1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

October 19, 2014
A Service for the Worship of God
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
11:00 a.m.
THE CHURCH GATHERS
GREETING AND WELCOME
Kaci Clark-Porter
SILENT MOMENT
VOLUNTARY
We all believe in one true God
OPENING SENTENCES
One: The glory of God is a consuming fire.
All: Who can look upon the face of the Lord and live?
One: Yet we have come to know the Lord in the face of Jesus Christ.
All: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we have seen the face of God.
*HYMN 624
I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art
J. S. Bach
Helen Foster
TOULON
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Compassionate God, you know the purposes of our hearts and the will of all creation. Hear with
mercy our confession that we have not cared for Earth and all creatures as you meant for us to do;
we have not cared for one another as you have commanded; we have not loved ourselves with the
regard that honors wholeness and peace of mind. Be our guide, our judge, our joy. Show us the
way of your life abundant, and turn us always to that path so that we may live and move in
renewed commitment to what is just and good. We plead this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
A time for silent prayers of confession
*KYRIE
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE 240
Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks
Stanzas 3 and 4
ALLEUIA NO. 1
*ACT OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION
One: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
All: And also with you.
One: Let us greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace.
GOD’S WORD PROCLAIMED
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Sing into our ears, O Spirit, the holy word of life. Tell us who we are and to whom we belong so
that we may live with gratitude for all that you have done. In the name of the Living Christ we
pray. Amen.
HYMN 639 (Psalm 96)
O Sing a New Song
O SING A NEW SONG
Choir sings refrain. All immediately repeat refrain, and again as indicated by (R).
SCRIPTURE READINGS
One: Holy wisdom, holy word.
All: Thanks be to God.
ANTHEM
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
New Testament page 203
Hans Leo Hassler
Cantate Domino
Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. – Psalm 149: 1-2
SERMON
*HYMN 377
Ms. Clark-Porter
Beyond Lip Service
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
HOUSTON
Stanza 1: Choir alone
Stanzas 2 & 3: All
THE PEOPLE RESPOND
PRAYERS FOR OTHERS AND OURSELVES
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth
as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin
against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS
Offertory
Song of Devotion
Marjorie Eldreth, mezzo-soprano
John Ness Beck
I thank my God on every remembrance of you, always, in every prayer of mine for you with joy; I have you in my heart.
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, that ye may approve
things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere being filled with the fruits of righteousness unto the glory and praise of
God. (Philippians 1:3-11)
Prayer of Dedication
LEAVE TO SERVE
*HYMN 644
Give Thanks, O Christian People
ES FLOG EIN KLEINS WALDVÖGELEIN
*BENEDICTION
VOLUNTARY
In thee is gladness
A fitting response to this final act of worship is “Amen!”
*Please stand if you are comfortably able.
J. S. Bach
Welcome to First & Central Presbyterian Church! If you are a visitor this morning, please know that
you are welcome and that the collective prayer of this congregation is that all who worship will know the loving
presence of God.
Youth Greeters are Grace Fulda and Hunter Wieman.
The Acolyte is Henry Wieman.
Youth Ushers are Charles Parson and ElizaWieman.
The Coffee Fellowship Hosts are the Deacons.
Music Notes: Today’s voluntaries are both by one of the world’s greatest composers, J. S. Bach (1685-1750).
He composed a large body of music for organ, but also composed for harpsichord, solo instruments, orchestra, and
chorus. He was employed for much of his life by various churches in a small area of Germany, and for these
institutions he composed much of this music for organ and voices. The instrumental music was written primarily
when he was employed by a ducal court in Germany. Both organ pieces today employ a similar compositional
device. Both use a recurring melody, or ostinato, as a unifying force in the music. The ostinato is played by the feet
in the pedal division of the organ.
Would you like to give flowers for the Chancel? Sunday, October 26th is available.
Please call 654-5371 or email the church office at [email protected] with your order and
dedication.
The Breakfast Club wants YOU…to join us! Learning can’t
happen on an empty stomach, so our pre-confirmation group starts each class with the most
important meal of the day – breakfast! We’ve got plenty of pancake mix, but there is so
much more to breakfast than flapjacks. Do you have a favorite morning meal you’d like to
share with our hard-working pre-coms? Perhaps that magical something that your memaw
used to make, or a traditional meal from your corner of the world? Please share! There are
four hungry young people (and one larger teacher) that would appreciate hearing the story behind your preferred
breakfast – then helping you eat it! If you have just such a dish you’d like to share, please check in with Matt
Waters to pick a date. For folks who have seen the movie: Don’t you forget about me!
