March 31, 2019

ORDER FOR WORSHIP

PRELUDE                     "Spring Song"                          Mendelssohn                                                                     

 

SALUTATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

* PASSING OF THE PEACE

       * SANCTUS (pew card)

 

* CALL TO WORSHIP                                          Maureen Saepia-Chen                                                           

In Christ, the God of heaven has made his home on earth.

Christ dwells among us and is one with us.

Highest of all creation, he lives among the least.

He journeys with the rejected and welcomes the weary.

Come now, all who thirst,

and drink the water of life.

Come now, all who hunger,

and be filled with good things.

Come now, all who seek,

and be warmed by the fire of love.

 

* HYMN No. 369                                         Lord of All Hopefulness

 

JUNIOR SERMON

(After the Junior Sermon, children ages 3-8 are dismissed to Children & Worship. Children & Worship meets in Room 2D. Children can be picked up there after the service.)

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION         

While I kept my sins secret, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.

For day and night were heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity.

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” and you forgave my guilt.

(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

From now on we regard no one from a human point of view.

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:

Everything old has passed away; everything has become new!

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.

 

ANTHEM:                    Lift Thine Eyes                  Felix Mendelssohn

 

Lift thine eyes to the mountains,

whence cometh help.

Thy help cometh from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

 

He hath said, Thy foot shall not be moved:

Thy keeper will never slumber.

Lift thine eyes to the mountains,

whence cometh help.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Lord’s Prayer (pew card)

Response                               Amen (from Mass of Creation)      

                     

* HYMN No. 502            Amazing Grace! How Sweet The Sound

 

Prayer of Illumination

Shine within our hearts, loving Lord,

with the true light of your divine knowledge,

and open the eyes of our minds,

that we may comprehend the message of your Word,

through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Joshua 5:9-12                                                                   p. 171

2 Corinthians 5:16-21                                                      p. 940

This is the Word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God.

SERMON                                                                          JJ TenClay

    Being Ambassadors of Christ in the Midst of a Global Refugee Crisis

* CONFESSION OF FAITH:

The Apostles’ Creed

OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS

     Offertory:        Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs     John Carter

Surely He has borne our griefs 

and carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed him stricken, 

smitten by God, and afflicted.

 

He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole,

and with His stripes we are healed.                                                     

* The Doxology (pew card) 

* Prayer of Dedication 

 

* HYMN No. 88                                 A Man There Lived in Galilee

 

* BENEDICTION                                    

Response           Dona Nobis Pacem          Grant us peace.

                                            

POSTLUDE      Organ Sonata No. 4 Movement IV     Mendelssohn

   

There will be no coffee hour after the service today.

 

 

Announcements

Many thanks to Margret Dougherty, Sarah White, and JJ TenClay for helping lead us in worship today!

♫ Music Note

Thank you to the women of the Church on the Hill Choir for sharing their musical talents with us today in worship!

 

Church Office Hours – April 1

The Church Office will be open from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm on Monday, April 1 and will resume regular hours on Tuesday.

Lenten Mission    

This year’s focus for the Lenten Mission is homelessness and affordable housing in NYC. Our church is already committed to serving individuals in need of housing through our Women’s Shelter. Our Lenten Mission will invite us to deepen our commitment in several ways:

 

1)   Almsgiving: Church on the Hill will collect monetary donations and other items that can be distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness.

2)   Education: Volunteers from the Women’s Shelter will share their experiences serving. Guests will share about homelessness and affordable housing in NYC.

3)   Prayer: We will pray for individuals experiencing homelessness here in NYC, especially the women we serve in our Women’s Shelter on Friday evenings.

4)   Hospitality: We invite you to serve in our Women’s Shelter in a variety of capacities, including preparing meals for them and staying overnight at the shelter.      

Music in a Sacred Space Concert

Our second "Music in a Sacred Space" spring concert will take place on Saturday, April 6th at 7:30 pm. The VYCK Quartet will be joining the Church on the Hill Choir with performances of string quartets, choral works, and vocal solos. This concert is free and open to the public. There will be a reception to follow in Gessner Hall.

