Grace. It is—not at all coincidentally, I now think—the name of

the street where my wife and I first lived together. It is the middle name of our firstborn child, who with her twin sister has taught us so much about how to accept God’s immanent presence. And it is, I am absolutely sure, the fearful and hopeful state in which my wife and I lay the first night I was home from the hospital after the transplant, feeling like a holy fever that bright defiance of, not death exactly, and not suffering, but meaningless death and suffering—which surely warrants, if anything does, the name of faith. Christian Wiman

My Bright Abyss

March 16, 2014

The Worship of God Second Sunday in Lent

8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

WELCOME TO THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH We are grateful for your presence this morning. Third Church strives to be a faithful, open and inclusive congregation. We are a diverse people united by a common faith in Jesus Christ and by meaningful worship and service. We invite all who are seeking to live a life of Christian faith and discipleship to join us. If you are new to Third Church, the following information may be helpful. Parking On Sunday mornings: Street parking is possible on both sides of East Avenue. On Sundays, the Arnold Park parking lot is available for handicap parking only. Other parking is available in the Meigs Street parking lot and can be found at: • Jewish Community Federation (Sibley Place) • Seneca Waterways Council of the Boy Scouts • American Association of University Women • Rochester Area Community Foundation • Century Club (all on East Avenue) In the event of a medical emergency, please notify an usher or staff member. An AED and first aid supplies are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and elevator. Hearing Assistance: The Chapel and Sanctuary are equipped with induction loop systems. Use the “Tswitch” of your hearing aid. If you have difficulty hearing during the worship service, please speak with an usher immediately. An Elevator is located at the Parish HouseEducation Building junction to assist in accessibility.

Large Print Bulletins and Bibles are available from the ushers. Hymnals and Bibles are located under the first row pews. Children and Worship: Children’s worship bulletins, Bibles and activity bags are available from the ushers. Church School is available for children up to sixth grade. Child Care is available in the Education Building for infants and toddlers to age three. Coffee Hour follows the 10:45am worship service. All are invited to this time of fellowship in the Celebration Center. Pastoral Care needs may be communicated to Martha Langford. More about Membership: If you are interested in joining Third Church, or just want to know more, contact Lynette Sparks. Our next Exploring Membership dinner will take place March16.

A WORD ABOUT THIS CHURCH THIRD CHURCH participates in the Presbyterian Church (USA) Commitment to Peacemaking. Our intention is to pursue avenues of peace and justice for ourselves, our families and communities, for all people in the world in which we live. We seek to be agents of reconciliation. THIRD CHURCH has joined with other Presbyterian congregations in declaring ourselves to be a “More Light” church. We are committed to the full participation of all persons in our church community without regard for sexual orientation, personal background or human condition. www.thirdpresbyterian.org THIRD CHURCH STAFF

Find us on Facebook: “Third Presbyterian Church” OFFICE: 271-6513; VOICEMAIL: 271-6537

John Wilkinson, Pastor Martha C. Langford, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care Lynette K. Sparks, Interim Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism Lucinda B. Hedges, Parish Associate Peter A. DuBois, Director of Music/Organist Christina A. Lenti, Associate Director of Music Tom Mueller, Assistant Organist Rebecca D’Angelo-Veitch, Coordinator of Children’s Ministries and Congregational Life Jane S. Carden, Youth Ministry Coordinator William W. Young, Pastor Emeritus Roderic P. Frohman, Pastor Emeritus

ext. 105 ext. 108 ext. 106 ext. 109 ext. 110 ext. 118 ext. 107

Preparation for Worship We come to worship from a busy and noisy world. As we prepare to offer ourselves in praise and adoration of God, it is important that we step back from our preoccupations and focus our thoughts on God. We ask that you please turn off all cell phones and pagers. As the music begins this morning, please take time to become more aware of the continuing presence of God.  Stand as you are able

PRELUDE

CHORAL INTROIT (10:45)

 DOXOLOGY

“Psalm Prelude, Op. 32, No. 1”

Herbert Howells “This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.” - Psalm 34:6

“Day by Day”

David Bridges Junior Choir Day by day, day by day, dear Lord, of thee three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day.

