First United Presbyterian Church 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 9, 2011 Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open

Doors
Thought for meditation: The wedding feast was prepared; the invitations had been sent. But some guests could not come. Others made light of the feast by insisting they were too busy, or otherwise engaged. When the Lords Table is spread, the call is extended. All those are welcome who confess their faith in Jesus Christ. Gods chosen people shall partake of the heavenly banquet
(*Please stand in body or in spirit)

We Gather In Gods Name

PRELUDE Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Arr. Robert W. Thygerson

Words of Welcome and Signing of Friendship Pads

Please add your name to the pad you will find at the end of each pew and pass it along your row so that we can know each other by name.

*Call to Worship Here in this place, with these people, we come to worship the living God. In you, O God, we hope; in you, Creator of love, we live. Here in this sacred space, in these very moments, we are invited to the Table of Joy. In you, Christ of the Way, we rejoice; in you, dear Brother, grace is as near as your heart. Here on this day of gentleness and beauty, we are filled with the peace of God. In you, O Spirit, we find our path; in you, Teacher of hope, we learn to serve. *Prayer of the Day When we realize how we are blessed beyond every imagining, we can sing of your surprising grace and your steadfast presence to a world which has grown deaf from the noise of empty clichs. When we remember your love which has no beginning and no end, when we stand in grace's sweet waters swirling around our hearts, we can rejoice in your hope which sees every person, even those we would never invite into our circles,

as your beloved child. When we remember your call to treat every single person with dignity, justice, and hope, we can share your peace (even when we don't recognize it) with a society which believes violence is the solution to every single problem. Amen. *Hymn Psalm For the Music of Creation
NETTLETON

Text 1992, Hope Publishing Co.

Verse 1: All Verse 2: Choir Verse 3: All

Call to Reconciliation and Call to Confession Called to have the same mind as Christ, we often spend too much time thinking about all those ways which then lead us astray. But, if we confess our sins, God will forgive us, and strengthen us to be Christ's sisters and brothers. Join me as we pray together, saying, You would call us to your feast, Inviting God, but our busy lives keep us from responding. You remember every word we utter, every prayer we whisper, but we forget all the little ways you care for us. You would make your gentleness known through us, but we lash out in anger and fear towards others. Forgive us, God of all hope, and remember your Servant, Jesus Christ. In him, we can live in your way. Through him, we can learn the dreams you have for us. With him, we can open our arms and embrace all the people we meet.

Silence is kept for personal reflection or prayer

Assurance of Pardon As we are forgiven by God, we can begin to reflect on all those ways in which we can live justly, act honorably, love completely. This is indeed good news for us. At the Wedding Feast, we are fed with grace, and nourished with joy, so we may go and bring hope and peace to everyone we meet. Thanks be to God.
(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman

Thanks be to God; in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! *Response Sing the Faith #2151 Im so Glad Jesus Lifted Me

*Peace Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.
Worshippers are invited to greet one another with the words, The peace of Christ be with you.

CHILDREN ARE EXCUSED TO GO TO FAITH EDUCATION

*Response Dona Nobis

We Proclaim Gods Word

Anthem Little Innocent Lamb African-American Spiritual Arr. Bartholomew Little Lamb, little Lamb, little innocent Lamb, Im a-gonna serve God till I die. Hypocrite, hypocrite, tell you what he do Hell talk about me, an hell talk about you Debbil, hes got a slippery shoe Now if you dont mind, he gonna slip it on you Cause dere ain no dyin ober dere, in dat hebbenly lan, derell be joy, joy, joy! Jes take one brick from Satans wall Satans wall gonna tumble an fall
Little Innocent Lamb. Words: Music: Marshall Bartholomew, 1952 G. Schirmer. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net # A-715745.

