Gathering Around the Word
Prelude: Choir Standing on the Promises Announcements: ADVENT: The Cipoletti Family CALL TO WORSHIP: The voice of the Lord declares, “Comfort, O comfort my people.” A voice cries out, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” The earth will be transformed, God’s glory will be revealed. We expect your arrival in fire and flame. Instead, we follow a star on a cold night. You meet us in this place, as we remember your way. As we wait, cleanse us. As we wait, mold us. Our ears and eyes perceive no other god besides You, and so we worship this day. We are Your people, and we will wait for You. INVOCATION
*HYMN: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” # 82
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: God our Maker, we confess that we are not ready to meet You. We study and are so preoccupied with the trends of our times and ignore the signs of Your reign. We trust in things that pass away and forget Your eternal promise. We allow temporary things to sway our trust in what is eternal. Forgive us, God of grace. Strengthen us, by Your hand, so that we may be ready for that day when You come again to reign in glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Time of silent prayer. Assurance of Pardon Response – Gloria Patri # 581 * Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture: Mark 1: 1-8 Kirkland Cipoletti Sermon text: Psalm 89 *HYMN “What Child Is This” # 145 *Apostles Creed (next to Prayer List) Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN ”Angels From the Realms of Glory” # 143 *Benediction *Postlude Go! Have a wonderful Sunday.
BIRTHDAYS: Bonnie Reese, Dan Hathaway, Susie Durila Cummings
SYMPATHIES: For the family of Wilma "Jean" Westfall For the family of Doris Ann Rowe 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 Children's Christmas Party will be Saturday, December 16 at noon. Cheryl Bell has order forms for Christmas Poinsettias. Order forms must reach Cheryl by Sunday, December 17. Missionary meeting this week is at Eat-n-Park at 11 am on Tuesday. It is our Christmas get together. Also this week is WOW Christmas get together at Cracker Barrel. It is at 11 am on Wednesday. Session meeting is moved to next Monday evening, December 18 at 7 pm. We have a joy to celebrate this week. Jacob Cummings made the High Honor Rollat McGuffey. He is in the 9th grade.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sandy Stone, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Ricci Amos, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Diane Anderson, Helen Provenzano, Donna West, Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Wendy Willard, Marley Smith, Ellen Morris, Ed Horne, Suzy Smith, Richard Wagner, Carol Pierce, Chuck Harton, Doug Ward, Cheryl Hardway, Ron Westfall, Frank Baker, Holly Liggitt
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Gathering Around the Word
Prelude: Announcements: ADVENT: The Durila Family CALL TO WORSHIP: This is the season of holy waiting. We wait for the One who will tear open the heavens and Come down to save us. We watch for the day when God’s name will be made known Among the nations. We wait in the shadows for the Light of the World to Appear. Come let us walk in the light of God!. INVOCATION
*HYMN “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” # 93
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Lord, in this season of waiting remind us of our need for the one we wait for. Just like our ancestors Adam and Eve, we have disobeyed you every day of our lives. We have thought that we have a better understanding of what is right and wrong and have tried to elevate ourselves to a position that belongs to You alone. Forgive us for the pride that convinces us that our ways are better than Yours. Forgive us for the many ways that we have ignored Your holy commands and chosen to do things our way. We rely completely on the hope of the coming Messiah. Amen Time of silent prayer. Assurance of Pardon Response – Gloria Patri # 581 * Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture: Mark 13: 24-37 Debbie Mary Sermon text: Genesis 3 *HYMN “This Is My Father’s World” # 370 *Apostles Creed (next to Prayer List) Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE “Let Us Break Bread Together” # 525 Communion Alleluia (1 verse) see insert INVOCATION “A Hymn of Joy We Sing” see insert *HYMN ”Rejoice, the Lord Is King!” # 363 *Benediction *Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Marti Leppart, Janet Schively, Bonnie Reese
ANNIVERSARIES: None this week SYMPATHIES: For the Family of Wilma “Jean” Westfall For the Family of Doris Ann Rowe 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. Rev. Kephart said that $419.00 was collected during the Installation and Ordination Service for Pastor Clayton LaPosta last Sunday. Christine Welling reported that this year there were 40 shoeboxes collected to support Operation Christmas Child. Thank you so much for your time and donations. Children’s Christmas Party will be Saturday Dec. 16. Cheryl Bell has order forms for Christmas Poinsettia’s. Order forms must reach Cheryl by Sunday, December 17.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sandy Stone, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Ricci Amos, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Diane Anderson, Helen Provenzano, Donna West, Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Wendy Willard, Marley Smith, Kirkland Cipoletti, Ellen Morris, Ed Horne, Hunter Beck, Karen Eisiminger, Tim Knabensue, Helen Bury, Suzy Smith, Frank Baker, Glenn “Mikey” Hardin, Richard Wagner, Steven Shuba, Carol Pierce, Chuck Harton, Doug Ward, Cheryl Hardway, Ron Westfall
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together on Sunday morning, we take some time to share our joys and concerns. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord, thank you that our comfort abounds through Christ. Nothing in the world can bring us the comfort and peace that you alone can offer. Thank you that you understand our trials, and you care. Through our own struggle and pain, help us to be your vessels to offer comfort and strength to others who are hurting. Thank you Lord that through every weakness and hard place, your strength is displayed in our lives. We can’t do it on our own. But you can, through us. Your power is Mighty within us, you are our Helper and our Strength. All things are possible through you. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Mark 5:1-13, 18-20.
