First Presbyterian Church of Weedsport
October 13, 2024
Rev. Brian Copeland
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Liturgist
God, you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
In you our ancestors trusted;
they trusted you, and you delivered them.
To you they cried, and they were saved;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
God, you are holy.
All praise to you, now and forever!
HYMN #457 I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art
CALL TO CONFESSION Liturgist
God is not far from us. When trouble is near, God is our help and our refuge. Let us confess our sins to God, that we might receive mercy.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) Liturgist
We know the commandments: You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother. We are sure we follow them, but instead, we cannot let go of the things we think we need or what we think is important. We do not follow you, or love you, O God, with all our hearts, our minds, our strength. We refrain from giving our whole selves to you. Forgive our disobedience, our lack of commitment, and our desire to focus on material things instead of on your will for us. In the name of our Teacher, Jesus Christ, who gave his whole life for the sake of the gospel. Amen.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION MAY BE OFFERED
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS Liturgist
We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, we can approach the throne of grace with boldness, and we will receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. In Jesus Christ we find the forgiveness we seek.
SPECIAL MUSIC
CHILDREN’S TIME (Children may leave to go to Sunday School after Children’s Time.)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison) Liturgist
Your word, O God, is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. May your Word be for us today life and action, beacon and gavel. In the name of the Living Word, we pray. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 22:1-15 The Message Liturgist
22
1-2 God, God . . . my God!
Why did you dump me
miles from nowhere?
Doubled up with pain, I call to God
all the day long. No answer. Nothing.
I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.
3-5
And you! Are you indifferent, above it all,
leaning back on the cushions of Israel’s praise?
We know you were there for our parents:
they cried for your help and you gave it;
they trusted and lived a good life.
6-8
And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm,
something to step on, to squash.
Everyone pokes fun at me;
they make faces at me, they shake their heads:
“Let’s see how God handles this one;
since God likes him so much, let him help him!”
9-11
And to think you were midwife at my birth,
setting me at my mother’s breasts!
When I left the womb you cradled me;
since the moment of birth you’ve been my God.
Then you moved far away
and trouble moved in next door.
I need a neighbor.
12-13
Herds of bulls come at me,
the raging bulls stampede,
Horns lowered, nostrils flaring,
like a herd of buffalo on the move.
14-15
I’m a bucket kicked over and spilled,
every joint in my body has been pulled apart.
My heart is a blob
of melted wax in my gut.
I’m dry as a bone,
my tongue black and swollen.
They have laid me out for burial
in the dirt.
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 10:17-31 First Nations Versions Rev. Brian Copeland
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON “Walk the Road with Me” Rev. Brian Copeland
HYMN #354 Guide My Feet
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING (Offering plates are on the front and back tables. Offering plates are not passed.)
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (Unison)
Gracious God, we present these gifts and renew our commitment to leave everything behind and follow you. Give us the courage to fulfill your will so that with everything we do and say we can become a living offering worthy of being called your disciples. Amen.
HYMN # 411 Arise, Your Light is Come!
CHARGE AND BLESSING
POSTLUDE
Reminders:
Oct. 13 – Committee and Session meetings following worship
Oct. 17 – No Thursday discussion group with Rev. Copeland
Nov. 7 – Blood Drive
Nov. 3 – Daylight Saving Time ends
Help is needed at the Clothes Closet, Tues. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thurs. 3-5:30 p.m.
