NORTH BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
  • Home
    • About >
      • Sunday Services
      • Sunday Sermons
      • Church History
      • Online Giving
    • Life of the Church >
      • Ways to Join Us
      • Missions
      • Lenten Devotionals
  • Calendar
  • Contact Us

Sunday School: Jesus Talks with a Samaritan

3/18/2023

0 Comments

 
Good morning!
​We're so glad you decided to join us today!
​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. 

Lord, we come to you each day to have communion with you. We come here each week to learn more about you and to worship you with others who also love you. We do it because we have deep longing to know you better, a longing that is satisfied only with the living water of which Jesus spoke.

Yet we also know that there are others in our community who share this longing but who do not know how to satisfy it. They try to quench their thirst with other things, but nothing except your presence is enough. Help us to find ways to reach out to these people, without excluding or judging anyone, so that they, too, may find satisfaction for their souls.
We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen.

This week's lesson is on John 4:7-15, 28-30, 39-41.
​Introduction
People and society put up walls between human beings that have no place in God’s kingdom. We sort people into categories — good and bad, successful and unsuccessful, deserving and undeserving of love and acceptance, people to be welcomed and people to be avoided. Within those categories there are multiple variations. A poor black single mother, for example, would not be in the same category as a wealthy black athlete, recording artist or Supreme Court justice. But categories persist in people’s minds, and people are often sorted out and valued according to our prejudices.

It was no different in Jesus’ day. Some of the reasons people were seen as more or less valuable than others were different, but the walls still existed. However, time after time in the gospels, Jesus broke through those barriers and approached each person as an individual trying — and sometimes failing — to live his or her best life.

Jesus did not ignore or minimize the weight of people’s sinful choices. Instead, he revealed them and pointed each person to God’s love. Instead of diminishing and discarding people, Jesus offered them a way to peace and forgiveness and a way forward with God.

A case in point is our lesson for this morning. It is the story of a Samaritan woman who meets Jesus at a community well in the hottest part of the day. Before our lesson begins, John tells us that Jesus is headed back to Galilee from Jerusalem, where he has just had another encounter. That encounter is with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a person on a much higher rung on the social ladder than the woman we meet today. After that meeting, the scripture says Jesus had to pass through Samaria.

In a spiritual sense that may be true. But on a physical level it is not exactly accurate. Most Jews traveling from Judea to Galilee avoided Samaria altogether by taking the extra time to travel one of two circuitous routes, thus avoiding potential contact with the despised Samaritans.
​
That route set up an encounter that crossed multiple societal barriers. Jesus’s interaction with the Samaritan woman shows us how God does not judge people based on people’s sex, race or nationality or anything else. With God there is only one category — those whom God loves. 
​The Stranger (verse 7-15)
According to John, it’s the sixth hour when Jesus comes to Jacob’s well. That is an important detail because the sixth hour is noon. It’s a desert community, and no one would normally be at the well at that time of day. Fetching water was women’s work, and that heavy task would be reserved for the cooler parts of the day. Women used this as an opportunity to talk to one another and have some needed social interaction during their daily chores.

Instead, Jesus finds a lone woman at the well. She is likely by herself because that is the time when she will not have to encounter any other women. Soon we will learn why she is an outcast and that she would rather endure the heat and isolation than the derision of the other women. In verses 16 to 27 (not in our lesson), we learn that she has had five husbands and is now living with a man who is not her husband. Jesus knows this without being told, and the woman therefore believes he is a prophet.

Jesus is also alone because his disciples have gone into the town to buy food. Shockingly, despite all of the obstacles and class differences, Jesus speaks to the woman and asks her for a drink of water.

In the ancient Roman world, women were seen as less valuable than men, and therefore men did not normally address women in public. But Jesus is a Jewish man, an important religious figure, and he is speaking not only to a woman but to a Samaritan woman.

Samaritans were descendants of the people who belonged to the northern tribes of Israel, but they were also descended from a mixture of other non-Jewish races. In 722 BC, the Assyrian army had invaded the northern kingdom of Israel and taken most of the people back as captives. Those remaining had intermixed with foreigners who had settled in the region. Across the years, they maintained a religion that included many Jewish facets interwoven with other beliefs. They revered only the first five books of the Bible, for example, and they believed God should be worshipped on Mount Gerizim in Samaria instead of in Jerusalem. For this reason, the Jews of the tribes of the southern kingdom of Judea considered the Samaritans tainted in their religion and as a people.