(PLEASE STAND AS THE ORGAN INTRODUCTION BEGINS)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

 CALL to WORSHIP LEADER: PEOPLE: LEADER: PEOPLE: LEADER: PEOPLE: LEADER: PEOPLE:

 HYMN 303

OLD HUNDREDTH

from Psalm 121

I will lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. God will not let your foot be moved; the one who keeps you will not slumber. The one who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil, and will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.

“Jesus, Lover of My Soul”

ABERYSTWYTH

PRAYER of CONFESSION

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

SILENT PRAYER KYRIE

ASSURANCE OF PARDON LEADER: PEOPLE:

Friends, believe the good news. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

 RESPONSE:

ANTHEM (10:45)

“Bring Forth the Kingdom”

Marty Haugen Glorious Voices Beth Fischer, piano

You are salt for the earth, O people: salt for the kingdom of God! Share the flavor of life, O people: life in the kingdom of God. Bring

forth the kingdom of mercy, bring forth the kingdom of peace; bring forth the kingdom of justice, bring forth the city of God.

You are a light on the hill, O people: light for the city of God! Shine so holy and bright, O people: shine for the kingdom of God.

Bring forth the kingdom….

We are a blest and a pilgrim people: bound for the kingdom of God! Love our journey and love our homeland: love is the kingdom of God. Bring forth the kingdom….

SACRAMENT of BAPTISM (10:45)

PRESENTATION

Abigail Evans Prince

THE ACT OF BAPTIZING WELCOME ELDER:

PEOPLE:

BAPTISMAL RESPONSE

DISMISSAL of CHILDREN

(10:45)

Abigail is now received into the holy catholic church. Through baptism God has made her a member of the household of faith, to share with us in the priesthood of Christ. We, the members of this congregation, have promised to nurture and to love this child, and to assist her to be a faithful disciple. With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you into Christ’s church, for we are all one in Christ. We promise to love, encourage and support you, to share the good news of the gospel with you and to help you to know and follow Christ.

WORDS of WELCOME

EPISTLE LESSON

LEADER:

(We ask that you sign the Friendship Pad and pass it to the person next to you in the pew. Please greet those worshipping with you at the close of the service.)

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

PEOPLE:

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

ANTHEM

“Do Not Be Afraid”

(Pew Bible, NT page 154)

Philip Stopford Paige Kiefner, soprano

Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you walk through the waters I’ll be with you; You will never sink beneath the waves; When the fire is burning all around you, you will never be consumed by the flames. Do not be afraid… When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side; When you dwell in the exile of the stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes. Do not be afraid… You are mine, O my child; I am your Father and I love you with a perfect love. Do not be afraid… - Text: Gerard Markland (based on Isaiah 43:1-4)

GOSPEL LESSON

LEADER:

PEOPLE:

SERMON  HYMN 366  AFFIRMATION of FAITH

John 3:1-17

(Pew Bible, NT page 93)

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

“Fearful and Hopeful State”

John Wilkinson

“Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me”

ST. CATHERINE

Reformed Church in America

We sing to our Lord a new song; We sing in our world a sure Hope: Our God loves this world, God called it into being, God renews it through Jesus Christ, God governs it by the Spirit. God is the world's true Hope. In each year and in every place we expect the coming of Christ's Spirit. As we listen to the world's concerns, hear the cry of the oppressed,

and learn of new discoveries, God will give us knowledge, teach us to respond with maturity, and give us courage to act with integrity. Come, Lord Jesus: We are open to your Spirit. We await your full presence. Our world finds rest in you alone. Amen.

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER

PRESENTATION of OFFERINGS ANTHEM

(Prayer request cards can be found in the pew racks) 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.

