UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
12 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road
Yardville, NJ 08620
Phone: (609) 585-5770
(609) 585-5674 fax
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February 4, 2018
WELCOME
Welcome! You have come to hear the Word of God, and you shall hear it read and preached. But we hope that by hearing it, you will also meet the Word of God, the Living Word, Jesus, our Master and Savior. And we pray that you will leave our church equipped to serve him more faithfully and effectively.
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
February 4, 2018
PRELUDE“On Eagle’sWings”Joncas/arr. Smith
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER HYMN “This Is My Father’s World”293
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sing, and round me ring the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.
WE COME TO WORSHIP GOD
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Praise the Lord!
People: How good it is to sing praises to our God!
Leader: How great is our God! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond our comprehension.
People: How good it is to sing praises to our God!
Leader: The Lord delights in those who honor him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
People: How good it is to sing praises to our God!
All: Praise the Lord!
*HYMN “How Great Thou Art”467
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We cannot hide from you, Everlasting God, even if we were to go from one edge of creation to the next. You speak to us of compassion, but the ways in which we treat others show we have not been listening. You explain your hopes to us, and we act as if we don't have a clue as to what is going on. We run as fast, and as far, from you as we can, and wonder why we have no energy to follow Jesus.
Yet you search for us in all the deserted places we flee to, Never-wearied God, so you can take us by the hand to show us the way to life with you. You heal our broken hearts so we can offer them to others. You fill us with your strength so we can bind ourselves to Jesus, our Savior, following him to serve all of your children. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GIVE GLORY TO GOD “Glory Be to the Father” 577
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen.
Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
OLD TESTAMENTLESSON Isaiah 40:21-31
21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in; 23 who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing.24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows upon them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble.
25 To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God"?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. 30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; 31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
CHILDREN’S SERMON “For the Beauty of the Earth” Rev. Jean B. Pinto
ANTHEM “Peace Like A River/Amen” Traditional/arr. D. Wagner
PSALTER LESSONPsalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God;
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
6 The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre.
8 He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry.
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
11 but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
20c Praise the Lord!
SERMON “Star Struck” Rev. Jean B. Pinto
MOMENT FOR QUIET REFLECTION
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S 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.
CALL FOR THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY “Come, Let Us Eat”arr. D. Cherwien
*WE GIVE PRAISE AND THANKS TO GOD (tune # 455)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below;
Alleluia, Alleluia. Praise Him above ye heav'nly host; Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*PRAYER TO DEDICATE OUR GIFTS
You lift us to our feet so we can walk with you, Loving God, and you fill us with your gifts so we may pour them out for those around us. Take what we offer and use them in that kingdom work, which strengthens the weary, feeds the hungry, and gives hope to the despairing. Amen.
THE LORD’S SUPPER
INVITATION
*COMMUNION HYMN“Become to Us the Living Bread” 500
Joys and concerns may be written on the pew cards and given to the ushers during this hymn. They will be shared during the prayers of the people, unless you mark them confidential.
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PRAYER
Holy, holy, holy are you, God of all knowledge.
All creation sings glad praises to you.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who came for our sake.
Hosanna in the highest!
PRAYER
Christ died, not boasting in himself;
Christ was raised, the gospel lived out in him;
Christ will come to take us by the hand, giving us strength.
LORD’S PRAYER
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
Hear our prayer, O Lord. Hear our prayer, O Lord.
Incline Thine ear to us, and grant us Thy peace.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS
PRAYER
God of Grace, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. May this food strengthen us in love and help us to serve you and each other. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
*HYMN“O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”384
*WE RECEIVE GOD’S BLESSING
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE“Go In Peace”
Go in peace, go in love, finding joy in each other.
Go in peace, go in love; in Christ we’re sister and brother.
Led by the Spirit there’s strength each day. Light the way together.
Go in peace, go in love. May Christ be with you forever.
POSTLUDE “Swing Lo Sweet Chariot”arr. W. Held
Liturgist: Gloria Hanewald
Flowers: Given In Memory of Michael Festa by Karen Machin
Greeters & Ushers:Joan Reid & Rosemarie Wales
UPCOMING EVENTS February 4th – February 11th
Sunday—February 4th 9:30 amE3 Communion Worship Service
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
10:15 am Coffee Hour – Hosted by Worship Committee
11:00 am Traditional Communion Worship Monday- February5th 12:00 pm AA
7:30 pm Scouts Committee Meeting
7:30 pm Webalos Scouts
8:00 pm NA
Tuesday- February6th10:00 am UPW
12:00 pm AA
Wednesday-February7th 6:30 pm Webalos Scouts
7:00 pm AA
7:00 pm Stewardship - Finances
Thursday-February8th 6:30 pm pm Scouts
7:30 pm Choir
8:00 pm AA
Friday---- February9th 8:00 pm AA
Saturday—February 10th 9:00 am Garden State Prison Ministry Training
Sunday— January11th 9:30 am E3 Worship
9:30 am Adult Sunday School
11:00 am TraditionalWorship
6:00 pm Youth Group
There are large print bulletins available. Please see an usher if you need this service.
Coffee Hour – was hosted by Worship Committee. Thank you for providing wonderful nibbles, drink, and fellowship this morning.
