westminster presbyterian church
February 22, 2015
First Sunday in Lent
10:30 am
How you love us, God of rainbow promises!
You gather us up in your arms,
simply to hear our deepest hopes;
you wipe the dust of the wilderness
out of our eyes so we can see the kingdom;
you teach us those ancient ways
which offer new life for each of us.
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Coming Into God’s Presence
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•
•
Life of the Church
* call to worship
Leader: We come, so God might open our eyes,
People: that we may discover the wonders surrounding us;
that we may embrace the joy deep within us.
Leader: We gather, so Christ might widen our hearts,
People: that we may hear the sounds of brokenness around us;
that we may sing the melodies of hope.
Leader: We are here, so the Spirit might teach us the ways of humility,
People: That we may walk that street named Enduring Love;
that we may wait at the corner called Faithfulness.
* hymn #56
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
* Please stand as you are able.
mit freuden Zart
prayer for Forgiveness
We admit we are hesitant to walk to Jerusalem and beyond with you, God
of Glory. In a world where we worry about tomorrow before enjoying
today, we race by your moments of silence, of learning. In that flood
of worries, which can overwhelm us, we may miss that assurance that
you have not cut us off from your grace. In the deserts of our desires,
we may ignore that feast of hope, of joy, of life you offer to us.
Forgive us and have mercy on us, Gentle Guardian of our souls. In
humility, may we offer our lives to others. In love, may we share your
grace with everyone we meet. In hope, may we wait for you all our days, as
you come to us in the life and joy of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Please continue in silent confession.
assurance of PARDON
In this place we find God’s word, God’s way, God’s love, God’s forgiveness. What
more do we need to sustain us as we continue as pilgrims along the Way?
In every wilderness, on every road;
in every moment, in every life;
in every journey, in every heart,
we receive the daily bread we need – God’s hope, God’s mercy, God’s joy.
Thanks be to God, we are forgiven. Amen.
* GLORIA PATRI (Hymn #733)
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.
* PASSING OF THE PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you. And also with you.
anthem
Lord, Have Mercy
arr. by Kirland
Westminster Choir; Emily Bramblett and April Wright, soloists
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Hearing God’s Word
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•
•
A Time with the CHILDREN
Children of any age are welcome at the front of the sanctuary for the Word Interpreted
for Children. Then those age 4 through 2nd grade may meet their teacher at the back of
the sanctuary for Sunday Celebration, a time for Bible stories and crafts. Parents, please
pick up your children in room 115, near the Greenview entrance, following worship. On
Communion Sunday, the first Sunday of each month, Sunday Celebration does not meet, so
that our children may join the Body of Christ in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Reading from the Gospel
Mark 1:9–15; pew Bible, pages 34–35 in the New Testament
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
reading from the Hebrew Scripture
Genesis 9:8–17; pew Bible, page 7 in the Old Testament.
SERMON
“The Promise”
Rev. Dr. Judy Shipman
I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by
the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.
(Gen. 9:11)
* hymn #252
Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days
land of rest
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Response to God’s Word
__________________
•
•
* Affirmation of Faith
Ignoring God’s commandments,
we violate the image of God in others and ourselves,
accept lies as truth,
exploit neighbor and nature,
and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care.
We deserve God’s condemnation.
Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation.
In everlasting love,
the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people
to bless all families of the earth.
Hearing their cry,
God delivered the children of Israel
from the house of bondage.
Loving us still,
God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant.
Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child,
like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home,
God is faithful still.
—A Brief Statement of Faith
Moment for Mission
One Great Hour of Sharing; Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Marjorie McRoberts
OFFERING OF self AND SUBSTANCE
Please pass the friendship pad and sign your name. We welcome all here in worship
with us. Please join us next Sunday also: Christian education for all ages is at 9:15 am,
and worship is at 10:30 am, with coffee and conversation before and after worship.
Offertory
Doxology and Prayer of Dedication
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
prayers of the people and the lord’s prayer
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 #372
I Then Shall Live
* Going Forth to Serve
Leader: Let us go now, as God’s people.
