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Prelude: Rob Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: Our Lord Jesus is a light that shines so brightly that no darkness can enter in. Jesus calls us, his people, ”the light of the world!” So even in the darkest of days, the perfect light of Jesus shines forth, through us, for the world to see. Our lives are to reflect our Savior Jesus. When we live like Jesus, others will glorify our Father in Heaven. And so shall we as we come to worship. Come now to worship and glorify our God. INVOCATION
* Hymn “This is my Father’s World” # 370
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison) Heavenly Father, You created us to be Your image bearers on earth. That when the world sees the Children of God, they would know the Father. And yet, we often take this calling too lightly. We aren’t mindful of our speech and actions. We speak things we shouldn’t and do things we shouldn’t all while ignoring the things we should say and should do. Lord, forgive us for wanting to hide the light of Jesus in bowls so that no-one can see Him. Forgive us for our role in limiting the glory that should be given to our Father. Make us mindful of Your calling on our lives and create in us hearts that desire to fully submit to You. AMEN. *Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri #581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Matthew 5: 13-16 Sermon Text: Proverbs 12: 18, 16:24, 18:6-7 *Hymn “We Gather Together” # 336 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies” #338 *Benediction Postlude: Rob Dobscha
Birthdays: Rosemary Cole
Anniversaries: Mike & Linda Hilderbrand Sympathies: To Family of Marjorie Beaumariage 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. VBS STARTS TOMORROW!!!! 6 to 8 pm See Lois Miller or Mary Hathaway for details. VBS will be part of the regular church service next Sunday at 11:15 am. Our 250th Anniversary plans are coming together. If interested in any of our committees or if you have photos or anything that pertains to the anniversary, please bring it to church so we can document. Once again, if you have anything you would like posted in our joys and concerns, please let Diana Donaldson know.
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together, we take some time to share our joys and concerns. If you have any prayer requests, please add them to this post as a comment. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
O Lord God, Almighty Creator and Sustainer, why you choose to love me and bless me with your grace is a great mystery to me. You know my thoughts. You know my motives. While I am working on making those areas of my life more holy, I recognize that I need the cleansing and power of your Holy Spirit in the inner most places of my existence. Cleanse my heart and conform my thoughts to your will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Matthew 15:21-28.
In this modern day, it is easy to mistake Jesus’ answer as an insult. Jesus is creating a metaphor meant to explain the priorities of His ministry. He is also teaching an important lesson to His disciples.
According to John 18:28, Jews in Jesus’ day sometimes referred to Gentiles as “dogs.” Non-Jews were considered so unspiritual that even being in their presence could make a person ceremonially unclean. Jesus had deliberately gone into Gentile territory when he was confronted by the Canaanite woman. The disciples are annoyed and wanted her sent away. She was an outsider. Jesus explained His current ministry in a way that both the woman and the watching disciples could understand. At that time, His duty was to the people of Israel, not to the Gentiles Jesus frequently tested people to prove their intentions. In testing her, Jesus declined her request and explained that she had no legitimate expectation of His help. The woman, however, lived out the principle Jesus Himself taught. Her response proved that she understood fully what Jesus was saying, yet had enough conviction to ask anyway. Jesus acknowledged her faith—calling it “great”—and granted her request. So, according to both the context and language, Jesus wasn’t referring to the Canaanite woman as a “dog,” either directly or indirectly. He wasn’t using a racial slur but making a point about the priorities He’d been given by God. He was also testing the faith of the woman and teaching an important lesson to His disciples. How do we exhibit our faith? Have you ever said or thought: There but for the grace of God go I? In Philippians Paul says, I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” In KJV he says “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are grateful to be part of your family. Reveal to us the things that prevent us from having great faith. Encourage us when we feel unable to show persistent faith. give us eyes to see people we consider “outsiders” so we can invite them to experience your great mercy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Thought to Remember Live by great faith
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the King James Version. 
Next week's lesson will be on Romans 3:21-30.
