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Covenant Presbyterian Church
Butler, Pennsylvania
Choir Appreciation Sunday
May 3, 2015
All the music sung and played here
Is a gift, O God, from you.
For as long as we have prayed here,
We’ve been blessed by music, too.
By your Spirit, each musician
Finds new depths of faith to share.
Music is a gift you’ve given;
It becomes our thankful prayer.
--hymntext: “All the Music Sung and Played Here”
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
May 3, 2015
Eleven O’clock, A.M.
Rev. Dr. James E. Swanson, Pastor
Choir Director /Organist: Miss Beverly Antis
Liturgist: John Prichard
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
A Joyous Alleluia
Tom Birchwood
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.
Jesus, the health of the world, Enlighten our minds, great Redeemer,
Son of the Father supreme, Only begotten of God:
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 464
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
HYMN TO JOY
*PRAYER OF ADORATION
PSALM OF THE DAY
Psalm 98: 1-9
INVITATION TO CONFESSION
(Pew Bible OT p. 529)
CORPORATE PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Holy and righteous God, we confess that we are a people of
unclean lips, unclean hands and unclean hearts. We have
broken your law times without number, and we are guilty
of pride, unbelief, self-centeredness and greed.
Though faced with the severity of our sin, we stand in the
glory of your righteous love; therefore we boldly
acknowledge our transgressions and plead sincerely for
your grace.
Remold and remake us, O God, into servants who desire
more earnestly to do your will. This we pray in the name
of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
GLORIA PATRI
The Apostles’ Creed (Traditional)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and
earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was
conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and
buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again
from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the
right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall
come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the
communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the
resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
*THE GREETINGS OF PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP
Please come forward to shake hands
& to thank the members of our choir
and Beverly
DISTRIBUTION OF TOKENS OF APPRECIATION
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.
1 Chronicles 16: 23-36
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Pew Bible NT p. 367)
Liturgist: This is the word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING
1 John 4: 11-21
(Pew Bible NT p. 224)
Liturgist: Here ends the second reading.
People: Praise be to you, O Lord.
*GOSPEL READING
John 15: 1-8
(Pew Bible NT p. 104)
Pastor: This is the gospel of our Lord.
People: Glory to you, O Christ.
*CONGREGATIONAL CANTICLE
(Hymn 111, vs. 3 and 4)
Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing!
GELOBT SEI GOTT
Praise we in songs of victory
That love, that life which cannot die,
And sing with hearts uplifted high:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thy name we bless, O risen Lord,
And sing today with one accord
The life laid down, the life restored:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
SERMON
“ THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES ”
Pastor Jim
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
God, You Made All Things for Singing
John Ferguson
-- based on the hymn tune UNION SEMINARY
God, you made all things for singing,
even canyons carved from stone.
Thunder sets the hard rock ringing
with the hymn the skies intone.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Yours the praise and yours alone.
As the clap and roll of thunder
gives the rocks their note to start,
Spirit, free the songs of wonder
waiting in the thankful heart.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Help each voice to sing its part.
Join with us in all our singing.
Make our music, Lord, your own.
Be the bass note deeply ringing,
Be the highest overtone.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Yours the praise and yours alone.
Alleluia! Yours the praise and yours alone. Alleluia!
—Thomas H. Troeger
*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.
*UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION
O God, accept our offerings, and use us to bring life and
health and hope to your world. Make us generous and
faithful stewards of your mysteries, doing your will and
proclaiming your word; through Christ we pray. Amen.
THE COMMUNION HYMN 594
This Is the Feast of Victory
FESTIVAL CANTICLE
THE INVITATION TO THE TABLE
Pastor:
People:
Pastor:
People:
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Pastor:
With all the saints before us and beside us,
with brothers and sisters,
we sing the hymn of unending praise:
People:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of truth and light,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
DISTRIBUTION OF THE SACRAMENT
(come forward, all who are able)
*THE RESPONSE FOLLOWING COMMUNION
Pastor:
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.
People:
And also with you.
Pastor:
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
People:
And all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.
Pastor:
Let us pray:
People:
O God, who called us from death to life: we give
ourselves to You, and with the church through all
ages, we praise You for Your great gift of Jesus
Christ, born to set us free. Now strengthen us by
this holy meal, shared in the spirit with our Lord,
who makes us new and strong, who brings us life
eternal. Amen.
*THE RECESSIONAL HYMN 264
When in Our Music God Is Glorified
ENGELBERG
*THE BENEDICTION
*THE CHORAL RESPONSE
Alleluia Chant Mode VI
*THE TIME OF SILENCE
*THE CHARGE & DISMISSAL
Pastor:
--Traditional Gaelic blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again, may God
hold you in the palm of His hand.
Now let us go in peace and serve the Lord!
People:
Thanks be to God!
