SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
May 16, 2021 SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY May 16th, 2021 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 keep your masks on. 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 Schedule reminders: The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours. Session May 16th Pentecost May 23rd please wear red PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rose, Family of Chuck Thornton, Gary Iverson, all who are seeking Jesus, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Jack Braden, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Valerie Jerez, a person seeking a job, Annette Conzett, Jim Roling and family, Sara Feilmeier, Jackie with difficult pregnancy, Lois Seger, Jo Lefleur and Dr Dyke PRELUDE WORDS OF WORSHIP LEADER: I will give thanks to You, o Lord, among the peoples. Response: And I will sing praises to You among the nations. L: For Your steadfast love is higher than the heavens. R: And Your faithfulness reaches the clouds. L: Be exalted, o God, above the heavens R: and let Your glory be over all the earth. GATHERING PRAYER (Unison) We come from our various and different worlds, to gather together in this beautiful building because we are joined by our love for Jesus Christ, the Savior. The difficulties, trials, and pains of this world have made us weary, Master. We need the refreshment we have found in bringing our spirits to join with Yours. We pray that you would lift us into the light and peace of Your presence. Amen. *Hymn “The Church’s One Foundation No. 442 CONFESSION AND PARDON (Unison) The seeds of grace, hope, joy, and love are planted deep within us. It is our prayer that they can bear fruit in our lives. We confess to resisting staying connected to our Savior, the Vine, thinking we can flourish on our own. We admit that we have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Please forgive us, so that we can once again feel God abiding deeply within us. Amen. Assurance of Pardon Because God abides in us, we can live for others, allowing God’s love to bear fruit in us. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory, in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. *ANTHEM: We will attempt to present recorded music as an anthem today *THE PASSING OF THE PEACE THE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY OFFERTORY PRAYER O Father in heaven, you have told us that we will reap what we sow. This is true not only for our character, but in our conduct. We trust You today with our tithes and offerings, knowing that You are trustworthy to use them in your kingdom and continue in Your provision for us. Amen. INTERLUDE Word PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Search us, o God, and know our hearts: try us, and know our thoughts. Prepare our minds to understand what message you have for us today. See if there be any wicked way in us and lead us in the way everlasting. Amen. SCRIPTURE LESSONS Jeremiah 23: 1-6 Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering sheep of my pasture! “declares the LORD .this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil have done,” declares the LORD.“I myself will gather the remnant my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, they will be fruitful and increase in number. will place shepherds them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD. 5“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David[a]righteous Branch, a King will reign do what is just and right in the land. 6his days Judah will be saved Israel will live in safety. This is the name which he will be called: The LORD Righteous Savior. Romans 11: 13-25 13I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, take pride in my ministry14in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy save of them.15For if their rejection brought reconciliation the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?16If the part of the dough offered as first fruits holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.17If some of the branches have been broken off, you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,18do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.19You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.”20Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Not be arrogant,tremble.21For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either22Consider therefore the kindness sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.23And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.24After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!25I do not want you to be ignorant this mystery, and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: has experienced a hardening part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, John 15:1-10 15“I am true vine, my Father is the gardener .cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, every branch that does bear fruit prunes[a]that it will be even more fruitful. Are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.in me, as I also remain in you. Branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; from me you can do nothing. You do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. You remain in me my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.is to my Father’s glory, you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.9“As the Father has loved me, have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10If you keep my commands, will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. SERMON Branching Out *Hymn I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord No. 441 It is another joyful Sunday morning to be with our friends and family of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa. I am the Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra, the interim minister of this congregation. I have served the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 48 years as a pastor in Pennsylvania and Illinois before coming to Iowa. I have now completed two months of service to this parish. We have done many things in that short amount of time. We are finally recovering from the limitations imposed upon us by the Covid-19 pandemic and actually worshipping Almighty God in our wonderful building once again! I guess you could say that I am a new thing we have done. I had just brought a 17-month Interim Ministry at Milan, Illinois to a close when your Clerk of Session contacted me to ask if I might be available to come here. I heard the clear voice of God in that “coincidence.” So---now you have a pastor—at least for half-time—to lead us and care for us. I try very hard to speak with each one of you every week and to know your names—something I consider very important. I have led many churches of different sizes –from 15 to one that was over 500 people. A four-church