Today's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
Gathering Around the Word
ANNOUNCEMENTS Prelude CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 31) L: Lord God, You are indeed my rock and my fortress; P: For Your name’s sake lead me and guide me. L: Take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for You are my refuge. P: Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. INVOCATION Rev. Mason
*HYMN “ Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart” # 804
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Merciful and loving God, Your love for us is unconditional, yet our love for You, for others and for ourselves is often marred. We allow prejudice and pride to blind us; our brokenness remains unhealed; we cling to old stories and hurts which impede the work of reconciliation. Forgive us, we pray, for failing to trust You, for playing it safe instead of following the daring call of Your Spirit, for withholding forgiveness and grace from ourselves and others. Let Your love renews us yet again. Let the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead rekindle creative life within us and restore right relations among us. AMEN *Time of silent prayer. *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 Prayer for Illumination Scripture Reading Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16 Lois Miller Acts 7: 55-60 L: The Word of the Lord P: Thanks be to God! SERMON “WHEN PASSION BECOMES DEADLY” * HYMN “God of Grace and God of Glory” #307 *Apostles Creed Offertory “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” *Doxology * Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People Rev. Mason The Lord’s Prayer HYMN “ How Firm a Foundation” #463 Benediction Choir Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Tom Miller, Nellie Baker, Cassandra Clifford, Caleb Cummings, Diana Donaldson
ANNIVERSARYS: Tom & Nancy Molinaro ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. Our monthly Missionary Meeting is this Tuesday, May 9, at 9:30 am. Please come join us for fellowship. Women on Wednesday (WOW) is having their meeting on May 10, at 9:30 am. Come join in the fun and fellowship. Just a reminder, Linda Rice of Upper Buffalo Church sent an invitation to join them for a CPR and AED class on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. If interested, please call Linda Rice at 724-345-3594. She needs to know a week in advance to let the instructor know how many are coming to the class. The cost of the class is $10.00 a person. You may pay the night of the class. Next Sunday May 14th, is Mother’s Day. Please remember your mom!!
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your last week, and any prayer requests you might have. If you would like, you can share prayer requests as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
God of all nations, please break down the barriers that divide us and that blunt the wonderful message of your grace. Pour out your Spirit upon us and convict us of our prejudice and selfishness, and replace it with your transcending love. Forgive us, forgive me, when my own shortsightedness and selfishness interferes with the world seeing a united Church proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Acts 2:1-8, 14-24, 37-40.
Lesson Context
The work of the Holy Spirit can be peaceful, like the descent of the Spirit on Jesus at his baptism (Luke 3:22). However, it is not always pleasant for those affected. We are told Jesus would baptize with both the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16). We might think of the destruction of God's enemies, and the testing or purification of his people. The Jewish holiday called the Festival of Harvest, the Festival of Weeks, or the day of the firstfruits is celebrated fifty days after Passover. Our Pentecost celebration occurs at roughly the same time -- seven weeks and one day after the Passover Sabbath. For the Jewish people at the time of Christ, both Passover and the Festival of Weeks were pilgrimage festivals. The people would come to Jerusalem and to the temple. Our book says that we might think of Jerusalem as having a tourist economy. The height of the tourist season would be from Passover to Pentecost. Many visitors would stay for the entire fifty day period between those two observances.
The Spirit Comes
The apostles had been instructed to wait in Jerusalem by Jesus. Initially, this would have been the original 11 apostles, but the number of followers grew to about 120. It had been ten days since Jesus' departure. However, the people visiting would start leaving the next day, at the end of the festival. Our book also says that the followers would soon be scattered due to persecution. The followers experienced the sound of a violent wind. Our book points out that this does not mean that there was actually wind. The followers then saw tongues of fire that divided and settled on the followers. There was no burning or injury from the fire. Both the sound and flame were supernatural things from God. Following the sound and flame, the Spirit filled the followers of Jesus. This allowed the followers to be heard in each listener's native language. This was a huge deal! Because the people in Jerusalem were from many different places, they also spoke many different languages. These would have included Greek, Aramaic and Latin, among others. The miracle shown here is that the speakers did not know the other languages. But they were still able to be understood.
The Apostle Preaches
In the verses we skipped, some people doubted, even suggesting that those speaking might be drunk. Peter addresses this idea with the crowd. It is so early in the morning, no one is likely to drunk. Instead, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel in the Old Testament (Joel 2:28-32). The Jewish people had not experienced prophecy for generations. Our book says that, "We understand this to mean that what remain are the events of the end of time: the return of Christ and the final judgment." Everyone would have known of Jesus of Nazareth as a miracle worker. Peter attributes the miraculous ability to God. The people also would have known about Jesus' death on the cross. However, God's plan did not end there. God had raised Jesus to live again.
The Crowd Reacts
In the next set of skipped verses, Peter offered further proof that Jesus was the Messiah. The people's reaction suggests that they believed what Peter had to say. Peter tells them to repent and be baptized. To repent is to turn away from sin and toward God in heart, mind and lifestyle. Baptism is a work of God, when in God's chosen time, regeneration and renewal happen (see Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Galatians 3:27, Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 3:21, Ephesians 2:8-9). By doing these things, God will forgive us. We will receive the Holy Spirit. Peter says that this will apply to "you and your children and for all who are far off." Initially, the listeners probably thought of this as applying to all of the Jewish people, who were widely spread out in the Roman Empire. Today, we also believe that this applies to the Gentiles as well.
Conclusion
Acts 2 presents something fundamental: the Holy Spirit has come, and it has come with power. The long waiting period is over. There is power in the gospel. When this message is preached faithfully , God's Spirit is active in the reception of it. This is true whether preaching from a pulpit or sharing with a friend. Whenever the gospel is communicated, God's Spirit is working with us to convict the hearer of his truth and bring that person to faith in Christ.
Prayer
God, may we never doubt the power of your Holy Spirit to change everything according to your will. May your Spirit work powerfully in our lives, as Jesus promised. We pray in his name. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction comes from the New International Readers' Version.
Next week's lesson will be on Acts 3:1-11.
This week's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
Gathering Around the Word
PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS Choir CALL TO WORSHIP P: God is calling us today. L: Why is God calling us? P: To be the church, people united by God in faith. L: For what purpose would God do such a thing? P: Because God has given each member a gift to share, so that if we all come together and lean on one another, then we can become all that God has called us to be. INVOCATION Rev. Mason
*HYMN Blest Be the Tie that Binds # 306
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) We confess to you, renewing Spirit, that we confuse unity with uniformity and diversity with divisiveness. We speak and behave as if being a part of your family means assimilating others to our way of living. We deny and destroy the beauty you created in each person. We long to change these patterns, O Creator, but we do not know how. Teach us to value challenge. Help us to see strength in difference. And empower us to build your kingdom in creativity and love. Amen. *Time of silent prayer. *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri (580) *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 Psalm: 23 Debbie Mary Acts 2: 42-47 L: The Word of the Lord P: Thanks be to God! SERMON “KOINONIA” *HYMN Called as Partners In Christ’s Service *761 APOSTLES CREED Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Prayers of the people Rev. Mason The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN Here In This Place *401 BENEDICTION Choir POSTLUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. We need special prayers for Keith McGill. He is doing better and was moved to Southmont, if you want to send him a card, the address is Room 317, 835 S Main St., Washington, PA 15301 I was told he enjoys having visitors….. Linda Rice of Upper Buffalo Church sent an invitation to join them for a CPR and AED class on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. If interested, please call Linda Rice at 724-345-3594. She needs to know a week in advance to let the instructor know how many are coming to the class. The cost of the class is $10.00 a person. You may pay the night of the class. Don’t forget next Sunday, May 7th is our monthly Covered Dish. It will be the last one till fall. If anyone in the congregation would like to join in and read a scripture, please let Don Herschell or Diana know so they can relate it to the speaker. He will then let Don or Diana know which scripture they should read for the following Sunday.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcastro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Ricci Amos, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Helen Provenzano, Jean Westfall, Ed Horne, Taylor Shrontz Kopacko, Richard Ward, Donna West, Judy Clutter Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Chuck Harton, Susan Paul, Robert Paxton, Wiley Myers, Billie Wilson, John O’Hara, Keith McGill
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your last week, and any prayer requests you might have. If you would like, you can share prayer requests as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not hidden the truth from us, but revealed it in Your Word. Thank You that I am part of that great cloud of Church-age believers who are witnesses to the truth of the glorious gospel of grace, which was started at Pentecost and which has spread to every nation and tribe, people, and language. Thank You that I have been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit and baptized into the Body of Christ, which had its beginning in that special room on that first day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was sent to be the permanent, indwelling Helper for all Christians. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Today's lesson is on Acts 1:1-11.
