Bulletin - October 23, 2022

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20TH SUNDAY after PENTECOST October 23, 2022 • 9:30 a.m.

Madonna of the Harvest

Please join in read ing and singing those parts of the service printed in bold.

* When this symbol precedes an element of the service, please rise in body or spirit.

The Call to Worship is from the Iona Abbey Worship Book.

OPENING VOLUNTARY Chant de Paix Jean Langlais WELCOME AND LIFE IN THE CHURCH

FAITH IN ACTION

* CALL TO WORSHIP

Gathered together – the familiar and the unknown, for the first time or the umpteenth time,  Come, Holy Spirit.

Gathered together – where saints and sinners have worshipped and prayed, where God has listened,  Come, Holy Spirit.

Gathered together – not knowing what we have in common, unable to read God’s mind.  Come, Holy Spirit.

To open doors, dispel fears, establish friendships, reveal what is in us, and bring us closer to Christ,  Come, Holy Spirit. Meet us here.

* HYMN 401 Here In This Place gather us in

CALL TO CONFESSION

The Prayer of Confession is from Feasting on the Word: Worship Companion.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

No words can express the depth of our need or reveal the extent of our sin. But you know us completely, O God. When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions. You rescue us from evil and clothe us with love. Humbly, we thank you: for no words can express our gratitude for the gift of your salvation…

SILENT PRAYER

have mer cy up

have

on

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

* PASSING OF THE PEACE

have mer cy up

on us.

You are invited to share signs with one another of the peace we experience as God’s people. Greet one another saying, “The peace of Christ be with you,” and respond, “And also with you.”

Glory t o God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me

M. Vasile

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE glory to god

World

to out

od, end, w hose good w ith ness out

Son, end, w hose grace w ith has out

end, on A me, men and World to w ith the out

end, it, w hose love w ith has out

par end, doned A me, men and World to w ith the out

end, me A free men

in in the the be be gin gin

is is

PROCLAIMING THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Holy Wisdom, Holy Word. Thanks be to God.

This week's Growing in God's Love Bible story, The Thankful Woman, is found on page 234.

Hilda Alcindor, R.N., Dean of the Faculté des Sciences Infirmières de l’Université Episcopale d’Haïti (FSIL), located in Léogâne, Haiti, is our special guest for the Conversation with Young Disciples.

A CONVERSATION WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES

SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Joel 2:23-32

The grass withers, the flower fades; The word of the Lord endures forever.

SERMON

Use these offer tory moments to savor your grati tude for the abun dance of God’s love — and to consider your own response in loving service.

Ways to give: Cash/Check Place in the offer ing plate or in the mail Text-to-Give Text the amount you would like to give to 855-9041523 Online https://bit.ly/FP Cvanco

Vanco Mobile App

RESPONDING

* HYMN 201 A Prophet-Woman Broke a Jar how can i keep from singing

OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS

OFFERTORY Maya’s Prayer for Peace Tom Trenney Chancel Choir

Father, Mother, God, thank you for your presence during the hard and mean days. For then we have you to lean upon. Thank you.

Father, Mother, God, thank you for your presence during the bright and sunny days, For then we can share that which we have with those who have less.

Father, Mother, God, thank you for your presence during the holy, holy days, For then we are able to celebrate you and our families and our friends.

Father, Mother, God, thank you for those who have no voice, we ask you to speak. For those who feel unworthy, we ask you to pour out your love in waterfalls of tenderness.

For those who live in pain, we ask you to bathe them in your river of healing. For those who are lonely, we ask you to keep them company.

For those who are depressed, we ask you to shower upon them the light of hope!

Father, Mother God, you, the borderless sea of substance,

We ask you to give all the world that which we need the most, peace.

* DOXOLOGY lasst uns erfreuen

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below. Alleluia, alleluia!

Praise God above ye heavenly host.

Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

* PRAYER OF DEDICATION

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

SENDING

* HYMN When A Single Word Is Spoken nettleton (see insert)

* CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

Please be seated for the Closing Voluntary.

CLOSING VOLUNTARY Prelude to Te Deum Charpentier

Music copyrights: All music is reprint ed under OneLi cense.net A-720542 and under CCLI license #20971309. All rights reserved.

Cover art: “Madonna of the Harvest” by John August Swanson © 2022 John August Swanson | Eyekons

SUPPORTING A HEALTHY FUTURE

(FSIL) opened its doors to the first class of 36 nursing students in January, 2005. The dream of Dr. Jack Guy Lafontant and other Haitians working with the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF) in Léogâne was to start a school of nursing to help improve care at Hôpital Ste. Croix and the rest of Haiti.

In 2001, Dr. Lafontant and MBF asked First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan, to help start a nursing program in Haiti. Recently retired professor, Ruth Barnard, PhD, RN, a member of First Presbyterian, led the effort to develop the program while the school buildings were under construction. Dr. Barnard recruited other volunteers to form a governing board to oversee school operations and programs.