Prayer of Illumination Scripture Lesson Lesson from the Epistles Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23

Philippians 4:1-9

N.T. page 198

Praise the Lord. O give thanks, for the Lord is good: Gods love endures forever. Who can recount your mighty acts, O Lord, or tell of all your praise? (R)

Blessed are those who act justly and always do what is right. Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, and come to me with your saving help, so that I may see the prosperity of your chosen: rejoice with the nations gladness, and exult with the people you have made your own. (R) We have sinned like our ancestors; we have erred, and we have acted wickedly. They made a young bull in Horeb and worshipped that molten image. So they exchanged the glory of God for the image of a creature that feeds on grass. (R) They forgot that you were the God who had saved them by your might acts in Egypt, wonderful things in the land of Ham, and awesome things at the Red Sea. So you would have destroyed them but for Moses, your chosen one, who stood before you in the breach, to turn back your wrath from their destruction. (R) Scripture Lessons Lesson from the Gospel Lesson from the Old Testament

Matthew 22:1-14 Exodus 32:1-14

N.T. page 24 O.T. page 78

Sermon When Its Not Convenient Enough *Hymn Sing the Faith #2150 Lord, Be Glorified *Affirmation of Faith The Study Catechism I. The Apostles' Creed Question 5. What does a Christian believe? All that is promised in the gospel. A summary is found in the Apostles' Creed, which affirms the main content of the Christian faith.
John 20:31 "But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Mssiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name."

Question 6. What is the first article of the Apostles' Creed? "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth." Question 7. What do you believe when you confess your faith in "God the Father Almighty"? That God is a God of love, and that God's love is powerful beyond measure.
Lam. 3:22 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end." Song 8:7 "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one's house, it would be utterly scorned." 1 John 4:8 "Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love."

Question 8. How do you understand the love and power of God?

Through Jesus Christ. In his life of compassion, his death on the cross, and his resurrection from the dead, I see how vast is God's love for the world a love that is ready to suffer for our sakes, yet so strong that nothing will prevail against it.
John 3:16 "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." Heb. 1:3 "He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being." 1 John 4:9 "God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him." Matt. 9:36 "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Ps. 106:8 "Yet he saved them for his name's sake, so that he might make known his mighty power."

Question 9. What comfort do you receive from this truth? This powerful and loving God is the one whose promises I may trust in all the circumstances of my life, and to whom I belong in life and in death.
Ps. 12:6 "The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure, silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times." Rom. 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

We Respond to Gods Word

Sharing Joys and Concerns Prayers of the People and The Lords Prayer Offering Our Gifts and Ourselves Offertory *Response #432 Verse 1 We Give Thee but Thine Own
SCHUMANN

*Prayer of Dedication Gracious God, you call us to be agents of Christs way. We accept the commission as we confess faith in his will. What we now offer reflects our commitment. Accept our labors as befitting your righteousness. Enhance our endeavors by sending your Spirit. May our obedience be worthy of your continuing trust. Amen.

We Go in Gods Name
*Hymn - #432 *Charge and Blessing All are invited to remain for a time of fellowship and refreshment. Todays reader: Debbie Brown Song of Hope
ARGENTINA

On October 2nd, the flowers were provided by Claudia Schwendeman in honor her father, Kent Esbaugh, and her mother-in-law, Shirley Schwendeman. Todays flowers were provided by Gwen Krause in honor of her mother Margo Krause, and her grandmother, Gwen Krause. October 16th - Sermon What we are able to stand Scripture Reading: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

Prayers of the People

Prayers for Donna, Mary, Karl, Steve, Calvin & Tracey, Billy, and Victors Wifes cousin Prayers for the Schoharie Church as they work to discern the future.

Privacy Act The session has affirmed a Privacy Policy for all joys and concerns expressed either orally or in writing. We are trying to respect the privacy of individuals and respect the intent of the HIPPA act. What does this mean? When expressing your concern: Use first names only Do not explain the situation, God knows what is needed Any further action must be cleared by the person expressing the concern. As we lift out concerns we are reminded that God knows more than we do and will be at work in the situation in ways we may never be able to understand.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome To First United! It is a joy that you have chosen to enrich this worshipping community with your presence this morning. We hope you find a spiritual home here, a place of love, support and service. Following worship, you are cordially invited to gather with the community for a time of refreshment and conversation in Fellowship Hall. AROUND TOWN AND AT FUPC! CONGREGATIONAL MEETING OCTOBER 23RD AFTER WORSHIP This congregational meeting is to elect new officers. What is a Prayer Chain? A prayer chain is a group that connects through prayer either by phone or email. When a need arises for prayers, calls are made or emails are sent and the prayer warriors do their work. We need more warriors for our prayer chain! If you feel that you would want to be a part of the prayer chain please speak to Carol Harrington at 235-7580 or Miriam Parmelee at 283-0014. Lunch after worship with Pastor Jackie and Ron Pinkowski There is a standing invitation to join Pastor Jackie and Ron for lunch (dutch treat) every Sunday. Meet them during fellowship time to discuss a meeting place. Thank you for your support - Thanks to many of you, TAUM was able to raise $8200 to support the Troy Damien Center, serving people living with HIV/AIDS, at the AIDSWalk on Sept. 24. Usually the Center raises about $9000, though. Contributions can be accepted by TAUM until Oct. 21, and can be sent directly to TAUM, 291 Second St., Troy, marked AIDSWalk. We really appreciate your support! Sage College Presents - Hell and Highwater or Lessons from When the Sky Falls Written by Jamuna Yvette Sirker and Directed by Leigh Strimbeck. Performances are Oct. 27-29 at 8pm. Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for students and seniors. To make reservations call: 244-2248.

