EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A Stephen Ministry Congregation

(717) 755-6222 ~ www.eastminster-york.org 311 Haines Road York, PA 17402

September 17, 2017

Gifts of Women Sunday

GIFTS OF WOMEN SUNDAY

September 17, 2017 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship

+Please silence cell phones during the worship service+

* = Please stand, if you are able.

Child Care is available in the Nursery during church services and the Christian Education Hour in Rm. 9 on the 2nd floor of the C.E. Building, which is accessible through the right-side

door in the front of the sanctuary.

If you would like the Pastor to announce and pray for a joy or concern during the Prayers of

the People, please complete a gold Prayer Request form (located in the Friendship Pads) and

place it in the offering plate when it is passed.

WE GATHER BEFORE GOD

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

PASSING OF FELLOWSHIP PADS

PRELUDE Stand Up and Bless the Lord arr. Robert Powell

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 103 ~ The Message

Leader: O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!

People: O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!

Leader: He forgives your sins – every one. He heals your diseases – every one.

People: He redeems you from hell – saves your life!

Leader: He crowns you with love and mercy – a paradise crown.

People: He wraps you in goodness – beauty eternal

Leader: He renews your youth – you’re always young in his presence.

People: O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!

PRAYER OF APPROACH

Leader: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to the Lord. Leader: Let us pray.

People: Lord open our hearts to receive your word, open our hands to reach out

with your grace.

*HYMN OF PRAISE Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven Lauda Anima

(see words and music in back of bulletin)

*CALL TO RECONCILIATION Romans 14:7-10

For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we

live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die,

we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he

might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with

contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

*THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Leader: Almighty God we are honored to be called your children; help us to live in

your image. You are faithful and constant even when we wander off,

People: Restore us again to faith, hold us close

Leader: You are generous in your blessings,

People: Help us to be generous in return.

Leader: You are gracious and merciful to us,

People: Give us forgiving hearts, make us merciful to others.

Shape us, direct us that we will live for you.

*ASSURANCE OF GOD’S GRACE Romans 8:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because

through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of

sin and death.

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE NO. 579 Glory Be to the Father Gloria Patri

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.

People: And also with you.

WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

PRAYER SHAWL BLESSING (from Sarah Weaver’s “Preaching in Pumps”)

Leader: Without even knowing who would receive it, this shawl was made

specifically for the person who will receive it.

People: May they see the intricate love and care given to this shawl,

mirroring the intricate love and care that God bestows upon all

people. Leader: This shawl was made to bring warmth to someone who feels a chill.

People: May they feel the warm breath of the Holy Spirit as they wrap

themselves with it. Leader: This shawl was made to bring comfort to someone who feels alone.

People: May they feel comfort in knowing that someone prayed for them as

they pieced it together. Leader: This shawl was made to bring peace to someone in need of prayer.

People: May they feel the power of our prayers as they feel the yarn winding

through their fingers. Leader: This shawl was made to remind the recipient that they are part of this

community.

People: May they feel touched by our love, moved by our guidance and held

up by our support.

PRAYER OF BLESSING

God of creation, redemption and sustaining grace, we praise you for the opportunity to

take part in this ministry so that we might see a world beyond ours. We thank you for

putting those in need on our hearts and in our minds so that we might fully live out your

call to love and serve. We ask that you bless these shawls and those who will receive

them. May they feel the love, comfort and peace of your presence. And may your light

shine in them and be a beacon of the hope that is promised to all of us. Amen.

ANTHEM Amazing Grace arr. John Rutter

Chrysalis Women’s Choir

EPISTLE LESSON Romans 14:1-12 (pg. 988 in pew Bibles)

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 18:21-35 (pg. 852 in pew Bibles)

Leader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

SERMON Forgive Us Our Debts

*HYMN NO. 347 Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive Detroit

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S GRACE

OFFERING

THANK OFFERING

OFFERTORY Grace Greater Than Our Sin arr. Jenna Rossity

*OFFERING RESPONSE No. 592 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow Doxology

OFFERTORY PRAYER

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD'S PRAYER (Traditional) PH, pg. 16

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.

*HYMN Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Nettleton

(see words and music in back of bulletin)

WE DEPART FOR SERVICE

*THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE Go Ye, Therefore Gretchen Dekker

POSTLUDE Psalm XIX Benedetto Marcello ____________________________________________________________________________________

Please silence cell phones during the worship service.

Green children’s worship bags are available and hanging on the wall in the Narthex at the rear of the church.

Wireless personal listening devices are available in the Sanctuary by contacting an usher.

The Presbyterian Hymnal is available in large print. If you would like to use one, please ask an usher.

PARTICIPATING IN THE SERVICE

Dr. Gregory Seckman, Pastor Randy Yoder, Director of Music Liturgist(s): (8:30) Sarah Kerr

(11:00) Kathy Lord Ushers: (8:30) Kathy LeBlanc, Mary Woods, Jo Watson, Marilyn Sanford

(11:00) Donna Becker, Lori Koontz, JoAnn Hankey, Ann Bowman Also representing PW: Joan Higgs, Georgia Mazzolla, Judie Lightfoot

CHANCEL FLOWER DEDICATION

The flowers in the chancel today are given to the Glory of God by Linda and Wade Pugh in honor of their children and their families.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT SUNDAY, September 24, Pastor Seckman's sermon title is Side by Side; and

the scripture text is Philippians 1:21-30. The Chancel Choir will sing at the 11 a.m.

service.

