Philippians

October 12, 2014 — Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

PRELUDE:

Prelude and Fugue in d, Johann Sebastian Bach
Air, Johann Sebastian Bach

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)

* CALL TO WORSHIP AND SALUTATION (Psalm 23), Sue Nicholas

Leader:  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
People:  He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
Leader:  He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
People:  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.
Leader:  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
People:  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.
Leader:  Grace and peace to you from God our Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
ALL:  Amen.

* HYMN No. 22:  Come, We That Love the Lord

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)

Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: Cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son.  Amen.

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW
    * Gloria Patri  (pew card)

JUNIOR SERMON

ACT OF PRAISE:  Sweet Hour of Prayer    

Elizabeth Mahowald, soprano

MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
    Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
    Prayer Response

* HYMN No. 310:  O Word of God Incarnate

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Isaiah 25:1-9, Pew Bible, page 568

O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled.
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Philippians 4:1-9, Pew Bible, page 955

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

The Word of God for the people of God. Let the people of God say - AMEN!

THE SERMON:  An Antidote for Anxiety, Rev. Douglas Estella

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
        Offertory:  Elizabeth Mahowald, soprano
    * The Doxology  (pew card)      
    * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH:  The Heidelberg Catechism, Q/A 1 

Pastor:  What is your only comfort in life and in death?
All: That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.  He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

* HYMN No. 568:  Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated

* BENEDICTION 
      Response

POSTLUDE:  We All Believe in One God, Johann Sebastian Bach

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME back the Rev. Douglas Estella to the pulpit.  Rev. Estella served as pastor of the Sunnyside Reformed Church from 2000 to 2006. Currently he is a teacher at the Academy of Urban Planning in Brooklyn. Doug and his wife, Janet, live in Sunnyside with their daughter, Renee.

SYNODICAL ASSESSMENT (Pink Offering Envelope)

Last installment is due.  If you have not given a special offering for your assessment ($95.00 per member), please help us by making the payment.  The Synodical and Classical Assessment is the amount we owe Reformed Church in America for your membership.

SAVE THE DATE:  ANNUAL AUCTION – Saturday, January 10, 2015

LOOKING AHEAD – Mark your calendars!

  • Sat. Oct. 18    1:00 PM    WCC Luncheon

        2:00 PM    Elder Law speaker – Gessner Hall (insert)

  • Sun. Oct. 19    12:00 PM    Coffee Hour celebrating October Birthdays
  • Sun. Oct. 26    9:30 AM    Men’s Communion Breakfast (insert)
  • Sat. Nov. 15    10:00 AM    HARVEST FESTIVAL (inserts)

OUR APPRECIATION FOR TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS:

Coffee Hour Host: Rhoda Jabbour 
Greeter: Irma Schubert
Ushers: Sally Ann Castle, Marilyn Cooney, Nancy Gessner, Jayne Halley
Children and Worship: Christina Schaub and Michael Iovale

VAN SERVICE: If you need a ride to church on Sunday, speak with Gerry Mendler at (917) 362-6284 (day) or (718) 464-3464 (evening).

CHILDCARE during the worship hour

Children thru age 3 in the Educational Building, 1st floor, in Room 1A.
Children ages 3 thru 2nd grade will share in the service through the Junior Sermon, then go to Room 2E for the Children and Worship Program.

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – To host a coffee hour after church, speak with Rhoda Jabbour.

YEAR-ROUND COLLECTIONS – 

  • Donations for the Food for Kids Ministry should be brought to the Church office.  This food will be given to families in need in Jamaica, New York. 
  • Donations for pets brought to the church office will be given to Worthy Pause to be distributed to local animal shelters.

PRAYER REQUESTS: Grace Attanasio, Ruth Bailey, Kenneth Cornwell, Letty Delgardo, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Jenny Hampton, Robert Keller, Fritz Kunisch, Harvey Moder, John Molino, Marge Renstrom, Josephine Rivera, Janice Serra, Evelyn Stuedly.

December 15, 2013 - Third Sunday in Advent

White Christmas Service

PRELUDE:  In Dulci Jubilo, Johann Sebastian Bach

WELCOME, Debra Rossi
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)

* CALL TO WORSHIP, Yessenia Iovale

Leader:  Rejoice in the Lord always.
People:  I will say it again: Rejoice!
Leader:  Let your gentleness be evident to all.
People:  The Lord is near.
Leader:  We rejoice in the hope of Christ’s coming.
People:  Let us worship God!

