Gathering those who fear they are not enough,

so we may experience grace, wholeness, and renewal as God’s beloved.

The True Vine, Adam Cope, 2010

PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR WORSHIP Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship, it is a consequence. It is not what we have to acquire in order to experience life in Christ; it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience.

– Eugene Peterson

Religion is one of the safest places to hide from God. – Richard Rohr

We Gather to Praise God

PRELUDE AND RINGING OF THE BELL How Firm a Foundation arr. Molly Ijames (b. 1978)

WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP

October 25, 2020 Reformation Sunday

9:30 a.m.

* HYMN 275 (vv. 1 and 4) A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

* Please stand in body or spirit Continued on next page

DRAW NEAR TO GOD’S LOVE AND GRACE

Almighty God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, whose love took flesh for our sakes in the person of Jesus the Christ, we have heard Jesus call us to be disciples, to bear much fruit.

We want to follow, but we are not totally convinced it is a good idea. Jesus says that abiding in him and bearing fruit will make our joy complete. But we are drawn to the world’s call which promises happiness and contentment

if only we acquire enough, if only we are good enough, rich enough, smart enough, successful enough, impressive enough.

Loving God, forgive us for trusting the world’s words over your Living Word. Pour out your Spirit on us, that we may abide in Jesus, bear much fruit,

and know the joyful, abundant life you wish for us.

Silence for personal reflection

SUNG RESPONSE

RECEIVE GOD’S LOVE, GRACE, AND PEACE

* SING GLORY TO GOD

We Listen for God’s Word

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the LORD showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as Dan, 2all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, 3the Negeb, and the Plain — that is, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees — as far as Zoar. 4The LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.” 5Then Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. 6He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. 7Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. 8The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended. 9Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. 11He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the LORD sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, 12and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.

ONE: The Word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God.

WORD IN MUSIC

My Lord! What a Morning African American Spiritual

Chancel Choir

SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 9As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

ONE: The Word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God.

SERMON THE THINGS THAT SPARK JOY James Sledge

We Respond to God’s Word

* HYMN 717 (sung twice) For the Life That You Have Given

* RESPONSE OF FAITH from A Brief Statement of Faith

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church. In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!” With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

MINUTE FOR MINISTRY Welcome Table

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Jenny Lansbury ONE: Lord in your mercy, ALL: Hear our prayer.

The Prayers of the People are offered on behalf of and with the congregation, usually by an elder currently serving on Session (governing council) or other members of the congregation.

Please keep in your prayers… The family of a fifth grader at Kent Gardens Elementary who died unexpectedly on

Oct. 20 Sandy Martin, Gail Robarge’s stepmother, recovering in rehab after falling and

breaking her hip Kathy, Tim, and Michael Guy on the death of their son and brother, Teague, from

complications of cystic fibrosis on Oct. 19 Rusty Lynn, following cataract surgery on Oct. 29 with a second cataract surgery on

Nov. 4 Jenny Lansbury’s brother, Jeff, recovering from hip replacement surgery on Oct. 14 Juan Mendoza, of FCPC’s husband-wife cleaning staff, hospitalized with Covid-19

Educators, administrators, and students, as they face the challenges of online learning during the pandemic

Those who have lost jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic Staff and residents of elder care facilities everywhere First responders, health care providers, caregivers, essential employees, and all who

put their lives at risk during the coronavirus pandemic

Continued prayers for… Kris Barth, Brenda Buchly, Avery Burns, Chuck and Marty Campbell, Allan Capon, Bobbie Conlan, Judy Cornier, Soledad Cuzzi, Sgt. John R. Goldsmith, Steve Graff, Mike Hugo, Linda Issaacson, Doug Jonas, Nora Long, Nancy Lundien, Ruth Mileham, Bob Moore, Cheryl Naderman, Cort Peret, Laura Rainey, Stanley Rusher, Albert Schmid, James Steele, Cathy Stewart, Lawson Swift, Doris Webb, Doris Williams, Charles Wirth, Christa Young

Prayer requests can be sent to Pastor James at prayers@fallschurchpresby.org.

OFFERING OUR GIFTS AND PRESENTING OUR PROMISES TO GOD

If we were worshipping in person, you would be invited to bring your Estimate of Giving card forward during the offertory. Because we cannot do so this year, many of you have already sent them in online or by mail. Therefore you are invited to reflect and meditate on how you hope to give of yourself to the ministry of Christ in the world as we join in sung prayer asking God to take and use us. (Hymn #698, sung three times)

* DOXOLOGY

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING 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.

* HYMN God, Bless Your Church with Strength!

1. God, bless your church with strength! Wherever we may be, 2. God, bless your church with life! May all our branches thrive,

up build your servants as we work in common ministry. unblemished, wholesome, bearing fruit, abundantly alive.

Urge us from fledgling faith to venture and to soar From you, one holy vine, in freedom may we grow;

through open skies to sing the praise of Christ whom we adore. Sustain us in our mission, Lord, your love and peace to show.

TEXT: © John A. Dallas, 1990 DIADEMATA MUSIC: George Job Elvey, 1868 SMD

* OUR LIFE TOGETHER AS THE BODY OF CHRIST

* CHARGE AND BLESSING

POSTLUDE The Heavens Declare Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739)

Songs reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-721003

Supporting us in Worship

Worship Leader Jenny Lansbury

Audio/Video Noah Clark, Diane Maloney

Music Andrew Jonas, tenor; David Schoonover, baritone

Virtual Fellowship Hour Host Marnie Sarver

Sanctuary Flowers The flowers today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Kent and Mary Hamaker by Darrell Hamaker Dabria.

