The Presbyterian Church - The Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Church
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY
FOUNDED CIRCA 1717
February 23, 2014
“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients,
‘Do not murder.’
I’m telling you that anyone who is so much
as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder.
Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and
you just might find yourself hauled into court.
Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and
you are on the brink of hellfire.
The simple moral fact is that words kill.”
~ Matthew 5: 21-22, The Message
Welcome
We warmly welcome you to worship at The Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge. We pray
that you will be encouraged in your journey of faith and drawn closer to God by your experience with us.
A special welcome to visitors – we're glad you're here!
When our welcome pads are passed down the pew, we invite all worshippers to take a moment and sign their name, and for visitors to also include their address and phone number.
Following both of our worship services, everyone is invited to gather for fellowship & coffee
in Westminster Hall.
Childcare and Sunday School
Childcare for infants and toddlers is available in the nursery downstairs. Pagers are used to
contact parents during the worship service when necessary.
9:00 am The Nur ser y is open for infants & toddler s thr ough age 2. Please br ing children ages 3 through grade 5 directly to their Sunday School classrooms. They may
be picked up by their parents in their classrooms at 9:45 a.m.
10:15 am Childr en ages 3 thr ough Gr ade 2 ar e invited to attend Childr en ’s Church in
the Chapel after the Message for Children. Children in grades 3 and up are invited
to remain in worship with their families.
Calendar of Prayer
Sessions and Congregations are invited to pray for the congregations, pastors, members and
staff of the Presbytery of Elizabeth during 2014. This week we pray for First Presbyterian
Church, Cranford.
Online Sermons
Recorded audio sermons from the most recent Sundays are available on the church
website at www.brpc.org. To access, click
on the sermons link on the main menu.
Amplification Headsets
So that all may enjoy the worship service,
sound amplification headsets are available
from the ushers for those who need assistance with hearing.
Statement of Purpose
God calls the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church to be a living community
and light to the world, guided by the Holy Spirit and transmitting God’s love
revealed through Christ Jesus. In response to God’s call, we seek to realize the
Kingdom of God as we
Welcome everyone into our community with open arms,
Care for each other both in times of joy and in times of sorrow,
Worship together creatively and enthusiastically in gratitude to God,
Prepare each other through Bible-based education and open discussion to
Serve Jesus Christ as disciples in local and global ministry and to
Share our wealth, time, talents and faith with the world.
Therefore
encourage one
another and build
each other up,
as indeed you
are doing. The
grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ
be with you.
I Thess. 5:11, 28
Order of Worship
February 23, 2014
9:00 a.m. - Chapel; 10:15 a.m. - Sanctuary
seventh sunday in ordinary time
(As the prelude begins, please prepare prayerfully for worship
and be sure all cell phones are turned off.)
The Lord’s My Shepherd
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
Setting by Donald Hustad
Dr. Maureen Paterson
Leader: Praise the Lord, O my soul;
All my inmost being, praise his holy name.
People: Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
Leader: Praise the Lord, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.
People: Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.
Leader: Praise the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
People: Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Psalm 103: 1-2, 20-22 NIV
*HYMN 466
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
azmon
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
Lord God, we have given more weight to our successes
and our happiness than to your will.
We have eaten without a thought for the hungry.
We have spoken without an effort to understand others.
We have kept silence instead of telling the truth.
We have judged others, forgetful that you alone are the Judge.
We have acted rather in accordance with our opinions
than according to your commands.
Within your church we have been slow to practice love of our neighbors.
And in the world we have not been your faithful servants.
Forgive us and help us to live as disciples of Jesus Christ,
your Son, our Savior. Amen.
SILENT REFLECTION AND CONFESSION OF SIN
Spirit of the Living God
Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me;
Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, Fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me.
PRAYER RESPONSE (unison)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*Those who are able are invited to stand.
Hymn 322
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
*RESPONSE OF PRAISE
*THE PEACE
Leader: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Leader: I invite you to turn and greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace.
