Northeastern Presbyterian Church
2112 Varnum Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018
Telephone: (202) 526-1730 Fax: (202) 526-5900
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://nepc-dc.org
March 6, 2016
10:00 a.m. Worship Service
The Rev. Nancy E. Thornton, Pastor
Northeastern Presbyterian Church
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Welcome to the Northeastern Presbyterian Church as we celebrate the Gifts of Women! We
thank God for this time together! We pray that the grace of God will heal your hurts; that the
strength of God will give you courage to face the week before you; that the power of God
willprepare your way; and that the peace of God will keep you secure and steady in Christ Jesus.
**Westandwithourheartsorourpostures
۩DoNotEnter
SOZreferstothe“SongsofZion”hymnal
WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE IN PRAISE AND PRAYER
Prelude
Choral Introit
"Let Heavenly Music Fill This Place" -
The Chancel
Choir
Greetings
**Invocation
**Call to Worship
One:
Many:
One:
Many:
One:
All:
Remembered for an extravagant act,
she is remembered for the beautiful thing she has done—
expensive oil poured upon Jesus’ head,
boldly inheriting the act of anointing.
Scolded by some, but defended by Jesus:
“Wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world,
what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
**Hymn
#472, Hymnal
“Cantad al Senor/ O Sing to the Lord”
Prayer of Confession
One:
We come seeking reconciliation and peace. We come to experience
forgiveness. In faithful witness to your grace, O God, we confess our sins
before you and one another.
Gracious God, we confess that too often we pass judgment upon
others, because their behavior seems excessive and extravagant to us.
We neglect to realize that there is no one right way, but there are a
diversity of ways to serve you. Forgive us for trying to control the
abundant ways that others express their love and service to you.
Forgive us for our short-sightedness and sin. Give us the strength, O
God, to glorify and enjoy your abundant love. Amen.
All:
God’s Good News
One:
Many:
One:
Many:
One:
Our God forgives us, even when we have been unforgiving of others.
Our God loves us, even when we do not particularly love
ourselves.
Our God gives us grace, even though we do not deserve it.
So let us love one another.
So let us forgive each other.
All:
We will offer grace to one another.
Announcements
Welcome to our Visitors
**Passing the Peace
#114, SOZ
“Ain’t Dat Good News?”
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
WE EXPERIENCE GOD'S WORD
Children’s Message
Mr. Glen Grier
Mr. Glen Grier
Pastor Nancy
Response #304, Hymnal
“Jesus Loves
Me!”
Invitation to the Offering
Jesus gave himself for the life of the world. With humble hearts bowed in awe,
let us offer ourselves and our gifts to God.
۩Offertory
-
"Guide My Feet" - Harris
*Doxology #592, Hymnal
The Chancel Choir
"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"
*Prayer of Dedication
Holy God, we give thanks for your saving love made known to us in the life, death,
and resurrection of Christ. Bless these gifts that they may bring life on earth as in
heaven; in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Anthem "Now Sing We Joyfully Unto God" – Young The Chancel Choir
Prayer for Illumination
Come Holy Spirit, source of all life. As we hear again the story of salvation history,
let the same mind be in us that was in Christ, who was a servant that we might be
free. Awaken our ears, open our hearts, and sustain the weary with your Word.
Amen.
۩ Scripture Readings :
1 Samuel 2:1–10, p. 214, Pew Bible
Psalm 32 (responsively), p. 440, Pew Bible
2 Corinthians 5:16–21, p. 940, Pew Bible
Mark 14:3-9, pp. 826-27, Pew Bible
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God!
۩Sermonic Selection
Message
Mrs. Amanda Sargent
Rev. Nancy Thornton
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
**Song of Affirmation #85, Hymnal
“What Wondrous Love Is
This”
Pastoral Prayer
The Celebration of the Lord’s
Supper
#398, Hymnal
“There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit”
“Let Us Break Bread Together”
#513, Hymnal
INVITATION
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
THE PRAYER JESUS TAUGHT…. p. 16, Hymnal
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
THE GOSPEL FEAST
PRAYER
O Lord our God, we rise from this table knowing a love beyond our deserving.
Thank you for giving us a place at your table; for serving us the bread of life; for
offering to us, even to us, the cup of salvation. In humility and hope, we live in your
promised day. In Christ we pray. Amen.
WE GO FORTH TO LOVE AND SERVE GOD AND NEIGHBOR
**Hymn #432, Hymnal
*Charge and Blessing
“Canto de Esperanza/ Song of Hope”
Choral Benediction "Three-Fold Amen"
(Please Be Seated until after the Postlude)
Postlude :
"Hymn to Joy" - arr. Albert L. Travis
LECTIONARY: JOSHUA 5:9-12: PSALM 32; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-21; LUKE 15: 1-3, 11B-32
Liturgist: Elder Angela Hemphill
Greeters: Mrs. Ruby Webb and Ms. Geraldine Chiles
NORTHEASTERN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VISION
STATEMENT
As we rely on God’s guidance, the vision of Northeastern Presbyterian
Church is to fulfill the command of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to
promote Christian faith and practice through evangelism, outreach,
compassion and fellowship to our congregation and the wider
Community.
We commit to:
• Worship
• Witness
• Learn
• Grow
• Nurture
• Serve
3-Rosalyn Cephas, 11-Carla Ester, 14-Tonya Vincent, 19-Mary
Minor, 20-Jaryn Gessesse, 27-Clara Rich, 31-Clarence Wade
PER CAPITA
$37.50
Northeastern Presbyterian Church
2112 Varnum Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 2018
202-526-1720
[email protected]
Lenten Bible Study
Hallelujah! The Bible and Handel’s Messiah”
Tuesdays, 2/16 – 3/22/16 – 6-7:30 p.m., Jamison
Palm Sunday
Maundy Thursday Worship
Good Friday Worship
3/24/16, 6:30 p.m., Auditorium
“The Seven Last Words of Christ”
3/25/16, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Do I Have to Celebrate “Gifts of Women” Sunday?
by Rev. Erin Counihan
What in Mother God’s good earth is Celebrating the Gifts of Women Sunday?
A few weeks ago, I received a mailing from our denomination about Celebrating the Gifts of
Women Sunday ... I figured that this was some hold out from days of old where we lifted up the
work of the Women’s Circle and the Sunday School teachers in the most patronizing ways a
church run by men could come up with.
I knew that at some point, one special day set aside to celebrate women in the church apparently
was necessary. And maybe in many contexts it still is. I am sure it is. But I am the woman solo
pastor of our wonderful little church. Just with my being there, there is a load of feminist
theology and woman celebration pouring into every worship service, every bible study lesson,
every church activity that I plan. Most Sundays, I have a woman or girl standing next to me
serving as the liturgist. Most. Our music minister and administrative assistant are women. Most
of our session members are women. Um, most of our members are women. I am aware that this
is different in other churches, especially in bigger churches, certainly in other denominations.
But I think in general, in our context, we do a pretty good job of celebrating the gifts women
every week.
So I used the Celebrating the Gifts of Women Sunday materials from my denomination as a
coaster.
And when I got home from a long, beautiful day of church yesterday, where like usual, women’s
voices were heard through the sound system, where our little girls spoke up loudly during the
children’s time, where we prayed for women in leadership and women who influenced us, where
we prayed to a God who was not male nor female, where we shared in fellowship and discussion
which was coordinated and facilitated by women; where we celebrated the gifts of women all
day, like we do every day.
If we think that women don’t have equal opportunities to share their gifts in the church, we need
more than a litany on one Sunday in March. We need to do more than change “brothers and
sisters” to “sisters and brothers”. I tried to research my denomination’s history with Celebrating
the Gifts of Women Sunday. I couldn’t find anything. I am sure that faithful, smart, talented
women in ministry put this resource together for our churches every year. Maybe some of you in
this ring have worked on it. Maybe some of you can fill me in on the history. I hope so. Because
I need you and your gifts. I need your experiences and your memories. I need to follow the trails
you’ve blazed and learn from the journeys you’ve walked. I know that I only have the job I have
because of the gifts of women who led before me, in very un-celebrated ways. I benefit from the
work you’ve done and all the Gifts of Women Sundays you’ve led. Tell me about it.
But then, for Phoebe’s (not Pete’s) sake, let’s move ahead, celebrating the gifts of women
EVERY Sunday. Every. Day.
Announcements
A LENTEN BIBLE STUDY: HALLELUJAH! THE BIBLE AND HANDEL’ MESSIAH,”
Tuesdays, 2/16 – 3/22/16, 6:00 -7:30 p.m., Jamison
ATTENTION: AS PART OF A SERIES OF GATHERINGS sponsored by Presbyterian Men
organizations in the National Capital Presbytery (NCP) area, Northeastern men are hosting a
Prayer Breakfast and Gathering on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The
event will include Devotion and a meal, followed by a presentation and discussion about “The
Phenomenon of Homelessness” led by Michael L. Ferrell, Executive Director of Coalition for
the Homeless, Washington, DC. Many people have their own opinion as to why homelessness
exists, but the fact is many homeless people
work. Growing shortages of affordable housing, less secure jobs with fewer benefits are just a
couple of the issues contributing to homelessness. Gain further insight into the phenomenon of
homelessness and why it is so intractable in our community and throughout the nation. Come,
have a great meal and join in the dialogue that makes NCP men’s meetings so illuminating and
enjoyable.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: We are studying the Book of Acts on Tuesday
mornings. This book is the first written history of the Christian church. The life of the early
church is recorded: introduction to the beginning of the church, the church in Jerusalem, the
church scattered into Palestine and Syria and the church advancing to the end of the earth.
