To view the live streaming service, click on the date below. You may also come back at a later date and view once the service has been recorded.
Thanksgving, Nov. 23, 2023
Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023
Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023
Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023
Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023
Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2023
Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023
First Presbyterian Church of Homewood
P.O. BOX 1519
Homewood IL 60430
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!
First Presbyterian Church of Homewood
P.O. BOX 1519
Homewood IL 60430
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
Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
PRELUDE
*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP
We gather as the body of Christ.
We are many individuals, but together we are one.
Each of us has our own gifts, our own calling, our own role,
but all of us proclaim Jesus Christ is the Messiah!
*HYMN 81 ||| Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken ||| Austrian Hymn
CALL TO CONFESSION
We seek the will of God, but still find ourselves conformed to this world, instead of being transformed into God’s image. Let us seek forgiveness for the ways we have turned away from justice and mercy.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Almighty God, when faced with earthly powers that seem overwhelming, we crumble. We fear this world. We fear losing our status, our stability, our station more than we fear you. Forgive our shortcomings and teach us to trust in you when we take a risk for what we know is right.
(silent prayer)
Amen.
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
If God was not on our side, we could not stand in the judgment. But God is with us, steadfast and faithful, as we seek to live in peace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
*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 1:8-2:10
8Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9He said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. 10Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11Therefore they set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. They built supply cities, Pithom and Rameses, for Pharaoh. 12But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. 13The Egyptians became ruthless in imposing tasks on the Israelites. 14and made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick and in every kind of field labor. They were ruthless in all the tasks that they imposed on them. 15The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16“When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.” 17But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live. 18So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?” 19The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and became very strong. 21And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every boy that is born to the Hebrews you shall throw into the Nile, but you shall let every girl live.” 1Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman.2The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. 3When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. 4His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him. 5The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. 6When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him, “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said. 7Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. 9Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed it. 10When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| Matthew 16:13-20
13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!
SERMON ||| "Don't Tell Anyone" ||| Rev. Matt Lang
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN 2197 ||| Lord of All Hopefulness ||| Slane
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ||| The Brief Statement of Faith 1983
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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.
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.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN 269 ||| Lead On, O King Eternal! ||| Lancashire
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: Jay Ruklic
Usher: Laura Dillman
Web Techs: Shirley Armistead, Nancy Beaudoin, Phil Dillman, Kathie Hazlett, Scott Senffner
A WARM WELCOME! –The Lord calls all of us to a new way of living under his wonderful grace in our Savior. If you are a guest, it is a pleasure to have you worshiping with us. Please help us to get to know who you are by introducing yourself at the door and signing our guest book.
SCRIPTURES IN WORSHIP – Next Sunday we will be reading Exodus 3:1-15 and Matthew 16:21-28.
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..
Worship, Ringers & Combined Choirs | Sunday, 10:00 a.m., August 20, 2023 | Calvary United Protestant Church
The combined service at Calvary United Protestant Church (425 N. Orchard Drive, Park Forest, IL) isat 10:00 a.m.
Virtual service can be viewed on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83888248361 or on Facebook at Calvary United Protestant Church.
A bulletin and the hymns are below for your reference.
Virtual Heavenly Perks is available on Zoom from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. or longer if we are in conversation. Just click on the Heavenly Perks picture BELOW after worship but before 12:45 p.m
WE GATHER TOGETHER
PRELUDE | PARTITA ON “BLESSED NAME” | SETTING BY MARY MCDONALD
WELCOME & OPENING PRAYER
CHOIR CHIME MEDLEY | "SIMPLE GIFTS AND WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS" | SETTING | BY KRISTINE JOHANEK
Performed by the Combined Ringers of Homewood and Calvary
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
Thus says the Lord:
Maintain justice, and do what is right,
for soon my salvation will come.
God will bring us to the holy mountain,
a house of prayer for all people.
God gathers all the outcasts together,
and makes us joyful!
OPENING HYMN | GTG #276 | SING A NEW SONG UNTO THE LORD
CALL TO CONFESSION
We call to God, saying, “Have mercy on us!”
We call to God, saying, “Lord, help us!”
We call to God even in the midst of our sin,
knowing that God is gracious and just.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of all goodness,
We do not want to face all that is in our own hearts.
We want to focus on the good -
on the love, the compassion, the care - and ignore the bad -
the greed, the envy, the cruelty.
But before you, God, we must face it.