—based on Philippians 4:4-5, NIV

 * HYMN No. 163:  Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming

 * PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison), Steve Sarran

Lord God, our lives are filled with sin.  We forget our neighbor’s needs and do not love you above all else.  We need a Savior.  Help us to be ready for Jesus in our own hearts.  O come, O come, Savior of the world.  Amen.

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* SALUTATION
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW
        * Gloria Patri  (pew card)

LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH, Iovale Family

MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER, Dorien Day
        Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
        Prayer Response, Johann Wolfgang Franck

O Jesus, with Thy advent quiet my restless soul and anxious mind. In true humility I welcome Thee, Jesus Christ, my Joy divine. My thought, desires, and all my longings I dedicate, O Christ, to Thee. O come, Thou precious Sun most radiant, Thy beams illumine my heart and soul.

 WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS, Debra Rossi
        Offering
        Offertory:  As Lately We Watched, arr. Charles Black

As lately we watched o'er our fields through the night, a star there was seen of such glorious light; all through the night angels did sing sweet carols in praise of the birth of a King.

A King of such beauty was ne'er before seen, and Mary, His Mother, so like to a queen. Blest be the hour, welcome the morn, for Christ our dear Savior, on earth now is born.

His throne is a manger, His court is a loft, but troops of bright angels, in lays sweet and soft, Him they proclaim, our Christ by name, and earth, sky and air straight are filled with His fame. Alleluia, alleluia, be joyful and sing.

Then, shepherds, be joyful, salute your liege King, let hills ring and dales to the song that ye sing; blest be the hour, welcome the morn, for Christ, our dear Savior, on earth now is born.

        * The Doxology  (pew card)                
        * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH,Steve Sarran

Our only hope is Jesus Christ.  After we refused to live in the image of God, he was born of the virgin Mary, sharing our genes and our instincts, entering our culture, speaking our language, fulfilling the law of God.  Being united to Christ’s humanity, we know ourselves when we rest in him.  Come, Lord Jesus: We are open to your Spirit.  We await your full presence.  Our world finds rest in you alone.

—Our Song of Hope, st. 3, closing prayer

TABLEAU OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST

Some music selections will include the congregation and they will be announced at the appropriate times in the story:

Sunday School and Chancel Choir:

Who Would Send a Baby?, Chancel Choir
How Quietly, Sunday School and Chancel Choir

Love Came Down at Christmas, Sunday School and Chancel Choir
Silent Night, Sunday School and Chancel Choir

Congregational Hymns:

O Little Town of Bethlehem, No. 155, stanza 1
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, No. 133, stanza 1
O Come, All Ye Faithful, No. 173, all stanzas

(During this hymn, White Christmas gifts will be brought forward as directed.)

* BENEDICTION
        Response:  Alleluia, Amen!, Charles Villers Stanford

POSTLUDE:  In Dulci Jubilo, Johann Sebastian Bach

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2014 offering envelopes are at the entrance of the church.  If you do not see your box and would like one, sign your name on the clipboard.  A set will be prepared and available for you.

OUR APPRECIATION FOR TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS:

Van Drivers: Jorge Alamilla (AM) and Ray Durney (PM)
Coffee Hour Hosts: Glenn Alamilla and Tricia Ho
Greeters: Vivian and Peter Sclafani
Ushers: Dana Chan, Cascille Hampton, Jennifer Hopper, Stephanie Parker and Jerry Good
Childcare: Jayne Halley

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Ruth Bailey, Letty Delgado, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Alfred Gessner, Lisa Gessner, Robert Keller, Hope Kingman, Fritz Kunisch, Ann Martin, John Molino, Josephine Rivera, Gloria Scrivano, Janice Serra, Mary Wainwright. 

November 27, 2013 - Thanksgiving Eve Service

PRELUDE:

Now Thank We All Our God, J. S. Bach 
Now Thank We All Our God, G. F. Kaufmann 

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)

* CALL TO WORSHIP AND SALUTATION, Bruce Hoffacker

Leader:  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
People:  Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Leader:  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
People:  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Leader:  Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

--Philippians 4: 4-7

* HYMN No. 376: We Gather Together

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)     

Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.  We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name.  Amen.

