Big Spring Presbyterian Church
25 S. Corporation Street
Newville, Pennsylvania
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Melton, Pastor
Rev. William C. Beck, Pastor Emeritus
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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November 17, 2024
TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY after PENTECOST
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ORDER OF WORSHIP
* indicates stand, if able; Bold indicates ALL read; use blue hymnal unless otherwise indicated
PREPARATION
Comparing the spiritual distance we feel from God to a child trying to walk to a father: “The child’s goal is to reach the father, but that is not the father’s goal at all. The father could easily reach down and lift the child up at any time and would indeed take great pleasure in doing so. But the father wishes to teach the child how to walk independently, and this development of the child’s ability requires the stratagem of progressively distancing himself from the child.” [And so it is with us...we desire to “reach” God.] “Your intent is indeed commendable, but just as with the child, the moment you reach your goal, your growth and development would come to an end. God wishes to increase your spiritual capabilities, and this necessitates Him distancing Himself from you just when you happen to be close to Him. – Abraham J. Twerski
THE CHURCH GATHERS TO CELEBRATE
INTROIT We Will Tell Each Generation (Walker)
~ GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS ~
PRELUDE In the Sanctuary (Handel) Aria from Israel in Egypt
* CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time on and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,
who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children.
ALL: Let all the people praise the LORD!
* HYMN #482 -- "Praise Ye, the Lord, the Almighty"
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
God our Creator, we are rebellious people. We have ignored your intentions for us. We have sought our own ways rather than the ways of Christ. If we are to be stubborn, make us stubborn for what is right. If we are to be loud, let us be loud with praise. If we have a love of money, let us love it right into Your hands. We cannot serve two masters. We want to serve You. Forgive what we have been, amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so one day all our efforts, our faults, our gifts, will serve Your Kingdom. In Christ, we pray. Amen.
(silent confession . . . )
CELEBRATION OF GRACE (unison)
What then are we to say about life’s troubles?
If God is for us, who is against us?
If God would give Himself up on the cross to save us,
then we will always have reason for hope.
Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
In Jesus Christ, there is forgiveness today, tomorrow and for all eternity!
ALL: Thanks be to God!
* 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 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 #280 -- "Amazing Grace"
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 16:1-13 (p. 1625, pew Bible)
(This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!)
SERMON "Shrewd or Dishonest Broker?" Rev. Dr. Stephen Melton
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (responsive)
fromThe Confession of 1967 (1967)
The one sufficient revelation of God is Jesus Christ, the Word of God incarnate, to whom the Holy Spirit bears unique and authoritative witness through the Holy Scriptures, which are received and obeyed as the Word of God written. The Scriptures are not a witness among others, but the witness without parallel. The church has received the books of the Old and New Testaments as prophetic and apostolic testimony in which it hears the Word of God and by which its faith and obedience are nourished and regulated.
THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO GOD'S WORD
OFFERING
Offertory Amazing Grace (Newton)
* 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 #357 -- "O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee"
* CHARGE & BENEDICTION
* CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE #540 (vs. 1) - "God Be With You Till We Meet Again"
“God be with you till we meet again;
Loving counsels guide, uphold you,
With a Shepherd’s care enfold you:
God be with you till we meet again.”
POSTLUDE Praise to the Lord, the Almighty) (1665) (arr. Jordan)
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Welcome Visitors!
We are glad you are here. If you do not have a church home, please talk with the pastor,
as we would receive you with open arms.
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THIS WEEK, IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH:
Today, 11:30 AM- 2 PM: Officers Training
Monday, 6:30 PM: Session meeting
NEXT SUNDAY-- Nov. 24th (Christ the King Sunday)
9:15 AM: Confessional Banners Class
10:30 AM: Worship; Sermon, "Christ the King!"