Jesus uses his request for water and the Samaritan woman’s response as an opportunity to speak to her about deeper matters. She asks how he, a Jew, could be asking her, a Samaritan, for water. Instead of addressing why he is speaking to her at all, Jesus speaks metaphorically about water and how he has a different kind of “water” that refreshes the soul and that never runs out. He says he can offer that water to her.
​
Like many in John’s gospel, the woman does not understand what Jesus is talking about. She is thinking only on a physical level, but Jesus is talking about a restored relationship with God through the Holy Spirit that meets her deeper spiritual needs. Still, the woman wants this water, if only to relieve her day-to-day physical problems.
​The Promised One (verses 28-30, 39-41)
The woman has just said that the Messiah is to come, and Jesus has responded by saying “I am he.” It’s one of the many “I am” statements in this gospel, linking Jesus with the God whom Moses encountered in the burning bush. In that encounter in Exodus 3, God told Moses to tell people who ask who has sent him that “I Am That I Am” has sent him. In this case, Jesus is linking himself with that same God and saying that he is the Messiah to whom the woman refers.

With that, the woman leaves in such a rush that she doesn’t bother to take her water jar. Dropping her shame for the sake of urgency, she goes into the town and tells the people to come and see this man who knows all about her life. She raises the question, “Could this be the Messiah?”

Even though the woman may not have been considered the best witness, the people respond to her testimony about Jesus and followed her back to the well to decide for themselves. John tells us that many believed after meeting Jesus.

The story ends with the Samaritans asking Jesus to stay with them. And in a significant breach of social norms, Jesus stays with them for two days, and during that time many more people come to believe.

So the story begins with Jesus coming as an outsider and speaking to a person who is an outsider within her own community. It ends with Jesus staying in a community of people that Jews would not even communicate with. It ends with acceptance and with a restoration of relationships with God and with each other.
​
From this story it is clear that Jesus accepts us as we are, that Jesus overcomes our sinfulness and forgives our sin, and that Jesus breaks down walls and builds community. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone who professes Christ would accept others the same way? 
Picture
Conclusion
Jesus’ earthly ministry did not include limits based on typical human barriers. His encounter with the Samaritan woman is a prime example. In Jesus’ presence, many of the boundaries that we have put up or that others have put up around us disappear (Romans 3:22; 10:12; Galatians 3:28-29; Ephesians 2:11-22; contrast 5:11; 1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Titus 3:10).
​
As we find our identity in Jesus, we can become the conduit of mercy and grace to those we encounter. The living water Jesus gives us is available now and will continue to well up in us until we reach the age to come. The gift we find in Jesus is not a stagnant thing; it moves us from old to new, death to life, lost to found, enslaved to free; it means we are saved!
Prayer
Father, forgive us for the times when we have allowed barriers to prevent us from inviting others to see you. Help us to see those around us the way that you see them; help us to demonstrate your love and holiness to them. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions for discussion:
  • Like the Samaritan woman, some people may hesitant to speak with or even accept help from churches like ours. What hurdles does our congregation face when reaching out to a community that might be mistrustful of our motives?
  • How can our congregation prepare to overcome these obstacles?
  • What encouragement do you find in today’s passage?
  • What challenges do you find in today’s passage?
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New King James Version.
Picture
Next week's lesson will be on Mark 5:1-13, 18-20. 
0 Comments

Saturday Night Bath Night

3/12/2023

0 Comments

 
Our guest speaker this week is Rev. Renny Domske.
                           Gathering Around the Word                                        
 
Prelude                                                           Bob Senay
Introit  Choir     
      
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
CALL TO WORSHIP     ( Psalm 25 )
L: To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul,
     In You I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame.
P:  No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame.
     Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths.
L:  Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my
     Savior, and my hope is in You.
P:  Remember, O Lord, Your great mercy and love.
     Remember me, for You are good, O Lord.
L:  All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who
     keep the demands of His covenant.
P:  My eyes are ever on the Lord,
      For only He will release my feet from the snare.
 
INVOCATION                                         Renny Domske  ​
* HYMN    “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”       # 475
 
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION               (UNISON)
Loving Lord Jesus, who came to seek and to save the lost, we
Confess that we have lost our way.  Forgive our wayward and willful disobedience.  Lead us back to you.  ‘Forgive us for every
thought, word, or deed that has brought hurt to others. Heal the
pain we have caused.  We have dishonored Your Name.  Grace
us with Your Holy Spirit and lead us once again in the way that leads to life.
 
* Time of silent prayer
*Assurance of Pardon
 
*Response – Gloria Patri  (Hymnal page 581)
*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 1: 6 - 14  Lois Miller
                                 Mark 1: 1 - 14
 
                L: The Word of the Lord
               P: Thanks be to God!
 
Sermon      “Saturday Night Bath Night “
 
                 Responding to the Word  
 
*HYMN   “There’s a Sweet Spirit in This Place”          #408
*Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list)
Presentation of our tithes and offering
Offertory  -  Doxology ( Page 606)                                                             
*Prayer of dedication
Concerns and Celebrations                                                
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
 
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE:
Communion
 
*HYMN     “ Come Christians, Join to Sing”             #267
*Choir            
*Benediction 
 Postlude                                                           Bob Senay                                                   
                  *Please stand if able
0 Comments

A Matter of Trust

3/5/2023

0 Comments

 
Today's guest speaker is Don Herschell.
  Gathering Around the Word  

Prelude
Choir Introit
ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 121
L: I lift up my eyes to the hills — from where will my help come?
P: My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
L: God will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
P: He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
L: The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
P: The sun shall not strike us by day, nor the moon by night.
L: The Lord will keep you from all evil; God will keep your life.
P: The Lord will keep our going out and our coming in from this time on and forevermore.
All: Let us worship God.

INVOCATION Don Herschell
HYMN “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” #645

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON)
You call us to become pilgrims, to follow you in a journey of faith. We would find it easier to follow when not so much is at stake. But you promise that you will be with us and that our needs will be met. You lead us into unfamiliar places, asking that we trust in your will. Yet we cling to our possessions, trusting in them for security instead.
O God, your way is challenging when we choose to be complacent. You make great demands; we are anxious and uncertain. Have mercy upon us and forgive our hesitant steps toward the promise. We ask this in the name of Christ, our Savior.

* Assurance of Pardon 

*Response – Gloria Patri  (Hymnal page 581)
*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 readings: 
Genesis 12:1-4a

John 3:1-17
Debbie Mary


L: The Word of the Lord
 P: Thanks be to God! 

Sermon:  “A MATTER OF TRUST”

Responding to the Word

HYMN “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” #829

* Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list)

Presentation of our tithes and offering
Offertory                                          
*Doxology (Hymnal page 606)
*Prayer of dedication

Concerns and Celebrations                                         
Prayers of the People              
The Lord’s Prayer

HYMN “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service” #761 

*Choir   
*Benediction  
 Postlude                                                           Bob Senay                                                    
                  *Please stand if able
0 Comments

Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

2/5/2023

0 Comments

 
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Prelude                     Music Director                   Bob Senay
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
Call to Worship:                  Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.
    For God has founded it upon the seas
    and established it upon the waters.
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in His holy place?
     The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
     Who dies not worship idols or swear by what is false.
Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient
doors, that the King of glory may come in.
     Who is He, this King of glory?
     The Lord Almighty - -He is the King of glory.
* Hymn    “Shall We Gather At the River”                      #375
 
Prayer of Confession  (unison)
We come to You again, O God, wanting to be near You
but realizing that our sin separates us.  O Great God,
Your word is perfect and You guard those who keep it.
We confess that we have been inattentive to Your word.
We have disregarded it, and failed to partake of the life,
the wisdom, and the joy of its enduring light.
Forgive us, O God, and clear us from every hidden fault.
May we feel blameless and forgiven by You.
 
* Time of silent prayer
 
*Assurance Of Pardon:
L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
P: And also, with you!
Response – Gloria Patri  (page 581)
Passing the Peace
 
Children’s Chat
Prayer for illumination
Scripture reading:  Romans 8: 28 – 39
                                 John 14: 1 - 6
 
 Sermon:   “Do You Know The Way to San Jose?”
 
