fpchw logo 2016

fpchw logo 2016

Worship Service

"So Far As It Depends"

THE CELEBRATION OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
fourteenth sunday after pentecost
september 3, 2023

  • In Person Sunday, September 3, 11 a.m. This Sunday, Pastor Matt Lang's sermon is "So Far As It Depends"  
  • Worship Live Music Streaming at 11 a.m.  Click here for September 3 streaming of live service.   (If it is NOT blue "refresh" your page.)  
  • The Complete Bulletin is available below.
  •  Please join us for fellowship via Zoom immediately after worship from 12:00-12:45 p.m.  We look forward to seeing you there!

  • Perks Enter Image 3976

    gIVE -- electronically
    to contribute (ACTIVE link: a monetary offering) to first presbyterian church of homewood or you may also contribute by mail to:

    First Presbyterian Church of Homewood
    P.O. BOX 1519
    Homewood IL 60430 

  • Click on this Blue Link to Ask a Question or Leave a Comment

 

WE GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HOMEWOOD
MISSION STATEMENT

Through the grace of God, faith in Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we prayerfully seek to discern God’s will for this congregation and to reach beyond ourselves to feed the hungry, body and soul. Adopted by Session 7/31/17

PRAYER FOR PEACE
Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I offer words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.
~Henri Nouwen

PRELUDE

*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP
God calls us each by name
as we gather on holy ground.
We come to this place,
seeking to know the great I AM. Let us worship God.

*HYMN 718 ||| Take Up Your Cross, The Savior Said ||| Bourbon 
CALL TO CONFESSION
The apostle Paul tells us: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. For the times we have failed to do this, let us confess to God.

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Sometimes it sounds too hard: deny ourselves, take up our crosses, lose our lives? Forgive us, Savior, but we’d rather you do it for us. Forgive us, Christ, but we are overwhelmed with what you ask of us. We long to see you come in glory, but fear the road we must take. Have mercy on our weakness. Be patient with our stumbling. Do not leave us behind, even when we are slow to follow, and lead us in your ways of peace.
(silent prayer)
Amen.

*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Christ does not abandon us, but died for us, was raised for us, and loves us still. This is the good news that prevails! In Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we are forgiven!

*THE GLORIA 581

MOMENT WITH OUR CHILDREN ||| Rev. Matt Lang

WELCOME AND CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

 
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING ||| Exodus 3:1-15
1Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” 4When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7Then the LORD said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. 10So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” 11But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.” 13But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” 15God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.”

SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| Romans 12:9-21
9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God! 
SERMON ||| "So Far As It Depends On You"  ||| Rev. Matt Lang

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

*HYMN ||| Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service ||| Beach Spring

 

 
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ||| The 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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS

INVITATION TO OFFERING
We sing our praises to the Lord, for God is good and worthy! We give our gifts to the Church with the expectation that they be used to further God’s dream for our world. Please commit yourself and give as you’re able.

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY ||| 606 Old Hundredth
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Gracious Giver of all things, we ask that you use the gifts we bring as you use us to spread your peace and share your love with everyone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 
SEALING OF THE WORD

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SHARING OF THE MEAL
All who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord, regardless of age or denomination, are invited to partake in the Sacrament of Communion. Please come forward down the side aisle. Take a piece of the bread and a cup and eat. Please dispose of the cups in the waste baskets by the table. We have gluten free bread available. Return to your seat by the center aisle.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Holy Spirit, you have filled us with your life. Christ our Savior, you have embraced us in your love. God our Creator, you have fed us with your grace. Now send us out into your beloved world to share your life, your love, your grace with all. Blessing and honor and glory to you, holy, holy, holy Lord. Amen.

WE GO IN GOD’S NAME

*HYMN 826 ||| Lift High the Cross ||| Crucifer

CHARGE & BLESSING
The blessing of the one God – Spirit, Son, and Father be with you now and always.
Alleluia!

Lead a life worthy of your calling, giving glory to God in all things.
Amen.

POSTLUDE

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God!

Rev. Matt Lang, Pastor
Mrs. Mary Ann Wenzelman, Interim Organist/Pianist

Worship Liturgist: Lee Hilario
Usher: Phil Dillman
Web Techs: Shirley Armistead, Nancy Beaudoin, Phil Dillman, Kathie Hazlett, Scott Senffner 
A WARM WELCOME to everyone to the house and table of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our host. In sharing Holy Communion, we remember how he gave his life for us and how he wants us to respond to his gift. We invite you to his table, and we hope to meet you after worship for a time of fellowship.

SCRIPTURES IN WORSHIP – Next Sunday we will be reading Exodus 12:1-14 and Matthew 18:15-20.

PRAYER CHAIN – If you want prayer requests included on the prayer chain, contact Shirley Armistead at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

HEAVENLY PERKS – Please join us for fellowship via Zoom immediately after worship from 12:00-12:45 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Next ...

Calendar of Upcoming Virtual & in-Person Meetings .... as we move through September toward October

SPECIAL AND ONGOING EVENTS

    • SPECIAL 

      • The combined choirs of Calvary and FPCHW-Homewood are below (click on photo to enlarge)

      • IMG 20230528 095302
    • ONGOING
    1. Tuesdays: 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday Morning  at a Zoom meeting. Our new book is: "Sacred Encounters: The Power and Prescence of Jesus Christ in Luke-Acts" by Olive Mahabir. 
    2. Date /Time Change: we are now meeting Second Tuesdays (September 05 with time change 6:30-8:00 central time): Book Study | Kathleen O'Hanlon | We are exploring with a sample of a new book, "Me, and White Supremacy", How to Recognize Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World", by Layla Saad | Call Kathie Hazlett 708-471-3626 if you need more info about access.  Zoom Link:  7:00-8:30 p.m. (Central time) 
    3. Sunday: Access to our Live Streaming Service can be found on the "Worship Page" | Post Sunday Streaming Worship Meet-up (aka Heavenly Perks) which also meets, in person. 
    4. Healing & Wholeness Service date is: TBD.  We offer access to a Healing & Wholeness Service online  at any time.  This service is a time of reflection, prayer, and meditation.  This service can help us to experience anew God’s healing, peace-giving grace or refuel us for becoming agents of healing and reconciliation.  Taking time for this mimics a pattern for Jesus and his disciples.  They would be out in the thick of a clamoring multitude and then retreat to a quiet place to reconnect, recharge, and clarify their mission.  Our quiet place awaits us in this service online.  (Watch for an announcement for maybe private prayer time on Zoom after this service.) | Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for prayer needs request.

Looking forward | scripture readings for sUNDAY, October 1 -- Exodus 17:1-7 and Matthew 21:23-32

Exodus 17:1-7 ||| New Revised Standard Version

From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” 4So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Matthew 21:23-32 ||| New Revised Standard Version

23When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

28“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.

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