May 24, 2015

Pentecost Sunday

Our Mission In common with all churches we seek to:

Worship God

Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the scriptures

Develop community

Offer nurture through the pastoral care giving of our members and staff

We call people to a life of:

Discipleship

Stewardship

Spiritual development

As a faith community we seek to be:

An inviting church

Offering hospitality and

Encouragement to people in search of God.

Our Vision

We will organize our church as a center for:

Spiritual development

Music and the arts

Urban mission

Ecumenical cooperation

Our Objectives

We have some unique opportunities due to our Germantown location and

congregational history. These include:

Providing special programs for children and families in the local community

Building a healthy, diverse congregation

Developing an urban mission

Developing a ministry of music and the arts

Using our building and endowment creatively and responsibly

The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown logo seen on the cover of this bulletin represents

the multifaceted life of our energized congregation. The cross on the left symbolizes our Living

Lord – the foundation upon which we build our faith. The harp in the yellow square represents our

rich musical heritage, for we enjoy celebrating the gift of music in worship, workshops, and con-

certs. It is important for us to share music with our community. The dove symbolizes serving –

offering educational and mission opportunities through our many outreach activities. People – ac-

tive and joy-filled – are represented in the red square on the right. We welcome all people to this

church. We are a diverse congregation of many racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic back-

grounds. We are, indeed, alive, spirit-filled, and caring.

The colors are reflective of the beautiful stained glass windows of the church. In fact, the colors

of the logo were taken directly from The Christmas Window– “Thy light is come” made by Nicola

D’Ascenzo and seen in the southwest corner of the nave.

The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown –

Alive, Celebrating & Serving the Living Lord!

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In preparation for worship please take the opportunity to speak silently to God. At the close of the service let us greet one an other with cheerfulness.

Please be sure that your cell phone is turned off during worship.

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May 24, 2015 Pentecost Communion

ORDER OF MORNING WORSHIP AT 10:00 AM

GATHERING AS GOD’S FAMILY

Prelude: Prelude on ‘Saint Dunstan’s’ Fred Bock Welcome and Announcements

Introit: Come, Holy Spirit, Our Souls Inspire VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS

Arranged by Healey Willian Come, Holy Spirit, our souls inspire, and lighten with celestial fire; Thou the anointing Spirit art, who dost Thy sevenfold gifts impart. Praise to Thine eternal merit, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

†*Call to Worship from Psalm 104:31-35

Leader: May the glory of the LORD endure forever;

may the LORD rejoice in his works

People: who looks on the earth and it trembles,

who touches the mountains and they smoke.

Leader: I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

People: May my meditation be pleasing to him,

for I rejoice in the LORD.

Bless the LORD, O my soul.

Praise the LORD!

†*Hymn 129: Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us EBENEZER

CONFESSING OUR SINS TO GOD

Prayer of Confession Psalm 130:1-8

Holy Spirit, you are so full of energy you are like fire. And like fire you

came upon the disciples at Pentecost. But our lives this past week have not

blazed with your Spirit. Forgive us, we pray, and fill us with your Spirit.

Come down, O Spirit, fill us and set us on fire. Amen.

Silent Meditation

Assurance of Pardon ____________________ *congregation standing † latecomers may be seated

†*Congregational Response 579: Glory Be to the Father GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

†* Sharing the Peace of Christ Leader: The peace of Christ be with you. People: And also with you.

(As worshipers, we come from diverse experiences and points of view. We have different racial, educational, and economic backgrounds. Yet we are all one in Christ. We symbolize this as we exchange with one another, by words and gestures, signs of peace and reconciliation such as, “The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.”)

Children in grades five and younger may now leave for their classes.

PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD Prayer for Illumination David Corbin, reader

The First Lesson Ezekiel 37:1-14 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the

Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all

around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He

said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.”

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear

the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath

to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to

come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live;

and you shall know that I am the Lord.” So I prophesied as I had been command-

ed; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came

together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had

come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the

breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and

breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me,

and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast mul-

titude. Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel.

They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off complete-

ly.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to

open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will

bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when

I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put

my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then

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you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.

Leader: God’s word is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. People: Thanks be to God!

Choir: Dry Bones Traditional Spiritual

Arranged with additional music by Mark Hayes There was a man named Ezekiel who lived many years ago. He was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley full of old, dry bones. Then Ezekiel was asked by the Lord most High, “Can these bones ever be revived!” After pondering this question, this is what he said, “Only the Lord God knows.” So the Lord commanded Ezekiel to speak unto these bones, “Now hear the word of the Lord!” Ezekiel cried, “Dem dry bones. Now hear the word of the Lord!” Ezekiel connected dem dry bones. Now hear the word of the Lord. So the bones were connected by the power of the Lord when Ezekiel spoke the command. But the bones had no breath, so the Lord God said, “Call the winds across the lands.” Then Ezekiel called to the spirit in the winds to revive those bones on the ground. With a mighty sound those bones rose up and began to walk around! Ezekiel connect dem dry bones. Now hear the word of the Lord. The toe bone connected to the foot bone. The foot bone connected to the ankle bone. The ankle bone connected to the leg bone. The leg bone connected to the knee bone. The knee bone connected to the thigh bone. The thigh bone connect-ed to the hip bone. The hip bone connected to the back bone. The back bone connected to the shoulder bone. The shoulder bone connected to the neck bone. The neck bone connected to the head bone. Now hear the word of the Lord! Dem bones, dem bones gonna walk around. Now hear the word of the Lord.

The Second Lesson John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit

of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to

testify because you have been with me from the beginning. But I have said these

things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you

about them. I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was

with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me,

‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has

filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go

away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will

send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin

and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me;

about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no

longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. I

still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the

Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on

his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things

that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare

it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take

what is mine and declare it to you.”

Leader: God we thank you for your Word; People: The Story of your grace.

Sermon: THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH Reverend Randal L. Bremer

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RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

*Affirmation of Faith: Nicene Creed

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from

the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and

glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy

catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the for-

giveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the

world to come. Amen.

Offering of Our Gifts and Lives

Offertory: Every Time I Feel The Spirit African-American Spiritual

Arranged by William L. Dawson Every time I feel the spirit, moving in my heart, I will pray. Upon the mountain my Lord spoke,

out of His mouth came fire and smoke; looked all around me, it looked so fine, till I asked my

Lord if all was fine. Every time I feel the spirit, moving in my heart, I will pray. Jordan river is chil-

ly and cold, it chills my body, but not my soul; there ain’t but one train upon this track, it runs to

heaven and right back. Every time I feel the spirit, moving in my heart, I will pray.

*Congregational Response 592: Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Prayer of Dedication

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

*Communion Hymn 322: Spirit of the Living God (Sing twice) LIVING GOD

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

Leader: The Lord is here.

People: God’s Spirit is with us.

Leader: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to the Lord.

Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Leader: It is truly right and our greatest joy to give

you thanks and praise…

...Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with choirs of an gels

and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing

to the glory of your name:

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Congregational Response: Sanctus Richard Proulx

Leader: You are holy, O God of Majesty...

...Great is the mystery of faith:

Congregational Response: Memorial Acclamation Richard Proulx

Leader: Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these these your gifts of bread and the fruit of the vine…

...Through Christ, all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit in the holy church now and for ever.

Congregational Response: The Great Amen Richard Proulx

The Lord’s Prayer (unison)

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done, on 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 forever. Amen.

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The Words of Institution

Distribution of the Elements

(We will come to the table to receive the elements of bread and wine/juice. Come

forward using the center aisle and return to your seat by the side aisle. Remember

that the cups on the outside ring of the tray hold grape juice and the cups within

the outside ring contain wine.)

Prayer After Communion (unison)

Gracious God, may we who have received this sacrament live in the truth of

your Holy Spirit, that we may show forth your gifts to all the world. We ask

this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME

*Hymn 2223: They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love ST. BRENDAN’S This hymn is found in Sing the Faith

*Commission and Benediction

Leader: The Holy Spirit sends the church to call sinners to repentance, to pro–

X claim the good news that Jesus is personal Savior and Lord. The Spirit

X sends us out in ministry to preach good news to the poor, righteous-

XX ness to the nations, and peace among all people.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so

XXX that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen.

*Congregational Response 585: Threefold Amen McNeil Robinson II

*Postlude: Rigaudon Andre Campra

WELCOME: If you are visiting with us today, please sign the Fellowship Pad at the end of your pew. We pray the hour will be meaningful to you and you will come and worship with us again. Everyone is cordially invited to a time of fellowship in the Longstreth Audi-torium following the worship service.

COFFEE HOUR: This week's coffee hour host: Rachel Circle Next week's host: open.

ADULT EDUCATION: Randy Bremer continues teaching the Adult Education Class. We meet at 11:30 AM in the Jennings Room studying the Book of Revelation. Hope you can join us. This class is also being offered Monday evenings at 6:00 PM.

YARD SALE: Thank you for contributing items for the church table for the Yard Sale to be held Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. All proceeds from the sale of these items will be given to the Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry relocation fund. Donated items will be accepted until Wednesday, June 3, and are stored downstairs in the original location of the Crisis Ministry. Please ask the sexton on duty to take any donations dropped off during the week to that location. Items may still be left on the table across from the kitchen counter on Sundays. As always volunteers are needed to price, set up, and sell the week of June 1. Please see Ann Reisse, Ernie Freeman, and Madeline Valentine if you are available to help any day that week. Thank you.

MAY CHALLENGE OFFERING: Freedom School is a child-centered program that motivates children to excel, strengthens their feelings of self worth and lets them know that they are loved and valued by caring adults. A focus on reading guides the activities along with the traditional experiences of summer camp - Bible study, swimming, crafts and trips!