Benefit Performance for Troy Area United Ministries on Oct. 26th tickets are $12. All ticket sales will go to victims of the recent flooding in Troy. Clean-up Bucket - $60 each Please donate! Each bucket contains everything needed for the job. Church World Service will send these buckets to where ever needed. Please use the envelope provided. Make the check out to FUPC and on the memo line write CWS. Our goal is get enough money for 50 buckets. Would you like to beautify the service? Purchase flowers in memory or in celebration of an event or someone special. The dates that are available are: October 30. Please leave a note in Pat Carlsons box or call her cell 526-9408 Refreshment Time after church provided by you! How do you get involved? See Don Lutz after service or call him at 283-6920. Thank you to the following for signing up and volunteering! October 9 Jennifer Nelson October 16 Sue Steele October 23 Joan Rogers October 30 Kerry Welcome

Bible Study Every Wednesday Night at 6:30: Bible Study conducted by Interim Pastor Jacquelyn Pinkowski in the Rose Room. The focus will be on the scriptures for the following Sundays scripture lessons. Music News Choral Collaborative Concert Plan on attending this joint concert sung by our Chancel Choir, the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Albany, and the Madrigal Singers of The College of St. Rose. The concert will be all-Mozart, featuring the regal Coronation Mass, as well as the beloved Ave Verum Corpus and Laudate Dominum. The concert will be held on Sunday, November 13, at 3 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Albany (362 State St.). Free will offering, and a reception to follow. Faith Education News Faith Ed for children Oct. 9, 16, 23 Faith Ed for children Oct. 30 Intergenerational Faith Ed after worship all are invited Adult Ed Oct. 9 Sharing Faith Stories led by Leslie Kelly Oct. 16 Spiritual Disciplines and Stewardship led by Martha Juenger Oct. 23 Dr. Michael Adee, M.Div., PhD Executive Director and Field Organizer for More Light Presbyterians Charting the Future: What are the challenges and opportunities for a More Light Church in this new day? Oct. 30 Intergenerational Faith Ed after worship October 23rd - Michael Adee visits FUPC We are lucky to have Michael Adee HERE at FUPC for worship and adult ed on Sunday, the 23rd!!!! The publicity you see inserted in this bulletin and invitations have been sent to all of the churches in Albany Presbytery and to surrounding presbyteries, so we may also be lucky enough to host some visitors!! The More Light Team is asking for folks to sign up for the pot luck lunch on the 23rd, so that we have a beginning sense of how many will be coming and can plan accordingly. The request is that each family bring a dish to serve 8 - 12 folks, so that there is ample food for all including visitors. We will also need help that day in "transforming" the worship space into lunch space following refreshments. Offers of assistance will be enthusiastically accepted!