Jesus and his disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee to a region of 10 cities called Decapolis. When they left the boat they encountered a man coming from the tombs. These tombs were where they buried their dead. Any Jew would consider this man unclean because of his living among the caves with dead bodies. Jesus never mentioned that. Jesus' greater concern was wholeness in the Lord, rather than with outer, ritual uncleanness.
Once the man lost control of himself, his community tried to step in. Though binding him with a chain may once have worked, the demon within granted such perverse strength that the demoniac tore those restraints apart. His strength was matched by a wildness that no one could subdue. The image is of a dangerous, undomesticated beast. The best course of action for the community was to be wary and hope the demon-possessed man would not come among them and cause harm. A healthy person generally makes decisions that maintain his or her overall well being. In the demoniac's case, he had lost so much control that even his instinct to care for himself was overridden. No one could prevent him from hurting himself or others. When the demon-possessed man saw Jesus from a distance he shouted, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” The demon must have been doing the talking. No human had yet acknowledged Jesus to be the Son of God, another clue that the demon knew what the others did not. The title Most High God emphasizes God's absolute rule over the heavens and of the earth and under the earth, including every creature within those realms- supernatural or not. When Jesus asked the demon his name, the demon said Legion for we are many. Ancient people often believed that invoking the name of a spiritual being granted some power over that being. But Jesus needed no tips or tricks to obtain power over the demons. Instead, Jesus was preparing to teach the disciples a lesson of the utmost importance: no matter how the powers of evil stacked against him, Jesus was always in charge. The demon begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. Jesus could send the demons to the abyss. Instead the demons wanted Jesus to send them among the pigs. The pigs must have been owned by a gentile population. They recognized that Jesus was in complete control but perhaps Legion hoped to linger in the unclean pigs; then when Jesus had left the region, they could reenter the man or find a new victim. With Jesus' permission Legion might have thought they had succeeded in outwitting the Son of God. The impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. What the impure spirits experience here was a foretaste of the defeat that Satan would experience following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Though Satan looked for victory over Jesus, what the devil experienced was unexpected. In theory, the numbers involved should have put Jesus at a disadvantage. However, even though Jesus seemed outnumbered, there was never any doubt about his victory in this encounter. The herdsman did not see this extraordinary sign of God's goodness and victory over evil. Instead, they felt fear. This explains why the community asked Jesus to leave there after this encounter. The man who had been demon-possessed begged to follow Jesus. Jesus did not let him but told to go home to your people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on You. So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. The Sunday School books state this was a different outcome than when Mary Magdalene was delivered from seven demons. She became one of Jesus' most dedicated followers. Luke 8:2. Throughout Mark's Gospel, Jesus frequently told people to stay quiet about what he did for them. Given that we know Jesus ultimately wanted the gospel to spread throughout the world, why would he tell people he'd healed to stay quiet? Maintaining what has been called the messianic secret seems to have been Jesus practice in Jewish regions, particularly earlier in his ministry. But in the Gentile region, Jews had the Old Testament, and especially the prophets, to point to Jesus, the secrecy could have been a temporary measure to allow Jesus' ministry to grow in its own time. Some people believe it was because Jesus wanted his ministry to be about his preaching rather than a healing and miracles ministry. It could also be that telling of all Jesus' miracles would have increased his popularity but also increased his opposition to stop his ministry. But because Gentiles did not have the Scriptures to refer to or learn from, eyewitness accounts of the Jewish teacher and healer would prepare the soil for faith to come. Though not exactly the same because the Samaritans did follow Mosaic law, the story of the Samaritan woman's witness illustrates the potential power of firsthand accounts.
