Hebrews

October 19, 2014

PRELUDE

Prelude and Fugue in a minor, Johann Sebastians Bach
If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee, Johann Sebastians Bach

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)             

* CALL TO WORSHIP AND SALUTATION, Nancy Gessner

Leader:     Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of God’s name.
People:     How awesome are your deeds, O God! We sing praises to your name.
Leader:     Come and see what God has done: turning the sea into dry land; bringing us across the river Jordan.
People:     How awesome are your deeds, O God! We sing praises to your name. 
Leader:     Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

-- adapted from Psalm 66

* HYMN No. 29:  O Worship the King

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)     

God, we are blessed because You do not count our sins against us. When we acknowledge our sins, You forgive us and we are guilty no more. When we acknowledge our sins, You become our hiding place and surround us with songs of deliverance. Free us now from the trappings of our sin. Give us hearts that yearn for You instead of hearts filled with rebellion. Remind us that dwelling with You and Your purpose for our lives is far better than any temptation we face. Thank You for Your great grace and unfailing compassion.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

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

ANTHEM:  The First Song of Isaiah, Jack Noble White

The Chancel and Junior Choirs

Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and he will be my Savior.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation.  And on that day you shall say, Give thanks to the Lord, and call upon his Name.
Make his deeds known among the peoples; see that they remember that his Name is exalted.  Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.

JUNIOR SERMON                   

MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
    Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
    Prayer response, John Yarrington

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

* HYMN No. 224: Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know

SCRIPTURE READING

Hebrews 1: 1-4, Pew Bible, page 970

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

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

THE SERMON:  The Superiority of Jesus Christ!, Rev. Donteena Edwards

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
   Offertory:  My Eternal King, Jane Marshall

My God, I love Thee; not because I hope for heaven thereby, Nor yet because who love Thee not must die eternally. Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me Upon the cross embrace; For me didst bear the nails, the nails and spear, And manifold disgrace.
Why, then why, O blessed Jesus Christ, Should I not love thee well? Not for the hope of winning heaven, Or of escaping hell. Not with the hope of gaining aught, Not seeking a reward; But as Thyself hast loved me, O everlasting Lord!
E’en so I love Thee, and will love, And in Thy praise will sing; Solely because Thou art my God, And my Eternal King.

    * The Doxology  (pew card)
    * Prayer of Dedication

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

* HYMN No. 211:  Lead Me to Calvary

* BENEDICTION 
    Response, Théodore Dubois

Thee we adore, O Saviour, bless Thee and praise Thee for ever, for on Thy holy cross Thou has the world from sin redeemed.

POSTLUDE:  Chaccone, Louis Couperin

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME BACK TO OUR PULPIT the Rev. Dr. Donteena Edwards, a former student intern at The Church on the Hill.  Donteena received her Doctor of Ministry from New Brunswick Theological Seminary.  Her doctoral thesis was “Aging in Church and in Community”, which speaks to her interest in the elderly.  Currently, she is the academic dean and one of the instructors at Westbury Bethel Bible Institute.

TODAY’S COFFEE HOUR is hosted by the Congregational Care Committee in honor of the October birthdays.  Please join us in this time of fellowship.

THE FLOWERS are given by Reeta and Ted Dombrowski in celebration of their 15th Wedding Anniversary.

SYNODICAL ASSESSMENT:  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!

  • 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:

Van Drivers: Gary LiBert (AM), Bill Proschel (PM)
Greeters: Nina and Bill Proschel, Dorothea Zelnick
Ushers: Wai and Richard Chu, Cathy and Tom Doyle
Children and Worship: Kathy Bracken and Sarah White

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).  

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – To host a coffee hour, put your name on the sign-up sheet in Gessner Hall or speak with Rhoda Jabbour.

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

Also, pray for 1st Lt. Alexandra Knese, U.S. Army and a daughter of this congregation, who will be deployed to Liberia, Africa on November 1.

December 29, 2013

PRELUDE:  Greensleeves, arr. Richard Purvis

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)             

* CALL TO WORSHIP AND SALUTATION, Dorien Day

Leader:  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
People:  On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Leader:  Jesus Christ is our life and light.
People:  In his name and in his power, let us worship God
Leader:  Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

-- based on Isaiah 9:2

* HYMN No. 146:  Joy to the World! the Lord Is Come

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)    

O God, in the beginning you spoke and creation was born, the object of your loving care. In the fullness of time you spoke, and the Word became flesh, Jesus, gift of your love. We wonder at the miracle of creation; we stand in awe before the mystery of the incarnation. Forgive us earthbound creatures, feeble in faith, empty of hope, lacking in love. This year let the miracle and mystery of Christmas happen for us again. We wait upon you with ready hearts, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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

ANTHEM:  Love Came Down at Christmas, John Carter

Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine; Love was born at Christmas, Star and angels gave the sign.  Worship we the Godhead.  Love incarnate, Love divine; Worship we our Jesus: But wherewith for sacred sign?  Love shall be our token, Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign.  Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine.

JUNIOR SERMON           

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

As bright the star of morning gleams, So Jesus sheddeth glorious beams Of light and consolation! Thy Word, O Lord, Radiance darting, Truth imparting, Gives salvation; Thine be praise and adoration.

