​ SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
August  29th
Gathering
MUSICAL OFFERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                   
·  Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
·   The  ushers will return to passing the bulletins out as you enter and social distancing is still is required in sanctuary
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
· Dr Dyke has started a Bible study on Wednesdays  at 3pm sign-up  sheet outside Pastor Study
 
Schedule reminders:
         Session has voted to open the church during the week once again from
Monday- Thursday; 9:30-1:30 PM.
Sept 1st  Bible Study
Sept 8th  Ladies Lunch Bunch
Sept 8th Bible study
Sept 12  Session
Sept 15th Articles for Pulse Due
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
Gary Iverson, all who are seeking Jesus, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Jack Braden, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Valerie Jerez,  Annette Conzett,  Jackie with difficult pregnancy, Jo Lefleur,  Dr Dyke, Jane with upcoming knee surgery, Deb Weller death of father in-law and upcoming surgery, people of India, Amy Jacobs, Bonnie Pillers, Pawlik Family in the loss of an infant, the Wynn family at the loss of Lametta Mike Niles, Harlen Marx had a knee replacement Tom Kelly who is recovering from surgery, may we be sincere in taking the time to ask the Lord for His Blessings and thanking Him for everything, and Lois Seger
 
PRELUDE
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP  from Psalm 95
One:  Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
All:  Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
One:  For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.
All: In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
One:  Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
All:  for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
 
GATHERING PRAYER (Unison)
O God, we praise you for who you are.  You are the maker of all things good - the earth in its glorious beauty, and the creatures that inhabit the forests, skies and sea. You created us to bear your image in this world, to enjoy its abundance, to care for it, and to spread your love to all.  We praise you for your goodness and grace, and for the gift of this day.  You have called us into this place to hear from you, to know you, and to be loved by you. We pray that this time of worship might honor you and bind us together as your people.  In Christ, we pray, Amen.
 
*HYMN                      “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing ”                                 No. 356
                       
 CONFESSION AND PARDON   (Unison) 
Before God and with the people of God, we confess to our brokenness: to the ways we wound our lives, the lives of others, and the life of the world.  May God forgive us, Christ renew us, and the Spirit enable us to grow in love.
(a moment of silent confession)
 
 
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news!  God’s love for you is deep, complete, and forever.  In Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.  Know that, and be at peace.  Amen.
 
ANTHEM:                                      
THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
 
THE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY
    
OFFERTORY PRAYER
O Lord, we offer these gifts to you, the fruit of our labor from the work of our hands.  We pray that they might go forth from here to bless your people, and to serve as your Word in action to all who receive them.  In Christ we pray, Amen.
 
INTERLUDE
Word
 
 
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
      O Lord your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  Send your Holy Spirit to help us receive it. Engrave it on our heart, that we might not only hear it, but live it, bearing witness to your love to a world in need.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
 SCRIPTURE LESSONS
 
Isaiah 55: 6-13
 
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, “declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.  This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”
 
James 1: 17-27
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
 
.            
 
SERMON                         “Reflecting our Faith”
 
