1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Covenant Presbyterian Church
Butler, Pennsylvania
March 15, 2015
St. Paul writes: “…but we preach Christ crucified:
a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to
Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both
Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and
the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is
wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of
God is stronger than human strength.”
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-25
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
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 15, 2015
Eleven O’clock, A.M.
Rev. Dr. James E. Swanson, Pastor
Choir Director /Organist: Miss Beverly Antis
Liturgist: Lars Morrison
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.
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
PRELUDE
Robert Lau
CHORAL INTROIT
Create in Me A Clean Heart
J. A. Freylinghausen
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with your free Spirit.
—Psalm 51:10–12
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 356
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
NETTLETON
*RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say this!
God is good!
God is good indeed.
God’s love endures forever.
God’s son came into the world, not to condemn the world.
But to redeem it, to set us free from sin and death
and from the power of the evil One.
Let us give thanks, and let us worship God.
PSALM OF THE DAY
Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22
(Pew Bible OT p. 536)
INVITATION TO CONFESSION
THE CORPORATE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, you see us as we are, and know our inmost
thoughts. We confess that too often we live for “our will to
be done” rather than for “your will to be done.”
We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth,
and refuse your justice and peace.
God of grace and God of glory: we confess that we have not
been working to advance your kingdom here on earth, for
we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment.
Instead of our trials and difficulties making us stronger and
more open to you, we have withdrawn from you and from
the faithful company of disciples. Only your grace can
sustain us.
In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your
way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes
to judge the world. Amen.
A TIME FOR SILENT CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Pastor: Hear the good news:
that no sheep is unworthy of rescue,
no coin too small to be overlooked.
Hear the good news: that love is stronger than hate
and that God’s grace has overcome all guilt.
Worshipping friends:
believe the good news of the gospel –
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI 578
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
GLORIA PATRI
--- A Contemporary Creed
We believe in God: creator and lover of the earth,
origin and destiny of us all.
We believe in Jesus, the Christ, the herald of hope,
God's laughter in the face of despair:
Plunged into death and hell,
he broke free the captives,
and is leading the way to a land of promise
where justice and peace will flourish.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who plants the seeds of truth,
brings us to birth as the body of Christ,
and empowers us to confront and transform all that is
corrupt, degrading and deceitful.
We believe in the coming reign of God.
In that day all will be consummated in the glorious
marriage of earth and heaven.
In that day those who have passed through
the world's deep sorrow
will be raised from the waters, robed in righteousness,
and gathered into the joyous company of saints.
For the inbreaking of that day on this day,
we work and pray: Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
*THE GREETINGS OF PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP
SHARING OF JOYS, CONCERNS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHORAL PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Bless the Lord, O My Soul
Robert Lau
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, my soul.
—Psalm 103:1
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
Numbers 21: 4-9 (Pew Bible OT p. 137)
Liturgist: This is the Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Ephesians 2: 1-10
EPISTLE LESSON
(Pew Bible NT p. 181)
Liturgist: Here ends the epistle.
All: Praise be to you, O Lord.
*GOSPEL READING
John 3: 14-21
(Pew Bible NT p. 89)
Pastor: The Gospel of our Lord.
All: Glory to You, O Christ.
*CONGREGATIONAL CANTICLE
Lord, Let Thy Word Illumine Us
ST. AGNES
Lord, let Thy Word illumine us, With truth and love divine,
And make us faithful to the Christ, 'Til we are wholly Thine.
Amen.
“ AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH ”
SERMON
PULPIT HYMN 85
What Wondrous Love Is This
Pastor Jim
WONDROUS LOVE
PASTORAL PRAYER AND SILENT PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER (using debts and debtors)
CHORAL AMEN
Three-fold Amen
Marty Haugen
PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS & GIFTS
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
God So Loved the World
John Stainer
God so love the world
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that who so believeth in Him,
should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not His Son into the world
to condemn the world,
but that the world through Him might be saved.
—John 3: 16-17
* DOXOLOGY #592
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
OLD HUNDREDTH
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.
*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 RECESSIONAL HYMN 371
Lift High the Cross
CRUCIFER
*THE BENEDICTION
*CHORAL RESPONSE
The Lord Bless You and Keep You
Peter C. Lutkin
The Lord bless you and keep you,
the Lord lift His countenance upon you
and give you peace, give you peace.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
and be gracious unto you,
the Lord be gracious unto you. Amen.
*A TIME OF SILENCE
*CHARGE AND DISMISSAL
Pastor:
And now my friends,
As you make your Lenten journey,
Be strong in witness to your faith;
Be diligent in your study of God’s Word;
Seek the truth; and cultivate a humble heart.
Go in Peace and serve the Lord!
People:
Thanks be to God!
*POSTLUDE
The Rock of Salvation
Franklin Ritter
________________________________________
* ALL WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND
by Peggy Fritz.
