Virtual Worship – Sunday, August 9, 2020

First Presbyterian Church

Delavan, Illinois

Service for the Lord’s Day

August 9, 2020

10th Sunday after Pentecost

Prelude “Glorify Thy Name”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paWdSkDRqMc

Welcome and Announcements

We offer praise and prayer to God

^Call to Worship 

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

and in God’s word is my hope.

Watch and be ready,

for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

^Opening Prayer

Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your church. Open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love, joy, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

^Hymn     “To God Be The Glory”     # 72   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CeBoSQsBR0

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 37:1-4, 12-28

(Joseph’s journey begins)

1Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. 2This is the story of the family of Jacob.

       Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. 4But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.

12Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” He answered, “Here I am.” 14So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron.

He came to Shechem, 15and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” 16“I am seeking my brothers,” he said; “tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” 17The man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. 18They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. 19They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” 21But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” 22Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. 23So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; 24and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

25Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers agreed. 28When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b (Praise God for His faithfulness) Responsive

O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.

Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually.

Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered,

O offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

When he summoned famine against the land, and broke every staff of bread,

he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave.

His feet were hurt with fetters, his neck was put in a collar of iron;

until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD kept testing him.

The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free.

He made him lord of his house,and ruler of all his possessions,

to instruct his officials at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom.

Praise the LORD!

Second Reading                Romans 10:5-15

(Salvation is available to all)

5Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7“or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say?

      “The word is near you,

      on your lips and in your heart”

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading           Matthew 14:22-33  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n87Yxin2RdA

(Jesus walks on water)

22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Sermon “Steps of Faith”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-SudSCOLv8

^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 “Seek Ye First”   # 354   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LMQfOp9w8k

Prayers of the People

As God’s people, called to love one another, let us pray for the needs of the church, the whole human family, and all the world, saying: Hear our prayer.

That churches of all traditions, may discover their unity in Christ and exercise their gifts in service of all, we pray to you, O God:

Hear our prayer.

That the earth may be freed from war, famine, and disease, and the air, soil, and waters cleansed of poison, we pray to you, O God:

Hear our prayer.

That those who govern and maintain peace in every land may exercise their powers in obedience to your commands, we pray to you, O God:

Hear our prayer.

That you will strengthen this nation to pursue just priorities so that the races may be reconciled; the young, educated; and the old, cared for; the hungry, filled; and the homeless, housed; and the sick, comforted and healed, we pray to you, O God:

Hear our prayer.

That you will preserve all who live and work in this community in peace and safety, we pray to you, O God:

Hear our prayer.

That you will comfort and empower those who face any difficulty or trial: those working against the Covid pandemic to find a cure or treatment, the sick (especially __________), the disabled, the poor, the oppressed, those who grieve and those in prison, we pray to you, O God:

Hear our prayer.

That you will grant the miracle of growth in this congregation, the revitalization of the main street, and your blessing on this community and its schools, we pray to you, O God:

Hear our prayer.

That you will accept our thanksgiving for all faithful servants of Christ now at rest, who, with us, await a new heaven and a new earth, your everlasting kingdom, we pray to you, O God:

Hear our prayer.

Merciful God, as a potter fashions a vessel from humble clay, you form us into a new creation. Shape us, day by day, through the cross of Christ your Son, until we pray as continually as we breathe and all our acts are prayer; through Jesus Christ and in the mystery of the Holy Spirit, we pray. 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 “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTwZ7aIicos

^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 “My Hope Is Built”     # 537         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFktMLdeFac

^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), Dick Watts, Steve Higdon and his family and the congregation of Sangamon Valley Presbyterian Church (Covid-19)

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:

NO Bible Study until at least September

Threads of Love—Resuming in September

Prayer Group will resume at church in September

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

Wed., 8/12:  Cro-Knits, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Historical Society, with social distancing and masks, 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; One Great Hour Of Sharing offering collected; Virtual Worship, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching 

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

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