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WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God

2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001 | (563) 583-1729 | http://wpcdbq.org

Gabe Vesperman

OCTOBER 15, 2017 9:30 A.M.

“Take a hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe.” (Hebrews 3:1 The Message)

"God isn't far away from any of us. For in God we live, move, and exist." (Acts 17:27,28)

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TO OUR GUESTS: WELCOME! Thanks for joining us for worship. More information about Westminster Presbyterian Church is available on the Welcome Table in the back of the Sanctuary. We encourage you to fill out the Friendship Binder found in your pew and please join us for refreshments and conversation in the Narthex after the service. Periodically, Pastor Murry hosts "Welcome to Westminster" orientation meetings for anyone who would like to know more about Westminster or is considering the possibility of church membership. Watch the bulletin for announcements.

• Large print bulletins are available from the ushers. • Childcare for children 5 and under is provided in the Nursery down the hall from the Sanctuary. * All who are able may stand.

Prelude Luke Tyler, Pianist

Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Hal Murry

Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.

Welcome and Announcements

Minute for Mission: "All I Can Do is Say Thank You" Lisa Fast "5000 Coins" Avery, Madison & Max *Greeting Our Neighbors

*Introit #2233 "Where Children Belong" This, this is where children belong, welcomed as part of the worshiping throng. Water, God's Word, bread and cup, prayer and song: This is where children belong.

*Call to Worship Grace Wu

Leader: We gather with love, in the name of God who loves each and every child. People: We gather with hope, in the name of Christ, who is the hope of the world. Leader: We gather with justice, called by the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called our "Companion". People: Let us worship on this Children's Sabbath day with love, hope and justice.

*Hymn #267 vs 1-3 “All Things Bright and Beautiful" *Invitation to Confession Kaitlyn Shimon

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*Unison Prayer of Confession Madison Fast

God, We confess that our world does not fully reflect your love and justice. We know that you do not want any of your beloved children to suffer hunger or poverty. Yet there is much that keeps us from creating the world you desire...

• We get overwhelmed and discouraged. • We feel helpless or hopeless. • We seek distractions or distance ourselves from "other people's"

problems But deep down we know that we are ALL your people.

Forgive us, O God. Help us to turn in a new direction. Show us how to move forward working with faith, love and hope to end poverty and pursue justice to create the world you intend. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, hope of the world. Amen

(Moment of silence for personal reflection)

*Assurance of God's Forgiveness Hal Murry

*Response #2030 "The First Song of Isaiah" Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my strong-hold and my sure defense, and he will be my Savior.

Introduction of Youth Faith Formation Team Ricardo & Zach

Youth Anthem "Grow in Me" Youth Choir By Tom Long & Allen Pote

Children’s Message "Growing" Katrina Richardson

Drama: "Parable of the Sower" WPC Youth Based On: Mark 4:1-10, 14-20

Today's Scripture: Mathew 13:18 -23 NLT Donavan Dremmel

18" Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 20The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. 22The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly

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hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!"

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

*Hymn - insert "The Garden Song" By David Mallett

*Affirmation of Faith (from "A Brief Statement of Faith") Tiffany Birch

We trust in Jesus Christ, Fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captive, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.

Pastoral Prayer Hal Murry

The Lord’s Prayer Max Cary 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.

Stewardship Moment: "Why I Give" Jason Smith

Giving of Our Offerings Please use this time to pass the Friendship Binder found at the inside end of your pew.

Offertory "Holy God, We Praise Your Name" Youth Handbells arr. by Bill Ingram

*Song of Thanksgiving #333 “Seek Ye First”

Seek ye first the king-dom of God And His righ-teous-ness, And all these things shall be added unto you. Al-le-lu, al-le-lu-ia!

