|
This week's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
First Sunday of Advent
Prelude Music Director Bob Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: Advent candle lighters: Garnet & Christine Welling CALL TO WORSHIP: from Psalm 18 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. The Lord is my shield and the horn of my salvation. I call to the Lord who is worthy of praise. In my distress I called to the Lord, I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came into His ears. Smoke rose from His nostrils; consuming fire came from His Mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He reached down from on high and took hold of me. He drew me out of the deep waters—He rescued me. The Lord rescued me because He delighted in me. The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness.
INVOCATION: Dr. Domske
* Hymn “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” # 82 *PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (UNISON) O Lord God, Maker of all including me, I give You praise. It seems foolish that we ignore You, desert You, sin against You. It seems ludicrous that we love ourselves more than we love You. Yet we do. We sin. We look for our own self-interests first, long before we look out for our neighbors or especially You. Save us from ourselves, O God. Forgive us for our short-sighted attitudes of sin. We are sorry we have failed You. Put us back into Your arms, where we belong. * Time of silent prayer *ASSURANCE OF PARDON *Response – Gloria Patri (Page 581) *Passing the peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: I John 4: 13-21 John 3: 12-21 1 John 4:13-21
Sermon: “Guess Who’s Coming To Town”
*Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #88 *Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Bob Senay *Doxology (page 606) *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE Communion / Response “Alleluia” *HYMN “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent” #347 *Benediction * Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Jim Gregg, Connor Diesel, Susan Paul, Marilyn Hickman, Kathy Bell, Andrew Lozano
SYMPATHY The Family of Alvin Danley, Jr. ( Debbie Rugg’s brother) The Family of Betsy Martin (Cousin of Lisa Hamilton) The Family of Andrew “Tim” Marlburger (Debbie Durila’s Grandson) ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know if you are aware of any within the community that may be in need at this time. The congregation will be doing its annual Shopping for Shut-ins soon. If you would like to donate to the ministry, Please contact our treasurer, Garnet Welling, or any member of the session.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Larry Fox, Nancy Diaz, Gianna Perry, Marlene McFeely, Susie Smith, Tiffany Cipoletti, Cris Miller, Diane Bednarski, Robert Paxton, John & Donna West, Jim McCoy, Bill Berdine, Cheryl Bell, Frank Baker, Diane Anderson, Colleen Kuhn, Jim Durila, James O’Hara, Barb and John O’Hara, Debbie Durila, Larry Litman, Joyce Nichols, Dana Wilson
0 Comments
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us for this first Sunday of Advent.
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use this prayer to get started.
Dear Lord, as we think about all that we are going through as individuals, in our church, in our community, across our nation, and around the world, we know that we are not equipped to handle it all. We know that we are bound for disappointment and failure.
But God, we also know that you are able. And so, instead of relying on our own intelligence or goodness or strength, we turn to you this morning, and we ask for your protection and your strength. Help us to listen to your voice. Help us to read your word and act on it. Help us to practice our faith each day. Help us to seek your will, to support each other, and to have peace and confidence as we watch for your kingdom to come into our world. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Ephesians 6:10-18.
Introduction
In 1768, Samual Adams and James Otis Jr. wrote a statement known as the Massachusetts Circular Letter. It was a statement in response to the British government’s Townshend Acts, which were passed in 1767 and imposed import duties in the colonies on glass, paint, paper, lead and tea. Adams’s and Otis's statement argued that, in imposing such duties, the British government was violating its own Constitution and the natural rights of the colonists. Even though the statement originated in Massachusetts and its first readers were there, it was circulated to other representative colonial bodies as well. After reading the letter, several of the colonies took up the cause of resisting the British laws. Eventually, the opposition was one factor that led to the American Revolution and ultimately independence from England.
Background
Most Bible scholars believe that Ephesians was such a circular letter. Even though the letter was addressed to the church in Ephesus, it was probably just one of many churches that received a copy of Paul’s letter. Churches may have received the letter and then passed it along, changing only the name of the church to which it was addressed. The copy that remains is the one addressed to the Ephesians. The reason for this theory is that, unlike many of Paul’s other letters, Ephesians does not address any specific problems in the church. Instead, it identifies themes and struggles common to all Christians in all churches, even today. In the passage for today’s lesson, Paul likens the Christian life to a struggle, a battle against the forces of evil inside and outside each person. Yet Paul says that we, as Christians, have the tools to overcome evil. We have at our disposal weapons that, if we will use them, will protect us and will ultimately overcome the devil’s schemes.
Empowered by God (verses 10-12)
We never know when we will face a challenge to our faith. We never know how that challenge may come. And so we must be ready at all times. We can never let down our guard. How do we stay prepared? By establishing godly habits that we observe in good times and in bad times. By never letting ourselves be lulled into the sense that we are beyond temptation or sin. Instead, the Christian is to cultivate an understanding that, as long as we rely on God, we do not need to fear Satan. Taken together, these habits and practices are what Paul calls “the full armor of God.” Evil will come into all of our lives at one time or another. But no matter when evil arises within us or around us, we can be ready for it. We don’t need to retreat or succumb to its power because God is far stronger. These habits are not meant to make us stronger in ourselves but to teach us to rely on God and on God’s word all the time. Martin Luther writes in his famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” that no matter how much we try, we are no match for the devil. But he also writes that even in a world filled with devils “we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.” Paul tells the Ephesians (and us) to be strong “in the Lord and in his mighty power.” The Christian life is a life of growth and maturity, but it is ultimately a life of learning to depend on God and not on ourselves. Therefore, the elements of the armor of God call us to focus on God’s power and to recognize our weakness and reliance on God strength, even in our weakness.
Outfitted by God (verses 13-18)
Next Paul breaks down exactly what each of these habits and beliefs are, which he compares to different parts of a military uniform in Paul’s day. First, he says, we are to stand firm with the “belt of truth” buckled around our waist. The Christian view of life is not wishful thinking or a denial of reality. It does not portray us as better than we are. In fact, the truth is that we are rebels who are without hope unless we had received God’s mercy. But the truth is that we have already received that mercy through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Next Paul tells us to keep the “breastplate of righteousness” in place. The Roman soldier’s breastplate protected his torso from an enemy’s frontal assaults. The Christian should not simply rest on the fact that he has received God’s mercy through Christ. He must also do his best each day, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live righteously, to do the right thing in every situation. As we continually try to do that, we grow in character, and that protects us from temptation. Next, Paul says that we should wear shoes of the gospel of peace, which gives us constant protection from evil. This verse is difficult to interpret, partly because peace in the New Testament has at least five different meanings depending on the context. In this case, it most likely means that we have peace with God and wholeness within ourselves because Christ has removed the sin that had separated us from God. In addition to all of the other tools at our disposal, we are to take up the shield of faith. In Roman times, shields were large pieces of metal or leather. They protected almost the entire body. When soldiers held these shields and stood side-by-side, they could protect each other and even use their shields as offensive weapons. In the same way, our common faith can protect us from all of the doubts and objections that we encounter, which Paul likens to flaming arrows that threaten to hurt or kill us. And by joining together as a community, our common faith can actually protect each other and help us in our struggle to overcome evil in our lives and to battle injustice in the world. Paul says we also need to take the helmet of salvation. Salvation is more than being saved from death and hell after this life is over. It is being saved from a life of purposelessness and meaningless here and now and, instead, being free to live lives of love and joy. Finally, Paul says, we are to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Of course, that refers to the entire Bible, but it also refers to the overall message of how God has acted in history and how God still acts today. Paul likens God’s word to a sword. However, it is a weapon not to be used against other people but to be used in our fight against Satan’s advances. As Paul points out in the early verses of this passage, our battle is not against flesh and blood. Our battle is against spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. By reading and understanding the Bible as much as possible, guided always by the Holy Spirit, we are better equipped to engage in that spiritual battle. The