1. family and parenting
2. children

FIRST CHURCH AT WORSHIP
A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Ambler, Pennsylvania
May 31, 2015
Traditional Service - 9:30 a.m.
South Ridge (Contemporary) - 11:00 a.m.
Please remember to silence all electronic devices.
(During the Prelude you are invited to prepare your hearts to worship God.)
PRELUDE
INTROIT
Thaxted
Celebration No. 2
arr. Callahan
Keller
Youth Handbell Choir
OPENING SENTENCES (Psalm 136)
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.
His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders.
His love endures forever.
Who made the heavens and spread out the earth upon the waters.
His love endures forever.
Who gives food to every creature and frees us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
* HYMN #244
Let Us with a Gladsome Mind
* CALL TO CONFESSION
* CONFESSION OF SIN
Lord, you woke us this morning to a new day. You call us to be
new in this day. But Lord, our minds and hearts are still
burdened with the challenges of this past week, and we are
already weighed down by what is to come. Lord, we need the
newness that can only come through your healing forgiveness,
so we beg for your forgiveness.
Forgive us for how we have caused hurt to another, for the times
we have been too busy to care for another, for turning a blind
eye to another’s need. Make us new today, so that we might
answer your call with courage and joy.
Send us into the lives of others ready to love them. Send us into
the tasks of this day ready to serve you well. Send us into this
day excited about the possibility of being your instrument of
peace in a hurting world. Make us new today! In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
* SILENT CONFESSION
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* OUR RESPONSE #579
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, Amen.
* THE PEACE OF CHRIST
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE
[Children participating in Sunday School are dismissed at this time.]
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you are a visitor and you take a moment to fill out the Connection Card
found in the bulletin, we will gladly send you information about our church.
Just put the card in the collection plate or hand it to an usher. If anyone has
a joy or concern to include during the PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, please
fill out the yellow Prayer Request Card found in the pew rack, and give it to
an usher or one of the pastors at this time.
ANTHEM
It Is Well with My Soul
Sanctuary Choir
arr. Beck
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll –
whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
My sin – O the joy of this glorious thought – my sin,
not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross,
and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll.
The trumpet shall sound, and the Lord shall descend,
“even so” it is well with my soul!
CCLI #147526
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE II Corinthians 8:1-7 (page 1801 in the pew Bible)
SERMON
*HYMN #422
"Who In Their Right Mind?"
Rev. Dr. Anita Bell
God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
THE PRAYERS OF GOD'S PEOPLE
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day
our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is
the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY
Prayer
Powell
* DOXOLOGY #592
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.
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION
* HYMN #428
We Give Thee but Thine Own
* BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
*Indicates to please stand if you are able.
arr. Manz
ASSISTING WITH WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Head Usher: Tom Bender
Greeters: Scott Miksch
Ushers: Larry Davis
Sharon Davis
Pat Latimer
Jan Nader
Bob Walters
Kathy Wandall
Lay Reader: Art Elliott
Driving Folks Mark Yantek and
To Church: Ron Moritz
FOR EVERYONE’S CONVENIENCE – There are hearing devices, large
print hymnals and bulletins, and children’s worship packets. Ask an usher
for assistance.
CHILDCARE AND SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Nursery welcomes infants to three-year-olds ten minutes before
worship and is located in the main hallway on the 1st floor, Room 101.
SUNDAY SCHOOL. We offer the same program during the 9:30 AM and
11:00 AM worship services. Our Pre K & K class welcomes children, 3
years old through children in Kindergarten, 10 minutes before worship. This
class is located on the 3rd floor in Room 307.
Grades 1 through 5 begin in worship with their families. Children will be
invited to meet their teachers in the back of the Sanctuary. Elementary-age
homerooms are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
MEMBER PRAYER CONCERNS
Phil Albright
Harry Ash
Spence Butterwick
Richard and Arlene Crowell
John Detwiler
Lois Domm
Kenny Drinkwater
John Durham
Falcone family
Paul Furnival
Corinne Jones
John Kirch
Ellen Morrow
Evelyn McAdam
Dick McNeal
Betty Rawlins
Muriel Resh
Charles Siegmann
Rick Stevens
Jeff Stone
Mim Theobald
Joanne Yutzler
If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, contact the
church office ([email protected]/215-646-3030). The church
staff prays for concerns during our weekly staff meeting.
