We Gather to Praise God - (The) Falls Church Presbyterian Church
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March 14, 2021
4th Sunday in Lent
9:30 a.m.
Gathering those who fear they are not enough,
so we may experience grace, wholeness, and renewal as God’s beloved.
John 3:16 in Many Different World Languages, Rebecca Brogan
PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR WORSHIP
There are worse things for kids than to have to spend time with people who love God.
Teenagers who do not go to church are adored by God, but they don’t get to meet some of the
people who love God back. Learning to love back is the hardest part of being alive.
– Anne Lamott
We Gather to Praise God
PRELUDE AND RINGING OF THE BELL
What Wondrous Love Is This arr. Gilbert Martin (contemporary)
WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP* HYMN 14 (verses 1 and 5) For the Beauty of the Earth
* Please stand in body or spiritDRAW NEAR TO GOD’S LOVE AND GRACE O Triune God, in Jesus the depth of your love for us is on full display. You become human for our sakes, even suffer death for us. Your love for us is boundless, but we struggle to love you back. We prefer religion to loving you with heart, soul, mind, and strength. We hold back, not wanting to risk truly falling in love with you. Forgive us, Lord. Send your Spirit to cast out our fear. Help us give ourselves to you with abandon, caught up in divine love. Silence for personal reflection SUNG RESPONSE Kyrie eleison (Lord, Have Mercy) RECEIVE GOD’S LOVE, GRACE, AND PEACE * SING GLORY TO GOD
We Listen for God’s Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON Numbers 21:4-9
4From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom;
but the people became impatient on the way. 5The people spoke against God and against
Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no
food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” 6Then the LORD sent poisonous
serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7The people
came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against
you; pray to the LORD to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the
people. 8And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole;
and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” 9So Moses made a serpent of bronze,
and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the
serpent of bronze and live.
ONE: The Word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
WORD IN MUSIC
People Get Ready Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999)
Honey & Locusts
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON John 3:14-21
14“And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be
lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in
him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that
the world might be saved through him. 18Those who believe in him are not condemned; but
those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name
of the only Son of God. 19And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world,
and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20For all who do
evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21But
those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds
have been done in God.”
ONE: The Word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.SERMON LOVING GOD BACK James Sledge
We Respond to God’s Word
* HYMN 828 (vv. 1 and 2) More Love to Thee, O Christ* RESPONSE OF FAITH adapted from Brian McLaren
We believe that God the Father, Good Creator and giver of life, calls us to love
all creation and care for it as respectful stewards, to do justice, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with God. We believe that Jesus Christ is God come to save
and lead us, who teaches us to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength,
and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We see Jesus in the poor, oppressed,
condemned, and forgotten, and so we embrace all people with God’s true
compassion. We believe that by the Holy Spirit, God unites us in the eternal
dance of love, empowers us diversely to serve and love, and fills us that we may
overflow with grace, truth, beauty, and life as Christ’s agents in this world.
MINUTE FOR MINISTRY NEXT Church Julie Kasten
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Will Packard
ONE: Lord in your mercy,
ALL: Hear our prayer.
The Prayers of the People are offered on behalf of and with the congregation, usually by an
elder currently serving on Session (governing council) or other members of the congregation.
Prayers of gratitude
Nora Long would like to thank all those who sent cards and notes wishing her a
happy 99th birthday on Feb. 18. She appreciated the good wishes very much and
wants her many friends at FCPC to know she is “hanging in there.”
Prayers of concern
Diane Latshaw, Diane Maloney’s grandmother, hospitalized with a kidney infection
Nora Long, in rehab after being hospitalized for a mild stroke on Feb. 26
Bruce and Silas Cabarle on the passing of Bruce’s mother, Lillian Cabarle, on Feb. 17
Laurel Kovach, mother of Jason Good’s sister-in-law, diagnosed with stage IV cancer
Mario Riggione, Gina Sharpley, and family on the death of Gerald Sharpley, cousin
of Mario and husband of Gina, from COVID-19 on Feb. 20
Educators, administrators, support staff and students, as many return to school
Those who have lost jobs because of the pandemic
Staff and residents of elder care facilities everywhere
First responders, health care providers, caregivers, essential employees, and all who
continue to put their lives at risk during the pandemic
Continued prayers
Kris Barth, Allan Capon, Steve Graff, Mike Hugo, Linda Issaacson, Sandy Martin,
Ruth Mileham, Bob Moore, Cort Peret, James Steele, Lawson Swift, Helen Waugh,
Doris Webb, Charles Wirth
Prayer requests can be sent to Pastor James at prayers@fallschurchpresby.org.OFFERING OUR GIFTS TO GOD * DOXOLOGY * PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND THE 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.
