We are glad you are worshipping with us this morning and hope that you find your experience of worship to be uplifting and meaningful. Any Usher (designated with a name tag) will be glad to answer your questions and help you find your way around. If you need wireless audio receivers, large print bulletins and hymnals, directions to classrooms, restrooms or access ramps, please notify an Usher.

We offer a nursery for infants and toddlers during the worship service at 10:00 a.m. For help finding ways to connect with the ministries and people in this community of faith, or for information about joining the church, please send a message to Membership Coordinator, Allison Cockrill, allison@firstonthird.org.

A Note on Our Worship Space You may notice some changes in the sanctuary, chapel, and Gilmour Hall as we experiment with the arrangement of worship materials and space. This is an exciting way to consider how we engage the senses in worship, thinking theologically about the important relationship between the Word of God and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. You will notice today, for instance, that the large cross greets us as we enter the place of worship, reminding us that we are a people who follow in the way of the Crucified and Risen one. The new cup and plate on the table remind us that the same Risen Christ has promised to eat and drink with us, his people, to nourish us along the journey of discipleship, whenever we gath-er together.

125 S. 3rd Street Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 762-6688

www.firstonthird.org

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

The music of the Opening Voluntary draws us from the outside world into the presence of God. In preparation for worship, you are invited

to use this time for prayerful reflection.

OPENING VOLUNTARY “Prelude and Fugue” - Théodore Dubois “Chant Pastoral” WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

[Please pass the friendship register down the row for each person to sign.] CONGREGATIONAL INTROIT 399 “God Welcomes All” THEMBA AMEN

God welcomes all, strangers and friends; God’s love is strong and it never ends. CALL TO WORSHIP Come, O people! Listen for the voice of God. We have heard God’s voice in mighty thunder, in joyful laughter, in faithful questions. Come, O people! Watch for the presence of God. We have seen God’s presence in rolling hillsides, in busy streets, in one another. Come, O people! Taste the goodness of God. We have tasted God’s love in broken bread, in shared wine, in living water. Rejoice, O people! God is here. Let us rejoice and worship God together! +HYMN 15

“All Creatures of Our God and King” LASST UNS ERFREUEN

TODAY’S SERVICE

First Presbyterian Church Growing in Faith and Love

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost August 11, 2019

For Urgent Pastoral Needs, Please Call - (910) 338-9109

*Please leave a message and the Pastor will return your call.

If you have joys to share, including a birth announcement, or concerns, please call the church office (762-6688).

REMINDER: Please be sure to silence all electronic devices upon entering the sanctuary.

Leading in Worship: Dan Lewis, Pastor Richard Aylor, Associate Pastor Nicole Newton, Associate Pastor John Tabler, Director of Music Benjamin Horrell, Asst. Director of Music

Worship and Wonder FALL IS ON THE WAY! That means a new season for Worship and Wonder. New volunteers are needed, to lead children ages 3-7 through their own worship at the 9 a.m. and two 11 a.m. services, in our two

beautiful Children’s Worship Centers. Stories from the book, Following Jesus by Sonia M. Stewart will be the focus in the coming year. Volunteer storytellers and greeters will have a training session in late summer or early fall. Please consider joining this wonderful pro-gram; you will be blessed. Contact juliaworth16@gmail.com or glolynch10@bellsouth.net.

Scheduling Information

If you would like to receive the weekly e-newsletter, please email Amy Osborne at amy@firstonthird.org.

To share joys or concerns, including birth announcements, or to reserve a room or change a room reservation, please call the church office or send an email message to calendar@firstonthird.org.

Weekly Updates

Stephen Ministry A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11: 25.

“When we’re generous with others, we are likely to experience generosity as well”. Stephen Ministers are generous with their time and talents in caring for others. “We give to help others in loving response to God’s instruction to do so.” Should you desire a confidential listener and caring encourager, please call one of the pastors, 762-6688 or Janice Clark, 228-8584.

Worship Schedule

One service at 10am through Labor Day

Summer Choir Choir practice will be held at 9 am each Sunday through Labor Day Weekend, one hour prior to the 10 am worship service. If you’d like to sing in the choir this summer, all you need to do is meet in the Choir Room at 9 am on Sundays! Questions? Email John Tabler at john@firstonthird.org

Averette Scholarship The Geneva Averette Scholarship has been established to assist persons in financial need to attend a college or university to which they have been accepted. Any rising freshman, sophomore, junior or senior can apply for this need-based scholarship. Past recipients can also reapply. Applicants must be an active member of First Presbyterian Church and are invited to complete the application found on the church web-site. Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2019.

Family Promise (Interfaith) First Presbyterian will be hosting Family Promise/Interfaith families the week of September 15-22nd. Our mission is to provide transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and emergency shelter to home-less families with children. Help and share your talents by signing up through the Member Page of the website and selecting the Family Promise link, or by calling the church office 910.762.6688. Volunteer opportunities for all shifts are available and include cooks, laundry helpers, van drivers, and those who can offer fellowship. Call Michelle Zumbro with questions about this important mission 910.508.8835.

Congregational Care Ministry The Emergency Care Committee, helps church members in the event of a hurricane, power outage, or other related situations. Committee members will call to check on members wellbeing and if they need assistance. If you, or any congregation members you know would like this service, please call Cathy Bai-ley, 910.793.2145, or the church office 910.762.6688 to be put on the list of members to call.

Greeting Team The Greeting Team serves as an extension of the hospitality of the church and seeks to welcome mem-bers and guests by holding doors open and providing assistance as needed on Sunday mornings for 30 minutes prior to services. Greeters are needed for the remainder of the year to serve between 8:30-9am, 10:30-11am. Please call Allison Cockrill at the church office, 762-6688 to sign up for remaining dates and times or visit the signup link on the Member page of the church website to view and register open dates.

A Look Ahead

August 25: Communion and Blessing of the Backpacks, 10am, Sanctuary

August 29: Preschool Parent’s Night, 5:30pm, Sanctuary

September 5: Grandparent’s Support Network Volunteer Orientation, 6pm, Boney Hall

September 8: Rally Day and Youth Kickoff Traditional Worship Schedule Resumes - 8:45am, Chapel service - 9:00am, Gilmour Hall Contemporary service - 11:00am, Sanctuary service

September 11: Discipleship Bible Study Introduction, 7pm, Gilmour Hall

September 15: Sunday School Classes Resume, 10am, Multiple Rooms Fall FPC 101 Classes, 10am, Bride’s Room

TIME WITH THE YOUNG CHURCH

[Three year olds through second graders are invited to come forward, place their offering in the plate and have prayer with the minister.]

WE PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST LESSON Luke 12: 22-40

The Word of the Lord. Pew Bible P. P. 74-75 Thanks be to God.

SECOND LESSON Hebrews 11: 1-16, 11: 39-12:2 The Word of the Lord Pew Bible P. P. 225-226 Thanks be to God.

SERMON Dan Lewis

“By Faith”

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

+HYMN 731 “Give Thanks for Those Whose Faith is Firm” REPTON

+AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (the Apostles’ Creed)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son of our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was cruci-fied, 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 OFFERING

CALL TO CONFESSION - (adapted from 1 John 1)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility and faith, let us confess our sins to God...

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, you love us but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, war-fare, and greed. God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer...

SILENT PRAYER KYRIE MERBECKE

Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Sisters and Brothers, hear this good news: Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ. And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ in a new creation. The old life is gone and a new life has begun. Let us all believe this good news: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE 447 “We Are Forgiven” WE ARE FORGIVEN

We are forgiven. We are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. PASSING OF THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! And also with you!

OFFERTORY ANTHEM

"Day by Day" - Martin Howe Day by day, dear Lord, of Thee three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly, day by day.

- Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester (c.1197-1253) +DOXOLOGY (606) OLD HUNDREDTH

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 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.

WE GO IN GOD’S NAME

+HYMN 361

“O Christ, the Great Foundation” AURELIA

+CHARGE & BENEDICTION CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE 544 “Bless the Lord” BLESS THE LORD Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

“A Millennial Trumpet” - Franklin D. Ashdown

If you leave before worship’s conclusion, please do so silently in

consideration of others. Please refrain from photography and videography during the worship service.

[+You are invited to stand. For each hymn, please stand as the last line of the introduction is played.]