An Open and Affirming Congregation No matter who

The United Church of Christ came into being in 1957 with the union of two
Protestant denominations: The Evangelical and Reformed Church and the
Congregational Christian Churches. The motto of the United Church of Christ
is found in John 17:21, “That they may all be one.” Part of what we believe is
best summarized by, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity.” The
unity that we seek requires neither an uncritical acceptance of any point of
view, nor rigid formulation of doctrine. That which binds us together, in spite
of our differences, is love. Because faith can be expressed in many different
ways, the United Church of Christ has no formula that is a test of faith.
Regarding the Bible, we believe that the Bible was written in specific historical
times and places. However, we also believe that the Bible still speaks to us
in our present condition and that the study of the Bible is not limited to past
interpretations. We firmly believe that God is still speaking! We also believe
in the priesthood of all believers. All members and friends of the United
Church of Christ are called to minister to one another and to the world.
Ordained ministers guide and instruct but in no way are called to do the work
of ministry on their own. The United Church of Christ also stresses responsible freedom. As members of the Body of Christ, we are free to act in accordance with our perception of God’s will for our lives. But, we are also called to
live in loving, covenantal relationship with one another - gathering in communities of faith, congregations of believers, local churches. And finally, “No
matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome
here!”
Staff
The Rev. Mr. Todd A. Petty, Senior Minister (ext. 11) - [email protected]
The Rev. Dr. Patrick Coyle, Minister of Music (ext. 29) - [email protected]
Gloria Eckert, Director of Children’s Ministry (ext. 14) - [email protected]
Terrie Hunter, Parish Visitor (ext. 12) - [email protected]
Steve Smith, Principal Organist (ext. 24)
Phyllis Miner, Music Associate and Associate Organist (ext. 24)
Cheryl Wells, Music Associate - Director of Carol Choir
Mandy York, Music Associate - Director of Park Singers
Lisa Smith, Executive Assistant to the Senior Minister (ext. 17) - [email protected]
Natalie Barlas, Administrative Assistant (ext. 18) - [email protected]
Gene Gess, Business Manager (ext. 13) - [email protected]
Marty Butler, Program Staff Assistant - [email protected]
John Ott, Lead Custodian and Food Service (ext. 26) - [email protected]
Mark Kelly, Custodian
Rachel Creamer, Custodian
Kevin Rubingh, Custodian
Church Office Email
[email protected]
Sunday, July 6, 2014 / Ten-thirty in the morning
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
An Open and Affirming Congregation
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here!
Statement of Welcome and Inclusion
As Jesus demonstrated by his life and teachings, we fully welcome into
the life of Park Church and value all people regardless of beliefs or
doubts; age, color, gender, sexual orientation or identity; physical,
mental, or emotional ability; or economic status. In fact, we value and
celebrate the rich diversity of all God’s creation. No matter who you
are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.
Vision
To build a community of relentless compassion and
courageous hope where all are seen and known and the God of
extravagant Love is revealed.
First (Park) Congregational Church, UCC
10 East Park Place NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
616.459.3203 / www.parkchurchgr.org
Festival Worship
High School Mission Trip Memories
Green Prayer Cards
If you would like to share a joy or concern and have it included
in today's Pastoral Prayer, please see one of our ministers
before the start of the service. Otherwise, fill out a Green
Prayer Card and place it in the offering plate. Your joy or
concern will be shared with the staff at their weekly staff
meeting. Thank you.
+Please stand as you are able
Bold = Words spoken in unison
Bold Italics = Words sung in unison
Hearing devices are available from the Ushers upon request.
Gathering Music
The Welcome
+Passing the Peace and Love of Jesus Christ
Announcements, Joys, and Concerns
Prelude
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Dale Wood
s
+The Hymn - No. 7
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ST. DENIO
+Responsive Opening Sentences
One:
All:
One:
All:
The Rev. Sara A. Fetty
Retired Congregational Minister
In many and various ways God spoke of old to our
fathers by the prophets,
But in these last days he has spoken to us by a
son,
Whom he appointed the heir of all things, through
whom also he created the world.
He reflects the glory of God and bears the very
2
also had
The high school
eling to
av
a great time, tr
for
o
hi
Cleveland, O
. They
ip
tr
on
their missi
Maggie’s
volunteered on
Greater
Farm and at the
Bank.
Cleveland Food
, the
ng
When not worki
to
ip
tr
a
group enjoyed
l
al
H
l
ol
R
the Rock and
at
op
st
a
d
of Fame an
Cedar Point!
11
Middle School Mission Trip Memories
stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word
of power. (Hebrews 1: 1-3)
+Invocation and Our Savior’s Prayer
Eternal God, who has been pleased to reveal yourself
through prophets and apostles, and to your special son
Jesus Christ, reveal yourself anew to us, that we might be
refreshed for the spiritual pilgrimage. In the name of
Christ we pray...
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.
Anthem
Cheryl Wells, flute
Eternal Father, Strong To Save
Scripture Lesson
One:
All:
ol had a great
The middle scho
ission trip! The
time on their m
cal, volunteering
group stayed lo
The Image.
at UCOM and In CCESS and
dA
They also visite
tries. When they
is
in
Heartside M
e
work, the middl
weren’t hard at
a
d
an
g
lin
w
d bo
schoolers enjoye
pool party.
Deacon Janet Mitchell
Romans 8:14-25
(Phillips Translation)
The word of the Lord…
Thanks be to God!
w
+Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father (Creator),
and to the Son (Christ) and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.
World without end. Amen.
Sermon
10
Creation On Tiptoe
The Rev. Maurice A. Fetty
Park Church Interim Sr. Minister 2001-2005
3
Text:
"....the creation waits with eager longing for the
revealing of the sons of God." Romans 8:19 (RSV)
Joys and Concerns of Our Church Family
"The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the
wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their
own." Romans 8:19 (Phillips Translation)
Peg Atkinson
Chuck Dietiker
Mary Davison
John Hanington
Stuart Kutsche Sr.
Terry Sprenkle
Richard Vaughan
Gloria Vaughan
Susan Victor
Jon and Lois Wier
A Moment for Silent Reflection
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
(All are invited to participate regardless of denominational affiliation)
+Communion Hymn - No. 283
Bread of the World in Mercy Broken
j
Call to Confession
x
Prayer of Confession
x
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned
against you in thought, word and deed, by what we
have done, and by what we have left undone. We
have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not
loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry
and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son,
Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us and forgive us; that
we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Invitation to Communion
Prayer of Consecration
x
Words of Institution
Those serving our nation in the military, especially:
Joe Birkhold
Kit Grant
Kyle Kutsche
Janet Presley
Jonathan Seys
If you are facing surgery and would like
a pre-surgical visit and prayer or if you are
hospitalized and would like a visit
from the pastor, please let us know.
We are here for you.
x
Sharing of Bread and Wine*
*Unfermented Grape Juice. Communion will be served by
intinction. Please come forward using the center aisle and
receive the bread from one of the ministers. Stepping to the side,
4
9
What’s Happening At Park
FLOWER ROOM UPDATES
THIS WEEK AT PARK
Wednesday, July 9th
Newsletter Deadline
YOGA CANCELLED
NEXT SUNDAY
Continental Breakfast - 9:30am
Adult Ed - 9:30am, SDR
Worship - 10:30am; Rev. Fetty
Blood Pressure Clinic - 11:45am,
Merriam Hall
Nursery Care to Age 5 Available
The flower room is being renovated
this month. It will have a new sink,
countertop, and a fresh coat of paint,
all thanks to the wonderful
generosity of the Park Church
Women. I thank them for this!
Those who have flowers on Sunday
in July have been moved to August
and September. - Sue Winer
CHURCH WIFI
Network: Park Church Guest
take the bread and dip it in the cup offered by a Deacon.
Please return to your seat using the side aisles.
Communion Music
Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give thanks to you, Almighty God, that you have
refreshed us with this sacrament of your love, and
have granted us the presence of your Son, Jesus
Christ, our Lord. Strengthen our faith in you, and
increase our love for one another, through him who is
our Redeemer. Amen
x
Receiving of God’s Tithe and Our Offerings
Offertory
Password: parkchurchguest
SUMMER CHILDCARE
Organ Selections
Steven Smith, organist
David Wells, trombone
Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory
+Doxology
Childcare to Age 5 will be
provided in the Nursery/Toddler
Room this summer. If you would
like to volunteer in the Nursery/
Toddler Room, please contact
Gloria
Eckert
at
geckert
@parkchurchgr.org or the church
office.
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
This church office is open for
business 8:30am - 3:00pm this
summer. Regular hours will
resume after Labor Day.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him (God) all creatures here below;
Praise Him (God) above ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
(Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost). Amen.
+Prayer of Dedication
IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING…..
If you are in need of information about anything relating to the Board of
Trustees or the Deacons, please feel free to contact one or more of the
following church members:
Paul Kelly - [email protected]//616-453-4747 (Moderator)
Bob Briggs - [email protected]//724-4147 (Vice-moderator)
Judy Furman - [email protected]//616-538-1902 (Secretary)
Ken Haines - [email protected]//616-874-8209 (Treasurer)
Camille DeBoer - [email protected]//616-975-3499 (Senior Deacon)
8
+The Hymn - No. 239
Come, Down, O Love Divine
DOWN AMPNEY
+Our Common Commission
Let us now go forth into the world in peace; being of
good courage; holding fast to that which is good;
rendering to no one evil for evil; strengthening the faint
hearted; supporting the weak; helping the afflicted;
5
honoring all people; loving and serving the Lord and
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The service of worship concludes with The Common Commission.
Please join us after the service for coffee and fellowship in Merriam Hall.
If you are leaving the Sanctuary during the Postlude, please be
mindful of others. Thank You.
Postlude
Postlude on “Old Hundredth”
Fred Bock
After Worship...
You are invited to greet The Rev. Maurice Fetty, The Rev.
Sara Fetty, and Dr. Patrick Coyle in the Narthex.
Thank you for worshiping with us today!
Serving With You Today
***
The Rev. Maurice Fetty
Rev. Fetty, author of fifteen books, holds degrees from Union
Theological Seminary in New York City, Christian Theological
Seminary in Indianapolis, Butler University in Indianapolis,
Minnesota Bible College, Minneapolis (now Crossroads College in
Rochester, MN). His former pastorates were Park Congregational
Church, Grand Rapids, MI; Congregational Church of Manhasset,
Manhasset, NY; Mayflower Congregational Church, Grand Rapids,
MI; Colonial (Congregational) Church of Edina, Minneapolis; La
Hermosa Christian Church and Institute, Manhattan, New York City;
and Flatbush Christian Church, Brooklyn, NY. Rev. Fetty and his wife,
Rev. Sara Fetty, have six children and fourteen grandchildren.
You can follow Rev. Fetty on his weekly blog at
www.reverendfetty.com or www.dialoguesoffaithandreason.com
Sermon Series By Rev. Fetty
“Spiritual Agriculture”
Sound: Mark Kelly
Greeters: Marlene Fosner, Sue and Fred Laage
Grounds Crew: Jennifer Newhall
Nursery/Toddlers: Dennis and Gloria Eckert
Ushers: Richard Rowe
Adult Education at Park Church
Free Yoga
Wednesday 6:30 to 8:00 pm - Spindler Dining Room
Science & Religion: A DVD Series
9:30 am to 10:30 am - Spindler Dining Room
June 8th - August 31st
July 13 - "Productive Soil"
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 20 - "Out of Small Beginnings
Matthew 13:31-35
July 27 - "The Harsh Realities of Harvest"
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
6
7