1. family and parenting
2. children

FIRST CHURCH AT WORSHIP
A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Ambler, Pennsylvania
November 23, 2014
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
Voluntary on the Doxology
Purcell
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.
INTROIT
OPENING SENTENCES
Give thanks to the LORD!
Praise His name!
Tell the whole world what He has doneHis mighty acts on our behalf.
Sing to the LORD,
for He has done wonderful things for us!
Raise your hearts and voices!
shout and sing your praise!
For great is the Holy One who lives among us!
* HYMN #551
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
* CONFESSION OF SIN
O Lord,
forgive us when we fail to respond to your call with faith.
Forgive us when we are shackled
by our narrow understandings of discipleship
and our clouded sense of purpose.
Forgive us when we are frightened of the future
or pull back from the demand of your calling.
Forgive us when we fail to sense your presence in our past,
to acknowledge your grace in the present moment,
and to trust you for our future.
Through your Spirit we offer ourselves in discipleship,
asking that you would forgive and transform us
through the power of your Holy Spirit.
* 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 participating in Sunday School are dismissed at this time]
ANTHEM
Pote
Thanks Be to God
Sanctuary Choir
For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.
For his gifts to every nation, thanks be to God.
For the plowing, sowing, reaping,
silent growth while we are sleeping,
future needs in earth’s safe-keeping, thanks be to God.
In the just reward of labor, God’s will is done.
In the help we give our neighbor, God’s will is done.
In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,
in the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done.
Thanks be to God for the fruit of all creation!
For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God.
For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God.
For the wonders that astound us,
for the truths that still confound us,
most of all, that love has found us, thanks be to God.
Thanks be to God!
STEWARDSHIP TESTIMONY
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
CCLI #147526
Sara Van Sant
SCRIPTURE Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the
people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.
2
He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen,
who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one
belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore.
Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into
deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t
caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6
When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish
that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in
the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled
both boats so full that they began to sink.
8
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go
away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his
companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
10
and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s
partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will
fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left
everything and followed him.
SERMON
* HYMN #391
"Into Deep Water"
The Reverend Ryan Balsan
Take My Life
PRESENTATION OF OUR COMMITMENTS, TITHES,
AND OFFERINGS
* 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
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.
* HYMN #428
We Give Thee but Thine Own
* BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
Now Thank We All Our God
*Indicates to please stand if you are able.
arr. Manz
ASSISTING WITH WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Head Usher: Tom Shaner
Greeters: Peggy & Jerry Brooke
Ushers: Dan Brown
Gail Fahrner
Claudette Fleischmann
Rich Meyers
Tom Shaner
Joanne Yutzler
Lay Reader: Harry Heckler, Sr.
Soundboard: John Astler
Driving folks Rich Gould and
to church today: 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.
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.
You can register your children for 2014-2015 Sunday School
at church or online at FPCAmbler.org.
MEMBER PRAYER CONCERNS
Sandra Brandreth
Audrey Buchholz
Richard and Arlene Crowell
John Detwiler
Lois Domm
Mary Duncan
Art Elliott
Falcone family
Eileen Honert
John Kirch
Dot Lynch
Ellen Morrow
Evelyn McAdam
Dick McNeal
Betty Rawlins
Lindsey Robinson
Charles Siegmann
Kyle Stevens
Jeff Stone
Mim Theobald
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.
WE EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY to Kent Selko and family on the
death of her son, Robert Selko.
Prayer requests from extended family and friends
(listed in the order received):
Gert Hedrick, mother of Cheryl Kurpiel
Craig Moffett, friend of Mike & Lauren Keatley
Mark Sarraccono, friend of Mike & Lauren Keatley
Stan Moyer, father of Lisa Astler
Andrea Abbonito, friend of Bill Mullen
Alan Truman and family, friends of Cindy & Mike Bowman
Jill, granddaughter of Rachel and Charles Siegmann
All those suffering from addiction
Fran Clark and family, friends of Chuck and Irma Bewley
Peter Callegari, brother-in-law of Linda Callegari
JoAnn, friend of Carol Durham
CELEBRATION: 60 years of marriage for
Charles and Rachel Siegmann!
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2014
THE SANCTUARY FLOWERS
are given in loving memory of John Astler
from the Astler family.
The cornucopia is presented today
to the glory of God and to give thanks
for all the blessings of the year.
Our thanks to Marilyn Lobley for
creating this beautiful display.
