Virtual Worship – Sunday, August 2, 2020

First Presbyterian Church

Delavan, Illinois

Service for the Lord’s Day

August 2, 2020

9th Sunday after Pentecost

Prelude “Little Prelude In C”      Bach     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omxWaEP1MAE

Welcome and Announcements

Good morning everyone. We continue to do a new thing in this time of social distancing. We are still a community of faith, even though we are separated for the safety of ourselves, our families, our congregation, and our communities. We will continue to meet like this for the foreseeable future. 

In this bulletin you will find links to the hymns which also show the lyrics (or are shown below). If you get an ad (and you likely will) you can skip it by clicking the SKIP AD usually found in the lower right corner of the video. There are also links to the Gospel reading and the sermon.

For inclusion in next week’s service, please email or phone the church or Pastor Jean (who can also receive texts) with any prayer requests.

Please note that we have begun having LIMITED in person worship services. Please read the guidelines below

We offer praise and prayer to God

^Call to Worship

One does not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

If you have been raised with Christ,

seek the things that are above, 

where Christ is,

seated at the right hand of God.

Prayer

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungry with the bread of his life and the Word of his kingdom. Renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your true and living bread, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  

^Hymn     “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing” # 5  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djaXi1ZBXcw

Call to Confession

The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in him, we dare to approach God with confidence. In faith and penitence, let us confess our sin before God and one another.  

Confession of Sin

Almighty God, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

Time of Silent Confession

(Lord, have mercy on us) #300

Assurance of Pardon

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

^Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father) #35

^Passing the Peace

Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

We listen to God’s Word

Prayer for Illumination

God of mercy, you promised never to break your covenant with us. Amid all the changing words of our generation, speak your eternal Word that does not change. Then may we respond to your gracious promises with faithful and obedient lives; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

First Reading     Genesis 32:22-31     

(Jacob wrestles with God)

22The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” 27So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” 29Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” 31The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Psalm 17:1-7, 15 (A prayer for deliverance) Responsive

Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.

From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right.

If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.

As for what others do, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words.

Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

Second Reading       Romans 9:1-5     

(God’s election)

1I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— 2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. 4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; 5to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading    Matthew 14:13-21   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2o15xtmGoM

(Compassionate feeding of five thousand plus women and children)

13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Sermon Fed With Compassion And God’s Grace” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7fxb5By2gI

^Affirmation of Faith  Apostle’s Creed 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come again to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

^Hymn “Amazing Grace”   # 546    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G72NucLEGM

Prayers of the People

Almighty God, you taught us to pray not only for ourselves but for people everywhere, hear us as we pray for others, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Inspire the whole church with your power, unity, and peace. Grant that all who trust you may obey your Word, and live together in love.

Lead all nations in the way of justice and goodwill.

Direct those who govern, that they may rule fairly, maintain order, uphold those in need, and defend oppressed people; that this world may claim your rule and know true peace. Bring peace and justice to all peoples and end all racial division. We especially pray for those making decisions in this time of crisis – our president Donald, our vice president Mike, members of the covid-19 task force and those working to find a cure or vaccine or treatment, our senators and representatives, our governor J.B., our state government, our county and town governments. We also pray for health care providers in every place, for their safety and for the healing touch which you provide. We also pray for all those that have been designated as essential that they may be safe as they serve their communities. Do not let any become weary of doing good.

Awaken all people to the danger we have inflicted upon the earth.

Implant in each a reverence for all you have made that we may preserve the delicate balance of creation for all coming generations.

Give grace to all who proclaim the gospel through Word and Sacrament and deeds of mercy, that by their teaching and example they may reveal your love for all people.

Comfort and relieve, O Lord, all who are in trouble . . . sorrow . . . poverty . . . sickness . . . grief . . . especially those known to us, whom we name before you in silence. . . . We especially pray for all those affected in any way by the covid-19 virus. We also remember all who grieve including the families and friends of Diane Jackman and Susan Koonce.

Heal them in body, mind, or circumstance, working in them, by your grace, wonders beyond all they may dream or hope.

We pray for the miracle of growth in this congregation; we pray for the miracle of revitalization of the main street and we pray for the miracle of your blessing on this community and its schools.

Bring to our remembrance all those who, having served you on earth, now sing your praises eternally. May their endurance give us courage and their faithfulness give us hope; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Offering Invitation

It might seem a bit strange to see an invitation to offering in this time of social distancing and virtual worship. Some of you may be financially affected as well. I would like to remind you that offering of ourselves is always a three-part process – our time, our talent and our treasure. So I invite you to offer yourself in whatever way(s) are most appropriate to our heavenly Father.