Falls Church Presbyterian belongs to the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, “working for the unity of the church, furthering the inclusion of LGBTQ persons, seeking understanding and reconciliation, and joining with others seeking a still more just and inclusive church.”

The Rev. James Sledge, Pastor Diane Maloney, Director of Spiritual Growth and Community Engagement

Noah Clark, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry The Rev. Megan Klose, Parish Associate

The Rev. Rusty Lynn, Hon. Ret., Parish Associate David Schoonover, Music Coordinator

Dr. Lisa Bloy, Organist

225 East Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 • 703-532-6518 • www.fallschurchpresby.org

This Week at FCPC October 25-November 1, 2020

Today is Commitment Sunday. If we were worshipping in person, you would be invited to bring your Estimate of Giving card forward during the offertory. Because we cannot do so this year, you will instead be invited to reflect and meditate on how you hope to give of yourself to the ministry of Christ in the world. Thank you to those who have already sent in your Estimate of Giving by mail or online.

Virtual Godly Play, Sunday at 8:45 a.m. Join us to hear another story of God and the people of God with our virtual Godly Play. All ages are welcome to join for this unique way of learning the stories of scripture. Zoom Meeting ID: 854 3597 5676

Virtual Fellowship Hour. Join us for virtual Fellowship Hour immediately following worship. Zoom Meeting ID: 919 9132 3252. This week’s host is Marnie Sarver. If you would like to host Fellowship Hour, please sign up here. Check out these helpful hosting tips.

“In the Pulpit/On the Stump,” Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon. In this final installment, we will explore the question: “Can you be both a Christian and a Politician?” Expect a lively discussion on ethics in government. As a final exam, you will be asked to consider ethical and moral choices that politicians must make. What would you do in these situations? Zoom Meeting ID: 816 9564 5911.

Outdoor evening worship tonight, Oct. 25. Join us for evening prayer service with communion in the church parking lot at 6:30 p.m. Worshipers should bring their own lawn chairs and elements for communion and, of course, wear masks. Please let the office know if you plan to attend so we have some idea of numbers.

Online Worship and Meetings

Virtual Godly Play – Sunday at 8:45 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 854 3597 5676

Worship Service – Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Join us for online worship at www.fallschurchpresby.org/livestream or on our FCPC Facebook page.

Virtual Fellowship Hour – Immediately following worship. Zoom Meeting ID: 919 9132 3252

“In the Pulpit/On the Stump” – Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 816 9564 5911

Virtual Youth Group – Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 853 6871 2834

Tuesday Morning Prayer – Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 104 294 101

Scam and phishing emails. Once again church members are receiving emails claiming to be the pastor and needing your help. Please be wary of such emails. James Sledge will never contact you and ask for financial assistance. All legitimate emails from the church will have addresses that end with @fallschurhpresby.org. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent such “spoofing” attempts, but we can block spoofed email addresses once we know of them. Please let us know when you receive such emails.

Welcome Table breaks record, serves 610! Thanks to head chef Heather Anderson and 23 other amazing volunteers, we served 610 guests at the Oct. 21 dinner. Our next Welcome Table is Nov. 4. Please sign up to help here. If you would like to support Welcome Table with a financial contribution, you can mail a check (made out to FCPC with “Welcome Table” in memo line) to the church office or give through FCPC’s secure Online Giving link.

Minute for Ministry moments. In case you missed it, last Sunday’s Minute for Ministry came from Nancy Jones, reflecting on her participation in Tuesday Morning Prayer Group. Click here to see the video. You can view more Minute for Ministry videos on our website. Visit the Giving page and scroll to the bottom.

Nominations for Elders and Deacons. The Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC) is seeking member nominations for elders and deacons for 2021. CNC members are Jay Campbell, chair; Sue Armstrong; Kathy Chavez; Anne Mugler; Eric Munson; Bonnie Seklecki; and Alan Shankle. You may submit nominations to CNC@fallschurchpresby.org or send directly to any CNC member. Deadline for submission is Oct. 31.

“Tree of Positive Actions” is an audience participation piece by artist and FCPC member Marc Robarge and is currently on display at McLean Project for the Arts. Marc is seeking notes of positive actions to address systemic racism to be included in his sculpture. To participate, email Marc with a note of an action you can take to effect change and address systemic racism. Learn more here. You can view the piece by appointment in person or virtually as part of the Sculpture Now 2020 show.

God sightings. You are invited to share a photo that captures a time or place where you have experienced God. Photos submitted by noon each Wednesday will be considered for use at the opening of our virtual worship service. Email images to Diane Maloney.

Crossing Paths is a daily email designed to be a way to stay connected to each other, our community, and God. Crossing Paths are simple reflections shared by the FCPC community, available by email and on our Facebook page. If you would like to share a prayer, poem, or scripture passage to be included in Crossing Paths, please send to Diane Maloney.

Pastoral care during social distancing. If you or your loved one is in need of pastoral care, please do not hesitate to contact James Sledge. And if you are at-risk from COVID-19, please let James or the deacons know if we can offer you support with specific tasks such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or other things that might put you at risk.