Please join us.
INTERPRETATION AND STEWARDSHIP (GGC): One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is
one of four church wide Special Offerings of the Presbyterian Church. Last year in 2015 we
made an honest effort in asking you to give generously. Your response was above average
and the Stewardship Committee is asking that you continue to do the same this year. The date
for collection will be announced later in March.
THIS MONTH @ NORTHEASTERN
Mar. 6
Mar. 7
Mar. 8
Mar. 9
Mar. 10
Mar 13
Mar. 15
Mar. 16
Mar. 17
Mar. 19
Mar. 20
Mar. 21
Mar. 22
Noon Day Prayer Service, Chapel
Church School for All Ages, 9:00 a.m.
Holy Communion Sunday Worship Service, 10 a.m.
Literary Club following worship, Library
Christian Education Committee following worship
AARP Board Mtg., 10 a.m., Jamison Lounge
Tuesday Morning Bible Study: 11:00 a.m., Jamison
Noon Day Prayer Service, Chapel
Boy Scout’s meeting: 6:30 p.m., Auditorium
Cherub Choir: 6:30 p.m., Choir Room
Celestial Choir: 7:30 p.m., Choir Room
Session Meeting, 7:00, Jamison Lounge
Classical Conversation, 8a – 3p, 2nd floor
Thankful Thursday. E-mail your reason to be
Thankful to [email protected]
NA/AA Anonymous, 6:30p.m.
Worship & Music Committee mtg., 6:30 p.m., Jamison
Church School for All Ages, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service, 10 a.m.
Social Concerns Meeting, Jamison Lounge, following worship
CIC Meeting, Livingston Room, following worship
Tuesday Morning Bible Study: 11:00 a.m., Jamison
Noon Day Prayer Service, Chapel
Lenten Bible Study, 6 p.m. Jamison
Cherub Choir: 6:30 p.m., Choir Room
Celestial Choir: 7:30 p.m., Choir Room
Classical Conversation, 8a – 3p, 2nd floor
Thankful Thursday. E-mail your reason to be thankful to [email protected]
NA/AA Anonymous, 6:30p.m.
Chancel Choir: 7:30 p.m., Choir Room
Buildings & Grounds, 10:00 a.m., Jamison
Food Pantry: 9:30 a.m., Livingston Room
Presbyterian Men, 7:00a.m., Auditorium
Church School for All Ages, 9:00 a.m.
Palm Sunday worship 10 a.m.
Deacon Board Meeting following worship
AARP General Meeting, 10-2:00 p.m., Auditorium
Tuesday Morning Bible Study: 11:00 a.m., Jamison
Noon Day Prayer Service, Chapel
Mar. 23
Mar. 24
Mar. 25
Mar. 26
Mar. 27
Lenten Bible Study, 6 p.m. Jamison
Cherub Choir: 6:30 p.m., Choir Room
Celestial Choir: 7:30 p.m., Choir Room
Classical Conversation, 8a – 3p, 2nd floor
Session Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Jamison
Thankful Thursday. E-mail your reason to be
thankful to [email protected]
NA/AA Anonymous, 6:30p.m.
Maundy Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Auditorium
Good Friday, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Food and Friends, 9:00 a.m.
Sunrise worship, 6:30a.m.,
Breakfast following Sunrise worship service
Sunday Worship Service, 10 a.m.
DEEPEST SYMPATHY
It is with great sadness I announce the passing of Karla Nixon a former member of
Northeastern. Her services will be held at Jenkins Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at
12:30 p.m.
Ms. Doris Herron, sister to Iris Burnell, was funeralized on Friday, March 4, 2016 at J.B. Jenkins
Funeral Home, 7474 Landover Road, Hyattsville, MD 20785
Mothers-ofthe-Bible
Baby Shower
Please join us after worship next Sunday, March 13, 2016, to celebrate
Northeastern’s mothers-to-be: Stacey Brown, Danielle McCray and Monika
Nixon at a Mothers-of-the-Bible Baby Shower. We will lift up ways that
mothers in the Bible provide guides for the Christian motherhood of our
present and future mothers.
Bring small tokens you associate with Christian parenting and nurturing,
for example, a framed prayer, Bible verse, or lullaby, a small blanket to
wrap the baby in the love of Jesus, blocks to symbolize building character,
needlework, books, childproof locks, socket covers for safety, small toys to
bring joy.
With or without tokens, come and help us thank God together for these
new lives.
Notes: