FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Christ the King Sunday
November 24, 2024
PRELUDE
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
Through the power of God, Christ our Lord sits on the throne of truth.
As we worship, may this truth guide our thoughts.
Christ our Lord sits on the throne of love.
May this love guide our hearts.
Let us worship our Lord who leads the way.
*OPENING HYMN #175 (Red) ‘Seek Ye First’
1. Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And its righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
2. Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find;
Knock, and the door shall be opened unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
3. You shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God.
Allelu, alleluia!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
All-powerful God, as we recognize Christ’s reign, we also recognize the earthly powers that compete for our loyalty. Guide us, Lord, as we engage in the ordering of these days. Train our hearts on your truth, that your voice might lead us in all that we do. Amen.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
It is only by the power of God that we are able to stand against evil. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O Holy One, you showed us what it means to live by your reign: sharing food with the hungry, freedom with the imprisoned, justice with the oppressed, and joy with the sorrowful. We ask your forgiveness, O God, for all the ways we fail to live as people who belong to your reign. Show Us once more what our belonging means, for you are the beginning, you are the end, and, in every time between, you fill our lives with grace.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Now stand firm in your faith, covered by the saving grace of God and ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
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, Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing’ (choir)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Listen to the word of the Lord.
SCRIPTURE READING
2 Samuel 23:1-7
1Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the favorite of the Strong One of Israel: 2The spirit of the LORD speaks through me, his word is upon my tongue. 3The God of Israel has spoken, the Rock of Israel has said to me: One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, 4is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.
5Is not my house like this with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. Will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? 6But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away; for they cannot be picked up with the hand; 7to touch them one uses an iron bar or the shaft of a spear. And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.
Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) - responsively
1 O LORD, remember in David's favor all the hardships he endured;
2 how he swore to the LORD and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 "I will not enter my house or get into my bed;
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling-place for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6 We heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 "Let us go to his dwelling-place; let us worship at his footstool."
8 Rise up, O LORD, and go to your resting-place, you and the ark of your might.
9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your faithful shout for joy.
10 For your servant David's sake do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back:
"One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I shall teach them,
their sons also, for evermore, shall sit on your throne."
13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation:
14 "This is my resting-place for ever; here I will reside, for I have desired it.
15 I will abundantly bless its provisions; I will satisfy its poor with bread.
16 Its priests I will clothe with salvation, and its faithful will shout for joy.
17 There I will cause a horn to sprout up for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one.
18 His enemies I will clothe with disgrace, but on him, his crown will gleam."
Second Reading Revelation 1:4b-8
4bGrace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen.
8"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Gospel John 18:33-37
33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" 36Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." 37Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON My Kingdom Is Not From Here Elizabeth Fox, CRE
*Hymn #464 Red ‘Our Father, Which Art in Heaven’
1. Our Father, which art in heaven:
hallowed-a be thy name.
Thy kingdom come; thy will be done:
hallowed-a be thy name.
2. On earth as it is in heaven:
hallowed-a be thy name.
Give us this day our daily bread:
hallowed-a be thy name.
3. And forgive us all our debts:
hallowed-a be thy name.
as we forgive our debtors:
hallowed-a be thy name.
4. And lead us not into temptation:
hallowed-a be thy name.
but deliver us from evil:
hallowed-a be thy name.
5. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory:
hallowed-a be thy name.
forever and ever. Amen:
hallowed-a be thy name.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.54–55
Biblical visions and images of the rule of Christ, such as a heavenly city, the household of God, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom. The kingdom represents God’s triumph over all that resists the divine will and disrupts God’s creation.
Already God’s reign is present as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in all people and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgment and redemption.
With an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks
and strives for a better world. It does not identify limited progress with the kingdom of God on earth, nor does it despair in the face of disappointment and defeat. In steadfast hope, the church looks beyond all partial achievement
to the final triumph of God.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Remembering the world that God so loves, we pray to the Maker of heaven and earth, saying:
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
We pray for the church . . .
Make us faithful witnesses to the risen Lord,
a holy kingdom and a royal priesthood,
praising your honor and glory forever.