“Lass dich nur nichts nicht dauern“

Johannes Brahms

(Let nothing ever grieve thee)

Lass dich nur nichts nicht dauren mit Trauren, sei stille, wie Gott es fügt, so sei vergnügt mein Wille. Was willst du heute sorgen auf morgen, der Eine stetht allem für, der gibt aud dir das Deine. Sei nur in allem Handel ohn Wandel, steh feste, was Gott beschleust, das ist und heist das Beste. Amen.

Let nothing ever grieve thee, distress thee, nor fret thee; heed God's good will, my soul, be still, compose thee. Why brood all day in sorrow? Tomorrow will bring thee God's help benign and grace sublime in mercy. Be true in all endeavor and ever ply bravely; what God decrees brings joy and peace, He'll stay thee. Amen.

- Paul Flemming (1609-1640)

 RESPONSE

LEADER:

PEOPLE: LEADER:

PEOPLE: LEADER:

PEOPLE: ALL:

 HYMN 76

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. God of all times and places, in Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, you opened for us the path to eternal life. Grant that we, being born again of water and the Spirit, may joyfully serve you in newness of life and faithfully walk in your holy ways; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“My Song is Love Unknown”

LOVE UNKNOWN

 CHARGE and BENEDICTION  CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (8:30)

 CHORAL RESPONSE

God be with you till we meet again; Loving counsels guide, uphold you, With a shepherd’s care enfold you, God be with you till we meet again.

(10:45)

 GREETING POSTLUDE

“Fantasia on ‘ST. ANNE’”

Alfred Fedak

(based on Hymn 210)

The flowers this morning are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Ethel Howard Huntwork, sister of Betty Chase, on what would have been her 100th birthday. The Sanctuary Memorial Prayer Candle is lit today in memory of passengers of the Malaysian air flight and their families. PARTICIPANTS IN THIS MORNING’S SERVICE: PREACHER: John Wilkinson LITURGIST: (8:30) Lynette Sparks, Martha Langford ACOLYTES: ELDER ASSISTING AT BAPTISM: DIRECTOR OF MUSIC/ORGANIST: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: ASSISTANT ORGANIST: GREETERS: USHERS: COFFEE HOUR HOSTS:

(10:45) Lynette Sparks, Martha Langford, Lilly Seoud Randy Carlson, Ty Joseph Ann Haag Peter A. DuBois Christina A. Lenti Tom Mueller (10:45) Peg Rachfal, Darryl, Hannah and Holly Powell, Bernie Todd Smith, Fred and Jo Anne Smith (8:45) Lea and Hank Theuer (10:45) Robb Adams, Nancy Adams, Bill Boller, Priscilla Boller, Otto Muller-Girard, Jr., Jeff Sprague, Phil Tschorke, Beth Tschorke Deacons

March 16, 2014

MINISTRY, SERVICE, AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES About Today’s Baptism We celebrate the baptism this morning of Abigail Evans Prince, born July 25, 2013, daughter of Todd and Jill Hocutt Prince. Abigail is the granddaughter of Barry and Ann Prince (F South Southeast Parish) and great granddaughter of Eleanor Evans (G Central Parish). Spiritual Formation Sunday Seminar: Johnston Hall—9:30am Growing in the Word is combining with the Sunday Seminar for Meeting Jesus in His Parables Again for the First Time, a four-week series with Jim Stewart which runs through March 30. Intercessory Prayer 10:00am in the Chapel Spend time in silent prayer, light a candle, or request intercessory prayer with one of the Deacons. To add names to the weekly congregational prayer list, please contact Martha Langford, 2716537, ext. 108 or [email protected]. Happy Bunch Out to Lunch Today, 12:00pm Join the Happy Bunch at The Country Club Diner for lunch today! Exploring Membership Today, 6:00pm Have you found your way to Third Church and want to know more? Have you been active in the church and