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YOU WERE GREETED TODAY
JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP !
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
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Pastor Jim On Vacation Next Week
March 17th through March 23rd
Session has approved vacation time for
Rev. Swanson from Tuesday, March 17th
through Monday, March 23rd. Pastor Jim,
Karen and Danny will be visiting in
Charlotte, North Carolina for the week.
Our good friend, The Rev. Dr. William A. Jamieson
(aka Rev. J.) will be the guest preacher for the 11am Worship
Service next Sunday, March 22nd.
THE SEVEN SOCIAL SINS
PROCLAIMED BY MAHATMA GANDHI
1 ~ Politics without principles
2 ~ Wealth without work
3 ~ Pleasure without conscience
4 ~ Knowledge without character
5 ~ Commerce without morality
6 ~ Science without humanity
7 ~ Worship without sacrifice
--from Ghandi’s Young India, 1925
FROM THE PROPERTY COMMITTEE
Session has approved a bid submitted by the
John W. Thompson Co. to replace the Franklin
St. doors and the handicap door on E. New
Castle St. The doors are on order and should
take about five to six weeks to arrive.
The project will be funded in part from a
portion of the bequest from the E. Romaine
MacDonald Estate to the church and to
Covenant Cupboard.
At the most recent meeting of Session it
was
decided
to
gather
further
information about repairs which must
now be made to our baby grand piano.
The technician who has been selected
will be in attendance at a SPECIAL
MEETING of SESSION-- Tuesday,
March 31 at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary.
LENTEN DEVOTIONAL
Seek God for the City 2015
Free Copies of the devotional are
available in the narthex.
“The Upper Room” Daily Devotional
The March/April 2015 edition of The Upper Room has arrived!
Free Copies are available in the narthex.
EASTER SUNDAY ~ APRIL 5th
Time now to order
your spring and Easter flowers!
Once again we offer you the option of selecting the exact
flower/plant (and price) for your Easter memorial(s). See order
form.
A master list will be kept with your name and reserved selections,
so that when you pick up your flower/plant after worship on Easter
Sunday, there is no chance that your favorite flower will be gone or
in the hands of another! Included with this bulletin is the order
form. Please read the list carefully and mark your choice(s).
Payment is due when you complete and return your order form.
Please make checks payable to Covenant Presbyterian Church with
the memo section marked “Flower Fund.”
Please order early! since the deadline established by the
Gumpto Greenhouse is Friday, March 20th. A complete list
of donors will be printed in the Easter Sunday worship bulletin.
Butler Montessori
Pre-School Open House
For prospective students
and their families
Today, Sunday, March 15th
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
(Sarver Hall Classrooms - first floor)
For more information: Call 724-283-1846 (school office)
Joanne DeCola, Director
Christine Love, Teacher
During last Sunday’s worship service, the
segment entitled A Few Moments for Mission
was presented by Gina Loebell and not Ione
Mathias as published in the bulletin.
My apology! (Pastor Jim)
Moreover, the topic was not “Self Development of People” as
printed… but International Women's Day (IWD), originally
called International Working Women's Day, celebrated on March
8 every year – an opportunity to express appreciation, respect and
love towards women for their economic, political, and social
achievements.
Note: Our Mission Committee will present “A Few Moments For
Mission” twice each month during the worship service – on the
2nd and 4th Sundays. We thank them for keeping us informed!
_________________________________________________________
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
__________________________________________
For Reflection
--an excerpt from The Cross and the Cellar
by Morton T. Kelsey
_________________________________________
Not Monsters… But People Like Us ?
If we look at some of the people who brought Jesus of Nazareth to
crucifixion, we realize very soon that they were not “monsters” but
ordinary men and women like you and me.
Pilate receives most of the blame for Jesus’ death, and yet Pilate
didn’t want to crucify the man. Why did Pilate condemn Jesus?
Because he was a coward. He cared more about maintaining his
own comfortable position than he did about justice.
Whenever we sacrifice someone else for our own benefit, whenever
we don’t have enough courage to stand up for what we see is right
and just, we step into the same shoes as Pilate.
By 2050, the world will host nine billion people—and that's only if
population growth slows in much of the developing world. Today,
at least one billion people are chronically malnourished or
starving. Simply to maintain that sad state of affairs would require
the deforestation of 900 million additional hectares of land,
according to Pedro Sanchez, director of the Tropical Agriculture
and Rural Environment Program at The Earth Institute at
Columbia University.
The bad news: there isn't that much land available. At most, we
might be able to add 100 million hectares to the 4.3 billion already
under cultivation worldwide. "Agriculture is the main driver of
most ecological problems on the planet," said economist Jeffrey
Sachs, Scientific American columnist and Earth Institute director.
"We are literally eating away the other species on the planet."
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COMMENTARY ON TODAY’S GOSPEL
by John J. Pilch
One familiar sign waved by spectators at sports
events in hopes that television cameras will
transmit their message is: “John 3:16.”
