Forest Hill Church: diverse, inclusive, welcoming
3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Hts OH 44118
216-321-2660 Fax: 216-320-1214
Email: [email protected] Website: www.fhcpresb.org
Rev. Dr. John C. Lentz, Jr., Pastor
Rev. Lois Annich, Interim Assoc. Pastor
Anne Wilson, Director of Music
Kate Burleigh, Dir. of Children’s Ministries
Shannon Headen, Dir. of Youth Ministries
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Service of Worship
February 18, 2018 at 11:00 am
First Sunday in Lent Welcome! Thank you for joining us today for worship.
Please join us in wearing a name tag so that we might greet you.
Our ushers have hearing devices, large print editions of the bulletin,
activity bags for children staying in worship, and directions to our
nursery for babies and young children.
Prayer of Preparation God of grace and demand, you challenge us to reclaim our baptismal identity as
those whose lives are built on your call and your promises—not on the easy,
seductive forces around us. Stir our hearts that we may engage your transforming
word anew and rediscover its power to save. Amen.
~ Walter Brueggemann
Welcome
Prelude arr. Joel Raney
“What Wondrous Love Is This”
Voices in Bronze
Choral Introit John Bell
“We Will Take What You Offer”
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Greeting Our God with Joy
Call to Worship Lotus Headen
One: Lead us in the way of truth, O God.
All: Show us your holy pathways.
One: Your way is steadfast love and faithfulness.
All: Teach us to follow where you lead
One: We trust in your way, O Lord
All: To you, we lift up our souls. Let us worship God!
(Based on the work of Karen Clark Ristine in
The Abingdon Worship Annual 2018)
* Processional Hymn No. 215 “What Wondrous Love Is This”
*please stand if able
Renewing Our Relationship with God
Prayer of Confession Shannon Headen
The world is too much with us, O God. We are overwhelmed and
undermined by the many forces that clamor for our attention.
Forgive our wandering minds and divided hearts. By the power of
your Spirit renew our passion for discipleship. In your mercy, grant
us strength, courage, and hope to walk in your ways, following in
the steps of Jesus who gave himself in love that we might have
abundant life. In his name we pray. Amen.
Time of Silent Confession
Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) Henry Leck
Sine Nomine Choir
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Affirming the Good News in Our Lives
Assurance of Pardon
Be Still and Know (John Bell)
Anthem arr. Jarrett Roseborough
“Heaven for a Motherless Child”
Lauren Wright, guest soloist
Opening Our Hearts to God’s Word
* Hymn No. 658 “God Is So Good”
Children in Pathways may leave following the hymn
Prayer requests to be read during the Prayers of the People
may be passed to the ushers during this hymn
All sing first time; 2nd time lower
voices begin; upper voices begin
1 measure later
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Scripture Lessons
Romans 12: 1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to
present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern
what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Mark 1: 9-15
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by
John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he
saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I
am well pleased.’
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in
the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild
beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the
good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of
God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’
Leader: Hear what the Holy Spirit is telling God’s people.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon Rev. Lois Annich
“Be Transformed!”
Prayers of the People Pastor John Lentz
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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.
Ritual of Friendship
Offering
Offertory Glenn E. Burleigh
“Nia” (Purpose)
* Response Hymn No. 697
* Prayer of Dedication
Going Forth to Live as God’s People
* Closing Hymn No. 694 “Great God of Every Blessing”
* Commission and Blessing
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* Choral Benediction Sanctuary
* Passing of the Peace
Postlude Pietro Yon
“L’Organo Primitivo”
Welcome Visitors! We look forward to greeting you and answering any questions you may
have. Welcome bags are available in the foyers and the narthex. Take one
home with you! Be sure to visit our website, www.fhcpresb.org, for a list
of upcoming events, education programs for all ages, and past sermon
texts and audio.
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Notes & Announcements Chancel Flowers are given by the Cameron family in loving memory of Alan
Scott Cameron, and by Al Gilbert in honor of Iris’ 90th birthday.
Prayers are requested this week for: Joe and Betsy Andrews, Max
Harmon, Florence and Ron Klein, Wafa Kuri, Jimmy Strong, Bob and Linda
Uhle, and Connor White.
Please remember these homebound members in your prayers: Marge
Drollinger, Iris and Al Gilbert, Emelia McGuire, Joyce Peters, Margie
Stauffer, Elaine Tapié, Lorian Thomas, and Beryl and Henrietta Williams.
Please pray for Jean and Scott Duncan and their family; Jean’s father
Harold “Dutch" Snyder died recently.
Please pray also for the Wollaeger family; Chris’ mother Madge
Wollaeger Kastner died recently.