consider deepening your ties to this community of faith? Are you interested in becoming a member, but have questions? Then an Exploring Membership Dinner is just for you. Come to Johnston Hall and meet members, staff, and other newcomers. Share your story and hear about the journeys that brought others here. Explore ways to connect with others and to put your faith in action. Our next Exploring Membership Dinner will be held today at 6:00pm in Johnston Hall. It’s not too late to RSVP to Lynette Sparks ([email protected] or 2716537, ext. 106.) Calvin Guild Wednesday, March 19, 12:00noon Join Elmer Dustman to hear a talk on Bonsai. A soup and salad lunch is available for $7. Please RSVP to Dot Wallace, 223-8502. Thursday Voices March 20, 12:00pm in Johnston Hall During Lent we will explore the Lenten themes in select sermons: Paul Gongloff will lead the discussion this week on The Hungering Dark by Frederick Buechner.

Breath of Faith Friday, March 21, 6:00pm The group will continue with films from Rob Bell’s “Nooma” series: Dust.” Babysitting is provided for $5/child, with a maximum of $10/family. RSVP to Becky D’Angelo-Veitch no later than March 19. Special Music for Lent Next Sunday, March 23, 10:45 worship The Chancel Choir and String Orchestra will present what we believe to be the Rochester premiere of a recent work by young Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo (born 1978). SUNRISE MASS: Symphonic Mass for Choir and String Orchestra is a very beautiful work, transcendent in its choral and orchestral writing, and sure to be a wonderful addition to our Lenten worship experience. This is to be an unusual and spiritually uplifting worship experience – please plan to attend, and invite your friends to join you. A special music offering will be received. Rock Ventures Climbing Event Sunday, March 23, 6:30-8:30pm The Children and Youth Ministries invite children and youth and their families to join together at Rock Ventures, 1044 University Avenue, for an evening of climbing fun and camaraderie. Rock Ventures offers 180,000 square feet of indoor climbing for individuals at all skill levels. The cost for this event is $10 per person with a maximum of $25 per family. Please contact Becky D’AngeloVeitch ([email protected]) or Jane Carden ([email protected]) with your name, phone and email address

and number attending. You can also RSVP on the Youth Weebly web page (www.thirdchurchyouth.weebly.com) Lenten Retreat—April 5 9:00am-12:00pm “My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer” by Christian Wiman In this interactive morning, John Wilkinson will lead us in an exploration of Christian Wiman’s best-selling and well-reviewed book “My Bright Abyss,” which asks many of the questions that contemporary people of faith are asking. You can find many positive reviews on the internet; Kathleen Norris calls it a “daring and urgent book.” All Third Church-ers are encouraged to read the book, whether you can be present on April 5 or not. The book is now available in hardcover and paperback; one way to order it is through Amazon.com via the Third Church website. A brief essay called “Love Bade Me Welcome” was a precursor to the book. You can read it by logging into: http://www.onbeing.org/program/reme mbering-god/feature/love-bade-mewelcome-gazing-abyss/4662. Printed copies of the essay are available at the church office. There is no cost for the morning. For planning purposes, please register by contacting the church office. Contact John Wilkinson if you have any questions or comments about the book or the Lenten gathering. We hope you can join us on April 5.

Dining Room Ministry Opportunities Our Dining Room Ministry teams have some spaces available and would love to add to their numbers. Each team works one Saturday morning every ten weeks from approximately 10:00am to 1:00pm. We welcome children to join their parents on our teams as well. If this would fit into your schedule, please see Nancy or Robb Adams or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for giving this opportunity of serving our hungry neighbors your consideration. Baby Items Needed at Cameron Recently Cameron Community Ministries has been seeing a very steep increase in the need for baby items, especially diapers, formula, and warm clothing. Additionally, gently used equipment for infants such as strollers or Pack-n-Plays are needed. Donations can be dropped off at the church or taken directly to Cameron. RAIHN RAIHN –in winter—A Request We’ve just finished an inspiring rotation with ten RAIHN guests taking refuge from the brutal cold in our snug Christian Education building. We found, however, that we need more blankets. Each guest was provided two blankets to start, but that wasn’t enough. We needed more blankets than we have in our supplies. So, as you move toward spring, please remember our RAIHN guests and bring any spare, washable, twin-size blankets you have to the church office with a note that they’re for RAIHN at Third Church. If you’d like a

receipt for tax purposes, please include your name with your donation. April Volunteer Opportunities Our next RAIHN rotation starts on Palm Sunday and continues through Holy Week. As we start to assemble our hosting and setup/takedown teams, now is the time to check your calendar. Please contact Wendy Shellman no later than March 20 for your volunteer spot ([email protected] or 3838288). Thank you for all you do to make this ministry successful.

HUNGER SUNDAY

Next Sunday please bring: Canned Fruits & Vegetables (14-15 oz) Canned Soups (tomato, chicken noodle) Food Cupboard needs your donations

EVERY SUNDAY!

CALENDAR FOR March 16 – March 23

Sunday at Third Church 8:30 am 8:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:45 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 12:00 pm 12:00 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:15 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm

Child Care Worship Sunday Seminar/Growing in the Word Commissioning Class Youth Church School Junior Choir Rehearsal Intercessory Prayer Worship Church School Chapel Coffee Hour Youth Committee/Revisioning Happy Bunch Out to Lunch Junior High Bells Covenant Ringers Covenant Singers Youth Dinner/Fellowship Exploring Membership Dinner

Monday, March 17 8:30 am 9:00 am 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:45 pm 7:30 pm

Chapel Bells Moot Arts Room Food Cupboard CC Shawl Knitting Ministry Parlor Personnel Whitney Room Spiritual Formation Parker Room Boy Scouts CC Yoga Parlor Born This Way! Parlor

Tuesday, March 18 9:15 am 9:45 am 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

Morning Prayer Staff Meeting Peacemaking Property Committee Deacons Trustees

Chapel Parker Room Off Site Parker Room JH CC

Wednesday, March 19 12:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 7:45 pm

Calvin Guild JH Sojourn with the Psalms Parlor Children’s Musical Speaking Parts Junior Choir/Glorious Voices Sanctuary Qabats CC Chancel Choir Choir Room

Thursday, March 20 9:30 am 10:45 am 12:00 pm

Food Cupboard Celebration Ringers Thursday Voices

CC Moot Arts Room JH

CE Chapel JH CE/Youth Lounge CE/Room 201 Moot Arts Room Chapel Sanctuary Chapel CC CE/Youth Lounge

Off Site

Sanctuary Moot Arts Room Choir Room CC JH

5:45 pm 6:00 pm

Third Church Ringers More Light Committee

Friday, March 21 9:30 am 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Sisters in Spirit Breath of Faith Commissioning Class Retreat

Printed on recycled paper

FAX (585) 271-6910

Parlor JH Off Site

Saturday, March 22 10:00 am 10:00 am

Dining Room Ministry Chancel Choir

CC Sanctuary

Sunday, March 23 8:30 am 8:30 am 8:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:45 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:15 pm 6:30 pm

Child Care CE New Member Gathering Library Worship Chapel Junior Choir Rehearsal Moot Room Sunday Seminar/Growing in the Word JH Commissioning Class CE/207 Youth Church School CE/201 Intercessory Prayer Chapel Special Session Meeting Library Worship Sanctuary Church School CE Coffee Hour CC Junior High Bells Sanctuary Covenant Ringers Moot Arts Room Covenant Singers Choir Room Children/Youth Rock Climbing Off Site

4 Meigs Street, Rochester, NY 14607-2013 (585) 271-6513

Sanctuary Whitney Room

WEBSITE: www.thirdpresbyterian.org