WORDS OF WELCOME
PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS (10:15)
REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH
PRAYER
WELCOME
Elder Don Wadsworth
Leader: Let us welcome our new members.
People: With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you into Christ’s church to
share with us in his ministry, for we are all one in Christ.
MESSAGE FOR CHILDREN (10:15)
Jacqueline Obregon
(Children ages 3 through Second Grade may leave for Children’s Church
in the Chapel. Children in grades 3 and up are invited to remain in worship.)
*HYMN 347 (10:15)
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive
detroit
Psalm 119: 1-8
Matthew 5: 21-37
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON
Life is Sacred
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERING
ANTHEM (10:15)
Cantique de Jean Racine
Sanctuary Choir
p. 566
p. 4
Rev. Dennis W. Jones
Gabriel Fauré
O Redeemer divine, our sole hope of salvation,
Eternal Light of the earth and the sky, we kneel in adoration,
O Savior, turn on us Thy loving eye.
Send down on us the fire of Thy grace all consuming,
Whose wondrous might dispersed the pow’rs of hell.
And rouse our slumb’ring souls with thy radiance,
That they may waken Thy mercy to tell!
O Christ bestow Thy blessing on us, we implore Thee,
Who here are gathered on penitent knee,
Accept the hymns we chant to Thine eternal glory
And these Thy gifts we return unto Thee.
*DOXOLOGY (unison)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
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.
*HYMN 536
Lord, Make Us More Holy
African-American Spiritual
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
Plein Jeu a la Couperin
Gordon Young
Worship and Music Update
Coming Soon to a Pew Near You…
Brand new hymnals! “Glory to God” is the successor to our blue hymnals and is a wonderful collection of music to help us continue to sing God’s praises. The Session, Pastors and
Minister of Music are all thrilled about this new resource for worship. We hope you will be
too!
Upcoming hymnal events:
 “Sneak Peek” preview of the hymnal led by Mary Lou Stevens – Today at 11:30 a.m.
in the choir room.
th
 Retirement of the current blue hymnals – March 9 during worship
th
 New hymnal dedication Sunday—March 16
If you would like to donate a hymnal, please fill out the yellow card (available in the narthex; also included in the letter sent out to all) and including payment, place in the offering
plate or return to the church office addressed to “Hymnal Project”. $20 will gift a hymnal,
with the option of making the gift in memory of or in honor of the person you name, or
simply in gratitude to God. Katja Gruening, Chair of Worship and Music Council, is glad to
answer any questions at (908) 392-0786.
Church Family
The Flowers on the Piers this morning are given to the glory of God:
~ By Dorothy Herklotz, in loving memory of Lewis Herklotz.
~ By Dawn Domans, in loving memory of Stanley and Sally Hummer.
The flowers that grace our sanctuary each week are gifts from members of flowers
the congregation. Flowers may be given in memory or in honor of someone or to celebrate an occasion. There is one pier opening on April 6
and two pier openings on April 27. If you would like to donate an
arrangement, please contact Debbie Schaub at 908-507-3844; e-mail address
[email protected].
Our Greeters this morning are Shirley and David Klippel and Lois Taylor at the 10:15 a.m.
service. Join us for Coffee and Fellowship after both services, hosted by Jim & Nancy Sinni.
Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord
Ann Searing
United with this Congregation
Entered the Church Triumphant
October 10, 2010
February 15, 2014
A Memorial Service was held here in our Sanctuary on Saturday, February 22.
Dorothy Voorhees
United with this Congregation
November 19, 1995
Entered the Church Triumphant
February 18, 2014
A Memorial Service was held here in our Sanctuary on Friday, February 21.
Fellowship
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper—Sign-Up Today!
Tuesday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m. in Westminster Hall
Join us for a lively and fun-filled evening! This annual event is all about
excess, just before the solemnity of the Lenten season. The pancakes, the
sweets, the decorations, the fun! After dinner visit the ice cream sundae bar
with tons of forbidden toppings-never count calories at Mardi Gras! Signup today or next Sunday after both services. The cost is $8 per person or
$25 for a family of four or more.
Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Senior High Fellowship (Grades 9-12) - Tonight from 7-9 p.m., Youth Center
While we usually won't have regularly scheduled Senior High Fellowship following a Sandy
Saturday, this week is the exception! We will meet tonight since we haven't had a chance to
catch up recently (due to all the snow cancellations and President's Day Weekend). There
will be PIZZA and GAMES as usual, as well as a fun conversation on today's most popular
songs and pop culture trends. All high school students are welcome and encouraged to join
this great group!
Middle School Fellowship (Gr. 6-8)
Wed., Feb. 26, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center
Come join this fun and vibrant group for a night of games, fellowship, and a Bible story.
We start the night with a sit-down pizza dinner, and proceed with a program geared to
please our Middle School youth’s thirst for fun as well as enrich their understanding of God
and the Bible. We welcome new faces!
Invitation and Membership
Meet Our New Members
Today we welcome new members that the Lord has brought to our congregation. During
our 10:15 a.m. worship service, our new members will come forward to be warmly received
into our congregation. We joyfully welcome the following to The Presbyterian Church of
Basking Ridge:
Courtney & Michael Battista Jeannette Fairbrother
1020 Sunset Drive
37 Edgewood Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Bedminster, NJ 07921
Jacqueline & Al Obregon
9 Jeffrey Lane
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Cara & Peter Burchett
34 Canter Drive
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Jeanne George
2213 Fellowship Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Jo Rosenthal
173 West Oak Street
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Linda & John Chen
23 Robin Court
Stirling, NJ 07980
Jan Hedden, Kathryn Hedden Carol & Richard* Skidmore
365 Penns Way
141 Gates Avenue
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Gillette, NJ 07933
Jerry & Jean• Dorr
2 Pine Hollow
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Ian & Amanda• Hughes
434 Lyons Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Jean Smith
35 Eton Court
Bedminster, NJ 07921
Joan & Scott Eichhorn
11 Plymouth Court
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Cheryl Keefe
14 Franklin Court
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
*Non-member
• Current member
Opportunities to Give and Serve
Coffee and Fellowship Time
Please consider volunteering to host a Fellowship time by taking a few moments from your
busy week to give of yourself in service to your church family. While fellowship is vital to
the life of the church, for some individuals Sunday is the only opportunity they have to connect. To volunteer, please contact Nancy Sinni at 908-696-0317 or email at
[email protected].
Lenten Music and Meditation—Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are still needed to organize and prepare lunch to be served after our 2014 Lenten
Music and Meditation Services on March 19, April 2 and 9. Thank you to those who have
offered their time on March 12 and 26! Please see Sandy Smith during coffee hour or contact her at [email protected] if you would like to volunteer.
Sew In? Sew What!
On Saturday, March 15th from 9:30 to 2:30, The Oak Tree Quilters are holding their Fourth
Annual Sew In to make simple dresses for mission trips. This year the dresses will go to Ecuador and Malawi. We are looking for sewers, cutters, ironers. Donations of cotton fabrics
are welcome. The smallest dress takes about ½ yard of fabric and the largest takes 1 1/3
yards. Each dress also needs double wide double fold bias tape and ¼ inch elastic. Any of
these items may be left at the reception desk in the Church House. If you are coming, we will
be in Westminster Hall. Come for an hour or come for the day. Bring a bag lunch. You may
want to bring your own machine (we have some available), scissors, and colored thread if
you have some. Hot water will be available for tea and coffee. There will also be light refreshments. There will be kits available after the Sew In for those who would like to make
some dresses at home. For additional information call Sue Watt (732-412-7378) or Mary
Browning (908-580-9709).