Adult Bible Study

For many, the book of Revelation is an intimidating book, full of prophecy and imagery that can confound our minds. For that reason, many of us steer clear of the book as a whole. The book of Revelation, however, starts with seven letters, letters filled with the love and wisdom of Christ. These letters, written by John on behalf of Jesus, are sent to seven churches in Asia who are facing persecution. This Bible study will examine these letters both for what they said to the churches in Asia and also what they might have to say to the church today! Join us on Tuesdays, at 7:30 p.m. in the Library!

 

Ushers Needed

Would you be willing to serve as an usher during worship services distributing bulletins, assisting congregants to their seats if needed, and collecting the offering? Serving as an usher provides a great opportunity to meet new people in the church and to help create an atmosphere of hospitality. If interested, please contact the church office.

Looking Ahead – Mark your calendars!

·      Tues. Apr. 2         7:30 PM   Adult Bible Study

·      Wed. Apr. 3        7:30 PM   Indoor Yoga Class

·      Thurs. Apr. 4      10:00 AM Bargain Boutique

                                5:45 PM   Queens Children Comm. Choir

                            6:00 PM    Prayer Group

                                7:30 PM   Choir Rehearsal

·      Sat. Apr. 6        10:00 AM    Bargain Boutique

·      Sun. April 7         9:45 AM   Sunday School classes

                              11:10 AM  Children and Worship

·      Sun. April 14     11:00 AM   Palm Sunday Service

·      Thurs. Apr. 18      6:45 PM    Maundy Thursday Potluck

                                7:15 PM   Communion Service

·      Fri. Apr. 19           8:00 PM    Good Friday Service

·      Sun. Apr. 21        7:00 AM   Easter Sunrise Service-Bowne Park

                              11:00 AM   Easter Service


 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Remember the following individuals in your daily prayer:

Diane Blagburn, Michael Breazzano, David Cerqueira, Jessica Costagliola, Allegra DeMelo, Jolie Dunham, Lucas Ditta, Dorothy & Abel, Joan Dwyer, Matt Field, Amy Freedman, Frocione family, Jose Gracinda, Bernice Herbert, Hotchkiss Family, Ken Hoey, Jason Knese, Jane Lynch, Jorge and Tiffany Martinez, Larry Murray, Joan Pearson, Kook Ryo, Ivanette and Harold Shinsato, Kane Shinsato, Kathy Shinsato, Donna Smith, Janet Stillwagon, Alison Venable, Mel Werbel, Janet Willemain and Dennis Wink

Children are always welcome in worship at Church on the Hill.  At the back of the sanctuary, the Family Room is open for young children and their parents.  Changing tables are also available in the restrooms downstairs in Gessner Hall.

March 24, 2019

ORDER FOR WORSHIP

PRELUDE                                                                         Sean Cotty

                  Improvisation on Melodies from Radiohead

 

SALUTATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

* PASSING OF THE PEACE

       * SANCTUS (pew card)

 

* CALL TO WORSHIP                                   Johanne Zoh                                                                                  

O God, you are my God. I seek you; my soul thirsts for you.

I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips praise you.

I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.

My mouth praises you with joyful lips

For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy!

 

* HYMN No. 60                                          Great Is Thy Faithfulness

 

JUNIOR SERMON

(After the Junior Sermon, children ages 3-8 are dismissed to Children & Worship. Children & Worship meets in Room 2D. Children can be picked up there after the service.)

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION         

O Christ,

out of your fullness we have all received grace upon grace.

You are our eternal hope;

you are patient and full of mercy;

you are generous to all who call upon you.

Save us, Lord.

O Christ, fountain of life and holiness,

you have taken away our sins.

On the cross you were wounded for our transgressions

and were bruised for our iniquities.

Forgive us, Lord.

O Christ, obedient unto death,

source of all comfort,

our life and our resurrection,

our peace and reconciliation:

Make us your new creation, Lord.

(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

Return to the Lord your God,

for he is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

In Christ, we are forgiven!

Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift!