The book of Acts, written by Luke, begins with a flashback. It is part two of his writings. The gospel of Luke is about Jesus and the book of Acts is about the church. It may surprise you to know that Luke is a Gentile and wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else. His writings are very detailed and can be corroborated with historical details. Although historians believe that the name Theophilus means anyone who loves God; we simply do not know.
Verse 8 is Luke’s version of the great commandment found in Matthew chapter 28. “Go to the ends of the earth and be my witnesses.” Although these verses are different, they convey the same message and that message applies to Christians today. As modern disciples we respond differently. Some of us become missionaries, others find fulfillment in supporting the missions of our church and the larger missions of the Synod or those of Louisville. What matters is that we walk the walk and talk the talk. It matters that we are concerned for those who do not know Jesus. Our love for others matters. Our sacrifices will never be as great as Jesus, but our obedience and small attempts are pleasing God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may we be the generation that finally fulfills your desire to share our witness about your Son with all the people of the earth. May your Holy Spirit give us strength and courage to work toward this goal. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen Thought to Remember The gospel must be spread NOW
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New International Version.
Next week's lesson will be on Acts 2:1-8, 14-24, 37-40.
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. Birthdays, anniversaries, the prayer list and announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 8 O Lord, Our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth You have set Your glory above the heavens. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth! From the lips of children and infants, You have ordained praise. When I consider Your heavens, and work of Your fingers, the Moon and the stars, which You have set in place, Who are men and women that You are mindful of them? Who are our sons and daughters that You care for them? You have made us a little lower than the angels, and crowned men and women with glory and honor. You have made us ruler over ethe works of Your hands, O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth! INVOCATION Dr. Domske
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. CJ Haury.
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. Birthdays, anniversaries, the prayer list and announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS CHORAL INTROIT The Church in Every Age CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: O God! How great You are! On the first day of the week we commemorate Your creation of the world and all that is in it. People: Thank You for the light which wakes us morning by morning, and for that greater light which shines in Jesus Christ. Leader: O God! How great You are! On the first day of the week You raised Jesus from the dead. People: Raise us with Him to a new quality of faith and life. Leader: O God! How great You are! Again, on the first day of week You sent Your Spirit on Your disciples. People: Do not deprive us of Your Spirit, but renew Him in Us day by day.
INVOCATION Rev. Haury
HYMN “Holy! Holy! Holy!” 323 CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Holy and merciful God, in Your presence we confess our sinfulness, our shortcomings, and our offenses against You.You alone know how often we have sinned in wondering from Your ways, in wasting Your gifts, in forgetting Your love. Have Mercy on us, O God, for we are ashamed and sorry for all we have done to displease You. Forgive our sins and help us to live in Your light and walk in Your way, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen ASSURANCE OF PARDON *Time of silent prayer * Response – Gloria Patri *Passing of the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. CHILDREN’S MOMENT CHOIR ANTHEM “ Christ Be Our Light” Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading John 21: 1-19 Acts 9: 1-20
L: The Word of the Lord
P: Thanks be to God! SERMON: “All 153 Kinds” HYMN; “ Holy Spirit, Flow Through Me” 164 Statement of Faith: See insert in bulletin Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Bob Senay Doxology (Hymnal page 382) Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people Lord’s Prayer HYMN: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” 21 Benediction
BIRTHDAYS Karen Hunter, Jack Kime, Amy Molinaro
ANNIVERSARIES No Anniversaries this week JOYS AND CONCERNS Prayers for our soldiers and those that have been deployed to help overseas. Prayers for the Pulpit Nominating Committee (PNC) as they search for the appropriate person to serve our church. SYMPATHY to the Family of Vivian Kurtz ANNOUNCMENTS 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. This coming Tuesday, June 14th, is the Women’s Missionary meeting at 9:30 AM. If you are interested in joining our group, please come! Busy Sunday coming up!! Remember the congregational meeting is next Sunday, June 19th. As many members as possible should plan to attend this meeting, which is to discuss North Buffalo’s governing system and to discuss moving from bicameral to unicameral. Also next Sunday is the dedication of the new hymnals. Heads up!!! Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our second annual church picnic August 28th, located at the Cross Creek Park, West Middletown. Church service will be held there at 11:00 AM. Come for the service and stay for the food, games and fellowship.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, June & Keith McGill, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Laura Davis, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, , Bill Poland, Amy Ward, The Warlow Family, Pat Haggerty, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Wendy Liggett, Betty Fisher, Jean Westfall, Ina and Dave Henderson, Evelyn Wood, Ed Caffrey, Brandon Bell and Frank Riggle.