Scan with your Smartphone to sign up for Doug’s weekly email or just send him a note
at [email protected] if you’d like to be added to the distribution list!
Feel free to text, post, and tweet during the service. If you hear or see something
during the service that causes you to think or wonder or question – post it! Want to ask Doug a
question or comment about the sermon or the service? Text him at 302-354-6930.
Would You Like to be a Fellowship Host? Would you like
to bring cookies, cake, or breakfast bread one Sunday? It’s very easy
– just drop off in the church kitchen prior to the service and it
magically appears in the Sanctuary at Noon! Let Juliette Pierce
([email protected] or 302.798.0118 know and she’ll add you
to the calendar!
Coming Up Next Week and in the near future…
Breakfast and the Bible A small group gathers at Panera Bread on Concord Pike
(Fairfax Shopping Center) at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday mornings for about 45 minutes. It’s
relaxed, casual, and no prep required! We will meet next on Tuesday, October 21, 2014.
Explorers’ Forum in October 2014
Adult Education at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings in the DuVal Room.
October 19 & 26: John Calvin
Kaci Clark-Porter
Mentoring at EastSide Charter School begins on Tuesday, October 7th. Mentoring will take place on
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sessions will be once a week for 40 minutes. Training will be provided
for newcomers, and there will be simple plans to follow, sometimes just helping with homework or playing
board games. The time is around lunch time – 11 or noon. Grade levels are typically 2nd through 4th or 5th.
Your preferences will be accommodated as nearly as possible. If you are interested, please contact Nancy
Mahoney at [email protected], or phone at 302 994-1751.
Autumn Season Labyrinth Walk | Wednesday, October 22, 2014
The Labyrinth at First & Central, located in Memorial Hall, is open from 11 a.m. until
7 p. m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month. On Wednesday, October 22nd our
focus will be the Earth and we will walk to “Autumn” by George Winston. Please
join us! LIKE us on Facebook: The Labyrinth at First & Central
SoulCollage® Drop-in Studio | 4th Wednesday of every Month |
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Our next SoulCollage® Drop-in Studio is Wednesday,
October 22, 2014. Drop in and create a card. Creating sacred space within
the confines of the SoulCollage® Studio, allowing healing sounds to wash
over you as you engage in “sacred play” creating “soul art” with other
SoulCollage® artists can be spiritually refreshing, as well as mentally and
emotionally therapeutic. The SoulCollage® Drop In Studio is hosted by
Joanne Reinbold, First & Central’s Labyrinth Coordinator/Facilitator and
Carol Maurer, Delaware Art Museum’s Labyrinth Coordinator/Facilitator
and is located in the Library on the church’s lower level. All materials provided. A $2 materials donation is
requested (or you can bring your own materials).
Fall Clothing Drive & Undie Sunday - Sunday, October 26th!
It's that time of year - clean your closets, empty your drawers, and donate
those things you no longer wear. The van from the Clothing Bank of Delaware
will be in the parking lot on the morning of October 26th from 9:15 - 11:15
a.m. The Clothing Bank will accept all types of clothing and household linens.
Items should be clean and not need repair. Tax receipts will be available. The
Clothing Bank is in particular need of school clothing for children, winter
outerwear for all, and new socks and underwear for men, women, and children. Any of these items you can
add with your other donations would be greatly appreciated. If you have questions, contact: Rachel Wood at
email: [email protected] or phone: 302.543.7335
WomensRead Fall 2014 Date Set: F & C WomensReaders will meet to discuss My Promised Land by
Avi Shavit on Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Ellen Roberts, 1617 N. Broom St.
(between Shallcross and Gilpin) in Trolley Square. Please let Ellen know if you plan to attend,
[email protected] or at 302-777-3209.
If you haven’t finished the book – or if you haven’t even started it! – come anyway and enjoy the fellowship
(womenship?) of our shared and continuing spiritual journey.
Thursday Noontime Concerts ~ October 2014
Performances at 12:30 p.m. Thursday afternoons in the Sanctuary. Free!
October 23: Members of the Pyxis Piano Quartet
Chamber music from Delaware at its finest
October 30: The Naked Organ
Music and pipe organ exploration with David Schelat
This Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
The Phantom of the Opera
starring Lon Chaney
Experience Lon Chaney’s classic 1925 silent film as original audiences saw it! Wilmington’s own Paul
Fleckenstein accompanies this silent film with his original improvised score that includes organ literature, opera
arias, and popular songs. A fun evening for the whole family that is not to be missed!