The Season of Lent
Lenten Music and Meditation Services
These short services of music, readings and prayer offer a quiet time out of our
busy schedule during the season of Lent. All services take place at 12 noon in the
Sanctuary on Wednesdays and will be followed by a light lunch in Westminster
Hall for $7. No reservation needed:
March 12
March 19
March 26
April 2
April 9
Trent Johnson, organist
Rising Stars in the Vocal World
Annie Schulenburg, soprano, Philip Stoddard, bass
Harmonium Choral Society Outreach Chorus
Annie Matlack, Director
Vince Carr, organist
Sacred Solos and Ensembles with soloists and instrumentalists from BRPC
Adult Education
Early Bird Group
Join our 7:45 a.m. Early Bird Small Group
study on The Prophetic Gift in the Church
House Library. All are welcome!
9:00 a.m. Small Group
9:00 a.m. Small Group—Join us in the
Church House Parlor for lively discussion
regarding the sermon texts of the morning.
Tuesday Evening Group—7:30 p.m. in the home of Bob and Eleanor Taylor
The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Adam Hamilton
The Tuesday Evening Small Group is studying the book “The Way: Walking in the Footsteps
of Jesus” by Adam Hamilton. The book also has six short companion DVD lesson videos to
enhance and further develop discussion. We meet Tuesday evenings through March 4.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study—9:30 a.m. in the Church House Parlor
Joy-filled Living in Ordinary Times
Most of our lives follow a fairly ordinary pattern and sometimes we might feel we are just
going through the routines of our days with little attention to God or how God might be
working in and through us. Join us on this seven week discovery of how we transform the
ordinary moments of our days into powerful reminders of God's love and blessing. New
members are always welcome. Join us when you can.
Church Staff
Sexton Celebrates 15 Years at BRPC!
David Brownlee is celebrating 15 years at BRPC! Join us in congratulating our intrepid Sexton on this milestone of service to the church.
David, a Basking Ridge native, works quietly behind the scenes to
make sure our buildings and grounds are always ready for the many
activities that take place in this historic facility. On a weekly basis, he
faithfully prepares our worship spaces with special touches such as being sure the water is warm for the comfort of infants being baptized!
The Visiting Nurses Association is also the beneficiary of David’s dedication. He can be
seen at the bi-annual VNA sale event where he is passionate about volunteering his time and
energy; taking personal vacation time to do so. We are grateful to have David as a member
of our church staff and congratulate him on 15 wonderful years of service.
~ Personnel Council
Children and Family Ministries—Save the Dates!
What: Easter Egg Hunt
What: Vacation Bible School
When: Palm Sunday, April 13
Where Jesus’ Love is One-of-a Kind
11:30 a.m. (after 10:15 a.m. service )
When: August 4-8, 2014
Where: Gazebo Par k
VBS Sunday is August 10
Women’s Ministry
Save the Date—Women’s Retreat—Saturday, May 3
Mark your calendars now for our Women’s Retreat on Saturday, May 3 at the Shrine of St.
Joseph in Stirling. Dr. Maureen Paterson will again lead us in this inspiring, informative and
reflective time. More details to follow. We look forward to seeing you there!
Artist of the Month
Artists of the Month
Please stop by the church house to see the beautiful display by our February Artists of the
Month, Elaine Stine and Susan Felter. Their varied display of art includes such works as
embroidery, ceramics, pen and ink drawings, oil paintings and more! Come to see this
beautiful display by this talented mother-daughter pair. To be featured as a future Artist of
the Month, contact Janet Bentley in the church office.
Church Snow Day Policy
During the week when there is a snow storm and the roads are not safe to travel, our
church office mirrors the Bernards Township public schools. When they cancel school
for the entire day, our church office will be closed and all events are cancelled. When
they have a 2-hour delayed opening, so do we, and the church office opens at 11:00
a.m. When they have an early dismissal, we generally cancel afternoon and evening
events. All weather related closings are posted on our church website (brpc.org) and on
the phone answering machine (908-766-1616). Our priority is to ensure the safety of our
staff and congregation and others who are part of our ministry.
