WORSHIP Sunday, July 25, 2021
9:00 am The Rev. Jim Langley – Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Nancy J. Redman – Parish Associate First Presbyterian Church of Marion, Iowa – 802 12th Street – www.fpcmarion.org
PRELUDE
“Shall We Gather at the River”
Robert A. Hobby
LIFE IN THE CHURCH
TRINITY CHIMES
CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: We are here today to worship God, People: because Jesus invites us to come. Leader: We come as we are, People: with our faith and our doubts, Leader: with our worries and our fears, People: knowing that Jesus will take these burdens from us. Leader: We come with what we have, People: bringing with us the events and experiences of this past week. Leader: We come as we are, People: Knowing that no matter what, we are loved and accepted by God. Leader: Today, Jesus invites us to come People: and he promises that we will find rest. All: Let us worship God and find rest for our souls.
HYMN 375
“Shall We Gather at the River”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Wise and loving God, you know how we are. We have spent so much time getting ready for the summer months, planning when and how we shall relax and gain some peace in our lives. We have rushed around, and now we are exhausted. Our need for rest is so important, but we have let plans and schedules crowd in, shouting their demands on our time and energies. Forgive us, Lord, when we have focused so much time on these things and have not sought your healing, restoring love. Be with us in these remaining days of summer. Give us peace. Give us hope. Give us rest. For we ask these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Leader: People of God, know this: People: Our God is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry, and filled with unfailing love. Leader: When we stumble, he is there to catch us; People: when we are weighed down, he is there to lift us up. Leader: So be at peace: your sins are forgiven. All: Thanks be to God! Amen.
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST Leader: In this place, the peace of God draws us in and unites us as God’s people. Here, everyone is
welcome and everyone has a place. I invite you to extend symbols of Christ’s peace and love to one another with a wave, a smile, a peace sign, or whatever you are comfortable with. In these signs, God’s beloved community becomes real and we are reminded that we are one family, God’s family. So let us extend peace and love to each other. May the peace of Christ be with
you all. People: And also with you!
SPECIAL MUSIC (video)
“The Chariot Spiritual”
arr. Donald Moore Men’s Chorus directed by Paul Holstein, accompanied by Judy Chapman
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 11:25-30
MESSAGE
“Come to Me”
Pastor Langley
OFFERING PRAYER (UNISON) Loving God, may the offering we make today bring rest to the weary and hope to the hopeless. May it be a witness to our desire to love our neighbors as ourselves. And may it be multiplied into
a blessing that would touch all of your creation. In Jesus‘ name, we pray. Amen.
HYMN 353
“My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”
BLESSING
TRINITY CHIMES
POSTLUDE
“Before You, Lord, We Bow”
Barbara Harbach
TO ARRANGE A RIDE TO CHURCH, please call the office, 377–7309. Office hours are 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday through Friday.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY!! The Mission and Congregational Life Committees invite you to the Christmas in July Brunch immediately following worship today. Plan to stay for food, fellowship – and even Christmas cookies! Donations benefit Operation Christmas Child.
THE INSTALLATION SERVICE for Pastor Jim is Saturday, August 7, at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary. Following the installation service an Open House Welcome Reception will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in the Social Hall to officially welcome the Langley family to FPC. Because of Covid restrictions we were unable to celebrate sooner. You are invited to the service, or if you prefer, drop in to the Open House.
LAST CHANCE FOR COMPUTER TABLES from the Computer Lab. They are no longer needed and are free for the taking! If you would like one, you may either take it with you today, or put your name on one (or more) and arrange pick up later.
SAXOPHONIST RAY BLUE will be in concert in our sanctuary next Sunday, August 1, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. He will not be participating in morning worship, so come enjoy this wonderful talent in the evening and invite a friend or 2 to join you.
MISSION OPPORTUNITY AT FPC BACKPACK TIME AGAIN. Monetary donations are being collected for the annual Backpack program sponsored by Marion Cares. FPC is hoping to collect funds to fill 20 backpacks.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT FPC A SINCERE THANK YOU to Connie Kent, Marta Pumroy, and Louise White for faithfully assisting as liturgists this past year. Please consider being a part of this ministry. Scripts are provided each week. Contact Connie or call the church office to offer your help.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MOW CHURCH LAWN. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Social Hall. The church has a battery powered mower – easy to use. Contact the Building & Grounds Committee (Grant Dancey,
chair) with questions. Your help is appreciated and much needed.
THIS WEEK
TODAY, JULY 25
9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Christmas in July Brunch
MONDAY, JULY 26
9:00 am Coffee Chats via Zoom
TUESDAY, JULY 27 10:00 am Lectionary Study in Lounge
6:00 pm Finance Committee 7:00 pm Session
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28
3:00 pm Coffee Chats via Zoom
FRIDAY, JULY 30 9:00 am Coffee Chats via Zoom 7:00 pm Al-Anon 8:00 pm A.A. SUNDAY, AUGUST 1 9:00 am Worship 6:00 pm Ray Blue in Concert