St. John’s United Church of Christ
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – MOTHER’S DAY
Rev. Dr. Robert S. Stoudt, Interim Pastor
The Service: 10:00 a.m.
May 14, 2017
(Let us be silent and prayerful as we prepare ourselves for worship.)
MISSION STATEMENT OF ST. JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Remembering that God calls us through Christ to be ministers with each other, St. John’s United Church of Christ, as inspired and directed by the
Holy Spirit seeks: To be inclusive and accessible to all people; To provide loving service to all of God’s people through mission and ministry; To
strive for righteousness, justice, and peace.
Prelude
*Passing of Peace
Sharing of Announcements and Joys & Concerns
Time for Centering
*Call to Worship
One: This is the day the Lord has made; let us celebrate and praise God!
Many:
Many: Let our hearts be raised in word and song for God's mercy and grace.
One: Wise is the one who lives with the guidance and love of the Lord.
Many:
Many: For we are God's children and we are called to be faithful
faithful and obedient.
One: And our faith and obedience will bring praise and honor unto God.
All:
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
*Hymn: #426 “O God, Whose Steadfast Love
Love””
*Prayer of Confession (TOGETHER) – Love is patient; for our quickquick-temperedness. Love is kind; for our
indifference towards others.
others. Love is not envious; for our petty jealousies.
jealousies. Love is not boastful; for our
pretentiousness.
pretentiousness. Love is not arrogant; for our opinionated views.
views. Love is not rude; for our crass
behavior. Love does not insist on getting its own way; for our false sense of our own importance.
importance. Love
is not irritable; for our resentful behavior. Love does not rejoice in wrongwrong-doing; for our rejoicing in all
the wrong things.
things. May God show us mercy, forgive us our sins against love and lead us to life that
lasts.
lasts. Amen.
*Words of Assurance - We are no longer alone - we are God's Beloved. We are not of this world, but
residents of God's Kingdom. We, who once had no hope, have been filled with forgiveness. Each one
of us, all of us, have received God's mercy in Christ. Forgiven, redeemed, made whole - we are a
people made one in faith. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Scripture:
Proverbs 31:10-29 (page 471 in pew bible)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (page 813 in pew bible) Lay-Reader: Brian Griffith
Anthem – “A Home of Grace
Grace”” – Martin
Children’s Chat
Hymn - #61 “Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost
Ghost””
Sermon: “Ode to Harriet
Harriet””
Time of Reflection
*Affirmation of Faith (together) – We believe in God the Father, who reveals his love to us in Christ. We believe
in God the Son, who pours out God's Holy Spirit on us. We believe in the Holy Spirit, who teaches us God's
truth. We believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. — written by Michael Perry
*Pastoral Prayer
*Let us continue to pray in the words that Jesus taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven,
heaven, hallowed be Thy
name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.
heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and
forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us. 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 and Offertory
* The Offertory Response #785
We give you but your own, whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully.
* Prayer of Dedication of Gifts and Self: (together) God of grace, it is our delight and our devotion to give
these gifts to You.
You. All we are and all we have are Yours
Yours alone. Accept this joyful offering as a token
of our abiding love: use it to bring peace, justice and comfort to all the world, Amen.
*Hymn: #43 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Excelling””
*Benediction
*Choral Benediction
Go In Love
Go in Love; Have no fear. God will guide you, He is Always near.
Go in love; take God’s hand. God will hear you, He will understand.
May God’s light forever shine upon you; may His peace be always in your heart.
Go in love; face each day. God will lead you, He will show the way.
Go in love and live your faith. Amen
*Postlude
*All who are able, please stand.
THE OUTWARD SIGNS
Attendance – May 07, 2017 – 78
CLEANCLEAN-UP KITS – To date we have received $1130.00 (includes $250.00 grant) in donations to fill clean-up
buckets for Church World Service. We extend a big thank you to all those who have so generously contributed.
With money already received we have purchased enough of the specified items to fill 13 buckets. Since the
need for buckets is so great, we are allowing time for all those who would like to contribute to do so. The
deadline for contributions toward providing buckets is the end of May. In a later bulletin there will be a time
when volunteers would be appreciated to help in fill the buckets. If you have questions, contact Joe or Ann
Lingenfelter.
YARD SALE – St. John’s will be holding another yard sale on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH, 2017, from 8:00 a.m.
– 3:00 p.m. Please bring your “GENTLY” used items for donation by placing them in the pavilion. More details
to follow.
LUNCH BUNCH - St. John's and other area churches are once again partnering with Bucknell University in the
Lunch Bunch Program. This program provides healthy bag lunches to Lewisburg Area School age children
throughout the summer. The Mission Committee is asking for your support in two ways. First, to help assemble
the lunches on the mornings of June 12th and June 14th from 9:30-11:30 AM in the church social hall and
second, to help with a small cash donation to purchase the lunch supplies. You can mark your offering
envelopes with "Lunch Bunch" or drop off your donation at the church office. To help in the assembly of the
lunches please contact Rick or Lauren Rautzhan, Brenda Adams or Sue Gemberling.
An Ecclesiastical Council for Marian K Anderson - Sunday, May 21, 2017 at Dreisbach UCC, Lewisburg
3:00 PM, 875 Dreisbach Church Rd, Lewisburg, PA 17837.
An Ecclesiastical Council is an examination of a candidate seeking to be ordained in the United Church of Christ.
After the ballots are counted, the results will be shared with the candidate and the assembly. A time for fellowship
and refreshment will follow the council.
COUNTRY GOSPEL CONCERT – The Joe Murray Band will hold an evening of Gospel Music on Sunday, May
21, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church of Turbotville.