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW
    * Gloria Patri  (pew card)

ANTHEM:  The Gift to Be Simple, arr. Bob Chilcott

The Chamber Choir

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'tis the gift to come down where you ought-a be, and when we find ourselves in a place just right, 'twill be in the valley of love and delight.  When true simplicity is gained, to bend we shan't be ashamed, to turn will be our delight till by turning we come round right.

EVENING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
    Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
    Prayer response, Orlando Gibbons

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth Thy right hand to help and defend us, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

* HYMN No. 381:  Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

Deuteronomy 26: 1-11, Pew Bible, page 158

When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, “Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall make this response before the Lordyour God: “A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to theLord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.” You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.

John 6: 25-35, Pew Bible, page 867 

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.”

Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

The Word of God for the people of God. Let the people of God say - AMEN!

THE SERMON:  Our Daily Bread, Rev. Douglas Estella

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
    Offertory:  Amazing Grace, arr. Jackson Berkey

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.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. 

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'd first begun.

    * The Doxology  (pew card)      
    * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 
    * Apostles’ Creed (pew card)        

* HYMN No. 374:  Now Thank We All Our God

* BENEDICTION 
    Response, Susan LaBarr

And for this shelter and this light, accept, O Lord, our thanks tonight, and for this shelter and light, accept, O Lord, our thanks tonight.

POSTLUDE:  Now Thank We All Our God, Sigfrid Karg-Elert

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OUR CHANCEL - We express our gratitude to Connie Thorsen and Anne Avalos for decorating our chancel for Thanksgiving.

OUR USHERS this evening are Michael and Hong Chan

WE WELCOME back the Rev. Douglas Estella to the pulpit.  Rev. Estella served as pastor of the Sunnyside Reformed Church from 2000 to 2006. Currently he is a teacher at the Academy of Urban Planning in Brooklyn. Doug and his wife, Janet, live in Sunnyside with their daughter, Renee.

CHRISTMAS WREATHS – Thank you for supporting the YPF fund raiser.  Please pick up your wreaths after the service on Sunday, December 8 in Gessner Hall.

DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS – Our Daily Bread devotional booklets can be found on a table at the back of the sanctuary.  You are invited to take a copy for use in your personal meditations.

AUCTION 2014 is scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Gessner Hall.  If you have small, easily transportable items to donate, WE WILL PICK UP YOUR DONATIONS.  We do not take very heavy items or large furniture.  Call the Church Office or Ray Durney (718) 461-1947.   

LARGE PRINT BULLETINS are available.  Ask an usher if you need one.

VAN SERVICE is available for Sunday worship and grocery shopping every other Monday.  If you need a ride to church on Sunday or would like to join them for grocery shopping, speak with Gina Lombardo at (917) 767-2923. 

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Ruth Bailey, Letty Delgado, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Alfred Gessner, Lisa Gessner, Robert Keller, Fritz Kunisch, Ann Martin, John Molino, Ed Moores, Josephine Rivera, Gloria Scrivano, Janice Serra, Mary Wainwright.

June 23, 2013

The Church on the Hill

June 23, 2013 11:00 A.M.

* All who are able, please stand.

Reminder: Jesus won’t call you on your cell phone, please turn it off. Thanks.

PRELUDE:  Sheep May Safely Graze and Pasture J. S. Bach

                Prelude on 'Mercy' Gordon Young

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)  

* CALL TO WORSHIP  

Leader: The God of creation makes us one in body!
People: Let us join hearts and voices in praise of the Lord!
Leader: The God of Christ makes us one in the Spirit!
People: Let us join hearts and voices in praise of the Lord!

* HYMN No. 77 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)

Across the barriers that divide race from race: reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross.  Across the barriers that divide rich from poor: reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross. Across the barriers that divide people of different cultures: reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross.  Across the barriers that divide Christians: reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross. Across the barriers that divide men and women, young and old: reconcile us, O Christ, by your cross.  Confront us, O Christ, with the hidden prejudices and fears that deny and betray our prayers.  Enable us to see the causes of strife, remove from us all senses of superiority.  Teach us to grow in unity with all God’s children.  Amen.

