Virtual Worship – Sunday, July 4, 2021

First Presbyterian Church

Delavan, Illinois

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Service for the Lord’s Day, 4 July 2021

6th Sunday after Pentecost

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We do not presume to come to Your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own goodness, but in Your all-embracing love and mercy.  We are not worthy even to gather up the crumbs under Your table, but it is Your nature always to have mercy.  So feed us with the body and blood of Jesus Christ, Your Son, that we may forever live in Him and He in us.  Amen.

Prelude “America The Beautiful”      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GmWSyvQKAQ&t=6s        

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.

We have included virtual communion in today’s service. Please have a small glass of grape juice and a piece of bread or cracker at hand. The communion liturgy is both recorded and in the service below.

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.

We have resumed in-person worship. Please read the guidelines below!

We offer praise and prayer to God

^Call to Worship

Happy are they who hear the word,

hold it fast in an honest and good heart,

and bear fruit with patient endurance.

Praise The Lord!

Prayer

O Lord our God, you are always more ready to bestow your good gifts upon us than we are to seek them. You are more willing to give than we desire or deserve. Help us so to seek that we may truly find, so to ask that we may joyfully receive, so to knock that the door of mercy may be opened for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

^Hymn     “My Country, Tis Of Thee” #  721     (1, 2, 4)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_HXqetzyb4

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

Merciful God, you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you. We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy. We have not loved you with a pure heart, nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves. We have not done justice, loved kindness, or walked humbly with you, our God. Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness. In your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Do not cast us from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit.

Time of Silent Confession

Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

grant us peace.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news! The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might be dead to sin, and alive to all that is good. I declare to you in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. 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

Prepare our hearts, O God, to accept your Word. Silence in us any voice but your own, that, hearing, we may also obey your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

First Reading  2 Corinthians 12:2-10    

(Power made perfect in weakness)

²I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. ³And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— ⁴was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. ⁵On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. ⁶But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, ⁷even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. ⁸Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, ⁹but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. ¹⁰Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Psalm 48 (Praise the Lord)  Responsive

Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God.

His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.

Within its citadels God has shown himself a sure defense.

Then the kings assembled, they came on together.

As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic, they took to flight;

trembling took hold of them there, pains as of a woman in labor,

as when an east wind shatters the ships of Tarshish.

As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God establishes forever.

We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.

Your name, O God, like your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with victory.

Let Mount Zion be glad, let the towns of Judah rejoice because of your judgments.

Walk about Zion, go all around it, count its towers,

consider well its ramparts; go through its citadels, that you may tell the next generation

that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will be our guide forever.

Gospel Reading   Mark 6:1-13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqLwbbXgEhQ

(Traveling for the Lord) 

¹He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. ²On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! ³Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. ⁴Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” ⁵And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. ⁶And he was amazed at their unbelief.

⁶Then he went about among the villages teaching. ⁷He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. ⁸He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; ⁹but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. ¹⁰He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. ¹¹If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” ¹²So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. ¹³They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Sermon “Strength In Weakness – A Call To Discipleship”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_0b41FmjJU

^Affirmation of Faith  Nicene Creed (325/381 A.D.)

I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen;

I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father; God from God; Light from Light; true God from true God; begotten, not made; of one being with the Father, through Him all things were made.  For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.  For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate.  He suffered death and was buried.  On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His Kingdom shall have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, The Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.  I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.  I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.  I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.  Amen.

^Hymn “We Come As Guests Invited”  #386  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fZXch9NHk0

Holy Communion

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    “Let There Be Peace On Earth”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziEh5bJvz18

^Doxology #46

Blessed are You, God of all creation; through Your goodness we have these gifts to share.  Accept and use our offerings for Your glory and for the service of Your kingdom.

Blessed be God forever.

Invitation to the Lord’s Table     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHvruwIlG7k

Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God! They will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. According to Luke, when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples, he took the bread, and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him. This is the Lord’s table. Our Savior invites those who trust him to share the feast which he has prepared.

Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up Your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Holy God, Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, with joy we praise you and give thanks to your name. You commanded light to shine out of darkness, divided the sea and dry land, created the vast universe and called it good. You made us in your image to live with one another in love. You gave us the breath of life and freedom to choose your way. You promised yourself in covenant with Abraham and Sarah, told us your purpose in commandments through Moses, and called for justice in the cry of prophets. Through long generations you have been faithful and kind to all your children. Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty. Your ways are just and true. Therefore we lift our hearts in joyful praise, [. . . .] joining our voices with choirs of angels, and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of Your glory.  Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

We praise you, most holy God, for sending your only Son to live among us, sharing our joy and sorrow. He told your story, healed the sick, and was a friend of sinners. Obeying you, he took up his cross and died that we might live. We praise you that he overcame death and is risen to rule the world. He is still the friend of sinners. We trust him to overcome every power that can hurt or divide us, and believe that when he comes in glory, we will celebrate victory with him. Remembering all your mighty and merciful acts, we break bread and share one cup giving thanks for your saving love in Jesus Christ. As you raised our Lord from death and call us with him from death to life, we give ourselves to you to live for him in joy and grateful praise.[. . .] Praise to you, Lord Jesus:

Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.