larger parish was my first field in Pennsylvania, making a total of 10 congregations led under my care. I also served as the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Huntingdon in Pennsylvania for ten years with responsibility for 58 congregations. I am able to lead renewal in a church IF I have the support and agreement of the Session. I have been very pleased with their desire to bring ever greater life to our faith family. We have restored a Fellowship life following worship each week. It is growing in attendance as we go! I thank the volunteers who make this an important addition to our parish life. It feels good to see Calvin Hall come alive in this pleasant and supportive way. Other blessings include your strong leaders. Your Ruling Elders and compassionate Deacons care for your ongoing and growing needs. We are blessed with amazing facilities --- and endowed with sufficient funds to maintain them while we seek to incorporate more people to fill them! There seems to be (to me) a new spirit of hope for our future that I seek to strengthen and support as we recover our strength and grow. I want to use today’s sermon to explain that optimism about our future. Let me start by saying that I fully believe that God has important work for the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa to do! I took you first to the prophet Jeremiah. Now, I know that his is a VERY long book of prophesy. It wouldn’t surprise me if you are not as familiar with it as you are with other parts of the Holy Bible. Let me help you, then. In Jeremiah’s day, Israel had a string of kings who led them ever further away from worshipping and serving the ONE TRUE GOD. The latest of these was named Coniah. He continued the worship of idols and their persecution of the people of God. God had sent other prophets to warn Israel to repent of their sins and return to Him. Isaiah was primary among those with these warnings. None of them were listened to or heeded. Finally, God speaks to Jeremiah and tells him that the Almighty has HAD IT with this disobedience. God decided to punish Israel by having their enemy Babylon destroy Jerusalem –and the rest of the Hebrew nation by tearing it literally stone from stone. He would destroy their faithless nation. God had protected Israel from enemies for centuries – Egypt, Edam, Aram, Assyria, Babylon, Syria and others; but that protection was being withdrawn as a result of their sinfulness. Because of this message, Jeremiah is seen as a prophet of doom and gloom in his descriptions of the impending disasters. He foresaw that the survivors would be taken as slaves and hostages back to Babylon and none of God’s people would remain in Israel. But I took you to the passage where God declares that He will scatter the “shepherds” (or kings) of the flock of Israel AS THEY DESERVE. Yet, hear that Almighty God says, “Then I will gather the remnant of my flock ----and bring them back to their fold! They shall be fruitful and multiply.” Do you see? It is God’s will to restore his chosen people even after they and their nation are totally destroyed! God has RESTORATION of His people at heart. I see this being true for us, as well, folks. God will restore this church after all of our difficult days because THAT IS WHO GOD IS---AND WHAT GOD DOES!! Now, I have no idea who the people who will restore our church will be. They may be just like us—or they may be very different, but they will be called by God to be here! I took you to my favorite book, Romans, and the apostle Paul. The greatest divide in Bible times for Hebrews was the one between Jews and Gentiles. Frankly, Jews HATED Gentiles. I have a story to show you that this hatred continues to this very day. On my tour of Israel with the group of pastor’s families 10 years ago, we were coming to the end of our days there. We were in Jerusalem at lunch time and our guide Isaac (who was a formerly Jewish Christian) told us we could scatter about and find our lunches. We were to reassemble at the fountain at 1 pm. I wanted a personal souvenir of my trip—a Bible from the Holy Land, and so I walked about a block to a shop that had a sign offering Bibles for sale. Great! I entered the shop and the gentleman behind the counter was very helpful and I found just the book I wanted. I returned to the fountain feeling wonderful. UNTIL! Isaac was there with some of the others, and he frowned when he saw the book in my hand. He asked where I got it, and I pointed back to where the store was. I was shocked and dismayed, because this converted Christian guide SPAT ON THE GROUND and cursed “Palestinian!!” That is how deeply the hatred between Jew and Gentile exists even today. Yet God CALLED Paul to preach Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and Savior of the ENTIRE world TO THESE HATED GENTILES! And it is a good thing He did! In AD 71, Rome came into Israel after it had an insurrection resisting Roman rule and totally destroyed it and slew many of its leaders. They deported these people once again and ISRAEL WAS NO MORE UNTIL 1948!! If Paul and others had not welcomed and invited Gentiles into the church, IT WOULD HAVE DIED. But again, God wanted the church to not only survive, but to thrive. Again, to any and all who will hear God’s love for them in this place. WE WELCOME YOU TO OUT FAITH FAMILY. Lastly, I took you to the wonderful image of Jesus being the VINE and believers being the branches. I have another image side-by-side with this one. A charcoal fire with briquets all heated and turning white from the fire. But take one briquet away from the rest of them for a while and watch it fade –and die. We have our spiritual life because we are in constant touch with Jesus Christ, our Lord. We gain our strength and hope from His grace and love. It is our task to extend our hands of faith to others that they may be joined to the VINE-Jesus-through their contact with the BRANCHES (us) We are to “branch out” and cause our church to grow and be restored in the days to come. May you reach out to anyone you know who needs the love of God we can provide here at First United Presbyterian. Amen. *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 Blest Be the Tie That Binds No. 438 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. SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