* HYMN 729 (vv. 1 and 2) Lord, I Want to Be a Christian
* OUR LIFE TOGETHER AS THE BODY OF CHRIST
* CHARGE AND BLESSING
POSTLUDE
Prelude in E minor Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)
Songs reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-721003
Supporting us in Worship
Worship Leader Will Packard
Audio/Video Diane Maloney
Music Andrew Jonas, tenor; David Schoonover, baritone
Fellowship Time Host Molly Good
Sanctuary Flowers The flowers today are given to the glory of God by Steve
and Janet Graff in celebration of the birth of their
granddaughter, Phoebe Marie Berry, on 3/3/2021 and the
anniversary of the 3/14/2009 wedding of their son and
daughter-in-law, Geoffrey Graff and Shalini Low-Nam.
A Warm Welcome
Thank you for joining us in worship this morning. We welcome all to our livestream
community and hope that you will join us in song and prayer from the safety of your
own homes. If you would like to learn more about our family of faith, please visit our
church website.
Falls Church Presbyterian belongs to the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, “working for
the unity of the church, furthering the inclusion of LGBTQ persons, seeking understanding
and reconciliation, and joining with others seeking a still more just and inclusive church.”
The Rev. James Sledge, Pastor
Diane Maloney, Director of Spiritual Growth and Community Engagement
Noah Clark, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry
The Rev. Megan Klose, Parish Associate
The Rev. Rusty Lynn, Hon. Ret., Parish Associate
David Schoonover, Acting Director of Music
Dr. Lisa Bloy, Organist
225 East Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 • 703-532-6518 • www.fallschurchpresby.orgThis Week at FCPC
March 14-21, 2021
Online Worship and Meetings
Godly Play – Sunday at 8:45 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 854 3597 5676
Worship Service – Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Join us for online worship at
www.fallschurchpresby.org/livestream or on our FCPC Facebook page
Fellowship Time – Immediately following worship. Zoom Meeting ID: 919 9132 3252
“Knowing God” – Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 848 3048 0903
Virtual Youth Group – Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 853 6871 2834
Lenten Bible Study – Monday and Wednesday at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 316 539 8161
Tuesday Morning Prayer – Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 104 294 101
Sarah Circle – Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 862 3427 7510 Passcode: 123456
Saturday Morning Bible Study & Fellowship Group – Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Zoom
Meeting ID: 972 0316 4309 Passcode: morning
Session names David Schoonover Acting Director of Music. When Lisa Billingham stepped
down as music director, David stepped in to ensure that our choir kept going. In many ways,
David has been functioning as our music director for many months now, even though his pay
didn’t reflect that. In addition, both the Worship and Ministry Support teams were concerned
about going so long with no one overseeing the overall music program. Recognizing that the
pandemic may prevent us from interviewing, auditioning, and hiring a permanent music
director for some time to come, Ministry Support recommended to Session that David fill the
director role until a permanent director is hired. Along with overseeing the choir, David will
look for other ways in which music can enhance the life of our congregation. Ideas such as
starting a handbell choir, utilizing individual members’ musical gifts, and bringing in guest
musicians have already been suggested. No doubt there will be additional suggestions, and
David will have his hands full figuring out what is doable or possible. Please keep him in your
prayers as he steps into this new role.
Silent Witness, March 13. Join the Falls Church faith community from noon to 1:00 p.m. in
Silent Witness against racial injustice and gun violence in Black communities. Bring a sign,
wear a mask, and stand 6-10 feet away from others. Questions? Contact Kevin Ayers.