Gathering Around the Word
Announcements: CALL TO WORSHIP: The Lord calls His people to lay down their way of life for His. To take up our cross, and to devote our lives to following Jesus. What can we expect in our service to the Lord? Things will not always be smooth and easy, our old ways of life will fade away, we will be like sheep sent out among wolves. What will we gain in our service to the Lord? Just as the Lord has joined the Father’s glory, so shall we. To know God is our great reward both in life and death. We pick up our cross and will be raised in His glory. Come and worship our great Lord, King, and Savior! INVOCATION
*HYMN: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” # 12
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Father, You have created and blessed us with so many beautiful and wonderful things in this life. Yet in our sin, we have made the focus of our life on these things that bring us pleasure. We are drawn to the beauty of the world and forget how much more wonderful You, the maker of everything are. We become so obsessed with our momentary happiness that we resist Your call to deny ourselves and follow You. Forgive us, God for putting what we want before what You command. For ignoring the needs of our neighbors. For withholding the forgiveness, You so freely extend to us. As we confess these sins and the sinfulness that we don’t even see, we trust in Your loving kindness to justify and restore us. Amen *Time of Silent Prayer: *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri # 581 Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31: 31-34 Lois Miller SERMON TEXT: Matthew 16: 21-28 *HYMN “Jesus Call Us” # 720 *Apostles Creed (next to Prayer List) Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayer of the people The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN: “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” # 804 Benediction Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Bob Fisher
ANNIVERSARIES: Butch & Cindy Ward Bryan & Cheryl Bell Doug & Marilyn Ward SYMPATHIES: none this time. 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. Session will meet on Monday the 18th at 7 pm. Men’s Bible Study starting March 21 at 6p.m. till 7:30 p.m. at Pastor Clayton’s home. Today’s Lenten Service is at W. Alexander Presbyterian church. The service is at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Clayton LaPosta This prayer listing is for those who have unspoken concerns and prayer on Sundays. You will not be forgotten to be prayed for by our pastor.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sandy Stone, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Ricci Amos, Fred Wilkinson, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Judy Donaldson, Donna West, Helen Provenzano, Doug Ward, Marlene McFeely, Marley Smith, Suzy Smith, Carol Pierce, Chuck Harton, Johnny Yurko, Mike Durila, Betty Fisher, Tim Knabenshue, Beckett, Grandson of Scott Shetter, Stella Crothers, Lori Patterson, Ron Poznick, Jim King, Ron Westfall, Mary Stoey, Norma Jean Kelso Gathering Around the Word Prelude ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: We come before the Lord to worship our greatest treasure. We have known great blessings in our lives, but none compare to knowing You. Out of God’s providence, all our needs are met. We need not worry about tomorrow, our God goes before us. Even in the toughest moments of our lives, we will not fear. .We trust in God. Let us worship today our greatest treasure and portion in This life, the Lord our God. INVOCATION
*HYMN “God of All Ages, Whose Almighty Hand” # 331
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgement. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open us to a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in Your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the light of the world, we pray. Amen *Time of silent prayer: *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri page 581 *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture Psalm 10 Christine Welling Sermon text: Matthew 6: 19-34 *HYMN “Seek Ye First” # 175 *Apostles Creed Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people ` The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “The Church’s One Foundation” # 321 *Benediction * Postlude
BIRTHDAYS:
Marlene McFeely, Norma Kelso, Jim Westfall ANNIVERSARIES: John & Rosemary Cole SYMPATHIES: To the Family of Anthony Georgetti To the Family of Elmo George 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. Covered Dish today in the Social Hall, please stay and enjoy a meal and fellowship. We are having meatloaf as our main dish. This prayer listing is for those who have unspoken prayers on Sundays. You will not be forgotten to be prayed for!! Please note the insert today. It is for Men’s Bible Study starting March 21 at 6p.m. till 7:30 p.m. at Pastor Clayton’s home. Address is on insert. Today’s Lenten Service is at Claysville Presbyterian church. The service is at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Terry Lucarelli.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sandy Stone, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Ricci Amos, Fred Wilkinson, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Judy Donaldson, Donna West Helen Provenzano, Doug Ward Marlene McFeely, Marley Smith, Suzy Smith, Carol Pierce, Chuck Harton, Frank Baker Johnny Yurko, Mike Durila, Betty Fisher, Tim Knabenshue Beckett, Grandson of Scott Shetter, Stella Crothers, Lori Patterson, Ron Poznick, Jim King, Mary Stoey, Norma Jean Kelso
Good morning!