People: May God open our eyes to the wonders of creation
and the joy we can offer to those we meet.
Leader: Let us go now, as followers of Jesus.
People: May he open our ears to the cries of the broken,
to the words of hope which others offer to us.
Leader: Let us go now, as those filled with the Spirit
People: To be signs of God’s promise to the world.
* BENEDICTION
. . . and all of God’s children say, “Alleluia! Amen!”
finlandia
This Week’s News
•
•
Today is the Blue Out! Many of us are wearing blue today: a PDA mission trip t-shirt, a
blue shirt, a blue hat, a blue flower . . . We’re joining congregations around the country in
telling the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) story of “hope out of chaos.” One Great
Hour of Sharing donations collected during the season of Lent support PDA in its work
with disaster survivors around the world. See the Mission Highlight for more information.
Communion is served next Sunday, March 1. You’re invited to bring a loaf of freshbaked bread to worship next Sunday and on the first Sunday of each month, which we’ll
deliver the following Wednesday to the members of Riverside Community Gathering,
as a way of sharing the grace and love of the Lord’s table with them.
Sunday worship leaders are great, aren’t they? If you’ve ever thought you might like
to show your discipleship by leading in worship, do we have an opportunity for you!
Today, at 11:45 am–12:15 pm in the sanctuary, Rev. Judy offers training to both potential
and current worship leaders. You will learn how to use the microphone; how to read
scripture effectively; how to keep the flow of the service going; as well as having any other
questions or concerns addressed. We hope to have a cadre of lay leaders be available for
the awesome joy of helping us all give glory to God.
Italian Cuisine Night is this Saturday, February 28. Hors d’oeuvres and fellowship
begin at 6 pm; dinner starts at 6:30. Cost is $8 per person; correct change will be
appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Wishing to learn more about the Presbyterian church, and specifically Westminster’s
ministry and mission? Rev. Shipman invites you to attend an Inquirer’s Class on Sundays,
March 8 and 15, at 9:30 AM in her study. She will cover some basic information, and other
topics will be generated by questions from the group. Those who wish to join this church
will be received into membership during worship on March 22. Please call Rev. Shipman
if you need further information (734-761-9320).
Session meeting minutes from the January 20 and February 9 meetings are now available
in the fellowship hall entry. Meeting highlights are published monthly in The Link, and
minutes are always available in the church library.
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Opportunities to Serve Others
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•
•
Hurricane Sandy recovery continues – with your help. Westminster members and
friends are invited to take part in a mission trip to Point Pleasant, NJ , April 12–18,
sponsored by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Find out more on the mission bulletin
board or contact Katherine Simpson (
). Cost is $200.
Habitat House of Faith welcomes Westminster workers of all skill levels, April 24 and
30, and May 1, 14 and 30. Contact: Ron Fairchild.
Detroit summer mission trip, July 12–17: We’ll lead the Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian
Church fine arts camp; we’ll work with Central Detroit Christian for lasting neighborhood
renewal; and more. Come for the week, or for a day or two. Contact: Greta Buck
(
).
Mercy House Sunday meals: Our youths will coordinate the March 22 meal; sign up on
the mission bulletin board to help that day or other times. Contact: Katherine Simpson.
Ecumenical Center and International Residence needs drivers for events, plus support
in other ways for residents. Sign up at www.ecir.org.
Riverside birthday cake ministry: Bake a birthday cake for 50 on the first Wednesday
of August, September, November or December of this year. Contact: Katherine Simpson.
Your thoughts: Did you enjoy writing and giving scriptural Valentine’s cards? Would
you like to help plan our next Servant Sunday? What are your thoughts on ways we as
a congregation can reach outside our church community to embody Christ and bring
the Kingdom of God to neighbors?
Please contact any member of the Mission Committee with your ideas: Greta Buck,
Ron Fairchild, Marjorie McRoberts, Bill Sharp (elder), Katherine Simpson (elder), Kay
Tuttle or Roger Vance.
