1. family and parenting
2. children

FIRST CHURCH AT WORSHIP
A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Ambler, Pennsylvania
January 25, 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
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
J.S. Bach
INTROIT
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,
For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord.
* HYMN #464
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
* CALL TO CONFESSION
* CONFESSION OF SIN
Gracious Father, we are your children, marked by your
name. You call us to rejoice, but so often we choose to
lament. You come close to encourage us, but we turn away
from you discouraged. How often we receive your gifts, not
with gratitude, but with the demand for more. Forgive us
Lord, for missing your grace in the midst of our hurried
lives. Help us to stop, to listen for your voice, to see your
beauty around us. Help us to be instruments of your love
and grace in the lives of those around us. Make us your
joyful people. Hear us now as we bring our personal
confession to you in Jesus’ name...
* 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.]
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
Nygard
The Earth Is the Lord’s
Sanctuary Choir
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof . . .
All creatures who live on the earth are the Lord’s . . .
For who can rightly ascend the hill of the Lord,
and who may enter His house to hear His word?
The pure in heart and hand, the pure in heart and hand.
Such are the people of God, who understand.
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.
Alleluia! Amen.
CCLI #147526
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE
Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)
4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your
gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about
anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever
is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if
anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. 9 Whatever
you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into
practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
SERMON
*HYMN #40
"Joy"
The Reverend Dr. Anita Bell
Joy to the World!
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
Praise Him
Tandanei/Burkhardt
* 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 #145
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
* BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
Ode to Joy
*Indicates to please stand if you are able.
arr. Hopson
ASSISTING WITH WORSHIP THIS MORNING
Head Usher: Martijn Driehuis
Greeters: Ruth Hagmeier
Ushers: Bill Baker
Martijn Driehuis
Glenn Rodgers
Marlene Olivieri
Judy McKee
Rich Thom
Lay Reader: Jean Miksch
Soundboard: John Astler
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.
MEMBER PRAYER CONCERNS
Spence Butterwick
Richard and Arlene Crowell
John Detwiler
Lois Domm
Art Elliott
Falcone family
Eileen Honert
Corinne Jones
Donna King
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.
Prayer requests from extended family and friends
(listed in the order received):
Abi Bard, daughter of Georgina Bard
Mariinha, mother of Gel Mullen
Alex, friend of Lindsey Anderson Saler
Family and friends of Rebecca Kim
Cullison family, friends of Jan Stavinga
Patricia Buziak, mother of Sarah McClure
Family of Gale Rudley
Samuel Charles and family
Family of Maria Chepigan
Innocent victims of violence in Nigeria
Rich Smith, friend of Brian Bortnick
John Ryan Harris, concern of Holly and Brandon Harris
Stan Moyer, brother of Lisa Astler
The Morris family
Eathon Black, friend of Carol Dugan
Beth Cody, loved one of Gladys Bunio and Lynn Meidt
Lori, friend of Kim Valentine
Lisle Herbert, friend of Cindy & Mike Bowman
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR JANUARY 25, 2015
THE SANCTUARY FLOWERS
are given in loving memory of:
my daughter-in-law, Suzanne M. Fleischmann,
my parents, Eveline and Samuel Lemaire,
and my loving husband, Charles
from Claudette Fleischmann.
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.
FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE.
Join our architects
Kimmel/Bogrette at either 9:30 or 11:00 today in the Parlor if you
have input on the upcoming renovation project and have not had a
chance to meet with them, or if you'd just like to hear what's been
happening so far. During December and January they have been
meeting with interested committees, staff and other congregation
members who have input for the renovation. After today’s meeting
they will compile the information they've gathered, at which point
our prioritization of items will begin.
In November, about 100 members of our church leadership met to
be introduced to the Capital Stewardship Journey, and what we
hope will take place in 2015. That day we handed out our Case
Statement for the Capital Journey, which identified our church
mission and vision, and how the Capital Journey relates to both, as
well as a summary of the project scope and process. On our church
website, for your information you will find:
1. The Capital Stewardship Journey Case Statement
including project process and scope.
2. A recent letter sent to the attendees of the November
meeting, summarizing what we did and what feedback we
received at the meeting (called the Ignite Feedback Letter
on the website).
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), with the most
common questions that came up at that meeting as well
as responses.
We encourage you to take a look at these documents by clicking on
the "Foundations for the Future" tab on our church website. Hard
copies can be found in the Foundations for the Future box in the
church library. Please feel free to take a paper copy.
More information coming in a few weeks! Please pray that our work
in 2015 will be in step with God's plan, and bring more people to
know Christ.
Our HAITI MISSION TEAM will be traveling to and serving in Haiti
from January 24th through January 31st. Please keep them in your
prayers.
Kristin Baird
Ryan Balsan
Nancy Belser
Paul Belser
Michael Bowman
Cynthia Bowman
Rachel Coley
Lindsay Cowden
Deborah Ferrarello
Scott French
Anne French
Drew Gajan
Tamara Hayden
Christina Hughes
Dave Klitsch
Robert Kratz
Christine Kratz
Bill Mullen
Walter Murray, Jr.
Rich Myers
Carol Pearce
Janet Rush
Claire Ryan
Emily Smith
Norman Sommers
WINTER COMMUNITY OUTREACH. Going to the grocery
store this week? Please join the deacons in our annual winter
community outreach by donating supplies and food to Mattie
Dixon Community Cupboard & Hope Gardens. Items needed
during the winter months include:
• Cleaning Products: dish, laundry, bar soaps, bleach, Clorox
wipes, Windex, Mr. Clean
• Paper Goods: toilet tissue and paper towels
• Canned goods: 100% juice, fruit, peanut butter
• Staples: brown rice, pancake mix, syrup
These items will be collected during January and February.
Place items in the collection bins located outside of the Parlor
and under the coat racks near Fellowship Hall. Your
generosity is appreciated.
CAR NEEDED. One of the families we've been assisting
through Helping Hands is in immediate need of a donated
car. If you have a car you're not using, or an older car you
can afford to donate, would you consider giving your car to
this family? Their car was repossessed, and they cannot
afford a car payment. Please contact the church office
([email protected]/215-646-3030) if you have a car you
might be willing to donate.
CARE PACKAGES for First Pres College Students and
Military Personnel The Ruth Circle (along with support from
Presbyterian Women circles) would like to send care
packages to the college students and military personnel of
the church. Do you know a college student or military service
person who would appreciate receiving a care package?
Look for flyers in your church mailboxes, which should be
completed and returned to Denise Walters's church mailbox
by Sunday, February 8th. If you have any questions, please
feel free to contact Denise Walters (215-646-3419),
[email protected]. Donations are gladly accepted to
help defray shipping cost. The care packages will be
delivered the week of February 15th.
CALLING ALL WOMEN OF FPCA, the CHICs small group
would like to extend an invitation for you to join us as
we seek to discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy,
peace, and a deeper understanding of God, as we work
through Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline.
Together, we will journey through 12 core disciplines of the
Christian faith as we seek to grow in our relationships with
God and with other people. We will be meeting on Mondays
from 7:30-9:00 PM beginning on February 2nd. Books can
be purchased through Amazon. If you would like more
information, or plan to join us for this study, please contact
Amy Ruhf at [email protected], or 267-481-4364.
MIRIAM CIRCLE will meet at church on Wednesday,
January 28th at 11:30 AM. Call Peg Morris at 215-886-3949
if unable to attend. BYOSS (Bring Your Own Sandwich or
Salad).
DEBORAH CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, January 27th at
10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. Please read lesson 7 in our
study book. Call Ruth Hagmeier (215-884-7224) if unable to
attend.
CHILI COOK OFF. You are invited to join us for FPCA's 5th
Annual Chili Cook Off on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 12:30
PM in Fellowship Hall. We are looking for volunteers to
bring a pot of chili to serve and be sampled by many! We
encourage our "tasters" to bring something to share such
as a salad, appetizer (e.g. chips & salsa, guacamole), bread
(e.g. corn bread, crusty bread), or dessert. We will supply
sample cups, spoons and beverages.
Prizes will be
awarded for a variety of categories so start planning your
entry now! Sign up on the Connection Card found in the
bulletin, or on-line through our web site link at www.
FPCAmbler.org. Sign-ups will help with planning, but we
welcome "walk in" entries and ALL are welcome!
P.R.I.M.E. TIME. Join us on Tuesday, February 3rd in
Fellowship Hall from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM for a catered hot
lunch with dessert. Mr. and Mrs. Gary Fuess will share
stories and photos of Alaska. If you plan on joining us for
lunch at 11:30 AM, please R.S.V.P. to the church office by
Friday, January 30th or respond on the Connection Card.
Contact:
• Barbara Schmitt (215-643-5315 / [email protected])
• Church office ([email protected] / 215-646-3030).
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 AM2:00 PM) once a month, contact Barbara Schmitt
([email protected] / 215-643-5315).
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL will not meet today due to the
meeting with the architects in the Parlor during both
services.
SAVE THE DATE! Dr. Kimlyn Bender will be joining us for a
weekend of theological exploration on March 13th and March
14th.
LIBRARY BOOK REVIEW. The Joyful Christian, by C.S.
Lewis. The joy of Christmas is behind us, and the joy of Easter
and Christ’s resurrection are coming close. This does not mean
you should eliminate joy from your daily life. Keep peace and joy
in your heart every day, and rejoice, for that is a day the Lord
made for all.
S.U.R.G.E. All-Nighter, February 13-14. Drop off
on Friday at 7 PM in Room 201. Pick-up on
Saturday at 10 AM. Sign-up outside Room 201.
