Eighth Sunday after Pentecost 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary COME, GROW YOUR FAITH! .............. Adult Sunday Morning Classes for NEXT Sunday, meeting at 9:30 The Words of Preparation It is no accident that of all the books of the Old Testament the Psalter has always been found the most relevant. This is not in spite of the fact, but just because of it, that in so many passages it echoes the people of the covenant trembling for its preservation in final extremity before its all-powerful enemies. The Christian community always has good reason to see itself in this people, and to take on its own lips the words of its helpless sighing, the cries which it utters from the depths of its need. It turns to the Psalter, not in spite of the fact, but just because of it, that as the community of Jesus Christ it knows that it is established on the rock (as powerfully attested by the Psalms themselves), but on the rock which, although it is sure and impregnable in itself, is attacked on all sides, and seems to be of very doubtful security in the eyes of all men and therefore in its own. Karl Barth The Welcome (Please sign, pass, and return the blue Friendship Register) The Introit Thy Great Name We Praise arr. Tom Fettke Taylor Conley, soloist Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes, most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might; Thy justice, like mountains high soaring above Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love. To all, life thou givest, to both great and small; in all life thou livest, the true life of all. Thy wisdom so boundless, Thy mercy so free, eternal Thy goodness, for naught changeth Thee. Great Father of great glory, pure Father of all light, Thine angels in heaven adore Thee, all veiling their sight; all praise we would render, O help us to see ‘tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee! ◆ The Call to Worship Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Come, bow down and worship, kneel to the Lord, our Maker. This is our God, our shepherd, we are the flock led with care. ◆ The Hymn 288 I Sing the Mighty Power of God ◆ Prayer of Adoration ELLACOMBE Michael Brown The First Reading Psalm 32:1-6 The Prayer of Confession Merciful God, you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you. We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy. We have not loved you with a pure heart, nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves. We have not done justice, loved kindness, or walked humbly with you, our God. Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving kindness. In your great compassion, cleanse us from our sins. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Do not cast us from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit through Jesus Christ, our Lord…(silent prayer)…AMEN. Bible Walk (All ages) Not meeting Cornerstone (All ages) Faith and Technology, Michael Raubach Covenanters (Couples w/children) Faith and Technology, Michael Raubach Faith and Family (Parents) Too Busy Not to Pray, Video Series Forum (All ages) Faith and Technology, Michael Raubach Harbingers (Singles/couples) Faith and Technology, Michael Raubach Mariners (Seniors) The Holy Spirit: A Scriptural Study, Patrick Grogan The Niche (Young adults) Henry Fennell Teaching Reflections (All ages) The Ten Commandments, Video Series Seekers (TIF/FPC) The Parables of Jesus Christ Shepherds (Singles/couples) Basic Christianity, Steve Caldwell and Bob Farris Sojourners (All ages) Cults, Tim and Krista Schaafsma Westminster (All ages) The Creed, Rev. Elaine Cervini Room E101 Bernsen Reception Bernsen Reception West Parlor Bernsen Reception Bernsen Reception E104 E205 E103 E100 E203 E204 Tower Room .............. EVENTS THIS WEEK Today 08/03/14 Worship Services: 8:00 a.m. in Kerr Chapel; 8:30 a.m. in Stephenson Hall; 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, Stephenson Hall, and Tulsa International Fellowship in the Great Hall, BC. Communion will be served in all worship services and taken in the afternoon to the homes of those who are unable to join us in worship FPC Swim Time. 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Camp Loughridge Aquatics Center. For FPC members and their guests every Sunday until September. Tuesday 08/05/14 Tuesday Morning Men’s Fellowship Study. 6:45 - 7:45 a.m. Room E313. Deacons Meeting. 5:30 p.m. Dinner. 6:15 p.m. Meeting. Room E104. Men’s Cursillo Accountability Group. 6:00 p.m. KRC, BC. Wednesday 08/06/14 Men’s Bible Study. 6:45 - 7:45 a.m. Room E101. Marys and Marthas Bible Study. 10:00 a.m. Room E101. Summer Book Club. Noon. Room E101. Thursday 08/07/14 Men’s Bible Study. 6:30 a.m. Panera, 41st and Hudson. PW Project Day. 9:30 a.m. Room 400. Friday 08/08/14 Every Friday Socials. 1:00 p.m. 2nd floor lobby, BC. Friends, snacks, and fun. Do you like to play Dominos or other games? We invite you to join us. Saturday 08/09/14 Before the Rooster Crows. 