“Black Americans experience 10 times the gun homicides, 15 times the gun assaults, and three times
the fatal police shootings of White Americans. Each day on average, 26 Black Americans are killed by
guns.” – Everytown for Gun Safety 2021Household & Hygiene Supply Drive, March 13-14. The Falls Church Homeless Shelter is holding a contactless supply drive to benefit Homestretch on Saturday, March 13 (10 a.m.- noon) and Sunday, March 14 (1-3 p.m.). The Shelter is located at 217 Gordon Road, Falls Church. Click here for more information and a list of needed items. Join us for virtual Fellowship Time immediately following worship. Zoom Meeting ID: 919 9132 3252. This week’s host is Molly Good. Anyone is welcome to host Fellowship Time! Learn more here and sign up here. “Knowing God” wraps up this Sunday. Led by Noah Clark, this Zoom class meets Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon. “Knowing God” has focused on how we come to understand God and find confidence in the knowledge of faith. Zoom Meeting ID: 848 3048 0903 Sarah Circle, March 16. All women of the church are invited to join Sarah Circle for fellowship and Bible study via Zoom on Tuesday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. Please contact Kathy Chavez so she can send you the meeting lesson. Zoom Meeting ID: 862 3427 7510, Passcode: 123456 Welcome Table, March 17. Sign up to help at our next Welcome Table through this link. If you would like to support Welcome Table with a financial contribution, you can mail a check (made out to FCPC with “Welcome Table” in memo line) to the church office or give through FCPC’s secure Online Giving link. Drop & Dash, March 20-21. You Dropped, Fairfax Dashed! Thanks to your generosity, 570 pounds of food and personal items were picked up and transported to the Knox Presbyterian Food Pantry by our friends at Falls Church Community Service Council (FCS) on Saturday, Feb. 27. Our next Drop & Dash is March 20 and 21. Sign up here to help! Click here to see what specific items are needed at Knox. Thank you for supporting our local community. Lenten Devotionals. “Pause for Lent” and “The Jubilee Project” are available for pickup from the bin outside the main office doors or you can download them here. Lenten Bible Study – Genesis: Grace from the Beginning. James Sledge is leading this 12- week study on Monday and Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Many Christians do not appreciate the sophisticated theological thought found in the stories of Genesis. Israel’s theologians used story rather than essay or treatise to express their faith. Often, they borrowed tales that were already well-known by the people, then shaped and edited them to carry deep, theological truths. Bring your Bible and your curiosity as we explore how God and God’s grace are revealed in the opening book of the Bible. The lessons are available for download here. Zoom Meeting ID: 316 539 8161 Easter Lilies. The Flower Committee invites you to donate a lily on Easter Sunday to honor, celebrate, or remember a loved one, or celebrate a special day. Lilies are $20 each. The deadline for ordering is Wednesday, March 24. Click here to place your order and provide your dedication which will be printed in the bulletin. Lilies will be available for pickup on Saturday, April 3, from noon to 2 p.m. at the rear parking lot entrance to the church. Questions? Contact Marnie Sarver.
College Age Ministry. Show our college students some love! They are back on campus with no spring break this year, so we’re trying something new by sending them virtual messages using Kudoboard. Each student has their own Kudoboard where you can add an image, video or GIF and add a short message, which will be sent to each student on March 24. Click on a student’s name to add a message to their board: Izzy Armstrong, Tam Ayers, Olivia Beeman, Xander Burdette, Morgan Freeman, Lydia Grund, Abby Hendricks, Nathan Hendricks, Elly Loyd, Anne Newburn, Sydney Newburn, Brian Riggione, Rachel Skomra, Kaylee Stillwagoner. Diane Maloney explains how to use Kudoboard in this short video. Crossing Paths is a daily email designed to be a way to stay connected to each other, our community, and God. During Lent, Crossing Paths posts are from “Pause for Lent,” our Lenten devotional written by members of the FCPC community. Take a look here. We will return to our regular schedule after Easter. To share a prayer, poem, or scripture passage to be included in future Crossing Paths, please email Diane Maloney. Not receiving Crossing Paths? Click on this link to be added to the email list. God sightings. You are invited to share a photo that captures a time or place where you have experienced God. Photos submitted by noon each Wednesday will be considered for use at the opening of our virtual worship service. Email images to Diane Maloney. Pastoral care during social distancing. If you or your loved one is in need of pastoral care, please do not hesitate to contact James Sledge. And if you are at-risk from COVID-19, please let James or the deacons know if we can offer you support with specific tasks such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or other things that might put you at risk.
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