Forgive all the ways we have let evil take hold in our hearts.
Cleanse us. Help us face our own demons,
and empower us to live a Christlike life.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
We have been disobedient to God, but we have received mercy.
Let us live our lives as those transformed by the abundant mercy of God!
PASSING THE PEACE
FIRST READING - PSALM 133:1-3
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD ordained his blessing, life forevermore.
CHOIR CHIME ANTHEM | "PRAISE YE THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY"
SETTING BY KRISTINE JOHANEK | Performed by the Combined Ringers of Homewood and Calvary
SECOND READING - MATTHEW 15:10-28
Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.” Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
SERMON: "THE INS AND OUTS OF WHO'S IN AND WHO'S OUT"
WE COMMIT OUR PRAYERS, OUR OFFERINGS, OURSELVES
HYMN - GTG # 817 | "WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT"
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation.
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. Amen
INVITATION TO OFFERING
We sing our praises to the Lord, for God is good and worthy!
We give our whole selves — our talents and material possessions —
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 ANTHEM | "SING UNTO THE LORD" | CHARLES YANNERELLA
Performed by the Combined Choirs of Homewood and Calvary
OFFERTORY
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.
WE GO FORTH TO SERVE GOD
CLOSING HYMN | GTG #838 | "STANDING ON THE PROMISES"
CHARGE AND 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 | "MARCH PONTIFICALE" | GORDON YOUNG
All music printed under One License #A-727248 and Presbyterian Publishing Corp
THE RINGERS:
Fran Beukelman, Jan Bunker, Sylvia Tufts, Rod Dunlap, David Wenzelman, Dan Karwatka, DJ Karwatka, Linda Hill, Jeff Hill
Mary Ann Wenzelman, Director/Accompanist
THE COMBINED CHOIR:
Kirk Nickerson, Jeff Hill, Brandon Willis, David Wenzelman, Dan Karwatka, Paul Gerrish, Vern Moore, Rod Dunlap, Jeanne Johnston, Phil Dillman, Bas Williams, DJ Karwatka, Linda Hill,
Julie Townsend, Priscilla Merenes, Susan Zorn's, Laura Dillman, Mary Ann Wenzelman, Director/Accompanist
NEXT WEEK: GENESIS 45:1-15 MATTHEW 15:10–28
First Presbyterian Church of Homewood
P.O. BOX 1519
Homewood IL 60430
THE CELEBRATION OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
August 13, 2023
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
O give thanks to the Lord! Sing to God! Tell of God’s wonderful works! Remember all the things God has done! We glory in God’s holy name! Seek the Lord, our strength and refuge: we come to be in God’s presence.
HYMN 35 ||| Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty ||| Lobe Den Herren
CALL TO CONFESSION
We come seeking God’s voice, a voice that loves us, cares for us, but also challenges us to do better, to love more fully, and believe more wholeheartedly. Let us be honest with God about where we are on our journey.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, it is easy to confess with our lips that you are Lord, but it is much harder to believe with our hearts, to live in a way that puts you first. We are quick to trust in idols. We depend on what we can see, touch, and control, instead of waiting to hear your still, small voice. Forgive us, Lord, and help our unbelief, so that what we confess with our lips we may truly believe in our hearts. (silent prayer) Amen.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. There are no prerequisites, no disqualifications, no exceptions. We are saved, we are forgiven, we are freed! Hallelujah!
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 ||| Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
1Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. 2This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. 4But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. 12Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” He answered, “Here I am.” 14So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron. He came to Shechem, 15and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” 16“I am seeking my brothers,” he said; “tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” 17The man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. 18They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. 19They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” 21But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” 22Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him” — that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. 23So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; 24and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. 25Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers agreed. 28When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
SPECIAL MUSIC
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| Matthew 14:22-33
22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God!
SERMON ||| "Here Comes This Dreamer" ||| Rev. Matt Lang
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN 834 ||| Precious Lord, Take My Hand Precious Lord
*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
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
For the blessings of this and all our days, we thank you, gracious God. Accept, we pray, not just this money but also our lives freely offered in gratitude for all you have done for us. Use them both, in this place and wherever you might take us. 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
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, creator and ruler of the universe, for you have satisfied our souls with this feast of your grace. Keep us faithful in your service until your realm of glory comes; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN 821 ||| My Life Flows On ||| How Can I Keep From Singing (How Can I Keep From Singing?)