Prayer requests from extended family and friends
(listed in the order received):
Al Dugan, father-in-law of Carol Dugan
Habitat for Humanity house for Valerie Venezia
Upcoming wedding of Andrew Ricciardi and Valerie Venezia
Sal Venezia, father of Valerie Venezia
Lisa Lutz, neighbor of Jan Stephens
Abi Dietz, daughter of Georgina Bard
Family of Derik Lawley, friends of Sara and Trey Halkett
Prayers for our graduates
Chal Lawyer, cousin of Marianne Watters
All affected by the derailment of Amtrak train 188
Bobby Marini, friend of Bob Lynch
Jorje Ortiz, friend of Rick Stevens
Ann Grove, friend of Denise Walters
The Serafin family, friends of Art & Pam Elliott
Marie Marquis, friend of Jo-Ann Horner
Mariam Varughese, mother of Usha Varughese
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MAY 31, 2015
THE SANCTUARY FLOWERS ARE GIVEN
in loving memory of our daughter, Marsha Monarch,
from Emily and Al Brenneman.
THERE ARE ROSES on the communion table
to celebrate the births of
Ryan Gregory Wiggins, born on May 22nd. Ryan is
welcomed by parents Greg and Dawn Wiggins and
grandparents Larry and Dianne Wiggins.
Kalina Clare Bell, born on May 21st is welcomed by parents,
Daniel and Jen Bell; grandparents Anita and Greg Bell, and
big sisters Selene and Ainsley.
If you are on FACEBOOK or FOURSQUARE, check in from First
Presbyterian Church of Ambler, and let your friends know you are
worshiping with us today.
PARENTS, you are welcome to feed your babies wherever
you feel comfortable. If you would like a quiet place, Marie
Thomas, our Children's Ministry Director, is making her
office available. Marie's office is behind the balcony on the
third floor, Room 301.
If you are on FACEBOOK or FOURSQUARE, check in from First
Presbyterian Church of Ambler, and let your friends know you are
worshiping with us today.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION. Feel free to take a squirt of hand
sanitizer from the new dispensers provided for the health of our
congregants.
PARKING OPTIONS. There are many parking options near
our church. There is a large Septa lot, street parking and a
parking lot on the corner of Butler and Lindenwold Avenues.
If you are able, please park in one of these alternate locations so
we can accommodate and welcome visitors.
20 DAY DEVOTIONAL. Join us as we read the 20 Day
Devotional included in the Capital Stewardship Journey packet.
If you would like to receive a weekly email from Ryan Balsan,
respond on the Connection Card, or contact the church office
([email protected] / 215-646-3030).
COMMITMENT SUNDAY CELEBRATION. We are on our way
with Foundations for the Future! Let’s celebrate together at
lunch on Sunday, June 14th in Fellowship Hall at 12:00 Noon.
Come one, come all! There will be socializing in the Parlor to
pass the time following the first service. R.S.V.P. required by
June 8th by calling the church office at 215-646-3030 or marking
your interest on the Connection Card.
MAY IS SHAREHOLDERS MONTH. Become a shareholder in
our Youth Mission Trip to Providence, Rhode Island this
summer. Shares are $25 each and will be sold at the Help Desk
every Sunday after both services. Our goal is to raise $10,000.
Buying a share means that you will be partnering with us in the
process and will receive exclusive looks at our trip preparation
and experience.
THE DEACONS are having a summer food drive for the
Community Cupboard beginning this Sunday through June 27th.
