ORDER FOR WORSHIP
PRELUDE: The Sunken Cathedral Debussy
SALUTATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
* PASSING OF THE PEACE
* SANCTUS (pew card)
* CALL TO WORSHIP Julia Aiello
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
All things came into being through him; what has come into being in him was life.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory:
The glory as the father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
The life was the light of all people.
The Word is God’s gift to the world.
* HYMN No. 580 Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Forgive us, O Lord:
for everything that spoils our witness for you;
that we so often deny with our lives
what we say with our lips;
for the difference between our creed and our conduct,
our profession and our practice;
for any example that makes it easier for people to criticize your church or for another to sin.
(Prayers of Silent Confession)
Kyrie (sung): Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/WISDOM FOR LIFE
God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, made us alive together with Christ.
By grace we have been saved!
For we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!
JUNIOR SERMON
ANTHEM: The Lord Is My Shepherd Abraham Kaplan
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
He restoreth my soul
He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for his namesake.
Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil;
for Thou art with me
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of my enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over
Surely goodness and mercy
Shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
Response: Sevenfold Amen
* HYMN No. 45 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Prayer of Illumination
Almighty God, you have spoken to us through your Son. Let your written Word now be spoken and heard by each of us. Give us ears to hear and hearts to understand, that we may not refuse your calling or ignore your voice. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS:
Psalm 23 p. 435
1 John 3:16-24 p. 990
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON A Community of Faith & Love Carlos Rivera
* CONFESSION OF FAITH:
Belgic Confession, Article 22
We believe that for us to acquire the true knowledge of this great mystery, the Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith that embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits and no longer looks for anything apart from him.
Faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, our righteousness. And faith is the instrument that keeps us in communion with him and with all his benefits.
OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS
Offertory: Sing Unto God Handel
Sing unto God, and high affections raise,
to crown this conquest with unmeasured praise.
* The Doxology (pew card)
* Prayer of Dedication
* HYMN No. 356 All Creatures of Our God and King
* BENEDICTION
Response: O Jesus, Grant Me Hope and Comfort
O Jesus, Grant me hope and comfort;
O let me never in sorrow pine,
My heart and soul, yea,
all my being,
O Jesus, trust alone in me.
Thou Prince of peace,
Thou pearl from heaven,
True God, true man,
My morning star!
Come thou precious
Sun most radiant,
Thy beams illumine
my heart and soul,
POSTLUDE: Music for the Royal Fireworks Handel
Announcements
Music Note For April
Each week in April the choir has been presenting a different musical setting of Psalm 23. This beloved psalm is one of the best known passages of scripture. Many are drawn to its poetic imagery and the spiritual renewal it provides.
Annual Congregational Meeting & Luncheon
Sunday, May 6, 2018, after the worship service
Election of elder and deacons; Approve the annual budget
Confirmation Class
The confirmation class, Julia Aiello, Isabel Vera, and Margaret Vera, will take turns serving as readers during the worship service. This coincides with the final section of the confirmation class which is studying worship and the spiritual disciplines. The confirmands will be confirmed on June 3.
COTH Concert Series
Saturday, May 26, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
Pianist Abram Korsunsky will perform solo works by Liszt and Chopin. Trumpet player Sam Thurston and pianist Sean Cotty will team up to perform works by John Williams and Alexander Arutiunian. Reception following. Free-will donation.
Storytelling Project
June 2, 2018, 10 am-2 pm, Lunch provided
Led by Lesley Mazzotta, this retreat will help you better understand yourself and your story in light of who God has created you to be. Retreat and lunch are free. We ask that you register by contacting the church office or on our website:
http://www.churchonthehill.org/storytelling-project/.
Amazon Smile
COTH is now registered as a charity with Amazon. When you shop at Amazon, go through AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase to COTH. To access AmazonSmile, go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/11-1672754.
Digital Newsletter
Beginning this fall, if you wish to receive an electronic copy of the Beacon, please give the church office your email address. Send it to office@churchonthehill.org.
Hard copies will no longer be mailed but will be available in the church office and in the back of the sanctuary.
WCC – Dates to Remember
May 19 – “Bee” luncheon
June 23 – Annual Luncheon at LaMotta’s Marina
Weekly Calendar
Tuesdays, Bible Study, 7:30 p.m., Folensbee Lounge
Wednesdays, Yoga, 7:30 p.m., Gessner Hall
No Yoga this Wednesday, May 2.
Thursdays, Prayer Group, 6:00 p.m., Folensbee Lounge
Prayer List
Remember the following individuals in your daily prayer:
Bermudez family, Diane Blagburn, Angela Brunjes, Jose, Gracinda and David Cerqueira, Rosemarie Dappio, Matthew Dagiau, Dombrowski family, William Duchemin, Joan Dwyer, Angela Edward, Lynne Johnson, Kathy Kissane, Jason Knese, Ginny Marsico, Alda Muyskens, Denise Moran, Stacey Muller, Ruth Murray, Joan Pearson, Keith Pearson, Megan Peters, Isabelita Rueda, Kook Ryo, Debra & Greg Sparrow