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: Rod Dunlap ||| Ushers: Bob James, Charlene Hansen, Eleanor Steiner
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 Genesis 45:1-15 and Matthew 15:10-28.
First Presbyterian Church of Homewood
P.O. BOX 1519
Homewood IL 60430
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 Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
PRELUDE
*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP
We come, carrying just what we need for the journey
five loaves, two fish.
We come, bringing whatever we have to offer
our time, our talents, our gifts.
We come, knowing God will multiply our offerings
in God’s hands, what we have is enough.
*HYMN 833 ||| O Love That Will Not Let Me Go ||| St. Margaret
CALL TO CONFESSION
When we call upon God, God answers. Even when our steps stray from God’s path, even when our feet slip, God listens to us and answers our prayers. Let us offer our prayer of confession.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Generous God, you freely offer us all we need. You offer us the bread of life, so we may never be hungry again. You offer us living water, so we will never thirst. But we scoff at your gifts, wasting our money, time, and energy on things that do not satisfy. Forgive us and call to us again, reminding us of your gifts of new life that are ours if we would only accept them.
(silent prayer)
Amen.
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Incline your ear, listen: God makes an everlasting covenant with us.
God forgives us, renews us, refreshes us, and leads us onward. Thanks be to God! Amen.
*THE GLORIA 581
MOMENT WITH OUR CHILDREN ||| Rev. Jeanne A. Johnston
WELCOME AND CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING ||| Isaiah 55:1-5
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| Matthew 14:13-21
13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!
SERMON ||| Ordinary Food ||| Rev. Jeanne A. Johnston
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN 498 ||| Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken ||| Beach Spring
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ||| The Brief Statement of Faith 1983
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
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.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN 547 ||| Go, My Children, With My Blessing ||| Ar Hydy Nos
COMMISSION & BENEDICTION
Take the faith of Jesus; Take the love of God; Take the song of the Holy Spirit; And then give them away.
The world needs a song of hope and love.
May the God of Strength and Gentleness, may the Christ of Mercy and Grace, may the wind of the Holy Spirit be with you wherever life takes you.
Thanks be to God. 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: Charlene Hansen
Ushers: Bob James, Charlene Hansen, Eleanor Steiner
Web Techs: Shirley Armistead, Nancy Beaudoin, Phil Dillman, Kathie Hazlett, Scott Senffner
Today, we welcome back Rev. Jeanne A. Johnston to the pulpit. Rev. Johnston is a retired UCC pastor. Ordained in 1978, Jeanne has served parishes in northwest Illinois, South Dakota, and Indiana. She has spent the last 18 years as an adjunct math teacher and tutor at Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville, Indiana and now resides in Park Forest.
A WARM WELCOME! –The Lord calls all of us to a new way of living under his wonderful grace in our Savior. If you are a guest, it is a pleasure to have you worshiping with us. Please help us to get to know who you are by Clicking on this Blue Link to Ask a Question or Leave a Comment
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..
First Presbyterian Church of Homewood
P.O. BOX 1519
Homewood IL 60430
THE CELEBRATION OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
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 Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
PRELUDE
*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP
We seek the realm of God:
where the smallest seeds turn into great plants.
We seek the realm of God:
as precious as pearls or treasure.
We seek the realm of God:
where joy and abundance reign.
*HYMN (Sing the Faith #2001) ||| We Sing to You, O God ||| Darwall’s 148th
CALL TO CONFESSION
We love God, and yet . . .We are Christ’s disciples, and yet . . .We are guided by the Spirit, and yet . . .there are many ways we do not live this reality. Let us call upon the Spirit to intercede for us in our time of confession.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Spirit, intercede . . .when we fall short of your glory, when we do not deserve your promises, when we do not act like those who have been called your family.
Spirit, intercede . . .when our words wound, when our silence speaks volumes, when our actions are a far cry from what you would have us do.
Spirit, intercede . . .break forth into our lives, forming us into the image of your Son, that we might never feel separate from you again.
(silent prayer)
Amen.
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Beloved, hear this good news: God is for us. Not even our sins can separate us from the love of God.
Glory be to God for this grace and mercy!
*THE GLORIA 581
MOMENT WITH OUR CHILDREN ||| Rev. Jewel Willis Thomas
WELCOME AND CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING ||| Genesis 29:15-28
15Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” 16Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17Leah’s eyes were lovely, and Rachel was graceful and beautiful. 18Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” 20So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. 21Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” 22So Laban gathered together all the people of the place, and made a feast. 23But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. 24(Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her maid.) 25When morning came, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” 26Laban said, “This is not done in our country — giving the younger before the firstborn. 27Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” 28Jacob did so, and completed her week; then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as a wife.