*Prayer of Thanksgiving Hal Murry

*Hymn #304 “Jesus Loves Me"

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*Blessing Hal Murry

Response #2160 “Into My Heart” Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart, Lord Jesus Come in today, come in to stay; come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Out of my heart, out of my heart, shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus Shine out today, shine out alway; shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus

*Postlude Luke Tyler, Organist

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THANK YOU to Lizz Tyler, Diane Peake and Praise Band for helping with Children's Sabbath!

TODAY, right after worship...

• CAKE! for adults in the Narthex. (Kids get a special treat today in Sunday School)

• Sunday School for children and youth meets downstairs • Adult Bible Study on Amos meets in the Board Room. ALL are welcome. Same content also

offered at 6:30 Tuesdays at Westminster and 2:00 on Wednesdays at Bethany Home. ALL are welcome.

OCTOBER IS "STEWARDSHIP MONTH" at Westminster. All members and friends are invited to submit a 2018 Estimate of Giving Card to the church office or through the Sunday offering by the end of the month. October worship services will highlight a variety of Westminster mission and ministry emphases:

• Last Sunday -- "Digital Ministries"

• TODAY -- Youth Faith Formation Ministries • October 22 -- Ministry to the Mandarin Speaking Community (fellowship hour with

refreshments follows worship in Fellowship Hall)

• October 29 -- Westminster's Ministries of Care

REFORMATION SUNDAY COMMUNITY WORSHIP - OCTOBER 29TH AT 4:00 P.M.

EVENT DETAILS: Join us for an energizing & ecumenical worship to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation! President Louise N. Johnson, from Wartburg Theological Seminary will be preaching. The Rev. Lindsay James from Westminster will be presiding. COMMUNITY CHOIR: Pam Crawford, from Westminster, will be directing. Open to all local singers. Rehearsals are Wed., Oct. 18 & 25 at 7:45-8:45 p.m. here at Westminster. WORSHIP TOGETHER: Here at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2155 University Avenue, Dubuque. An offering for local ministries will be collected. Let’s come together and show our unity in Christ! RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

For more information about the service & the community choir, contact Dr. Martin Lohrmann, mlohrmann@wartburgseminary.edu/563-589-0305

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GREEN TIP: Fertilize in Fall. Use less fertilizer and water in the long term. Fertilize now to give your lawn stronger roots to handle summer heat and drought next year. Fertilizing in fall encourages root growth more than blade growth. Use a slow release (higher insoluble nitrogen content) fertilizer and apply 1 pound of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of lawn. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn and mulching leaves also improves turf health. (Most lawn thatch is caused by over-fertilizing and over-watering.)

OCTOBER PROPERTY COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:

• Completed annual inspection and repairs to EPDM (rubber) roof ($800).

• Ordered a new gas stove for the church kitchen equipped with electronic pilot lights ($900)

• Replaced one of two air handler motors used for heating and cooling the Sanctuary. This was one of the original motors installed in 1964. (Cost TBD)

STILL Producing! The harvest from Westminster's Mission Garden is 1631 pounds, all donated to local food pantries to help neighbors struggling with "food insecurity." Cool weather produce is still being planted. "I planted, Apollos watered, but GOD made it grow." -- The Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 3:6. A NOTE FROM RICH HENDERSON: We are looking for bagged leaves from your yard for the Mission Garden. We prefer leaves that are raked & bagged -- that helps us avoid any grass that may have been sprayed. Either drop the bags off by the compost containers or give me a call.

Please bring your unwanted items for us to sell. Filling up Fellowship Hall is what makes these sales so successful and our church mission goals are so generously met.

Co-chairs: Sue Case and Gerda Preston Hartman

Please call Sue Case @ 599-5289 if you are able to help in any way.

WESTMINSTER BOOK EXCHANGE - Take new reading material TODAY!! Any leftovers will be sold at the WPC Rummage Sale.

THE WESTMINSTER GREEN TEAM presents a public showing of the acclaimed documentary movie

BAG IT! Sunday, November 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church

Refreshments served. Free will donation.

Please join us!

