First Presbyterian Church

January 17, 2016 10:30 a.m.

Baptism of the Lord Be reverent. This is the house of the Lord. Before the service, speak to God. During the

service, let God speak to you. After the service, speak to one another.

“I will strive to enter that intimate space of Christ’s radical love with you.”

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Prelude “More About Jesus” arr. Todd Kendall

Welcome and Church Life Notes

*Passing of the Peace – please share the peace & love of Christ with your neighbor

Introit

*Call to Worship - based on Psalm 126 (read responsively)

Leader: We gather to worship with expectations: God revealed in new and

astonishing ways.

People: God comes to us in real time. God comes to us in dreams.

Leader: Sometimes God’s presence is hard to take in— difficult to believe.

People: O God, we long to believe. Help our unbelief!

Leader: God is present here. God is working in our midst.

People: Then our mouths are filled with laughter, our tongues shout out

with joy!

*Hymn “Morning Has Broken” #664

Prayer of Confession (read in unison)

Leader: Trusting in the promise of grace, let us pour out our hearts before God.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, we remember with gratitude those people who

generously sowed the seeds of faith in our lives. Above all, we

recognize how you have blessed our lives with the gift of the Holy

Spirit so that our faith has miraculously and mysteriously grown.

We confess the times we fail to involve ourselves in planting any

seeds of faith in the lives of others; the times when our personal

agendas become more important than yours; the times when we

have denied others the opportunity to expand their faith through

our lack of interest or involvement; the times when our lives

become so entangled with the values of the world that we forget

what you have said and done and promised.

Lord Jesus Christ, we know that when we become disconnected

from you, our lives becomes parched and unfruitful and our faith

becomes stunted and dry. Bless and renew our lives, we pray, so

that we remain connected to you at all times and in all places,

strengthening our faith to expand and, growing strongly and

vigorously, to bear the fruit of your mercy, your love, your

undying life.

(A moment for silent personal prayer of confession)

Assurance of Pardon (read responsively)

Leader: This is the word of the Lord: in Jesus Christ, you are forgiven by God

and given new life.

People: Thanks be to God!

*Choral Response “The Gloria”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost!

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be!

World without end! Amen! Amen!

Anthem “I Have A Dream” Mary Donnelly

Chancel Choir arr. George O. Strid

PROCLAIMING THE WORD

Time with Children Rev. Sarah Hooker

(Children may leave for the Child Care Room following Children’s Time.)

Prayer for Illumination (read in unison)

Speak to us your word, O God, that we may hear Jesus’ call to be his

disciples. Amen.

First Reading (page 38 NT in the pew Bible) Mark 4:1-20

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

*Hymn “For the Fruit of All Creation” #36

Second Reading (page 38 NT in the pew Bible) Mark 4:21-34

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon “Gospel Lives” Rev. Sarah Hooker

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

*Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed – (Traditional version) (read in unison) (Ushers gather in the narthex at this time.)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy

Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was

crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he

rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right

hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the

quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of

saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life

everlasting. Amen.

Presentation of Gifts & Offerings

Call to the Offering Offertory “The Healing Balm of Prayer” David Paxton *Choral Response “The Doxology” # 606 *Prayer of Dedication

Sharing Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer

… “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”

*Parting Hymn “God of the Fertile Fields” #714

*Benediction

Postlude “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” arr. Peter Benjamin

*You are invited to stand.

Pastor: Rev. Sarah Hooker Music Director: Gayle Olsen Organist: Gayle Olsen e-mail: office@fpcdelhi.org

Liturgist: Elder Al Perkins 4 Clinton Street, Delhi, NY 13753 (607) 746-2155, Fax # 746-2156

Web Site: www.fpcdelhi.org

The First Presbyterian Church Delhi, New York

First Presbyterian Church actively exists as the living body of Christ, committed to growing in faithfulness to God, serving the whole human

family and welcoming all people into God’s love. (Our Mission Statement)

SUNDAY January 17

Annual Reports Available 9:30 am Sunday School (RR) 10:00 am Choir Gathers (Chapel) 10:30 am Worship (FPC Sanctuary) 11:30 am Coffee Hour Fellowship (FH) 12:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 4:00 pm Boy Scout Troop Meeting (FH)

MONDAY January 18

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Office Closed 9:00 am Senior Fitness (FH) 10:00 am Monday Morning Bridge (BR) 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals (CR) 7:00 pm Boy Scout Committee Meeting (RR)

TUESDAY January 19

11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals (CR) 5:00 pm Weight Watchers (FH)

WEDNESDAY January 20

7:30 am SPARKS at Crossroads Café 9:00 am Senior Fitness (Chapel) 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals (CR) 6:30 pm Trustees Meeting (Library)

THURSDAY January 21

11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals (CR)

FRIDAY January 22

10:00 am Gentle Yoga (Chapel) 11:00 am Delaware Opportunities Senior Meals (CR)

SATURDAY January 23

SUNDAY January 24

9:30 am Sunday School (RR) 10:00 am Choir Gathers (Chapel) 10:30 am Worship (FPC Sanctuary) 11:30 am Annual Congregational Meeting (Sanctuary) 12:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

RR – Red Room; CR – Conference Room; FH – Fellowship Hall; BR – Blue Room

Thought for the Day: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish as fools.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

A brief January newsletter is now available for pick up throughout the church as well as online. The February – March edition is set to publish in early February. The deadline for this newsletter is January 26th. Please contact the church office if you have any questions.