We're so glad you're joining 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. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord, may we be like the Wise Men who were guided to you by a star. Give us wisdom to seek you, light to guide us to you, courage to search until we find you, graciousness to worship you and generosity to lay our gifts before you, who are our King and our God for ever and ever. Amen
Today's lesson is on Matthew 2:1-12.
Our text for study involves a mysterious star. This invites a consideration of the distinctions between astronomy and astrology. In modern times, we make a clear-cut distinction between two. But the two were blended together in the ancient world. Astronomy is the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.; Astrology combines that study with the belief that the so-called gods orchestrate the appearances, positions and movements, therefore reveal information about divine plans for the future. Astrology is practiced today in the form of horoscopes associated with the zodiac.
In the Old Testament, astrologers are mentioned most in the book of Daniel. The people of Israel were warned about pagan occult practices; astrology, being a part of it, was one of them. And moving from consulting the stars to worshiping the stars was an all too easy step to take. The ancient Greek translation of the book of Daniel designates such men as magi, from which we derive our modern word magician. But words change meaning over time, and how ancient people viewed magi is not to be equated with the contemporary role of a magician who uses sleight of hand to entertain audiences. Instead, this word describes men of wisdom; we surmise they were astrologers-scholars. Matthew gives fewer details about the actual birth of Jesus than Luke. Instead, Matthew relates the nativity story with simplicity. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. A few details are added, trying to account for the geography and history of Palestine. Bethlehem is a village located a few miles southwest of Jerusalem. It is the birthplace of King David. King Herod the Great, who ruled 37-4 BC as the first Roman puppet-king of Judea. He died shortly after today's events. Herod the Great was not an ethnic Jew but an Idumean (related to modern Arabs) He is designated as “The Great” because of his extensive building projects. The grandest of these was the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, a project he began about 20 BC and that was unfinished at the time of his death. Many legends have arisen in Christian tradition about these Magi. These include speculations regarding their occupations (kings?), their number (three?), their names (Melchior, Casper, and Balthazar?) and their place of origin (Babylon? Persia?) Matthew's account doesn't answer such questions. We should understand from the east as describing their point of origin, not their route. The lands of Babylon and Persia lie 600 miles or more from Jerusalem in a straight line that crosses the Syrian Desert. But it is highly unlikely that the wise men traveled across the intervening desert. Instead they would have come to Jerusalem by following the Euphrates River valley to Syria and then south through Damascus. This was a well traveled trade route through a region called the Fertile Crescent. Such a route would have been a thousand miles. It would take four months to walk this distance. That there are at least two Magi is certain because the term is plural. But beyond that, we don't know how many there were. The tradition that there were three wise men seems based on the fact they offered three gifts to Jesus in Matthew. They likely would have been in a large, well-funded entourage. Verse 7 indicates that the Magi were granted a personal audience with Herod at some point. They either had diplomatic letters of introduction, could offer generous bribes or presented such a regal appearance that Herod agreed to see them. That is why some speculated the visitors were “kings.” "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and came to worship him." The wise men interpret the new star as a sign that the newly arrived King of the Jews was important enough to be worthy of their worship. Although not specified in Matthew, this is often seen as a fulfillment of the “star out of Jacob” prophecy of Numbers 24:17. The wise man's inquiry did not sit well with the paranoid King Herod. He was an old man who had sons and wives put to death when seen as threats to his throne. In Jerusalem they knew what the King was capable of when he was disturbed. The people of the city would be willing to do anything to placate the king. The chief priest ruled Jerusalem's temple. They had an uneasy alliance with Herod that had enriched them greatly as the party of the