Decatur Presbyterian Church, p.c.a.a Community of Grace

For what we proclaim is not ourselves,but Jesus Christ as Lord,

with ourselves as your servantsfor Jesus’ sake.2 Corinthians 4:5

The Worship of Father, Son & Holy SpiritMarch 18, 2012

The Lord’s Day

Welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus! If you are a guest with us, please be sure to sign our Registry when it is passedbefore the service. Children are welcome in our worship. We have a nursery available for children 3 and under. Children4 to 6 years of age may be dismissed to Godly Play prior to the sermon. Thank you for joining us today and may the Lordrichly bless you.

Song of Assembly1

Lord, I Lift Your Name on High FoundsLord, I lift Your name on high; Lord, I love to sing Your praises.I’m so glad You’re in my life; I’m so glad You came to save us.

You came from Heaven to earth to show the way;From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.

From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky;Lord, I lift Your name on High.

Welcome and Preparation for WorshipIn 1563 a document was published in Heidelberg, Germany, which bears the name of its city: The Heidelberg Catechism.It consists of 129 questions and answers about the Christian religion. The first question is, “What is your only only comfortin life and death?” The basic answer is, “That I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death–to myfaithful Savior Jesus Christ.” ~Simon Kistemaker

The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees could not see the forest because of the trees. They observed the TenCommandments and had added more than six hundred man-made regulations. But their religious shortsightednessprevented them from seeing their long-awaited Messiah, who was standing in their midst. They should have been amongthe first to welcome him as Lord and Savior. ~Simon Kistemaker

The Lord Calls Us to Worship HimResponsive Call to Worship2 Psalm 145Pastor: I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.People: Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.Pastor: All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!People: They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of manyour mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.Pastor: Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

1 All songs used by permission or covered under CCLI license # 391165.2 We believe that God always initiates with sinners, so we begin worship with his invitation and command to us to gather in His name.

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Prayer of Adoration & Praise

Hymn of Praise

All Creatures of Our God and King Francis of AssisiAll creatures of our God and King,

Lift up your voice and with us sing, alleluia, alleluia!Thou burning sun with golden beam,Thou silver moon with softer gleam,

O praise Him, O praise Him, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,And worship Him in humbleness, O praise Him, alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,And praise the Spirit, Three in One,

O praise Him, O praise Him, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Reading of the Word Daniel 7:13-14“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to theAncient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples,nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and hiskingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

The Lord Graciously Renews Us in ChristCall to Confession of Sin Isaiah 59:1-2Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities havemade a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

Confession of Sin Daniel 9Pastor: So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayedto the Lord my God and confessed:

People: O Lord, the great and awesome God, Who keeps His covenant of love with all who love Him and obey Hiscommands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away fromYour commands and laws.The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him; we have not obeyed the Lordour God or kept the laws he gave us through His servants the prophets.Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. We do not make requests of You because we arerighteous, but because of Your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, Omy God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your Name. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon 1 Peter 2:24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds youhave been healed.

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Worship with Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

You Are God Alone FooteYou are not a god

Created by human handsYou are not a god

Dependent on any mortal manYou are not a god

In need of anything we can giveBy Your plan, that’s just the way it is

You are God aloneFrom before time began

You were on Your throneYou are God alone

And right nowIn the good times and badYou are on Your throne

You are God alone

You’re the only GodWhose power none can contend

You’re the only GodWhose name and praise will never end

You’re the only GodWho’s worthy of everything we can give

You are GodAnd that’s just the way it is

UnchangeableUnshakableUnstoppable

That’s what You are

Our Great God OrtegaEternal God unchanging, mysterious and unknown,

Your boundless love unfailing in grace and mercy shown.Bright seraphim in endless flight around Your glorious throne;

They raise their voices day and night in praise to You alone.

Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!

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Lord, we are weak and frail, helpless in the storm.Surround us with Your angels, hold us in Your arms.

Our cold and ruthless enemy, his pleasure is our harm.Rise up, O Lord, and he will flee before our sov’reign God.

Let every creature in the sea and every flying bird;Let every mountain, every field and valley of the earth;Let all the moons and all the stars in all the universe

Sing praises to the living God who rules them by His word.

Who Can Satisfy My Soul? JerniganWho can satisfy my soul like You?

Who on earth could comfort me and love me like You do.Who could ever be more faithful, true?

I will trust in You. I will trust in You, my God.

Living Water, rain down Your life on me,Cleansing me, refreshing me with life abundantly.

River full of life, I’ll go where You lead.And I will trust in You, I will trust in You, my God.

There is a fountain who is the King,Victorious Warrior and Lord of everything.

My Rock, my Shelter, my very own,Blessed Redeemer, Who reigns upon the throne!

Who could ever be more faithful true?Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, there is none but You!

Prayers of Thanksgiving & Petition Elder Stuart Smith…Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is inheaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not intotemptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

His Tithes & Our Offerings

Anthem My Peace Dare 2 Declare

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The Lord Teaches Us His WordSermon3 Pastor Steve Coward

Which is Easier?Mark 2:1–12

We Respond You Are My King Foote

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,I’m accepted, You were condemned,

I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within meBecause You died and rose again.

Amazing love, how can it beThat You, my King should die for me?

Amazing love, I know it’s true,It’s my joy to honor You.

In all I do, I honor You.

The Lord Meets Us at His TableThe Sacrament of the Lord’s SupperCommunion, also called The Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all committedfollowers of Jesus Christ to share in this sacrament: those who are baptized members of a congregation that proclaims thegospel, who are at peace with God and their neighbor, and who seek strength to live in a deeper communion with Jesus.If you are not a Christian, or you are not prepared to share in this meal, we encourage you to spend this time in prayer.We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with his people, the Church.

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds NewtonHow sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole, and calms the troubled breast;’Tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary rest.

Dear Name! The rock on which I build, my shield and hiding place,My never-failing treas’ry filled with boundless stores of grace.

Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend, my Prophet, Priest, and King,My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring.

3 4, 5, & 6 year-old children may be dismissed before the sermon to Godly Play in room 173.5

The Lord Blesses Us and Sends Us OutBenediction4

Jesus Messiah TomlinHis body the bread His blood the wine

Broken and poured out all for loveThe whole earth trembled and the veil was torn

Love so amazing love so amazing

Jesus Messiah Name above all namesBlessed Redeemer Emmanuel

The Rescue for sinnersThe Ransom from heavenJesus Messiah Lord of all

4 Just as God called us into His presence at the beginning, so now He commands His blessing upon us as we depart. We look up and extend our handsin a posture of thanksgiving as we receive this great gift. Our final response to God’s assurance of His peace and presence upon those who are in Christis a chorus of joyful song.

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Which is Easier?Mark 2:1-12

Pastor Steve Coward

I. The nerve of them

II. The nerve of Him

III. Weighing the difficulty

Sermons are available at the church web site www.decaturpca.org

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7:00pm YBR @ the Cowards’

TODAY

March 25 Kick Off Spring KICK-BALL Extravaganza April 1 Palm Sunday April 4 Joel & Judy Linton Missionary Visit! April 6 Good Friday Service April 8 Easter Sunday April 15 Dads’ Prayer Meeting April 15 Guest Speaker Roy Hubbard May 3 National Day of Prayer May 6 Graduation Sunday May 6 Newcomers’ Lunch May 9 Kids Choir End of Year Parties May 13 DPC Mother’s Day Breakfast May 13 Ever After: Building Stronger Marriages May 16 Worship Choir & Band Music Appreciation June 18-22 The Edge June 25-29 VBS July 9-14 RYM

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Tuesday, 9:30am Women’s Bible Study @ DPC (nursery provided) Wednesday, 11:30am Men’s Bible Study @ ADTRAN 5:30pm Dinner / Guests Welcome 6:00pm Kid's Choirs: 5 Year Olds - 2nd Grade / Kids of the King 3rd Grade - 8th Grade / Dare 2 Declare YBR Small Groups (9th - 12th Grade) 6:15pm Midweek Bible Study Worship Choir Practice 6:30pm 4 Year Olds & Kindergarten / Kid's Quest 1st -2nd Grade / Discovery Club 3rd -5th Grade / Discovery Club Stampede (6th - 8th Grade) 7:45pm Praise Band Practice Thursday, 12:00pm Women’s Bible Study @ Neighborhood Christian Center Friday, 6:30am Men’s Bible Study @ Temple, Inc.

THIS WEEK

Medical Mission Trip to DRPLEASE PRAY!

Dr. Jay Suggs (medical) & Dr. Dale Ham-bright (dental) are leading a medicalmission trip to the Dominican RepublicApril 20 - 27. They are working with DPCsupported missionary, Dr. Silvia Marti-nez. Pray for physical needs to be met inorder to open the door to meet spiritualneeds. More info to come.

