First Presbyterian Church
October 27, 2024
Rev. Brian Copeland
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Liturgist
I will bless the Lord at all times,
God’s praise will continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord,
let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together!
HYMN #260 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
CALL TO CONFESSION Liturgist
Let us confess our sins to God, who alone has the power to save and waits in mercy to forgive.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) Liturgist
Merciful God, we have not been humble. We have discouraged others from seeking you. We have not sought your wisdom. Forgive us, O God, and teach us to boast only of you. Help us to celebrate when others seek after you. Give us the light of your wisdom and ways, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION MAY BE OFFERED
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS Liturgist
People of God, the Lord hears, forgives, and saves. Therefore, be reconciled to one another and walk humbly before God.
SPECIAL MUSIC
CHILDREN’S TIME (Children may leave to go to Sunday School after Children’s Time.)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison) Liturgist
Dear God, let us not only hear of you but see you with our own eyes through your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 7:23-28 The Message Liturgist
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 10:46-52 Rev. Brian Copeland
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON “Faith of a Blind Man Shouting” Rev. Brian Copeland
HYMN #220 All People That on Earth Do Dwell
A Litany for Reformation Sunday (Responsive)
This litany for Reformation Sunday is composed of excerpts from the Creeds, Catechisms, and
Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church, (Nicene Creed)
the holy catholic Church; (Apostles’ Creed)
the communion of saints.
This Kirk is catholic, that is, universal, (Scots Confession)
because it contains the chosen of all ages,
of all realms, nations, and tongues,
be they of the Jews or be they of the Gentiles,
who have communion and society with God the Father,
and with the Son, Christ Jesus,
through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that, (Heidelberg Catechism)
from the beginning to the end of the world,
and from among the whole human race,
the Son of God, by his Spirit and his Word,
gathers, protects, and preserves for himself,
in the unity of the true faith,
a congregation chosen for eternal life.
The Church is an assembly of the faithful (Second Helvetic Confession)
called or gathered out of the world;
a communion of all saints,
namely, of those who truly know
and rightly worship and serve
the true God in Christ the Savior,
by the Word and Holy Spirit,
and who by faith are partakers in all the benefits
which are freely offered through Christ.
The visible Church, (Westminster Confession of Faith)
which is also catholic or universal under the gospel,
consists of all those throughout the world
that profess the true religion,
together with their children;
and is the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ;
the house and family of God.
The visible church has the privilege (Larger Catechism)
of being under God’s special care and government;
of being protected and preserved in all ages,
notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies;
and of enjoying the communion of saints,
the ordinary means of salvation,
and offers of grace by Christ, to all members of it,
in the ministry of the gospel,
testifying that whosoever believes in him shall be saved,
and excluding none that will come unto him.
The church’s commission, (Theological Declaration of Barmen)
upon which its freedom is founded,
consists in delivering the message
of the free grace of God
to all people in Christ’s stead,
and therefore in the ministry
of his own Word and work
through sermon and Sacrament.
The church confesses its faith (Confession of 1967)
when it bears a present witness
to God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
The life, death, resurrection,
and promised coming of Jesus Christ
has set the pattern for the church’s mission.
The church follows this pattern
in the form of its life
and in the method of its action.
So to live and serve
is to confess Christ as Lord.
With believers in every time and place (Brief Statement of Faith)
we rejoice that nothing in life or in death
can separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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)
God, the creator of the universe, we offer to you these gifts for the glory of your kingdom, in the name of God, Father and Mother, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
HYMN #555 Now Thank We All Our God
CHARGE AND BLESSING
POSTLUDE
Reminders:
Nov. 3 – Daylight Saving Time ends
Nov. 7 – Blood Drive
Nov. 13 – Doug’s to Go to benefit WFPC
Help is needed at the Clothes Closet, Tues. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thurs. 3-5:30 p.m.