Sadducee. The teachers of the law were the experts in the Jewish Scriptures, often called upon to interpret fine points of the Law of Moses. Herod was no expert on things such as prophecies concerning coming kings. Even so, he was apparently aware that the Jews believed a Christ was coming, the chosen Messiah of the Lord. Herod connects these prophecies with the inquiry of the wise men. Therefore, he asked the religious leader to reveal the birthplace of the Messiah, believing that it must have been specified in the writing of the prophets. While this would give an answer to the wise men, Herod had a more devious motive in learning the location. The religious leaders quoted Micah 5:2. On the precise designation Bethlehem in Judea. This prophecy was already 700 years old at the time of Herod. It recognizes the insignificance of Bethlehem. It foretells the raising up of a new ruler from this city. And it indicates this person would not be a mere city ruler or district supervisor. Instead, the prophesied Messiah would shepherd my people Israel. He lied to the wise men and said he desired to worship him also. They were to return to him and give the direct location of him. When they left the star appeared again. They were overjoyed because they could travel at night. The location of the child with his mother Mary was no longer the manger but a house. The Magi were not empty-handed in their worship of Jesus. They present him with costly gifts for a king. They gave him the gift of gold, likely coins that would help the family's subsequent flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth. They gave him Frankincense which was the finest incense in the ancient world. It was imported from southern Arabia and Africa. It was prized for its use in religious ceremonies and as a costly sacrificial offering. The third gift was of Myrrh. It was valued as an ingredient in perfume; it was used for anointing and in preparing a body for burial. The wise men were warned in a dream not to report back to King Herod. This warning served to protect not only the child Jesus but also Mary, Joseph and the Magi. Herod's intent was to have this potential king killed and the others could have felt his wrath as well. 
Conclusion
A favorite Christmas carol of mine about the wise men is the nineteenth-composition “The Three Kings” by Peter Cornelius. True, it has many of the legendary aspects of their story in presuming that they were kings, that they came from Persia, etc. The lesson of the carol is still powerful, though, and speaks to us today as one stanza implores their audience to travel with the kings to Bethlehem, and offers hearts to the infant King of Kings. Most of us don't have much gold to offer Jesus. And if we even had any frankincense or myrrh, how would we offer those? But we can offer him sincere hearts in worship. He is the Son of God, the true Messiah. At this time of year when we remember and celebrate the birth of our Lord in Bethlehem may we offer our most precious gift: our hearts. Prayer Father, help us to emulate the faith of the wise men? As they let nothing stop them fro reach Jesus, may we do so as well. May the faith that allowed them to thwart the plans of a powerful opponent be ours as well. May we offer your Son, Jesus, no empty-handed worship. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Last year Lisa Hamilton gave us a book called “The Fourth Wise Man”. It is also a 1985 movie starring Martin Sheen and Alan Arkin. I streamed it for free on my phone. It had a good moral to it. It is about a Magi who wanted to follow the star so he could worship the King of the Jews. He has three jewels he wants to give to the Messiah. He misses the caravan and is always one step away from seeing Jesus. He spends much of his remaining wealth and all of his energy helping the poor and the unfortunate people he meets, until at the end of his life he finally finds Jesus at his trial. He wants to pay Jesus ransom with his last jewel he had saved a young girl who was being sold for her father's debt. When he was dying he saw the Risen Christ and he apologizes for never giving him his gift. Jesus said “ but you did For when I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me.” The Magi said “Lord I never saw you till today” Jesus said.”I tell you whatever you did for one the least of these brothers, you did for me.”
Questions
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New Living Translation. 
Next week will be the first Sunday of the new year! The lesson will be on Hebrews 11:1-4, 7, 8, 17-18, 20-23, 32, 39-40.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us!
Today is the third Sunday of Advent.
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. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!' Amen.