Please place all donations in the bins below the coat racks
outside of Fellowship Hall. Listed below are some of their
summer needs. Thank you for your generosity.
jelly (any kind)
sweet peas (canned)
box pasta (any kind)
box instant mashed
potatoes
canned fruit, mixed fruit,
canned pears
boxed snacks/crackers
gravy/broth
toilet paper
juice boxes (kids)
box cereal and hot cereal
(oatmeal)
pancake mix and syrup
SOUP KITCHEN. Sign up at the Help Desk for our next Soup
Kitchen on Friday June 19th and/or Saturday, June 20th. We
work with a coalition of 14 churches (called the NECH) to
provide a soup kitchen every Saturday morning in Philadelphia.
You can be part of this effort by helping to prepare the meal
Friday night at our church, serving the meal in Frankford on
Saturday morning, or both. Contact Mark and Barb Yantek (215641-4928/[email protected]).
Clothing items are also
needed:
sweatshirts, coats, small blankets, socks and
sneakers (new or clean/used in good condition). Items can
be left in the container marked SOUP KITCHEN CLOTHING
DONATIONS, by the Fellowship Hall coat racks.
GIFT CARD DONATIONS. Do you have any gift cards with
balances available in your wallet or on your dresser at home?
The deacons are collecting gift cards for grocery stores, gas
stations and Target, Kmart and Walmart for families in need in
our area. You may purchase a new gift card to donate. Place all
gift cards in the box at the Help Desk with the amount or balance
written on it. Today is the last day for this collection.
BLOOD DRIVE. Save the date and sign up to donate blood on
Thursday, June 18th at St. Anthony of Padua (259 Forest
Avenue, Ambler, PA). Call 1-800-REDCROSS or follow our link
on the website. One donation can help save the lives of up
to three people.
COMMUNITY GOLF TOURNAMENT.
Inter-Faith Housing
th
Alliance is hosting their 18 Annual Community Golf Tournament
at Pine Crest Country Club on Tuesday, June 23rd. Inter-Faith is
currently looking for golfers, luncheon guests, donations for the
silent auction, and event sponsors. Register for golf or lunch
online at www.i-fha.org. For more information on sponsorship
opportunities or to make a donation, contact the Inter-Faith office
(215-628-2334/ [email protected]). Thank you.
AMBLER FIRST FRIDAY TEAM. Join the Friday fun in Ambler
and help us CONNECT with our neighbors. We’re looking for a
team to organize an FPCA presence at these events. Our goal is
to meet our neighbors, provide information and/or an activity at
Ambler 1st Fridays, and facilitate outreach at this community
event.
BIBLE STUDY. Join us on Thursdays from 7:10-8:40 PM in the
Church Library for a time of reflection, discussion and prayer on
Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline, chapter 11 –
The Discipline of Worship. “Genuine worship has only one
Leader, Jesus Christ. If Jesus is our leader, miracles should be
expected to occur in worship.” God’s purpose for our gatherings
is “to equip His people for the work of service . . ..” (P204) Eph
4:12-13 Contact Doug Weiss ([email protected]).
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR SUMMER FRIENDS: Large Cheese
Ball Containers. Put in Children’s Library. And THANKS!
REGISTER FOR SUMMER FRIENDS ONLINE. Go to our church
website, FPCAmbler.org, to register children ages 3 years to
entering 6th grade. Summer Friends is July 6-10 from 6 to 8:30 PM.
This year, kids will build an amazing adventure -- one block at a
time. For more information, email [email protected].
S.U.R.G.E. POOL PARTY, June 7 (1-4PM). The Schoenberg
family is inviting S.U.R.G.E. families to their house for an end of the
year pool party. Everyone is asked to bring a side dish or a dessert.
R.S.V.P. to [email protected].
SUNDAY SCHOOL PARTY. We will celebrate a great year with
carnival games and relay games on June 7th during 9:30 and 11:00
am worship. More to details to come.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL begins on June 14th during both 9:30
and 11:00 AM worship. Come learn about Spreading the Good
News and The Letters of Paul using VeggieTales creator, Phil
Vischer's What's In the Bible curriculum.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Middle School (MS) and High School (HS) classes meet at 9:30 AM in room
304 for combined worship, followed by smaller group lessons. Want to come
early to hang out, play games, and eat snacks? Doors open at 9:00 AM.
Fellowship Hall (F.H.)