8:45 a.m. Room E103. Mark Your Calendars With These Events: July 30 - August 11 Romanian Mission Trip. August 14-15 Global Leadership Summit. August 16-17 Inquirer’s Class. September 7 Breakfast on Boston and Festival Sunday - One worship service at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. September 12 FPC Golf Tournament benefitting Helping Hand Ministry. September 19 Evenings at the Bernsen - Sun Min Kim, Concert Pianist. October 12 41st Annual Organ Concert by Ron Pearson. October 31 Evenings at the Bernsen - OSU Concert Chorale and Chamber Choir. November 9 Fall Concert by the First Church Chancel Choir. The Summer Choir welcomes you! You are invited to add your voice to the Summer Choir for the 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary service. The only time requirement is a brief rehearsal at 10:15 a.m. in the Choir Room. If you’ve always wanted to give it a try, here’s your opportunity - please join us! THE FIRST CHURCH UPDATES Dan Russell is starting a new chapter! Please join us in the Atrium at 12:15 p.m. today for a farewell reception to thank Dan for his service as the Director of High School Ministries, and to wish him well as he begins a new career journey in health care. He has been a blessing to our Exodus students, and we know he will continue to be a blessing in his new path. The Niche (a group of young adults) is looking for host homes for our Sunday evening gatherings, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. If you are interested in hosting the group for light refreshments, a Bible study time, and some fellowship, please contact Rev. Dan Hutchinson (918-301-1040 or [email protected]) for more details. Venue change for “Faith and Technology”! Please join us at 9:30 a.m. in the 1st Floor Reception Area of the Bernsen Center on Sundays, August 10 and 17. Our summer intern Michael Raubach, who holds a Masters degree in Religion, Theology and Culture from the University of Glasgow, will explore the theology and questions of technology and its connections with the Christian faith. Summer Book Club. Join us at noon on Wednesday, August 6, in Room E101 to discuss Dorothea Benton Frank’s The Last Original Wife. Our September book will be Elizabeth Strout’s The Burgess Boys. First Church is currently seeking a part-time Children’s Music and Worship Arts Leader and a full-time Ministry Assistant for Mission and Outreach. To read a job description and/or to submit your resume, please visit www.firstchurchtulsa.org/resources/employment. Opportunity to serve International Students – International Community Outreach gives used furniture to new international students at the University of Tulsa, on Saturday, August 23. Your furniture and presence can be a blessing. Used furniture (beds, chairs, desks, etc.) suitable for apartments will be picked up each Saturday, July 26 - August 16. To donate items, contact us at [email protected] or 918-345-2062 or 918-504-3489. The next Inquirers’ Class will be held on Saturday, August 16, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Room E100 and on Sunday, August 17, from 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. Room 206. To notify the church of a birth, death, illness, hospitalization; change of address or phone number in your family; or to request a pastoral visit at home or in the hospital, please contact Dionna Schooley (918-301-1029 or [email protected]). NEXT GENERATION MINISTRIES UPDATE Promotion Sunday is on August 17 - Children promote to their new classrooms and have a celebratory donut! It’s time to sign up for AWANA! - Kickoff is on Wednesday, September 3! Sign up online at www.firstchurchtulsa.org. Pathfinders Discipleship Quest is a local mission overnight opportunity for all current 6th and 7th graders. On August 8 - 9, we will be serving at different locations on Friday and Saturday mornings with fun activities and meaningful lessons in between. We will spend the night in the PowerHouse and the cost is $10. Register online at www.firstchurchtulsa.org. Pathfinder and Exodus Back to School swim party and cookout will be on Saturday, August 16, in the Lodge and pool at Camp Loughridge, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. This evening is for all Pathfinders and Exodus students and their families. Each family is asked to bring a side dish or dessert and we will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks. The Pathfinders’ parents will meet from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m while the students swim. Dinner from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. will be followed by the Exodus parents meeting from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 44 Hours of Fun (for incoming 9th - 12th graders) will be on August 8 - 10. We’ll float the Illinois River near Tahlequah and play games, watch movies and fellowship in the PowerHouse. Cost is $50 for everything. Register online (www.firstchurchtulsa.org) by Sunday, August 3. Our First Church UKirk Intern needs a home from the middle of August 2014 until the end of May 2015. The host family would provide food and lodging for the intern. We are ideally looking for someone in the mid-town area, as the Intern’s responsibilities will be at TU and the church. For more information, please contact Daniel Hutchinson (dhutchinson@ firstchurchtulsa.org). The Assurance of Pardon Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace. Thanks be to God. ◆ The Response of Gratitude Glory Be To The Father GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN. ◆ The Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed (hymnal, p. 14) The Celebration of Christian Marriage: Kacy Lenz and Ryan Homan were married on July 