Today's lesson is on Matthew 1:1-17.
Lesson Context
The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish-Christian audience somewhere between about 50 - 100 AD. The author emphasized connections between Jesus' life and Old Testament writings as a way to show that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. Our book briefly points out that the genealogy in Matthew and the genealogy given in Luke 3:23-28 do not match up. There are different names, different numbers of generations, different organizational structures and they go back to different people. Each writer had a different purpose in mind for their rendition of Jesus' family history. Matthew's primary purpose in writing his Gospel was to reveal who Jesus the Messiah is and why his life is significant. The Hebrew word for Messiah (which can be translated with the Greek word for Christ) means "anointed one" and referred at various times to both priests and kings. At some point after the fall of David's royal line, it came to refer to the anticipated savior of the Jewish people. Because the audience of this gospel was Jewish, the connection to Abraham and David would have ben important. The audience knew the promises made to both of those men. How Jesus fulfilled these promises would take the rest of the gospel to answer.
From Abraham to David (verses 1-6)
This first chunk of the genealogy covers approximately 1,100 years. Abraham was chosen by God, and was promised that, "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you," (Genesis 12:3). Isaac was the miracle baby, born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21:1-7). Jacob was Isaac's second son, who stole his brother Esau's birthright (Genesis 27). Later, Jacob was renamed Israel after wrestling with God. (Genesis 32:22-31). Jacob and his wives had twelve sons, who were the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:22-26). Matthew's genealogy goes through one of the younger brothers, Judah. In a change of pattern, the next generation's mother, Tamar, is also mentioned. It is assumed that Tamar was a Canaanite woman. She was married to one of Judah's sons, but he died before they had any children. At that time, one of her husband's brothers would have married her in order to provide the deceased brother with an heir. This did not happen. Instead, Tamar devised a plan to become pregnant by Judah himself. She gave birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah. The family then went to Egypt during the famine in Canaan. They stayed there until the exodus. Amminadab and Nahshon are both associated with the 40 year period of wandering in the wilderness. Salmon represents the first generation that was tasked with conquering Canaan in the days of Joshua. We then encounter the next woman within the genealogy, Rahab. Rahab was the Canaanite prostitute who helped the Israelites conquer Jericho (Joshua 6:25). Rahab and Salmon had a son named Boaz. The story of Boaz and Ruth takes up the first four chapters of the book of Ruth. It was also the first lesson of this quarter. Ruth was a Gentile, the third to be named in this passage. The two had a son named Obed. His son was Jesse. Jesse originally offered his older sons as candidates for king. But the Lord chose Jesse's youngest son, David instead (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Matthew calls him King David, emphasizing the promise that David's throne would be established forever.
From David to Exile (verses 6 - 11)
The middle portion of the genealogy covers about 400 years. It starts with King David, and then his son, Solomon. Our book points out that Solomon's mother was referred to as Uriah's wife instead of by her name, Bathsheba. It suggests that this has a couple of purposes. One is to highlight that she was likely a Hittite, as was Uriah. It also emphasizes her first marriage that was destroyed after David called her to his house. Reminding the reader of David's grave sins serves to temper any hero worship that the king's status -- especially having been handpicked by God and received incredible blessings from him -- might otherwise inspire. Solomon was the last king of the united monarchy of Israel, in large part due to his own faithlessness later in his reign (1 Kings 11:9-13). From there, King Rehoboam and his successors of the southern kingdom of Judah in Jerusalem are listed. Some of these kings were righteous, and some were not. There are a few notes on the list of kings. Assyria conquered Israel during the reign of Hezekiah in 722 BC. Judah's survival of that crisis is attributed in part to Hezekiah's continued faithfulness to the Lord (2 Kings 19:14-36). Josiah was credited with reinstituting the worship of the Lord and teaching the book of the law (2 Chronicles 34). At the end of this section, we have wicked King Jeconiah. He and his brothers were exiled in the first wave to captives to Babylon. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in the final Babylonian siege in 586 BC (2 Kings 24:18-16). The exile marks the end of this portion of the genealogy.