IF YOU ARE HOSPITALIZED OR HAVE A PASTORAL
CONCERN contact the church office ([email protected]/215646-3030).
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.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION. With the cold and flu season upon us,
feel free to take a squirt of hand sanitizer from the new dispensers
provided for the health of our congregants.
2014 Fall Sermon Series:
Serving Our Abundant God.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday 12/14
One Worship Service at 10:00 AM for
Christmas Pageant.
Sunday 12/21
Longest Night Worship Service
4:30 PM
Wednesday 12/24 Christmas Eve Worship
4:30 PM Family Service
7:00 PM South Ridge Contemporary Candlelight Service
9:00 PM Traditional Candlelight Service
Sunday 12/28
One Worship Service at 10:00 AM
Lessons and Carols (no Sunday School)
MATTIE N. DIXON COMMUNITY CUPBOARD distributes
food and household goods at Thanksgiving and throughout
the year to less fortunate families in our community. If you
would like to contribute to this worthy cause you may use the
Thanksgiving Outreach envelopes found in your church
mailbox and at the Help Desk. Today is the last day for
donations.
THANKSGIVING OFFERING. This year’s Thanksgiving
Offering will be donated to the Mattie N. Dixon Community
Cupboard. Thanksgiving envelopes are in your envelope
donation box and in the pew rack.
ANGELS NEEDED: We will once again be looking for
angels this Christmas to provide gifts for twenty children
served by theVillage and for the two children of our family
living in Hope Gardens through the Inter-Faith Housing
Alliance. Please look for a member of the deacons in the
Narthex after both the 9:30 AM service and South Ridge to
get a child's name and gift ideas. The gifts for theVillage
need to be unwrapped and placed in the red containers
under the coat rack outside of Fellowship Hall by Sunday,
December 7th. Please wrap the gifts for the children
from Hope Gardens, attach the gift tag and place in the
container marked for Hope Gardens. All gifts should be
returned by December 14th.
ANNUAL YOUTH BAKE SALE- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
It’s that time again! Want an easy way to satisfy your sweet
tooth? We will be selling cookies, cakes, pies, and sweets in
between services and after South Ridge in Fellowship Hall.
All proceeds of this sale go to support the 2014 High School
Mission Trip to Providence, Rhode Island. And back by
popular demand- Carol Brumbaugh’s cookie trays are now
available for order! This stunning array of cookies makes for
a great gift, addition to any holiday party, or simply a sweet
treat. There are only 30 trays available so order TODAY (all
orders must be in by Sunday, November 30th)! First come,
first served! Trays are $15 each and can be ordered by
emailing Teri McMasters at: [email protected]. Thank
you for your support of the FPCA Youth Ministry!
HOLIDAY HOPE. do you or someone you know need help
during this holiday season? The deacons wish to let our
church family know about financial resources available to
help. See Pastor Ryan, Carol Anders, or Barbara Schmitt.
All requests will be kept confidential.
CAPITAL PROJECT NEWS! We are happy to announce
that we are partnering with Kimmel-Bogrette Architecture +
Site for the planning and design of our capital project, which
will better align FPCA's space to our mission. An important
part of the process will be getting input from all of the
ministries in our church, so we will be reaching out to
committees and other groups soon to help them prepare for
focused discussions with our architect.
We are also looking for people (of any age) who want to
participate by...
• Sharing an idea or concern you'd like the project team
to consider
• Being part of discussions that shape the way your
ministry will use this building in the future
• Sharing your professional expertise as an ad-hoc advisor
(during design and/or implementation)
• Joining my project advisory team for the next few months
- no experience required
Be a part of shaping FPCA's future! Contact Sarah Dence
([email protected]) and we'll figure out the best way to plug
you in.
CALLING ALL SOPRANOS, ALTOS, TENORS AND
BASSES. Here is a special opportunity to share your talents
and sing to the glory of God. We are looking for singers
(members and non-members alike) who would like to
participate in the Advent Choir for a very special service on
December 21st at the 9:30 AM service. Interested? If so,
you are invited to join the choir for rehearsals on Wednesday
evenings: December 3rd, 10th, and 17th, from 8:00-8:30 PM as
the choir prepares two anthems for the 9:30 AM service
on December 21st. We only ask that you commit to attending
at least three of the rehearsals and show up at 9:00 AM on
December 21st. Contact [email protected].