Fall Rummage Sale is THIS WEEK!! Thurs., Fri. & Sat., Oct. 19, 20 & 21

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WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: OCTOBER 15, 2017

Church Office Number: 583-1729 | Rev. Hal Murry: 580-4196

Rev. Hal Murry, Teaching Elder Church Administrator: Mary Kay Pancratz Financial Secretary: Becky Jenkins Custodian: Tim Till Faith Formation Leader for Youth: Lisa Fast Nursery: Amy, Emily, Megan, & Scarlett Care Ministry Coordinator: Glinda Manternach Organist/Pianist: Dr. Luke Tyler Adult Choir/Adult Handbells: Pam Crawford Youth Choir: Lizz Tyler Band/Youth Handbells: Sally Stulken Timbrel & Lyre: Dr. Luke Tyler Refreshments & Bldg Care: Teresa Miller Head Usher: Terry Flynn Greeters: Tom & Linda Stovall Ushers: Dan & Wendy Tabraham Margaret Callaghan & Bruce Hallahan Mary Breiner & Gidget Maas PRAYER REQUESTS:

If you would like to have your name on our Prayer Request list, please advise the church office (583-1729) or the Pastor.

COMMUNITY EVENTS: TROOP 11 Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale - Monday, November 6th 4:00-7:00 p.m. Westminster's Fellowship Hall. Adults $7.00, $4.00 Kids 4-12, Kids 3 and under FREE All You Can Eat Spaghetti, Salad, Bread Sticks, Milk, Coffee. Drinks & desserts avail. for purchase.

Sign up with Linda Stovall in the Narthex.

~ Invite your friends to join us!

Collecting Donations Now!

September 4

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Sunday, October 15

CHILDREN'S SABBATH 8:00 a.m. Youth Handbells Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 10:40 a.m. Sunday School, Classrooms 10:45 a.m. Amos Bible Study, BR Cancelled due to rain - Vesperman Farms 1:30 p.m. Worship at Bethany Home 3:00 p.m. Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, BR

Monday, October 16 10:30 a.m. PEO, Sue Huff, FH, K 6:00 p.m. Cub Scouts, Classrooms 6:00 p.m. Scout Master Mtg., BR 7:00p.m. Troop 11 Boy Scouts, FH 7:00 p.m. Scouts Parent Mtg., BR

Tuesday, October 17 5:45 p.m. Youth Handbells, SA 6:30 p.m. Amos Bible Study, WR 6:30 p.m. PNC Meeting, BR

Wednesday, October 18 Rummage Sale Set Up

10:30 a.m. JKP Meeting, CR 2:00 p.m. Amos Bible Study, Bethany Home 5:00 p.m. Adult Handbells Rehearsal, LOFT 5:40 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, Choir Rm. 6:45 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehsl, LOFT 7:45 p.m. Reformation Choir Rehsl, LOFT

Thursday, October 19 Rummage Sale

4:00 p.m. Finance Meeting, WR 5:15 p.m. Green Team Mtg., BR

Friday, October 20 Rummage Sale

2:00 p.m. Mandarin Bible Study, CR

Saturday, October 21 Rummage Sale

7:00 a.m. Share Food Distribution, BR 8:45 a.m. AA Something New, MS 9:00 a.m. English Tutoring, CR 9:00 a.m. Rescue Mission Prep, K 7:00 p.m. Timbrel & Lyre Rehearsal, SA

Sunday, October 22 8:00 a.m. Timbrel & Lyre Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Fellowship Hour, FH 10:40 a.m. Sunday School, Classrooms 10:45 a.m. Amos Bible Study, BR 12:00 p.m. Rescue Mission Dinner 1:15 p.m. Youth to Vesperman Farms

THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: OCTOBER 15TH THRU OCTOBER 22ND

FROM YOUR WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION:

Planning ahead is part of effective stewardship. Plan your will now - and include a bequest to Westminster.

Save the Dates: Fair Trade Market (SERRV) coming November 25, 26 and December 3rd.