The United Church of Christ came into... Protestant denominations: The Evangelical ...

The United Church of Christ came into being in 1957 with the union of two
Protestant denominations: The Evangelical and Reformed Church and the
Congregational Christian Churches. The motto of the United Church of Christ
is found in John 17:21, “That they may all be one.” Part of what we believe is
best summarized by, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity.” The
unity that we seek requires neither an uncritical acceptance of any point of
view, nor rigid formulation of doctrine. That which binds us together, in spite
of our differences, is love. Because faith can be expressed in many different
ways, the United Church of Christ has no formula that is a test of faith.
Regarding the Bible, we believe that the Bible was written in specific historical
times and places. However, we also believe that the Bible still speaks to us
in our present condition and that the study of the Bible is not limited to past
interpretations. We firmly believe that God is still speaking! We also believe
in the priesthood of all believers. All members and friends of the United
Church of Christ are called to minister to one another and to the world.
Ordained ministers guide and instruct but in no way are called to do the work
of ministry on their own. The United Church of Christ also stresses responsible freedom. As members of the Body of Christ, we are free to act in accordance with our perception of God’s will for our lives. But, we are also called to
live in loving, covenantal relationship with one another - gathering in communities of faith, congregations of believers, local churches. And finally, “No
matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome
here!”
Staff
The Rev. Mr. Todd A. Petty, Senior Minister (ext. 11) - tpetty@parkchurchgr.org
The Rev. Dr. Patrick Coyle, Minister of Music (ext. 29) - pcoyle@parkchurchgr.org
Gloria Eckert, Director of Children’s Ministry (ext. 14) - geckert@parkchurchgr.org
Terrie Hunter, Parish Visitor and Member Engagement (ext. 12) - thunter@parkchurchgr.org
Steve Smith, Principal Organist (ext. 24)
Phyllis Miner, Music Associate and Associate Organist (ext. 24)
Cheryl Wells, Music Associate - Director of Carol Choir
Mary Maczka , Music Associate - Director of Park Singers
Lisa Smith, Executive Assistant to the Senior Minister (ext. 17) - lsmith@parkchurchgr.org
Natalie Barlas, Administrative Assistant (ext. 18) - nbarlas@parkchurchgr.org
Gene Gess, Director of Finance (ext. 13) - ggess@parkchurchgr.org
Marty Butler, Program Staff Assistant - mbutler@parkchurchgr.org
John Ott, Lead Custodian and Food Service (ext. 26) - custodians@parkchurchgr.org
Mark Kelly, Custodian
Rachel Creamer, Custodian
Church Office Email
office@parkchurchgr.org
Sunday, November 9, 2014 / Ten-thirty in the morning
The Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
An Open and Affirming Congregation
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here!
Statement of Welcome and Inclusion
As Jesus demonstrated by his life and teachings, we fully welcome into
the life of Park Church and value all people regardless of beliefs or
doubts; age, color, gender, sexual orientation or identity; physical,
mental, or emotional ability; or economic status. In fact, we value and
celebrate the rich diversity of all God’s creation. No matter who you
are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.
Vision
To build a community of relentless compassion and
courageous hope where all are seen and known and the God of
extravagant Love is revealed.
First (Park) Congregational Church, UCC
10 East Park Place NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
616.459.3203 / www.parkchurchgr.org
Festival Worship
Stewardship 2014
Green Prayer Cards
If you would like to share a joy or concern and have it included
in today's Pastoral Prayer, please see one of our ministers
before the start of the service. Otherwise, fill out a Green
Prayer Card and place it in the offering plate. Your joy or
concern will be shared with the staff at their weekly staff
meeting. Thank you.
Weekly Eucharist
You are invited to join the Pastor and a Deacon near
the Children’s Altar in order to receive the Eucharist between
10:15 a.m. and 10:25 a.m.
+Please stand as you are able
Bold = Words spoken in unison
Bold Italics = Words sung in unison
Hearing devices are available from the Ushers upon request.
Gathering Music
I Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, beloved brothers and sisters, be
steadfast, immovable, excelling in the work of the Lord as always,
because your labor in the Lord isn’t going to be for nothing.”
Our Stewardship Campaign: Steadfast and Strong has begun.
November 16th is Stewardship Sunday, the day we walk up
making our commitment with our pledge. We need to remain
steadfast in our pledging this year, mindful that with all the
exciting changes that will be occurring at Park Church, Park
Church needs to remain STRONG. Staying committed with our
Mission Outreach, keeping our programs strong and beneficial, as
well as keeping our old historical building strong for generations
to come. These are ways that we at Park Church remain good
Stewards for all.
Steven B. Smith, organ
The Welcome
ss
+Passing the Peace and Love of Jesus Christ
ss
Announcements, Joys, and Concerns
Prelude
Gene Gess, flute
Phyllis Miner, harp
Gymnopedies I and III
Erik Satie, John Russo
Introit
Chancel Choir
My Eternal King
Jane Marshall
My God, I love Thee, and will love and in Thy praise will sing
Solely because Thou art my God and my eternal King.
2
11
Adult Education At Park
The Faith Formation committee is pleased to host a series of
conversations about Heaven. Join us after worship Nov 9, and
Nov 23 over a light lunch to talk about books, perspective,
interpretation, and experience. We have facilitators to guide
our discussions and your participation in as many sessions as you
can attend is strongly encouraged. Books are available in the
office for $10.
Conversations About Heaven:
Today at 11:45: Dr. Gregory Frey will facilitate a book discussion and conversation about the bestselling Proof of Heaven: A
Neurosurgeon’s Journey Into the Afterlife by Eben Alexander.
This exceptionally popular book is not without
controversy. Our discussion will focus on some the scientific
aspects of this narrative. Bring your questions!
Sunday, November 23 at 11:45: Rev. Richard A. Rhem will
facilitate a discussion on faith, life, heaven, and the human
experience. We will talk about classical interpretations of
scripture, the progressive perspective, and whatever else comes to
mind. Please join us!
+The Hymn - No. 93
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
TRURO
+Opening Prayer
Loving and gracious God, our busy, hectic, crazy lives
often filled with worry, anxiety, and fear deplete us in
every way. Our goals and aspirations, though worthwhile
-- our to-do lists, though important -- often deplete us in
every way. Running on empty, we simply come -- come
into your presence seeking release, renewal, and peace.
So bless us in this hour with these gifts and we will offer
thanks and praise in the name of the One who came to
give us newness of life, even Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.
Blessing of the Children
Children and youth are dismissed for Worship Centers and Sunday
School Classes. First time visitors with children and youth: we invite you
to go with your children to see their classrooms and to meet their teachers.
Then come back and join us for worship!
Anthem
Parkmeisters
Till We Reach That Day / Make Them Hear You
from the musical Ragtime
Arr. Terry LaBolt
Morning Prayer
Free Yoga
Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 pm - Spindler Dining Room
Join us in Spindler Dining Room from 6:30-8:00pm for free
yoga with instructor Susan Duesbury. Mats and blankets are
provided, or you can bring your own. Childcare is available
upon request. Please contact the office one week in advance
to request childcare.
10
One:
All:
One:
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray…
Our Savior’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
3
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Choral Response
Hear Our Prayer, O Lord
Anonymous
Scripture Lesson
Gail Bickel
Matthew 25:1-13
Pew Bible Pg. 860
Large Print Bible Pg. 26
One:
All:
The word of the Lord…
Thanks be to God!
Sound: Sam Johnson
Weekly Eucharist: Stephen Worst
Docent: Helen Bisbee
Flower Care: Shirley Metzger
Greeters: Kelly and Jake Weibel, Kurt and Cindy Myers
Parking Lot: Fritz Crabb
Worship Center Teachers:
Grades Pre-K & K: Lori Riegling, Hilary Meulenberg,
Alicia Johnson, Sheryl Bodien
+Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father (Creator),
and to the Son (Christ) and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.
World without end. Amen.
Sermon
Serving With You Today
The Rev. Todd A. Petty
Running on Empty
Grades 1 thru 3: Laura Barnum, Greggory Hampshire,
Amy Virkstis, Emily Laage
Grades 4 & 5: Cindy Myers, Kurt Myers,
Misty Holwerda
Middle School Teachers: Christina Geurkink, Dave Kutsche,
Wendell Kutsche.
High School Teacher: Terrie Hunter
Nursery: Julie Skripka, Jennifer Hagemann
Toddlers (Little Lambs): David Heth and Lynda O’Malley
A Moment for Quiet Reflection
+The Hymn - No. 839
Blessed Assurance
ASSURANCE
A Moment for Stewardship
Ushers: Dave Erickson - Captain, Richard Rowe, Cindy Dexter,
Tom Vandenberg, Robert Smith, Susan Sochanek, Chuck
Dietiker, Matt MacGregor.
Camille DeBoer
Receiving of God’s Tithe and Our Offerings
Offertory
Chancel Choir
A Prayer for Our Time
Joseph Martin
(Incorporating The Navy Hymn)
4
9
Joys and Concerns of Our Church Family
Rosemary Alland
Scotty Dannison
Chris Guin
Katie Haines
John Hanington
Elaine Henry
Deb Mondry
Suzan Smith
Terry Sprenkle
Jon and Lois Wier
Those serving our nation in the military, especially:
Joe Birkhold
Kit Grant
Kyle Kutsche
Janet Presley
Our Christian Joys are with Mike and Janet
Mitchell upon the birth of their grandson, Cai
Mitchell Naylor. Cai was born at 1:30 am on
November 4, 2014, weighing 6 lbs, 1 oz.
Our Christian Sympathy is with Dave Stader
with the passing of his wife, Carol Stader. Carol
passed from this life to life eternal on Thursday,
November 6, 2014. Arrangements are pending at
this time.
Our God, to Thee we pray. Heal our nation, Lord, today.
God of mercy, grant us courage. Give us peace.
When evil draws its angry sword and seeks to sever freedom's cord,
When death and darkness shake our faith in God's unfailing power to save,
Eternal Father, ever be our courage in the time of need.
When war is waged by faceless foes who battle peace with fiery blows,
When storms of hate and fear assail, our Father's mighty arm prevails,
Eternal Father, ever be our refuge in the time of need. Amen.
+Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him (God) all creatures here below;
Praise Him (God) above ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
(Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost). Amen.
+Prayer of Dedication
+The Hymn - No. 757
Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples
KINGSFOLD
+Our Common Commission
Let us now go forth into the world in peace; being of
good courage; holding fast to that which is good;
rendering to no one evil for evil; strengthening the faint
hearted; supporting the weak; helping the afflicted;
honoring all people; loving and serving the Lord and
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The service of worship concludes with The Common Commission.
Please join us after the service for coffee and fellowship in Merriam Hall.
If you are leaving the Sanctuary during the Postlude, please be
mindful of others. Thank You.
Postlude
8
Postlude on “Melita”
Charles Callahan
5
Great American Voices
After Worship...
Friday, November 21, 2014 – 8:00 PM
You are invited to greet The Rev. Todd Petty
and The Rev. Dr. Patrick Coyle in the Narthex.
Docent Helen Bisbee will be waiting to give you
historical information about Park Church.
Thank you for worshiping with us today!
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY MEN’S GLEE CLUB
One of the finest Glee Clubs in the country, the MSU Men’s
Glee Club is also one of the oldest organizations on the
campus. Performing a stirring mixture of traditional male
choral literature, patriotic songs, spirituals and popular music,
the Glee Club is a joy to hear and watch. The Glee Club has
grown since its formation in 1880 and has enjoyed a
considerable reputation as a touring choral ensemble.
The Flowers

The flowers on the Altar are in loving memory of Bert
Furman, given by the Charles Furman Family.

The flowers by the Pulpit are in memory of Carroll and
Fran Streeter, given by their family.

The flowers at the Lectern are in memory of Dr. G.
Richard Johnston, given by the family.

The flowers on the Children’s Altar are in honor of all
the children.
Individual Tickets: $20 Advance / $25 At the Door
Student Tickets: $10 Advance / $15 At the Door
(Under 18 or with valid student ID)
Advance Ticket Sales End at Noon on November 21st!
6
7