BIG SPRING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
25 S. Corporation Street, Newville, PA 17241
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY after PENTECOST
September 24, 2023
10:30 AM7
Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Melton, Pastor
Avis Allen, Organist
Phone: 717-776-5820
Website: bspresby.com
E-mail: churchoffice@bspresby.com
“The mission of the Big Spring Presbyterian Church
is to know Christ and to make Him Known.”
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ORDER OF WORSHIP
* please stand, if able; bold indicates ALL read; use blue hymnal unless otherwise indicated
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PREPARATION
James Hilton once said, “If you forgive people enough you belong to them, and they to you, whether each persons like it or not - squatters rights of the heart.” Maybe it is in this sense that God knew, God foreordained, God predestined and appointed us to salvation. God knew that God would forever be forgiving us and since God is forever forgiving us, God forever has a claim upon our hearts. One reason we refuse to forgive people is because we don’t want them in our hearts. Yet, we already know, God wills us to forgive because that is heaven.
THE CHURCH GATHERS TO CELEBRATE
INTROIT -- Open My Eyes, Lord (Cull)
~ GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS~
PRELUDE -- Three Variations of Ah, Holy Jesus, Bless Us Here Today (setting, Johnson)
MINUTE FOR MISSION -- PAW Packs
* CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)
We give thanks to You, O Lord,
for You have done marvelous things!
When we were walking in darkness,
You were there.
When we were kneeling in weakness,
You were there.
When we were surprised by joy,
You were there.
As the day broke over the horizon this morning,
You were there.
Lord, You are our King,
and we are children in Your kingdom.
We give thanks to You, O Lord,
for You have done marvelous things!
HYMN #466 -- "O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing"
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart and mind and strength; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. In Your mercy forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your holy name. Amen. (time of silent confession…)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (responsive)
Hear the good news. God’s mercy is unrelenting. God’s judgment redeems.
Today, God is drawing us into a new life.
Let us hear the call of God and believe the good news:
in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
* GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen.
MORNING PRAYER 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.
THE CHURCH PROCLAIMS GOD’S WORD
* HYMN #223 (vs 1-4) -- "O My Soul, Bless Your Redeemer"
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING -- Matthew 6:7-15 (page 1540, pew Bible)
(This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!)
SERMON -- “Forgiving Debts” -- The Rev. Dr. Stephen Melton
THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO GOD’S WORD
OFFERING
Offertory -- Blessed Quietness (Marshall)
* DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION
THE CHURCH GOES OUT TO LOVE & SERVE
* HYMN #540 -- "God Be with Us Till We Meet Again"
* CHARGE & BENEDICTION
* POSTLUDE -- Concerto in A minor (Bach)
Fans, listening devices, large print & children’s bulletins,
as well as children’s activity packets are available in the rear of the sanctuary.
Welcome visitors! We are glad you are here. If you do not have a church home, please talk with the pastor. We would receive you with open arms.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
Sep. 24, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TED STEVENS (Sep. 26th)!!!
THIS WEEK, IN OUR PRAYERS:
+ in the community: Lower Frankford Township
+ in the congregation: Adrian Gilbert
THIS WEEK, IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH:
Today, after worship: Nominating Committee meets
Thursday , 2 PM: "Thirsty Thursday" Bible Study (large S.S. room)
NEXT SUNDAY…….18th Sunday after Pentecost / Lord's Supper...….October 1st
-- 9:15 AM: Sunday school
-- 9:45-10:15 AM: "First Sunday" Fellowship Time
-- 10:30 AM: Worship, with Communion (World Communion Sunday); the PC(USA) "Peace & Global Witness" offering will be received.
