Third Sunday after Epiphany Bible Presentation Sunday January 26, 2014 11 am Sanctuary, South Campus
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First Community Church Columbus, Ohio
The Service of the Word Third Sunday after Epiphany
† The Bible is a book that has been read more and examined less than any book that ever existed. — Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand. — Samuel Langhorne Clemens [Mark Twain] (1835-1910) When you read God's Word, you must constantly be saying to yourself, "It is talking to me, and about me." — Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) It is a mistake to look to the Bible to close a discussion; the Bible seeks to open one. — William Sloane Coffin (1924-2006) THE CALL TO CONTEMPLATION For the meditation time during the prelude, we invite you to be in prayer. As you leave the service of worship, join in rejoicing with your neighbor. THE ORGAN PRELUDE The Good Shepherd
Dom Paul Benoit (1893-1979)
THE CALL TO WORSHIP (1) Leader 1: I will light a light in the name of God Who lit the world and breathed the breath of life into me. Leader 2: I will light a light in the name of the Son who stretched out his hand to me. Leader 3: I will light a light in the name of the Spirit who blesses the world and blesses me. Leader 1: We light these candles for the trinity of love: All: God above us, God beside us, God beneath us; the beginning, the end, the everlasting one.
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†THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN Deep in the Shadows of the Past (2) Noël, Traditional English Melody arranged by Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842-1900) Words by Brian Wren (b 1936)
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Deep in the shad- ows of the past, far out from set - tled lands, While oth - ers bowed to change -less gods, they met a mys - ter - y: From A - bra - ham to Naz - a - reth the prom- ise changed and grew, all the writ - ings that sur-vived, for lead - ers, long a - go, For
some no- mads trav-eled with their God a - cross the des - ert sands. hid - den un - com - plet- ed Name "I AM WHAT I WILL BE"; a while some, re - mem - ber - ing the past, re - cord - ed what they knew, sift - ed, cop - ied, and pre - served the Bi - ble that we know, who
The dawn - ing hope of hu - man - kind by them was sensed and shown: sto - ry, song, and law, And by their tents, a - round their fires, in and some, in let - ters and la - ments, in proph - e - cy and praise, Give thanks and find its sto - ry yet our prom - ise, strength, and call:
pro - mise call - ing them a - head, a a fu - ture yet un they praised, re - mem - bered, hand - ed on, a past that prom - ised re - cov - ered, kin - dled, and ex - pressed new hope for chang - ing of our faith, a - live with hope for the work- ing mod - el
known. more. days. all.
†THE PRAYER Leader: Loving God, we give thanks to You, not alone for what has been, or for what is, but for what is yet to be. People: We thank You that out of our lives a kingdom is coming, is being shaped out of our loving, our songs and struggles, our griefs and triumphs. Leader: We give You thanks that You invite us to welcome the new, to see our possibilities, and to accept our limits, and yet to begin living to the limit of passion and compassion, opening ourselves to other people and to Your kingdom coming. All: Fill us all with knowledge of Yourself that we may become translators of Your handiwork. Leader: In Your holy name we pray, All: Amen.
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†THE RESPONSE TO THE PRAYER As the choir’s response progresses the congregation will be invited to join in singing the word ‘alleluia’ at the end of each line. Praise the Lord (A traditional Cameroon melody) arranged by Ralph M. Johnson (b 1955) Praise, praise, praise the Lord! Praise God’s holy name, Alleluia! Louez le Seigneur! Louez son saint nom, Alleluia! THE WELCOME
THE PSALTER READING Psalm 119, selected verses Leader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. People: Thanks be to God! THE HYMN (remain seated to sing as the 3rd graders come forward) Come My Children (3) Mike Balhoff (b 1945), Gary Daigle (b 1957) Darryl Ducote (b 1946)
Choir: People:
I will bless the Lord at all times, God’s praise shall be ever on my lips. Let my soul glory in the Lord, the lowly will hear me and be glad. (singing)
THE LITANY FOR BIBLE PRESENTATION Lauren Patris de Breuil: Today we celebrate a special event: the presentation of Bibles to you, our Third Graders. The Bible is a very special book because it holds our church history; it holds the story of God and persons who loved and followed God. The members of our church are pleased to present you, our children, with these Bibles. We believe you are important members of our community and it is our hope that you will use your Bible regularly and will ask questions and seek help until you find answers and understanding. Children: We are eager to begin our adventure with our Bibles, but we need your help. We will have many questions.
