in at Syracuse and stayed there for three days; then we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. After one day there a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. The believers from there, when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.

When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Three days later he called together the local leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, ‘Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, yet I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. When they had examined me, the Romans wanted to release me, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor—even though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.’ They replied, ‘We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken anything evil about you. But we would like to hear from you what you think, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.’

After they had fixed a day to meet him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: ‘The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah,

“Go to this people and say,

You will indeed listen, but never understand,

   and you will indeed look, but never perceive.

For this people’s heart has grown dull,

   and their ears are hard of hearing,

     and they have shut their eyes;

     so that they might not look with their eyes,

   and listen with their ears,

and understand with their heart and turn—

   and I would heal them.”

Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.’

He lived there for two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God. 

SERMON             “The Ends of the Earth”           Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE               

COLLECTION OF OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY            “My Jesus I Love Thee”

*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. 

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER        

    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. 

SENDING

*HYMN              “Amazing Grace”

1 Amazing grace (how sweet the sound) that saved a wretch like me!

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

2 ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

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

’tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

4 The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures;

he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

5. When we’ve been there ten-thousand years, bright shining as the sun.

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