*THE POSTLUDE
When In Our Music God Is Glorified
Edward Broughton
* THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND
YOU WERE GREETED TODAY Joe Nemmer and Bob Young.
The Flowers in the Sanctuary
IN MEMORY OF
THE MAY MARRIAGES OF:
John & Martha Mellon
Ernest & Frances Hall
---Given By Their Families
Today in the Assembly Room
immediately following worship…
A Reception
In Honor of the
Men & Women of the Covenant Choir
and Miss Beverly Antis,
Choir Director/Organist
RECEPTION HOSTED BY WORSHIP & MUSIC
Soprano:
Jennie Benson, Amy Cannard, Jessica Oliver
Alto:
Leanne Heaton, Pam Patterson,
Darla Peterson, Mary Reefer
Tenor:
Joel Collier, Jordie Ewing, Chas Tanner
Bass:
Josh Bonnici, Kevin Younger
Choir Director, Organist & Pianist: Beverly Antis
Today is the final appearance of the full Choir in worship.
The Choir will be on hiatus and return to sing in the fall.
_________________________________________________________
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
__________________________________________
In Memoriam
Marian (Knepper) Duecker
Curran
Born ~ December 6, 1917
Joined the Church Triumphant ~ April 25, 2015
The love, prayers and sympathy of the congregation are extended to
John & Mary Reefer & Family and to the Werner Duecker Families
upon the death of Marian (Knepper) Duecker Curran, age 97, of
Butler who passed away early Saturday morning, April 25, 2015, in
the VNA Inpatient Hospice, Butler.
She was born December 6, 1917 in Tiffin, Ohio to the late Lynn and
Mary (Riehm) Knepper.
Marian was a graduate of Tiffin High School and from Bowling
Green University in 1939 with a degree in Home
Economics/Dietetics. She worked as a high school teacher for
several years and continued her career in Industrial Dietetics. In
1971 she furthered her education at the University of Pittsburgh,
obtaining a Masters in Special Education. She designed and
implemented a curriculum at Cumberland School in the North Hills
to train children with mental disabilities for careers in food service.
In 1975 she retired to Lake Pymatuning, PA where she started a Bed
and Breakfast in her Victorian farmhouse.
Marian’s Her interests included vegetable and flower gardening,
gourmet cooking, reading, bird watching, and antiquing. She
enjoyed traveling with her family. She was always active in her
church as an Elder, Deacon and Sunday school teacher, most
recently at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Butler. She was a
devoted and involved mother, grandmother and great grandmother
and was happiest when surrounded by her family.
Surviving are her one daughter, Mary Reefer and her husband John
of Butler; one son, Werner Duecker and his wife Carol of Grand
Junction, CO; three grandchildren Karen DeLorenzo and her
husband Matthew of Butler, Jason Reefer and his wife Shannon of
Pittsburgh, and Beth Reefer of Pittsburgh; 4 great grandchildren,
Ava, Adalyn and Andrew DeLorenzo and Ella Reefer; and a niece
Susan Halen and nephew Michael Knepper.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first
husband, John Duecker; her second husband, Frederick Curran;
her brother, Walter Knepper; and her sister-in-law Grace Knepper.
There will be no visitation for Marian Curran. Arrangements are
under the care of the Edward L. Raisley Funeral Home in Prospect.
At a later date, a celebration of life service will be held at Covenant
Presbyterian Church, Butler with interment in the Pleasant Union
Cemetery in Old Fort, Ohio.
Memorial donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian
Church, 230 East Jefferson Street, Butler PA 16001.
In Memoriam
Kathleen
“Kathy” Young
Joined the Church Triumphant ~ April 29, 2015
The love, prayers and sympathy of the congregation are extended
to Rev. Fred Young and Family upon the death of Fred’s wife
Kathy on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. There will be no visitation
but a Memorial Service will be held in June, date to be determined.
Kathleen A. Young, 77, of Butler died at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday at
Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born March
9, 1938, in Hudson, Ohio, to Arthur and Clarice Post.
Kathy loved her church, was very faithful and her faith was very
important to her. She was an avid painter and taught art for many
years. She loved to quilt blankets for family and friends and made
quilts for various charities. Kathy loved to read, spending many
hours with good books. She and her husband were avid birders and
loved to be in God's creation.
Kathleen is survived by her husband of 55 years, Frederick Young of
Butler; one son, Stephen F. Young (Donna) of Philadelphia; one
daughter, Rod (Sarah Lynn) Reedy of Berlin, Somerset County; and
three grandchildren.
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 7, 2015 @ 7:30 AM
LOCAL OBSERVANCE:
Please come pray with us
at the Diamond in Butler, PA
May 7, 2015 at 7:30 AM
(National Day of Prayer)
Donuts and coffee will be available at
Grace @ Calvary Lutheran Church
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!
The “Upper Room” Daily Devotional
May/June 2015 edition is now available
in the narthex. Take one, they’re free!
A Brief History of
Music in the Old Testament
Knowledge of the biblical period is
mostly from literary references in the
Bible and post-biblical sources. Religion
and music historian Herbert Lockyer, Jr. writes that "music, both
vocal and instrumental, was well cultivated among the Hebrews as
well as the New Testament Christians through the centuries."
He adds that "a look at the Old Testament reveals how God's
ancient people were devoted to the study and practice of music,
which holds a unique place in the historical and prophetic books, as
well as the Psalter."
The music of religious ritual was first used by King David, and,
according to the Larousse Encyclopedia of Music, he is credited
with confirming the men of the Tribe of Levi as the "custodians of
the music of the divine service." Historian Irene Hesk notes that of
all the books of the Old Testament, the 150 Psalms ascribed to King
David have served as "the bedrock of Judeo-Christian hymnology,"
concluding that "no other poetry has been set to music more often
in Western civilization."
Archaeological and written data have demonstrated clearly that
music was an integral part of daily life in ancient Israel/Palestine.
Figurines and iconographic depictions show that people played
chordophones and frame drums, and that the human voice was
essential as women and men sang love songs along with laments for
the deceased. Data also reveals outdoor scenes of music and
dancing in sometimes prophetic frenzies, often with carefully
orchestrated and choreographed musicians and singers within a
specially built structure (auditorium).
According to ancient music historian Theodore Burgh, "If we were
able to step into the . . . biblical period, we would find a culture
filled with music where people enjoyed music in their daily lives."
"Such music was capable of expressing joy and sorrow, hope and
fear, faith and doubt. In fact, every shade and quality of sentiment
are found in the wealth of songs and psalms and in the diverse
melodies of the people."
Egypt was among the oldest cultures of the Near East and had a
highly developed musical culture dating back to around 3000 BC.
On various pieces of sculpture there are reliefs of harpists and
flutists taking part in religious ceremonies and social
entertainments. A number of instruments have been identified as
being used in Egypt, including the lyre (a type of harp), an oboe-like
instrument, various drums from Asia, the lute and the sistrum
(rattle).
Although records are minimal, it is known that between 3000 and
2300 BC organized temple music with singers also existed in Sumer
and Babylonia, the oldest cultural groups in Mesopotamia.
Excavations have uncovered several musical instruments, including
harps, lutes, double oboes, and a few others.
Because of the political interrelations between the Hebrews and the
Semitic nations of Babylonia, Assyria, and the Hittite empire, there
were similarities between the Hebrew music of the Judean people
and the others. Jewish music began in the early years of tribal life,
and the "references to music in the Bible are numerous," writes
Ulrich. After the Hebrews established a kingdom in Israel, their
musical activities increased substantially.
Music historian Abraham Schwadron writes, "probably the most
important musical contribution of the ancient Hebrews was the
elevation of the status of liturgical music in union with ritual
ceremonies." He cites the "high degree of musical liturgy” in
accounts of King Solomon's Temple, such as the 24 choral groups
consisting of 288 musicians which took part in 21 weekly services.
Although the original music of the Psalms (which were chanted) is
often thought to be lost, the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible
contains cantillation marks indicating a melodic line for the words.
Some authorities now argue that these cantillation marks date from
temple times and record the music sung in the temple.
Then, as now, music sets our souls free to
express the inexpressible – our praise and
adoration of God, to whom all glory is due.
One Howard Street
Butler, Pennsylvania 16001
Brighton Beach
MEMOIRS
A Play by Neil Simon
Portrait of the writer as a teen, coping with
baseball, girls, his family, and hilarious
relatives in a Jewish household in Brooklyn.
May 8-10, 12-16, 2015
DIRECTED BY Bob Dandoy
PRODUCED BY Sue Collar and Janet Groger
FEATURING: Greg Crawford, Renee Cuerden, Olivia Drohan,
Samantha Drohan, Jordan Meals, Molly Miller, Cody Nagle
Fri. (May 8 & 15) & Sat. (May 9 & May 16) @ 8:15 pm
Sunday Matinee, May 10 @ 2:30 pm
Tues. - Wed. - Thurs. (May 12 - 14) @ 7:30 pm
*Reserved Seat Tickets: $12
Call (724) 287-6781 (Mon. - Fri., from 7-9 p.m.)
*Reservations accepted by phone only (no email please).
~ The Brighton Beach - Covenant Connection ~
Playing mother and daughter in the Neil Simon production
are real-life mother and daughter (and members of Covenant
Church!) Samantha Drohan (playing “Blanche”) and
Olivia Drohan (playing “Nora”).
…
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 !
We are currently inviting donations
for our purchase of one or more
wheelchairs through the
Free Wheelchair Mission
Cost of 1 wheelchair . . . . . . . just $ 77.91
Make your check payable to:
Covenant Presbyterian Church
…and please put “wheelchair” on the Memo line
Visit the Website to learn more:
http://www.freewheelchairmission.org