Covenant Presbyterian Church Butler, Pennsylvania April 26, 2015 Fourth Sunday in Eastertide “Is disbelief truly a rebellion against God? Does someone who’s done many good deeds really deserve the same fate as an evil doer? No, I don’t think so. The Bible says that all will be judged after death. So what would be the purpose? If the outcome is always damnation for each and every nonbeliever, then why go through such a process?” --D. D. Buckley 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 26, 2015 Eleven O’clock, A.M. Rev. Dr. James E. Swanson, Pastor Choir Director /Organist: Miss Beverly Antis Liturgist: Grace Sechler 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 My Shepherd Will Supply My Need Flute Pastorale Roger C. Wilson Lani Smith 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. God the Almighty, the Lord, The ruler of earth and the heavens, Guard us from harm without, Cleanse us from evil within: 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 387 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us BRADBURY *PRAYER OF ADORATION PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV) INVITATION TO CONFESSION (Pew Bible OT p. 484) CORPORATE PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison) Loving Creator, we have witnessed the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, and we have received the gift of grace you offer through him. Inspired by the love you have shown us, we feel called to follow Christ’s example and to do your will. Yet we admit that our enthusiasm for your discipleship easily wanes and the distractions and temptations of our daily lives make us deaf to the sound of your leading. In our need and confusion we turn back to you. Forgive us our weakness and restore in us the passion to proclaim your good news to all people everywhere. We pray this in the name of our loving shepherd and savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. A TIME FOR SILENT CONFESSION ASSURANCE OF PARDON Pastor: If God is for us, who can be against us? In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone! Worshipping friends, believe the good news of the gospel: People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! *THE GLORIA PATRI 579 GLORIA PATRI Note: This week’s selection from the PC(USA) Study Catechism addresses the matter of non-Christian salvation. *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH PC(USA) Study Catechism, Questions 49-52 Leader: [Question 49.] Will all human beings be saved? People: No one will be lost who can be saved. The limits to salvation, whatever they may be, are known only to God. Three truths above all are certain. God is a holy God who is not to be trifled with. No one will be saved except by grace alone. And no judge could possibly be more loving and gracious than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Leader: [Question 50.] Is Christianity the only true religion? People: Religion is a complex matter. When used as a means to promote self-justification, war-mongering or prejudice, it is a form of sin. Too often all religions — and not least Christianity — have been twisted in this way. Nevertheless, by grace, despite all disobedience, Christianity offers the truth of the gospel. Although other religions may enshrine various truths, no other can or does affirm the name of Jesus Christ as the hope of the world. Leader: [Question 51.] How will God deal with the followers of other religions? People: God has made salvation available to all human beings through Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. How God will deal with those who do not know or follow Christ, but who follow another tradition, we cannot finally say. We can say, however, that God is gracious and merciful, and that God will not deal with people in any other way than we see in Jesus Christ, who came as the Savior of the world. Leader: [Question 52.] How should I treat non-Christians and people of other religions? People: As much as I can, I should meet friendship with friendship, hostility with kindness, generosity with gratitude, persecution with forbearance, truth with agreement, and error with truth. I should express my faith with humility and devotion as the occasion requires, whether silently or openly, boldly or meekly, by word or by deed. I should avoid compromising the truth on the one hand and being narrow-minded on the other. In short, I should always welcome and accept these others in a way that honors and reflects the Lord's welcome and acceptance of me. *THE GREETINGS OF PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP NOISY OFFERING OF LOOSE CHANGE (last Sunday of each month) SHARING OF JOYS, CONCERNS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A FEW MOMENTS FOR MISSION ~ Karen Swanson --Free Wheelchair Mission (See enclosed card and insert) Website: www.freewheelchairmission.org --McGuire Memorial Home (Danny’s “school”) Website: www.mcguirememorial.org 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. Isaiah 19: 1, 18-25 FIRST READING (Pew Bible NT p. 615) Liturgist: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SECOND READING Romans 14: 4-13 (Pew Bible NT p. 153) Liturgist: Here ends the second reading. People: Praise be to you, O Lord. *GOSPEL READING John 10: 11-18 (Pew Bible NT p. 98) 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! GELOBT SEI GOTT 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! SERMON PULPIT HYMN 404 “ OTHER SHEEP ~ NOT OF THIS FOLD ” Pastor Jim Precious Lord, Take My Hand PRECIOUS LORD PASTORAL PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER (using debts and debtors) THE CHORAL AMEN Three Fold Amen PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, GIFTS Beverly Antis OFFERTORY ANTHEM Brother James’ Air arr. by Gordon Jacob The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want, He makes me down to lie in pastures green, He leadeth me The quiet waters by, He leadeth me, He leadeth me, The quiet