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Covenant Presbyterian Church
Butler, Pennsylvania
April 19, 2015
Third Sunday in Eastertide
“Christianity without discipleship is always
Christianity without Christ.”
-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Rev. Dr. James E. Swanson, Pastor
Pastor’s Phone: 724-752-8383 / 724-712-1407
Church Office Phone: 724-287-7731
Fax Number: 866-309-2674
Website: http://covenantbutler.org
Order of Worship for the Lord’s Day
April 19, 2015
Eleven O’clock, A.M.
Rev. Dr. James E. Swanson, Pastor
Choir Director /Organist: Miss Beverly Antis
Liturgist: Audrey Carlson
THIS IS GOD’S HOUSE ~ ALL ARE WELCOME HERE !
To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn
and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire victory; to all
who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and want
fellowship; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to
all who will come – this church opens wide her doors and offers
warmest welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince
of Peace and the Light of the world.
PRELUDE
Adagio molto espressivo
from "Concerto in c minor”
J. Chr. Bach
Jennie Benson, Viola
CHORAL INTROIT Hail Thee, Festival Day! Ralph Vaughan Williams
Hail thee festival day! Blest day to be hallowed forever;
Day when our Lord was raised, Breaking the kingdom of death.
Rise from the grave now, O Lord, The author of life and creation.
Treading the pathway of death, New life You give to us all.
Hail thee festival day! Blest day to be hallowed forever;
Day when our Lord was raised, Breaking the kingdom of death.
—Venantius Honorius Fortunatus
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 108
Christ is Alive!
TRURO
*PRAYER OF ADORATION
PSALM OF THE DAY
Psalm 4: 1-8
INVITATION TO CONFESSION
(Pew Bible OT p. 474)
CORPORATE PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Almighty and most merciful God, you are generous in
abundance. You have called us from death to life; granted
us forgiveness through the death and resurrection of your
Son, Jesus Christ; given us the Holy Spirit; and welcomed
us back when we have strayed far away.
You have provided for us, spiritually and materially. Yet we
have failed to be truly thankful and to rejoice in your
goodness. Forgive us our ingratitude. Wipe away our sins
and remember them no more. Help us to embrace your
whole family – those like us and those who are different.
Lord Jesus, lead us to a new appreciation of your suffering
and compassion. Take our wounded world and re-create it.
Take our troubled lives and transform them. This we pray,
for the sake of our souls and for the sake of our world.
Amen.
A TIME FOR SILENT CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Pastor: If God is for us, who can be against us?
People: In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.
We are not alone!
Pastor: Worshipping friends, believe the good news of the gospel:
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*THE GLORIA PATRI 579
GLORIA PATRI
Note: for the next several weeks, we will work our way
through a major portion of the PC(USA) Study Catechism.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Leader:
PC(USA) Study Catechism, Questions 4-7
[Question 4.] How do you live in the communion of
the Holy Spirit?
People: By the Holy Spirit, I am made one with the Lord
Jesus Christ. I am baptized into Christ's body, the
church, along with all others who confess him by
faith. As a member of this community, I trust in
God's Word, share in the Lord's Supper, and turn to
God constantly in prayer. As I grow in grace and
knowledge, I am led to do the good works that God
intends for my life.
Leader: [Question 5.] What does a Christian believe?
People: All that is promised in the gospel. A summary is
found in the Apostles' Creed, which affirms the main
content of the Christian faith.
Leader: [Question 6.] What is the first article of the Apostles’ Creed?
People: "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth."
Leader : [Question 7.] What do you believe when you confess your
faith in "God the Father Almighty"?
People: That God is a God of love, and that God's love is
powerful beyond measure.
*THE GREETINGS OF PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP
SHARING OF JOYS, CONCERNS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHORAL PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks
Donald Fishel
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to His Name.
Spread the good news o’er all the earth,
Jesus has died and has risen.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to His Name.
Acts 3: 12-19
FIRST READING
(Pew Bible NT p. 114)
Liturgist: This is the word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING
1 John 3: 1-7
(Pew Bible NT p. 223)
Liturgist: Here ends the second reading.