This event is in celebration of the Gabriel Kney Organ’s 25th anniversary. Installed in 1989 at First & Central
Presbyterian Church, it has thrilled audiences with its colorful and shimmering sound ever since!
Complimentary tickets will be available today (for the final time) to those who worship at First & Central. Pick
them up during coffee fellowship!
New FAIR TRADE Products for Sale | We have a bunch
of new items on our Fair Trade / Equal Exchange carts. And we
have the best prices in town! New items include (and these are in
addition to the current selection of coffee, tea, olive oil, and
chocolate!) Items may be purchased in the Sanctuary during
Coffee Fellowship.
• Organic
French Roast DECAF (ground 10 oz.)
• Organic MIDNIGHT SUN (ground 10 oz.) -- A NEW DARK BLEND
• Organic MIGHTY MORNING (ground) -- 14 oz. can for just $7.00
• Organic BOUNTIFUL DECAF (ground) -- 14 oz. can for just $8.50
• SINGLE SERVE (K CUPS) FRENCH ROAST (12 per box)
• SINGLE SERVE (K CUPS) FRENCH ROAST DECAF (12 per box)
• GUATEMALAN HONEY
• ORGANIC STRAWBERRY JAM
• ORGANIC ORANGE MARMALADE
• ORGANIC NATURAL CASHEWS
• ORGANIC NATURAL ALMONDS
• CHILEAN FLAME RAISINS
Great products for a great cause! Do your Christmas shopping at F & C!
Great gifts for cooks and bakers. Awesome stocking stuffers. Tell your friends!
And THANKS to David Beattie for ordering and Brenda and Jeff Ferris for selling after church!
Calling All Chili Lovers! As the chill of autumn sets in, things will be heating up at First & Central with a
chili cook-off! The Deacons are looking for volunteers to cook up some chili for a luncheon on November
16th. All you need to do is make a batch of chili – all varieties are welcome. If you’re more of a baker than a
cook, we’ll need desserts as well. Please let Juliette Pierce ([email protected] or 302.584.8662) know if
you’re interested in bringing either chili or dessert. And remember: we’ll also need people to eat the chili too!
Calendar for the Week of October 19, 2014
Sunday 10/19:
9:15 a.m. Nursery Care: (Infant – 3 years) – Nursery
9:30 a.m. Explorers’ Forum (Adult Education) – DuVal Room
9:30 a.m. Pre-Confirmation Sunday School (Grades 6 – 8) – Kitchen and Library
9:45 a.m. Sunday School (K – 5) – Lower Level Classroom
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
11:00 a.m. Worship Service – Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Coffee Fellowship – Sanctuary
12:15 p.m. Marketing Task Force – Room 208
12:15 p.m. Membership Task Forde – Room 204
12:30 p.m. F & C Youth Group – Third Floor Youth Room
4:00 p.m. Big Gay Church – Chapel
Monday 10/20:
9:10 a.m. Urban Promise Academy – Room 208
11:00 a.m. Staff Meeting – Pastor’s Office
12:35 p.m. Urban Promise Academy – Room 208
4:30 p.m. RSTTA: Family Focus Tutoring – Third Floor
7:00 p.m. Men’s Spirituality Group at the home of Mac McKay
Tuesday 10/21:
8:00 a.m. Breakfast and the Bible – Panera’s on 202/Fairfax
9:10 a.m. Urban Promise Academy – Room 208
12:05 p.m. Center City Chorale Rehearsal – Choir Room
12:35 p.m. Urban Promise Academy – Room 208
4:30 p.m. RSTTA: Family Focus Tutoring – Third Floor
6:45 p.m. Yoga Class – DuVal Room
Wednesday 10/22:
8:25 a.m. Urban Promise Academy – Room 208
11:00 a.m. Autumn Season Labyrinth Walk – Memorial Hall
4:00 p.m. Soul Collage Drop In Studio – Library
4:30 p.m. RSTTA: Family Focus Tutoring – Third Floor
5:30 p.m. Wilmington Children’s Chorus: Rehearsals – Choir Room, 208, Chapel
5:30 p.m. Basic Text Narc Anon – DuVal Room
Thursday 10/23:
9:10 a.m. Urban Promise Academy – Room 208
12:30 p.m. Noontime Concert – Sanctuary - Members of the Pyxis Piano Quartet
1:20 p.m. Urban Promise Academy – Room 208
4:30 p.m. RSTTA: Family Focus Tutoring – Third Floor
6:45 p.m. Yoga Class – DuVal Room
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
Friday 10/24
9:10 a.m. Urban Promise Academy – Room 208
Saturday 10/25:
10:00 a.m. WomensRead Fall at the home of Ellen Roberts
7:30 p.m. MSM Festival Concert: The Phantom of the Opera – Sanctuary
Sunday 10/26: 4th Sunday Hunger Offering | Fall Clothing Drive
9:15 a.m. Nursery Care: (Infant – 3 years) – Nursery
9:30 a.m. Explorers’ Forum (Adult Education) – DuVal Room
9:30 a.m. Pre-Confirmation Sunday School (Grades 6 – 8) – Kitchen and Library