Christian believer must always pray in the Spirit. That is, he must constantly stay connected to God and allow God, through the Holy Spirit, to guide his thoughts and prayers. Although Paul has dropped the military metaphor now, it is clear that none of these spiritual weapons will make much difference if we try to use them while being disconnected from God. For a Christian to succeed and represent Christ in the world, it is important that he or she listens to God’s leading. We must let the Spirit guide our thoughts as we pray for those who are in need. Again, our focus, even in prayer, is not on what we want. Our focus is on identifying where God is working, where God is leading and where people are in need. Then we are to pray for God’s will in those situations. Question: How would you interact differently with others if you first paused to remember that Satan is the enemy and not other people? How does this insight make it easier to obey Jesus’s command to love your enemies? (Matthew 5:44) 
Conclusion
God’s people are always under attack from the adversary. When we are made new in Christ, our lives are at odds with the world around us, the world that Satan steadfastly tries to align with his evil ways. We always feel the tension of living in a world battered by evil forces; we feel the pressure that the forces of evil press on us. It is easy and natural to feel weak when it seems that darkness surrounds us. But by God’s provision we are strong. There are no flaws in his armor, no gaps in the protection it supplies. Reviewing all that God has provided, we have renewed strength to stand firm in every circumstance. Though the spiritual battle may often seem bleak, we know that God holds victory in God’s hand. God will choose the moment to overturn all that opposes God and God’s people. What seems slow to us is the patience of our Lord, giving each person time to accept the gospel and turn from the darkness of his previous life. So put on your armor! And remember who the real enemy is. Then, knowing your enemy, do no harm to anyone who is not your enemy — namely every creature that bears the image of God. Instead, recruit those who need God’s armor. Offer them the protection that comes from accepting the truth about Jesus. Pray for those who join you in the fight. And keep praying for all who choose to remain defenseless against the devil’s attacks.
Prayer
O God, you have met our every need through Christ. By our power may we stand faithfully and firmly as your people, no matter what we may encounter. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New International Version. 
Next week, we will be starting our winter quarter. If you haven't been back to join us in person, we would love to invite you to come. The daily readings for the winter quarter are in the file below.
The lesson next week will be on Luke 1:8-20. 
NORTH BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND UPPER BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Bob Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Elder Mark Scott Leader: Rejoice in the Lord always! Again, I say rejoice! People: Thank you, God, for so many wondrous gifts. Leader: For our homes and families, for our church and friendship, for food and fellowship. People: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, we say rejoice. Leader: Thank you, God, for new life in Jesus Christ, for love, for belonging and for this time of thanks and praise. People: We all now rejoice and feast in the gifts and grace of Jesus Christ our Savior, the Bread of Life. INVOCATION Rev. Mason
*HYMN Come, Ye Thankful People, Come 367
CALL TO CONFESSION Elder Judy Scott We turn to God in prayer and offer this prayer of confession PRAYER OF CONFESSION Wondrous and generous God, you have blessed us with gentle rains, glorious sunsets and sun-warmed days. You bless us with loving families, kind friends and a caring church. Let us receive these gifts with thankfulness and humility. We cannot earn nor do we deserve such generosity, but we graciously open our hearts and hands to receive. Forgive us when we are hardhearted and tight handed, when we don't let your goodness flow through us, when we hide our talents and turn away from the needs of the world. Release us, Holy One, from fear, and create a contagious spirit of giving that touches the world with hope. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON *Response – Gloria Patri *Passing the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. Children’s Chat The Word of God Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading John 6: 25-35 Jesus the Bread of Life
L: The Word of the Lord
P: Thanks be to God! Sermon “ THE BREAD OF LIFE “ Responding to the Word *HYMN We Gather Together To Ask the Lord’s Blessing 336 *Apostles Creed Elder Don Herschell Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology Prayer of dedication Elder Don Herschell Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People Rev.Mason The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN Now Thank We All Our God 643 *Benediction *Postlude Bob Senay * PLEASE STAND IF ABLE
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: from Psalm 17 Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer----may Your eyes see what is right. Though You probe my heart and examine me at night, You will find nothing: I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. As for the deeds if men and women----by the word of Your lips My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped. I call on You, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonder of Your great love, You who will save me by Your right hand. Keep me as the apple of Your eye. O Lord, hide me in the shadow of Your wings.