INTERCESSIONS FOR THE WORLD

Remember your church. . . . Unite it in the truth of your Word and empower it in ministry to the world. Remember the world of nations. We especially name racial discrimination and violence against the innocent . . . By your Spirit renew the face of the earth; let peace and justice prevail. Remember our family and friends. . . . Bless them and watch over them; be gracious to them and give them peace. Remember the sick and the suffering, the aged and the dying. . . . Encourage them and give them hope. Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember with thanksgiving all your faithful servants, and those dear to us, whom you have called from this life. . . . We are grateful that for them death is no more, nor is there sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away.

As this bread is Christ’s body for us, send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.

Send us out in the power of the Spirit to live for others, as Christ lived for us, announcing his death for the sins of the world, and telling his resurrection to all people and nations. By your Spirit draw us together into one body and join us to Christ the Lord, that we may remain his glad and faithful people until we feast with him in glory.

Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, forever and ever. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Breaking of the Bread

The Lord Jesus, on the night before he died, took bread, and after giving thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way he took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.

Communion of the People

Prayer after Communion

Almighty God, you provide the true bread from heaven, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant that we who have received the Sacrament of his body and blood may abide in him and he in us, that we may be filled with the power of his endless life, now and forever. Amen.

We depart to serve Christ in the world

^Hymn “There’s A Wideness In God’s Mercy”   #73 (1, 2, 4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfyZIJUHKpU

^Charge

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him. 

^Benediction The God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, make you complete in everything good so that you may do God’s will, working among us that which is pleasing in God’s sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever!

Alleluia! Amen.

Please remember in your prayers:

Marge Donley (Pekin Manor), Helen Hopkins (shoulder surgery), Barb Day, Verbie Hoffman (broken ankle), Susan (Sinn) Funke, Glenn Holmes, Meryl Place (Pastor Jean’s cousin), Joyce Culbertson (broken bone in foot), Mardelle Neumann (Apostolic Christian Skylines), Donna Diekhoff, Dick Temple, Myrna and Don (blood clots) Brose, Margaret Altine, Blake Renner (Diane Allen Renner’s son), Lyndee Lewis’ niece, Jeremy Warner, Rose Goeken, Richard Hopkins (cancer surgery), Dick Watts, Kyle Diekhoff (second spinal surgery) Rick Woodrow (Crohn’s), Father Tim Nolan (vocal chord surgery), Martha Dunnam (multiple health issues and a fall) and Judy Johnson (pneumonia)

The families and friends of Marian Allen, Gloria Cunningham, Charles Houston and Loretta Holmes

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. Based on the latest CDC guidelines, masks are optional if you are fully immunized but please feel free to continue to wear them if you so desire. (Masks are available if you wish to use them.) When you enter please use the provided hand sanitizer then pick up a bulletin and when offered, a communion cup. 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 enter or leave. Some may feel these restrictions are too much, others may feel they are not enough. Your Session has considered all the available information in making these changes. 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:

Sun., 7/4: Worship, 10:30 a.m., Holy Communion, Pastor Jean Sparks preaching. Virtual option available; Independence Day

Weds., 7/7: Cro-Knits, 9:00 a.m., Historical Society

Thurs., 7/8: Bible Study based on “The Chosen,” 10-11:15 a.m. or 6-7:15 p.m.

Sat., 7/10: Prayer Group, 9:00 a.m., or Zoom, if requested

Sun., 7/11: Worship, 10:30 a.m.; Virtual option available. Pastor Jean Sparks preaching

Tues., 7/13: Threads of Love, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Thurs., 7/15: Bible Study based on “The Chosen,” 10-11:15 a.m. or 6-7:15 p.m.

Sat., 7/17: Prayer Group, 9:00 a.m., or Zoom, if requested

Sun., 7/18: Worship, 10:30 a.m.; Virtual option available. Pastor Jean Sparks preaching

Weds., 7/21: Cro-Knits, 9:00 a.m., Historical Society; Session, 6:30 p.m.

Thurs., 7/22: Bible Study based on “The Chosen,” 10-11:15 a.m. or 6-7:15 p.m.

Sat., 7/24: Prayer Group, 9:00 a.m., or Zoom, if requested

Sun., 7/25: Worship, 10:30 a.m.; Virtual option available. Pastor Jean Sparks preaching

Mon., 7/26: 4th Monday Meal, 5:30 p.m., watch Delavan Times for directions

Thurs., 7/29: Bible Study based on “The Chosen,” 10-11:15 a.m. or 6-7:15 p.m.

Sat., 7/31: Prayer Group, 9:00 a.m., or Zoom, if requested

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