9:45 a.m. Sunday School (K – 5) – Lower Level Classroom
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room
11:00 a.m. Worship Service – Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Coffee Fellowship – Sanctuary
12:15 p.m. Marketing Task Force – Room 208
12:30 p.m. All Church Craft Project and Pot Luck Lunch – Memorial Hall
2:00 p.m. Wilmington Children’s Chorus: Potluck Dinner – Memorial Hall and Choir Room
4:00 p.m. Big Gay Church at the home of Kaci Clark-Porter
FIRST & CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1101 N. Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801
302-654-5371 www.fandc.org
The Rev. Dr. Douglas D. Gerdts, Pastor and Head of Staff
David Schelat, Minister of Music
Joanne M. Reinbold, Office Manager and Labyrinth Coordinator
Kaci Clark-Porter, Christian Education Coordinator
Patricia Brock, Financial Secretary
Gerard Coleman, Building Manager
George Russell, Building Care Assistant
Ella Maddux, Building Care Assistant
Hana Arai, Ann DeHart, and Ethan Fruchtman, Childcare Providers
In Covenant Relationship with First & Central Presbyterian Church
The Rev. Dr. Randy Clayton, Parish Associate
The Rev. Timothy D. Rodden, Parish Associate
Shannon Hanson, Seminarian Under Care and Youth Program
John McDonald, Seminarian Under Care
Matt Waters, Seminarian Intern and Youth Director
You are invited to become a part of the First & Central family! If you’re interested in discovering more about
this congregation or the Presbyterian Church (USA), please don’t hesitate to contact Doug at (302) 654-5371 ext.
106, or [email protected].
Hearing Assistance Devices, large print bulletins, Bibles, and hymnals are available in the Narthex and at the
11th Street entrance.
Two Fully Accessible Rest Rooms are available on the first floor of the education building. There is one in
each of the hallways. A baby changing station is available in the restroom in the back hallway.
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located on the wall in the hallway of the Education
Building directly across from the church office.
A cane, transfer wheelchair, and walker are located in the Coat Closet next to the Sanctuary.
Our morning worship is available each week on CDs on a table in the 11th Street Lobby or you may contact
the church office to have one mailed.
Glory for God Hymnals may be purchased for personal/home use for $15.
Parking is available free of charge in Lot B of the Hotel DuPont located on Orange Street just past the
Wilmington Club’s back entrance. Parking is also allowed at the Wilmington Club, but please, not along the
guardrail.
Sermons, bulletins, and brochures are available on tables by both entrances to the Sanctuary and on
our website.
Recycling Baskets are at both doors to the Sanctuary.
THE MISSION STATEMENT OF
FIRST & CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First & Central Presbyterian Church is a diverse, accepting, and open-minded
Christian community growing to
meet the challenges of our city.
The Mission of First & Central Presbyterian Church is to proclaim the Word of God and the
Gospel of Jesus Christ by:
• Ministering enthusiastically and compassionately to individual, congregational, and
community needs;
• Fostering spiritual, ecumenical, and intellectual growth;
• Practicing stewardship of our church, our community, and our world.
THE VISION STATEMENT OF
FIRST & CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
At First & Central Presbyterian Church, we continually strive to become a church that:
• Welcomes without limits
• Supports, affirms and loves all people
• Uses our resources in service to the community
• Demonstrates our commitment to compassion and justice
• Nurtures growth and development of children, youth and adults
• Provides a sanctuary from life’s trials and tribulations for the renewal of our spirits,
and;
• Offers an oasis in the city that emphasizes service and ministry to city dwellers and
downtown workers
Using Christ as our guide, our worship, music and other programs provide us with the faith and
inspiration to reach out and help others in need. We are committed to continual spiritual growth
and ever deepening understanding of God’s will for ourselves, our church and our global
community. We work and pray daily to make our vision a reality.
