Order of Worship
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
July 25, 2021
11 a.m.Preparation
Prelude
“Blessed Jesus, We Are Here” Johann Sebastian BachWords of Welcome
The Reverend Pen PeeryChiming of the Trinity
Adoration
Choral Call to Worship
Paul SjolundMake a joyful noise unto the Lord! Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before his presence with singing. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. Be thankful unto him and bless his name.
On the fourth Sunday of the month,
the congregations of First Presbyterian and First United Presbyterian Churches will be worshipping together.
Many years ago, our churches shared a history as one congregation before our ties were broken by racism and sin.
The 11 a.m. service is
televised over WAXN-TV, Channel 64 this morning and streamed live at
www.firstpres-charlotte.org and on Facebook Live.
The Call to Confession was
written by the Rev. Teri Peterson.
The rosebud celebrates the
birth of Henry Matthew High, son of Meredith and Cory High.
The sympathy of the
congregation is expressed to
Sonya Snowdon on the death of her father, Guy Wallace.
Blakely is the daughter of
Natalie and Kyle Raygor.
The Elder assisting with
the baptism today is Kay Valaoras.
Confession
Call to Confession
The Reverend Robert Galloway One: Loving God, you offer us your whole self, and ask us to trust and obey.All: We confess that sometimes it is hard to trust and hard to walk your path. When we ignore your call and follow our own way instead, forgive us. One: Lord Jesus, you offer us not just healing, but wholeness.
All: We confess that we’re often not interested in that inner work, only in just enough to continue on our way without facing those things that keep us from you. When we allow fear to rule, rather than standing up with courage, forgive us.
One: Holy Spirit, you bring new life into every place.
All: We confess that sometimes we like things just the way they are, and the newness is scary. When we insist on seeing before believing, forgive us.
One: Holy God, fill us again with your grace, your hope, your peace, All: and help us to be your faithful people in the world.
Assurance of Pardon
One: Friends, believe the good news. All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
*Response
(Hymn No. 464)hymn to joy Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love! Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.
Sacrament of Baptism
Sacrament of Baptism
Blakely Rose Raygor *Apostles’ CreedI 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 to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the
Proclamation
Prayer for Illumination
Musical Offering
“The Call” from Five Mystical Songs Ralph Vaughan Williams Bill Manci, soloistCome, my way my truth, my life: such a way, as gives us breath: Such a truth, as ends all strife: Such a life, as killeth death. Come, my light, my feast, my strength: Such a light, as shows a feast: Such a feast, as mends in length: Such a strength, as makes his guest. Come, my joy, my love, my heart: Such a joy, as none can move: Such a love, as none can part: Such a heart, as joys in love.
Scripture
John 14:1-7‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many
dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
Sermon
“I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life”The Reverend Pen Peery
Response
Anthem
“Jesus Loves Me” arr. Doris Nelson FUPC Praise Team and FPC Sanctuary ChoirJesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak, but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so. Jesus loves me. He will stay close beside me all the way. If I love him when I die, he will take me home on high. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.
Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer
The Reverend Lorenzo Small, Sr. 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.Stewardship of Life
Elias Humphrey
Children’s Food Drive
Offertory Anthem
“You Are” Kirk FranklinFUPC Praise Team
*Doxology
lasst uns erfreuen Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!Sending Forth
*Benediction
We are glad you are
worshipping with us
today!
We welcome all to First Presbyterian Churchas we worship together, knowing that each of us is a
beloved part of the body of Christ.
Our Pastors
Pendleton B. Peery Senior Pastor [email protected] Anna R. DicksonAssociate Pastor for Congregational Care
Robert L. Galloway
Associate Pastor for Christian Formation and Young Adults [email protected]
Mary Margaret Porter
Parish Associate [email protected] Charles C. Williamson Parish Associate [email protected] __________ William P. Young, III
Director of Music Ministries
Are you interested in joining our church?
Contact Jane Ives
Membership Coordinator [email protected]
Pastor on call
If you have a pastoral emergency outside of regular church hours, dial 704.927.0256 for the on-call
voicemail. Your call will be returned promptly. 200 West Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202 www.firstpres-charlotte.org
First Presbyterian Church Announcements
Officer Nominations Now Open, through July 31We need your help to elect the next class of church officers. You can access the nomination form by visiting bit.ly/fpcofficernom (or the church website). If you need a paper form, please contact Tanya Gaspar, [email protected]. BellXcel Pre-K Summer Camp, June 14th - July 29th, The Core Church
Fifteen rising kindergartners spend six weeks learning fundamental math and literacy concepts they need to be successful as they start school in the fall. Sign up on the church website to assist with story time, center time, or recess. | Questions: [email protected].
Choir and Handbell Rehearsals and Wednesday Dinners Resume
Sanctuary Choir and Ivey Handbell rehearsals begin August 25, and choirs and handbells for grades TK-12 begin September 8. Family-friendly dinners will be available from 5:30-6:15 on the Wednesdays that children’s choirs and handbells rehearse. | Questions: [email protected]. Use QR code to register or visit the church website.
Thank you for your continued support. For those who are not worshipping in person, we encourage you to give by text, online at www.firstpres-charlotte.org, or by mailing a check to 200 W. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202. Your gift will support the ministry and mission of First Presbyterian Church.
First United Presbyterian Church Announcements
The Session of First United Presbyterian Church has called a congregational meeting for August 1, 2021, immediately following service. We are encouraging all who are able to be present to attend worship that Sunday. We will offer a Zoom option for that meeting, as well.