 

ANTHEM:                Were We There?                  Craig Courtney 

 

Were we there, you and I, in the olive grove that night?

Was there silver in my hand to betray the Son of Man?

Did you run away and hide? In your fear, did you deny?

Were we there, were we there, you and I?

 

Were we there, you and I, boldly crying, "crucify?"

Did you mock Him with your scorn?

Did I weave the crown of thorns?

Did you strike Him in the face, spit on Him in His disgrace?

Were we there, were we there, you and I?

 

Were we there, you and I, on that hill the day He died?

Did you watch without a sound 

when they brought the hammer down?

Did I turn to look away from his suffering and pain?

Were we there? Were we there?

 

Were you there? Was I, too, 

on that morning at the tomb?

When we looked into His face, 

did we know He took our place?

Yes, He died for us as though 

we were there so long ago.

 

We were there.

 

LENTEN MISSION     

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Lord’s Prayer (pew card)

Response                                          Hear Our Prayer, O Lord

 

Hear our prayer, O Lord, incline thine ear to us,

and grant us thy peace. Amen.

                     

* HYMN No. 198                                Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

 

Prayer of Illumination

Lord God,

may your Word be a lamp to our feet

and a light to our path

through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Isaiah 55:1-9                                                                     p. 598

Luke 13:1-9                                                                       p. 848

This is the Word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God.

 

SERMON           The Stories We Tell Ourselves     

 

* CONFESSION OF FAITH:

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 89-90

Q. What is the dying-away of the old self?

A. To be genuinely sorry for sin and more and more to hate and run away from it.

 

Q. What is the rising-to-life of the new self?

A. Wholehearted joy in God through Christ and a love and delight to live according to the will of God by doing every kind of good work.

 

OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS

     Offertory:             A Lenten Meditation             Brett Michaels

 

Jesus refuge of the weary, Blest Redeemer whom we love,

Fountain in life's desert dreary, Savior from the work above.

Ohm how your eyes offended, Gaze upon a sinner's fall!

Yet, upon the cross extended, You endured the pain of all.

 

Dare we pass that Cross unheeding, breathing no repentant vow,

As we see you wounded, bleeding, see your thorn encircled brow?

Since your sinless death has brought us life eternal, peace and rest,

Only what your grace has taught us calms the sinner's deep distress.

 

When I survey the wondrous Cross, on which the prince of glory died.

My richest gain, I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.

 

Jesus, may our hearts be burning with more fervent love for you!

May our eyes be ever yearning, to behold Your cross anew.

'Till in glory, parted never from the blessed Savior's side,

Graven in our hearts forever, dwell the cross, the crucified!

                                                                      

* The Doxology (pew card) 

* Prayer of Dedication 

 

* HYMN No. 227                                  Rock Of Ages, Cleft For Me

 

* BENEDICTION                                    

Response                                                Jesus Remember Me

 

Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.

 

POSTLUDE       Now Thank We All Our God        Sigfrid Karg-Elert

   

All are invited to join us in Gessner Hall for coffee hour.

 

Announcements

Lenten Mission    

This year’s focus for the Lenten Mission is homelessness and affordable housing in NYC. Our church is already committed to serving individuals in need of housing through our Women’s Shelter. Our Lenten Mission will invite us to deepen our commitment in several ways:

 

1)   Almsgiving: Church on the Hill will collect monetary donations and other items that can be distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness.

2)   Education: Volunteers from the Women’s Shelter will share their experiences serving. Guests will share about homelessness and affordable housing in NYC.

3)   Prayer: We will pray for individuals experiencing homelessness here in NYC, especially the women we serve in our Women’s Shelter on Friday evenings.

4)   Hospitality: We invite you to serve in our Women’s Shelter in a variety of capacities, including preparing meals for them and staying overnight at the shelter.      

 

Music in a Sacred Space Concert

Our second "Music in a Sacred Space" spring concert will take place on Saturday, April 6th at 7:30 pm. The VYCK Quartet will be joining the Church on the Hill Choir with performances of string quartets, choral works, and vocal solos. This concert is free and open to the public. There will be a reception to follow in Gessner Hall.