THE COVENANT NETWORK AND MORE LIGHT PRESBYTERIANS
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians and More Light
Presbyterians are broad-based, national groups of clergy and lay
leaders working for a church that is simultaneously faithful, just, and
whole. It seeks to support the mission and unity of the Presbyterian
Church (USA) in a time of potentially divisive controversy. It
intends to articulate and act on the church's historic, progressive vision, and to work
for a fully inclusive church. For more information: www.covenantnetwork.org or
www.mlp.org.
What does “Presbyterian” mean?
The name for the denomination comes from the Greek word presbyteros, which means "elder," reflecting the
fact that congregations are governed by elected and ordained elders. The term was probably first applied to a
congregation in the early 17th century, with churches founded on the teachings of theologians John Calvin and
John Knox.
How does F&C worship on Sunday mornings?
In general the church follows a traditional worship style similar to that of many Christian denominations, based
on the PC(USA) Book of Common Worship.
A service includes …
• a gathering period;
• the proclamation of the Word through scripture, music, and preaching;
• an opportunity to respond through giving and through prayer; and a dismissal.
In addition to Sunday morning, other worship opportunities are offered throughout the year, including
• monthly Labyrinth walks,
• services of Healing and Wholeness,
• Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows,
• and special services during Lent and Christmas.
What do Presbyterians believe?
Presbyterians are part of the Protestant (Reformed) branch of the Christian church. The
congregation maintains ties with other PC(USA) churches according to the Book of
Confessions (theology) and Book of Order (polity). Yes, the church is very organized!
Knowledge of God’s purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is
revealed through the life of Jesus Christ. It is everyone's job–ministers and lay people
alike–to share this Good News with the world.
F&C is an officially welcoming “More Light” congregation and strongly believe that service to the church
through membership and ordination is open to all, regardless of gender, race, age, marital status, or sexual
orientation.
Who runs a Presbyterian church?
The church is managed and directed by its pastors and elected Session, with the pastor serving as head of staff
and as moderator of the Session, which meets monthly. Session members head Councils in order to manage the
affairs of the church in concert with the staff (e.g. Property, Outreach, Finance). There is also a Board of
Deacons to minister to the congregation’s needs.
How does one become a member of First & Central?
There are three ways to join any PC(USA) congregation:
• by a letter of transfer from another congregation in which a person is an active member;
• by a reaffirmation of Christian faith;
• and by baptism, providing one has not been baptized.
First & Central invites those interested to periodic “Conversations about Membership” at which the life and
ministry of the congregation and the denominations are discussed.
How is communion celebrated?
The celebration of the Lord’s Supper is one of two sacraments in the Presbyterian
Church (the other is baptism) and is celebrated by the method of “intinction,” where
the congregation comes forward to receive a piece of bread which is then dipped
into a goblet of juice.
LOCAL MISSION AND OUTREACH
After School Tutoring Program: volunteers help local East Side
Charter School students with reading and learning skills.
Mission at Home: a group provides repair and light contracting
services to local homeowners with residences in disrepair.
Winter Sanctuary: the church is open Saturday mornings from
November through March for use by Wilmington’s Friendship House,
offering hospitality to those in need.
Meals On Wheels: delivering hot meals to the homebound.
Giving Tree: during Advent, the congregation collects non-perishable food, warm clothing, books, and toys for
those both near and far.
Mission Trips: members and friends travel to those in need, partnering with groups such as Presbyterian
Disaster Assistance (PDA) and West Virginia Ministry and Advocacy.
Andrew’s Place and Epiphany House: provide dinner on a monthly basis for those in transitional housing and
senior adult facilities.
In addition, financial, material, and/or volunteer support are provided to:
• AIDS Walk / AIDS Delaware
• Covenant Network of Presbyterians
• Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc.
• Delaware Clothing Bank
• Epiphany and Andrew’s Houses
• Friendship House
• Hanover Food Closet
• Market Street Music
• Meeting Ground
• More Light Presbyterians
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Presbyterian Disaster Relief / PC(USA)
• Rainbow Chorale of Delaware
• Rodney Street Tennis and Tutoring
• The Way Home
• Urban Promise Academy
• West Virginia Mission and Advocacy
• Wilmington Children’s Chorus
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
Young Adult Volunteer: A First & Central young adult
recently served as a PCUSA mission volunteer in Belfast,
Northern Ireland, as a youth worker in a Methodist Church.
Mission Co-Workers in Eastern Europe: The congregation
supports two female PCUSA missionaries in Eastern European
countries serving Christian communities which are subject to
religious intolerance.