We need your help to meet the $75,000 budget to operate the program 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, for seven weeks beginning June 29 through August 14. Parents pay a small portion of the cost; however, no child is turned away because of inability to pay the fee. Partner with us as we help keep our children safe this summer while strengthening their cognitive and life skills through this engaging program.

The actual program cost per child is $1500. Transportation cost for one local outing is $300 plus $400 for admission. Daily snack cost, $40. Your financial support will help in many ways whether you sponsor a child’s weekly fees or pay for transportation for a trip or give what you can to help us meet our budget. Know that your investment will have an impact on the life of a child. Look for information about hands-on volunteer opportunities in the near future.

DEALING WITH DEMENTIA: You are invited to attend a presentation given by Mari-na Hacking, NHA, Executive Director at Rosemont and Broomall, Sunday, May 31 at 11:30

AM. The topic is “Know the ten warning signs of dementia and learn how to communicate with persons who have memory difficulties.”

THEATER TRIP: The Congregational Development & Fellowship Committee is spon-soring a van trip on Saturday, July 18, to see a live 2:45 PM performance of "Joseph" at the Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA., followed by a family style meal at the Good 'n Plenty Restaurant at 6:00 PM. Only twenty-five tickets are available. The van seats 14 that are available on a first come first serve basis. Carpooling is an alternative for those pur-chasing the remaining tickets. Please see prices below:

Adults - ticket & meal = $100 with Van + $10 Total = $110

Children (12 & under) - ticket & meal = $40 with Van + $5 Total = $45

A $20 deposit for each ticket is necessary to reserve your ticket/s and/or seat/s on the van, if a van seat is desired. Payments may be made each Sunday at the kitchen counter during coffee hour. Final payment is due Sunday, June 21.

Please see any member of The Congregational Development & Fellowship Committee if further information is needed.

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Sunday, May 24

8:45 AM

10:00 AM

11:15 AM

11:30 AM

11:30 AM

Monday, May 25

Tuesday, May 26

6:30 PM

Wednesday, May 27

4:00 PM

6:00 PM

6:00 PM

6:30 PM

6:30 PM

Thursday, May 28

6:00 PM

6:30 PM

Friday, May 29

3:30 PM

3:30 PM

6:00 PM

Saturday, May 30

8:00 AM

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

1:00 PM

2:00 PM

3:00 PM

Sunday, May 31

8:45 AM

10:00 AM

11:15 AM

11:30 AM

11:30 AM

WINDOW ON THE WEEK

Pentecost Sunday

Chancel Choir Rehearsal—Sanctuary

Worship Service—Rev. Randal L. Bremer, preaching

Coffee Hour—Longstreth Auditorium

Adult Education: Revelation—Reverend Bremer

Sunday School & Confirmation Class

Memorial Day

Church Closed for the Holiday

Worship and Music Committee

Keystone State Boychoir

Pot Luck Dinner—Keystone State Boychoir

Disciples Summer Basketball—Gym

Concert—Keystone State Boychoir with Australia Youth Choir

Mission & Outreach Committee

Keystone State Boychoir

Gospel Choir Rehearsal

Drop-in-Center

CY Choirs Staff Meeting

Keystone State Boychoir Small Ensemble Rehearsal

Keystone State Boychoir

Readers Choice

Open Gym

Organ Rehearsal—Daugherty

Kelly Memorial Service—Sanctuary

Kelly Repast—Longstreth

Chancel Choir Rehearsal—Sanctuary

Worship Service—Rev. Randal L. Bremer, preaching

Coffee Hour—Longstreth Auditorium

Adult Education: Revelation—Reverend Bremer

Sunday School & Confirmation Class

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The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown 35 West Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Phone 215-843-8811 FAX 888-333-5032 www.fpcgermantown.org

Interim Pastor Director of Adult Education and Community Life

Director of Urban Ministry Director of Music and Communication

Director of the Gospel Choir Director of Christian Education

Parish Visitor Facilities Superintendent Administrative Assistant

Bookkeeper Sextons

Randal L. Bremer Kevin L. Porter Eileen Jones David C. Daugherty Sara Carter-Blanford Christian Heyer-Rivera Heidi Mercado-Littles Jesse Jacobs Joan Harris Cindy Osborne Terry Boyer, Melissa Forrest, Illya (J.R.) Pasture

First Church Staff

Elders 2015 Sherry Archer Carolyn Ballard-Freeman Madeline Valentine Madeline Valentine Clerk of Session

2016 Denise Cowie Contina Lundy Lois Nafziger Faith Wolford

2017 Andrew Hood Christopher Scott

Church Officers

Deacons 2015 Sarah Andrews Donald Carlin Ruth Cato Veda Gibbs Evadney Miller

2016 Delores Solomon David Wolford

2017 Randy Clever Susan Mills Farrington