WELCOME, GUESTS! Thank you for worshiping with us this morning. Please sign the Friendship Pad, pass it along the pew, and introduce yourself to those around you after the service. Stop by the Welcome Center in the Narthex (lobby) to pick up information that will acquaint you with our church services and programs. You are also invited to join the conversation on Facebook, at facebook.com/firstpresah, and Twitter, at @FirstPresAH. We look forward to connecting with you again.
First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights A congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Organized in 1855
CHILD CARE Children of all ages are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate in worship. Child care is available (infants through age four) in the Christian Education Wing (8:45 am – 11:45 am). CLASSES FOR ALL AGES From September through May, Sunday morning Christian education classes are held for all ages. These include classes for preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school students, as well as education and discussion groups for adults. To learn more, visit firstpresah.org or call the church office at 847-255-5900. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE Large print bulletins, large print hymn packets, and hearing amplifiers are available from the ushers. IMPORTANT WORSHIP REMINDERS Please silence cell phones and refrain from taking photos or recording the worship service. Services are webcast live at firstpresah.org/media/live-stream. To download or listen to a podcast of today’s sermon (available soon), visit firstpresah.org/media/podcast. Past sermons and other educational broadcasts are available through the Media section of our website.
Heritage “Mercy more becomes a magistrate than the vindictive wrath which men call justice.” ―Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 18, 2018 11:00 AM Choose love. Be the light. Change the world.
First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights 302 N. Dunton Avenue • Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-255-5900 • www.firstpresah.org •
[email protected]
HEARING GOD’S WORD
The prelude is your invitation to quiet preparation for the worship of Almighty God.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
GATHERING AS GOD’S PEOPLE PRELUDE
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING
“A Festive Intrada” Cynthia Dobrinski “A Gaelic Melody” arr. Hal Hopson “Hallelujah” Cohen, arr. Joel Raney Chancel Hand Bell Choir; Nick Pulikowski, director
WELCOME
Alex Lang
CALL TO WORSHIP One: All: One: All: One:
Rise up, O Lord; do not forget the oppressed. We commit ourselves to you, for we are helpless. Strengthen our hearts and incline your ear. Hear the desire of your people as we worship you.
HYMN 223
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
CALL TO CONFESSION
“My Jesus, I Love Thee”
Paul Sjolund
“My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine; For thee all the follies of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou: If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now. I love thee because thou hast first loved me, And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree. I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow: If ever I loved thee, my Jesus ‘tis now. In mansions of glory and endless delight I’ll ever adore thee in heaven so bright; I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow; If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now. My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou: If ever I loved thee, my Jesus ‘tis now.”
Luke 7:41-50 (Pew Bible, p. 840) Alex Lang The Word of the Lord/Thanks be to God!
Hamburg
Judy Hockenberry
SILENT CONFESSION …in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. WORDS OF FORGIVENESS GLORIA PATRI (Hymn 581) 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.
COMMUNITY LIFE
Esther 3:1-6 (Pew Bible, p. 387) Judy Hockenberry The Word of the Lord/Thanks be to God!
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING
God of justice, forgive us for blaming others for our pain and sorrow. Forgive us for choosing wrath over forgiveness. Forgive us when we seek justice through ways that inflict pain on others and on our world. Forgive us for the deep anger we allow to fester in our hearts and minds and bodies. Help us to let go of our anger so that our lives radiate your love and light. Empower us to model forgiveness and justice in ways that change our world.
One: The peace of Jesus Christ be with you. All: And also with you. One: Let us share the peace of Christ with one another.
Judy Hockenberry
Chancel Choir; Luke Sparreo, flute
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
PASSING THE PEACE
ANTHEM
OFFERTORY
SERMON
“Wrath & Justice”
Alex Lang
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (The Confession of 1967, 9.14) God’s love never changes. Against all who oppose him, God expresses his love in wrath. In the same love, God took on himself judgment and shameful death in Jesus Christ, to bring all to repentance and new life. “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive”
Detroit
GIVING THANKS TO GOD PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Judy Hockenberry
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.
OFFERING
John Rutter
“Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honour all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you forever. Amen.”
Chancel Choir
DOXOLOGY (Hymn 606) 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 THANKSGIVING
GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME HYMN 755
“Alleluia! Laud and Blessing”
BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
Weisse Flaggen
Alex Lang “Carillon”
Herbert Murrill
Please stand as you are able.
TIME OF SILENT REFLECTION
HYMN 444
“Go Forth into the World in Peace”
Preaching: Alex Lang Greeter: Bill Hamilton Ushers: Kate McVay (head usher), Kurt Ahlers, Peter Bukowski, Rob Lincoln, Frank Morrone Flowers: Ed & Cathy Harding—In loving memory of Nell and Tom Kerr Pastors: Alex Lang, Judy Hockenberry, TC Anderson Director of Music and Worship: Adam Hendr ickson Associate Director of Music and Organist: Chr is Ur ban