From Exile to Christ (verses 12 - 17)
The last portion of the genealogy takes a little under 600 years, starting from the low point of the Babylonian exile. The next men, Shealtiel and Zerubbabel, represent the 70 years in captivity. After Babylon was conquered by Cyrus of Persia, the people of Judah were allowed to return to Jerusalem in 538 BC. Zerubbabel was instrumental in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. With Zerubbabel, the Old Testament account of the kingly line ends. The last men listed, up until Joseph, come from a source unknown to us. Nothing is known about the lives of the men from the rebuilding of the temple to Jesus' adoptive father, Joseph. As a side note, Joseph's father does not match between this genealogy and that of Luke. The end of the genealogy is carefully worded. Joseph is the husband of Mary, not a biological relative of Jesus. Jesus' belonging in Joseph's family was a matter of choice, like adoption, instead of natural heritage. Mary is the only woman in the genealogy who was not a Gentile. She accepted God's plan for her with faith and humility, demonstrating why he chose her to raise Jesus. Calling Jesus the Messiah bookends the genealogy. Numbering fourteen generations in each section of the genealogy is an organizational tool that emphasizes the roles of Abraham, David and the exile as formative people/events in Israel's history. The summary serves to emphasize the fulfillment of God's promises. 
Conclusion
Showing all of the different people, with all of their different backgrounds and problems, shows us something about God. The people listed in Jesus' genealogy were both men and women, Jews and Gentiles, righteous and wicked. All of them were imperfect people. But God used them to accomplish his perfect plans.
Prayer
Lord God, may we be reminded that you use all sorts of people to accomplish your will. May you use us, in spite of our sins and weaknesses. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New English Translation. 
Next week's lesson will be on Luke 1:36-45, 56.
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude: Choir ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP: from Psalm 43 Vindicate me, O God. Plead my cause against an ungodly nation. Rescue me from deceitful and wicked people. You are God my stronghold. Do not reject me. Send forth Your light and Your Truth. Let them guide me. Let Your Light and Truth bring me to Your holy mountain. Let Your Light and Truth guide me. Then I will go to the altar of God and praise You. God is my joy and my delight. I will praise You with the harp and music, O God my God. My soul should not be downcast within me. Put your hope in God, my God. I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. INVOCATION
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Choir ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 40 I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit; He lifted me out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock, And gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth; He gave me a hymn of praise to our God. Blessed is the one who makes the Lord his trust. Here I am! I desire to do Your will, O my God. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You have done for us are too many to declare. INVOCATION
*HYMN “When Morning Gilds the Skies” # 667
(intro & 4 verses) *PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Many are the ways I have failed You this week, O Lord. I have done things my way rather than consulting You. I have too often ignored others when I should be looking to their needs. I have not gone the extra mile for anyone but myself. Forgive me. Restore me. Allow me to desire Your presence above all. Help me to reflect Your Love to my family. Assist me in sharing Your forgiveness and hope with all whom I touch and meet. Thank You for constantly forgiving me. *Time of silent prayer: *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri *The peace of the Lord Jesus be with you. And also with you *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture reading James 1: 19 – 27 Mary Esselstyn Matthew 14: 22 - 35 SERMON: “Asking Directions in Western PA” HYMN “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” # 8 (intro & 4 verses) *Apostles Creed Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers for the people The Lord’s Prayer * HYMN “Lead On, O King Eternal!’ # 269 (intro & 3 verses) *Benediction Postlude Choir
BIRTHDAYS Janet Brach, Carol Stough, Ron Westfall
ANNIVERSARIES Nelson & Marlene Huffman Don & Lynn Herschell Tom & Chris Miller SYMPATHIES For the Keith McGill Family For the Mary Allen Schmidt Family Friend of Debbie Durila For the Georgia Manypenny Family Friend of Tim Knabenshue For the Shelvie Coulter Family For the Elaine Belcastro Family We need prayers for Doris Ann Rowe who is under Hospice Care now. 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 to collect for the flower fund that Cheryl Bell oversees. We will be collecting on October 1st.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sandy Stone, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Ricci Amos, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Suzy Smith, Helen Provenzano, Donna West, Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Chuck Harton, Jean Westfall, Billie Wilson, Sue Gregg, Wendy Willard, Marley Smith, Kirkland Cipoletti, Ellen Morris, Mike Durila, Dave Henderson, Ed Horne, Dorothy Caffrey, Doris Ann Rowe, Frank Baker
This week's guest speaker is CRE Nellie Baker.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP With all of our hearts we give thanks, O Lord. For You are Lord of all and our praise belongs to you alone. We worship You today for all that You are to us. Your love is forever, Your faithfulness absolute. Throughout our lives we have called upon You. You have always heard us and given us strength. We will praise You forever, O God. And sing of the wonder of Your ways for all time. Amen.
