“

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”

2 Timothy 3:14 from ‘The Message’ Rev. Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the New Testament.

Refresh Renew

Revive

RALLY DAY

Sept. 10, 2017 11:00am - Worship Service

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

STRIKING OF THE HOUR

WELCOME Rev. Steven H. Rhodes

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Please sign the Friendship Register)

PRELUDE: Fanfare and Trumpet Tune on “Nettleton” David Lasky

*GATHERING: Rev. Alice A. Odell Leader: We gather under the Word of God People: To find rest for your souls Leader: To enter into the grace of forgiveness People: To taste the living water of renewal Leader: To find stillness amidst our weariness and anxious worry People: To sing to the heavens and rejoice All: God’s Word creates us, God’s Word defends us, God’s word guides us

*HYMN #403: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Exodus 12:1-14

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of Moses and Abraham and Sarah, God of Mary and Matthew, God of our mothers and fathers – you act in history, you act in our history. Your desire is to build and forgive and create. But too often we read your Word like a dime novel, thinking it an interesting story, but not effective. Forgive our lack of faith, forgive our lack of trust that your Word is not just helpful but hopeful and healing - your word is not just a list of names and adventures, it is life itself… (Time for silent confession) Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*GLORIA PATRI 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.

PROCLAIMING THE WORD

A TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Rev. Steven H. Rhodes

ANTHEM: Awake, My Heart Jane Marshall Chancel Choir

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

NEW TESTAMENT READING: John 1: 1-5

MESSAGE: “God’s Word: Right here, Right now & Always Right” Rev. Steven H. Rhodes

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed 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; 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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

RECOGNITION OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS Elder Kathy Keane

PRAYER Rev. Alice Odell

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY: O Worship the King Forrest/arr. Douglas Wagner

*DOXOLOGY #592: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

BEARING AND FOLLOWING THE WORD INTO THE WORLD

*HYMN #450: Be Thou My Vision

*CHARGE AND BLESSING

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE: You Shall Go Out With Joy You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth before you; There’ll be shouts of joy and all the trees of the field Will clap, will clap their hands! And all the trees of the field will clap their hands, The trees of the field will clap their hands, The trees of the field will clap their hands, While you go out with joy!

POSTLUDE: Rejoice! Anthony Giamanco

You Shall Go Out With Joy words and music by Stuart Dauermann ©1975 Lillenus Publishing Company; Words and music used by permission. CCLI#3087103

WELCOME! We pray that you will truly experience God’s love and grace as you worship here. Members and visitors, please record your presence on the Friendship Pad when passed to you, and warmly greet those near you. Hearing devices and large print hymnals are available in the Narthex. Please see an usher for assistance. If you would like to learn more about our church, please indicate your interest when the Friendship Pads are passed. You may also speak to a minister or an usher at the conclusion of the service. We would love to help you become connected with our community of faith.

WORSHIP CHILDREN’S WORSHIP: Every Sunday following “A Time with the Children”, ages 4–5

th grade can either choose to continue to worship with their families, or go to

Children’s Church. Children’s Worship Booklets for ages 4-12 are in the Narthex. Please pick up children from Building “A”.

MUSIC NOTES: The prelude is based on the hymntune Nettleton, which is most commonly used with the lyrics for Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. The choir’s anthem is a call to live each day in such a way that our lives show our love and fervor for God! Rejoice! is an original composition built around rhythmic and joyful chordal flourishes.

CHANCEL CHOIR and COVENANT RINGERS have started their new season! This is a great time to become a part of Seven Oak’s Music Ministry. We have a great time glorifying God in song and fellowshipping together. Please speak with Lloyd, or one of the choir members for more information.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS: The flowers in the sanctuary today, are given to the glory of God by Sharon and Chris Staton, and in celebration of the marriage of their daughter Cassandra to Dr. Adam Marshall. The wedding took place on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA.

FELLOWSHIP

SEPTEMBER 24 - LUNCH AFTER CHURCH: Please join us and enjoy fellowship and yummy food. The menu planned is crispy fried chicken, mac and cheese, seasoned green beans, squash, creamy coleslaw, and pound cake with a fruit topping. We need everyone to sign up on the pew pads or call the church office so we can plan correctly. Hope to see you there!

SHEPHERD’S CENTER OF ST. ANDREWS: The Shepherd’s Center of St. Andrews will begin its 9 week Fall Session on September 19. Shepherd’s Center is an all-volunteer, interfaith learning program for active adults fifty and above. Classes this Fall will include Shakespeare and Nature of Evil, Ukelele 1 and 2, Bob Hope’s USO Shows in Vietnam, Archaeology in South Carolina, and many others. The classes and fellowship are great. There are brochures in the Narthex or contact Hal Bowman for more information.

