08/23/2015 Bulletin

BETHLEHEM
PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH

~~~~~~

The Service for the Lord’s Day

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 23, 2015
11:00 a.m.

GATHERING

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE I Surrender All Stone

(John Michael Jones, Pianist)

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

CALL TO WORSHIP (from the Psalter) Billie Gail Douglas, Liturgist

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon God’s name.
We will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised.

God calls to his people from the heavens above.
God hears our call and delivers us in the day of trouble!

Oh give thanks to the LORD; for the LORD is good and forgiving,
Abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon the LORD.

HYMN (Insert) Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Gracious God, You call us to follow Christ as faithful disciples.
Yet, we confess: Discipleship is hard!

Along our faith journey, many questions arise
that try our faith and test our beliefs.

We try to understand Jesus’ words, but we find it hard
to make a decision and keep a commitment.

O God, forgive us, we pray.
Help us to take our discipleship seriously,
and with the power of Your Holy Spirit,
help us to become true disciples of Your Son, Jesus …

(Silent confession…)
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. AMEN.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

RESPONSE (Insert) Yes, Lord, Yes

THE PEACE OF CHRIST

PROCLAIMING

CHILDREN’S CHAT Kylee Dotson

(Children through Kindergarten may be dismissed to the nursery at this time.

KID’S PRAISE

(Children in 1st – 4th Grades may be dismissed to the Chapel at this time.)

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

OLD TESTAMENT READING Joshua 24.1-2, 14-18

This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

NEW TESTAMENT READING John 6.56-69
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

SERMON “Decisions and Choices”

The Rev. Cheryl Sumner, Guest Minister

RESPONDING

HYMN (Insert) O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH A Brief Statement of Faith - 1983

We believe…
In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage
to pray without ceasing,
to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior,
to unmask idolatries in Church and culture,
to hear the voices of people long silenced,
and to work with other for justice, freedom, and peace.
Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER

SHARING OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY O Lord Most Holy César Franck

Ruth Waltz

DOXOLOGY Lasst uns erfreuen
PRAYER OF DEDICATION

HYMN (Insert) FOLLOWING

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

BLESSING & BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

Please stand, as you are able.

BETHLEHEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2446 Old Church Road Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111

Office: (804) 779-3775
Website: Bethpreschurch.org
Email: [email protected]



The Reverend Rebekah J. Johns, Pastor

John Michael Jones, BFA – Director of Music
Kylee Dotson – Presbytery Youth Council

SESSION

Clerk of Session - Sabena Van Namen

Treasurer – David Armentrout Offering Steward – Kitty Lewis

Class 2015 Class 2016 Class 2017

Sondra Clayton June Cappello Robin Blackburn
Sabena Van Namen David J. Hunley Britt Langston
Janice Hart Barry Vaughan
Colin Williamson

MINISTRY TEAMS

Administration & Personnel……………………………… Colin Williamson
Care & Nurture…………………………………………….. Sondra Clayton
Christian Education……………………………………….. Britt Langston
Facilities/Cemetery ……………………………………...... Barry Vaughan
Finances………………………………………………………David J. Hunley
Missions …………………………………………………….. June Cappello
Spiritual Life …………………………...............................Janice Hart
Stewardship………………………………………………….Robin Blackburn

CHURCH STAFF

Secretary – Joanne Liggan
Sexton – Jennifer Wright

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesdays – Wednesdays – Thursdays
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS

Sunday School Director – Janet Williamson
Presbyterian Women – Ginny Moretz, Moderator

Presbyterian Men – Mo Moretz