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Lauren: Would the parents and sponsors of these third grade children please stand? Parents and sponsors, will you assist these children in your homes: guiding them as they study, sharing your understanding of the story of faith, and giving them the opportunity to benefit together in Christian education programs? Parents/Sponsors: Yes, we take seriously our responsibility for helping our children as they encounter the Bible. With God's guidance, we will lead them, share with them, and provide them with learning experiences and fellowship. Richard Wing: Would the congregation please stand and join me in making our statement of support to these children. †Congregation: As a congregation, we, too, have the privilege and responsibility to share our faith stories and support these persons as they learn and grow. We pray for God's guidance and grace in this endeavor. †All: Loving God, we give thanks for the Bible, Your gift to be used for our learning. Help us to hear those words, understand them, and be changed by them so that in Your time we may become wiser, more loving, and more active followers of the way of Jesus. Amen. (The congregation may be seated.)
The Presentation of the Bibles
THE HYMN (remain seated to sing) All Through Your Life
Ar Hyd Y Nos, Traditional Welsh Melody
Words written in 2010 for the Bible Presentation service by Donice Wooster, Director of Early Childhood Ministry
1 Take this Word may 2 On the path of
it sus - tain you, faith we jour - ney
all through your life. all through our lives.
God still speaks, may Al - ways ask - ing,
list' - ning change you, all through your life. al - ways learn - ing all through our lives.
May these sa - cred sto - ries reach you, bring you com -fort, guide and teach you. Ten - der - ly God walks be -side us, works thru hu - man hands to guide us,
And our lov - ing God will keep you Keep - ing watch, God's love will find us
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all through your life. all through our lives.
THE LORD'S PRAYER (from the Maori, New Zealand Prayer Book) Leader: Let us pray to the God who guides and keeps us. Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of Your name echo through the universe! The way of Your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, People: Feed us. Leader: In the hurts we absorb from one another, People: Forgive us. Leader: From trials too great to endure, People: Spare us, Leader: For You reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. (Following the prayer, the children in K-5 will be invited to leave for their Sunday school classes and Middle School youth to Crossroads.) THE OFFERTORY The Offertory Sentence The Receiving of the People's Gifts The Anthem Sing to the Lord Tune: Dunlap’s Creek, arranged Alice Parker (b 1925) Sing to the Lord, ye heav’nly hosts, and thou, O earth adore, Let Death and Hell throughout their coasts stand trembling at His pow’r. His sounding chariot shakes the sky; He makes the clouds His throne; There all the stores of lightning lie, till vengeance darts them down. His nostrils breathe out fiery streams, and from His awful tongue A sov’reign voice divides the flames and thunder roars along. Think, O my soul, the blessed day, when this triumphant God Shall light the sky and still the sea and sound His love abroad. Let all that dwell above the sky, and air, and earth, and seas conspire to lift Thy glories high and speak Thine endless praise. The whole creation join in one to bless the sacred Name, Of Him that sits upon the throne, and to adore the Lamb! — Words by Isaac Watts (1674-1748); [altered]
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†The Hymn and Presentation of Gifts Lasst uns erfreuen Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise God, our strength, whose power uplifts! Praise creation, God’s creation! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! †The Prayer of Dedication Leader: Let us pray. All: Eternal God, we bring these offerings because we want to express our thanks, to demonstrate our love and concern, and to help others experience Your justice and righteousness. Leader: Use these gifts to bring comfort to those who grieve, meaning to all whose vision is clouded, freedom to the oppressed, and food for all who hunger. All: Accept and multiply these offerings to the benefit of everyone who receives and all who give. Amen. (The congregation may be seated.)
THE PSALTER READING (reading in unison) Psalm 23 (NRSV) The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff---they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me In the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
THE ANTHEM The Lord is My Shepherd John Milford Rutter (b 1945) The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture: and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.