Memorial Conference Room (M.C.R., 2nd floor)
SUNDAY, MAY 31
9:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:40 AM
11:00 AM
11:10 AM
5:00 PM
6:30-8:00 PM
MONDAY, JUNE 1
10:30-11:30 AM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
• Worship, Sanctuary
• Children’s Sunday School
Café, Fellowship Hall
Children’s Handbell Choir
South Ridge Worship, Sanctuary
Children’s Chimes Choir
A.A., M.C.R.
HS Youth Group, F.H.
Staff Meeting, Pastor, Office
A.A., M.C.R.
Brownie Troop 7641, room 308
Jr. GS Troop 7464, room 201
M.O.P.S. Meeting, Youth Room
CHICs, Parlor
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED FOR
TRAINING EVENT
10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Staff Training Event, Woodside Church
6:00 PM
A.A., M.C.R.
7:00 PM
Young Adult Bible Study, Library
7:30 PM
• Bruce Ruhf Bible Study, Parlor
• Session, M.C.R.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
9:30 AM
Library Staff Work
6:00 PM
A.A. Women Beginners, Parlor
7:00 PM
Joyful Ringers, Sanctuary
8:00 PM
Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
8:30 PM
H.O.G.S. (Men’s Bible Study), Parlor
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
6:00 PM
A.A., M.C.R.
7:00 PM
S.R. Band Rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:10 PM
Small Group Mtg., Library
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
6:00 PM
A.A., M.C.R.
6:30 PM
Tahir Kinsey Group, Library
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
11:00-5:00 PM
Eagle Scout Ceremony
First Presbyterian Church
4 South Ridge Ave
Ambler, PA 19002
Phone: 215-646-3030
Web Site: www.FPCAmbler.org
Fax: 215-643-0621
E-mail: [email protected]
Ministers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All baptized members of the congregation
CHURCH STAFF
Carol Anders, Organist and Parish Visitor .............................................. [email protected]
Ryan Balsan, Pastor, Head of Staff……………………………………………[email protected]
Anita Bell, Interim Associate Pastor ........................................................... [email protected]
Brian Bortnick, South Ridge Music Director/Webmaster ...................... [email protected]
Michael Joy, Director of Music ...............................................................MichaelJoy@Comcast.net
Cheryl Kurpiel, Church Administrator....................................................... [email protected]
Leslie Thomas, Director of Youth Ministries ............................................. [email protected]
Barbara Schmitt, Parish Visitor ....................................................................... [email protected]
Marie Thomas, Director of Children’s Ministries........................................ [email protected]
Jodi Wolper, Secretary of Publications and Publicity ................................. [email protected]
Class of 2015
Trey Halkett
Susan Buehler
Dave Klitsch
William Martin
Teri McMasters
Robert Nance
Class of 2015
Cindy Bowman
Suzanne Kauffman DePuyt
Lauren Kellock
Linda Moulton
Rich Myers
Amy Ruhf
Memorials Committee
Liz Ferry
Katie Marlowe
Mary McGready
Ed Morgenson
THE SESSION
Cindy Reed, Clerk of Session
Class of 2016
Kristin Baird
Rachel Coley
Jeff DePuyt
Sherri Gannon
Christina Hughes
Ron Moritz
Class of 2017
Karen Driscoll
Scott French
Judy McKee
Bob Walters
Anne Whitney
Mark Yantek
BOARD OF DEACONS
Class of 2016
Tom Bender
John Brasch
Sara Halkett
John Ingram
Deb Koziol
Andy McClure
Cristy Robertson
Class of 2017
Lisa Astler
David Coley
Martijn Driehuis
Tahir Thomas Kinsey
Carol Kocher
Andrew Schielke
Tom Shaner
Endowment Committee
Jeff DePuyt
Rich Krauss
Dick McNeal
Bill Messerschmidt
Eric Rudolph
Keith White
Tom Wynn
Nominating Committee
Cindy Bowman, Deacon Rep.
Mike Bowman
Cheryl Kurpiel
Bill Lobley
Robert Nance, Session Rep.