First Presbyterian Church Rostraver Township, PA

OUR MISSION STATEMENT We live and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, service, and

witness. As a Christ-centered church empowered by the Holy Spirit, we seek God’s plan for each of us and all of us. We welcome everyone to journey with us as we strive to grow in love, faith, trust, and discipleship. (Adopted October 10, 1998;

revised February 2, 2013)

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 12, 2020 Rev. Marnie Silbert

*You are invited to stand if able*

Personal Prayer of Preparation:

Spirit of Life, whose care for us is constant through low times of despair and high moments of hope, teach us your ordinances that we might not forget your law or stray from your precepts. May your decrees be our joy as you incline our hearts to perform your statutes, that we may bear fruit in our realm, even a hundredfold. Amen.

– ASSEMBLE IN GOD’S NAME –

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH and ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist

WELCOME AND JOYS AND CONCERNS Rev. Marnie Silbert

CALL TO WORSHIP Liturgist

Leader: God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Open yourselves this day to receive the Word.

People: We have committed ourselves to follow the light. We come now to be instructed by God's law.

Leader: Minds set on the flesh are hostile to God. Let us, therefore, open ourselves to the Spirit.

People: We reach out for more than we can see and hear. We long to know Love's embrace deep within.

Leader: The Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead. That Spirit dwells in you and offers you new life.

People: We praise God, who saves us and gives us hope. God cares for the earth and for each one of us.

INVOCATION Liturgist

All-powerful God, we celebrate the freedom you give us to make our own response to all the possibilities you lay out before us. We are grateful for the revelation you provide through the witness of many in the Scriptures. Through their words, help us to discern your Word. Come to us in the midst of our diversity to bring understanding and mutual caring. Open us to a new appreciation of our birthright as your children. Beyond all our clamor for the things of this world, we long for the richness of spirit you alone can provide. Feed us here, we pray. Amen.

HYMN: #455 (BLUE hymnal) All Creatures of Our God and King Vs 1,5

CALL TO CONFESSION: Rev. Marnie Silbert

We have gathered to find release from the cares of life which sap our energy and depress our spirits. We have come seeking deeper roots for our faith and the ability to survive and thrive amid life's thorny pathways. We open all the hidden places of our lives to the light of God's forgiving love, that we might be cleansed, healed, and set free from sin. God knows our need for this time of confession. UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

All-knowing God, we know you understand us more deeply than we understand ourselves. You know how much the cares of this life weigh us down. Our thoughts and actions are often very shortsighted. We take so much for granted, failing to value the wonder of life all around us, the gift of family and friends, the amazing reality of your Spirit dwelling in us. We want to be like good soil, receiving the seed of your word with understanding that nourishes roots of trust and joy. Free us from all that keeps us from bearing fruit for you. Amen.

*SILENT CONFESSION

*KYRIE: Lord have mercy upon us; Christ have mercy upon us; Lord have mercy upon us.

*WORDS OF ASSURANCE: Rev. Marnie Silbert

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. As disciples of Jesus, we have the opportunity to grow in understanding and in the joy of serving others in Christ's name. The Spirit of life sets us free from our narrow concerns to celebrate the good within and around us. Life is transformed by God’s Spirit in us making our new attitude of gratitude.

*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.

*SHARING THE PEACE: (Social Distancing)

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

Let us show one another a sign of God’s peace.

– PROCLAIM THE WORD OF GOD –

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION: Liturgist Guide us, O God, by your Word, and Holy Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover peace; through Christ our Lord, Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Psalm 119: 105-112 Liturgist

ANTHEM Renee Bonari

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE (Children will remain in their pews)

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Rev. Marnie Silbert

SERMON: Controlling the Weeds and Benefitting from Good Soil Rev. Marnie Silbert

HYMN: #333 (BLUE hymnal) Seek Ye First

*APOSTLES CREED (Ecumenical Version) I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER Rev. Marnie Silbert

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. PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Day by day, dear Lord, of Thee three things we pray: to see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly,

follow Thee more nearly, day by day.

INVITATION TO STEWARDSHIP Liturgist

God's Word has been sown among us. We are the soils, receiving seeds of truth. The harvest depends on our accepting the Word, letting it take root and getting rid of the weeds. What we offer to God is a small return on God's investment in us. Let us give with joy.

(NOTE: Offering plates are located at both exits)

OFFERTORY Donna Santoro

*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 Congregation

Accept our offering of praise and our offering of ourselves, O God, along with our tithes and contributions toward our church's mission. You have given us life and guidance for living. You have made us partakers of your own Spirit. We rejoice in the opportunity to receive and share your Word. May the ministry in which all of us have a share bear much fruit, bringing in an abundant harvest for your realm. Amen.

HYMN: #372 (BLUE hymnal) Lord I want to be a Christian (vs. 1,4)

RESPONSIVE COMMISSION AND BLESSING

Carry the lamp of God's Word into the week ahead. Share its light with all you meet. God's Word lights our path and guides our feet. The heritage we have received is ours to pass on. Do not be bound by concerns of the flesh. Set your minds on matters of the Spirit. The Spirit of Christ dwells in us. God gives us gifts of life and peace. Share in daily offerings of praise to God. Pass on the joy of living in the Spirit. Our hearts are inclined to God's statutes. Your ways, O God, bring joy to our hearts. Amen. Amen.

