January 3, 2021

2 2Worship Leader: Rev. Chris Smith

MORNING WORSHIP

ReflectionsWisdom is for the humbly eager—one might almost say, for the lover, the suitor . . . It

is not for the man wise in his own eyes: he thinks he has arrived—and indeed he has, for he will never get a step further. His trouble is not intellectual . . . It is that he does not seriously want to be a better person; whereas the wise man is teachable to the end, open to God’s commands, and chastening, and to human advice and criticism; for he values truth enough to pay the price of having it. n Derek Kidner

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. n Proverbs 8:1-4

GreetingAs we enter into worship, please silence your cell phones.

Prelude • Title composer

Call to Worship • Psalm 103:1-5

PASTOR: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

ALL: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

PASTOR: Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

ALL: Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

PASTOR: Who satisifes you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

To our guests,

Welcome! We are delighted to have you with us this morning. Our goal each Sunday is to glorify and enjoy the God Who made us and saved us by His grace. If you have any questions about our church, please do not hesitate to ask.

If you are worshipping from home, I want to encourage you to engage with the liturgy as best you can. Even though we aren’t together physically, don’t just think about worship as you follow along…worship with us! Sing the songs, respond to the Bible readings, join in the prayers, open your Bible and take notes during the sermon. In preparing for worship you may want to print this bulletin out or just follow along on your phone, tablet or laptop. For those worshipping with children, make use of the children’s resources we have posted online as well, if that would be helpful for you.

If, after all of that effort, this still seems awkward — that’s okay! It should. We were made to worship together, as a community, not merely as individuals. So, don’t be discouraged: in God’s perfect time, we will gather together again to worship Him as His people!

Whether we are together or apart, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

In Christ,Pastor Ryan Laughlin

Why a pelican?Carved into the front of our pulpit is one of the most ancient symbols of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. Often referred to as “the pelican in her piety,” this symbol offers a vivid picture of how Christ’s death brings us life: according to

legend, a mother pelican will pluck her breast to feed her young with her blood during a time of famine. As a church, Christ’s stunning grace is not only front-and-center in our sanctuary but, more importantly, in our lives. The image of the pelican serves as a frequent reminder that we are deeply rooted in Christ so that we might reach out with Christ.

For Children:

Junior Bulletin: We love having our children participate with us in worship and have provided a children’s version of our bulletin that can be found in the narthex.

Hearing Assist: Sanitized devices are available from our ushers.

Large Print version of the bulletin is available in the narthex.

Statement of FaithWe are a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), which believes that the Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God and holds to that system of doctrine summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith & Catechisms.

3 3Worship Leader: Rev. Chris Smith

MORNING WORSHIP

ReflectionsWisdom is for the humbly eager—one might almost say, for the lover, the suitor . . . It

is not for the man wise in his own eyes: he thinks he has arrived—and indeed he has, for he will never get a step further. His trouble is not intellectual . . . It is that he does not seriously want to be a better person; whereas the wise man is teachable to the end, open to God’s commands, and chastening, and to human advice and criticism; for he values truth enough to pay the price of having it. n Derek Kidner

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. n Proverbs 8:1-4

GreetingAs we enter into worship, please silence your cell phones.

Prelude • Title composer

Call to Worship • Psalm 103:1-5

PASTOR: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

ALL: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

PASTOR: Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

ALL: Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

PASTOR: Who satisifes you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

To our guests,

Welcome! We are delighted to have you with us this morning. Our goal each Sunday is to glorify and enjoy the God Who made us and saved us by His grace. If you have any questions about our church, please do not hesitate to ask.

If you are worshipping from home, I want to encourage you to engage with the liturgy as best you can. Even though we aren’t together physically, don’t just think about worship as you follow along…worship with us! Sing the songs, respond to the Bible readings, join in the prayers, open your Bible and take notes during the sermon. In preparing for worship you may want to print this bulletin out or just follow along on your phone, tablet or laptop. For those worshipping with children, make use of the children’s resources we have posted online as well, if that would be helpful for you.

If, after all of that effort, this still seems awkward — that’s okay! It should. We were made to worship together, as a community, not merely as individuals. So, don’t be discouraged: in God’s perfect time, we will gather together again to worship Him as His people!