INVOCATION: Dr. Domske
* Hymn Now Thank We All Our God 643 *PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (UNISON) O Father, the fields are ripe unto the harvest, but we are not Reaping as we ought. We have allowed the fields to sot fallow. We are slow to request others to come see the One who has done everything for us. Forgive us for not getting into the fields and sitting idly by while the weeds choke the life out of others. May we look to share our bountiful Life we receive from You, Help us to bring glory to You. *ASSURANCE OF PARDON *Time of silent prayer *Response – Gloria Patri (Page 581) *Passing the peace L: The peace pf the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9: 13 - 21 Matthew 17: 1 - 9 13 “You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good. 14 You made known to them your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your servant Moses. 15 In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock; you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand to give them.
Sermon: “If You Build It He Will Come”
*Hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” 687 *Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Bob Senay *Doxology (page 606) *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People THE Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” 81 *Benediction * Postlude *Please stand if able
BIRTHDAYS: Kaitlin Reese, Debbie Durila
SYMPATHY The Family of Betsy Martin (Cousin of Lisa Hamilton) The Family of Andrew “Tim” Marlburger (Debbie Durila’s Grandson) ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said, “Yougive them something to eat.” Mark 6: 37. Please let Betty Fisher know if you are aware of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. North Buffalo Church will hold a joint Thanksgiving Eve Worship service on Wednesday, November 23, at 7 PM. Rev. Mason will lead the service for our church and Upper Buffalo Church. Our church will also hold a Hanging of the Greens gathering from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 26th. Everyone is invited to come and decorate the sanctuary as the Advent season begins. The congregation will be doing its annual Shopping for Shut-ins soon. If you would like to donate to the ministry. Please contact our treasurer, Garnet Welling, or any member of the session. The West Middletown Christian Church members will be joining us for the Thanksgiving Eve service. It’s nice that our area churches can come together to worship.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Ron and Jean Westfall, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Larry Fox, Nancy Diaz, Gianna Perry, Marlene McFeely, Susie Smith, Tiffany Cipoletti, Cris Miller, Diane Bednarski, Robert Paxton, John & Donna West, Jim McCoy, Bill Berdine, Cheryl Bell, Frank Baker, Diane Anderson, Colleen Kuhn, Jim Durila, James O’Hara, Barb and John O’Hara, Debbie Durila, Larry Litman, Joyce Nichols, Dana Wilson
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the past week, and any prayer requests you might have. You can share these in the comments. Today is also the last Sunday before Thanksgiving and before Advent starts. What are you thankful for at this time? We would love for you to also share something you are thankful for. When you are ready to start the lesson, use this prayer written by Samuel F. Pugh to get started.
O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry; When I have work, help me to remember the jobless; When I have a home, help me to remember those who have no home at all; When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer, And remembering, help me to destroy my complacency; bestir my compassion, and be concerned enough to help; By word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Ephesians 2:1-10.