Conclusion
We too have been delivered by Jesus. And like the former demoniac, we have stepped out of a life that was more like death. We too are called to share the story of a life that was more like death. We too are called to share the story that Jesus has done for us, to prepare our own communities to meet Christ and come to new life. No matter the legions aligned against us. Jesus is in control! All we have to do is place our faith in him, with joy and obedience. Prayer Heavenly Father, May we remember your Son's mighty power and be quick to ask for deliverance. May we as your servants show our gratitude by proclaiming to others the good things you have done for us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen I asked Lisa about her thoughts on the lesson and about demonic possession. Her thoughts were that when Jesus was walking the earth that it was a special time of angelic activity. We had never heard of a choir of angels singing like what the shepherds experienced at Jesus's birth or the angels who took care of Jesus after his temptation in the desert. It would only stand to reason that there would be increased demonic activities. What does Mark want us to know from this scripture? That Jesus has the power over the whole spirit world. He uses his power to further his kingdom.
Questions
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the King James Version.
Next week's lesson is on Luke 24:1-12.
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
Our guest speaker today is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 9 I will praise You, O Lord, with all my heart: I will tell of all Your Wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You: I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High. My enemies turn back: they stumble and perish before You. For You have upheld my right and my cause. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked. You have blotted out their name for ever and ever. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble. Those who know Your Name will trust You. Sing praises to the Lord, enthroned in Zion! Proclaim among the nations all He has done for us!
INVOCATION Dr. Domske
Hymn: “How Great Thou Art “ 625 PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) O Lord my God, we approach You in awesome wonder, because of all You have done for us. We wish we could say to You that we have acted awesome toward You. Yet we have not—we have been selfish, we have ignored all but ourselves. We have sinned. Forgive us. Make us whole again. Give us the joy we only feel when we are in Your arms, doing Your will, sharing Your thoughts. We need You every hour, O God. May we know deep in our souls how great Thou art. 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 Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Old Testament: Isaiah 53 New Testament: Mark 2: 18-22 53 Who has believed our message
L: The Word of the Lord
P: Thanks be to God! SERMON: “Shut the Screen Door! You’ll Let the Flies In” Hymn: “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” 197 The Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Doxology (Hymnal page (606) Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people Lord’s Prayer Hymn: “Lead On, O King Eternal!” 269 Benediction
BIRTHDAYS:
Dylan Marton, Carol Horne, Dana Wilson, Nora Beth Gill ANNIVERSARIES: Tom & Linda Miller, Daniel & Lynn Kalich, John & Barb O’Hara, Dave & Susie Cummings, Doug & Nicole King JOYS AND CONCERNS Keep praying for all our soldiers here and abroad. Added to our sympathy list is Dorothy Thomas, who is a cousin of Linda Miller. Dorothy passed away this past week after a long battle with Ovarian cancer. Sympathy for the Family of Rose Churray Family of Alice Esposto Family of Dorothy Thomas ANNOUNCEMENTS Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6: 37. Please let Betty Fisher know of you are aware of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Thanks to everyone that came to the Church picnic last Sunday. I hear that there were 83 people that attended. There was plenty of food and fellowship shared by all. We should take the time to thank Cheryl and her helpers for the decorations and time that went into the preparations of the picnic. Thank you for a successful Sunday picnic this year.
Continuing Prayer List
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, June & Keith McGill, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Pat Haggerty, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Jean Westfall, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Frank Riggle, Betty Anderson, Mary Tarnic, Polly Blackhurst, Tom Novak, Chuck Warlow, Valerie Shumaker, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Gianna Perry (4 yrs. Old), Braxton (2 yrs. Old) with heart surgery, Greg Duntz, Nancy Diaz, Marlene McFeely, Larry Fox, Debbie Moriarty, Frank Baker
This week we are at the Washington County Fair. We are sharing a worship service with Fourth Presbyterian Church, Grove United Presbyterian Church, Laboratory United Presbyterian Church, Taylorstown Presbyterian Church, and Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church.