*Hymn     “Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me”         # 703                     
*Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list)
 
Presentation of our tithes and offering
Offertory                                                        
*Doxology  (page 606)
*Prayer of Dedication
 
Concerns and Celebrations
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
 
*Hymn   “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”       #353
*Benediction
* Postlude         * Please Stand if Able*

​BIRTHDAYS:  Cheryl Bell, Allana McCoy, Debbie Mary, Karen Hanes

ANNIVERSARIES:  John & Lois Miller; Frank & Nellie Baker

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.
Betty would also like to request any gently used toddler clothes and baby clothes for the needy and homeless. Diapers would also be appreciated. Thank You in advance for any help.

Please remember, if there is anything you want on the Joys and Concerns page let me know by Wednesday night. You can email me at tootie2403@gmail.com.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Nancy Diaz, Gianna Perry, Marlene McFeely, Tiffany Cipoletti, Robert Paxton, Bill Berdine, Cheryl Bell, Diane Anderson, Jim Durila, Jeff Durila, Larry Litman, Sue Gregg, Susan Strope, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Helen Provenzano, Jean & Ron Westfall, Lori Doxtator Walker, Frank Baker, Ruth Buterbaugh, Ed Horne, Donna West, Carol Knabenshue, Mike Diedier, Richard Wagner, Ruby Hathaway, Linda Miller, Nellie Baker
0 Comments

What Are You Looking For?

1/15/2023

0 Comments

 
Our guest speaker today is Rev. Dave Mason.
Gathering Around the Word                                        
 
Prelude                                                           Bob Senay
ANNOUNCEMENTS                               
 
CALL TO WORSHIP
L:  We Have come here to testify to Your love;
P: Come to us, living God, and shine Your light.
L: We have seen Your glory, full of grace and truth;
P: Come to us, living God, and shine Your light.
L: From Your fullness we have received every grace;
P: Come to us; living God, and shine Your light in our darkness.  
INVOCATION                                         Rev. Mason
* HYMN      “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”         # 35                                
 
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION               (UNISON)
Gracious God, the disciples left all they had to follow the long-awaited Messiah.  You promised them hardship, rejection, a loss of comfort, hostility, suffering and finally, a cross to carry. We worry when we cannot see where You are leading; we question “why” when suffering comes; and ignore the parts of the gospel that disrupt our sense of security.  Forgive us, Lord. Forgive our selfish desire to have it both ways - to follow but at no cost; to claim You but not risk anything on Your behalf; to embrace new life without experiencing the garden of Gethsemane.  Remind us that we live not for ourselves but for the world, in Your stead.  By the power of Your Spirit, help us be Your disciples in the word and deed. Amen
 
* Time of silent prayer
*Assurance of Pardon
*Response – Gloria Patri  (Hymnal page 581)
 
*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 1: 29 - 42
​                L: The Word of the Lord
                P: Thanks be to God!
 
Sermon      “WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?”
     
*HYMN     “God of Grace and God of Glory”                  # 307
*Apostles Creed  (copy next to prayer list)
 
Minute for Mission
 Presentation of our tithes and offering
Offertory                                                            Bob Senay
*Doxology (Hymnal page 606)
*Prayer of dedication
 
Concerns and Celebrations                                                
Prayers of the People                               Rev. Mason
The Lord’s Prayer
 
*HYMN     “Softly and Tenderly                           #418
*Benediction
Postlude                                                           Bob Senay

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.

The session will meet on the 23 of January at 7 P.M.

There will be a congregation meeting on January 29 after church service. Covered dish dinner to follow church service, then back upstairs for the meeting. The congregation is asked to bring their favorite covered dish. Chicken will be provided.
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 Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Nancy Diaz, Gianna Perry, Marlene McFeely, Tiffany Cipoletti, Robert Paxton, Bill Berdine, Cheryl Bell, Diane Anderson, Jim Durila, Jeff Durila, Larry Litman, Sue Gregg, Doris Ann Rowe, Susan Strope, Tim Taylor, Helen Provenzano, Suzy Smith, Jean and Ron Westfall, Lori Doxtator Walker, Frank Baker, Ruth Buterbaugh, Chuck Horton
0 Comments

Guess Who's Coming to Town

11/27/2022

0 Comments

 
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
13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
​

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

John 3:12-21
12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
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

Thanksgiving Eve 2022: The Bread of Life

11/23/2022

0 Comments

 
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
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

​35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
                        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
​
0 Comments

Sunday School: The Word Gives Peace

7/30/2022

1 Comment

 
Good morning!
We're so happy you decided to join us today!