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. Birthdays, anniversaries, and announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS CHORAL INTROIT CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Faded Photographs, People: Distant memories of special times. Of painful news. Leader: Family and friends, People: Saddened by death. Leader: Anguished by loss, People: Conflicted over wars. Leader: Yet we are not alone, People: We are surrounded by the saints. Leader: And forever remembered by God, People: Forever held by God, forever given reason to sing Leader : For God’s love is stronger than death. People: And the Spirit gives wings to new hope.
Today’s guest speaker is CRE Jack Snodgrass.
Birthdays, anniversaries, the prayer list and announcements can be found below the video.
BIRTHDAYS Debbie Jochynek, Doreen Diesel, Kathy Marton, Emily Jackson
ANNIVERSARIES None JOYS AND CONCERNS - Prayers for our soldiers that have been deployed to help overseas and pray for the Ukraine people. Continued prayers for Susan Schively, Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, June and Keith McGill, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman,Tom Westfall, Mary Ann Durila, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Diane Bednarski, Matt Petrola, Laura Davis, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Robin Durila, Bill Poland, Amy Ward, the Warlow Family, Pat Haggerty, Jean Westfall, Don Cunningham, Carl, Jimmy, Vicky Byers, Betty Fisher, Billie Wilson, Haley Diedier, Casey Jenkins, Fred Wilkinson, Wendy Liggett and James O’Hara. 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. Washington Presbytery Mission Outreach Committee would like congregations/individuals to participate in the creation of “Deployment Bags” for soldiers being deployed overseas. Information on this program and what to put in the bags is on the table in the back if you would like to participate. A time of sharing fellowship, a Daughter’s Tea will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 21st. There is a list on the table in the back of the sanctuary if you would like to attend please sign your name and how many you might bring with you. The committee would like to know an approximate number so they can continue planning for this time together. Good morning! We're so glad you're joining us for the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and the first Sunday in Advent. When we meet together in person, we share our joys and concerns before we focus on our Sunday school lesson. Think about your needs and concerns right now, and if you like, you can share them in the comments. Our Sunday school and church is now open so that we can join to worship God, to learn about God’s word and to encourage each other in person. We are grateful to be back together, but we continue to pray for those who not yet able to participate in person or who do not yet feel comfortable participating in person. We are glad that those who cannot be with us physically are able to learn and worship with us here online. Today’s lesson is on Acts 10:34-47. It is the story of how God opened the way for the gospel to be proclaimed to all people without favoritism. It gives us an opportunity to think about how we relate to those who are different from us. Do we show partiality to those who are like us? Who think like us? Who look like us or who are in the same economic class as us? If God does not show favoritism, it follows that we should not, either. The following — slightly edited — prayer was posted on William Hagenbach’s blog. You can see his entire post at https://williamhagenbuch.com/when-favoritism-doesnt-fly/. Lord, help us hear ourselves when we use words that define people different than us, and then grant us the courage to love beyond our comfort places so that You are known and shown in the world You gave all of us. Amen. This week's lesson is on Acts 10:34-47.
Good morning! We're so glad you've decided to join us today! We are meeting in person again! While we meet, we share our joys and concerns from the past week with each other. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, you can add them in the comments. Our Sunday School lessons for this quarter are all about celebrating God. Our prayer today is a prayer of praise thanksgiving. When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started. Father, I thank You today for the gift of praise. Thank you for revealing Yourself to me through Your Word, by Your Spirit, and in Your creation, that I might stand in awe of You. You alone are worthy of praise and glory and honor, for You have created all things, that in all things You might be preeminent. For every request that I offer, every supplication that I raise, and every intercession I make, let me never neglect to render the praise You are due. In the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen. This week's lesson is on Acts 2:32-33, 37-47.
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