FSIL was the first baccalaureate nursing school program in Haiti, setting a standard for the country. The nursing school graduated its first class of 13 men and women in January 2009 and 241 degrees have been awarded since the school’s inception - 250 Bachelor of Science in Nursing and 29 Family Nurse Practitioner degrees. FSIL is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors, and is led by Dean Hilda Alcindor, BA., RN. Born and educated as a nurse in Haiti, Dean Alcindor worked as a registered nurse for over 27 years in Miami before returning to Haiti and dedicating her work to improving health care for all Haitians.

Haiti Nursing Foundation was also founded in 2005 with the expressed mission to gather financial and technical support for the nursing school and has been a loyal partner to FSIL for more than 17 years.

On Friday, October 21, 2022 Haiti Nursing Foundation elected friend and founder, Dr. Ruth Barnard as its first Emerita Board Member. Her vision to create a 4-year bachelor’s degree nursing program in Haiti has resulted in a remarkable and life-changing endeavor impacting thousands of people.

Thank you Ruth Barnard and First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor for your vision, leadership, and tangible support to bring better health to our Haitian brothers and sisters.

The Faculté des Sciences Infirmières de l’Université Épiscopale d’Haïti

Dr. Ruth Barnard

Welcome

FIRST-TIME VISITORS AND MEMBERS

Please use the Friendship Pad located in the pew to let us know you joined us in worship or use this QR code to sign our online Friendship Pad.

We are glad you are here! First Presbyterian Church is an inclusive and diverse faith community, led by the Holy Spirit, who welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to come together to explore, nurture, and deepen their faith.

If you are a guest with us today, we encourage you to wear a rose window button that you can find just outside the Sanctuary in a basket. Wearing this button helps us know that you are new among us so that we can reach out to you with a fuller welcome.

Please join us for coffee and fellowship after the service in the Social Hall.

WORSHIP LEADERS

Welcome

Melissa Anne Rogers Faith in Action Bradley Taylor

Liturgists Mark Mares Hannah Lundberg

Lector

Elisabeth VanVliet

Children’s Message Jay Sanderford Hilda Alcindor

Preacher

Megan Berry Conductor Dave VanderMeer

Organist

David Hufford

Chancel Choir

Greeters Peter Gudritz Nancy Tena Welcome Center Jennifer Stahl

Ushers

Len Rezmierski

Clem Gill

Joe Schmidt Linda Lampman Omer Bellfi

Karla Bellfi Elsa Stuber Dick Stuber

FLOWERS

Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of Jim, June, and Grant Bixler from Caroline Bixler and Ingred (Bixler) Stoltzfus; and in honor of the 40th anniversary of Jay Sanderford’s ordination.

CHILDREN IN WORSHIP

Children ages 5 through 5th grade are invited to Worship LAB — a multi-sensory worship experience just for them. (Check the order of worship for dismissal instructions.) Childcare is available for ages 5 and younger on the First Level. Children are always welcome to stay with their families during worship. We encourage you to pick up a worship activity bag, try sitting near the front, and sing along with the music.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Prayer is a time to speak with God and share gratitude and concerns. The prayer ministry meets in Hillegonds Chapel after the 9:30 service each Sunday. Elders, Deacons, and Stephen Ministers are always there to assist those seeking prayer. Today’s prayer team members are Jeanette Kibler and Sandy Anderson. To sign up to serve as a member of the team, contact Rev. Rogers, mrogers@firstpresbyterian.org.

GENTLE REMINDER FROM THE PARISH NURSES

As winter approaches, we are spending more time indoors, which increases our risk of spreading germs and getting sick. With this in mind, here are some things you can do to stay well:

1) Get a Covid booster and a flu vaccine.

2) Wear a well fitted mask in indoor spaces, especially when there are many people.

3) Monitor for symptoms and stay home if you are sick.

4) Follow the CDC guidelines for specific instructions on Covid exposure and isolation.

Faith Formation

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children’s Choir

11:00 a.m. | Lemon Chapel (Level 3)

Children’s Classes

11:15 a.m. | Levels 1 & 3 Classrooms

Youth Classes

11:00 a.m. | LL4, LL1 (Lower Level)

Confirmation Class

11:00 a.m. | Youth Room (Lower Level)

8th graders (or older who haven’t taken confirmation) are invited to join this class as we ask questions of scripture, theology, history, and faith.

ADULTS

First Friends

11:00 a.m. | Lewis Room (Level 2) & Zoom

Discussion-based class.

“Faith Journey Conversation with Resident Rev. Megan Berry”

The Bible at 11 o’clock

11:00 a.m. | French Room (Level 1)

A discussion-based class focused on biblical texts.