When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to consider the last week. What prayer requests do you have? If you have anything you would like to share, you can add a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Father in heaven, king of glory, we adore your name and work to glorify you forever. It is through your will that we are alive and healthy today. Your Grace has allowed us to converge together. You have promised that whenever we call on your name, you will hear and answer us. Come into our midst, God, and have fellowship with us. Make your blessings abundant and grace us with your presence. From the start of this meeting to the end, glorify yourself and accept our prayers. Amen.

This week's lesson is on John 14:15-29.

Read More
1 Comment

Sunday School: The Word Resurrects

7/23/2022

0 Comments

 
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!

When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to think about the past week. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, you can put a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started. 
God, we’re so grateful to be able to meet here together and be in your presence today.
We know it’s a gift. Help us never lose sight of that.
While we’re here together studying Your Word we ask that You’d open our ears and our hearts to whatever it is You are wanting to teach us.
Help us to see things through Your eyes and not the lens of our own understanding.
We want to know You more, God.
Thank you for showing us who You are and helping us understand and walk in Your love.
What we learn today we want to act on. Don’t let it become mere head knowledge. Shape our minds, hearts, and actions according to Your word.
Show us how to honor you and love others well with what we learn.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This week's lesson is on John 11:17-27, 38-44. 

Read More
0 Comments

Sunday School: The Word Saves

7/16/2022

0 Comments

 
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!

This morning, the children are having their Vacation Bible School program, so we will not be meeting in person. However, we invite you to watch their program, and read this lesson.
As we are not meeting in person, take some time to think about your past week. If you have any joys, concerns, or prayer requests you would like to share, you can comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started. 
Lord, 
Lead us from death to life,
From falsehood to truth.
Lead us from despair to hope, 
from fear to trust. 
Let peace fill our hearts, our world and our universe.
Let us dream together, pray together and work together, 
To build one world of peace and justice for all.
Amen.

This week's lesson is on John 12:44-50.

Read More
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    Author

    We are a small, rural Presbyterian church in southwestern Pennsylvania.

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020

    Categories

    All
    1 Corinthians
    1 John
    1 Kings
    1 Peter
    1 Samuel
    1 Thessalonians
    2 Chronicles
    2 Corinthians
    2 Kings
    2 Peter
    2 Samuel
    2 Thessalonians
    2 Timothy
    Acts
    Advent
    Bible Study
    Call In The New Testament
    Celebrating God
    Christmas
    Christmas Eve
    Colossians
    Confident Hope
    Deuteronomy
    Easter
    Ecclesiastes
    Ephesians
    Esther
    Exodus
    Ezekiel
    Ezra
    Faithful Prophets
    From Darkness To Light
    Galatians
    Genesis
    God Frees And Redeems
    God's Exceptional Choice
    Good Friday
    Hebrews
    Holy Week
    Hosea
    Isaiah
    James
    Jeremiah
    Job
    Joel
    John
    Jonah
    Joshua
    Judges
    Justice Law History
    Lament
    Lamentations
    Lent
    Leviticus
    Love
    Luke
    Malachi
    Mark
    Matthew
    Maundy Thursday
    Micah
    Nahum
    Nehemiah
    Numbers
    OT Prophets
    Palm Sunday
    Partners In A New Creation
    Pentecost
    Philemon
    Philippians
    Proverbs
    Psalms
    Revelation
    Romans
    Sunday School
    Thank Offering
    Thanksgiving Eve
    Wisdom
    Worship
    Zechariah
    Zephaniah

    RSS Feed

Home

Calendar

Contact Us

Copyright © 2017 | All Rights Reserved | Washington, PA
  • Home
    • About >
      • Sunday Services
      • Sunday Sermons
      • Church History
      • Online Giving
    • Life of the Church >
      • Ways to Join Us
      • Missions
      • Lenten Devotionals
  • Calendar
  • Contact Us