Mission Highlight: One Great Hour of Sharing – Sharing Resources and
Changing Lives. Again this year, Westminster will participate in One Great Hour of
Sharing (OGHS) during the season of Lent. A gift to OGHS provides relief to those
affected by natural disasters, food to the hungry, and helps to empower the poor
and oppressed, providing critical support to the following ministries:
• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
• Presbyterian Hunger Program
• Self Development of People
Last year Westminster members generously gave $3835 to OGHS. We’ve set this
year’s goal at $4150. We’ll mark our weekly progress by singing a corresponding
“percent” of “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Please give generously to support these worthy
programs, using designated envelopes in the pew racks.
Adult Learning
Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement Two class groupings have formed,
one meeting on Sundays at 9:15 am (room 30, lower level) and the other on Wednesdays
at 6:30 pm (library; led by Joe Neely and Ned Simpson). Lent can be a time for reflection
and self-examination, and this book is meant as a companion for such a journey, leading
us closer to Christ and to greater acceptance of the grace offered in the resurrection.
Books and workbooks are available for purchase in the public office. The workbook is
not required, but likely helpful. Both are available in print and digitally from Amazon.
Old Testament Bible study is studying Song of Songs, interpreted in many ways and
considered by many to be an allegory of God’s love for the church. Sundays at 9:15 am
in room 32 on the lower level; Tom Brown leads.
Women’s Bible study group is reading An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor, the
second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 1–2:30 pm. Please contact Alice Chambers.
Thursday book group begins February 26 to discuss An Altar in the World, by Barbara
Brown Taylor. All are welcome. Meets 1–2:30 pm , in room 118.
This Week at a Glance The calendar is also online and is updated daily.
Today, February 22
Sunday school for all ages, 9:15 am
Coffee, tea, lemonade and fellowship,
10:15–10:30 am and 11:30 am–noon
Worship; Sunday Detectives, 10:30 am
Thursday, February 26
Thursday book group, 1 pm
Friday, February 27
Morning prayer, 8 am
Lay leader training, 11:45 am
Saturday, February 28
Wednesday, February 25
Italian Cuisine Night, 6 pm
Women’s Bible study, 1 pm
Riverside Community Gathering, 4:45 pm
Sunday, March 1
Wednesday Night Live!, 5:45 pm
Sunday school for all ages, 9:15 am
Choir rehearsal, 7:30 pm
Coffee, tea, lemonade and fellowship,
10:15–10:30 am and 11:30 am–noon
Worship with Communion, 10:30 am
Alpha, Omega and junior Disciples Dates to remember
Check the Westminster web site for full schedule information.
Wed, Feb 25 Wednesday Night Live! – Show and Tell
Sun, Mar 1 Laser Tag, noon–2 pm
Wed, Mar 4 Wednesday Night Live! – Arts and crafts
Fri, Mar 6–Sun, Mar 8 Alpha retreat
Sun, Mar 22 Camp Take Notice dinner prep and serve
Sat, Mar 14 Children-Led Worship practice, 3–5 pm (6th graders only)
Sun, Mar 15 Children-Led Worship
Sun, Mar 22 Camp Take Notice Dinner prep and serve, 2–6:30 pm
Prayer Requests
arranged by deacon prayer group
•
•
ADAM
Nancy and Ken Brady, Jim Brady’s brother’s
family
Peter Shaw, Kay Tuttle and Gordon Larsen’s
friend
Gail Holleran, Connie George’s cousin and
Shirley and Jim Brady’s neighbor
Holli Winclechter, Leslie Williamson’s cousin
DAVID
Jasen Adams, Patty and Peter Quiroz’s
grandson; Laurie and Jim Adams, Jasen’s
parents
Ralph Bolhouse
Floarea Burnaz, Elvira Babcock’s mother
Rev. Tharon Daniels, Eileen and Earl Fulton’s
pastor in Arizona
Jimmy Hill, Melissa Burkhart’s friend
Sympathy to Gail Arnold on the death of her
dear friend, Dale McClinton