.  Maybe some of you are familiar with the Greek myth about Narcissus.  Narcissus was a young boy who wandered into the forest one day, and stopped by a crystal-clear pool to get a drink of water because he was very thirsty.  He knelt down to drink, and then he saw a sight that entranced him.  It was a beautiful face with wide eyes and curving lips and a noble nose – it was so beautiful that it made him breathless, and he forgot his thirst and leaned closer and closer to the water.  He was so fascinated by the face in the water that he wanted to kiss it, but every time he tried to touch it, the surface would dissolve in the stirring of the water.  And so, Narcissus would kneel there by the pond forlorn, until the water stilled and he could see the face again, and then yearn with all his heart and soul and mind for the beautiful one in the pool – which was, of course, his own reflection.  And from then on, he never loved anyone else, because he never moved on from this obsession with himself.  He was so self-absorbed that he eventually starved to death because he couldn’t leave his own reflection.
We’ve heard the term, “narcissism” used, or we’ve heard someone referred to as being “narcissistic.”  When we hear someone described this way, we know it means that the person is self-centered, a maybe a little conceited, believing the whole world revolves around him or her.  I suppose we all have a few “narcissistic” moments from time to time.  But if our preoccupation with self becomes too great, we end up starving ourselves like Narcissus did.
Our reading from James today talks about “looking in a mirror.”  This person has the opposite problem.  James refers to a person who “looks at his face in a mirror, and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”  This can be a problem too – failing to look in the mirror, never slowing down to take a look at ourselves, or care for ourselves.
What James is really talking about in our passage today is examining ourselves in relationship to the word of God.  What he says, in verses 22 and 23 is, “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” 
As Christians, we’ve been given God’s word as truth for our lives.  We are to read the Word, focus on the Word, meditate on the Word and absorb it the way the earth absorbs the water after a rain.  That Word of God planted in us is the truth and it has the power to save us, and to bless the world through us. 
We spend time soaking in it, but that’s only the first step.  James says then we have to do it.  When we fail to put the word planted within us into action, it’s like looking at ourselves in the mirror and then forgetting what we look like, forgetting who we are, forgetting we’re Christians.  When Christians look in the mirror, we’re supposed to our lives reflecting what we’ve read in the Bible.  We’re supposed to see the Word of God, the truth at work.  Our lives are supposed to reflect Christ.   
This is different than the self-absorption of Narcissus, who looked into the mirror and only saw himself.  When a Christian looks in the mirror, he or she is looking to see where God is reflected in his or her life.  As Christians, we want to see Jesus looking back.  This is not just for us as individuals, but also for us as a church.
There are many theories about who James was, but it’s most likely that he was Jesus’ brother, and that he was the pastor of one of the earliest Christian churches
Apparently, the church, even in the earliest days, wasn’t turning out to be a model community of good behavior.  People in the early church were acting in ways that weren’t too Christian – imagine that!  They claimed a lot of wisdom about the Christian way, but they weren’t living it.  According to church tradition, James was nicknamed, “Old Camel Knees” because of the thick calluses that were built up on his knees from so many years of being down on them praying for his church.
James wasn’t just writing to individual Christians, but to the whole Christian community.  He was very concerned with morals or right behavior.  In fact, there are 109 verses in James, and 59 places where he’s giving them explicit instructions or telling them what to do.  In this way, his writing reflects the Greek and Roman culture of his time.  There were a lot of philosophies that spoke to morality.
James’ writing also, though, reflects his Jewish roots and his respect for the Torah.  In the writings of the Torah, or the first five books of our Old Testament, we remember that there is a great deal of attention to the Law.  We think of the law as expressed in the Ten Commandments.  The law is not just a set of dos and don’ts, but a covenant between God and his people to help them live in a community of faith together, honoring him and honoring one another.
James’ concern is with morals rather than manners.  It wasn’t just about helping people be polite so they could find their place and succeed in the world.  It is about the moral and ethical behavior that brothers and sisters in faith exhibit toward one another as a family of faith bound together by common values and convictions founded in their faith in Jesus Christ.  So above all, James’ letter is unmistakably Christian.
In our passage for today, James begins by saying in verse 17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created.”
God is the source of everything good.  He has planted his word within us and it has the power to save us.   God calls us to live lives shaped by the gifts he’s given us to contribute to the well-being of our whole community, not just for our own good.  We’re not meant to be in rivalry and competition with each other.  The wisdom from below, the world’s wisdom is based on desire and envy, and it leads to every form of competition, violence, and eventually murder and war.  The wisdom from above, God’s wisdom is given through his word.  It’s a wisdom that measures reality according to God’s gifts rather than according to our possessions, and that leads to a life lived in cooperation and peace.
James’s particular targets were those in his church who might understand these things in their heads and profess them with their mouths, but they didn’t live them out in their lives.  They didn’t practice what they preached; their walk didn’t match their talk, to throw out a couple of clichés.
James calls them “double-minded.”
So, let’s look at the mirror analogy again.  What do we see when we look in the mirror?
First, James says, we should “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
If we believe what we’ve read in the Bible, then our lives should reflect persons who are not always flying off the handle about things.  We all have people who make us angry and situations that make our tempers flare.  The best way to blow our Christian witness is to blow up and say something ugly.  As Christians, we cultivate the habit of holding our tongues.  Are there times when we need to speak.  Of course.  But we wait until we have heard the other person out, and had time to pray about our response before we say what we need to say, and then we do it with gentleness and respect.
There’s a story in one of my devotional books where the writer talks about how her mother would help her overcome her fiery temper when she was a little girl.  She says, “Whenever I had a tantrum, my mother would say very quietly, ‘You’re forgetting yourself, dear; mod-u-late your voice and then it won’t hurt so much.’  That always brought me up short.  Once I answered, ‘All right, mother, I will remember myself,’ and finally all she had to say was:  ‘Forgetting yourself?  Modulate…’ and we’d both laugh.”
When we give in to feelings of anger, we’re forgetting ourselves.  We’re forgetting what we’re supposed to look like as children of God.  We’re failing to reflect our faith, and we lose our Christian witness.
James hits this again in verse 26: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”
This applies not only to angry speech, but to gossip, or to speech of any kind that serves to tear others down or hinder what we’re supposed to be doing as the body of Christ.  There is nothing that can get in the way of the ministry of the church so much as negative comments about others or complaints about what we don’t like.  The words we say have power either to destroy or to build up.  If there are problems, we always need to pray about how to address them and then use words that are constructive.  We want to stay focused on the solution instead of the problem.  What we focus on grows.
As Christians we focus on the word of God planted within us.  If the words we speak have power in our lives, then the Word God speaks has even greater power.  God’s words are words of hope and faith and assurance.  They can work miracles.
As the prophet Isaiah says to us this morning:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Negative speech is draining and drying.  God’s Word waters and refreshes and fills us, helping us to grow and to bear good fruit for him.  When we believe his word and do it, then our lives reflect him.
James says in verse 21: “Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
What behaviors do we have that we need to examine that aren’t good reflections of our faith?  Do we fail to keep our word or do what we’ve said we’ll do?  Are we inconsiderate or apathetic?  Do we fail to pitch in and help where we’re needed?  Do we take what isn’t ours, insist on having our own way, or strive after things we don’t really need?  Do we spend our time doing things or going places that aren’t fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives or benefiting our families or our church?  Do we act in ways that aren’t ethical or moral?  If we do, then our lives are poor reflections of our faith.  Our lives are supposed to reflect our maker, God.  When we behave in ways that bring God sorrow, we drag the community of faith down, and we lose our Christian witness in the world.
James says in verse 27:  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widow in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Our Christian faith isn’t just about refraining from doing bad things, it’s also about participating in doing good things, about helping those in need.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”
When we look in the mirror, who do we see?
Are we smaller than God intended us to be?  Or are we confident in who we are, delighting in God’s presence within us? Is the person in the mirror our friend?  Or are we constantly dwelling on our faults or on the faults of others?  Maybe there’s a “shadow side” of our lives that needs some serious attention, or some help.
Writer Philip Yancey, in his book, What’s So Amazing About Grace? says “Sociologists have a theory of the looking-glass self.  You become what the most important person in your life (wife, father, boss, etc.) thinks you are.  How would my life change if I truly believed the Bible’s astounding words about God’s love for me, if I looked in the mirror and saw what God sees?”
Who do you see when you look in the mirror?  Spend some time there, not in self-centeredness and self-absorption like Narcissus.  Spend some time looking at the child that God created.  Believe the word he spoke to you when he said, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
God’s word planted in us has the power to save us.  Listen to it, do it, and reflect it.
 