Exploring the Faith

11:00 a.m. | Monteith Hall (Level 1)

Topical-based class with guest speakers. “Digital Culture and Spirituality”

Guest speaker: Dr. Karen Marie-Yust

EVENING GATHERINGS

Youth Group

5:00 p.m. | Off site

Meet us at the church bell located near the southeast entrance to go on a corn maze adventure.

T2A2 Young Adult Group

7:00 p.m. | Off site

UKirk@UMich College Ministry

7:30 p.m. | The French Room

FAST-TRACK TO MEMBERSHIP TODAY!

Meet with a pastor and two elders in the Pastor’s Office (Level 2) at 11 am. The process takes about half an hour as we get to know you, and you get to know us! Following the joining, there will be a new member class for you to attend at a later a date to complete the process. You don’t need to register ahead of time. We’ll be there and ready to receive you if the Holy Spirit leads you to join! Can’t be here in person? Join us via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/87346497327.

FAMILY RETREAT TODAY!

Join us at 11 am for a lecture, “Digital Culture and Spirituality,” by Dr. Karen-Marie Yust, Professor of Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary, followed by our family retreat, “As You Are” from 12-4 pm. The day will include lunch, Q & A with Dr. Yust, children/youth formation and games, family spiritual practices, and a s’mores roast! Lunch is limited to those who made reservations.

FIRST SUNDAY

On the first Sunday of every month, we gather in the Social Hall during the Faith Formation hour to put our faith into practice by extending our love into the community. Join us on November 6, as we decorate and pack Thanksgiving bags for Hope Clinic. Bring dona tions during October and come back on November 6 to pack them up! This event will be fun for all ages! (Please note that this is an additional hunger relief project and coincides with the October donation drive for the Presbytery of Detroit.)

Below is a list of items we’ll need donated per bag.

1 can of gravy (or packet dry mix)

1 box instant mashed potatoes

1 box stuffing mix

1 can cranberry sauce

2 cans green beans

1 can french-fried onions

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can pumpkin pie filling

1 crust/bake mix

2 cans vegetables (carrots, corn, yam, peas, etc).

All items must be shelf-stable (no refrigeration needed) and please avoid glass containers. You can find more information on Hope Clinic and this wonderful mission project here: thehopeclinic.org/thanksgiving-2022

Announcements

ARTS

Artist Reception with Peter Sparling — All are invited to the Artist Reception and Talk with Peter Sparling on Friday, October 28, 7–9:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. There will be a Si lent Auction of nine of Peter’s paintings to benefit the Sacred Music and Fine Arts Fund. His exhibit, “Dancing Up the Walls: Paintings in Motion” will be on display through December.

Requiem by Maurice Duruflé and Five Variants of “Dives and Lazarus” by Ralph Vaughan Williams will be presented by FPC’s Chancel Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and Organ on All Saints’ Sunday, November 6, at 3:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary. A Love Offering will be received in support of the Sacred Music and Fine Arts Fund.

CARE

Are you called to Stephen Ministry? A new class of Stephen Ministers will begin training in January. Is God calling you? Apply for the program, which includes 50 hours of training (on Zoom and in person) from January through May, and be commissioned to the most meaningful ministry of compassion you can imagine. For more info, see Rev. Rogers or any Stephen Minister.

All Saints’ Sunday is November 6. Names of members and family and friends of mem bers who have died in the last year will be read during worship. Names may be submitted online at https://bit.ly/3rdmtgc or by contacting the Church Office by Monday, October 24 at noon.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Random Mum Sunday - Mums will be delivered this afternoon by our Deacons to members of their chapels who they are thinking about and would like to get to know.

Advent is coming! If are willing to write a brief devotional to help guide this holy season, please let Rev. Rogers know (mrogers@firstpresbyterian.org). Once you sign up, you’ll be given the theme and scriptures to reflect upon, and asked to write a short reflection. Scriptures and themes will be sent out in early November, and you’ll have a few weeks to submit your devotional, along with a brief bio and picture. First-time authors especially encouraged, and our pastoral staff is there to provide lots of help!

MISSION

Our October food donations and special financial contributions support the hunger ministry of the Presbytery of Detroit. Non-perishable food may be placed in the baskets provided in the Welcome Center on Sundays, Mondays–Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon. Financial gifts may be made by check or online. Donations will be coordinated and delivered by Presbyterian Women.

STEWARDSHIP: ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

Mosaic of Hope celebrates the vibrancy of our church and the incredible gifts that each one of us brings to our community. Each commitment pledge allows us to carry out our mission as an inclusive and diverse faith community. As part of the First Pres community, you are invited to make a generous pledge to our church out of your financial resources and individual talents. After you make your pledge or commitment, you are invited to place an individual tile on the large Mosaic of Hope display in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, please contact Anna Miller, Finance Manager, 734-662-4466 To make a pledge online, visit bit.ly/FPC2023

First Presbyterian Church

1432 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734 • 662 • 4466 info@firstpresbyterian.org firstpresbyterian.org Follow us