Whether we are together or apart, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

In Christ,Pastor Ryan Laughlin

Why a pelican?Carved into the front of our pulpit is one of the most ancient symbols of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. Often referred to as “the pelican in her piety,” this symbol offers a vivid picture of how Christ’s death brings us life: according to

legend, a mother pelican will pluck her breast to feed her young with her blood during a time of famine. As a church, Christ’s stunning grace is not only front-and-center in our sanctuary but, more importantly, in our lives. The image of the pelican serves as a frequent reminder that we are deeply rooted in Christ so that we might reach out with Christ.

For Children:

Junior Bulletin: We love having our children participate with us in worship and have provided a children’s version of our bulletin that can be found in the narthex.

Hearing Assist: Sanitized devices are available from our ushers.

Large Print version of the bulletin is available in the narthex.

Statement of FaithWe are a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), which believes that the Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God and holds to that system of doctrine summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith & Catechisms.

4 4

Hymn of Adoration • 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) Invocation

Corporate Confession

ALL: Almighty and merciful God,We have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.We have followed too much the devices and desires of our

own hearts.We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things

which we ought to have done;and we have done those things

which we ought not to have done.O Lord, have mercy upon us.Spare those who confess their faults.Restore those who are penitent,

according to your promises declared to the world in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

And grant, O merciful God, for his sake,that we may live a holy, just, and humble lifeto the glory of your holy name.  Amen.

Silent Confession

Assurance of Pardon • adapted from Romans 4:24–5:1

PASTOR: Hear the Gospel: Jesus was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith — not by our works — we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

5 5

Hymn of Adoration • 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) Invocation

Corporate Confession

ALL: Almighty and merciful God,We have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.We have followed too much the devices and desires of our

own hearts.We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things

which we ought to have done;and we have done those things

which we ought not to have done.O Lord, have mercy upon us.Spare those who confess their faults.Restore those who are penitent,

according to your promises declared to the world in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

And grant, O merciful God, for his sake,that we may live a holy, just, and humble lifeto the glory of your holy name.  Amen.

Silent Confession

Assurance of Pardon • adapted from Romans 4:24–5:1

PASTOR: Hear the Gospel: Jesus was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith — not by our works — we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

6 6

Hymn of Assurance • I Know That My Redeemer Lives (vv.1-4)

Prayer for Christ’s Church and the World

OfferingYou may give your offering by using the “give” button online at www.cpcstl.org.

Those worshipping in person may give their gift in the offering box provided by our ushers after the service.

Hymn of Preparation • May the Mind of Christ My Savior #644 (vv.1-3, 5)

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Hymn of Assurance • I Know That My Redeemer Lives (vv.1-4)

Prayer for Christ’s Church and the World

OfferingYou may give your offering by using the “give” button online at www.cpcstl.org.

Those worshipping in person may give their gift in the offering box provided by our ushers after the service.

Hymn of Preparation • May the Mind of Christ My Savior #644 (vv.1-3, 5)

8 8

Scripture Reading • Proverbs 1:1-19

1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,

3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;

4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—

5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching,

9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.

11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason;

12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder;

14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”—

15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths,

16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.

17 For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird,

18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.

19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.

Sermon • A Word to the Wise Rev. Ryan Laughlin

1. The purpose of Proverbs

A. Orientation

B. Protection

2. The poetry of Proverbs

3. The power of Proverbs

January 3, 2021

9 9

Scripture Reading • Proverbs 1:1-19

1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,

3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;

4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—

5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching,

9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.

11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason;

12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;

13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder;

14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”—

15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths,

16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.

17 For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird,

18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.

19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.

Sermon • A Word to the Wise Rev. Ryan Laughlin

1. The purpose of Proverbs

A. Orientation

B. Protection

2. The poetry of Proverbs

3. The power of Proverbs

January 3, 2021

10 10

Musicians – Brent Johnson, Piano; Riley Jones, Guitar & Vocals

Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture notations are from The ESV Bible [The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, © 2001 Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.] and all hymns are from the Trinity Hymnal.

CCLI songs are reprinted and streamed with permission under CCLI License #390623. All rights reserved.

Hymn of Adoration (“10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”): Words and music by Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman; © 2011 Atlas Mountain Songs | sixsteps Music | Thankyou Music | worshiptogether.com songs (all admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). CCLI Song #6016351.