SOUP KITCHEN. Sign up at the Help Desk for our next
Soup Kitchen on Friday December 12th and/or Saturday,
December 13th. 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 (215-641-4928/[email protected]).
Clothing items are also needed:
new socks, shoes,
coats, sweatshirts, small blankets and special Christmas
donations of mittens, gloves, hats and scarves (men,
women and children). Items can be left in the container
marked SOUP KITCHEN CLOTHING DONATIONS, by the
Fellowship Hall coat racks.
BLOOD DRIVE. The deacons will host a blood drive on
Monday, December 1st from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM at St.
Anthony’s Church (259 Forest Avenue, Ambler). Sign up at
the Help Desk or go to http://www.redcrossblood.org and
enter sponsor code STOP in the “Find a blood drive search
bar” to sign up. Contact Lauren Kellock (215-285-2514) or
Sue Kauffman-DePuyt (215-654-0173) with any questions.
HOSTING INTER-FAITH FAMILIES. Each January, First
Pres Ambler hosts the Inter-Faith Hospitality Network families
taking part in a short term emergency shelter program. We
share our facilities and hospitality with neighbors who find
themselves temporarily homeless. This is a great opportunity
for you and your family to support our neighbors. There are
several ways you can help:
Sleep Overnight – in one of the Sunday School rooms.
Arrive by 8 PM and leave by 7 AM or earlier as needed.
•
Cook a dinner - Bring supper to Fellowship Hall and
share the meal with our guests.
•
Serve as a Weekly Supper Coordinator - Arrive by
5:30 PM each night at Fellowship Hall to greet the
dinner hosts and show them around the kitchen. You
can leave once the hosts are settled in.
If you’d like to help out this year, sign-ups will take place after
services. Sign up on-line by following the link on our website
at www.FPCAmbler.org (Access Code “FPCA”). For more
information, contact John Ingram ([email protected])
or Sara Van Sant (215-203-4097). Heartfelt thanks to each
of you for supporting this very important outreach mission of
FPCA.
•
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL TO EXPLORE C.S. LEWIS.
C.S. Lewis is widely known through books like his Narnia
stories and Mere Christianity. However, Lewis was first and
foremost a philosopher and medievalist. These talks will
focus on Lewis as a philosopher and survey his views of
common sense, pleasure and happiness, and the soul. Dr.
Stewart Goetz, a professor at Ursinus will offer the following
classes at both 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM as follows: 11/23
Lewis on the Soul, 11/30 No Class (Thanksgiving Holiday),
12/07 What Makes Lewis Unique?
DEBORAH CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, November 25th at
1:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. Ruth Hagmeier will be our hostess
(215-884-7224). Bring you Bible and study book and read
lesson three.
YOU’RE INVITED TO CHRISTMAS TEA. We are hosting
Christmas Tea on Sunday, December 14, 2014. The Tea is in
recognition of our Children's Christmas Pageant and will be
held immediately after the 10:00 AM service in Fellowship Hall.
We are looking for contributions for our Tea. Please sign up for
an item at the Help Desk or online through our website link.
Contributions may be dropped off in the Kitchen prior to the
10:00 AM service on Sunday, December 14th. Please plan to
join us for the Tea to enjoy the holiday treats and fellowship.
Contact Kristin Baird ([email protected]/215 237
2824).
TEAM MEMBERS are needed on the first Tuesday of each
month (excluding January and the summer months), to set up
and clean up our P.R.I.M.E. Time catered lunch. This is a
monthly fellowship opportunity for our retired church family and
community guests. If you can serve a few hours
(11:00 AM-2:00 PM) once a month, contact Barbara Schmitt
([email protected]/ 215-643-5315).
CHURCH LIBRARY.
Are you attending the class on C.S.
Lewis, so well taught by Dr. Stuart Goetz? Are you interested in
reading more of Lewis’ books? His books are in the church
library on the shelf in front of the desk, plus three on the table.
FREE BOOKS. Check the cart in Fellowship Hall for books
covering recipes, child upbringing, games, and all sorts of crafts.
Help yourself!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SUNDAY MORNINGS:
• Nursery Caregivers (during 11 AM Worship). We are looking for
a few more nursery caregivers who will serve no more than six
times a year.
• Teacher/Shepherd (during 11 AM Worship). Team up with one
other person to regularly shepherd elementary age children.
Shepherds escort children to our creative workshops, work on
Bible skills and lead small group prayer times. Prep is minimal.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
It is time for children (3 years old through 5th grade) to
sign up to participate in Good News of Great
Joy Christmas Pageant. Practices will continue through
December 7th.