Our speaker is Rev. Jason Freyer from Laboratory. North Buffalo's joys and concerns, announcements, and prayer list are below the video of the service.
JOYS AND CONCERNS
Prayers for all our soldiers here and abroad. Prayers for the Pulpit Nominating Committee as they search for the appropriate person to serve our church. Sympathy for the Family of Ken Jackson Please pray for Betty and Bob Fisher’s granddaughter, Haley. She has been having seizures. 12 of them in last 12 hours as of Tuesday August 9th. Prayers for Greg (Lu’s boyfriend), Washington Hospital did some testing on him and sent him to Shadyside Hospital for a Bone Marrow test. Also, prayers for Lu’s friend Nancy Diaz who has stage 4 cancer. Marlene McFeely fell and broke a bone in her back and is also on oxygen. She was in the hospital but has since returned home. Prayers for you Marlene. Added to the prayer list is Debbie Durila’s sister Carolyn who has COVID. 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. Don’t forget 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. Wear something with Watermelons on it!!! Please if you have anything or anybody that needs to be on the Joys and concerns page let Linda Miller or myself know. I do the Bulletin each Wednesday night, so be sure you let me know by then. My name is Diana Donaldson. Thank You.
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, Betty Fisher, Fred Wilkinson, Wendy Liggett, Brandon Bell, Frank Riggle, Sarah Racco, Marilyn and Doug Ward, Nelson Huffman, Ed Caffrey, Mary Tarnic, Brenda Megyesy, Polly Blackhurst, Michael Durila Jr., Lisa Perrone, Evelyn Wood, Rosalee and Wayne Diedier, Cindy Ward, Tom Novak, Jean Westfall, James Ohara, Betty Anderson, Chuck Warlow, Valorie Shumaker, Maryann Durila, Frank Baker, Ricci Amos, Donna & John West, Greg (Lu’s Boyfriend), Hayley Diedier, Nancy Diaz, Marlene McFeely, Carolyn Knabenshue
Our guest speaker this morning is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 7 O Lord my God, I take refuge in You; Save and deliver me from all who pursue me. If I have done evil to him who is at peace with me, then let me enemy pursue and overtake me. Judge me, O Lord, according to me righteousness, According to my integrity, O Most High. O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, Bring to an end the violence of the wicked. My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a judge who rules for the right. I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the Name of the Lord Most High. INVOCATION Dr. Domske
Today’s guest speaker is Nellie Baker, CRE.
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. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHORAL INTROIT CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: I will praise the Lord at all times. Praise for God is always on my lips. People: My whole being praises the Lord. The poor will hear and be glad. Leader: Glorify the Lord with me and let us praise God’s name together. People: I asked the Lord for help and God answered me, saving me from all that I feared. Leader: The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear God and God saves them. People: Examine and see how good the Lord is. Happy is The person who trusts God. 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. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing Introit Surely The Presence ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: We are called to bring a new understanding of God: that God so loves the world. People: We are the salt of the earth. Leader: We are called to bring a new hope in God: that God gives us new life. People: We are the light of the world. Leader: We are called to follow the commandments and the law. People: The law of God is to love God and to love one another. Leader: Come, let us be the salt of the earth, the light of the world. People: Come, let us love one another with the love of God. Leader: Let us join together in our love of God to worship and follow Jesus. Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Robert Hedges, Executive Director of Resurrection Power. Today is our Thank Offering Sunday. 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. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. PRELUDE “My Country Tis of Thee”
INTROIT: “America the Beautiful” CHOIR ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: (adapted from Psalm 105: 1 - 5) LEADER: Give thanks to the Lord; call on God’s name. PEOPLE: Make known God’s deeds among the peoples. LEADER: Sing to God; sing praises to God. PEOPLE: Tell all of God’s wonderful works. LEADER: Glory in God’s holy name. PEOPLE: Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. LEADER:` Seek the Lord and the Lord’s strength. PEOPLE: Seek God’s presence continually. ALL: Remember the wonderful works God has done! |
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