 

Adult Bible Study

For many, the book of Revelation is an intimidating book, full of prophecy and imagery that can confound our minds. For that reason, many of us steer clear of the book as a whole. The book of Revelation, however, starts with seven letters, letters filled with the love and wisdom of Christ. These letters, written by John on behalf of Jesus, are sent to seven churches in Asia who are facing persecution. This Bible study will examine these letters both for what they said to the churches in Asia and also what they might have to say to the church today! Join us on Tuesdays, at 7:30 p.m. in the Library!

 

Ushers Needed

Would you be willing to serve as an usher during worship services distributing bulletins, assisting congregants to their seats if needed, and collecting the offering? Serving as an usher provides a great opportunity to meet new people in the church and to help create an atmosphere of hospitality. If interested, please contact the church office.

 

Looking Ahead – Mark your calendars!

·      Tues. Mar. 26      7:30 PM   Adult Bible Study

·      Wed. Mar. 27     7:30 PM   Indoor Yoga Class

·      Thurs. Mar. 28   10:00 AM   Bargain Boutique

                                5:45 PM   Queens Children Comm. Choir

                            6:00 PM    Prayer Group

                                7:30 PM   Choir Rehearsal

·      Sat. Mar. 30       10:00 AM   Bargain Boutique

·      Sun. Mar. 31       9:30 AM  Women’s Communion Breakfast

                                9:45 AM  Sunday School classes

                              11:10 AM  Children and Worship

·      Thurs. Apr. 18      6:45 PM   Maundy Thursday Potluck

                                7:15 PM  Communion Service

·      Fri. Apr. 19           8:00 PM   Good Friday Service

·      Sun. Apr. 21        7:00 AM  Easter Sunrise Service-Bowne Park

                              11:00 AM  Easter Service

PRAYER REQUESTS

 

Remember the following individuals in your daily prayer:

Diane Blagburn, Michael Breazzano, David Cerqueira, Jessica Costagliola, Allegra DeMelo, Jolie Dunham, Lucas Ditta, Dorothy & Abel, Joan Dwyer, Matt Field, Frocione family, Jose Gracinda, Bernice Herbert, Hotchkiss Family, Ken Hoey, Jason Knese, Jane Lynch, Jorge and Tiffany Martinez, Jean Mendler, Larry Murray, Joan Pearson, Kook Ryo, Ivanette and Harold Shinsato, Kane Shinsato, Kathy Shinsato, Donna Smith, Janet Stillwagon, Alison Venable, Mel Werbel and Janet Willemain

 

March 17, 2019

ORDER FOR WORSHIP

PRELUDE                   Improvisation on "Nicaea"         Sean Cotty      

SALUTATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

* PASSING OF THE PEACE

       * SANCTUS (pew card)

 

* CALL TO WORSHIP                                Gerry Mendler                                                                                  

One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after:

To live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life;

To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

For God will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble.

God will conceal under the tent and set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up and I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy.

I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

 

* HYMN No. 2                       Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty

 

JUNIOR SERMON

(After the Junior Sermon, children ages 3-8 are dismissed to Children & Worship. Children & Worship meets in Room 2D. Children can be picked up there after the service.)

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION         

O Lord, you desire truth in our inward being;

teach us wisdom in our heart.

Send out your light, send out your truth,

and let them lead us to our home.

Take from us the weight of our sin,

that room might be made for your spirit of truth.

If we prepare a dwelling place, that spirit will abide within us,

and the truth will set our spirits free.

O Lord, you desire truth in our inward being;

teach us wisdom in our heart.

(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

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.

Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

 

ANTHEM:                                                           Deborah Governor

            Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed

 

Alas! and did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die?

Would He devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?

Was it for sins, that I have done He groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity! grace unknown! And love beyond degree!

 

Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut its glories in.

When Christ, the great Redeemer, died for His own creature's sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face while His dear cross appears,

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt my eyes to tears.

 

But tears of grief cannot repay the debt of love I owe;

Here, Lord, I give myself away: 'Tis all that I can do. 

