October 2, 2022 Worship Guide

October 2, 2022
9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Worship

Distinguished Preacher Sunday

Inviting all generations into a growing life with Jesus Christ

The Gathering

PRELUDE One Bread, One Body setting by LLoyd Larson
South African Trilogy setting by Daryl Hollinger

Doug Zimmer, organ

GREETING & GOOD NEWS Pastor Kellen Smith

CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 25:1
Pastor: Lord, you are my God.

People: I will exalt you; I will praise your name.
Pastor: For you have done wonderful things,
People: Planned long ago, faithful and sure.


HYMN #839 Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine!

10:30 3rd GRADE BIBLE PRESENTATION




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The Confession Pastor Kellen Smith

CALL TO CONFESSION
Give Me a Clean Heart




PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Gracious God, our Wonderful Counselor, the Almighty Lord,
We come to you to confess.
We know that sometimes we are happily distracted by
parties and twinkling lights, and sometimes we are happily curled up in the solitude
and warmth of our homes.
In our distraction, we do not heed the cries of the world.
We turn a blind eye to
suffering, need, and grief.
Forgive us for that. Forgive us, and more than that, turn us around to see all your
children, with the truth of their lives, that we would set aside our distractions
and
answer your call to go out, to heal, to help, to proclaim your good news and joy.
Through Christ we pray.

Please continue in silent prayer for confession of personal matters.

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DECLARATION OF GOD’S PARDON
Leader: Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Give Me a Clean Heart by Margaret P. Douroux

Give me a clean heart so I may serve Thee.
Lord, fix my heart so that I may be used by Thee.
For I’m not worthy of all these blessings.
Give me a clean heart, and I’ll follow Thee.

The Sacrament

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

World Communion Sunday is a celebration observed by several
Christian denominations, taking place on the first Sunday of every October,

that promotes Christian unity and ecumenical cooperation.

COMMUNION Pastor Kellen Smith

The Invitation to the Table
Prayer of Thanksgiving
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.
Words of Institution
Sharing the Meal

Prayer After Communion 4

The Offering

OFFERING 2023 Generosity Campaign
Annette Shoemaker, Elder

Thank you for giving by text, online, or mailing your gifts into the church office.

MUSICAL OFFERING
HYMN #598 Amen, We Praise Your Name (Amen siakudumisa)

DOXOLOGY (Hymn 606)

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

HYMN #595 Holy, Holy, Holy (Santo, Santo, Santo)

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MESSAGE The Word

Distinguished Preacher
Rev. Dr. Nancy Lammers Gross

“Only What is Useful”

Ephesians 4:25-32

The Sending

HYMN #610 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing


BLESSING Rev. Dr. Nancy Lammers Gross

POSTLUDE We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations setting by Robert J. Powell
Doug Zimmer, Organ

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Sermon Notes

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Missed a week? Watch past services at firstpreswheaton.org/livestream.

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CHURCH LIFE

October 2, 2022

– DISTINGUISHED PREACHER SUNDAY –

Rev. Dr. Nancy Lammers Gross

“Only What is Useful”

Ephesians 4:25-32

Each fall, on the anniversary of Pastor Kellen’s installation, we host a nationally-

recognized speaker for our Distinguished Preacher Sunday. This year we

welcome Rev. Dr. Nancy Lammers Gross, Professor of Speech Communication

in Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. She is a member of the Academy

of Homiletics, and the National Communication Association/Religious

Communication Association. Her areas of teaching interest include speech

communication, preaching, especially preaching from the Apostle Paul, and

worship. An ordained Presbyterian minister, she has served churches in New

Jersey and California, holding membership in the Presbytery of New Brunswick. Livestream at 10:30 a.m.

She enjoys being involved in children’s ministry in a local congregation. firstpreswheaton.org/livestream

One of her recent publications is Women’s Voices and the Practice of Preaching (Eerdmans, 2017).

Today Is World Communion Sunday – The first Sunday in October is designated as

World Communion Sunday, which celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our brothers and
sisters around the world. Communion today is celebrated around the world, demonstrating
that the church founded on Jesus Christ peacefully shares God-given goods. We join many
Christian churches across the globe for this celebration of unity among churches across denominations.

Communion This Morning – Communion elements will be provided to those worshipping in person. In
preparation for receiving communion at home, we encourage you to gather your favorite bread and a small
cup of juice in advance of the livestream start time. In the event that you are unable to collect your own
elements, just participate as you are able.

Church Nominating Committee – Nominations due today Church

The Nominating Committee is accepting submissions for consideration Nominating Committee

for the offices of Deacon, Elder and 2023 Nominating Committee.

You can submit names of members and/or your own name by filling out the online Nomination Form

at firstpreswheaton.org/Nominate2023. Printed forms are available in the pews. Nominations are due

today, Sunday, October 2.

TODAY!

Family Fall Fest

Sunday, October 2 – 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Join us for our Kids Ministry Family Fall Fest! The Festivities include:

• Doctor Dogs Food Truck • Bounce House •
• Bubble Show • Lawn Games • and more...

Everyone is welcome! The Fall Fest will take place on the church
lawn following the service/Sunday School. Please remember to

bring your blankets and/or chairs! Come out to support Kids
Ministry and enjoy some food, fun and fellowship!

