Ascension Sunday
April 27, 2008
Upon entering the sanctuary please maintain silence for the sake of the congregation’s preparation for worship, and please make sure electronic devices are off or using silent mode.
Prelude
Entrata, Menuett and Trio in F J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
Welcome and Announcements
+Silent Prayer
Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Extol the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. --from Psalm 147
Hallelujah! Let praises ring! To God the Father let us bring our songs of adoration. To Him through everlasting days be worship, honor, power and praise; whose hand sustains creation. Holy, holy, Great and glorious, Thou victorious, Prince of graces, Filling all the heavenly places!
P. Nicolai and J. S. Bach/ed. & arr. by J. E. Bacak
Call to Worship
*Hymn of Praise to God
“A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing” No. 289
+Confession of Sin
+Silent Prayer
Almighty God, We acknowledge from our hearts that we are unworthy of your grace and salvation. So little have we truly believed our Savior’s conquest of sin and death on our behalf. How often we forget that the Lord Jesus now sits at the Right Hand where he rules over all things for the church, that there he intercedes for us, and that some day he will return from there to bring salvation to all who are waiting for him. How often we are weak or discouraged because we have forgotten that because Christ is in heaven we who belong to him are as much as seated with him there. How wrong of us that so great a Savior and salvation should not produce in us greater love and firmer hope. Forgive us for such little faith, restore to us the joy of our great salvation and help us to walk worthy of such through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Hebrews 9:24
*Confession of Faith
Q. How does Christ’s ascension to heaven benefit us?
A. First, he pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of his Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven – a guarantee that Christ our head will take us, his members, to himself in heaven. Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee. By the Spirit's power we make the goal of our lives, not earthly things, but the things above where Christ is, sitting at God's right hand. The Heidelberg Catechism No. 49.
*Hymn of Faith in Christ
“See, the Conqueror Mounts in Triumph” No. 291
Unison Reading of God’s Law Acts 1:1-11 (NIV)
Worship of God with Tithes and Offerings
Was mein Gott will, gescheh’ allzeit (Whate’er My God Wouldst Have Befall)
J. E. Kindermann (1616 – 1655)
Now blessed be the Lord our God, the God of Israel,
For he alone does wondrous works in glory that excel.
His wide dominion shall extend from sea to utmost sea,
And unto earth’s remotest bounds his peaceful rule shall be.
Yea, all the kings shall bow to him, his rule all nations hail;
He will regard the poor man’s cry when other helpers fail.
And blessed be His glorious Name to all eternity:
The whole earth let His glory fill. Amen, so let it be.
Tune: McKee/American Spiritual Text: from Psalm 72
*Congregational Petitions
Scripture Lesson Mark 13:1-37
Sermon “This Same Jesus…Will Come Back…”
*Hymn
“Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending” (Tune: Helmsley) No. 318
*Benediction
+Silent Prayer
Grant, we beg you, Almighty God, that just as we believe that your only Son our Lord Jesus Christ has ascended into the heavens; so may we also in heart and mind ascend there, and dwell with him continually, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honour all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the pow'r of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen.
Words from the Book of Common Prayer (1928)/J. Rutter
Postlude
Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ (All Praise to Jesus’ Hallowed Name) J. S. Bach
*Congregation standing
+The congregation is invited to kneel
Calendar of Events
Today – April 27
8:15 a.m. Morning Worship
9:45 a.m. Fellowship for Resurrection Presbyterian Church
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
4:45 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
6:00 p.m. Evening Worship
Nursery Schedule
8:15 a.m. Nursery: Ruth Ann Cassis & Jessany Lovelace
9:45 a.m. Sunday School: Aubree Dawson & Leanne Van Gilder
11:00 a.m. Babies: Rosemary Shelden & Marcia Brodersen
11:00 a.m. Toddlers: Nancy & Juliana Rowan
6:00 p.m. Nursery: Amelia Saakian & Jennifer German
Today’s Church Library Volunteers
9:40-10:50 a.m. Kim Andersen & Marilyn Schlaudraff
Evening Service: Norm Budrow & Isaac Matsuda
Today’s Coffee/Tea Hosts: Lonnie & Veronica Arnold, Jr.