CALLING ALL GOLFERS (Men and Women) The Fellowship Ministry is excited to announce that we will be holding our Golf Tournament on Sunday, Oct. 1st, at Mid Carolina Golf Club. We’ll be playing Captains Choice. We will be joined by golfers from McGregor and Westminster Presbyterian churches. Tee off will be at 1:30 pm, the cost will be $35/pp which will include a hamburger cookout with all the fixings. Let Ken O'Mellan, komellan@sc.rr.com or Bill Seigler wrseigler@gmail.com know, as soon as possible, if you'll be joining us for fellowship and a fun time.

MISSIONS

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (PDA) is reaching out to the areas hit by Hurricane Harvey. Over 30,000 people have been displaced. Today we will be accepting checks for Hurricane Harvey relief. So far we have collected $3,398.29. Please make checks to Seven Oaks and put on the information line for disaster assistance. Thank you for helping during this devastating time.

TENNIS SHOES: Donna Moore is collecting NEW tennis shoes (children, women, and Men) for victims of the storms. Please bring them to the church to be delivered. We invite you to insert your favorite scripture verse or a sweet note in the shoes.

COLLECTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER: Our Sharing God’s Love collections this month are Macaroni and Cheese and Spaghettios. Our ongoing collections are: Pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and Box Tops for Education for Seven Oaks Elemen-tary School. We also continue to collect for Two Cents a Meal for the hungry in the red ribbon jars at our meals. You may leave your items in the Missions drop off room or the black baskets in the narthex.

Can you imagine what it would take to recover from a devastating hurricane & flooding? Hurricane Harvey has rendered many people homeless and unable to cope! Hurricane Irma is most likely on its way to the US. YOU can help!!! PLEASE prayerfully consider putting together the “Gifts of the Heart” kits! Your circle, your Sunday school class, your children can all help! Please bring your kits to the Fellow-ship Hall starting Wednesday, Sept 13. Gift of the Heart Clean up kits include: one 5 gallon bucket with resealable lid, 5 scouring pads, 7 sponges, assorted sizes, 1 scrub brush, 5 dust masks, 50 clothespins, Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft., 1 box dry laundry detergent, 50-78 oz., 1 pair work gloves, 2 pair latex gloves (like Playtex) 1 liquid concentrated household cleaner (like Lysol, 12 oz., 1 bottle liquid disinfectant dish soap (like Dawn) 25 oz., 1 pkg cleaning towels (18 reusable, (like Easy wipes), 24 count roll heavy duty trash bags (33-45 gallon), 1 bottle insect repel-lant (drops or lotion, not aerosol) 6-14 oz. Liquids in plastic bottles only. Pack all NEW, unopened materials in plastic bucket & close with lid. You can also donate money. Please make checks to SOPC & mark for PDA, $56 covers the cost of 1 kit.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE PRAYER GROUP: Prayer group meets every 2nd and 4th Monday at 4:30 p.m.

CONGREGATIONAL CONCERNS: Rich Allen, Betty Jo Carson, Kathie Cashion, Terry Clark, Clyde Crook, Sarah Drayton, Tom Falls, Willie Hale, Jim and Anne Hill, Ken O’Mellan, Billy Rawl, Dick and Barbara Schneider, Patricia Williams Please pray for all who have personal matters going on in their lives.

HOSPITALIZATIONS: None

WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS FOR TODAY - September 10

GREETERS: Jim and Donna Moore, Pat Byrne, Brenda Turner USHERS: Ron Kesterson, Frank Sheppard, Kent Phillips, Shelagh Wirth, Melanie Mixon, Mark and Marion Watson-Wishart ATTENDANCE SHEETS: Mary Jane and Heyward Stuckey, Martha Hallbick

COUNTERS: Ed Keelen, Ron Kesterson NURSERY: Amy Schwartz CHILDREN’S CHURCH: Janice Reiser ACOLYTE: Max Werner

WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS FOR NEXT WEEK - September 17

GREETERS: Janice Reiser, Willie Hale, Maureen Clark USHERS: Guy San Fratello, Judy Barnes, Clyde Crook, Pete Spearman, Buddy Wilson, Jacob Schwartz ATTENDANCE SHEETS: Mark and Mary Johnson, Marty Spearman

COUNTERS: Jeanne LeBoeuf, Tish Lowe NURSERY: Amy Schwartz TIME WITH THE CHILDREN: Sue Kesterson CHILDREN’S CHURCH: Marsha Phillips ACOLYTE: Ewan Park

Outline of the Old Testament

Based on key people

1. Adam and Eve to Abraham and Sarah – the beginnings of the world and

a people.

2. Abraham and Sarah to Moses, Miriam and Aaron – the beginnings of a faith

3. Moses to Joshua and the twelve tribes – the beginnings of a nation.

4. Joshua to the High Priest Samuel and the first King Saul – the

beginnings of a kingdom

5. Saul to King David and then his son Solomon – The Kingdom grows/the

beginnings of conflict.