26. Children in K - 2nd grade are now excused to attend K2 Quest. The Prayer of Dedication Gordon Young Now let us all praise God and sing our great Redeemer’s praise; that we may all with one accord our joyful voices raise. Sing Alleluia! All ye servants of the Lord, praise Him forever; sing Jehovah’s mighty power, praise Him forever. Sing of His righteousness, praise Him forever. The Second Reading Psalm 95 The Sermon The Lord Reigns Above All gods Rev. Ryan Moore For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:3) The Sacrament of Holy Communion The Invitation to the Lord’s Table Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God! People will come from east and west and from north and south and sit at table in the kingdom of God. This is the Lord’s table. Our Savior invites those who trust him to share the feast which he has prepared. The Prayer of Consecration The Lord be with you. And also with you. 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. ◆ ◆ ◆ The Hymn 229 From All That Dwell Below the Skies The Charge and Benediction The Choral Response The Postlude Voluntary on LASST UNS ERFREUEN ◆ Please stand With Gratitude for the Resurrection: Florest “Flo” Arduser a member since 1949, died on July 27; and Jacqueline “Jackie” Woolslayer a member since 1961, died on July 30. Our Sympathy and Prayers to: the Williams family, on the death of Jack’s wife, Barbara Jean Williams; to the Muller family on the death of Warren’s sister, Loree Schaver; and to the Campbell family on the death of Beth’s mother, Bettie Hulsey. Letters of Well Wishing are available for you to sign before or after the services. This week letters go to Beth Campbell and to Warren Muller. ...................... WORSHIP NOTES The flowers for today’s worship service in the Sanctuary are given in loving memory of Lee Hanks by Bill Hanks and family. Do you (or someone you know) need prayer? Please complete a prayer request card from the Sanctuary pews and place it in the offering plate or in the Prayer Request box located in the Narthex. Pastors and members of the Guild of Intercessors will pray over your request. All prayer requests will be treated in a confidential manner. THE LORD REIGNS! Praying the Psalms in Every Season Keeping the “Lord’s Will” in “our Will” extends what we can do to advance the Kingdom beyond our lifetime! Have you included the First Church Foundation in your will? For those who need assistance in the Sanctuary or Stephenson Hall, audio headsets are available from the ushers. Also available are large-print hymnals and Bibles. First Church telecasts are: Sunday 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. on Cox 3 and Channel 703 (HD); Saturday 7:00 p.m. on Cox 7 and KWHB-UHF 47. Also now available on the church website, www.firstchurchtulsa.org on the “Digital Media” tab. Called to make fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ Inwardly Strong and Outwardly Focused. THE FIRST CHURCH MINISTRY STAFF James D. Miller, Ph.D., Co-Pastor Ryan V. Moore, M.Div., Co-Pastor Elaine H. Cervini, M.Div., Associate Pastor James Estes, M.Div., Associate Pastor Daniel Hutchinson, M.Div., Associate Pastor Wambugu Gachungi, M.Div., Director of Tulsa International Fellowship Steve Caldwell, Chief Operating Officer Duff Points, Executive Director of Ministries The Words of Institution The Sharing of the Bread and Cup The Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer ◆ Prayers for Healing: Sheri Allen, Michael Arthur, Bob Balch, Julia Becwar, Brenda Bender, Jay Brady, Janice Burnett, Joan Hastings Camp, George Cheatham, Diane Cherry, Robert Clemens, Jean Conkwright, Beth Delametter, Janice Dorndorfer, Maxine Dubois, Donna Droege, Susan Fesperman, Kimberly Flanagan, Betty Foote, Bill Gent, Marsue Gent, Trenton Hall, Donovan Hamilton, Betty Hawes, Mary Hight, Bill Huckin, Lee Johns, Betty Kelly, Levan Kelly, Tom King, Robert Kramer, Bob Lawless, Jimmie Mathews, George Matson, Lynn Miller, Frances Morgan, Judy Murray, Jackson Owens, Lanette Owens, Patti Parker, Jim Pearson, Edith Peden, Lily Ramey, Lisa Rice, Monnie Roney, Alice Savage, Patrick Schwartz, April Smith, Burton Speed, Lewis Taggart, Bill Thompson, Audrey Tucker, Ruth Wilson, Richard Wright. The Sacrament of Baptism: Graham Anthony Bevel, son of Frances and Shane Bevel, was baptized on July 27. Time with the Young Disciples The Offertory Now Let Us All Praise God and Sing ...................... THE PARISH REGISTER Lucas Forsythe, Director of Communications Patricia Hall, Director of New Member Outreach Elaine G. Horkey, Director of Planned Giving Ministries Jan Miller, Director of Children’s Ministries Ronald J. Pearson, M.M., Organist and Director of Music Ministries Amy Russell, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministries Dan Russell, Director of High School Student Ministries Steve Wilson, Director of Middle School Student Ministries LASST UNS ERFREUEN David Schack Tulsa’s First Church is a Stephen Ministry Congregation. If you or someone you know needs the support of a good listener who offers distinctively Christian caring, please call 918-301-1039. AUGUST 3, 2014 11:00 AM SANCTUARY First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa 709 South Boston Avenue ✞ Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119 (918) 584-4701 ✞ www.firstchurchtulsa.org