*BENEDICTION Rev. Marnie Silbert

*POSTLUDE

– GO OUT TO SHARE THE WORD OF GOD –

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Greeters today are Donna Sichi and Sharon Manown.

Liturgist today is Becky Mutich Moore.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN:

TUESDAY: Bible Study at 2 PM at in the FH; Staycation VBS meeting at 7 PM in the FH and on Zoom

WEDNESDAY: Youth Group Meeting at 7 PM in the FH THURSDAY: Food bank at FMC; Session at 7 PM

First Presbyterian Church is hiring a custodian. This is a paid, part-time position, ten (10) hours per week, with occasional extra hours preparing for and cleaning up after special events. Requires some lifting, stairs, and use of cleaning products. Confidentiality and discretion are a must. A background check and all state requirements must be met, as children may be present from time to time. References are required. Call the church office with questions. An application and job description can be found by going to our website:www.fpresbv.org PEACH PIES: Peach pies will be made on Friday, August 14th & August 21st. They are $10.00 each. Your order may be placed in the collection plate. They will be available to be picked up Saturday, August 15th between 9 am & 11 am or Saturday, August 22nd between 9 am & 11 am. Help is needed! Online giving church: We are now able to receive donations online with the GivePlus website and mobile app.  Go to our website at www.fpresbv.org and check it out! 

Prayer List: In an effort to keep our prayer list updated and accurate, please note the

following; (1) Natalie keeps a list of who request prayer for an individual. If we do not

know who requested prayer, and we can’t find an update, we will remove the person

from the list. (2) Please, to respect privacy, get permission from the individual before

placing them on the list. (3) If you place someone on the list, please give the office an

update, so pastor knows how to pray. Thank you for helping us.

PRAYER LIST

Please remember the following people in your thoughts and prayers. Please call the office with prayer needs, updates, and questions or e-mail the church at offiice@fpresbv.org.

PRAYER LIST: Please remember the following people in your thoughts and prayers and contact the church with updates, any changes that may occur, or with new requests.

John & Marlene Amoroso, Kaiden Bane, Nuncio Battista, Danny Bergstedt, Bill Behrens, June Bowden, Garret Brigs, Frank Britton, Angel Burnsworth, Joe Burnsworth, Linda Calcek, Sally Campbell, Pat Clark, Jim Clawson, Ann Cochran, Sue Daniels, Sandy Elder, MaryAnn Fauk, Jacob, Diane Johnston, Zoey Johnson, Earlene Kalakewich, Jackie Koliscak, Irene Leyda, Mike Lemley, Kathy Lipari, Bruce Merritt, Mary Caroline Nicholas, Ellie Ondulick , Bob Palfrey, June Palfrey, Nora Pelezar, Helen Raicos, Colleen Ray, Patti Ream, Dorothy Rogers, Susan, Noah Schwartz, Jason Shaw, Chris Sicora, Art Smith, Toi Smith, Laura Stopka, Dolores Trembach, Betty Waugaman, Joseph Waywood.

Pray for the safety and protection of First Responders (police, fire, EMTS), military, and Medical Personnel (If you have a prayer concern or to update the list, please call the office at

724-929-7616)

Our Weekly Record

Last Year's Average Attendance: 62 Last Week's Attendance: 25 church; 30 (approx) online Weekly Budget*: $3,086.00 Offering on June 5th: $1,695.00 *1/52 of the 2020 Budget

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

501 Fayette Avenue, Rostraver Twp., PA 15012 Church Offices: 511 Fayette Avenue

Office Hours: M - F: 9:00 to 1:00

Church Phone: 724- 929-7616 Fax: 724-929-0209 Web: www.fpresbv.org e-mail: office@fpresbv.org

Pastor: Mary Kay Glunt 243-2871 Clerk of Session: Sharon Zunic 929-4463 Church Secretary: Natalie Brewer 929-7616 Chairman of Deacons: Susan Aten 929-6406 Head Usher: Bill Callaway 929-5176 Organist/Choir Director: Donna Santoro 929-9401 Custodian:

H. O. A: Linda Aten 929-6406

E L D E R S

Class of 2020 Class of 2021 Class of 2022 Linda Aten Ray Helster Natalie Brewer Jane Bonari Nancy Komlos Dee Hepple Linda Calcek Brad Manown Mike Moravec John Conger Fred Exley

D E A C O N S

Class of 2020 Class of 2021 Class of 2022 Mary Beth Burkley Diane Boatman Susan Aten Marguerite Patterson Janet Garlits Anne McCorkle Dennis Peters Judy Latchem Kerry McCorkle Kathy Rice Barb Peters

OUR MISSION STATEMENT We live and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, service, and witness. As a Christ-centered church empowered by the Holy Spirit, we seek God’s plan for each of us and all of us. We welcome everyone to journey with us as we strive to grow in love, faith, trust, and discipleship

(Adopted October 10, 1998; revised February 2, 2013)

An Assisted Listening System is available in the narthex.

Please ask the head usher to help you get access to it.