PRAYER SHAWL BLESSING – One of our “Gifts of Women” is our Prayer

Shawl Ministry. It began in 2009 and today is our 19th blessing of these shawls. Prayer

Shawls are a tangible evidence of prayer that gives comfort to those who receive them.

Since the beginning of this ministry, 32 knitters have made 241 Prayer Shawl/Baby

Blankets. Today we have 10 shawls to be blessed. The “Cool Knitters” have also made

Prayer Squares that you may take, if you would like. They will be in a basket at the back

of the sanctuary when you leave. Prayer Shawls are available for anyone who wants

one. If you or someone you love would find comfort with a prayer shawl, please

contact Beth Anne in the church office, 717-755-6222.

KINGSTON MANOR -- The congregation is invited to attend worship with the

residents of Kingston Manor Care and the EPC Deacons this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. No

preparation is needed; just join us in sharing the love of Jesus with these remarkable

residents!

CHICKEN BARBECUE NEXT SATURDAY -- The Mission Committee is

holding a full barbecue chicken dinner which includes, bbq chicken, baked potato, roll,

and applesauce for $8.00. There will be some drinks and cookies at an extra charge.

Please tell all your friends, family and neighbors and come early to be sure you don't

miss out!! Time is 10:45 to sellout! Thank you for your support of mission outreach!

FALL FEST -- Mark your calendar for Fall Fest Saturday, October 14, 1-4 p.m. in

Fellowship Hall. This is for our preschool students and any Eastminster children. We

will have small pumpkins to decorate, games, a Halloween movie and a pumpkin walk.

Cut off for reservations is October 6th. This will be a fun time for our little folks. Hope to

see you there!

NEW MEMBERS CLASSES -- A small group experience will start October 8,

2017 and continue for 4 weeks from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room.

During the four-week classes we will explore important questions of faith, where it

comes from and what it means, the core convictions of Christ and God's emphasis on

community. At the conclusion of this class there will be an opportunity to unite with us

and become a member of the church. Participating in this class will not obligate you to

do so. Check future bulletins and newsletters for dates and more information. If you

would to speak to someone regarding the classes, please contact Pastor Greg Seckman or

Lois Moore.

CALLING ALL LITURGISTS…… The fall church schedule is beginning and

with that comes the opportunity to participate in our worship service by volunteering as

a liturgist. The Sign-up Chart is posted in the Narthex. It’s easy -- select the date and

worship hour by listing your name and email address. You will receive via email the

bulletin and the liturgist guide on the Wednesday or Thursday prior to your selected

Sunday. No email? List your telephone number in case there is a question, and the

bulletin and guide will be placed in the box on the office porch.

We welcome your participation and commitment to enhance our worship experience.

Questions? Contact Kate Strickler.

RUTH CIRCLE will resume their monthly meetings on Tuesday September 26th at

1:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. The group will be studying “Growing Pains” by

Charles Swindoll for its Bible study this year. New members are always welcome for

fellowship, and dessert. Please contact Pat Brunk if you have any questions.

NOAH LUNCHEON IS OCTOBER 12TH AT 12:30 -- Reminder: There is no

longer a "Star List". Reservations need to be made by October 8th to Donna

Becker. See the October Pew Points for details.

*HYMN OF PRAISE Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven Lauda Anima

*HYMN Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Nettleton

Please keep these people in your prayers this week:

+All our military men and women around the world and their families back home+ +Eastminster Presbyterian Church – its congregation, mission, and ministry+

+ Stephen Ministers and their care receivers+

Brooks Argento The family and friends of Dick Bowen

Yvonne Eichelberger Glenda Fleshman Linda & Jim May

Jerry and Tania O’Hearn Robert Johnson

Phil & Tana Rarick and family Walter & Frann Ross

Jim Sheely The family and friends of Dee Smith

Bonnie Spancake Lee Spancake Nancy Wagner

If you would like to have someone placed on the prayer list, please first obtain that person’s permission and then drop a note in the offering plate

or contact Beth Anne by e-mail at epcyorkoffice@gmail.com or phone 755-6222.

The calendar in the bulletin gives this week’s events. Copies of our latest newsletter are available in the Narthex in the back of the Sanctuary. The newsletter contains our worship schedule and information about the activities, events, and opportunities for ministry and mission offered at Eastminster.

CALENDAR Please see our website, eastminster-york.org, for possible updates and changes.

Sun Sept 17 8:30-9:30 a.m. Worship – Sanctuary

9:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday School – C.E. Building & Haines House

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Worship – Sanctuary

2:00-4:00 p.m. Honors Choir Rehearsal – Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall

5:00-7:30 p.m. New Generation Ministry Worship – Fellowship Hall

Mon Sept 18 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Stephen Ministers – MPR

10:00-10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime with Pastor Greg – Sanctuary

12:00-12:30 p.m. Preschool Storytime with Pastor Greg – Sanctuary

7:00-9:00 p.m. Session Meeting – MPR

Tue Sept 19 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Staff Meeting – MPR

12:30-2:30 p.m. Esther Circle – MPR

Wed Sept 20 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Cool Knitting/Warm Fellowship – Haines Reception Room

7:00-8:30 p.m. New Generation Ministry Youth – F. Hall & Room 13

Thur Sept 21 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Miriam Circle – MPR

10:00-10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime with Pastor Greg – Sanctuary

7:00-9:00 p.m. Preschool Board Meeting – MPR

Fri Sept 22 Church Offices Closed

6:00-9:00 p.m. New Generation Ministry – Fellowship Hall

Sat Sept 23 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Chicken BBQ – parking lot

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Honors Choir auditions – Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall