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