Lesson Context
Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians while he was a prisoner of the Roman Empire. If he wrote during his imprisonment in Rome mentioned in Acts 28:30-31, then he was living in his own rented house and could receive visitors. These visitors could be both his fellow Christian workers and those interested in hearing more about Jesus. He was not in a dark dungeon, as we might imagine a prisoner to be. Paul's prison letters do not suggest that the misery of his condition dictated his outlook. After all, he could not move about as he pleased. He faced the threat of a judgment against him that could mean his execution. Paul repeatedly emphasized that Christians have an exalted place in God's plan. Paul's readers were also in a difficult position. Their new faith put them at odds with the world around them. Many of their familiar relationships had been cut off. Those with Jewish backgrounds were sometimes no longer welcome in the synagogue. Those of Gentile background were no longer to participate in the worship rites of paganism. Christians were suspected of wanting to undermine the foundations of their communities. Paul's message to the Ephesians emphasizes the perspective of God. From God's throne, Christians are not downtrodden but victorious. They are not rebels against the community but God's agents of renewal for the world. Then and now, Christians are the grateful recipients of everything God has done. We live together as God's temple. But this status is not something we have deserved or earned. The work was all God's.
1. Dead in Sin (verses 1-3)
Paul's opening moves from God's display of power in Christ to the results for humanity. Spiritual death is a consequence of our transgressions and sin. Being guilty of rebellion against God makes us deserving of death. Death is the consequence of sin. To die in one's sins is to be eternally separated from the Lord, with no hope of life following death. Paul talks about "the ruler of the kingdom of the air." Our book says Paul and his readers were acutely aware of evil influences that attacked them. The leader of evil spiritual forces is unnamed here but corresponds to the devil later (Ephesians 6:11-12). It also says that "of the air" refers to the spiritual nature of the influences. Before they came to love and submit to Christ, Paul's readers may have believed themselves to be free. But that was not always the case. First, they had followed the ways of this world. Second, they were serving the ruler of the kingdom of the air. Third, all people have been driven by personal cravings of our flesh, and its desires and thoughts. Because of this, everyone deserved the wrath of God. Anyone outside of Christ deserves this fate. Our book notes that Paul says "by nature," indicating that we have an inherent tendency to sin. This means that no one can live a perfect life. We cannot earn salvation.
2. Alive in Christ (verses 4-10)
The only reason we do not face God's wrath is because of his love and mercy. Without that, we would have no hope. Life before Christ was one of being dead in transgressions. But as Christ has been raised from death to resurrected life, so too are we made alive. We are already transferred from death to life. But it also promises a resurrection to come. Even more, just as we are resurrected from the death of sin with Christ, we ascend with Christ to the heavenly realms. By God's grace, we share Christ's victory. We will serve as a demonstration of God's marvelous grace forever. But this salvation is by grace. The salvation God offers is of no effect unless accepted through faith on the part of the one who is dead in sins. Our book explores a little bit of the original Greek in verse 8. Our translation reads: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--" Greek nouns and pronouns have genders (male, female, neuter) that must match. Both the Greek words for grace and faith are feminine. There are two pronouns in bold in the verse as written above. The word translated this is neuter, which matches neither grace nor faith. The word it has been added to help reading in English. So our book says that the gift of God being referred to is actually God's system of salvation. There are no works we can do to be saved. There are no actions we can take to make us worthy. At times, everyone will have failures, yielding to self-centeredness and gratification. We have no room for boasting, only humility. While works will not save us, we should have purpose. We are instruments of good works. I think this is best summarized in James 2:18b, "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." 
Conclusion
If we are new to faith, we may feel overmatched by our calling. If we have followed Christ for a long time, we may fall into a habit of thinking we deserve any good things or benefits we have. Paul reminds us to focus on Christ's abundance. Though our best is never good enough, we stand with Christ by his action. Whatever is good in our lives is now the result of freely receiving God's gift.
Prayer
O God, your mercy is everlasting, and your truth endures through the ages. May we receive your gracious gift afresh. And may we, as your handiwork, live lives that fit the richness of your grace. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New International Version. 
Next week's lesson will be on Ephesians 6:10-18.
Our guest speaker this morning is Rev. Renny Domske.