LENTEN MISSION     

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Lord’s Prayer (pew card)

Response                             Write These Words in Our Hearts

 

Write these words in our hearts,

we beseech you, O Lord.

 

* HYMN No. 634                     Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah                                                  

 

Prayer of Illumination

Holy and loving God,

as we worship you today,

we long for your Spirit to both comfort and challenge us,

to help us become more holy and more loving.

We often have a hard time understanding repentance,

So we pray for new understanding, humility, patience, and discipline

that will help us die to sin and live for Jesus. Amen.

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Genesis 15:1-6                                                                  p.  10

Luke 13:31-35                                                                   p. 830

This is the Word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God.

 

SERMON:                 Desire For God            Rev. Blaine Crawford

* CONFESSION OF FAITH:

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 89-90

Q. What is the dying-away of the old self?

A. To be genuinely sorry for sin and more and more to hate and run away from it.

 

Q. What is the rising-to-life of the new self?

A. Wholehearted joy in God through Christ and a love and delight to live according to the will of God by doing every kind of good work.

 

OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS

     Offertory:           Variants on an Irish Hymn     John Ness Beck

 

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best thought. by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

 

Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father and I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

 

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Amen.

                                                                      

* The Doxology (pew card) 

* Prayer of Dedication 

 

* HYMN No. 441                     Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

 

* BENEDICTION                                    

Response                                                       Sevenfold Amen                                                                   

POSTLUDE      Improvisation on "Londonderry Air"     Sean Cotty

   

All are invited to join us in Gessner Hall for coffee hour.

 

Announcements

Lenten Mission    

This year’s focus for the Lenten Mission is homelessness and affordable housing in NYC. Our church is already committed to serving individuals in need of housing through our Women’s Shelter. Our Lenten mission will invite us to deepen our commitment in several ways:

 

1)   Almsgiving: Church on the Hill will collect monetary donations and other items that can be distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness.

2)   Education: Volunteers from the Women’s Shelter will share their experiences serving. Guests will share about homelessness and affordable housing in NYC.

3)   Prayer: We will pray for individuals experiencing homelessness here in NYC, especially the women we serve in our Women’s Shelter on Friday evenings.

4)   Hospitality: We invite you to serve in our Women’s Shelter in a variety of capacities, including preparing meals for them and staying overnight at the shelter.      

 

Music in a Sacred Space Concert

Our second "Music in a Sacred Space" spring concert will take place on Saturday, April 6th at 7:30 pm. The VYCK Quartet will be joining the Church on the Hill Choir with  performances of string quartets, choral works, and vocal solos. This concert is free and open to the public. There will be a reception to follow in Gessner Hall.

 

Ushers Needed

Would you be willing to serve as an usher during worship services?  Ushers distribute bulletins, assist congregants to their seats if needed, and collect the offering. Serving as an usher provides a great opportunity to meet new people in the church and to help create an atmosphere of hospitality. If interested, please contact the church office.

Adult Bible Study

For many, the book of Revelation is an intimidating book, full of prophecy and imagery that can confound our minds. For that reason, many of us steer clear of the book as a whole. The book of Revelation, however, starts with seven letters, letters filled with the love and wisdom of Christ. These letters, written by John on behalf of Jesus, are sent to seven churches in Asia who are facing persecution. This Bible study will examine these letters both for what they said to the churches in Asia and also what they might have to say to the church today! Join us on Tuesdays, at 7:30 p.m. in the Library!

 

Youth & Children Ministries

Sunday School for youths aged 9-13 will meet at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary, before moving to room 2C. The class finishes around 10:40 a.m. Jeanne Sarran teaches this class.

 

Children & Worship children aged 3-8 will be dismissed from the worship service following the Junior Sermon and will meet in room 2D with Molly Mahowald. Children can be picked up after the worship service.

 

Looking Ahead – Mark your calendars!