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
We pray for the world . . .
Establish your eternal and majestic throne
here and now, in our world;
establish your justice and peace forever.
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
We pray for this community . . .
Come quickly, and abide with us forever;
let the hungry eat and be satisfied;
let the poor rejoice in your salvation.
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
We pray for loved ones . . .
Give rest to those who are weary;
give strength to those who are weak;
bless and keep us, now and always.
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Sovereign God, keep us watching and working
for the promise of your heavenly realm,
until all the earth rejoices at your coming in glory;
through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen.
- Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
- This Week’s Prayer Families: Ella L, Pam L, Jeanne & Darwin L
- Those Who Mourn: our prayers for the family and friends of Dorothy Williamson who passed away Oct. 31, 2024
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
Invitation
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
Romans 12:1
*DOXOLOGY (on screen)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
To you, O God, we offer our lives—our abundance, our poverty, all that we have, all that we are—a sign of our great thanksgiving for the treasure of your grace. Take and use us for good in the world that you so love; we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mark 12:41–44
*CLOSING HYMN #265 (red book) Jesus Shall Reign
1. Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
2. To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head;
his name like sweet perfume shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.
3. People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
4. Blessings abound where'er he reigns:
the prisoners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.
5. Let every creature rise and bring
honors peculiar to our King;
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud Amen!
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
The blessing of the holy, triune God, who was and is and is to come--
first and last, beginning and end, Alpha and Omega—be with you now and always.
Alleluia! Revelation 1:8
Go in peace to love the Lord your God with heart and soul and mind and strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself.
Amen. Mark 12:29–31
POSTLUDE
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Christ the King Sunday
November 24, 2024
PRELUDE
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
- WORSHIP COMMITTEE would like volunteers after church today to hang up wreaths, put up the Christmas tree, and some other decoration items in preparation for the service on December 1. Many hands make light work!
- TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP, 9:30ish AM at the Mission Coffee House.
- THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will not be meeting on Nov. 28th. Christmas Special will be held on Thursdays Dec. 5-19 at 9:30 AM in the center meeting room.
- CHURCH OFFICE will be closed Nov. 28 and 29 in observance of Thanksgiving Day.
- HANGING OF THE GREEN will be done during worship service next Sunday, Dec. 1
- ADVENT CONGREGATION POTLUCK will be held next Sunday, December 1 following worship service. Please bring a dish to share if you are able, but please plan to attend in any case as there is always plenty of food. The program will be signing Christmas cards and singing Christmas hymns.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Through the power of God, Christ our Lord sits on the throne of truth.
As we worship, may this truth guide our thoughts.
Christ our Lord sits on the throne of love.
May this love guide our hearts.
Let us worship our Lord who leads the way.
*OPENING HYMN #175 (Red) ‘Seek Ye First’
1. Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And its righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
2. Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find;
Knock, and the door shall be opened unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
3. You shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God.
Allelu, alleluia!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
All-powerful God, as we recognize Christ’s reign, we also recognize the earthly powers that compete for our loyalty. Guide us, Lord, as we engage in the ordering of these days. Train our hearts on your truth, that your voice might lead us in all that we do. Amen.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
It is only by the power of God that we are able to stand against evil. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O Holy One, you showed us what it means to live by your reign: sharing food with the hungry, freedom with the imprisoned, justice with the oppressed, and joy with the sorrowful. We ask your forgiveness, O God, for all the ways we fail to live as people who belong to your reign. Show Us once more what our belonging means, for you are the beginning, you are the end, and, in every time between, you fill our lives with grace.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Now stand firm in your faith, covered by the saving grace of God and ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
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, Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing’ (choir)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Listen to the word of the Lord.
SCRIPTURE READING
2 Samuel 23:1-7
1Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the favorite of the Strong One of Israel: 2The spirit of the LORD speaks through me, his word is upon my tongue. 3The God of Israel has spoken, the Rock of Israel has said to me: One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, 4is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.
5Is not my house like this with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. Will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? 6But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away; for they cannot be picked up with the hand; 7to touch them one uses an iron bar or the shaft of a spear. And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.
Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) - responsively
1 O LORD, remember in David's favor all the hardships he endured;
2 how he swore to the LORD and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 "I will not enter my house or get into my bed;
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling-place for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6 We heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 "Let us go to his dwelling-place; let us worship at his footstool."
8 Rise up, O LORD, and go to your resting-place, you and the ark of your might.
9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your faithful shout for joy.
10 For your servant David's sake do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back:
"One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees that I shall teach them,
their sons also, for evermore, shall sit on your throne."
13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation:
14 "This is my resting-place for ever; here I will reside, for I have desired it.
15 I will abundantly bless its provisions; I will satisfy its poor with bread.
16 Its priests I will clothe with salvation, and its faithful will shout for joy.
17 There I will cause a horn to sprout up for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one.
18 His enemies I will clothe with disgrace, but on him, his crown will gleam."
Second Reading Revelation 1:4b-8
4bGrace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen.
8"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Gospel John 18:33-37
33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" 36Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." 37Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON My Kingdom Is Not From Here Elizabeth Fox, CRE
*Hymn #464 Red ‘Our Father, Which Art in Heaven’
1. Our Father, which art in heaven:
hallowed-a be thy name.
Thy kingdom come; thy will be done:
hallowed-a be thy name.
2. On earth as it is in heaven:
hallowed-a be thy name.
Give us this day our daily bread:
hallowed-a be thy name.
3. And forgive us all our debts:
hallowed-a be thy name.
as we forgive our debtors:
hallowed-a be thy name.
4. And lead us not into temptation:
hallowed-a be thy name.
but deliver us from evil:
hallowed-a be thy name.
5. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory:
hallowed-a be thy name.
forever and ever. Amen:
hallowed-a be thy name.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.54–55
Biblical visions and images of the rule of Christ, such as a heavenly city, the household of God, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom. The kingdom represents God’s triumph over all that resists the divine will and disrupts God’s creation.
Already God’s reign is present as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in all people and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgment and redemption.
With an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks
and strives for a better world. It does not identify limited progress with the kingdom of God on earth, nor does it despair in the face of disappointment and defeat. In steadfast hope, the church looks beyond all partial achievement
to the final triumph of God.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Remembering the world that God so loves, we pray to the Maker of heaven and earth, saying:
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
We pray for the church . . .
Make us faithful witnesses to the risen Lord,
a holy kingdom and a royal priesthood,
praising your honor and glory forever.
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
We pray for the world . . .
Establish your eternal and majestic throne
here and now, in our world;
establish your justice and peace forever.
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
We pray for this community . . .
Come quickly, and abide with us forever;
let the hungry eat and be satisfied;
let the poor rejoice in your salvation.
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
We pray for loved ones . . .
Give rest to those who are weary;
give strength to those who are weak;
bless and keep us, now and always.
Let your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Sovereign God, keep us watching and working
for the promise of your heavenly realm,
until all the earth rejoices at your coming in glory;
through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen.
- Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
- This Week’s Prayer Families: Ella L, Pam L, Jeanne & Darwin L
- Those Who Mourn: our prayers for the family and friends of Dorothy Williamson who passed away Oct. 31, 2024
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
Invitation
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
Romans 12:1
*DOXOLOGY (on screen)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
To you, O God, we offer our lives—our abundance, our poverty, all that we have, all that we are—a sign of our great thanksgiving for the treasure of your grace. Take and use us for good in the world that you so love; we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mark 12:41–44
*CLOSING HYMN #265 (red book) Jesus Shall Reign
1. Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
2. To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head;
his name like sweet perfume shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.
3. People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
4. Blessings abound where'er he reigns:
the prisoners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.
5. Let every creature rise and bring
honors peculiar to our King;
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud Amen!
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
The blessing of the holy, triune God, who was and is and is to come--
first and last, beginning and end, Alpha and Omega—be with you now and always.
Alleluia! Revelation 1:8
Go in peace to love the Lord your God with heart and soul and mind and strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself.
Amen. Mark 12:29–31
POSTLUDE