I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares Free Living Legacy Luncheon
the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to
give you a future filled with hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 Sunday, October 23 at 11:30 a.m.
Complimentary Lunch Provided
2023 Generosity Campaign
Have you considered your legacy? We all have
For the fall Generosity Campaign, our theme is an opportunity to create a “living legacy” and make
Own the Vision. Own the Vision will invite us to values-based plans during our lifetime. Our Generosity
change our perspectives as owners, stakeholders, Committee is inviting you to a free Living Legacy
Luncheon with a complimentary lunch provided. We
and investors in the impactful ministry that is are blessed to welcome Steve Keizer, a PC(USA)
made possible because of your generosity. Foundation Ministry Relations Officer. Regardless
of resources, we all possess the ability to leave a
Pledge/commitment cards are available testament regarding what is truly important in our
in the sanctuary, will be sent by mail, lives. You’ll gain helpful insights about ways to build
and can be submitted online at your legacy now and in the future.

firstpreswheaton.org/Generosity2023. Make plans to attend and RSVP
so we can plan accordingly for lunch.
Committment Sunday – On Sunday, RSVP at firstpreswheaton.org/Legacy
October 30, which is Reformation Sunday,
we will also celebrate Commitment Sunday by Friday, October 21.
and make our giving pledges/commitments

to God during worship.

Jesus:

A Jewish Storyteller

ADULT EDUCATION Fabric Pumpkin Workshop and Lunch

Jesus: A Jewish Storyteller Tuesday, October 4
11:00 a.m. in Stewart Hall
Sundays through October 9 at 10:30 a.m.
Led by Dr. Paul Bischoff You are invited to attend a workshop to make a
fabric pumpkin or two for your fall decor! Minimal
This class positions Jesus as an itinerant Second sewing is involved and all supplies will be provided.
Temple rabbi whose Hebraic teaching method used The fun starts at 11:00 a.m. and plan to stay for a
parables to convey the Gospel. He did so in the bowl of soup! Bring a friend. You do not need to be
tradition of a parabolic teaching device derived from in a Women’s Circle to attend.
rabbinic tradition and the Old Testament. Historic
views of Jesus are far more domesticated than Kindly RSVP at firstpreswheaton.org/FabricPumpkins
he really was when he taught. His stories were by October 3, so we have enough supplies and food
provocative, edgy, and at times shocking. Jesus’ for everyone.
main purpose was not to present moralistic lessons
that explain theology, but rather to convey the kingdom
of God.

Today: Jesus: An Edgy Storyteller
October 9: The Kingdom of God

The Troop 23 wreath and greenery fundraiser is underway!

Please consider supporting your church-sponsored troop with a wreath/greenery purchase. The
boys learn valuable life skills and can support their scouting career with the commissions from
their fundraising. To place an order, please contact Doug Kurtz at [email protected] or Julee
Lockard at [email protected]. Any fallen hero wreaths donated will be laid on December 3 at
the Wheaton Cemetery with a ceremony to follow.

Sunday School

Join us for Sunday School during the 10:30 a.m. service.
Preschool: Preschool children (age 3 by Sept. 1) meet in
LL102 at 10:30 a.m.
Kindergarten-2nd Grade: Children meet in LL105 at 10:30 a.m.

3rd-5th Grade: Children will attend the 10:30 a.m. church service with their parents and be
dismissed to Sunday School before the sermon. Pick up is in LL107 following the service.

3rd Grade Bible Presentation – Today, October 2 at the 10:30 a.m. service
This morning is our 3rd grade Bible presentation during the 10:30 service. This is a
special Sunday where each of our 3rd graders are presented with a Bible on behalf
of the church.

WHEFAPTON High School
Ministry
Middle School Ministry
• Genesis meets on Sunday mornings • WF meets on Sunday evenings from
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Stewart Hall. 5:30-7:00 p.m. at church.
• Sign up for our Sonny Acres Night
on Friday, October 28 at • Confirmation meets on Sundays from
firstpreswheaton.org/SonnyAcres. 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Stewart Hall.

• The Fall Retreat is October 21-23. Sign up
at firstpreswheaton.org/WFRetreat22.

Chancel The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of
Flowers Donald M. Davis by Jan Davis and family.

Welcome to this week’s opportunity to pray in community

Prayers for our Church Family

• Thanksgiving for the birth of Leo Nicholas Smith to parents, Nick and Tracy Smith
• Comfort for Barbara Pearson whose mother, Gloria, is in hospice
• Healing for Dee Oberhelman during her treatment for cancer
• Comfort for Jill St. Clair-McCann whose father, Robert, is in hospice
• Recovery for Georgia Hamilton following hip surgery
• Comfort for Pastor Kellen and his mother, Patricia, as they mourn the passing of her brother,
Bob Joyce
• Blessings to our third graders receiving Bibles

Church Office Hours

Monday through Friday – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The First Pres calendar of events is available online at: firstpreswheaton.org/calendar.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 715 North Carlton Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: 630-668-5147
of Wheaton
Email: [email protected]
www.firstpreswheaton.org