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: from Psalm 16 Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me, even at night. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord: apart from You I have no good thing.” The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not even take up their names on my lips. Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices. You have made known to me the path of life. INVOCATION: Dr. Domske
* Hymn “Rock of Ages #438
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (UNISON) Lord of life, we are small. Yet we act as if we are in control. We don’t like it when things don’t go our way. We blame others And we blame You. Forgive our foolish pride and arrogance. May we let Your love wash us clean and show us a new way to live, reconciled to others and to You---everyday and in every way. Help us to work to be more like Jesus each day. We are confident that You love us even more than we love ourselves. *Assurance of Pardon *Time of silent prayer *Response – Gloria Patri (Page 581) *Passing the peace L: The peace pf the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Luke 15: 1 – 7 II Corinthians 2: 12 - 17 Luke 15:1-7
Sermon: “The Power Ball Or Jesus”
*Hymn “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” #187 *Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Bob Senay *Doxology (page 606) *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People THE Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Softly and Tenderly” #418 *Benediction *Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Ruby Hathaway, Bill Reese Jr., Merranda Young
ANNIVERSARIES: Gary & Kathy Gibson SYMPATHY The Family of Andrew “Tim” Marlburger (Debbie Durila’s Grandson) The Family of Shirley Thomas (Jean Kuhn’s Daughter in law’s Mother) The Family of Bob Kelso (Cheryl Bell’s Dad’s brother) The Family of Mary Carl (Norma Jean Kelso’s Sister-in-Law) ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6: 37. Please let Betty Fisher know if you are aware of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. North Buffalo Church will hold a joint Thanksgiving Eve Worship service on Wednesday, November 23, at 7 PM. Rev. Mason will lead the service for our church and Upper Buffalo Church. Our church will also hold a Hanging of the Greens gathering from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 26. Everyone is invited to come and decorate the sanctuary as the Advent season begins. Saying from Keith McGill’s List; He spent 20 years traveling with the Gas company. When he saw a church sign that had a saying on it, he would write it down. He has collected 8 pages of sayings. 1. Instead of putting others in their place – put yourself in their place. 2. If you want to feel rich, count all the things you have that money can’t buy.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Ron and Jean Westfall, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Larry Fox, Nancy Diaz, Gianna Perry, Marlene McFeely, Susie Smith, Tiffany Cipoletti, Cris Miller, Diane Bednarski, Robert Paxton, John & Donna West, Jim McCoy, Bill Berdine, Aleta Whirlow, Cheryl Bell, Frank Baker, Diane Anderson, Colleen Kuhn, Jim Durila, James O’Hara, Barb and John O’Hara , Debbie Durila 
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your last week, and any prayer requests you might have. If you feel comfortable, you can share them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Heavenly Father and all-seeing God,
you sent your Son as a light to shine in our darkness. Help us to listen to what Jesus is saying to us, and to act on your Word so that rivers of living waters might flow from our hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This week's lesson will be on Ephesians 1:15-23.
As the point of contact between eastern and western trade routes of the Roman Empire, Ephesus was a leading city. It is estimated that there were more than 10,000 synagogues. Ephesus was also home of the Temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Diana was worshiped throughout “Asia and the world”.
Paul spent about 2 years in the city. The impact of his ministry disrupted the sale of silver Diana statues which disrupted the status quo of the city. On his last visit to Ephesus, he visited the elders and reminded them of his ministry, warned them about false teachers, and prayed with them before he left. Paul is writing to the elders from Rome where he is in prison. His letter to the Ephesians is one of encouragement, thanksgiving and prayer. Prayer for the present because of faith and love. Prayer of thanksgiving, prayer for growth, and praise of God’s power. 