Wednesday’s Soup Supper Volunteers for April 30:
The Matsuda’s, Erik Illi
Tuesday – April 29
9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study in Room 117 (WIC Room)
7:00 p.m. Knitting at Mrs. LaVerne Rayburn’s home
Wednesday – April 30
6:00 p.m. Soup, Bread & Salad Dinner
7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting: “Now I pray to God that you do no evil.” 2 Corinthians 13:7
7:00 p.m. Sr. High Youth Group Meeting
7:00 p.m. Jr. High Youth Group Meeting
Thursday – May 1
7:00 p.m. Deacons Meeting
Saturday – May 3
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. French Club
Next Sunday – May 4
8:15 a.m. Morning Worship
9:45 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
4:45 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
6:00 p.m. Evening Worship
Next Sunday’s Nursery Schedule
8:15 a.m. Nursery: Molly McComas & Shari Roland
9:45 a.m. Sunday School: Cynthia Savage & Jennifer Sullivan
11:00 a.m. Babies: Monica Rowan & Christina Haass
11:00 a.m. Toddlers: Amy & Hannah Lawty
6:00 p.m. Nursery: Mary Simpson & Nancy Miller
Next Sunday’s Church Library Volunteers
9:40-10:50 a.m. Kim Andersen & Maralee Logan
Evening Service: Patsi Arkin & Marie Seifert
Next Sunday’s Coffee/Tea Hostess: Brenda Gronewold
Wednesday’s Soup Supper Volunteers for May 7:
Joan Smith, Patsi Arkin, Effie Kvale
Upcoming Events
May 8 – Session Meeting
May 9 – Covenant High School Spring Concert & Art Show
May 13 – Kelly Hannula Wedding Shower
May 15 – Women In the Church Meeting
May 16 & 17 – Wild West Women’s Retreat
May 18 – Spring Potluck
May 20 – Kelly Cassis Wedding Shower
May 22 – Raburnensis Tricesimum – Rayburn 30th Anniversary
May 27 – Darcee Pribyl Wedding Shower
May 31 – Deacon Work Party
June 2 – Aria Krulish Baby Shower
This Evening
Tonight we continue our studies in the Bible considering “The Unity of the Bible.” Is the Bible’s message the same from start to finish? Peter Chiou will give his testimony, an opportunity for public thanksgivings will be given, and the Lord’s Supper will be served.
Adult Sunday School for April 27, 2008
Sunday School is suspended this Sunday, April 27th as we gather in the fellowship hall to wish a happy and fond farewell to those folk in our congregation leaving with Pastor David Scott to form Resurrection Presbyterian Church. Resurrection begins her morning and evening worship services on May 4th at Summit United Methodist Church on Canyon Rd. Next Lord’s Day Sunday School classes will resume.
Covenant High School Choir Concert and Art Show
Please come enjoy an evening of song on Friday, May 9th as the choirs of Covenant High School perform sacred music as well as songs from West Side Story - prelude music begins at 6:40 p.m. with the sung concert to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Women's Retreat – May 16 & 17, 2008
Round up ladies and get ready to head west – to Harmony Springs, Olympia – where we will explore what it means to be an Authentic Woman. Keynote speaker, Christina Jimmink, will guide us through this weekend of testimonies, food, fun, and fellowship. All women are welcome to attend (including high school age). Cost is $55 for the Retreat. Please sign-up by completing the registration form and turning it into the Retreat table in the foyer. Additionally, Thursday night May 15th, we're having a Pre-retreat option for ladies that can get away an extra day. It will be an unstructured, relaxed time of fellowship. (Cost is an additional $22). For more information, contact Amy Allen or Andrea Mehmel If you feel that cost is a barrier to your attendance, please let us know. Provision has been made for your attendance.
Reformed Youth Movement
Our Presbytery’s summer camp for Senior High is being held at the Suttle Lake Conference Center, near Sisters, Oregon June 16 – 20. The cost is $205.00 per student. If, however, the student has all of the Westminster Shorter Catechism memorized by June 15th, they can earn a $150.00 scholarship toward this event, costing them a mere $55.00! If you are graduating from 8th grade, you are welcome to come. A deposit of $50.00 is due May 4. Please see Pastor DeMass for more information.
Mexico Project for Senior High
Our trip is scheduled for August 7-14. The cost is approximately $600.00. If all of the Westminster Shorter Catechism is memorized by July 27th, the student will earn a $150.00 scholarship toward the project. If interested, please see Pastor DeMass for an application and return it to him by May 4th. Also, remember a passport is required to enter Mexico this year.
Raburnensis Tricesimum
Raburnensis Tricesimum (Latin slang for "Rayburn 30th") is Thursday, May 22, 2008! You won't want to miss this Evening of Higher Music, Lower Humor, and Just Desserts! Come celebrate our Savior's faithfulness to the congregation of Faith Presbyterian Church these past 30 years through the ministry of the Reverend Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Rayburn, affectionately known as Rob and Florence. Rob first took the pulpit of Faith Presbyterian Church in May 1978, and after thousands of sermons, hundreds of baptisms, and innumerable glasses of iced tea served to guests around the Rayburn Sunday table, it's time once again to thank them, this time through song, testimonials, your poetry, a Scottish preacher, and warm fellowship over delectable desserts. Plan now to be a part of this landmark evening in the life of our congregation. The celebration begins "at home" in our sanctuary at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by a catered dessert in our fellowship hall.
Calling all Poets, Musicians, Artists, and Servant-hearted!
We also need your help and your talents for the Rayburn 30th celebration! We will be reviewing your poetical or musical composition--original or classical--that you would like to be included in the evening's entertainment. (Poetry submissions do NOT have to be in Latin!) We also need Faith family to help decorate, bake ahead (recipes given), arrange flowers, help with program details, coordinate a small Sunday School project, and look into possible paid baby-toddler nursery staff (so that all who wish to, may attend). Please contact Laurie O'Ban right away and she will direct your talents to the right venue! None of these volunteer tasks will take you away from the evening's enjoyment, we promise! Thank you for serving your Faith family.
Library News!
Come visit the Library Table out in the Narthex today between the morning Services. Check out our Birthday Club books, DVD's, and etc! This month we are featuring:
Moody Science Classics
Circle Trilogy Graphics - Three Pack
Amazing Grace DVD
Luther The Movie DVD
Peretti- Three Pack Mass Tape
“Till We Have Faces”
“The Reformation”
“What's So Great About Christianity”
“Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President”
“William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity”
“Evolution: A Theory in Crisis”
Pick out your favorite to donate to our church library to celebrate your birthday, your son, daughter, husband, wife, friend, dog, or other? The book you choose will first be checked out to you/or your designee. Then we will place a Birthday Club sticker inside in honor of the recipient's birthday and the item will become available for general checkout. Every month we will have some new items from which to choose. JOIN THE FUN!
Attention All Ladies
Covenant love in any language makes ones heart sing with joy. Miss Jordan Bean has captured the heart of our own Robbie Rayburn and they will be married in Florida this June. Since Jordan is finishing up her college degree and cannot join us, in lieu of a bridal shower we want to show our love to her with a group gift. Please see Kris Pappuleas, Brenda Gronewold, or Connie Pfefferle to give. Contributions are being accepted today, April 27th until Sunday, May 4th only.
Softball Update
The Faith Presbyterian softball team got off to a rough start. Playing shorthanded, the team battled to a 19-16 loss in the season opener. The team looks to get into the win column tomorrow night against TCAL. First pitch is scheduled for 8:20 p.m.
Meals on Wheels
The following women are “next up” for meals: Ardith Bentson, Amy Lawty, Tina LeFebvre, Linda & Shaina Lovelace, Debbie Mellott and April Miller. Please prepare a meal for your freezer, and when a need arises, we'll call you with the details. Any questions, please contact Louise Allen. Thanks!
Parents – Please Note
If you are dropping children off for the nursery and the scheduled adult (over 21 yrs) is not in the room, please do not leave your children until she shows up or a replacement is found. If a replacement is not found, we will not be offering a nursery for that service.
Narthex Art Project Update
Images and progress of work can be seen on Dale Woodard’s web site www.narthexart.com. Samson is finished and is on display. Please do not touch the finished carving. The Rahab model has been removed and will be the next one to be carved. All are welcome to come watch Dale carve; just call first. As the project moves forward and funding more urgent, we would greatly appreciate gifts to underwrite this effort. The total cost of the project is $82,411 of which we have received $60,670 from church funding & designated giving.
Hearing Assistance
If you would like a device to help with hearing the worship service, please see a Deacon in the narthex.
Explanation of the Cover Symbol
Since the time of the Reformation, the burning bush has been a symbol of the Church. The Latin words are taken from Exodus 3:2 and read “...and yet it was not consumed.” In one of his letters Samuel Rutherford reminds his correspondent, “The bush has been burning these five thousand years, and no man yet saw the ashes of that fire.”