Mission Spotlight–Our Mission Spotlight for February will be focused on Homefront. This organization helps transition the homeless to permanent housing as well as help provide emergency aid, food, clothing, and even furniture from a warehouse for those in need. All donations marked “Mission” will be forwarded to Homefront. Please consider donating generously to this worthy cause!
The United Presbyterian Church staff, Marilyn Machmer, Mike Mraz, and Jean Pinto are grateful for your generous Christmas gifts. It is a blessing for us to work with such a wonderful and caring congregation, and we are warmed by your appreciation of our efforts. Thank you so very much!
UPC – is the charterorganization of Boy Scouts Troop 91, members of which will be assisting in worship today at the 11;00 am service. Please make them welcome as well as thank them for all that they do and have done for the church through their work days and their projects.
Survivors - will meet at the church, Fellowship Hall, OnWed., Feb.14th at 12:00 p.m.to play Bunco. We ask that you bring a bag lunch and dessert or salad to share. Drinks will be provided. All seniors and their friends are welcome to participate in our annual Bunco afternoon. Please contact Rita Peterson at 259-7256 or f you plan to attend. I would like to thank everyone that has saved tabs for the Ronald McDonald House this pastyear and ask for your continued support of this wonderful organization.
UPC’s Choirjust presented a splendid Christmas Cantata and will beginning working on an Easter cantata by
Robert Lau entitles “The Cross,” an artful and sensitive creation commemorating Christ's last week on earth from his triumphal Jerusalem entry and last meal with his disciples, to his agony on the cross and glorious resurrection. The familiar scriptural narration and simply designed hymn settings are woven into a seamless choral cantata, adding heightened meaning and understanding to Jesus' final journey. Rehearsal for this cantata began on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 7:30 pm. There is a chair for any and all who love to make music! Come join! Dress Rehearsal will be Saturday, March 24th at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. Performance will be Sunday, Marth 25th during the 11:00 am Worship Service and there will be NO E3 service on March 25th. So,
please come to learn, listen, and enjoy!
UPW - will have its meeting on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall. A discussion of Chapter 2 entitled “:God’s Will Is Relationship” of the new bookDiscovering God's Will For Your Lifeby Sheila Walsh will take place during this meeting. All women of the church are cordially invited to join! After the meeting that is done at Noon, those women who would like to go for lunch are invited to go to a local restaurant
UPMen – will be meeting Saturday February 17th at the Golden Dawn Diner 9:00 am. The diner is located on Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Hamilton Twp., NJ. Any questions, please contact Jim Dixon phone 609-298-3398 or email . Come on out and meet the Pillsbury Boy ! It will be a breakfast with “heart”: and enjoy the Christian fellowship with the men of UPC!!!
The Women'sBook Club- will meet onTuesday, the 27th of Februaryin the Bertolet Lounge at7:00 pmto discuss our classic selection HEIDIby Johanna Spyri which was published in1880. Heidi is an inspiring story of a 5 year old orphan who is sentto live with her mean spirited grandfather in the Alps. We inviteall women of the church and their friends who enjoy good books andfellowshipto join us. Our March selection is WHAT WAS MINE by Helen Klein Ross.
Our Mission Statement
We are called by Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to celebrate and share the love of God with grace and joy.
Gracefully and joyfully we seek to share our gifts in the community through:
Open Doors
Diverse Worship
Innovative Education
Creative Mission Dynamic Service
PRAYER REQUESTS
Healing – for all those ill with cancer, undergoing surgery as well as treatment for cancer including Glenda Cain; Dan Rose; Pam Rose; Scott Rose; John Borak; Sue Fleming; Bud; Mike McHugh; for those awaiting test results Linda Ramos: for those in hospital, or, having surgery and in recuperation - including Matt Machin; Nancy Dykas – knee replacement; Sarah Preston – hip replacement; Edith Owens; Pat Anthony; for those in need of improved health including Frank & Marilyn Kostar; Karen & Keith Ezzo; Dot Forconi; Gloria Gardecki Susan Anthony; Dot Brocaloni; Walt; Danny & Emily; Kathleen Kibler (Pete & Carol Heberling’s daughter) in ICU; Tony Gloria Gadecki; Mary Jane – recuperating from a heart attack a well as strength for her family who are caring for her; friends of the LaCrosse family suffering from depression; those having personal problems like Carly Mauer; Lili – patience and peace.
Comfort – for the Bereaved family of William Bohram; for the Bereaved family of Ron Fouse (brother of Rev. Terry Fouse).
Because of your stewardship commitment, the United Presbyterian Church is supporting the ministries of:
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through Monmouth Presbytery; the Synod of the Northeast, and the General Assembly.
Mobile Meals of Hamilton Township
Princeton Theological Seminary Scholarship Fund
Trenton Area Habitat for Humanity
Trenton Area Rescue Mission
Presbyterian Camp at Johnsonburg
Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Pearson Memorial Food Bank
Womanspace
Homefront
CHURCH STAFF
Ministers: All the Members of the Congregation
Pastor: Rev. Jean B. Pinto (737-8011)
Pastors Emeriti: Rev. Terry E. Fouse and Rev. John H. Milne
Organist: Marilyn Machmer
Choir Director: Michael Mraz
Church Secretary: Michael Mraz
Prayer Chain: Daytime: Carol Heberling (298-2594); Betty Reinert (585-5770)
Evening: Gail Fouse (585-3248); Joyce Vaughn (888-1187)
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