Care Group: The Calvary Care Group is responsible for assisting the clergy
in meeting members’ needs during February. Please call the church office
to report an illness, hospitalization, family emergency, birth or death.
Information will then be passed on to the Care Group leaders.
Thank you to head usher Roger Heineman and today’s ushers. Please
contact the church office if you are interested in joining an usher team.
The Deacons encourage you to stop by the Greeting Card Table in
Fellowship Hall before or after worship to sign a card for one or more of
our homebound members. We will address and mail the card for you.
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Coming Up
TODAY
Please welcome guest soprano Lauren Wright, a member of the Wright
Family Singers and a singer with Cleveland Opera Theatre and Opera
Cleveland. She has traveled the world, performing many roles from
Wagner to Verdi to Menotti.
Black History Month Program: The Annual Forest Hill Church Gospel
Concert
This year’s concert will feature music by the professional Black sacred
music ensemble “Spiritual Gifts” and poetry by Ali McClain, a local poet
and Spoken Word performer. Refreshments will be served at 6 pm and the
concert begins at 6:30.
THIS WEEK
Iris Circle will meet for a potluck lunch and Bible study on Tuesday,
February 20 at 11:30 am in Bodwell. Rev. John Lentz will share wisdom
about the courageous women of Exodus – the not-so-well behaved ones
who DO make history!
Bible Study: The lessons for this week are: Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16; Psalm
22: 23-31; Romans 4: 13-25; Mark 8: 31-38
Bible and Bagels discusses next Sunday’s text(s) on Wednesday
mornings from 7:30 to 8:30. All are welcome!
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NEXT SUNDAY
Adult Education, 9:30 in South Hall: The Adult Ed class will conclude their
study of Ecclesiastes. In March and April the class will use Raymond
Brown's book A Risen Christ in Eastertime as the basis for discussions.
Dale Hilton, Director of Teaching and Learning at the Cleveland Museum
of Art, will be a guest speaker on March 11, and Dr. Sheila McGinn, Chair
of the Department of Theology & Religious Studies at John Carroll
University, will speak on April 8. The books have been ordered and will cost
$13.00 (they are also available from Amazon should you wish to order your
own). We will notify you when they are available.
Labre Project Warm, gently-used clothing and accessories – coats,
sweaters, hats, gloves, blankets for men, women and children – are
appreciated for the Labre Project in East Cleveland. Please leave donations
in the bin in Fellowship Hall.
Black History Month Book Discussion and Potluck lunch See p. 13 for
details.
LOOKING AHEAD
Lenten Dinners: Exploring an Easter Church through Justice & Mission
You are invited to two all-church dinners exploring our call to seek justice.
Week one will focus on our vision for the beloved community. How does
your prayer life reflect this vision and what allows you to be persistent in
working towards this goal? Week two will focus on action and
opportunities. Learn about direct service, organizing, and advocacy. What
is the balance of these methods and what are some common pitfalls?
Friday March 2nd & Friday March 16th, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
A free-will offering will be collected for the meal.
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Reservations are required. The weekly email offers a link that allows you
to sign up online, or use the reservation sheet on p. 17.
Youth News Every Sunday: All youth meet in the Ruah Room from 9:30 – 10:30 am.
Staff Emails
Rev. Lois Annich Interim Assoc. Pastor [email protected]
Becky Austin Finance [email protected]
Lynda Bernays Administration [email protected]
Kate Burleigh Children [email protected]
Ann Donkin Building mgr. [email protected]
Stavros Gazis Custodial [email protected]
Shannon Headen Youth [email protected]
Rev. Dr. John Lentz Jr. Pastor [email protected]
Peg Weissbrod Outreach [email protected]
Anne Wilson Music [email protected]
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Calendar: February 18-25, 2018 Sunday, February 18 1 Lent
9:00 am Child care begins
9:30 am Adult Education
Youth Education
Descant Choir
Stewardship Ministry mtg
10:15 am Descant Choir activity
10:30 am Continental Breakfast
Chancel Choir
11:00 am WORSHIP
Pathways to the Promise Land
12:15 pm Coffee and conversation
Blood Pressure check
5:00 pm Faith Leader
6:30 pm Black History Month Concert
(refreshments served at 6 pm)
Monday, February 19
6:00 pm Progress not Perfection (AA)
7:00 pm Al Anon
CPNC meeting
7:30 pm Borton Group (AA)
Tuesday, February 20
11:30 am Iris Circle
1:00 pm Abundance Pantry
5:00 pm Fitness Fusion exercise class
6:00 pm HOLA Action training
Wednesday, February 21
7:30 am Bible and Bagels
10:00 am TOWER collators
12:00 pm Hilltop Garden Club
Bullshevicks
12:30 pm Wed. Women’s AA
7:00 pm TransFamily East
Thursday, February 22
5:00 pm Fitness Fusion exercise class
6:20 pm Voices in Bronze
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
Friday, February 23
10:00 am Al Anon
Saturday, February 24
9:00 am CEIRS class
PRISM Workshop
Sunday, February 25 2 Lent
9:00 am Child care begins
9:30 am Adult Education
Youth Education
Descant Choir
10:15 am Descant Choir activity
10:30 am Continental Breakfast
Chancel Choir
Cherub Choir
11:00 am WORSHIP
Pathways to the Promise Land
12:15 pm Potluck Lunch and
Book Discussion
Sine Nomine Choir
5:00 pm Faith Leader
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Black History Month Program Sunday, Feb. 25, 12:30 PM
Annual Afro-Caribbean Soul Food Luncheon and
Discussion of Sister Citizen by Melissa Harris-Perry
For several years, we have had a traditional African-American Soul Food
Pot Luck during Black History Month. This year we are trying something
new. In order to acknowledge and honor the many recent immigrants from
African and Caribbean countries, we are planning an African and Caribbean
Pot Luck.