* HYMN No. 152:  Angels We Have Heard on High

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

Isaiah 63: 7-9, Pew Bible, page 605

I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of theLord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely”; and he became their savior in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Hebrews 2:10-18, Pew Bible, page 971

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Matthew 2:13-23, Pew Bible, page 784

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.”Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”

THE SERMON:  Out of Egypt, Norman Haight                   

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
    Offertory:  Christmas Welcome, John Ness Beck

Welcome, welcome, Child of Bethlehem; Welcome, newly-born King! There's a crown of stars for your diadem, choirs of angels are singing, "Welcome, welcome, one and all, to the lowly manger stall." Welcome, neighbor, and welcome, stranger, and welcome, all we hold dear. Welcome, glad time of the year!

Welcome, children, and welcome, shepherds, and welcome, animals, too!  Whether young or old, come in from the cold; love is waiting for you.  Welcome, welcome, Holy night, stars and candles shining bright.

May this blessed birth bring us peace on earth, health and wealth and good cheer.  Welcome, all ye who hear, come and draw near for the Season of Christmas is here!

    * The Doxology  (pew card)      
    * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         
    Apostles Creed  (pew card)

* HYMN No. 171:  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

* BENEDICTION 
    Response:  Fanfare for Christmas, Martin Shaw

Gloria in excelsis deo. (Glory to God in the highest!)

POSTLUDE:  Carillon de Westminster, Louis Vierne

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME ELDER NORMAN HAIGHT BACK TO THE PULPIT.  Elder Haight, is a Candidate for Word and Sacrament in the RCA under care of the Classis of Rockland-Westchester.  He is a recent graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary this past May, having served for a year as Student Minister at historic Old First Reformed Church of Park Slope, Brooklyn.   He is a resident and native of Peekskill, NY. 

TODAY’S COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Rosa Weed and the Congregational Care Committee in honor of the December Birthdays.  All are welcome to share in this time of fellowship.

OUR APPRECIATION FOR TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS:

Van Drivers: Bill Proschel (AM), Simon Walsh (PM)
Greeters: Nina and Bill Proschel, Dorothea Zelnick
Ushers: Charles D’Oria, Tim Hopper, Molly Mahowald, Christina Schaub and Jerry Good
Childcare: Adriene Toy

VAN SERVICE for Sunday worship, call Gina Lombardo at (917) 767-2923.

2014 offering envelopes are at the church entrance.  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.

CHILDREN AND WORSHIP will resume next Sunday, January 5, 2014.

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

August 11, 2013 - Communion Service

The Church on the Hill
 Communion Service

 August 11, 2013 10:00 A.M.

* All who are able, please stand.

Reminder:  Please turn off your cell phone. Thank you.

PRELUDE:   Lord Jesus, Christ, Be Present Now Paul Manz

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* Gloria Patri  (pew card)  

* Call To Worship (Adapted from Psalm 8) Roslyn Andela

Leader: O Sovereign Lord! How majestic is your name!
People: You have set your glory above the heavens!
Leader: When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, the stars that you have established, what are human being that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
People: Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.
Leader: Grace and Peace to you from God our Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

* SALUTATION 

* HYMN No. 34   Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)

Jesus, who sat at the table with outcasts and sinners, we confess that too often our words and actions are not consistent with our beliefs. Often we ignore the needy, show indifference to the lonely, and reject those who seem different from us. Forgive us we pray. Empower us to reach out in love and acceptance through your name. Amen.

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

JUNIOR SERMON    

ANTHEM: from Elijah Felix Mendelssohn

The Chamber Choir

O come, everyone that thirsteth, O come to the waters, O come unto Him.  O hear, and your souls shall live forever.

SCRIPTURE LESSON 

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Pew Bible, pg. 977

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’
All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

THE SERMON               Elbow Room Donna M. Field

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Offering
Offertory:  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 request 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.

* The Doxology  (pew card)  
* Prayer of Dedication

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

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
     Remembering with Love and Hope  (pew card)
     Invitation
     Communion Prayer
          Sanctus  (pew card)
           Mystery of the Faith (unison)
               Christ has Died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again.
     Words of Institution Elder Dorien Day

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & INTERCESSION
Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
Prayer response:  Kittery  William Billings

Our Father who in heaven art, all hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done throughout this earthly frame.

* HYMN No. 669 God of Grace and God of Glory

* BENEDICTION
Response:  Henry Purcell  

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ our Lord.

POSTLUDE:  God of Grace             Paul Manz

WE WELCOME DONNA MARIE FIELD to the pulpit.  In May 2013, Donna graduated from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary with a Masters in Divinity degree.  She will be leading our worship services until a permanent minister is in place.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AUGUST 11, 2013

OUR WORSHIP HOURS will continue at the 10:00 AM hour through Labor Day Sunday, September 1, 2013.  We hope you will give our worship your support through prayer and attendance.   

APPRECIATIONS: Today we thank the Chamber Choir for sharing their musical talents to enhance our worship service.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL,  starts tomorrow

August 12-16, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.  

Kingdom Rock – Where Kids Stand Strong for God

CROP WALK September 22, 2013 – Donation envelopes are available in the back of the sanctuary and in the church office.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  • Please consider prepaying your pledge before you leave on vacation.  This will help the summer cash flow problem.
  • Please submit your pledge (estimate of giving) cards for 2013.  If you have already done so, thank you.
  • If you have not given a special offering for your assessment ($93 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.  

YEAR-ROUND COLLECTIONS – 

  • Donations for the Food for Kids Ministry should be brought to the Church office.  During the school year, 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.   
  • Christmas cards (with Forever Stamps on the envelopes) are collected in a basket in Gessner Hall.  These cards will enable inmates at the Nassau County Correction Center to correspond with their loved ones.  

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