Family Drive-In Movie is happening again in our Fellowship Hall on
Saturday, February 21 (4-7 PM). Bring your whole family, make a cardboard
box car, enjoy dinner and watch a movie. Sign-up at the Help Desk or at the
3rd Floor Welcome Center.
Summer Friends LEGO Creativity Team is forming NOW. Adults, youth
and kids are needed to brainstorm how to make this year’s Summer Friends
the best ever. We will meet at your convenience. Topics discussed will be
decorating and how to incorporate the LEGO theme to communicate God’s
truths and make an impact on the kids. RSVP to [email protected].
Summer Friends (VBS) is scheduled for July 6-10 from 6 PM to 8:30 PM.
Dinner served at 5:15 PM. It’s time to sign up to lead a Summer Friends
Workshop. Workshop leader sign-up form is at our Help Desk. How about a
Crochet workshop or an Arduino Projects workshop? Or send me your
ideas. [email protected].
WANTED: LEGO Donations for Builder’s Quest Summer Friends. Do
you have LEGO toys, any type or size, that you are willing to donate for this
year’s Summer Friends? We need as many as we can get. Please put Lego
donations in the big yellow box in the Children’s Library. Thank you!
Ambler Marble Shooting Club meets every Tuesday through March 24.
Cost is $10.00/child for 10 weeks. No experience necessary. Ambler
Marbles Tournament is on Saturday, March 28 at 9 AM.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Join us on
Saturday, February 7th from 9:00-11:00 AM.
Make a beautiful flower arrangement and discuss
how you, as a mom with young children, can find
time to be passionate and love extravagantly.
Breakfast for moms followed by small group discussions and a
craft. MOPPETS, led by professional teachers, is available for infants
through elementary-age children. Invite your friends! No cost. We meet on
the 1st Saturday morning of every month (Sept. to June, except January).
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)
• HS BASIC tonight from 6:30-8pm!
• MS BASIC this Thursday, Jan. 29th from 6:30-8pm!
UPCOMING EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:
1. Our FUSION: SOUPer Bowl Party will be on Sunday,
February 1st. We’ll be playing games, watching the big game,
and competing in a SOUPer Bowl challenge of our own- how
many canned goods can we collect at the big event? The party
will be at the Valentine’s house: 921 Davis Rd. Ambler, PA
19002
2. The Winter Service Project to Sunday Breakfast Mission is
Saturday, February 28th (more details to come). Sign up todayspots are limited to the first 15 people that sign up!
3. SAVE THE DATE: Our annual All-Night Laser Tag trip will be
on March 20-21st (details to come).
PARENT MINISTRY:
Calling all parents! The dates have been set for Parents’ Nights…
join us for dinner on the following dates (details to come):
Thursday, February 12th
Sunday, March 15th
Thursday, April 16th
Sunday, May 17th.
Fellowship Hall (F.H.)
Memorial Conference Room (M.C.R., 2nd floor)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
9:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:40 AM
11:00 AM
11:10 AM
12:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:30-8:00 PM
MONDAY, JANUARY 26
10:30 AM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
HAITI Mission Trip
Worship/Sunday School
Café, Fellowship Hall
Children/Youth Bell Choir
SouthRidge Worship/Sunday School
Children’s Chime Choir
Young Adult Lunch Event
A.A., M.C.R.
High School B.A.S.I.C. Youth Group, F.H.
HAITI Mission Trip
Staff Meeting
A.A., M.C.R.
Brownie Troop 7641, room 308
•
•
Outreach Meeting, M.C.R.
Young Adult Small Group Bible Study, Yoo home
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27
10:00 AM
12:00 Noon
5:30-6:45 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
9:30 AM
11:30 AM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:30 PM
HAITI Mission Trip
• Deborah Circle, F.H.
• Women’s Bible Study (Lobley), Parlor
Sarah Circle, Normandy Farms
Marbles, F.H.
A.A., M.C.R.
• Adult Ed Meeting, Library
• Finance Meeting, M.C.R.
Bruce Ruhf Bible Study, Parlor
HAITI Mission Trip
Library Staff Work
Miriam Circle, F.H.
A.A. Women Beginners, Parlor
Joyful Ringers, Sanctuary
Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
H.O.G.S. (Men’s Bible Study), Parlor
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
8:30 PM
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
6:00 PM
HAITI Mission Trip
A.A., M.C.R.
MS B.A.S.I.C. Youth Group, F.H.
• Deb Koziol Small Group, Library
• S.R. Band Rehearsal, Sanctuary
CHICS, Parlor
HAITI Mission Trip
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]
Anita Bell, Interim Associate Pastor ........................................................... [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
Cindy Bowman, Deacon Rep.
Mike Bowman
Cheryl Kurpiel
Bill Lobley
Robert Nance, Session Rep.