WELCOME, GUESTS! Thank you for worshiping with us this morning. Please sign the Friendship Pad, pass it along the pew, and introduce yourself to those around you after the service. Stop by the Welcome Center in the Narthex (lobby) to pick up information that will acquaint you with our church services and programs. You are also invited to join the conversation on Facebook, at facebook.com/firstpresah, and Twitter, at @FirstPresAH. We look forward to connecting with you again.
First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights A congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Organized in 1855
CHILD CARE Children of all ages are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate in worship. Child care is available (infants through age four) in the Christian Education Wing (8:45 am – 11:45 am). CLASSES FOR ALL AGES From September through May, Sunday morning Christian education classes are held for all ages. These include classes for preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school students, as well as education and discussion groups for adults. To learn more, visit firstpresah.org or call the church office at 847-255-5900. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE Large print bulletins, large print hymn packets, and hearing amplifiers are available from the ushers. IMPORTANT WORSHIP REMINDERS Please silence cell phones and refrain from taking photos or recording the worship service. Services are webcast live at firstpresah.org/media/live-stream. To download or listen to a podcast of today’s sermon (available soon), visit firstpresah.org/media/podcast. Past sermons and other educational broadcasts are available through the Media section of our website.
Heritage “I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God.” —Elisabeth Elliot
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 22, 2018 11:00 AM Choose love. Be the light. Change the world.
First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights 302 N. Dunton Avenue • Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-255-5900 • www.firstpresah.org •
[email protected]
HEARING GOD’S WORD
The prelude is your invitation to quiet preparation for the worship of Almighty God.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
GATHERING AS GOD’S PEOPLE
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING
PRELUDE
“Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” arr. Morrone “Were You There?” Wood, arr. Morrone Joan Morrone, Phil & Courtney Lewis, horns; Michelle Fielder, oboe
WELCOME
Alex Lang
CALL TO WORSHIP One: The Lord is risen! Alleluia! All: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!
HYMN 363
“Rejoice, the Lord Is King!”
PRAYER OF THE DAY (Unison)
Darwall’s 148th
TC Anderson Holy God, you know us by name. You lead us through times of trial and suffering. Your arms welcome us and provide comfort in our darkest times. We trust you to guide us through times of suffering and despair. Allow us to hear your voice inviting us to walk with you. Remind us that even in times of great uncertainty and insecurity you make the path safe for us and take the journey with us. This we ask through Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT One: Christ is risen indeed; we are not afraid. All: For we know the One in whom we trust.
CELTIC ALLELUIA! (Hymn 587) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
PASSING THE PEACE One: The peace of Jesus Christ be with you. All: And also with you. One: Let us share the peace of Christ with one another.
COMMUNITY LIFE
OFFERING
ANTHEM
TC Anderson 1 Peter 4:12-17 (Pew Bible, p. 986) TC Anderson The Word of the Lord/Thanks be to God!
“Look at the World”
John Rutter
“Look at the world, everything all around us, Look at the world and marvel every day. Look at the world: so many joys and wonders, So many miracles along our way. Praise to thee, O lord for all creation. Give us thankful hearts that we may see, All the gifts we share, and every blessing, All things come of thee. Look at the earth bringing forth fruit and flower, Look at the sky the sunshine and the rain. Look at the hills, look at the trees and mountains, Valley and flowing river, field and plain. Think of the spring, think of the warmth of summer, Bringing the harvest before winter's cold. Everything grows, everything has a season, ’til it is gathered to the Father's fold: Every good gift, all that we need and cherish. Comes from the Lord in token of his love, We are his hands, stewards of all his bounty, His is the earth and his the heavens above.”
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING
1 Peter 3:18-22 (Pew Bible, p. 985) Alex Lang The Word of the Lord/Thanks be to God!
“The Birthplace of Purgatory”
Alex Lang
TIME OF SILENT REFLECTION We believe that God has revealed God’s self as the one who wishes to bring about justice and true peace among people; that the church must therefore stand by people in any form of suffering and need, which implies, among other things, that the church must witness against and strive against any form of injustice, so that justice may roll down like waters, and righteousness like and ever-flowing stream. “Be Still, My Soul”
Finlandia
GIVING THANKS TO GOD PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Dale Wood
Chancel Choir
DOXOLOGY (Hymn 606) 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 THANKSGIVING
HYMN 463
“How Firm a Foundation”
BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
Foundation
Alex Lang “Epilogue”
Norman Gilbert
Please stand as you are able.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (The Belhar Confession, 10.7)
HYMN 819
“Christ is Made the Sure Foundation”
GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME
Chancel Choir
SERMON
OFFERTORY
“Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ, our head and cornerstone, Chosen of the Lord and precious, Binding all the Church in one; Holy Zion’s help forever, And our confidence alone. To this temple, where we call Thee, Come, O Lord of hosts today; Come with all Your loving kindness, Hear Your people as they pray; And Your fullest benediction, Shed within these wall today. Praise and honor to the Father, Praise and honor to the Son, Praise and honor to the Spirit, Ever three and ever one: One in might and one in glory, While unending ages run!”
Judy Hockenberry
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.
Preaching: Alex Lang Greeter: Tom Carroll Ushers: Peter Bukowski (head usher), Bob Harrald, Karen Hughes, Frank Morrone Flowers: Myrtle Jessogne—In memory of my husband, Harold; father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Pat Makeever—In loving memory of Dave and many happy years! Pastors: Alex Lang, Judy Hockenberry, TC Anderson Director of Music and Worship: Adam Hendr ickson Associate Director of Music and Organist: Chr istopher Ur ban