( free will offering will be taken to cover the costs) Prior to the show Zion’s boy scout troop will be serving a
Soup & Sandwich meal. Various soups, sandwiches, desserts, plus hot & cold beverages will be served. A
donation will be taken to cover the costs of the meal.
St. John’s United Church of Christ
1050 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 - (570) 524-7606 or (570) 523-0162 Fax: 570-524-0468
Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Office: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
www.stjohnslewisburg.org
[email protected]
A QUIET ROOM for adults and one for children are available
where the service can be seen and heard.
Phonic-Ear Hearing Units available . . . wherever you sit;
LARGE PRINT BULLETINS & BIBLES AVAILABLE . . .
ASK AN USHER
CHANCEL FLOWERS
Given by Carol & Don Erdley,
In loving memory of Helen Bowersox, Carol’s mother.
Monday, May 15
Tuesday May 16
Wednesday, May 17
Thursday May 18
Friday, May 19
Saturday, May 20
Sunday, May 21
7:00 p.m.
7:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
09:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
09:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Buffalo Valley Singers (FH)
ELECTION DAY (FH)
ST. JOHN’S QUILTERS (CR)
Weight Watchers
BELL CHOIR
TOPS 1158 (CR.)
H.O.P. (Heart of Pa, Women’s Chorus (CH.RM)
TOPS (CR)
CONSISTORY MEETING (PAR)
Music Together Class (FH)
Buffalo Valley Singers Rehearsal (SANCT.)
Buffalo Valley Singers Concert
09:00 a.m.
09:15 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
3:00 p.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL (CHR. RM.)
WORSHIP
Buffalo Valley Singers Concert (SANCT>/FH)
It is a privilege to serve you . . .
Rev. Dr. Robert S Stoudt, Interim Pastor
Rev. James E. Johnson, Pastor Emeritus
Todd R. Hummel, Dir. of Music/Organist
Rita Griffith, Choral & Bell Choir Director
, Nursery
Linda Sartwell/Sue Baish, Sound Technician
Todd Hummel, Administrative Assistant
Dot & Art Bower, Greeters
Liz DeSantis, Children’s church
Maria Bozella, Acolyte
Barry Catherman, Video Technician
St. John’s is pleased you have joined with us today. We hope that you have found this time both a blessing
and a renewal. Please sign the attendance board (and include your complete mailing address/telephone
number and/or email) as it is passed down the pew, and introduce yourself to the person receiving the
attendance board. If you are looking for a new church family of faith and would like to consider St. John’s,
please speak with the pastor or the ushers following worship.
Need a ride to church services or events at St. John’s UCC? Arrangements will be made for we want everyone
to be able to attend and participate in events held at the church. Contact Ron Zug at 523523-3987.
Opportunities and Concerns – May 14,
14, 2017
2017
Today,
Today, May 14,
14, 2017 – – FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
09:00 a.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
09:15 a.m.
CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL (CH.RM)
10:00 a.m.
WORSHIP, MOTHER’S DAY
11:00 a.m.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Next Sunday, May 21,
21, 2017
2017 – SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
09:00 a.m.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
09:15 a.m.
CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL (CH.RM)
10:00 a.m.
WORSHIP
11:00 a.m.
FELLOWSHIP HOUR – Sue Gemberling
3:00 p.m.
BUFFALO VALLEY SINGERS CONCERT
524--7606, with any updates!)
Prayer List - (Please contact the church office, at 524
Hospitalized-- Fred Brouse (Buffalo Valley, rm. 261),
Hospitalized
Wilma Miller (rm. AP 567 Geisinger)
Recently Discharged from the Hospital – June Seaman
Home-- Sid Bowersox, Fred & Ruth Brouse, Carol Erdley, Charlotte Hufnagle, Rick & Donna Pauling, Mary
At Home
Stover.
Shut--In/Homebound
In/Homebound-- Ann Beasom, Carrie Brouse, Marilyn Correll, Leona Fertig, Pearl Fisher, Bill & Lola
Shut
Fuller, Louise Heistand, Lois Hummel, Evelyn Mabus, Ethel Moser, Don Murray, Dotey Noyce, Robert Ritter,
Shirley Seese, Alda Wagner.
In our Prayers – Marlin Rautzhan, Christine Sartwell, Shiela Seaman.
Prayer for Healing
O God You are the only source of health and healing, the spirit of calm and the central peace of this universe.
Grant to me such a consciousness of Your indwelling and surrounding presence that I may permit You to give
me health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONFIRMATION PROJECT UNDERWAY! - The Confirmation Class’ "stewardship project" is now in full
swing, with the class members (Justin Catherman and Adam Snayberger) asked to make $20 in "seed money"
grow between now and May 18th. The table with their wares will be found in the lobby. If you can, support
them in their efforts!
A VERY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! -- We wish a very special day to all the Moms at worship this
morning. In celebration of the occasion, all women will be given small potted plants as gifts, with our
best wishes for a fabulous day!
THE LATEST HARTMAN CENTER PROJECT -- Interested in helping Hartman Center to buy a new
washer and dryer for the new building at Hartman Center? Penn Central Conference is asking
congregations to collect wrapped quarters to that end. You can bring your quarters to the Church
Office and we'll see that they are taken to Conference's Annual Meeting, which begins on Friday,
June 9th.
A TOILETRIES DRIVE! -- As part of the Annual Meeting of Penn Central Conference, a collection of
toiletry items is being conducted (i.e., toilet paper, bars of soap, body lotion, deodorant, shavers,
shampoo & conditioner, toothpaste & toothbrushes--no hotel samples, please). All items collected will
be directed to local food pantries and refugee centers. Bring your items to the Church Office, and
we'll see that they make it to the Meeting on time!