 
*Hymn                “Lord, I Want to be a Christian                                                      No. 372
 
*AFFIRMATION Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
He is seated on the right hand of the Father,
And he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
 
 
MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
 
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in 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,
for ever. Amen.
 
Sending
 
*HYMN                               “O Jesus, I Have Promised ”    No. 389                                          
                                   
  CHARGE & BLESSING
And now, may the grace, mercy, and peace which proceeds from God the Father, through  Jesus Christ, the Son, and into the Holy Spirit within us,  may it rest and abide within us, now and forever more. Amen
 
POSTLUDE
*Stand as you are able.
 

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
August  22nd
Gathering
MUSICAL OFFERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                  
·  Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
·   The  ushers will return to passing the bulletins out as you enter and social distancing is still is required in sanctuary
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
· Dr Dyke has started a Bible study on Wednesdays  at 3pm sign-up  sheet outside Pastor Study
 
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
Gary Iverson, all who are seeking Jesus, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Jack Braden, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Valerie Jerez,  Annette Conzett,  Jackie with difficult pregnancy, Jo Lefleur,  Dr Dyke, Jane with upcoming knee surgery, Deb Weller death of father in-law and upcoming surgery, people of India, Amy Jacobs, Bonnie Pillers, Pawlik Family in the loss of an infant, the Wynn family at the loss of Lamette, Mike Niles, Harlen Marx had a knee replacement and Tom Kelly who is recovering from surgery
 
PRELUDE
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP (from Ephesians 6)
     LEADER: Finally, be strong in the Lord.
      Response: and in the strength of His power.
      L: Put on the whole armor of God.
      R: So that you may stand against the wiles of the devil.
      L: For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh,
      R: but against the spiritual forces of evil.
      L:  Pray in the Spirit at all times,
      R:  In every prayer and supplication.
 
GATHERING PRAYER (Unison)
      O God, who makes Yourself known in the stillness: make us know Your presence in this sacred place. Help us to be the company of brave saints who have worshipped here in spirit and in truth. Through the voices of this people and our instruments of praise, lift up our hearts to You. Lord. Purify our lives so that going out into the world, we may go in the strength of Your love through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 
*HYMN          O For a Thousand Tongues To Sing                                              No. 466
                       
 CONFESSION AND PARDON   (Unison)   
           .       Most holy and merciful Father, we acknowledge and confess before You our sinful nature which is prone to evil and slothful in good. We present before You our
Shortcomings and offenses. You alone know how often we have sinned. We have forgotten Your commandments, wasted Your plentiful gifts, and forgetting Your great love for Your people. We pray that You would have mercy on us who are ashamed and sorry for every way we have displeased You. Amen.
 
Assurance of Pardon
     Almighty God, who freely pardons all who repent and turn toward You, fulfill in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace. We ask You to remit all of our sins and cleanse us from an evil conscience, through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
 
*ANTHEM:              Hymn of the Russian Orthodox Church
                             Moscow Theological School Chorus – loaned by Jon Ryner
 
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
 
THE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY
    
OFFERTORY PRAYER
     Almighty and most merciful Father, from whom comes every good and perfect gift, we give You praise and hearty thanks for all Your grace. We know that Your goodness created us, Your bounty sustains us, Your Fatherly discipline has corrected us, Your patience has borne with us, and Your love has redeemed us at the foot of the cross of Christ. Grant us to be able with these gifts, to show our love for You in return. Amen.
 
 
INTERLUDE
Word
 
 
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
      Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden; we pray that You would inform our spirits with the messages of Scripture that You present for our attention today. May we take the lessons of the day to heart and seek to align our pattern of living in accord with them. Amen.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
       Psalms 34:9-22
 
Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry   but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.  11 Come, my children, listen to me   I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil  and your lips from telling lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good;  seek peace and pursue it.  15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,  and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,  to blot out their name from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.  18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; 20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.  22 The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
1 Peter 2:1-3
2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
 
   Ephesians 5:10-20
10  and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper,  rise from the dead,  and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
SERMON                         The Godly Life
 
 
      Hello again! We are trying to broadcast the morning worship service of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa on Facebook. We have had transmission problems, so we HOPE to send this service to you.
 
      I am Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra, the interim minister here for the past five months. I have served a total of ten churches in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Iowa. I have
o been a Stated Clerk of a Presbytery in Pennsylvania for 10 years; swerving 58 churches.
 
     For the past couple of weeks I have been talking to you about the fallen state of our society, country, and world. Last week I summed it all up by saying “You gotta believe” in the face of all the skepticism of our days. Who or what MUST we believe? In the God of the Bible and His Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ!
 
     On reflection, it is not enough to encourage you all to “believe”. We also need to take action on what we believe. That means that I should do my level best to describe for you the kind of life that God wants you to live as well as the kind of life that He most emphatically DOES NOT want you to live.
 
     Now, I know that you, by yourself, cannot transform the world, or nation, or even city, folks. I think it is much more possible to influence your family, and your friendship circle—even your workplace. All of these possibilities require direct PERSONAL contact and influence. We all have known people we would call Godly People. They might not agree with that description – being more humble and perhaps more aware of their own sinfulness – but  you consider their lives a positive Godly influence.
 
     Do you know what comes next, folks? I want YOU to live as a Godly person!
 
     I will not leave you guessing about how to do this-the Bible is FULL of directions for us to follow. There are two ways to approach the question about how to live a Godly life.
You can list and describe all the traits that the Bible lists as being pleasing to God.
You can list all of the things that God finds unpleasant in our lives as described in the Bible         
      as things to be avoided.
   
     I want to use the rest of my time this morning to do BOTH for you. Starting with the things to AVOID (the negative seems easier to list) in our lives takes us to Saint Peter. He only wrote two little letters, but he was bluntly direct. Remember that he wasn’t well-spoken; he wasn’t educated---he was a big fisherman—plain spoken and direct.  His second chapter (out of only 5) starts with an imperative—A COMMAND from one used to giving orders to a crew.
 
     You might well expect him to start listing a host of bad behaviors that must be abandoned---certainly that is the approach that occurred to ME. Others, most particularly James and Paul, DID take this listing approach; but not Peter.
He starts by attacking the sins of the mind and of our attitudes. He says that these must come for correction BEFORE the outward bad behaviors can be addressed.
 
     He says, “Hey you! GET RID of a long list of behaviors – he doesn’t ask us to—he says God commands – and Peter repeats that God wants things OUT of our lives. He tells us that God will give us the strength to abandon such as:
 
MALICE – which is the desire to do evil –before you DO anything evil—just the evil thought needs to be rejected and forsaken.
 
GUILE – a sly and sneaky way to do bad things, but not APPEAR to be doing so.
 
INSINCERITY – not expressing genuine feelings – hiding our true intentions to mislead others into being vulnerable.
 
ENVY – resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. Again, this is a FEELING rather than an action.
 
SLANDER – Finally all 4 of the above evils lead to a CRIME. – damaging another person’s reputation.
 
All of Peter’s commands deal with our intentions and feelings toward an evil thought – before they lead to evil deeds –these are the sins of the heart. We are to seek to control our feelings and intentions for a Godly life. Their absence will leave room for adding many positive attributes.
 
     Paul leads us here with the command “Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” He starts with avoiding deeds of darkness, but living with deeds you don’t mind being seen in the light. He reminds us that most “unfruitful” works are done in darkness or secrecy. We are to be open books – showing our true nature as Godly people in the light so anyone can see them.
 
     Paul asks us to “be careful” of how we live – as wise people. We are to make the most of our days. We are not to be rash or foolish, but understand the will of God. I find it interesting – AND I AGREE that pure-hearted Godly people are MUSICAL – he lists psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as things that Godly people naturally do!
Lastly, he tells us to lead a life of thanksgiving to God for the ability to reject evil and seek good.
 
     I also took you to Psalm 34. David gives another list of Godly traits for us to model in our days.
 
Keep your tongue from evil – no lies, no cursing, no slandering.
 
“Depart” from evil –don’t just avoid it –RUN AWAY from it! Don’t associate with questionable behavior.
​  The full sentence is “Depart from evil and do good.” Not just avoiding bd, but working at doing good deeds.
 
      If we follow these directions, David says that God makes promises to us:
 
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears.
The Lord is near to the broken-hearted.
He saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them all.
The Lord redeems the life of His servants.
 
You see?? God CARES how we act and WHO WE ARE, and WHOSE we are. Seek to avoid evil, do good, and live a life God can be proud of! Amen.
 
 
*Hymn                O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee                                               357
                          
*AFFIRMATION Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
He is seated on the right hand of the Father,
And he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
 
MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
 
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in 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 Sending
 
*HYMN                               Christ of the Upward Way                                        No. 344                                            
                                   
  CHARGE & BLESSING
And now, may the grace, mercy, and peace which proceeds from God the Father, through  Jesus Christ, the Son, and into the Holy Spirit within us,  may it rest and abide within us, now and forever more. Amen
 
POSTLUDE
*Stand as you are able.
 

​MUSICAL OFFERING
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
August  8th
Gathering
MUSICAL OFFERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                  
·  Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
· Dr Dyke has started a Bible study on Wednesdays  at 3pm sign-up  sheet outside Pastor Study
 
Schedule reminders:
         Session has voted to open the church during the week once again from
Monday- Thursday; 9:30-1:30 PM.
Aug 8th Session Meeting
Aug 11th Ladies Lunch Bunch
Aug 11th Bible Study 
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
 Gary Iverson, all who are seeking Jesus, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Jack Braden, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Valerie Jerez,  Annette Conzett,  Jackie with difficult pregnancy, Jo Lefleur,  Dr Dyke, Jane with upcoming knee surgery, Deb Weller death of father in-law and upcoming surgery, people of India, Amy Jacobs, Cornell Family two deaths in the past week, Bonnie Pillers, Pawlik Family in the loss of an infant, the Wynn family at the loss of Lamette, Mike Niles, Harlen Marx had a knee replacement and Tom Kelly who is recovering from surgery
 
PRELUDE
 
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP (From Proverbs 15)
     LEADER: A soft answer turns away wrath,
     Response: but a harsh word stirs up anger.
     L: The tongue of the wise dispenses wisdom,
     R: but the mouths of fools pours forth folly.
     L: The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
     R: Keeping watch on the evil and on the good.
     L: A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
     R: But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
     
 
GATHERING PRAYER (Unison)
      Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy name. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 
*HYMN                 How Firm a Foundation                                                        No. 361
                       
 CONFESSION AND PARDON   (Unison)   
                 Almighty and all-holy Father, we confess ourselves unworthy of Your unspeakable love. We have not loved You as we ought, nor have we been loving toward each other. We have lived in selfishness and worldly pride. We have not used the good gifts that You have given us to relieve the burdens of others. We pray that You would forgive our offenses through the incarnate life and willing sacrifice of Your holy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Assurance of Pardon
            Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of Your great mercy has promised to forgive sins to all those who with true faith and hearty repentance will receive us unto Himself, we now commit our future days to Your service in obedience to Your Law. Amen.
 
 
*ANTHEM:                 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
                                   The Wittenberg Choir – loaned by Jon Ryner                             
 
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
 
ITHE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY
    
OFFERTORY PRAYER
      We have made an offering of our finest gifts unto Almighty God. Now, we pray, send to each of us the power of Your Holy Spirit to cleanse our hearts, to hallow our gifts, and to perfect the offering of ourselves to You, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and King. Amen.
 
INTERLUDE
 
 Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
      Master, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight. You are our strength and redeemer to open our perceptions of Your holy intent through the Holy Bible. Enable us to bring home at least one holy thought through what we hear and receive today. Amen.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
 
 Habakkuk 2: 1-4
2 I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.  2 Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald [may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it;  will certainly come and will not delay. 4 “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness --
 
Mark 4: 35-41
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
 
Galatians 3: 5-14
5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before   God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
 
 
 
SERMON                                   You Gotta Believe !!                                          
      Normally I say something like “welcome to the morning worship service of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa.” However, this week my Facebook account that we use to do the broadcast has been hacked and I am unable to broadcast any more.  I am still Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra, the interim minister here, and I have served the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 49 years in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Iowa.
 
     We live in a time in our own country where one of the biggest questions we can ask is:                            WHAT CAN I BELIEVE??
     As proof of that assumption, let me remind you that we are all to wear masks to prevent COVID-----WELL, no, now we don’t have to wear masks if we are Vaccinated,  WELL, no, maybe it’s up to you whether to wear a mask or not-  WELL no, maybe we should all wear masks again, WELL, no,  you MUST wear A MASK TO GO TO WORK,  Well-----JUST WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE??
 
     Try something else – what do we believe about the classic figures of our nation’s history? Were Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and so many others really patriotic heroes---or we they evil slaveowners who profited greatly from subjecting other humans to indignities? Should their statue still stand, or be taken down in protest?
WHAT SHOULD WE BELIEVE about all this??
 
     Well, what about the Olympic champions? Is it good to cheer for our American athletes or should we scorn them as if believing in American exceptionalism was an evil to be avoided at all costs?? HERE WE GO AGAIN ,  WHAT SHOULD WE BELIEVE??
 
     Another question --- what about our police departments and law enforcement and courts? Are they good and necessary for our society or are the sworn enemy of certain groups of people? Is the policeman truly your friend as you were taught in school or are they your enemy. Should we cheer for them as they arrest wrongdoers---or should we feel sorry for the “victim” perpetrator? WHAT SHOULD WE BELIEVE??
 
     There are many other questions just like these in our society right now, but you get the point---
                                HOW CAN WE BE CERTIN ABOUT ANYTHING NOW??
 
     The immediate answer is that we cannot be certain about very much in our world. Belief becomes a choice—we choose what we shall believe. That choice is what we call FAITH. There are many paths to find faith, but we have chosen the way of the one true God and his Son, Jesus Christ. We have extremely strong reasons for doing so--like the unanimous witness of the Holy Bible to the truth we espouse;                                                                                  BUT AT ITS ROOT, IT IS STILL A CHOICE WE MAKE.
 
     We come from a long line of patriarchs, prophets, and heroes of the faith! I took you to a little-known prophet – Habakkuk. (probably known as a rare word with 3 “k’s” in it!) How many of you have even READ Habakkuk? It is only three pages long, you know! In his time, Israel was facing one of the worst crises in its history. A string of sinful kings had led the nation farther and farther away from the worship of the one true God and into following the idols of their neighboring nations.
 
      Poor Habakkuk!  God spoke to him a message that was terrible for his peoplhear. God was finished with protecting those He had called His chosen people and was raising up an enemy which had His blessing to defeat and scourge the Hebrew nation. It was the new upstart on the world stage at the time—Babylon. It had just defeated the former world power of Assyria and was bent upon world conquest and domination. Habakkuk repeats that God described them as a “bitter and hasty nation.”
They would have God’s permission to punish Israel, destroy Jerusalem, and take the Jewish people captive back to their capital city. Surely those who heard and believed his prophesy thought that this was the end.
 
                                                         NOT SO FAST!!
 
     Habakkuk’s prophesy said for them to believe in the one true God’s love for His chosen people even in this most desperate of times! The prophet declared that this was God’s [punishment for their sins and was fully deserved, BUT THAT GOD WOULD RESTORE them in time. Could anyone reasonably believe this as the Babylonian army was standing at their gates? HABAKKUK DECLARED “the righteous SHALL LIVE BY FAITH despite how bad things looked.
 
                                               AND HE WAS RIGHT!!
 
     God DID restore Israel – even within the lifetimes of some of the younger ones taken into captivity.
 
     I brought you to the New Testament story recalling the scene in the boat. These were experienced, seasoned fisherman who would know every aspect of the Sea of Galilee. They were out among other boats when the squall came up suddenly. They KNEW that they were in serious trouble as they started bailing out the water that was coming in faster than they could bail it back out. They were swamping and in real danger of sinking---and they were far from any shore! That’s what they KNEW.
 
       Jesus, when they woke Him, called for them to have faith in Him even in this extreme time.
 
                              AND HE QUIETED THE STORM WITH A WORD
 
      “Why are you afraid?  Have you no faith?” Believe in me no matter what the situation looks like. You may say in your mind- ok, Dyke, that’s all good back then, but our time is really in peril—that’s what we know for sure!
 
     Paul addresses this in Galatians “Does He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the Law, or by the hearing with faith?” He mentions the faith of Abraham who believed God for a son when he and Sarah were far too old for childbearing. They knew their age for sure! But God made a promise that he kept in the birth of Isaac NO MATTER THEIR AGE! Paul declared that “men of faith” (and ladies too!)  are the “children of Abraham BY FAITH.”
 
     He goes on to talk about the mystery of the Gentiles – whom he was sent by God to minister to them. Now, if the Jews knew ANYTHING for certain, they knew that the Gentiles were lost in the eyes of God for they opposed the Jews and weren’t even circumcised! But God did a new thing in redeeming Gentiles by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ rather than by obeying the rules of the Law of the Jews.
 
     I might point out that WE are most probably Gentiles (the perhaps is because some folks might have Jewish blood as well) That means that God REQUIRES us to have faith and believe Him more than any other factors indicate. I know this is hard to understand. It has been hard to accept in all the examples I have given and many, many more.
 
     The truth for us to believe from God is our Rock. “God so loved the world (US!) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, bu have everlasting life.” This world and its troubles and confusion is not our permanent home. Our guarantee of eternal blessed life COMES BY FAITH in the God and Savior we cannot see, but certainly know. He will lead us in right paths if we seek His Will. Amen.
 
Hymn                   My Hope Is Built                                                                                           379
 
                          
*AFFIRMATION Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
He is seated on the right hand of the Father,
And he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
 
MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
 
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in 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,
for ever. Amen.
 
Sending
 
 HYMN                                 My Faith Looks Up to Thee                                   No. 383                                             
 
                                                                                                                                                
                                             
  CHARGE & BLESSING
And now, may the grace, mercy, and peace which proceeds from God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Son, and into the Holy Spirit within us, rest and abide within us, now and forever more.
 
POSTLUDE
*Stand as you are able.
 