Offertory “In Faith I Quiet Wait” by Bach     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5460GGt6yYc

^Doxology (Praise God from Whom all blessings flow)     #46

^Prayer of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to offer thanks and praise.

God of all mercies, we give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your boundless love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. Give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory now and forever. Amen.

^Lord’s Prayer

We depart to serve Christ in the world

^Hymn “How Firm A Foundation”   # 618  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDy-FSGORVY

^Charge

Go forth in the name of the Lord. This is God’s charge: to give our allegiance to Jesus Christ and to love one another as he commanded.

^Benediction

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Alleluia! Amen.

Please remember in your prayers

Crystal Hack, Marian Allen, Marge Donley, Helen Hopkins, Barb Day, Verbie Hoffman, Susan (Sinn) Funke, Glenn Holmes, Meryl (Pastor Jean’s cousin) and Dick Place, Diane Schlosser, Joyce Culbertson, Mardelle Neumann (Apostolic Christian Skylines), Donna Diekhoff, Dick Temple, Dick Watts, Myrna and Don Brose, Margaret Altine, Fran (Alzheimer’s), Val (cancer diagnosis), Alex Rich and Roland Rich (due to a fall) and their family, Blake Renner (Diane Allen Renner’s son), Joy Heaton, Lyndee Lewis’ niece, Jeremy Warner, Rose Goeken, Richard Hopkins (cancer) and Dick Watts

The families and friends of Diane Jackman (Cindy Sinn’s sister) and Susan Koonce

All affected by the Covid-19 virus, those caring for them in any way, and those working to find a cure

WORSHIP RESUMES – I’m sure many of you are overjoyed to see these words but they come with some precautions. Currently, the maximum number to gather is 10. Please wear a mask, to protect others as it is astonishing to see the number of people who are ill but asymptomatic. (Masks will be available if you don’t have your own.) When you enter please use the provided hand sanitizer then pick up a bulletin. We will practice social distancing inside the sanctuary, asking that those who live in the same household sit together and to space yourselves out if you do not. Please keep your mask on throughout the service, especially when singing. We will not move around during the Passing of the Peace, instead wave, bow, or give air hugs. The offering plates will not be passed. Instead, they will be located at the rear of the sanctuary so you may make your offering as you leave. Some may feel these restrictions are too much, others may feel they are not enough. Your Session has considered all the available information before resuming in-person worship. If you are uncomfortable in attending worship please know we are continuing the virtual services. PLEASE, IF YOU FEEL AT ALL ILL, STAY AT HOME and use the virtual option.

Calendar:

Calendar:

Sun., 8/2:  Worship, 10:30 a.m., 9th Sunday after Pentecost; Virtual Worship, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching

Wed., 8/5:  Cro-Knits, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Historical Society, with masks and social distancing, bring your own snacks and beverages. Contact Mary Ruth Lowry or Pastor Jean Sparks for details.

NO Bible Study until at least August

Prayer Group will resume at church in September; pray at home

Sun., 8/9:  Worship, 10:30 a.m., 10th Sunday after Pentecost; Virtual Worship, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching 

Threads of Love—Resuming in September

Wed., 8/12:  Cro-Knits, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Historical Society, with masks and social distancing, bring your own snacks and beverages. Contact Mary Ruth Lowry or Pastor Jean Sparks for details.

Sun., 8/16:  Worship, 10:30 a.m., 11th Sunday after Pentecost; Virtual Worship, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching 

Wed., 8/19:  Cro-Knits, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Historical Society, with masks and social distancing, bring your own snacks and beverages. Contact Mary Ruth Lowry or Pastor Jean Sparks for details. Session, 7:00 p.m., church basement, with masks and social distancing

Sun., 8/23:  Worship, 10:30 a.m., 12th Sunday after Pentecost; Virtual Worship, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching 

Mon., 8/24:  4th Monday Free Meal, 5:30 p.m.; watch newspaper for instructions; Compass deadline

Wed., 8/26:  Cro-Knits, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Historical Society, with masks and social distancing, bring your own snacks and beverages. Contact Mary Ruth Lowry or Pastor Jean Sparks for details.

Sun., 8/30:  Worship, 10:30 a.m., 13th Sunday after Pentecost; Virtual Worship, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching

NO Bible Study until at least September

Threads of Love—Resuming in September

First Presbyterian Church

P.O. Box 602, 201 W. Fourth Street, Delavan, IL 61734

(309) 244-7105

E-mail: firstpresdelavan@gmail.com

www.firstpresdelavan.org

Rev. Jean Sparks, Pastor

Linda Clauser, Organist