OPENING PRAYER (unison)
God beyond our knowing, we believe that You care for humble people who seek to follow Your Word more than those who are pretentious and proud of power. You have protected Your people when they were surrounded by trouble. You have provided a way of escape in the midst of oppression. Your love never fails. Come, Holy One, to transform us. Work within and among us to renew our minds and build community. Nurse us into the health You intended for all Your children. You are our help and our hope. Amen. *HYMN “The Church is One Foundation” #321 *PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Merciful God, we confess that we have conformed our lives to the ways of the world and not the ways of Your kingdom. We think of ourselves too highly and regard others as lowly. We exalt possessions and power when You alone are to be exalted. We let conflicts prevail over grace and divisions over harmony. Have mercy upon us, we pray. Forgive and transform us, that we may be holy and acceptable to You, discerning and doing Your will. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. *Time of silent prayer: *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of Illumination Scripture Matthew 16: 13 - 20 SERMON: “Do you know him?” *HYMN “Just As I Am, Without A Plea” # 442 *Apostles Creed Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer * HYMN “Open My Eyes” # 451 *Benediction Postlude
BIRTHDAYS Jordan Chappell, Carley McCoy, Linda Miller, Mary Hathaway
ANNIVERSARIES Tom & Linda Miller Sympathy to the family of Lisa Hamilton 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. Women On Wednesday will meet August 30 at West Middletown Restaurant on Main at 11: 30. Invitation to join West Alexander: Please join us in our community event at the West Alexander Fairgrounds to help kick off Fair Week. What a great time to meet up with friends, neighbors, and family to enjoy songs of Worship, a special message, prayer, Fellowship and refreshments. September 3, 2023 at 6pm.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcastro, Sandy Stone, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Ricci Amos, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Helen Provenzano, Donna West , Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Chuck Harton,Wiley Myers, Keith McGill, Ron and Jean Westfall, Billie Wilson, Ed Horne, Sue Gregg, Wendy Willard, Marley Smith, Kirkland Cipoletti, Ellen Morris, Frank Baker, Mike Durila, Alyssa Kuhn, Dave Henderson
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
We will not be meeting in person for Sunday School for the next two weeks.
Next week, the VBS program will be held in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour. The following week, we will be at the fairgrounds at 10 am for the worship service at the fair.
When we meet in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider how your last week has been. If you have any prayer requests to share, please add them to this post as a comment. 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 Matthew 13:44-52.
Lesson Context
This week, we will be looking at our third lesson on parables. The first two were stories with a beginning, middle, and end. This week, we will be looking at four very brief parables that are found on in the Gospel of Matthew. They include enough detail to make a point while allowing the reader to imagine other details. We might think of these as similar to a more recent phenomenon called flash fiction. A popular example of such fiction is the six word story. "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." Our book talks about reading the New Testament, and bridging the gap between "the two horizons." The first is the historical context in which the New Testament was written. The second is the modern context in which we as readers stand. We need to understand the first horizon in order to deal with the second. In the ancient world, a person's wealth was recognized by them physically possessing something tangible, like livestock, precious metals, or luxury attire. Wealth could be taken. In order to protect things like precious metals, they would be hidden somewhere. In today's society, we might still think of wealth dealing with tangible items. But it also consists of investments, property, stocks, and things that we can't really hold in our hands. Protecting wealth now has more to do with computers: keeping antivirus software and firewalls up to date, not sharing passwords, and being careful about public wi-fi.