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| Matthew 5:38-48
38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. 43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!
SERMON ||| "Love in Action" ||| Rev. Jewel Willis Thomas
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN 771 ||| What Is the World Like ||| New World
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ||| The Brief Statement of Faith 1983
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
We sing our praises to the Lord, for God is good and worthy! We give our whole selves — our talents and material possessions — 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
We promise to use these gifts for good. We promise to use these gifts in furthering God’s realm. We commit to using these gifts in love and mercy for others. Amen.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN 310 ||| I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord ||| St. Thomas
BLESSING & CHARGE
The blessing of the holy, triune God, who was and is and is to come—first and last, beginning and end, Alpha and Omega—be with you now and always.
Alleluia!
Go in peace to love the Lord your God with heart and soul and mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
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: Sylvia Tufts
Usher: Bob James
Web Techs: Shirley Armistead, Nancy Beaudoin, Phil Dillman, Kathie Hazlett, Scott Senffner
Today, we welcome back to the pulpit Rev. Jewel Willis Thomas as our guest preacher. She is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America (RCA). She attended Western Theological Seminary and graduated in 2013. She is the former Associate Pastor of Faith Community Church in Stickney, Illinois and presently the Stated Clerk of the Classis of Chicago for the RCA. Rev. Thomas is married with two children, two grandchildren and lives in South Holland, IL.
WELCOME – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:2). We greet you in the words and spirit of the apostle Paul. We look forward to meeting you after the service, during the coffee hour.
SCRIPTURES IN WORSHIP – Next Sunday we will be reading Genesis 32:22-31 and Matthew 14:13-21.
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..
First Presbyterian Church of Homewood
P.O. BOX 1519
Homewood IL 60430
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
Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
PRELUDE
*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP
We come. We wait.
We long. We hope.
We suffer. We pray.
We rejoice. We sing.
We know we are children of God.
We wait for Christ to set all things right.
*HYMN 403 ||| Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty ||| Unser Herrscher
CALL TO CONFESSION
There is goodness within us that grows like fresh wheat. There is also sin within us that chokes that wheat like weeds. Let us bring all of who we are to God, who can separate out what is good, so that we are not overcome with evil.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Ever-present God, there is no place where you are not with us. You see us at our worst and at our best. There is much we would hide from you—the ways we harm your creation, the ways we mistreat others, the ways we turn away when we should turn toward. Even as you know us, forgive us. Guide our thoughts, our words, our actions, that you may delight in us as we delight in you.
(silent prayer)
Amen.
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Beloved, hear the good news: God knows us and forgives us and leads us in the way of everlasting life.
Thanks be to God!
*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 ||| Genesis 28:10-19a
10Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. 11He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. 12And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 And the LORD stood beside him and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; 14and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. 15Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place — and I did not know it!” 17And he was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” 18So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. 19aHe called that place Bethel;
SPECIAL MUSIC
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
24He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; 25but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ 28He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” 36Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!”
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!
SERMON ||| Jacob: Part Two ||| Rev. Matt Lang
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN 346 ||| For the Healing of the Nations ||| St. Thomas (Wade)
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ||| The Brief Statement of Faith 1983
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
We sing our praises to the Lord, for God is good and worthy! We give our whole selves — our talents and material possessions — 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
We promise to use these gifts for good. We promise to use these gifts in furthering God’s realm. We commit to using these gifts in love and mercy for others. Amen.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN 714 ||| God of the Fertile Fields ||| Italian Hymn
BLESSING & CHARGE
The blessing of the holy, triune God, who was and is and is to come—first and last, beginning and end, Alpha and Omega—be with you now and always.
Alleluia!
Go in peace to love the Lord your God with heart and soul and mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
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: Char Hansen
Usher: Laura Dillman
Web Techs: Shirley Armistead, Nancy Beaudoin, Phil Dillman, Kathie Hazlett, Scott Senffner
WELCOME – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:2). We greet you in the words and spirit of the apostle Paul. We look forward to meeting you after the service, during the coffee hour.
SCRIPTURES IN WORSHIP – Next Sunday we will be reading Genesis 29:15-28 and Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52.
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..