 
 
 
 

​MUSICAL OFFERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                  
·  Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
· Dr. Dyke has started a Bible study on Wednesdays  at 3pm sign-up  sheet outside Pastor Study
 
Schedule reminders:
         Session has voted to open the church during the week once again from
Monday- Thursday; 9:30-1:30 PM.
Aug  2nd Karla is out of the office
Aug 8th Session Meeting
Aug 11th Ladies Lunch Bunch
Aug 11th Bible Study
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
           Gary Iverson, all who are seeking Jesus, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Jack Braden, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Valerie Jerez,  Annette Conzett,  Jackie with difficult pregnancy, Jo Lefleur,  Dr Dyke, Jane with upcoming knee surgery, Deb Weller death of father in-law and upcoming surgery, people of India, Amy Jacobs, Cornell Family two deaths in the past week, Bonnie Pillers, Pawlik Family in the loss of an infant, the Wynn family at the loss of Lamette, Mike Niles, and Harlen Marx had a knee replacement
 
PRELUDE
 
WORDS OF WORSHIP  (from Psalm 145)
     LEADER: The Lord is gracious and merciful.
     Response: Slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.
     L: The Lord’s compassion is over all that He has made.
     R: All Your works shall give thanks to You, o Lord.
     L:  And all Your faithful shall bless You,
     R:  The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in His deeds.
 
GATHERING PRAYER (Unison)
      Eternal God, our Father, who is from everlasting; You have made us and not we ourselves. You have set us a hands breadth from You, so that we, Your children, may learn the ways of freedom and choose You with all of our hearts. Grant us now Your Holy Spirit so that we may worship You with gladness and become as little children before You. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 
*HYMN                 Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah                                No. 281
                       
 CONFESSION AND PARDON   (Unison)   
           .      Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all mankind, we acknowledge and confess our manifold sins which we continuously do commit by thought, word, and deed. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these misdoings. It is painful for us to remember them before You. For the sake of Your dear Son, we ask You to have mercy upon us and forgive all that is past. Grant that we may hereafter serve and please You in newness of life. All to the honor and glory of Your name through Jesus Christ, our Master. Amen.
 
Assurance of Pardon
     Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in Your great mercy has promised the forgiveness of sins to all who truly repent and turn to Him in true faith, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to life eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 
*ANTHEM:  
 
THE ORDINATION TO THE RULING ELDERHOOD
 
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
 
ITHE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY
     
OFFERTORY PRAYER
     Glory be to You, o God, for all Your goodness to us and to all mankind. We give thanks for the world in which You have placed us with all its wonder and beauty. We thank You for life and health, for food and clothing, for friends and homes and for Your care, which guards us always. For all these blessings, we return to You our best gifts, for they have all come from You. Amen
 
INTERLUDE
 
 Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
      Eternal God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden; cleanse now the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love and magnify Your Holy Word. Amen.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Exodus 16:1-4
16 The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt. 2 In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
 
Exodus 16:9-15
9 Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’” 10 While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud. 11 The Lord said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning, you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”13 That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning, there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14 When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat
 
   John 6:25-35
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” 30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
 
Psalms 78:25-29
25 Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat.  26 He let loose the east wind from the heavens and by his power made the south wind blow.  27 He rained meat down on them like dust,  birds like sand on the seashore.  28 He made them come down inside their camp, all around their tents 29 They ate till they were gorged— he had given them what they craved..
 
 
SERMON                         Peace With God                                            
 
     We welcome you to our Facebook broadcast of the morning worship service of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa. We recently adopted a new motto for our church that we think describes us very well. We are “The Stone Church with a Warm Heart.”
     I am Rev. Dr. Dale A. Dykstra and I have been privileged to serve as the interim minister at this church family for the past several months. I have served as a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister of Word and Sacrament for 49 years, serving in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Iowa.
 
    Today is a doubly special day in the ongoing life of our congregation. new are honored to conduct the service of ordination as a Ruling Elder of the Session for Tom Fullerton. We also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion together. Speaking of Communion, we invite all of you who love Jesus, are sorry for your sins, and seek to walk in newness of life to join us as we receive the elements. Take time now to assemble a piece of bread (or cracker) and juice or wine to use as we partake together. The Lord will bless your elements at home as surely as He does ours here,
 
     Speaking of the Lord’s Supper, today’s sermon seeks to be following the importance of BREAD in the Holy Bible. Everyone has heard the old saying “Bread is the staff of life” and to many degrees it is really true! Go to any nation or even continent and you will find some sort of bread. It may be rice cakes in the Orient. It may be Tacos and other forms of corn meal in Latin America. Europeans and Americans prefer rye or wheat for their bread. African tastes gravitate toward yams, mashed beans, cassava, and millet.
 
     The point is that ALL cultures and societies determine that bread IS ESSENTIAL to promote health and life. I began our walk through Scripture with a return to Moses and Aaron and the children of Israel as slaves in Egypt. Life had been pretty much the same for nearly 400 years for them. After Joseph and his Pharaoh died, the Hebrew people were treated increasingly as slaves to be used in the massive building projects of the day.
 
​     A Pharaoh’s status was greatly enhanced by building a great temple or public building. To do that they needed a huge amount of forced labor. In the land of Goshen  and beyond these came to be the Jewish people.  God, through Moses and Aaron, led the Israelites out into the wilderness after sending 10 plagues upon the Egyptians.
 
     But soon, what did the children of Israel do after getting their freedom?
 
                                        THEY COMPLAINED!!
 
     They regretted leaving the “fleshpots” of Egypt and eating their fill of BREAD. They accused Moses of leading them out into the wilderness to starve to death! There were even some of the people who were willing to return to Egypt and their slavery—undoubtedly to be made even more severe—OVER BREAD!!
 
     God told Aaron and Moses that He would provide an abundance of bread for them and even send meat! We know the story of the Manna sent by God. It was a flaky substance that appeared on the rocks in the desert in the early morning—much the way dew appears here in our age. The Bible describes it “as fine as frost” on the ground. It tasted like wafers made with honey—a sweet treat to nourish God’s chosen people!
 
     There were rules about Manna. It was to be harvested every day early in the morning. There was a certain amount- an omer – that was to be gathered for each person. The people were charged to NOT try to keep it overnight for the next day because it would spoil and get wormy and foul. On Fridays, a double portion of Manna – 2 omers – was to be gathered. It would not spoil overnight like it did every other day. That would give the people food for the Sabbath when they were not allowed to do the work of harvesting.
 
     Predictably, the Bible records that some of the Hebrew people went about breaking every one of these directions –only to discover that the penalties God had declared came true!
 
     Most of us also miss the fact that God told Moses and Aaron that they would receive meat to eat. That very night a flock of quail flew into the camp in such numbers that they fairly COVERED the ground. They did not attempt to startle and fly away to escape the way that any other flock of birds would do.
 
     NOW HOW MANY FLOCKS OF BIRDS GO FLYING TOWARD PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE OF A DESERT WILDERNESS? This was no natural phenomenon! God provided for Israel’s basic needs for BREAD and added blessings of meat for nutrients and balance. I also read to you from David’s Psalm 78 that celebrates God’s goodness of the Manna. Do you know what the word Manna actually MEANS in Hebrew? The Holy Bible gives us the translation – “What is it??”
 
      God is praised for sending “the bread of angels” to eat and even more for causing a southeast wind to blow the birds into camp. (Because of the earth’s rotation, the prevailing winds there are from the West!!!) The birds soaring on that wind “rained flesh upon them”. The Psalm tells us that they “ate and were well-filled. God not only gave them food, but BETTER food! The Godly food strengthened them MORE than the diet in Egypt would have done.
 
     You probably remember that soon after this the Hebrew children began to COMPLAIN again—this time over a lack of water---causing Moses to strike a rock with his staff----but that is another story for another day.
 
     I took you to the New Testament to the Gospel of John for the precious words about Jesus as “the living BREAD.” He had just performed the miracle of feeding 5000 men and their families with BREAD and fish from the little boy’s lunch on the day before. Understandably, the crowd followed Him wherever he went after that—a point that Jesus makes as He accuses them of being more interested in BREAD than in the words He spoke and the healings that He did.
 
      The crowd asked for yet another miracle to show that Jesus had the power of God. The crowd were the ones who raised the story of the Exodus and the Manna. The Lord responded that the olden days were completed and God had sent a NEW FOOD –the BREAD OF LIFE.
 
     He said, and I repeat today as we approach His Holy Table ,”whoever comes to me will never hunger and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” What happened then?
 
                      THE JEWS COMPLAINED AGAIN !!
 
     They could not understand the meaning when He said “I am the BREAD that came down from heaven.” He highlights the difference for us today – “I am the bread of life that came down from heaven. WHOEVER EATS OF THIS BREAD WILL LIVE FOREVER. “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I in them. The one who eats this BREAD will live forever!”
 
As we approach the Table, BREAD is still the staff of life ---OF ETERNAL LIFE in Christ. Thanks be to God! Amen.
 
 
 
*Hymn                                     What a Friend           403
 
 
                          
*AFFIRMATION Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
He is seated on the right hand of the Father,
And he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
 
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
 
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
      The Lord be with you.
      And also with you.
      Lift up your hearts.
      We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
O Holy God…we lift our hearts in joyful praise.
 
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.                                          Hymnal #581
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
We praise you…together, we proclaim the mystery of our faith.
 
Dying, you destroyed our death; rising, you restored our life.                    Hymnal #582
 
Gracious God… all glory and honor are yours,
Almighty God, now and forever.  Amen.
 
SERVING OF THE ELEMENTS
 
 
 
MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
 
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in 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,
for ever. Amen.
 
Sending
 
 
*HYMN                   Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoke                                No. 446
 
                                                                                                                                               
                                              
  CHARGE & BLESSING
And now, may the grace, mercy, and peace which proceeds from God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Son, and into the Holy Spirit within us, rest and abide within us, now and forever more.
 
POSTLUDE
*Stand as you are able.