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DPC ANNOUNCEMENTS

GET MORE CONNECTEDThere are three e-mail lists at DPC: the churchlist, the Iron Men list, and the Women of Gracelist. If you are not signed up for one or more ofthese lists but would like to be, please send ane-mail to Debbie at debbie@decaturpca.org.

The Walraven/Sasser Care Group willhave a Pot Luck Lunch at the churchfollowing worship on Sunday, March 25.

The Temple/Schieler Care Group ismeeting tonight @ 5:00pm at the homeof Dale & Natalie Cook. Contact Blakeor Dale for more info. Visitors are wel-come!

Faith PromiseDPC’s support of our world missionaries isfunded through our Faith Promise budget.Remember — pledges are due by the end ofMarch!

WorldMissions Team/Committee

Meeting on 3/25Anyone interested in world missions is welcome

and encouraged to attend. Contact DavidMulligan at dcminala@gmail.com

for more info.

CongratulationsCliff & Whitney Daugette

Married yesterdayin Mobile

Faith Promise UpdateAt DPC our support of world missions comes from a sepa-rate fund than that of the general budget. Our global mis-sionaries are supported from the Faith Promise budget. Ifyou’d like to make a gift to Faith Promise, just designate itso on your check. Pledge Total: $66,920 Given YTD: $32,555 Unpledged Given YTD: $29,565

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Who wants to go to the DR?????

May 28-June 4 and/or June 4-June 11

College/Career only(must have been out of high school one year)

June 11-18 and/or June 18-June 25

Any age

Cost: $1400 one week

$400 each additional week

Sign up by April 9th

Call or email Carol Godwin

256.227.5614

carolg@pclnet.net

Fundraising sample letter upon request

If you plan on going,get that passport immediately!

Kick Ball! Kick Ball!Come One, Come All!

“Kick” off spring withthis family affair pitting‘children’ of all agesagainst one another!

Care Groups will challenge Care Groups forDPC bragging rights!Children and Adults on every team.

Join us at 2:00 PM on Sunday afternoonMarch 25! Bring your lawnchairs and your coolers!Come have some inter-genera-tional fun and get to know ourfamily of faith even better!

STAMPEDE

Location: Covenant CollegeLookout Mountain, GA

Cost: $320 per person

SpaghettiGarden Salad / Rolls

Tea & LemonadeKids: Same

Tear here and place in the offering plate

Please e-mail your dinner reservations and/or changesto debbie@decaturpca.org or call the church office @351-6010 ext. 2.

Name: ________________________________________

No. of meals: Adult _________ Kids ________

Name: ________________________________________

Date: _________________________________________

No. of meals: Adult __________ Kids ________

King's Cross: The Study of the World in the Life of Jesus (using the book by TimKeller). Meeting in Room 167a (down the hall from the church office). The Temple/Walraven andThompson/G. Smith Care Groups are encouraged to attend together! And guest are always welcome!

An Introduction to Biblical Ethics (using the book by Robertson McQuilken). Meeting inRoom 158a (right off the sanctuary). The Suggs/Quinn and McMahan/S. Smith Care Groups areencouraged to attend together! And guests are always welcome!

The Sedona Class for Young Adults will be studying The Gospel of John (using the bookinspired by the Holy Spirit!). Meeting in Room 168a (off the back hallway, which can be accessedfrom the hallway across from the church office). The Godwin Care Group is encouraged to enjoy thisclass together! And guests are always welcome!

Church Staff Senior Pastor Tommy Lee tommy@decaturpca.org Assistant Pastor of Youth Steve Coward steve@decaturpca.org Worship Director Stu Schieler stu@decaturpca.org Director of Family Ministries Bill Nelson bill@decaturpca.org Interim Children’s Ministry Director Cindy Johnston cindy@decaturpca.org Office Coordinator Debbie Bell debbie@decaturpca.org

Session DiaconateGeorge GodwinMike McMahanKent QuinnGreg SmithStuart Smith

Jay SuggsBlake TempleSkip ThompsonChip Walraven

David AdamsJames FudgeScott Griess

Chris JohnstonSteve SasserDavid Whitcomb

Service Times 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am Worship

Decatur Presbyterian Church, P.C.A.2306 Modaus Road, Southwest / Decatur, Alabama 35603

Phone 256.351.6010 / Fax 256.351.6099 / www.decaturpca.org