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
 * SALUTATION 
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW
     * Gloria Patri  (pew card)

ANTHEM:  Lord, keep Us Closer to You                    Don Besig

In the quiet of this moment, here in this holy place, help us feel Your presence, Lord; help us know Your grace.  Renew each spirit, heal every soul.  Come and touch us with Your love and make us whole.
In this fellowship together, friendship and love have grown.  Keep us ever faithful, Lord; claim us as Your own.  Grant us Your mercy, calm every fear. There is peace within our hearts when You are near. Lord, as we turn to You, humbly we pray.  Help us to trust in You; show us Your way.  O, Lord, in all we say and do, keep us, our whole life through, closer to You.
In the troubled world around us, help us to share Your light.  Walk along beside us, Lord; keep us in Your sight.  Guide every footstep; help us be true.  Draw us closer every day.  Give us strength to live in faith and follow You.

JUNIOR SERMON

ANTHEM:  Rejoice in the Lord Alway                    Henry Purcell

The Chamber Choir

Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice!  Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your reques be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ our Lord.

MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
Prayer response           Louis Lewandowski

How good it is to thank the Lord, to praise Thy name, O Thou Most High; to tell Thy kindness through the day, Thy faithfulness when night draws nigh. With joyous psalms and with the harp, will I Thy marvels gladly sing; Thy works have made my heart rejoice; I triumph in Thy work, my King!

* HYMN No. 517 The Solid Rock

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

Philippians 1:3-11 Pew Bible, pg. 953

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 4:1-9 Page 955

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

THE SERMON Whatever is Good... Rev. Justin J. Meyers

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Offering
Offertory: God and God Alone          arr. Tom Fettke

God and God alone created all these things we call our own, from the mighty to the small, the glory in them all is God's and God's alone.
God and God alone reveals the truth of all we call unknown.  And all the best and worst of man won't change the Master's plan it's God's and God's alone.
God, our sovereign God and God alone is fit to take the universe's throne.  Let everything that lives reserve its truest praise for God and God alone.
God and God alone will be the joy of our eternal home.  He will be our one desire.  Our hearts will never tire of God and God alone.
God and God alone is fit to take the universe's throne. Let everything that lives reserve its truest praise for God and God alone.

* The Doxology (pew card) 
* Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 
* Apostles’ Creed (pew card)    

SERVICE OF FAREWELL AND GODSPEED 

FOR PASTOR AND CONGREGATION

Pastor: I thank you, my sisters and brothers, for the love, kindness, and support shown me these past six years.  I am grateful for the ministry we have shared together.  With joy I recall what we accomplished with God’s help, and with sadness those dreams not fulfilled.  I ask your forgiveness for mistakes made and expectations not met.

People: We offer our forgiveness and celebrate all that God has accomplished among us.  We are grateful for your ministry and for your influence on our lives.  We ask your forgiveness for mistakes made and for expectations not met.

Pastor: I receive your gratitude and forgive your shortcomings.  And I release you from the vows and promises made at my installation.

People: We release you from your promises to us, and we offer you our blessing as you leave to minister elsewhere.

* HYMN No. 519 It Is Well with My Soul

* BENEDICTION 

Response Tom Fettke

May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, and inhabit the throne of your being; and whatever you do, and whatever you say, do it all in the name of Jesus, do it all in the name of the Lord. Giving thanks, unending thanks; giving thanks to God through Christ, the Lord. Giving thanks unmeasured thanks, giving thanks to the Living Word.

POSTLUDE:  Hymn to Joy             arr. Gordon Young

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OUR ROSES are given by the the Consistory in appreciation of Justin, Stephanie, Gavin and Collin Meyers.

A SPECIAL COFFEE HOUR is hosted by the Consistory and WCC to bid farewell to the Meyers family.  Please join us in the celebration.

OUR APPRECIATION FOR TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS:

Van Drivers: Royce Gothelf (AM), Buck Kellaway (PM)
Greeters: Joan Dwyer, Angela Edward 
Ushers: Sally Ann Castle, Marilyn Cooney, Carol Stark, Dorothea Zelnick;
Head Usher, Jerry Good
Childcare: Silvania Markantonis

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Ruth Bailey, Letty Delgado, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Sandeep Edward, Alfred Gessner, Lisa Gessner, Robert Keller, Ann Martin, John Molino, Gloria Scrivano, Janice Serra, Mary Wainwright.