People: Praise be to you, O Lord.
*GOSPEL READING
Luke 24: 30-48
(Pew Bible NT p. 86)
Pastor: This is the gospel of our Lord.
People: Glory to you, O Christ.
*CONGREGATIONAL CANTICLE
(Hymn 111, vs. 1 and 2)
Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing!
Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Lord of life is risen today!
Bring flowers of song, bedeck the way;
Let every tongue rejoice and say:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
GELOBT SEI GOTT
SERMON
“ FROM FEARFUL HEARTS TO OPENED MINDS ”
Pastor Jim
SERMON TEXTS:
“Then [Jesus] opened their minds to
understand the scriptures…” --Luke 24:45
“For now we see only a reflection as in a
mirror; then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully,
even as I am fully known.” --1 Corinthians 13:12
PULPIT HYMN 116
O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing!
O FILII ET FILIAE
PASTORAL PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER (using debts and debtors)
THE CHORAL AMEN
Three Fold Amen
Beverly Antis
PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, GIFTS
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
The Day of Resurrection
Thomas Matthews
The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness, The Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, From earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over With hymns of victory.
Our hearts be pure from evil, That we may see aright
The Lord is rays eternal of resurrection light;
And, listening to His accents, May hear so calm and plain
His own “All hail!” and hearing, May raise the victor strain.
Now let the heavens be joyful, Let earth her song begin,
The round world keep high triumph, And all that is therein;
Let all things seen and unseen Their notes together blend,
For Christ the Lord is risen, Our joy that hath no end.
Alleluia!
—St. John of Damascus
Trans. John Mason Neale
*THE DOXOLOGY
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.
*THE UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Almighty God, who in the resurrection of Jesus Christ
has given us victory, we yield our lives and our substance
to you.
Consecrate these tithes and offerings, and empower us,
through the ministries you have given, to work for the
establishment of your reign and to proclaim Christ’s
triumph over death and despair.
Unto you alone do we give all the glory and honor.
Amen.
*THE RECESSIONAL HYMN 105
Because You Live, O Christ
VRUECHTEN
*THE BENEDICTION
*THE CHORAL RESPONSE
Alleluia Chant Mode VI
*THE TIME OF SILENCE
*THE CHARGE & DISMISSAL
Pastor:
May our risen Lord Jesus Christ himself, and
God our Father, who loved us and graciously gave us
eternal encouragement and good hope,
now encourage our hearts and strengthen us
in every good deed and word.
Now let us go in peace and serve the Lord!
People:
Thanks be to God!
THE POSTLUDE
Allegro molto energico
from "Concerto in c minor”
J. Chr. Bach
Jennie Benson, Viola
* THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND
YOU WERE GREETED TODAY by John Prichard.
JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP TIME !
Immediately following worship each
Sunday we gather for a time of
fellowship. If you are a visitor, please
join us for conversation (and food!)
Hosting today: People for Peace
Many thanks to chorister Jennie
Benson for playing her viola
during Prelude and Postlude.
She performed her senior recital
at Slippery Rock University
yesterday, and we are delighted to
hear selections from her recital
today!
$ $ Financial Snapshot ~ March 2015 $ $
Total Budgeted Expenses
$ 26,887
Budgeted Income from All
Sources
$ 13,322
Taken from Reserve Funds
to meet expenses
$ 13,565
2015 Pledges Received to Date
31 pledges for a total of $93,666
The People for Peace
This Thursday, April 23rd
@ 11AM ~ Assembly Room
ASSIGNMENT: Ch. 17, 18 (pp. 131 - 143)
REMAINING CLASSES:
Apr. 23 and May 14
Study Book: “Respectable Sins”
by Dr. Jerry Bridges
See Nancy Rice for more information.
The Noisy Offering of Loose Change
Next Sunday, April 26th
Bring your change to worship with you and be prepared
To “Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord!”