6. Solomon to the last King Zedekiah – The continuation of conflict and

7. Zedekiah to the last High Priest, Jaddua. – destruction of the nation and

a promise of hope

Or, based on the Books of the Old Testament: (all dates are approximate)

1. Genesis to Deuteronomy (creation to 1300BC)

2. Joshua to Esther (1300BC to 484BC)

3. Job to Song of Songs (from 1600BC to 0BC written a various times)

4. Isaiah to Ezekiel (792BC to 597BC)

5. Daniel to Malachi (597BC to 434 BC)

Or, based on major moments of Creation:

1. Creation of the world – Genesis 1 and 2

2. Creation of humans – Genesis 1 and 2

3. Creation of a people – Genesis 12 to Genesis 50

4. Creation of a faith – Exodus through Deuteronomy

5. Creation of a nation – Joshua through 2 Chronicles

6. Creation of a future hope – Job through Malachi

Outline of the New Testament Based on the biography of Jesus

1. Birth – Bethlehem 2. First years – Escape to Egypt, return and teaching at the Temple 3. Early ministry – Gathering disciples in Galilee 4. Middle ministry – in Samaria with Gentiles 5. Late ministry – In and around Jerusalem 6. Last week – Jerusalem – Last Supper with disciples 7. Death – Crucifixion at Golgotha outside Jerusalem 8. Resurrection – Finding of empty tomb & being seen many places for 50

days Or, based on the purpose of Jesus life on earth

1. The fulfillment of Scripture – Isaiah 9, Matthew 1 2. The Salvation of all humankind – Genesis 12, Luke 3, John 3, Ephesians 1 3. The Restoration of the original intent of Creation – Genesis 1, John 1,

Romans 8 4. As a living witness of God nature – John 14 5. The Making of disciples – Matthew 28, Matthew 9 6. The creation of the church – Acts 2, Ephesians 1

Or, based on the listing of books

1. Matthew to John – Birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus 2. Acts of the Church – the creation of the local church and Paul’s ministry. 3. Letters of the Apostle Paul – letters to congregations about matters of

faith and life together. 4. 1 and 2 Peter through Jude – Letters addressed to all church’s revealing the nature of Jesus, the meaning of community and a call to

discipleship 5. Revelation – A call to faithfulness in hard times-The place of the church

in the world now and to come.

THIS WEEK AT SOPC

Sunday, Sept. 10 - RALLY DAY 9:00am Breakfast - Children’s Activities during breakfast 9:25am Intergenerational activities 9:45am Adult Classes overview Children and Youth Sunday School begins* 9:50am Adult Sunday School begins* 11:00am Worship Service* 2:00pm J.A.M. Pool Party - at Michaela’s house

Monday, Sept. 11 10:30am Bible Study Begins 4:30pm Prayer Team

Tuesday, Sept 12 11:00am Mary Martha Circle 11:00 am Presbyterian Communities Circle 2:30pm Rachel Circle

Wednesday, Sept. 13 7:30pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, Sept. 14 10:30am Ruth Circle 6:30pm Hannah Circle

Friday, Sept. 15 6:45am Lanterns

Saturday, Sept. 16

Sunday, Sept. 17 9:45am Sunday School* 11:00am Worship Service*

* Nursery is provided

SESSION MEMBERS

Class of 2018 Linda Floyd

Fred Holbrook Ed Keelen

Ron Kesterson Polly Robinson John Whitfield

Class of 2019 Pat Byrne

Marty Hilyer Kathy Keane Ken O’Mellan

Jim Taylor Jim Wilhide

(Clerk of Session)

Class of 2020 John Jones

Jeanne LeBoeuf Tish Lowe

Kathryn Morganelli Jack Noe

Mark Wishart

Trustees Guy San Fratello

Janice Reiser Lucretia Seigler

STAFF

The Rev. Steven H. Rhodes Transitional Pastor

steve@sopc.net

The Rev. Alice A. Odell Parish Associate alice@sopc.net

Dr. Lloyd R. Pilkington Director of Music Ministry

Mrs. Criss Gray Office Manager sopc@sopc.net

Miss Michaela Craven

Interim Director for Children and Youth michaela@sopc.net

Mr. Karl Thompson

Building Superintendent

Mrs. Sharon Watkins Accompanist

Mrs. Sharon Staton

Volunteer Financial Administrator sharon@sopc.net

Mrs. Amy Schwartz

Childcare Coordinator

MISSION STATEMENT Loving our neighbor, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ

VISION STATEMENT Serving the world by creating disciples of Jesus Christ

CORE VALUES Missions:

Giving of ourselves through local and global outreach

Justice and Grace: Reaching out to the least, the last, the lost

Congregational Support: Meeting the needs of the congregation through nurture and fellowship

Christ Centered Worship: Christ centered worship that includes prayer, music,

biblical preaching relevant to today’s world

Generosity Encouraging a life of stewardship by sharing our God-given blessings

Biblical Teaching: Discovering God in Christ through teaching the Word to all ages

Embracing All: All are welcome

Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church 530 St. Andrews Road Columbia, SC 29210-4517

Phone (803) 772-1761 E-mail: sopc@sopc.net Web Site: www.sopc.net