May 16, 2021 SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY May 16th, 2021 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 keep your masks on. 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 Schedule reminders: The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours. Session May 16th Pentecost May 23rd please wear red PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rose, Family of Chuck Thornton, Gary Iverson, all who are seeking Jesus, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Jack Braden, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Valerie Jerez, a person seeking a job, Annette Conzett, Jim Roling and family, Sara Feilmeier, Jackie with difficult pregnancy, Lois Seger, Jo Lefleur and Dr Dyke PRELUDE WORDS OF WORSHIP LEADER: I will give thanks to You, o Lord, among the peoples. Response: And I will sing praises to You among the nations. L: For Your steadfast love is higher than the heavens. R: And Your faithfulness reaches the clouds. L: Be exalted, o God, above the heavens R: and let Your glory be over all the earth. GATHERING PRAYER (Unison) We come from our various and different worlds, to gather together in this beautiful building because we are joined by our love for Jesus Christ, the Savior. The difficulties, trials, and pains of this world have made us weary, Master. We need the refreshment we have found in bringing our spirits to join with Yours. We pray that you would lift us into the light and peace of Your presence. Amen. *Hymn “The Church’s One Foundation No. 442 CONFESSION AND PARDON (Unison) The seeds of grace, hope, joy, and love are planted deep within us. It is our prayer that they can bear fruit in our lives. We confess to resisting staying connected to our Savior, the Vine, thinking we can flourish on our own. We admit that we have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Please forgive us, so that we can once again feel God abiding deeply within us. Amen. Assurance of Pardon Because God abides in us, we can live for others, allowing God’s love to bear fruit in us. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory, in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. *ANTHEM: We will attempt to present recorded music as an anthem today *THE PASSING OF THE PEACE THE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY OFFERTORY PRAYER O Father in heaven, you have told us that we will reap what we sow. This is true not only for our character, but in our conduct. We trust You today with our tithes and offerings, knowing that You are trustworthy to use them in your kingdom and continue in Your provision for us. Amen. INTERLUDE Word PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Search us, o God, and know our hearts: try us, and know our thoughts. Prepare our minds to understand what message you have for us today. See if there be any wicked way in us and lead us in the way everlasting. Amen. SCRIPTURE LESSONS Jeremiah 23: 1-6 Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering sheep of my pasture! “declares the LORD .this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil have done,” declares the LORD.“I myself will gather the remnant my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, they will be fruitful and increase in number. will place shepherds them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD. 5“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David[a]righteous Branch, a King will reign do what is just and right in the land. 6his days Judah will be saved Israel will live in safety. This is the name which he will be called: The LORD Righteous Savior. Romans 11: 13-25 13I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, take pride in my ministry14in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy save of them.15For if their rejection brought reconciliation the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?16If the part of the dough offered as first fruits holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.17If some of the branches have been broken off, you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,18do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.19You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.”20Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Not be arrogant,tremble.21For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either22Consider therefore the kindness sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.23And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.24After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!25I do not want you to be ignorant this mystery, and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: has experienced a hardening part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, John 15:1-10 15“I am true vine, my Father is the gardener .cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, every branch that does bear fruit prunes[a]that it will be even more fruitful. Are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.in me, as I also remain in you. Branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; from me you can do nothing. You do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. You remain in me my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.is to my Father’s glory, you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.9“As the Father has loved me, have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10If you keep my commands, will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. SERMON Branching Out *Hymn I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord No. 441 It is another joyful Sunday morning to be with our friends and family of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa. I am the Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra, the interim minister of this congregation. I have served the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 48 years as a pastor in Pennsylvania and Illinois before coming to Iowa. I have now completed two months of service to this parish. We have done many things in that short amount of time. We are finally recovering from the limitations imposed upon us by the Covid-19 pandemic and actually worshipping Almighty God in our wonderful building once again! I guess you could say that I am a new thing we have done. I had just brought a 17-month Interim Ministry at Milan, Illinois to a close when your Clerk of Session contacted me to ask if I might be available to come here. I heard the clear voice of God in that “coincidence.” So---now you have a pastor—at least for half-time—to lead us and care for us. I try very hard to speak with each one of you every week and to know your names—something I consider very important. I have led many churches of different sizes –from 15 to one that was over 500 people. A four-church larger parish was my first field in Pennsylvania, making a total of 10 congregations led under my care. I also served as the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Huntingdon in Pennsylvania for ten years with responsibility for 58 congregations. I am able to lead renewal in a church IF I have the support and agreement of the Session. I have been very pleased with their desire to bring ever greater life to our faith family. We have restored a Fellowship life following worship each week. It is growing in attendance as we go! I thank the volunteers who make this an important addition to our parish life. It feels good to see Calvin Hall come alive in this pleasant and supportive way. Other blessings include your strong leaders. Your Ruling Elders and compassionate Deacons care for your ongoing and growing needs. We are blessed with amazing facilities --- and endowed with sufficient funds to maintain them while we seek to incorporate more people to fill them! There seems to be (to me) a new spirit of hope for our future that I seek to strengthen and support as we recover our strength and grow. I want to use today’s sermon to explain that optimism about our future. Let me start by saying that I fully believe that God has important work for the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa to do! I took you first to the prophet Jeremiah. Now, I know that his is a VERY long book of prophesy. It wouldn’t surprise me if you are not as familiar with it as you are with other parts of the Holy Bible. Let me help you, then. In Jeremiah’s day, Israel had a string of kings who led them ever further away from worshipping and serving the ONE TRUE GOD. The latest of these was named Coniah. He continued the worship of idols and their persecution of the people of God. God had sent other prophets to warn Israel to repent of their sins and return to Him. Isaiah was primary among those with these warnings. None of them were listened to or heeded. Finally, God speaks to Jeremiah and tells him that the Almighty has HAD IT with this disobedience. God decided to punish Israel by having their enemy Babylon destroy Jerusalem –and the rest of the Hebrew nation by tearing it literally stone from stone. He would destroy their faithless nation. God had protected Israel from enemies for centuries – Egypt, Edam, Aram, Assyria, Babylon, Syria and others; but that protection was being withdrawn as a result of their sinfulness. Because of this message, Jeremiah is seen as a prophet of doom and gloom in his descriptions of the impending disasters. He foresaw that the survivors would be taken as slaves and hostages back to Babylon and none of God’s people would remain in Israel. But I took you to the passage where God declares that He will scatter the “shepherds” (or kings) of the flock of Israel AS THEY DESERVE. Yet, hear that Almighty God says, “Then I will gather the remnant of my flock ----and bring them back to their fold! They shall be fruitful and multiply.” Do you see? It is God’s will to restore his chosen people even after they and their nation are totally destroyed! God has RESTORATION of His people at heart. I see this being true for us, as well, folks. God will restore this church after all of our difficult days because THAT IS WHO GOD IS---AND WHAT GOD DOES!! Now, I have no idea who the people who will restore our church will be. They may be just like us—or they may be very different, but they will be called by God to be here! I took you to my favorite book, Romans, and the apostle Paul. The greatest divide in Bible times for Hebrews was the one between Jews and Gentiles. Frankly, Jews HATED Gentiles. I have a story to show you that this hatred continues to this very day. On my tour of Israel with the group of pastor’s families 10 years ago, we were coming to the end of our days there. We were in Jerusalem at lunch time and our guide Isaac (who was a formerly Jewish Christian) told us we could scatter about and find our lunches. We were to reassemble at the fountain at 1 pm. I wanted a personal souvenir of my trip—a Bible from the Holy Land, and so I walked about a block to a shop that had a sign offering Bibles for sale. Great! I entered the shop and the gentleman behind the counter was very helpful and I found just the book I wanted. I returned to the fountain feeling wonderful. UNTIL! Isaac was there with some of the others, and he frowned when he saw the book in my hand. He asked where I got it, and I pointed back to where the store was. I was shocked and dismayed, because this converted Christian guide SPAT ON THE GROUND and cursed “Palestinian!!” That is how deeply the hatred between Jew and Gentile exists even today. Yet God CALLED Paul to preach Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and Savior of the ENTIRE world TO THESE HATED GENTILES! And it is a good thing He did! In AD 71, Rome came into Israel after it had an insurrection resisting Roman rule and totally destroyed it and slew many of its leaders. They deported these people once again and ISRAEL WAS NO MORE UNTIL 1948!! If Paul and others had not welcomed and invited Gentiles into the church, IT WOULD HAVE DIED. But again, God wanted the church to not only survive, but to thrive. Again, to any and all who will hear God’s love for them in this place. WE WELCOME YOU TO OUT FAITH FAMILY. Lastly, I took you to the wonderful image of Jesus being the VINE and believers being the branches. I have another image side-by-side with this one. A charcoal fire with briquets all heated and turning white from the fire. But take one briquet away from the rest of them for a while and watch it fade –and die. We have our spiritual life because we are in constant touch with Jesus Christ, our Lord. We gain our strength and hope from His grace and love. It is our task to extend our hands of faith to others that they may be joined to the VINE-Jesus-through their contact with the BRANCHES (us) We are to “branch out” and cause our church to grow and be restored in the days to come. May you reach out to anyone you know who needs the love of God we can provide here at First United Presbyterian. Amen. *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 Blest Be the Tie That Binds No. 438 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. SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
May 9th, 2021 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 keep your masks on. · 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 Schedule reminders: The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours. Mother’s Day May 9th PEO Meeting May 10th Session May 16th PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rose, Family of Chuck Thornton, Gary Iverson, all who are seeking Jesus, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Jack Braden, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Valerie Jerez, a person seeking a job, Annette Conzett, Jim Roling and family, Sara Feilmeier, Jackie with difficult pregnancy, Lois Seger and Jo Lefleur PRELUDE WORDS OF WORSHIP LEADER: Lord, Abraham could not number the stars. Response: But You know them all by name! L: How much more You know our frame. R: O Lord, You clothe the fields in splendor, L: But how much more You have provided for us! R: We trust that You will continue to bless us, L: Truly You know us by name and care for us. GATHERING PRAYER (Unison) Father and maker of heaven and earth, as we gather in Your glorious presence, make us worthy to stand before You through the sacrifice of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Search us and know our hearts: try us and know our thoughts. See if there be any wicked way within us and lead us in the way everlasting. Amen. *Hymn “Now Thank We All Our God” No. 555 CONFESSION AND PARDON (Unison) It can be difficult, Master, to open our eyes to what we should have been doing on Your behalf during this past week. For those of us who have no trouble seeing our spiritual failures, please receive our apology and desire for improvement. For those who have the sin of not even recognizing our sin, open the eyes to view ourselves as You see us, and confess. Amen. Assurance of Pardon Surely, He has borne our sin and delivered us from condemnation. WE have presented ourselves before His throne and sought them mercy He has promised to those who follow His Will and His Way. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable grace and mercy. Amen. *ANTHEM: We will attempt to present recorded music as an anthem today *THE PASSING OF THE PEACE THE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY OFFERTORY PRAYER Lord of heaven and earth, with respect for Your worthiness, we Ask Youto use our offerings this day for the preaching of Your word, for the provision of your witnesses, and for the proclamation of Your works throughout the earth. Amen. INTERLUDE Word PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION O Lord, open Thou our eyes that we may see wonderous things! May we delve deeply into the wisdom and instruction that only Your holy word can inspire within us. Amen, SCRIPTURE LESSONS Exodus 2: 1-10 2 Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket[a] for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” I Samuel 1: 1-2 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite[a] from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. I Samuel 1:9-11 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” I Samuel 1: 21-24 21 When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD and he will live there always.”23 “Do what seems best to you,” her husband Elkanah told her. “Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the Lord make good his[b] word.” So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him.24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull,[c] an ephah[d] of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. Luke 2: 41-49 41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[a] SERMON Mother’s Three “S’ s” Good morning! Welcome to the Facebook broadcast of the morning worship service on Mother’s Day in the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa. I am Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra, the interim minister here for these past seven weeks. I have served for the past 48 years as a minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Pennsylvania and Illinois before coming to Iowa. Blessed Mother’s Day! Fellas, let me apologize for mostly talking to the ladies today. Just thing- your turn is coming! Father’s Day is in June! It is customary to praise the many virtues of our mothers on this special Sunday. I am no exception. My mom was mentioned in last week’s sermon for her “Life Verse” and how she taught me to honor and follow the Bible’s teachings in my life. Her name was Florence Dykstra. We lived in an apartment on the South Side of Chicago. She had to connect with three buses each Wy to go to work downtown in the report department of a CPA firm as a collating clerk. As a young man in my early teens, I would go to her office to eat lunch together in a fancy downtown restaurant just after school let out for the summer. I was so impressed when I got to her little office. She had plastered the walls with pictures of ME! Can you imagine how much that encouraged ME? We didn’t live in the best part of town and there were lots of bad things to do there, but I wanted to live up to her image of what I should become. Now, I am sure that all of you also have your own stories that are favorites about YOUR moms; whether they are still with us, or she is with Jesus above. All of the love, all of the encouragement, all the tenderness, all of the hard work, and all of the patience, each of us could go on. Today I want to lift up stories about three Biblical mothers. I will emphasize what I call “the 3 S ‘s of motherhood.” These are: - SUPPORT SERVICE SACRIFICE It seems that nearly ALL mothers demonstrate these qualities at various times in their families’ lives. I chose Moses’ mother -whose name we don’t even know, although we DO know the name of his sister Miriam. I also lift up Hannah, the mother of Samuel, and the Virgin Mary—of course the mother of Jesus. Here’s a news flash!! Did you know that children can be a bit of a trial?? Did that startle any of you? Probably not. Especially in the ages where children try to exert their own personalities and independence. That is the very time that mothers need to support their children. I told you about how I discovered how much support my own mother was to me at her work environment. I went into many of the offices at her company over the years -AND I NEVER SAW ANOTHER ONE WHERE PICTURES OF THEIR CHILD WERE DISPLAYED LIKE MINE WERE!! Can you imagine the influence that had as I faced some of the temptations of youth in the city? What support!! Jesus had just begun his public ministry and healings. Large crowds were gathering and praising him; but that made the authorities (like the Pharisees) to have a more negative opinion of him. Jesus was heading for trouble! Mary takes her other sons (really Jesus’ half-brothers) and sought to bring him back home and to safety to protect him. I know that some folks object to this scene; feeling it was her denying His ministry. I disagree, sensing the matronly desire to protect and support her child. What heartbreak she must have felt as Jesus uses this moment to teach his disciples and followers about how close He feels to them. He said that those who followed and believed in him WERE AS CLOSE AS HIS BROTHERS AND SISTER AND EVEN HIS MOTHER! The record shows that he did not follow her suggestion, but continued to bless many people and antagonize the leaders even further. On this Mother’s Day we must remember, though, that her support for Jesus continued right up to the end. She remained at his side at the cross even when his disciples fled from the scene. Even the agony of Calvary could not separate her from her son. Yes, friends, we must thank our mothers for their support, whether appreciated or not! I want to share that Hannah’s story has deeply personal meaning for me. My first wife, Cheryl, and I also could not have naturally born children. You are, by now, aware that my two kids are adopted, but you have not heard of the emotional pain that Cheryl felt at being childless for seven years before David was brought to us. We tried the various medications and surgical procedures; but no result—no baby! Hannah is in that state of anguish. She “poured out her heart to the Lord God.” Eli, the high priest, was outside his quarters and saw her public display of misery and mistook it for drunkenness, She protested that she was a virtuous woman who heart was breaking before the Lord. Eli then pronounced a blessing upon her petition before God. Fascinatingly, the Bible then declares that she was “no longer sad!” The burden was lifted by brining it to God, but her service to Samuel was just beginning. She had declared to God that if He would answer her cry for a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. Scripture tells us how she kept her vow. As he grew up, she sent him to God’s Temple in Jerusalem to become the personal assistant of the high priest. Samuel would become an important follower of the Temple’s worship and portrayal of God Almighty to the Hebrew people. They recognized him as a man blessed by God. He became a prophet and a leader who God would choose to become His voice to the people. But for all that to happen, Hannah HAD TO GIVE HIM UP. That is a burden that every mother knows—sending their precious child into the world. Yes, we nee to thank our mothers for their SERVICE. When I want to highlight the sacrifice of motherhood, I return to the Virgin Mary. Though he left her care and home and his place as his father’s assistant in the carpentry shop, she willingly supported his calling to be the Son of God even more than HER son from the wedding at Cana at the very beginning to the ending at the cross of Calvary. While modern mothers will not have to agonize to that degree; what mother is there who does not willingly sacrifice for her children’s wellbeing? We need to honor mothers for their gift of SACRIFICE. Yes, faithful flock, this is the day---but also on each and EVERY day – we need to honor our mothers for your SUPPORT, SERVICE, AND SACRIFICES on your children’s behalf today. God bless you!! *Hymn Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling NO. 376 *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, 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 How Happy Is Each Child of God No. 239 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. SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
April 25,2021 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. · The bulletins were placed specifically for social distancing, one household per pew. Please sit exactly where you found your bulletin. · Please keep your masks on and remain seated through the whole service. PRAYER REQUESTS Family of Rose, Family of Chuck Thornton, Gary Iverson, all who are seeking Jesus, Bob Beck, Joan Boyd, Jack Braden, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Valerie Jerez, a person seeking a job, Annette Conzett, Jim Roling and family, Sara Feilmeier, Jackie with difficult pregnancy. Schedule reminders: The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours. Mother’s Day May 9th Session May 16th Gathering WORDS OF WORSHIP Leader: Come, let us go up to the House of the Lord! Response: there is no other place that helps us get as close to God as this. L: Come into His presence with praise, thanksgiving, and confession. R: It is only right to do so, for He is worthy of all praise! L: Bring your concerns, fears and doubt for God to heal today. R: That is hard to do, we scarcely want to see them ourselves! GATHERING PRAYER (unison) Precious Master, we have obeyed Your command and come to this sacred house to meet with You here. We know that we are not worthy of such a fellowship with the creator of the universe; but are grateful for Your grace and mercy. This is a troubling time in our world and in our lives and we would be desolate without Your presence and consolation. May we find that fellowship and inspiration we seek. Amen. HYMN All People That On Earth Do Dwell No. 220 CONFESSION AND PARDON. We are made humble, Jesus, by Your perfection. There is no way that we can even approach holiness on our own and we are hesitant to summon the grace that You brought us from your cross. It hurts us to know that the blood of our sacrificial Savior was necessary to blot out what we could have avoided in our lives with more effort and faith. Please forgive our casual approach to what cost You so much. Challenge us to ever greater obedience to the Bible’s holy word. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON It cost God the sacrifice of His beloved Son to save us from our sin. The agony of the cross was the price to forgive what we view far too casually. Yet the grace of the Lord is boundless and His peace can descend upon our own spirits. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable love. Amen. ANTHEM Today we will be attempting to bring recorded sacred music to our worship. THE PASSING OF THE PEACE SONG OF PRAISE Gloria Patri No, 579 THE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY OFFERTORY PRAYER We are thankful, Father, for being able to bring our best gifts to your offering today. They seem so small compared to the vastness of the world’s need; yet we have confidence that You can increase their effect multiple-fold to do much in Christ’s service. Amen. INTERLUDE Word PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION The world keeps asking questions , Savior, that You have already answered in the Holy Bible. Help our ears to hear and our minds to understand what message You have for us today. Let us be able to shed that light to others in the week to come. Amen. SCRIPTURE LESSONS Psalm 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. John 10:11-16 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. Isaiah 53: 1-7 1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. SERMON “Feeling Sheepish?” Good morning! You are watching the Facebook broadcast of our worship service on April 25th at First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Iowa. I am Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra, the interim minister here. I have been a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 48 continuous years in Pennsylvania and Illinois. Many of you will probably be surprised by how often in the Bible there are references to sheep and shepherds. This is true in both the Old and New Testaments. Did you remember that Moses was a shepherd for his father-in-law Jethro before he went back to Egypt to eventually lead the Hebrew people out of slavery? Many of the lessons of patience and leadership were learned in the pastures of his flockl. You need to realize that Israel sits in the midst of an area we call The Middle East. That is an area that is overwhelmingly a DESERT! Sheep—indeed any animal—must have water as a primary need for life. Another priority is GRASS for food. These are not found in a desert. God has blessed Israel with something that rest of the Middle Easat does not have – mountains! There is a relatively low range of mountains in the northern and middle sections of the holy land. This extends from the area of Galilee down through the section with Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Further south you run into the area of the Dead Sea with its salt deposits and surrounding desert. I have stood on the summits of a couple of these mountains. Why is this important? Because God SNOWS and rains of the peaks. In fact, I had it SNOW one day when I was in Jerusalem in February! The water from the mountain’s rain and melting snow runs downhill and forms the life-giving Jordan River. Its tributaries spread out throughout the countryside – creating pastureland in the foothill country. ..near Bethlehem for instance. And so we have the perfect God-given environment to raise sheep and goats! With them surrounding the land of the Biblical events, their use as an illustration is natural. Again, I have given you three Scripture passages to illustrate our message today –but there are MANY others I could have chosen that mention sheep and shepherds throughout the Bible. I begin—as I often do – with David. First of all; he IS an authority on shepherds and sheep. Remember when the judge and prophet Samuel came to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king of Israel after Saul had forfeited his place as God’s ruler? Samuel looked at all of Jesse’s sons and God told him that each one was not the one chosen. He asked if there were any other sons. Jesse answered, “Well, yes. but he is the least of them all, so I had him out TENDING THE SHEEP! If anyone ought to know about sheep—it is David! That makes his 23rd Psalm all that much more of an authority for us. What does the Psalm say? I’m glad you asked!! Almighty God IS A SHEPHERD! What did that mean to David? 1. I shall not want. God is the one who provides for every need. We can always turn to Him in prayer requests. 2. Green pastures and still waters. God takes us to safe and abundant places IF WE FOLLOW HIS WILL. He will supply all we need (and perhaps much of what we WANT as well). 3. He restores my soul. Most of us need to be restored after this pandemic. God is the one to “recharge our batteries.” 4. He lead me into righteousness. God will never lead us astray. We can always trust His sovereign guidance. 5. He is with us forever. I jokingly say “God never takes a vacation, just preacheers and God’s people do,” but it is no joke! 24-7 God is there for our every prayer. 6. He is a peacemaker. He even includes his enemies as invited guests at His table—the communion of His body and blood as God’s sacrificial LAMB. With that established Jesus claims that HE provides all that a shepherd does. That includes protecting His sheep from the enemy –Satan. He stays with us when we are tempted to evil or in other trouble and WILL LEAD US OUT OF IT. If need be, the shepherd faces the wolf and may lose his life protecting the sheep. Jesus did that for us at the cross of Calvary. About hearing the shepherd’s voice. In the Spring of the year at the time when the ewes are heavy at lambing time and more vulnerable to predators, several shepherds will gather together for protection. The flocks mingle together into one much greater grouping, When the young are born and grow strong enough to travel backm to their respective pastures they don’t have any problem knowing their ow shepherd’s voice and following only him. The Bible brings us the very words of our shepherd. Let us follow only them! Lastly, I brought you to Isaiah 53—the “suffering servant” passage. This makes it clear that the Messiah “bore our sins because we have strayed from right living like a dumb sheep. He comes after us in our sin to bring us back to the Father- the Head Shepherd. He will not leave you in your trouble. More than that –He died and rose again. He was like a lamb to the slaughter –but rose to new life. We can learn a lot from the Bible’ use of “sheep” and “shepherds.” May this lesson be a blessing to each one of you to strengthen YOUR MINISTRY as a part of our faith family. Amen. HYMN The King of Love My Shepherd Is No. 171 *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. PASTORAL 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 Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us No. 387 *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. Please remember that as the weather warms up the boilers are not working as much if you are in the building you might want to bring a sweater because it may be cool in the building.
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY April 04,2021 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. · The bulletins were placed specifically for social distancing, one household per pew. Please sit exactly where you found your bulletin. · Please keep your masks on and remain seated through the whole service. Schedule reminders: The office and the rest of the building remain closed, but you can contact Karla during her office hours. Session Meeting April 18th WORDS OF WORSHIP SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY Gathering MUSICAL OFFERING ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRAYER REQUESTS PRELUDE WORDS OF WORSHIP Leader: Blessed Easter to us all in the sacred Name of Jesus! Response: This is the day that the Lord has made. L: Let us rejoice and be glad in it! R: The cross is covered with the beauty of lilies, L: to symbolize the new life we have received from His resurrection! GATHERING PRAYER Powerful Savior; you are even stronger than the grasp of death itself. We are all mortal and come to the end of our days; yet You have transcended even the grave! We honor and praise You on this most precious day of the Christian year. Hear our worship with song and prayer, reading and Scripture as it tells us the wonderful “Old, Old Story.” Amen. HYMN Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today No. 113 CONFESSION AND PARDON. Holy Lord, as we celebrate the divine miracle of Easter’s new life, we cannot help but compare our lives to Your eternal purity. There are so many Bible passages that speak of Your holiness, unblemished by sin. There are also so many in which our shortcomings are made plain. We are truly repentant before Your throne of grace. May we be granted the ability to serve You with greater obedience and love in the days to come. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON The Lord lived His human life with no sin whatever, and is thus able to take our sinful nature upon His own cross. In this miraculous way, we are not clean ourselves; but are MADE clean through Your grace. We praise You and worship You on this Easter Day and always. Amen. THE PASSING OF THE PEACE THE OFFERING AND OFFERTORY The Psalmist asks the rhetorical question, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits unto me.” His answer is sufficient for all of us as well—“I will lift up my soul unto thee and seek thy forgiveness. All that I am and all that I have are thine.” OFFERTORY PRAYER Lord, these are our best offerings that we present before thy table and in Thy sanctuary. Help us to always seek to bring our finest gifts to Your ministries here and abroad as the Church serves Your mission work. Amen. INTERLUDE Word PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION What IS truth?” was asked by Pontius Pilate as he was examining Jesus in ther presence of the Pharisees and priests of the Hebrew people. In our confusing world, this can often be seen as our question as well. Let us accept that the Holy Bible is the very word of God brought to us in perfection. May our eyes be opened to perceive Your truth. Amen. SCRIPTURE LESSONS Matthew 28: 1-10 Mark 16:9-18 Luke 24:1-12 SERMON Good blessed morning!! BLESSED EASTER!! This is the Facebook broadcast of the Easter morning worship service of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Iowa. I am the Rev. Dr. Dale Dykstra and am the newly serving Interim Pastor here. I have been engaged in 48 continuous years of ministry in Presbyterian Churches (USA) In Pennsylvania and Illinois. Blessed Easter! I know that most folks say “Happy Easter”, but we are Christians and have a better word than just being “happy”. Indeed, in this particular year, there is much to be un-happy about in the days of the pandemic Covid-19. Over a half a million Americans have perished from this disease and more than 30 MILLION people have been infected and gone through the suffering of its symptoms. Many thousands of people have lost their businesses; and almost countless people have lost their jobs as a result. Sooo- how can I say “Blessed Easter?” We are richly blessed by our God. Yes, I weill say it again ---Blessed Easter!” Today we are audacious people who dare to say that a man actually and truly died and came back to life by the power of Almighty God! Now, how many of you have actually seen a dead man walking? What about a deceased woman returning to earthly life? Oh there are ghost stories in abundance; but we know they are fiction. So NONE of you have touched or spoken to a deceased person in the flesh after they have died and been buried in the ground? Then on what grounds do we have to actually believe the Biblical story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? How can we know that this is true when it goes contrary to everything we have in our experience? I am a man who believes with my whole heart that every word of the Holy Bible is gospel truth. There are passages or concepts that I may very well not understand, but that is my failure—not that of Scripture. With college, seminary and ministry, I have studied God’s Word for over 55 years and still am learning more every time I approach the Sacred Word. I encourage you to take this same position. Millions upon millions of people have staked their earthly – AND HEAVENLY -lives on the truth of God’s Word. Ifyou will go along with me this far, we can come to the certainty of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day. We can truly say, “HE IS RISEN!” This morning I read to you not one but three Gospel’s accounts of what happened on that history-making day. Each author adds certain details that others don’t—making a more complete picture for us.I started with Matthew’s presentation. He knew about the skepticism of the Pharisees and priests. They had heard a tory that Jesus told His followers that He would rise in three days. Therefore, they asked Pilate to station a squad of the mighty Roman Legion outside the tomb to protect it from grave robbery. Pilate went even further, sealing the tomb tight. This would prevent any chance of his followers stealing the body. I have stood inside the tomb of Jesus on my trip to Israel with a group of clergy and their families. I have seen the disc-shaped stone that had been rolled down a shallow trench in a position in front of the door of the tomb. I also know that “sealing” a rough-hewn stone cover to a hand carved doorway was accomplished by smearing a plaster-like substance around the outside edge of the joint. It was marked by the imprint of a signet ring—in this case Pilate’s own name! Any attempt to open the tomb would crack the plaster and erase the imprint. Matthew recorded that two women named Mary were the first to arrive at the tomb on Easter morning—just after sunrise. It records that they had doubts about their mission to care for Jesus’s body on two accounts. The stone was probably too big and heavy for them to move; and there were those Roman guards who would not put up with any tampering. When they arrived, God had taken care of both troubles –the door was opened, and the guards lay on the ground! There was no way to fake this. The guards felt they had to report back to Pilate and explain that they had been overwhelmed not by men, but by angels! Mark adds the name of Salome to the growing list of witnesses of the risen Lord. He also records the words of the angels that tell that Jesus will meet His disciples in Galilee. He adds the detail that Mary Magdelene was one of the witnesses—and she had a shady past. Scripture faithfully records that the disciples did not believe her! More witnesses are added as two men walking to Emmaus encountered the risen Lord, spoke with Him, and even came to recognize Him when they ate bread together. Soon after they returned to report this to the disciples, Jesus came into the upper room—not through the door! When he was there, he ate some fish with them—and it didn’t fall through!! He was physically THERE. HE WAS RISEN! Paul went even further, telling of his own encounter with the risen Jesus on the Damascus Road. In his narration, he mentioned that Peter had a special encounter with the risen Lord, and that he had appeared to over 500 people in Jerusalem. He challenged the Corinthian church to go ahead and ASK some of these people who had gone to Corinth! Folks, what seems to be impossible was doubted, challenged, and denied. The tomb was sealed snd guarded. Many witnesses declared what we believe today –HE IS RISEN !! Why is that so central in the Christian faith for us to know and believe? It is because Jesus has told us that if we confess our sins, believe in His resurrection, and walk in newness of life, WE TOO SHALL LIVER FOREVER WITH GOD!! Truly, of all of our days, this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. HE IS RISEN ---AND SO SHALL WE !! HYMN The Day of Resurrection No. 118 “ AFFIRMATION Apostle’s Creed, Ecumenical Version 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 Sending HYMN Jesus Christ Is Risen Today No,123 . 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 |
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December 2021
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