A favorite of many Christians, this verse states:
“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone
who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.”
Torn from its context, this verse presents a heartwarming thought.
The fuller literary context, however, darkens the picture
considerably : “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world,
but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were
evil..” (John 3:19)
For John, the term “world” carries a negative
meaning. The world is at odds with Jesus (John
16:20; 17:14, 16; 18:36) and with his Spirit
(14:17; 16:8-11). Worse, it hates Jesus and those
who believe in and follow after him (John 7:7;
15:18-19; 16:20).
That the inhabitants of the world preferred darkness to light earns
them the name “children of darkness” (John 12:35-36). For this
reason, Jesus refuses to pray for the world; instead, he defeats the
world (John 16:33).
Contemporary Christians, like those who wave the “John 3:16”
signs at sporting events, ought to heed the caution of the eminent
Johannine scholar Raymond Brown, against the naiveté that this
passage sometimes engenders. The world is not exclusively
neutral, nor is it patiently awaiting good news. There are many
who are actively hostile to Jesus, to Christianity and its message.
Encountering the disbelief of the “world” was a shocking
experience for the Johannine Christians. This knowledge should
help their contemporary descendants to be forewarned and
forearmed.
Today’s verses are selected from the extensive discussion that
Jesus had with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and “ruler” or “religious
authority” among the Judeans of the house of Israel. Approaching
Jesus at night suggests that Nicodemus was trying to hide his
interest (John 3:2). Anyone at all familiar with the nosey
Mediterranean world where privacy is practically nonexistent can
sympathize with Nicodemus’ strategy to protect his reputation, his
honor. Once ruined or lost, a reputation or honor cannot be
regained. But the discussion reported and interpreted by John
runs in a circle because of Nicodemus’ apparent failure to
understand Jesus’ use of a Greek word with two meanings: “again”
and “from above” (John 3:3-9).
Nicodemus typifies many who came to Jesus but had difficulty
understanding him at first. Some never understood him (see John
2:23-25).
To his credit, though, Nicodemus seems to have pondered and
perhaps even pursued his interest in Jesus further, no doubt in
discussion with others in typically Mediterranean, group-centered
fashion. Later in the Gospel (John 7:37-44), Jesus’ statements in
the Temple prompt a divided response in his audience. Some
believe in him, and others want to arrest him.
The chief priests and Pharisees are disappointed and taunt and
insult the Temple police for not arresting Jesus. At this moment,
Nicodemus exposes himself to shame by defending Jesus’ right to a
hearing (John 7:50-51). Shame is not long in coming: “Surely you
are not also from Galilee, are you?” ask his fellow Pharisees
derisively. Nicodemus the night visitor has now gone one step
further, to daytime defender of Jesus, at least indirectly.
The final appearance of Nicodemus in John’s Gospel makes his
spiritual journey appear to be complete. When Jesus dies,
Nicodemus comes forward publicly with myrrh and aloes to anoint
the body. He joins Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus
who feared the Judeans, and both of them see to the burial of
Jesus’ corpse (John 19:38-42).
This final appearance of Nicodemus illustrates John 3:14: “And
just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the
Son of Man be lifted up that whoever believes in him may have
eternal life,” and John 12:32: “And when I am lifted up from the
earth, I will draw all people to myself.” Lent is an opportune time
to redirect one’s path to Jesus.
Daily Readings for Lent, 2015 ~ Week Four
PSALM
OLD TEST.
EPISTLE
GOSPEL
Sun
March 15
Ps. 19
Jeremiah 14:1-9,
17-22
Galatians
4:21-5:1
Mark 8:11-21
Mon
March 16
Ps. 46
Jeremiah 16:
10-21
Rom 7:1-12
John 6:1-15
Tue
March 17
Ps. 94, 95
Jeremiah 17:1927
Rom 7:13-25
John 6:16-27
Wed
March 18
Ps. 119:
121-144
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Rom 8:1-11
John 6:27-40
Thur
March 19
Ps. 73
Jeremiah 22:
13-23
Rom 8:12-27
John 6:41-51
Fri
March 20
Ps. 69, 102
Jeremiah 23:1-8
Rom 8:28-39
John 6:52-59
Sat
March 21
Ps. 33
Jeremiah 23:9-15
Rom 9:1-18
John 6:60-71
Morning Prayer ~ Week Four
Father of all Lights, in you is found no shadow of change but
only the fullness of life and limitless truth.
Open my heart to the voice of your Word today and shine your
light into whatever darkness threatens to shadow my vision.
Use my words and my deeds to spread your justice and peace
wherever I go.
God of mercy, let today be a day rich in good works, a day of
generosity to all I meet. Guide me away from preoccupation
with personal needs so that I may see the needs of your people,
remembering that no one can live “by bread alone.” Amen.