First Presbyterian Church Delhi, New York

Church Life: January 17, 2016

“I will strive to enter that intimate space of Christ’s radical love with you.”

On this second Sunday after the Epiphany, we extend a welcome to all who have come to praise our Creator. We are sincerely happy that you have come.

Touch us, Lord, that we may all be completely engaged in the service of worship.

We invite everyone to take a moment during the offertory to sign the Church Attendance Register found in each pew. A special welcome is extended to all who are visiting with us this morning. We hope that your worship experience will be meaningful and enjoyable. If you are interested in learning more about First Presbyterian Church or becoming a member of this congregation, please speak with Pastor Sarah, the Church Office or any Elder.

COFFEE HOUR will be held today in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the Worship Service. EVERYONE is invited to this time of fellowship. Please join us this morning!

The TRUSTEES responsible for counting today are Vicki Noble and Jim Merwin. The Trustees responsible for counting on January 24 are Erica Cantwell and Pat Sullivan.

Nichole Newbold will be in the child-care room today during the worship service. There is a list of who will be providing care each week posted on the Nursery door. Child care is provided from after the children's sermon until the end of worship most Sundays. If you are in need of care earlier in the service arrangements can be made by locating a nursery attendant prior to the service.

Children’s worship bags are available in the hospitality room on the shelves. Children are welcome to select a bag with items of their choosing to use during worship. Children’s Bulletins are also available.

A CALL has been issued by the Session for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, according to the terms of the church By-Laws, to be held immediately following worship on Sunday, January 24, 2016. The purpose of the meeting will be to review annual reports, receive the budget, accept the terms of call for the Pastor and address any other business that may come properly before the Congregation.

The 2015 Annual Report is available in the church office and in the Narthex. The report contains the year-end treasurer’s reports as well as reports from all the committees of the church.

The children's Sunday School at First Presbyterian is now an all ages class where students will use their imagination through LEGO© creations to experience their faith and the biblical story. Join us next week and see God at work, brick by brick. Sunday School starts at 9:30 am each Sunday during the school year. If you are interested in helping to lead the class, contact the Christian Ed Committee for more information.

The Upper Room Devotionals for January and February are now available on the information racks in the narthex and outside the church office. If you wish to make a contribution to defray the cost, there is a wooden box in the Narthex.

2016 Mission Stockings are now available in baskets throughout the church for those of you who receive the Courier by email or read it online. Pick your favorite one out today and start filling it according to the instructions with the stocking. Stockings will be attached to all printed copies of the February – March newsletter as well. If you do not plan to use your 2016 Stocking (in print copies of the February - March Courier), please return to any mission stocking basket throughout the church or drop off at the church office. If you have any questions, please see Nancy in the church office.

The 2016 Flower and Coffee Hour Sign-up posters are up in the Fellowship Hall. We are in need of people to help with Coffee Hour. Please sign up on the sheet in Fellowship Hall or see Janet Maxwell. Thank you for helping with this time of Fellowship!

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SUB & CHILI SALE - The Session is currently selling subs and homemade chili to raise funds for the general fund. Order forms are available from any

Session Member, in the January Courier, in the office and on the bulletin board in the narthex. All orders are to be placed by February 1st. All subs and chili must be picked up on February 7th during Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall. Order your chili and subs today! Thank you for your continued support!

Mission Emphasis for January – Food Bank

"Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon." Isaiah 58:10 NLT The January Mission Emphasis is commitment to our local Food Bank. Contributions are accepted here at First Presbyterian Church in the bins in the Narthex and across from the church office. Help us fill the shelves of the food bank!

The Per Capita amount for 2016 has been set at $34.86 per member.

Attendance week of 1-10-16 56 The amount needed each week The amount given week of 1-10-16

$2,903.70 $5,142.22

The amount needed year-to-date The amount given YTD as of 1-10-16 Fuel Fund given YTD as of 1-10-16

Mission giving week of 1-10-16 Mission giving YTD as of 1-10-16

$5,807.40 $7,833.53

$510.00

$301.00 $471.00

Apportionment Needed 2016 Apportionment received YTD as of 1-10-16

$6,658.32 $256.53

Thoughts on Giving: “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) St. Paul tells us that God has blessed each of us for a reason. How has God blessed you? Are you using your gifts according to God’s plan; helping to do His work here on earth? Remember that if you don’t do the work God planned for you, no one else can do it. Stewardship Prayer: That we open our hearts and allow the Holy Spirt to work God’s plan through each of us.

The Church envelopes for 2016 are located on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Please pick yours up after worship this morning. Please see Gia Cantwell if you are unable to locate your envelopes.

If you have not already prayerfully considered the Time and Talent Stewardship Commitment for 2016 and the Financial Stewardship Intention for 2016 forms found in your Stewardship packet, please return them to the church either in the offering plate, the church office or mail in the enclosed envelope. Additional packets are available in the church office.

If you would like a statement of your giving for 2016, please feel free to contact our Financial Secretary, Gia Cantwell by calling her home phone (746- 3611) or e-mail gia.cantwell@fpcdelhi.org.