Conclusion
Even the best of times can be very challenging. Paul’s thanksgiving prayer in today’s lesson is a reminder that in Christ we have an eternal reality, already begun, that transforms our lives. We can experience the fullness of living because Jesus gives that fullness to his body, the church. The call to action for this lesson is quite simple - but quite difficult: rest in the truth of what Paul has taught. We do nothing to create the reality that the Father has chosen to reveal himself in the Son and bring us to greater knowledge of him through the Spirit. All we can do is give thanks for this reality and constantly strive to live worthy of the calling. Our Lord is the Lord of the universe, and he gives us life to the fullest. Prayer Thank you Father that you have chosen to show the fullness of your love through Jesus. We ask that your Spirit continue to enlighten and guide us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Thought to Remember Nothing can stand against Christ our Lord.
Benediction
Our benediction this week is from the King James Version. 
Next week's lesson will be on Ephesians 2:1-10.
Today is Thank Offering Sunday. We have guest speaker Nancy Hilberry, Co-Moderator Presbyterian Women in Washington Presbytery
PRELUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP (from 1 Thessalonians 5: 15b -18) LEADER: Always strive to do what is good. ALL: We will rejoice always. LEADER: Always strive to do what is good. ALL: We will pray continually. LEADER: Always strive to do what is good. ALL: We will give thanks in every circumstance, for each other and for all. LEADER: This is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. PRAYER OF INVOCATION *HYMN “We Give Thee but Thine Own” Page 708 *PRAYER OF CONFESSION - UNISON: Just and merciful God, we confess that we honor Christ with our words, yet seek our own glory and greatness. We prefer our own ease to the difficult way of discipleship. We have received much but returned little; we have learned many things but forgotten the great lesson of service above self. Enlarge the narrowness of our perspective with the wideness of Your mercy; fill the poverty of our imaginations with the greatness of Your vision; warm the coldness of our hearts with the fire of Your love, and draw us out of loneliness into Your fellowship; through Christ our Lord. Amen. *TIME OF PERSONAL REFLECTION *ASSURANCE OF PARDON - UNISON: “In Christ there is no East or West, in Him no South or North, but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.” In Jesus Christ there is new life, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen *Response - Gloria Patri (Hymnal page 58l) *Passing the Peace CHILDREN’S CHAT The Word of God PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE READING 1 Thessalonians 5: 15b - 18 L: The Word of the Lord P: Thanks be to God! Guest Speaker: Nancy Hillberry, Co-Moderator Presbyterian Women in Washington Presbytery *HYMN “Christ, Who’s Glory Fills the Skies” *APOSTLES CREED PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS OFFERTORY *DOXOLOGY (Hymnal Page 606) *PRAYER OF DEDICATION CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER *HYMN “What Shall I Render to the Lord” *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE * Please stand if able
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to think about your past week. If you have any prayer requests, please feel free to share them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Father God, we gather here today under your care and protection. Thank you for your lovingkindness that never fails us. We thank you for those with us, that you would guide our thoughts and actions to bring you glory. Strengthen us and fill us with your peace. May we love and serve each other as Jesus has shown us. Fill us with the Holy Spirit to do your good work on earth. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Ephesians 1:1-14.
Ephesians includes challenging language and ideas. Our scriptures text mentions many concepts that long have been debated.