Parable 1: Hidden Treasure
In Jesus' time, it would have been a pretty common practice to bury your money. The field the treasure is found in was a farming plot. It was likely secluded away from other people. We get the idea that the man found the treasure alone, with no witnesses. Jewish law at the time stipulated that if a treasure was lifted from the ground, it would belong to the current owner of the field. The man apparently covered the treasure, hiding it again, so there was nothing illegal about his actions. In order to obtain the treasure, the man had to sell all that he had. This was a risk. He was risking that the treasure was worth more than all his personal wealth. He was also risking at the treasure would still be there after he had made the purchase. The point of the parable is that the kingdom of heaven is of superlative inestimable value. But it requires the commitment of everything for those who would be part of it. When we follow Jesus, the rewards are far greater than what we sacrifice.
Parable 2: Costly Pearl
Pearls are made when a foreign object is trapped within an oyster's shell. The oyster secretes a substance, mother of pearl, to make the sharp fragment smooth and nonirritating. Pearls were seen as a very valuable treasure in the ancient world. A business that involves trading in such a valuable commodity has the potential for great risk and great reward. In this parable, the merchant found one pearl of great value. Like the man with the field in the previous parable, the merchant sold everything he had and bought the pearl. This might have meant everything he had with him if he was traveling. It might have meant liquidating property holdings, or other precious gems he already owned. The point of this parable is similar to the previous one. To enter the kingdom of Heaven requires relinquishing our control over everything. Spiritually, we must give up all our ungodly ways and submit fully to the Lord. Materially, nothing we own can be held back if we are fully committed to serve in the kingdom. Everything becomes the Lord's. This involves a shift of mindset from "I own" to "I am a steward." The treasure we receive is worth it!
Parable 3: Good & Bad Fish
In this third parable, Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven to commercial fishing. His listeners would have been familiar with fishing in the Sea of Galilee. Commercial fishing would have been done with a net that was dragged between two boats. Using a net would have been indiscriminate fishing -- it does not differentiate between species of fish likely to be near the surface and those at a depth. A full net would be too heavy to lift into one of the boats. Instead, the bottom would be lifted to trap the fish. Then, the boats would return to shore, beaching the net full of fish. Once on the beach, the fish would be sorted. Good fish would go to market in baskets. Bad fish would be cast aside. Our book points out that the Law of Moses said only fish with fins and scales were considered clean and could be eaten. This meant eels (no scales), various kind of catfish (no scales), and shellfish (neither scales nor fins) unclean. They had no commercial or personal value. This parable connects with last week's lesson about the weeds among the wheat. In both cases, there is a harvest. The harvest is then sorted. The good part of the harvest is kept, and the bad part of the harvest is discarded. It is all about the harvest at the end of the age, the time of final judgment.
Parable 4: Old & New Treasures
A teacher of the law was a literate person who made copies of Scripture by hand and was an expert in the law. This person is depicted as the owner of a house. In this case, the old treasures are the law of Moses, and the new treasure is Jesus. The owner bringing out his treasures is the sharing of scripture. 
Conclusion
Jim Elliot was a missionary to Ecuador, where he was killed in 1956. In his journal in 1949, Elliot wrote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." This speaks to the core point of the parables in today's lesson. To remain dedicated to the kingdom of heaven is a treasure far beyond any material possessions. But its cost is a willingness to give up what we have to follow Jesus.
Prayer
Father, grant us the wisdom to recognize the priceless nature of your kingdom! And give us the courage to yield all that we have for it. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New International Version. 
Next week's lesson is on Galatians 5:13-26.
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