In the event of a serious weather event that occurs on a Sunday, we encourage you to exercise your own judgment in discerning whether it is safe to drive to church. Over the
years we have cancelled Sunday morning worship on extremely rare occasions. In the
event of a cancellation or modification of our Sunday morning schedule, all details will
be posted on our church website and on the phone answering machine.
Weekly Calendar
The Presbyterian Church
SUNDAY—FEBRUARY 23
Early Bird Bible Study, 7:45 am ......
Library
Worship, 9:00 am.............................
Chapel
Christian Ed. For All, 9:00 am .........
Fellowship Time, 9:45 am ............... Westminster Hall
Worship,10:15 am............................
Sanctuary
Fellowship Time, 11:15 am ............. Westminster Hall
Hymnal Sneak Peek, 11:30 am ........
Knox Room
Small Group, 6:30 pm......................
Library
Senior High Fellowship, 7:00 pm ....
Youth Center
MONDAY—FEBRUARY 24
SCEEP, 3:00 pm ..............................
Little Spirit Program, 3:45 pm .........
Adult Ed. Comm.,7:00 pm ...............
Deacons, 7:00 pm ............................
Stewardship, 7:00 pm ......................
Tree House Board, 7:30 pm .............
Church House
Ed. Bldg
Geneva Room
Parlor
Agape Room
Library
TUESDAY—FEBRUARY 25
Oak Tree Quilters, 9:30 am.............. Westminster Hall
Spirit Program, 3:45 pm................... Education Bldg.
Youth Bells, 4:00 pm .......................
Sanctuary
Youth Choir, 4:45 pm ......................
Sanctuary
Alpha Bell Choir, 6:00 pm ...............
Knox Room
Communications, 7:00 pm ...............
Library
Knox Bell Choir, 7:15 pm................
Knox Room
Small Group, 7:30 pm......................
Off-Site
WEDNESDAY—FEBRUARY 26
Women’s Bible Study, 9:30 am .......
Middle School Fellowship, 6:00 pm
THURSDAY—FEBRUARY 27
Sanctuary Choir, 7:30 pm ................
Scout #351, 7:30 pm ........................
Oratorio Choir, 8:45 pm...................
Parlor
Youth Center
Knox Room
Youth Center
Knox Room
FRIDAY—FEBRUARY 28
Book Group, 7:30 pm ......................
SATURDAY—MARCH 1
Pastor & Head of Staff
Rev. Dennis W. Jones ......................... ext. 15
Associate Pastor
Dr. Maureen Paterson ......................... ext. 11
Acting Director of Ministries to Youth,
Young Adults and their Families
Jenna Meyers ...................................... ext. 17
Director of Ministries to Children
Jacqueline Obregon. ........................... ext. 14
Tree House Director
Jennifer Nowack. ............................ 221-1619
Minister of Music
Mary Lou Stevens ........................... 953-9809
Director of Children’s Music Ministry
Beth Donley ................................... 953-9809
Handbell Director
Linda Langstaff .............................. 953-9809
Church Administrator & Treasurer
Janet Bentley ...................................... ext. 18
Assistant Treasurers
Nancy Kuhn ...................................... ext. 21
Liz Messineo ....................................... ext. 21
Pastoral Administrative Asst.
Cara Burchett ...................................... ext. 19
Church Administrative Asst.
Pam Smith .......................................... ext. 12
Interim Website Coordinator
Gary Ingram ....................................... ext. 13
Sexton Staff
Peter O’Connor .................................. ext. 16
David Brownlee
Library
Men’s Coffee & Conv., 7:30 am......
Library
Oratorio Rehearsal, 9:00 am… Knox Rm./West. Hall
God’s Co-op Pantry
The food donation item for the month
of February is canned corn. Please
bring your donation to the church
house. Thank you for your support!
One East Oak St., Basking Ridge NJ 07920
908.766.1616 FAX: 766.4450
e-mail: [email protected] - www.brpc.org
Ministers
All the People
Clerk of Session
Dick Fryling
President of Trustees
Jeff Schaub
Moderator of Deacons
Jann Slapin