·      Tues. Mar. 19      7:30 PM   Adult Bible Study

·      Wed. Mar. 20     7:30 PM   Indoor Yoga Class

·      Thurs. Mar. 21   10:00 AM   Bargain Boutique

                                5:45 PM   Queens Children Comm. Choir

                            6:00 PM    Prayer Group

                                7:30 PM   Choir Rehearsal

·      Sat. Mar 23       10:00 AM   Bargain Boutique

·      Sun. Mar. 24       9:45 AM  Sunday School classes

                              11:10 AM  Children and Worship

·      Sun. Mar. 31       9:30 AM  Women’s Communion Breakfast

·      Thurs. Apr. 18      6:45 PM   Maundy Thursday Potluck

                                7:15 PM  Communion Service

·      Fri. Apr. 19           8:00 PM   Good Friday Service

·      Sun. Apr. 21        7:00 AM  Easter Sunrise Service-Bowne Park

                              11:00 AM  Easter Service

PRAYER REQUESTS

Remember the following individuals in your daily prayer:

Diane Blagburn, Michael Breazzano, David Cerqueira, Jessica Costagliola, Allegra DeMelo, Lucas Ditta, Dorothy & Abel, Joan Dwyer, Matt Field, Frocione family, Jose Gracinda, Bernice Herbert, Hotchkiss Family, Ken Hoey, Jason Knese, Marge LiBert, Jane Lynch, Jorge and Tiffany Martinez, Jean Mendler, Larry Murray, Joan Pearson, Kook Ryo, Ivanette and Harold Shinsato, Kane Shinsato, Kathy Shinsato, Janet Stillwagon, Alison Venable and Mel Werbel

 

Children are always welcome in worship at Church on the Hill.  At the back of the sanctuary, the Family Room is open for young children and their parents.  Changing tables are also available in the restrooms downstairs in Gessner Hall.

March 10, 2019

ORDER FOR WORSHIP

PRELUDE         Prelude and Fugue in F major                J. S. Bach        

 

SALUTATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

* PASSING OF THE PEACE

       * SANCTUS (pew card)

 

* CALL TO WORSHIP                                    Steve Sarran                                                                                  

Let us worship God, who has done great things.

We rejoice in our God, who made a way

through the desert of this world.

Let us worship God, who has caused streams of mercy

to flow in the wasteland.

We are the people God has formed through Christ;

we worship him, and we rejoice!

Let us worship God in spirit and in truth.

We praise God for the grace that has saved us.

 

* HYMN No. 200                                          Lord, Who Throughout

 

JUNIOR SERMON

(After the Junior Sermon, children ages 3-8 are dismissed to Children & Worship. Children & Worship meets in Room 2D. Children can be picked up there after the service.)

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION         

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love.

According to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly and cleanse me from my sin.

Against you have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

(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

If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and

If you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,

You will be saved.

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek:

The same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.

Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.

We are forgiven! We will live in peace!

 

ANTHEM:                    Ave Verum Corpus                 W. A. Mozart

 

(translation)

Hail, true Body, born
of the Virgin Mary,
having truly suffered, sacrificed
on the cross for mankind,
from whose pierced side
water and blood flowed:
Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet]
in the trial of death!

 

LENTEN MISSION     

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Lord’s Prayer (pew card)

Response                           All Things Come of Thee, O Lord 

 

All things come of thee, O Lord, 

and of thine own have we given thee.

                                

* HYMN No. 340                           Amid the Thronging Worshipers

 

Prayer of Illumination

Lord God,

in this season of Lent

we look forward to our remembrance of Jesus’ death

and our celebration of his resurrection.

We pray that your Spirit will renew in us today

our anticipation for these events

and our awareness that Jesus’ death and resurrection

are a sure source of hope and life.

In the power of Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Deuteronomy 26:1-11                                                     p. 158

Luke 4:1-13                                                                       p. 835

This is the Word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God.

 

SERMON:                  Learning to Say No    Rev. Blaine Crawford

 

* CONFESSION OF FAITH:

Based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 43

By Christ’s power
our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us, but that instead we may offer ourselves as a sacrifice of gratitude to him.

 

OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS

     Offertory:                   Offertory                         John Ness Beck

 

With what shall I come before the Lord,

and bow myself before the God on high?

Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings,

Shall I come before Him with yearling calves?

 

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

with ten thousand rivers of oil?

Shall I give Him my firstborn for my transgressions,

the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

 

He has shown you, O man;

He has shown you what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice and kindness,

and to walk humbly,

walk humbly with your God?

                                                       

* The Doxology (pew card) 

* Prayer of Dedication 

 

* HYMN No. 442                         O Come to Me, The Master Said

 

* BENEDICTION                                    

Response                                                Jesus Remember Me

 

Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.

                                                     

POSTLUDE             Fugue in G minor "The Great"           J. S. Bach

All are invited to join us in Gessner Hall for coffee hour.

 

Announcements

Lenten Mission    

Our focus for the Lenten Mission this year will be on homelessness and affordable housing in NYC. Church on the Hill is already committed to serving individuals in need of housing through our Friday Women’s Shelter. Our Lenten mission will invite us to deepen our commitment and be comprised of several parts:

 

1)   Almsgiving: Church on the Hill will collect monetary donations and other items that can be distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness.

2)   Education: Volunteers from the Women’s Shelter will share of their experiences serving. In addition, a guest speaker will share more about homelessness and affordable housing in NYC.

3)   Prayer: Church on the Hill will pray for individuals experiencing homelessness here in NYC, especially the women we serve in our Women’s Shelter on Friday evenings.

4)   Hospitality: Church on the Hill is invited to serve in our Women’s Shelter in a variety of capacities, including preparing meals for the women and staying overnight at the shelter.      

 

Free Concert Series

Our free concert series "Music in a Sacred Space" returns on Saturday, March 16th with a recital by pianist Abram Korsunsky. He will be performing works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Schumann. The recital begins at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary followed by a reception in Gessner Hall. There will be a free will offering for the concert series fund.

 

New Members Class

Interested in learning more about what it means to be a member of Church on the Hill and about our ministries and values? A New Members class will be held after church from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on March 17 and 24 followed by lunch. The class will answer the questions above and share more about Church on the Hill's history. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Crawford.

 

Ushers Needed

Would you be willing to serve as an usher during worship services?  Ushers distribute bulletins, assist congregants to their seats if needed, and collect the offering. Serving as an usher provides a great opportunity to meet new people in the church and to help create an atmosphere of hospitality. If interested, please contact the church office.

 

Looking Ahead – Mark your calendars!

·      Tues. Mar. 12      7:30 PM   Adult Bible Study

·      Wed. Mar. 13     7:30 PM   Indoor Yoga Class

·      Thurs. Mar. 14   10:00 AM   Bargain Boutique

                                5:45 PM   Queens Children Comm. Choir

                            6:00 PM    Prayer Group

                                7:30 PM   Choir Rehearsal

·      Sat. Mar 16       10:00 AM   Bargain Boutique

·      Sun. Mar. 17       9:45 AM  Sunday School classes

                              11:10 AM  Children and Worship

·      Sun. Mar. 31       9:30 AM  Women’s Communion Breakfast

·      Thurs. Apr. 18      6:45 PM   Maundy Thursday Potluck

                                7:15 PM  Communion Service

·      Fri. Apr. 19           8:00 PM   Good Friday Service

·      Sun. Apr. 21        7:00 AM  Easter Sunrise Service-Bowne Park

                              11:00 AM  Easter Service

 

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

 

Remember the following individuals in your daily prayer:

Diane Blagburn, Michael Breazzano, David Cerqueira, Jessica Costagliola, Allegra DeMelo, Lucas Ditta, Dorothy & Abel, Joan Dwyer, Matt Field, Frocione family, Jose Gracinda, Hotchkiss Family, Ken Hoey, Jason Knese, Marge LiBert, Jane Lynch, Jorge and Tiffany Martinez, Jean Mendler, Larry Murray, Joan Pearson, Kook Ryo, Ivanette and Harold Shinsato, Kane Shinsato, Kathy Shinsato, Janet Stillwagon, Alison Venable and Mel Werbel