Sunday, May 3rd
11:00 a.m. worship
Come & Show Your Appreciation
for our Choir
Director, Bev Antis & the Men
and Women of the Covenant Choir
A Special Reception in honor of Bev and
the choir members will be held in the
Assembly Room immediately following the
May 3rd worship service.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
will also be celebrated during the 11 a.m. worship service
on May 3rd. Communion will be “come forward.”
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A Birth in Our Church Family
Payton Eve Holland
Born April 11, 2015
Payton Eve Holland, daughter of John (J.R.) & Dr. Amber
(Butler) Holland (their first child) was born on Saturday, April
11, 2015 at 8:30 p.m. at Butler Memorial Hospital. Payton
weighed 8 lbs 5 oz. and was 21 inches long.
Payton’s grandparents are Edgar H. & Carol Butler. Payton’s
great-grandmother is Betty Butler who welcomes her 12th greatgrandchild. Congratulations to the Holland and Butler
families on this new addition. Wishing them much joy,
happiness and blessings!
_________________________________________________________
In The Life of Our Church
_________________________________________________________
Prayer Concerns, Birthdays and Anniversaries:
available in the printed bulletin
but removed from the online version
to ensure confidentiality
__________________________________________
The “Upper Room” Daily Devotional
May/June 2015 edition is now available
in the narthex. Take one, they’re free!
616 North Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh PA
Abraham Lincoln’s
Faith Journey
And Our Ministry Stories
The 2015 J. Hubert Henderson
Annual Lecture Series
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Friday, April 24, 2015
Three Free Lectures:
11 am:
“A Task Before Me:
Lincoln’s Farewell Address at Springfield IL”
2 pm:
“270+2 Words: The Gettysburg Address”
4 pm:
“Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address—
A Public Voice of Faith”
Presenter: Dr. Ronald C. White, Jr.
Professor Emeritus of American Religious History
at San Francisco Theological Seminary
Beef Pot Roast & Biscuit Dinner
This Tuesday, April 21st
St. Peter’s Anglican Social Hall
218 E. Jefferson St., Butler
~ Serving from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ~
Cost:
$ 8.00 – Presale $ 8.50 – At the Door
$ 4.50 – Children 10 and under
Carry-outs Available [Catered by Vin & Joe’s Inn]
Benefits: The Butler Meals on Wheels Program
Tickets Available at: Meals on Wheels Office
@ 724-285-3815 with questions.
______________________________________________
Spring Concert
The Bach Society Presents
“Wondrous Love” * Admission is free
 Friday, April 24th @ 7:30 p.m.
Center Presbyterian Church, Slippery Rock
Saturday, April 25th @ 7:30 p.m.
Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City
______________________________________________
A CONCERT OF SACRED MUSIC
St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
201 W. Jefferson St., Butler, PA
(724-287-6741)
Sunday, April 26th @ 3:00 PM
(in St. Mark’s Sanctuary)
Featuring …
GOSPEL MUSIC, SPIRITUALS, AND
OLD TESTAMENT PSALMS
Freewill Offering ~ Reception to follow
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE
_____________________________________________
The Butler Musical Theatre Guild presents EVITA
MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER / LYRICS BY TIM RICE
Succop Theater
Butler County Community College Campus
April 24th (Friday) @ 8 PM
April 25th (Saturday) @ 8 PM
April 26th (Sunday Matinee) @ 3 PM
TICKETS: $17 – adults / $15 – students / $12 – groups
To Reserve Tickets: call 724-287-8243
(Sundays through Wednesdays 7-9 pm)
______________________________________________
The Gospel Text for Today
Luke 24:30-48
New International Version (NIV)
30 When
he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave
thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes
were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared
from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our
hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road
and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They
got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they
found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together
34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared
to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way,
and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the
bread.
36 While
they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood
among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37 They
were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.
said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts
rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I
myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and
bones, as you see I have.”
38 He
40 When
he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
while they still did not believe it because of joy and
amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to
eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it
and ate it in their presence.
41 And
44 He
said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still
with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me
in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then
he opened their minds so they could understand the
Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The
Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in
his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are
witnesses of these things.
Road to Emmaus, Duccio, 1308-11