On the road to Damascus, Jesus claimed Paul as his own messenger. His zeal previously misdirected toward murderous ends was used for the making of disciples for Christ. All this happened according to the will of God. Paul seems intent to explain his doctrine. Looking to what it means to those who are faithful in Jesus Christ. Holy people affirms that these believers were set apart from others because they belonged to God. This phrase had referred only to Israel until Jesus' time. Paul used this phrasing to emphasize that Gentiles were welcomed into faith in Jesus, on equal standing with their Jewish brothers and sisters who had to also accept Christ. It was not enough or even necessary to claim heritage in Abraham, because faith was and is the primary condition for determining whether one is part of the faithful. The lives of believers are different, even out of place in the world, because our identity is found in Christ, not in human families, clans or nation. Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace was a typical greeting in Hebrew, a prayer for God’s blessing to fall on his people . Grace acknowledges that asking for peace is totally based on God’s good desires, not on anything a person or people have done to earn his favor. Together Grace and Peace turned an otherwise unremarkable greeting into an expectant expression of God’s blessings. Naming God our Father in Parallel with the Lord Jesus Christ highlights the Christian revelation of the Son’s equality with the Father. Unbelieving Jews considered this new Christian belief a sin against the command to love Lord alone. However, naming Jesus Christ as Lord makes clear that Paul and other Christians understood that Jesus was well worthy of love and praise, just as God the Father is. Because we are already part of God’s family, we experience blessing in his presence now, though we still suffer because of the fallen world around us. Before the creation of the world focuses on God’s everlasting plan. Though God’s choosing us may seem like a statement of predestination, it is actually a much broader statement of God’s loving intent for all people. We were all meant to be holy and blameless in his sight. The fall threw all people into a tailspin outside of God’s good plan. But God was unwilling to let sin take its natural course and condemn all people to death. So God set in motion the plan that would call us back to him in love. Jesus was that plan. And through his death he conquered both sin and death, doing what we could not accomplish for ourselves. Our status changes as a result. We are counted as being holy (set apart in a godly way) and without blame (having our sins forgiven). We gain these attributes because of God’s efforts through Christ. Predestined echoes God’s pre-creation choice for people. Some scholars believe this means that everyone’s eternal status was decided by God before anyone was born. However, we should not fall into fatalism - the belief that free will does not exist, that we can make no choices that influence the outcome. God has chosen us by grace; we must choose him through our faith. The emphasis here is not on predestination but on adoption. God’s plan to adopt humans as his children in his holiness was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Nothing that happened around Christ’s coming or in his ministry or his death and resurrection was haphazard, a fluke or a mistake. This act of loving mercy is described as coming from his pleasure and will. God’s desire is for us to be reconciled to him, to be included among his people. Inclusion into God’s family is a marvelous demonstration of God’s love. Our adoption results in full acceptance as children of God, with all the rights of an heir. Redemption and forgiveness are both terms used to speak of the liberation of slaves. Through the blood of Jesus, we have the means to be delivered from wrong choices and be put back on the path of God’s choosing. In the Bible there are various ways that God makes his will known to humans. One is that of a mystery being revealed, something initially hidden from human understanding but now being shown. We understand God as a self-revealing God, for we cannot unravel the deep things of God by our own deep thinking. The barrier between Jews and Gentiles is broken down through Christ: these groups can be brought together in Christ according to God’s will and purpose. Bringing everything together in Jesus will not be fully realized until he returns but let us not miss how Christ is already accomplishing this promised future. Whenever by God’s mercy a sinner becomes a saint, whenever through the gospel the estranged are reconciled, whenever through their lives of loving service Christians bring a greater measure of justice to the world, we see God’s plan already being fulfilled. After we accept the message of truth , the gospel, we are in line for a marvelous inheritance. We do not wait to begin to enjoy the blessing of this inheritance, for we are sealed by God through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Believers experience God’s presence and power now, a taste of what we will experience in full when Christ returns. The future holds not only the final defeat of sin and its effects but also spiritual fulfillment and completion. 
Conclusion
The ability to praise and worship God freely and properly is indeed a part of our inheritance and a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives. While all his works offer opportunities to worship, our adoption into God’s own family is an especially joyful reason for praise. May we, who have brought into the Father’s family through his loving Son and his trustworthy Spirit, erupt in praise for our salvation. Prayer Glorious Father, we are in awe of your grace. Remind us always of our standing before you, even as we wait for your Son to return in glory, In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen Questions
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the Good News Translation. 
Next week's lesson picks up where we left off with Ephesians 1:15-23.
|
AuthorWe are a small, rural Presbyterian church in southwestern Pennsylvania. Archives
February 2023
Categories
All
|
||
RSS Feed