John McKeown
Dave Patton, Connie George’s friend
Bob Shier, Lisa Shier’s dad
Jeral Shipman, Rev. Judy Shipman’s husband
Robert Sykes, Molly Crankshaw’s and Martha
Kloosterman’s father
Cherie Vogler, Carol Hufnagel’s mother
Walter Weikel, Dot MacArthur’s brother-inlaw
JOHN
Keith Begg, Virginia and Earl Begg’s son
Gary Jackson, Carol and John Jackson’s son
Cheryl Carpenter, Jeff Buck’s sister
Steve Nehring, April Wright’s brother-in-law
Juliana Celestino, Isaias Celestino’s mother
Jim Shelton, Jennifer Young’s father
Alice and Al Chambers
Nancy and Merrill Tyler, Linda Brown’s
parents
Tanya Carr, Alice Chamber’s friend
Cliff Gordenier, Ron Renfer’s brother-in-law
Douglas Granowicz, Virginia and Earl Begg’s
son-in-law
Abigail Hermann, daughter of Greta and Jeff
Buck’s friends
Susan Wiedmeier
Louise and Larry Woodruff
Lynette Wright, daughter of Alice Chamber’s
friend
Jennifer Young
MARY
Angela Elizando, Damon Self’s mother
Kathleen Menery, Mary Ellen Lloyd’s friend
Mary Ellen Lloyd
Laurie Orlow, Elizabeth Tidd’s sister-in-law
Marcia McCay, Mary Ellen Lloyd’s friend
Mary Rochette, Irene Rochette’s mother-inlaw
Catherine McNabb, Joe Neely’s mother
PAUL
Ann Brundage
Heidi Grebe, Carolyn and Don Fitch’s friend
Don and Carolyn Fitch
RUTH
(none)
FRIENDS
Kaden, Susan and John Vandenberg
Riverside Community Gathering guests
prayer matters
We offer four avenues for prayer support for you or a loved one:
• Sunday printed worship guide (posted online as well, as a PDF)
• rotating prayer list: individuals with continuing health concerns are added to
the printed worship guide list several times through the year
• prayer chain: prayer requests are emailed to 70 Westminster prayer warriors
• confidential prayer requests may be shared with pastor and staff members
To request prayers, please contact April Wright, deacon (761-9320 or
). You can also join our email prayer chain by contacting
April. Please continue to share updates on those for whom we are praying for
accurate postings.
Emily Kerr and Zoe Melcher greeted you as you entered worship this morning. Barb
and Randy Greschaw provided our sanctuary flowers in memory of Barb’s brother Bob
Moellering.
we welcome our visitors
Children’s Ministries
We’re grateful you’re worshiping with
us today and hope you experience the
comfort of God’s presence and love.
Infant and toddler care is in room 106, near
the Greenview entrance, 9 am–11:45 pm.
Visitor information is available in the
main entry, on the media center near the
elevator and on our website.
We extend a cordial invitation into our
fellowship to all seeking a church home.
We welcome into our membership all who
love Jesus Christ and accept him as Lord.
Please note your interest on the friendship
pad at the end of each pew.
hearing and vision assistance
An usher will be happy to provide you with
a wireless unit for hearing assistance or a
large print worship guide.
adult education, Youth events
Details for today and coming weeks are
in this worship guide and on our web site.
SO
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Sunday Detectives (grades 3–5) meets
at 10:30 am on the second and fourth
Sundays of each month in room 113 (near
the Greenview entrance).
Worship bags available in the main entry
contain a variety of quiet-activity items to
promote scriptural thinking while keeping
young children happily occupied.
events, calendar, building use
Submit all news and events items to
Marti Burbeck (
). Submit all building use
needs to Margaret Compton (
).
OW
OW
Sunday Celebration takes place during
worship except on the first Sunday of the
month. Please see the order of worship
for details.
westminster presbyterian church
1500 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | 734-761-9320
| www.westpresa2.org
Rev. Dr. Judy Shipman, Interim Pastor
KN