(NO PRACTICE on November 30th, Thanksgiving Weekend).
Pre K & K will practice from 10:45-11:15 AM and during the Sunday
School hour. Children in 1st through 5th will practice from 8:45-9:30 AM.
We will sit with your children during 9:30 worship until they are
dismissed to Sunday School. Sign up at the Help Desk or at the 3rd
floor Children's Ministry Welcome Center.
Child Musicians Needed! Try out today at 10:45 AM in the Choir
Room. If your child plays an instrument and would like to try out for a
solo or be accompanied by our music director, Michael Joy, please let
us know on the Pageant sign-up form.
Contact Marie Thomas ([email protected]/215-646-3030)
The Pageant
will be presented on
th
Sunday, December 14 during the 10:00 AM worship service.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
All 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.
B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers and Sisters In Christ)
• NO HS BASIC tonight, Sunday, Nov. 23rd! Join us for FUSION
Thanksgiving party tonight 6:30-8:00 PM.
• NO MS BASIC this Thursday, Nov. 27th!
SMALL GROUPS
Thanks for a great Fall Small Groups season! We’ll see you again for our
Spring Session (Wednesdays from February 4th-March 25th).
UPCOMING EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:
1. Turkey Day is coming up soon! We will be celebrating Thanksgiving
with a FUSION: Thanksgiving Party TONIGHT, from 6:30-8 PM! Are
you game for some football, pie, and Thanksgiving (literally)? See you
there!
2. Join us for our Winter Service Project at Cradles to Crayons on
Tuesday, Dec. 9th from 5-9 PM.This event is open to all MS and HS
students.
3. Christmas is coming! Join us for our annual FUSION: Christmas Party
on Sunday, Dec. 21st from 6:30-8 PM.
4. SAVE THE DATE: Our annual Winter Retreat is Jan.16-18, 2015. We
will be traveling to Spruce Lake Retreat Center this year for a weekend
full of games, fun, worship, snow (hopefully), and growing in our
relationship with God. Cost: $100
5. SAVE THE DATE: Our FIRST EVER family and friends Ski Day will be
on Saturday, Feb. 7th. Want to go skiing/boarding/tubing as a family
AND get the group discount on the slopes? Join us as the FPCA Youth
Ministry hosts a “anyone welcome” Ski Day. Details to follow.
SUMMER TRIPS SIGN-UP DEADLINE TODAY!
• 2015 Mission Trip to Providence, Rhode Island (June 21-27). All
initial deposits ($100) are due no later than TODAY, Sunday,
November 23rd.
• The Great Escape is BACK (July 27-Aug. 1)!!! This trip is open to all
current 5th-8th grade students. All initial deposits ($150) are due no
later than TODAY, Sunday, November 23rd.
Fellowship Hall (F.H.)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23
9:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:40 AM
11:00 AM
11:10 AM
5:00 PM
6:30-8:00 PM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
Memorial Conference Room (M.C.R., 2nd floor)
Traditional Worship/Sunday School for all ages
Café, F.H.
Children/Youth Bell Choir
• SouthRidge Worship/Sunday School for all ages
Children’s Chimes Choir
A.A., M.C.R.
FUSION Thanksgiving Party, F.H.
A.A., M.C.R.
• Outreach, M.C.R.
• Adult Ed Meeting, Library
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25
10:00 AM
Deborah Circle, F.H.
10:30 AM Staff Meeting, Pastor’s Office
12:00 Noon Sarah Circle, Normandy Farms
6:00 PM
• Visitation for Mike Brown, Parlor
• A.A., M.C.R.
7:00 PM
• Memorial Service for Mike Brown, Sanctuary
• Adult Ed Meeting, Library
Bruce Ruhf Bible Study, Parlor
7:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
9:30 AM Library Staff Work
11:30 AM Miriam Circle, F.H.
6:00 PM A.A., Women Beginners, Parlor
6:30 PM
Youth Fall Small Groups
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, NOVEMBER 27
Happy Thanksgiving! CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
6:00PM A.A., M.C.R.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
6:00 PM
A.A., M.C.R.
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]
Brian Bortnick, South Ridge Music Director .......................................... [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
Mike Bowman
Cheryl Kurpiel
Bill Lobley, Deacon Rep.
Robert Nance, Session Rep.
Cristy Robertson
Bruce Ruhf