waters by. My soul He doth restore again And me to walk doth make Within the Paths of Blessedness, E’en for His own Name’s sake. Within the Paths of Blessedness, E’en for His own Name’s sake. Yea, though I pass though shadowed vale, Yet will I fear no ill; For Thou art with me, And Thy Rod and Staff me comfort still. Thy Rod and Staff me comfort still, me comfort still. My table Thou hast furnished In presence of my foes; My head with oil Thou dost anoint, And my cup overflows. My head Thou dost with oil anoint, And my cup overflows. Goodness and mercy all my days Will surely follow me; And in my Father’s heart alway My dwelling place shall be. And in my heart forevermore Thy dwelling place shall be. *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 408 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life *THE BENEDICTION *THE CHORAL RESPONSE *THE TIME OF SILENCE Alleluia Chant Mode VI GERMANY *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 With Faith Renewed Ryan Thomas * THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND YOU WERE GREETED TODAY by John Prichard. The Flowers in the Sanctuary are provided by: The People for Peace Study Class IN MEMORY OF: Jeanne Lang Schlicht 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: Connie Brown Next 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.” Property Committee on the Job— The installation of the door at the handicap entrance has been completed and the John W. Thompson Construction Co. will begin work tomorrow, Monday, April 27th to install new doors at the Franklin St. entrance. ---Nice job by Dave Loebell on Property Committee who painted the handicap door! Thanks! National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 7, 2015 @ 7:30 AM LOCAL OBSERVANCE: Please come pray with us at the Diamond in Butler, PA For more information call Connie Gratzer 724-831-8087 PENTECOST SUNDAY ~ May 24th Sacrament of Communion @ 11 AM worship Apportionment Offering Received --$40 per each member on the Active Roll of Covenant Church Apportionment Pot-Luck Lunch (in the Assembly Room following worship) Bring your favorite dish to share! Dear Pastor Jim, Karen (and Danny) and Members & Friends of Covenant Church— Thank you for all your good wishes, cards (ecards), and gifts I received last week on the occasion of my birthday & secretary’s week. Your thoughtfulness is very heartwarming and much appreciated. It is a privilege to serve as your secretary! Love, Elsie Who Can Be Saved ? Pope Francis made headlines a few months ago when he declared that “non-believers” are also eligible to receive God’s mercy and salvation. Specifically, he wrote: “The question for those who do not believe in God is to follow their own conscience. Sin, even for a non-believer, is when one goes against one’s conscience.” Francis said that the “mercy of God has no limits” for those who follow their conscience and know the difference between good and evil. Therefore, eternal life can encompass even non-believers. Did the pope really say something new here? Was he really opening up the Church in a way that departs from its past teaching? Not really. John Paul II previously weighed in on this: The Church knows that the issue of morality is one which deeply touches every person; it involves all people, even those who do not know Christ and his Gospel or God himself. It is precisely on the path of the moral life that the way of salvation is open to all. Further, the Second Vatican Council clearly stated that “those who without any fault do not know anything about Christ or his Church, yet who search for God with a sincere heart and under the influence of grace, try to put into effect the will of God as known to them through the dictate of conscience… can obtain eternal salvation”. _________________________________________________________ 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 Sympathy of the Church Family is extended to Mary Reefer and her family upon the death of her mother, Marian Curran, who joined the Church Triumphant at 4: 45 am on Saturday, April 25th A memorial service will be held at Covenant Church at a future time, yet to be determined. The “Upper Room” Daily Devotional May/June 2015 edition is now available in the narthex. Take one, they’re free! A CONCERT OF SACRED MUSIC St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 201 W. Jefferson St., Butler, PA (724-287-6741) Today, April 26th @ 3:00 PM (in St. Mark’s Sanctuary) Featuring … GOSPEL MUSIC, SPIRITUALS, AND OLD TESTAMENT PSALMS _____________________________________________ The Butler Musical Theatre Guild presents EVITA MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER / LYRICS BY TIM RICE Succop Theater Butler County Community College Campus Final Performance: Today, April 26th (Sunday Matinee) @ 3 PM TICKETS: $17 – adults / $15 – students / $12 – groups … MARK YOUR CALENDARS COVENANT MOVIE NIGHT ! Saturday, May 16th @ 5 PM The Theory of Everything Starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, this is the extraordinary story of one of the world's greatest living minds -- the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. The film is based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, by Jane Hawking, and is directed by Academy Award winner James Marsh. “There should be no boundaries to human endeavor. However bad life may seem, while there is life, there is hope.” --Stephen Hawking Don’t forget to bring friends & food ! __________________________________________ Minute for Mission Focus Today – Free Wheelchair Mission Website: http://www.freewheelchairmission.org Cost of 1 wheelchair . . . . . . . $ 77.91 Cost of 3 wheelchairs . . . . . . $ 233.73 The Top 5 (of 91 countries served): Vietnam Mexico India El Salvador Percentage of chairs by Region: Eurasia 57.67 % Latin America 26.52% Africa 15.81 % Estimate of the number of persons who need wheelchairs – 100 million people
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