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He shall convert my soul: and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for his Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me: Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. But Thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
THE SERMON
WHAT WORKS WHEN LIFE DOESN’T (Based on Psalm 23) Part 4 – Followed by Goodness Psalm 23:6
†THE HYMN NO. 479 God is My Shepherd
Brother James’ Air
†THE BENEDICTION THE ORGAN POSTLUDE Postlude on the Hymn tune, Deo Gracias (Hymn 209) Healey Willan (1890-1968) ~ The End of Worship, the Beginning of Service ~ †All who are able are invited to stand PARTICIPANTS Preacher: The Reverend Dr. Richard A. Wing Senior Minister Liturgists: The Reverend Mr. James M. Long Minister of Pastoral Care Lauren Patris de Breuil South Campus Sunday School Coordinator
Youth Reader: Eva Johnson
Ushers: Group A, Herb Johnston MINISTRY OF MUSIC THE CHANCEL CHOIR Ronald J. Jenkins, Minister of Music & Liturgy Robert A. Griffith, Organist
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THIRD GRADE BIBLE RECIPIENTS Charlie Linzell Will Barger Margaret Ellen Matessa Lillian Bohan Byrne Cady Mullins Henry Hollis Byrne Nathan Christopher Narcelles Sam Caine Paige Madelyn Parker Lila Jayne Davis Hattie Anne Plinke J. William Davis Natalie Lauren Potts Alexis Margaret Donovan Wesley Alan Reasinger Brianna Rose Fortunate Clara Grace Reynolds Lily Elizabeth Garish Jack Rickert Lydia Icea Gray Amanda Kathryn Root Caitlyn Guy Lydia Sauer Brady Philip Hagkull David M. Schlembach Hunter Hiller Evan Sharp Brooks D. Hiller Lauren Grace Shaw Max Carson Huckleberry Thomas Aaron Snyder Lance William Jelen Marin Carol Summers Ethan Kingsley Lance Miller Thrush Dylan Koprowski Zoe Elizabeth Weaver Anna Clair Lenhart Ryder Brian Wilson Megan Liepelt On this special Sunday we extend our appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Kathleen M. Jones for personalizing each of the third-grade Bibles. (1)
I Will Light a Light from ‘A Wee Worship Book: Fourth Incarnation’. © The Iona Community. Reprinted under OneLicense.net # A-708978.
(2)
Deep in the Shadows of the Past. Words by Brian Wren. © 1975 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.
(3)
Come, My Children. © 1981 by Damean Music. Published by NALR. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net # A-708978.
TODAY AT FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH North Campus 8:30 am Worship: Grace Hall 9 am Adult Education: Room 115 Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road?
South Campus 8:30 am Worship: Burkhart Chapel Communion served. 9:30 am Adult Education: Wicker Room Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road?
10 am Worship: Grace Hall Crib to 4 years: Rose Wing 11 am Worship: Sanctuary K-5th grades: Begin in worship, then Crib to 4 years: Rooms 209 and 221 excused to classes in the Rose Wing K-5th grades: Begin in worship, then Middle School: Begin in worship, then excused to Lincoln Road C hapel excused to Room 130. Middle School: Begin in worship, then High School: Crossroads in Room 130 excused to Lincoln Road Chapel. at 11:15 am. Today, the K-5 children will learn about the Bible.
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Pew Bibles are available for your worship experience in the Narthex and the Weist Room. Please return them following the service. • Welcome visitors! Stop by our Welcome Center for information on programs and activities and pick up a copy of our church brochure. • Consider becoming a part of our church family through membership. If you are looking for a church home or are ready to become a member, we invite you to attend our next Membership Information Seminar and Lunch - Saturday, April 12 from 9:30 am - 1 pm. To register or for more information, contact Paula Russell at 614 488.0681 ext 228 or
[email protected]. You can also register on our website. • Watch the 11 am service from the South Campus live at FCchurch.com. • Watch First Edition on WWHO-TV, The CW every Sunday morning at 9 am. • If you need to step out during worship – noisy child, coughing spell, etc. – the service can be heard in Unity Lounge at North Campus and viewed on the large screen monitors in Gallery Court at South Campus.
• Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available; ask an usher. • Today, the Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry is presenting a quilt. At the North Campus, tie a knot and say a prayer in Unity Lounge after the 8:30 am service and at the South Campus in the Weist Room after the 11 am service. The quilt is for Ashton Attar (Rebecca Wolfe’s grandson).
Parish Register Birth Calvin David Logue 1/15/2014 Grandson of Loretta & David Heigle Suzanne Louise Carlson 1/16/2014 Daughter of Erica & Tim Carlson Deaths Cathy Raines Wright 1/16/2014 Stepsister to Dave Markworth Daughter to Rev. Robert Raines
As of 1/22/14 Recent Hospitalizations Jack Barger Bill Ewing Ann Jacob Kathleen Jones Jeanne Morrow
Please recycle discarded worship bulletins. Use the receptacles at the exits. Thank you.
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