The Black History Education Team will provide chicken, ham, beef, and a
vegetarian bean dish. Please sign up to bring a salad, vegetable, side dish,
condiment, bread, dessert or something of your choosing that fits the
theme. Start perusing your recipes and watch for the SignUpGenius link in
the email news, or look for Ann Williams in Fellowship Hall after worship.
After lunch, join us for a lively, facilitated discussion of Sister Citizen--a
high-energy conversation about a serious topic, with emphasis on what we
can do to help straighten the walls of the crooked room in which we live.
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News from Friends of HOLA
HOLA is a small, grassroots Latino organization based in NE Ohio focusing
on Advocacy, Community Organizing and Civic Engagement.
A local chapter of Friends of HOLA (people who support the work of HOLA)
has been formed and meets at Forest Hill Church. They have two actions
planned to support and raise awareness for DACA (Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals).
February 20 and 27: Friends of HOLA is planning a public witness action in
support of a Dream Act and to stop separating families through
deportations on Tuesday, February 27, 10:00 AM, in downtown Cleveland.
Anyone interested in participating in this action must attend training at
FHC on Tuesday, February 20. A light supper will be served at 6:00 PM,
and training will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The training will focus
on non-violent public action; Friends of HOLA is seeking peaceful,
disciplined, determined and supportive individuals with a heart for
undocumented immigrants and Dreamers.
RSVP to Pastor Lentz ([email protected]) or call the church office.
Shoes needed: HOLA is planning a silent protest on March 10 to
emphasize what’s at stake if Congress doesn’t pass the Dream Act this
year. To do this theatrical activity, they are collecting shoes. If you have
old shoes you can donate (they will later be given to charity), please bring
them to FHC and leave them in the SHOE box on the stage.
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Help Support Another Sanctuary Church
St. Andrew Episcopal Church in Mentor accepted a family living in
sanctuary in October. St Andrew is a much smaller church with fewer
resources to draw upon. This Sunday at 4 pm there is a concert at St
Andrew to benefit the sanctuary project. We encourage you to show your
support for them by attending the concert or sending their sanctuary
project a donation.
St Andrew Episcopal Church, Mentor
7989 Little Mountain Rd
Mentor OH 44060
Sanctuary Concert series, Feb. 18, 4-6 pm
$10 suggested donation
There is more information on the St Andrew website:
http://www.standrew-mentor.com/sanctuary
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Lent 2018 at Forest Hill Church
Fridays, March 2 and March 16: Lenten Dinners and discussion (see
p. 8)
Reservations are required; please use form below or the online link
Sunday, March 4
7:00 pm Service of Compline
Holy Week: March 25-31
Maundy Thursday, March 29
6:30 Dinner, 7:30 Worship
Good Friday, March 30
12:00 Community worship at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Easter Vigil, March 31, 7:30 pm
If you are interested in being baptized (or having a child
baptized) at this service, please contact Rev. Lentz.
Easter: April 1
Worship at 9 and 11 am
Cover image: JESUS MAFA. Jesus is tempted - Matthew 4: 1-11, from Art in the
Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN
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Reservations for March 2 and March 16 dinners
“Exploring an Easter Church through Justice and Mission”
Name_______________________________________________________
Yes, I/we will attend ___on March 2 ___on March 16
How many adults for each
dinner?____________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Do you need child care? For what age(s)?
______________________________
You may put this in the offering plate