The Road Show is coming to a church near you! Come join your brothers and sisters for education, encouragement, and fellowship. The schedule will be simple, and each event will be two hours long. ** 15 minute opening worship * 60 minute workshops ** 20-30 minutes sharing of Best Practices by the host or nearby congregation ** 15 minute closing worship Saturday, October 15 9 11 AM First United Church, Salem Best Practice: Childrens ministry and Community Outreach Workshops: Unbinding the Gospel, led by Tim Coombs an exploration of how we in the main line church can recover our passionate spirituality and therefore witness to the gospel effectively. Coaching, led by Chris Garrison how coaching can help individual church leaders or Sessions to envision and implement your ministry. Childrens Ministry, led by Donna Frischknecht creative possibilities for growing your childrens ministry Sunday, October 16 4 6 PM United Church, Amsterdam Best Practice: Transforming Worship and Congregational life Workshops: Introducing Change, led by Dennis Dewey, a pastor, storyteller, and COM Chair in Utica Presbytery how to gently introduce change as a positive experience for all. Social Media, led by Michael Massey, elder at Trinity Church in Scotia how social media can enhance your ministry and help you connect with your young people and the wider community. Faith Development for Adults, led by (TBA) How to build effective ministries and programs that foster a deeper faith and understanding among adult members. Church Treasurers, led by Bill Ramage, Financial Manager Bill will give an orientation and share best practices for treasurers Monday, October 17 7 9 PM Brunswick Church, Troy Best Practice: (The Brunswick church will share how they empower and equip members for ministry) Workshops: Music in Small Churches, led by Barrett Germain and Don Wheeler, Elders in Scotia experienced guidance in building a dynamic music program in a small church setting. Empowering Congregational Leaders, led by Harry Heintz how to build and support a powerful team of lay leaders for effective, shared ministry. Unbinding the Gospel, an exploration of how we in the main line church can recover our passionate spirituality and therefore witness to the gospel effectively. Legacy, Gifts and Endowments, led by Lee Beckhusen, of the Presbyterian Foundation Lee will give us effective strategies and great resources for managing endowments and encouraging legacy gifts and development of a deep, long term donor base.

WEEKLY CALENDAR Sunday, October 9 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM

Choir Rehearsal Worship Faith Ed for Children Fellowship Time Adult Faith Education Confirmation Meeting NA Group Meeting

Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Wheeler Room Fellowship Hall Rose Room Pastors Office Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Copy Room Rose Room Faith Ed Office Rose Room Copy Room Rose Room Rose Room

Tuesday, October 11 3:45 PM Troy Childrens Chorus 5:30 PM More Light Meeting 7:00 PM Membercare and Outreach 7:15 PM Faith Ed Meeting Wednesday, October 12 6:30PM Bible Study Thursday, October 13 4:00 PM Fa-Fin-Stew 6:00 PM Music Committee 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Saturday, October 15 10:00 AM Labyrinth 10:00 AM AA Meeting Sunday, October 16 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Worship Faith Ed for Children Fellowship Time Adult Faith Education NA Group Meeting

Rose Room 2nd Floor Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Wheeler Room Fellowship Hall Rose Room Fellowship Hall

The First United Presbyterian Church of Troy 1915 Fifth Avenue, Troy, New York 12180 Phone: (518) 272-2771 / Fax: (518) 266-9483 E-mail: [email protected] / www.unitedprestroy.org Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 2 PM Where People with Differences Unite in Christ Our Mission Statement Together, we worship God through Christ and explore all dimensions of life in the Spirit; To demonstrate Gods inclusive love, we seek to heal wounds and care for Gods creation; To serve God in the world, we work for peace and justice. Our Statement of Inclusive Ministry We invite all people of every background, condition, and orientation into the full fellowship, ministry and mission of Gods Good News in Jesus Christ. All who join the church are extended the full privileges of membership, are challenged to lead lives of Christian discipleship, and are eligible to be considered for church office.
First United Presbyterian Church Officers for 2011, 2012 & 2013 The Session Moderator - The Reverend Jacquelyn Pinkowski Class of 2011: Sue Steele, Courtney Savaria, Karen Harpe Class of 2012: John Buckley, Pat Carlson, Peg Drew, Chandlee Gill Class of 2013: David Lanoue, Dan Rogers, Trudi Wybourn The Board of Deacons Class of 2011: Martha Juenger, Don Lutz, Marsha Mintz-Botsford, Pat Rudebush Class of 2012: Bob Harrington, Bonnie Kerr, Carol Harrington, Claudia Schwendeman Class of 2013: Shirley Bowes, Steven Paul Bowes II, Dana Parker, Shirley Street Pastor: Jacquelyn Pinkowski Minister of Music: Maury A. Castro Coordinator of Educational Ministries: Leslie M. Kelly Financial Analyst: Carlie DAnnunzio Administrative Assistant: Carla Fisk For pastoral emergencies call (518) 279-7401 or (406)794-9360 or email [email protected]