Virtual Worship – Sunday, May 9, 2021

First Presbyterian Church

Delavan, Illinois

Service for the Lord’s Day

9 May 2021

6th Sunday of Easter

Prelude   “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf0Q86LzZTg&t=2s

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 offer this service 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.

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

We offer praise and prayer to God

^Call to Worship

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Jesus said: You did not choose me, but I chose you.

And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!!

^Opening Prayer

Risen Christ, may we who in baptism die to sin, rise again to new life and find our place in your living body. May the new covenant sealed in your blood bring healing and reconciliation to this wounded world. Alleluia. You are risen. We are risen with you.

Praise and glory to the living God. Amen.

^Hymn     “Alleluia! Sing To Jesus” # 233  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJDWFYIkBns

Call to Confession

Remember that our Lord Jesus can sympathize with us in our weaknesses, since in every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with boldness approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Confession of Sin

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made.  Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.

Time of Silent Confession

(Lord, have mercy on us) #300

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. 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, source of all light, by your Word you give light to the soul. Pour out upon us the spirit of wisdom and understanding that, being taught by you in Holy Scripture, our hearts and minds may be opened to know the things that pertain to life and holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Reading                 Acts 10:44-48     

(Roman Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit)

44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47“Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Psalm 98 (Sing a new song to the LORD filled with praise) Responsive

O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.

The LORD has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.

He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.

With trumpets and the sound of the hornmake a joyful noise before the King, the LORD.

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.

Let the floods clap their hands;let the hills sing together for joy

at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness,and the peoples with equity.

Second Reading            1 John 5:1-6      

(Born of God)

9If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. 10Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in Godhave made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. 11And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

14And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him. 16If you see your brother or sister committing what is not a mortal sin, you will ask, and God will give life to such a one—to those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin that is mortal; I do not say that you should pray about that. 17All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not mortal.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading           John 15:9-17  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cASkeyyZhs4

(Abide in Jesus’ love and love one another) 

9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

12“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

The Word of The LORD.  Thanks be to God.

Sermon Living Into The Resurrection – In A New World  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAZH9gaGpOw

^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     “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” #    585   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs3JOtUOVWM

Prayers of the People

Almighty God,  who 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.

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 name those battling the Covid virus in any way.

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

We ask for the miracle of growth in this congregation, the revitalization of the main street, and 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 “O Jesus, I Have Promised”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-W6kc9dePE

^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 give our thanks and praise.

Eternal and ever blessed God, Lord of heaven and earth: we praise your glorious majesty. Your wisdom is seen in all your works; your grace and truth are revealed in Jesus Christ, your Son; your power and presence are given to us through your Holy Spirit; wherefore we adore your holy name, O blessed Trinity, forever and ever. Amen.

^Lord’s Prayer

We depart to serve Christ in the world

^Hymn “Called As Partners In Christ’s Service” # 453 (1, 2, 4)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtnTiDUr_og

^Charge

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

Benediction (A word of blessing)

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.

Postlude

Please remember in your prayers

Marge Donley (Pekin Manor), Helen Hopkins (shoulder surgery), Barb Day, Verbie Hoffman (broken ankle), Susan (Sinn) Funke, Glenn and Loretta (numerous falls) 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) and Rick Woodrow (Crohn’s)

The families and friends of Helen Woodrow and Marian Allen

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. 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 and when offered, a communion cup. 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 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 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:

Sun., 5/9:  Mother’s Day, Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 10:30 a.m., Pastor Jean Sparks preaching; Virtual option available

Tues., 5/11:  Threads of Love, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Thurs., 5/13:  Bible Study, 10-11:00 a.m. or 6-7:00 p.m., or Zoom, if requested

Sat., 5/15: Prayer Group, 9:00 a.m. or Zoom, if requested

Sun., 5/16: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 10:30 a.m., Pastor Jean Sparks preaching; Virtual option available

Wed., 5/19:  Session 6:30 p.m.

Thurs., 5/20:  Bible Study, 10-11:00 a.m. or 6-7:00 p.m., or Zoom, if requested

Sat., 5/22: Prayer Group, 9:00 a.m. or Zoom, if requested

Sun., 5/23: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 10:30 a.m., Pastor Jean Sparks preaching; Virtual option available

Mon., 5/24:  4th Monday Meal, 5:30 p.m., drive thru pick up, drive south on Spruce St. on the east side of the church

Thurs., 5/27:  Bible Study, 10-11:00 a.m. or 6-7:00 p.m., or Zoom, if requested

Sat., 5/29: Prayer Group, 9:00 a.m. or Zoom, if requested

Sun., 5/30: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 10:30 a.m., Pastor Jean Sparks preaching; Virtual option available.

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