Corporate Confession of Sin: Adapted from a Morning Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer.Hymn of Assurance (“I Know That My Redeemer Lives”): Words by Samuel Medley; tune DUKE STREET by John

Hatton (both are in the public domain). Arrangement by Matt Grimsely, © 2011 Redeemer. Used by permission.

Communion Music (“We Will Feast in the House of Zion”): Words and music by Sandra McCracken & Joshua Moore, © 2015 DRINK YOUR TEA MUSIC and joshmooreownsthismusic (both admin. by Music Services, Inc.). CCLI Song #7041364.

Celebration of the Lord’s SupperCommunion Music • We Will Feast in the House of Zion

Benediction

Doxology #731

The Peace of ChristPASTOR: The peace of Christ be with you.ALL: And also with you!

Postlude • Title composer

11 11

Musicians – Brent Johnson, Piano; Riley Jones, Guitar & Vocals

Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture notations are from The ESV Bible [The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, © 2001 Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.] and all hymns are from the Trinity Hymnal.

CCLI songs are reprinted and streamed with permission under CCLI License #390623. All rights reserved.

Hymn of Adoration (“10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”): Words and music by Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman; © 2011 Atlas Mountain Songs | sixsteps Music | Thankyou Music | worshiptogether.com songs (all admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). CCLI Song #6016351.

Corporate Confession of Sin: Adapted from a Morning Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer.Hymn of Assurance (“I Know That My Redeemer Lives”): Words by Samuel Medley; tune DUKE STREET by John

Hatton (both are in the public domain). Arrangement by Matt Grimsely, © 2011 Redeemer. Used by permission.

Communion Music (“We Will Feast in the House of Zion”): Words and music by Sandra McCracken & Joshua Moore, © 2015 DRINK YOUR TEA MUSIC and joshmooreownsthismusic (both admin. by Music Services, Inc.). CCLI Song #7041364.

Celebration of the Lord’s SupperCommunion Music • We Will Feast in the House of Zion

Benediction

Doxology #731

The Peace of ChristPASTOR: The peace of Christ be with you.ALL: And also with you!

Postlude • Title composer

Thank you for visiting with us!

Using your phone, please scan this code and fill out our online visitor card. We would love to know you are here and answer any questions you may have.

A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) 2143 N. Ballas Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131

Phone: (314) 432-8700 office@cpcstl.org www.cpcstl.org

If you are not receiving children’s resources or Zoom information for live Children’s Worship and Large Elementary Group, please contact Kelly Robinson (krobinson@cpcstl.org).

Session EldersJohn Bauer Jonathan McCluskeyBill Cahill Bill McGreevyJohn Dawson Alan NormanTim Hall John ShimBill Hughes Roland Van HeestGarrett Jacobs Theo Vander VeldeDaniel Legters David Yates

DiaconateBrett Allen Mike Castle Steve HilerAndy Belval Dave Gegel Don JacobsWalter Bosch Will Haynes Jeff MassotJamey Brester Lewis Hettinga Stefan Novosel

Women’s Ministries LeadershipBible Studies – Joyce Dana, Sara HaverdinkCongregational Life – Kathy CollierMoms of Littles – Kim Vander Velde, Becky BegleyService & Compassion – Charity Larrimore, Beth Allen-ShumateCommunication – Meghan Haynes, Laura Hettinga

Stephen MinistersTaylor Begley, Sherri Castle, Claudia Gold, Steve Hiler, Kathy Jacobs, Mike Koller, Liz Leutwiler, Jonathan McGuire, Kimberly McGuire, Julie Roberts, Julie Theus, Charlene Tipton

Preaching ScheduleJanuary 3

Morning: Proverbs 1:1-7January 10

Morning: ProverbsJanuary 17

Morning: ProverbsJanuary 24

Morning: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Church StaffRyan Laughlin, Senior PastorChris Smith, Associate PastorJohn Roberts, Assistant Pastor/Head of SchoolGreg Meyer, Assistant Pastor, Youth MinistryKelly Robinson, Director of Children’s MinistriesMary Bell, Director of Women’s Ministries

& Community LifeKatie Stanton, Youth Ministry CoordinatorLaura Andrews, Administrative AssistantHannah Brandenburg, Administrative AssistantJamey Brester, Property ManagerNancy Walker, BookkeeperLois Miller, Bulletin Coordinator