FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
11th Sunday of Pentecost
August 24, 2025
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM in the FPC Center Meeting Room
-THANK YOU to Andrew L’Amour for staffing the office while Rozanne works from home.
-MISSION/OUTREACH COMMITTEE meets next Sunday August 31 following worship service
-PANCAKE BRUNCH is September 7th following worship, with a presentation by Harlan Moss, Chaplain at the Prison in Sioux Falls.
-WORSHIP AT PEACEFUL PINES will be September 7th at 2:00. Join us for a brief worship service and music.
.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come and worship the Lord—the hopeful and the doubting, the worn and the strong.
We come as we are, bringing our questions, our praise, and our hope.
This is God’s house, open to every person--
the long-time faithful, the brand-new seeker, the young, the old, and all in between.
For God’s love has room for us all.
Let us worship the Lord together!
*OPENING HYMN #473 (blue) “For the Beauty of the Earth”
For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind’s delight,
For the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For Thy church that evermore lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, You welcome all people into your presence, yet we confess that we do not always do the same. We draw lines, create barriers, and close doors. We welcome those who look like us, think like us, or agree with us, but we turn away from the stranger, the outsider, or the one who challenges us. Forgive us, Lord. Open our hearts to your boundless love. Teach us to see each person as your child, and to make room in our lives, our church, and our world for all whom you have already welcomed. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*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 “Fountain Medley” Parks Brawand and John Brawand, violins
CHILDREN’S SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING
John 3:1-18
1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Luke 24:13-27
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
SERMON Gideons International, Kurt Turner
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH -- Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #101 (blue) “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Jan J, Judy Se, JoAnn G, Roger & Marvis J, Rozanne M, Lee P, Arlyce T
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: JoAnn G, Ian & Abby G & Violet
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC “In the Garden” C. Austin Miles
Zoe Regan vocalist, Bonnie Foster on Piano
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
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.
*CLOSING HYMN #370 (blue) “Just as I Am, Without One Plea”
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou biddest me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!!
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
ORDER OF WORSHIP
11th Sunday of Pentecost
August 24, 2025
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM in the FPC Center Meeting Room
-THANK YOU to Andrew L’Amour for staffing the office while Rozanne works from home.
-MISSION/OUTREACH COMMITTEE meets next Sunday August 31 following worship service
-PANCAKE BRUNCH is September 7th following worship, with a presentation by Harlan Moss, Chaplain at the Prison in Sioux Falls.
-WORSHIP AT PEACEFUL PINES will be September 7th at 2:00. Join us for a brief worship service and music.
.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come and worship the Lord—the hopeful and the doubting, the worn and the strong.
We come as we are, bringing our questions, our praise, and our hope.
This is God’s house, open to every person--
the long-time faithful, the brand-new seeker, the young, the old, and all in between.
For God’s love has room for us all.
Let us worship the Lord together!
*OPENING HYMN #473 (blue) “For the Beauty of the Earth”
For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind’s delight,
For the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For Thy church that evermore lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, You welcome all people into your presence, yet we confess that we do not always do the same. We draw lines, create barriers, and close doors. We welcome those who look like us, think like us, or agree with us, but we turn away from the stranger, the outsider, or the one who challenges us. Forgive us, Lord. Open our hearts to your boundless love. Teach us to see each person as your child, and to make room in our lives, our church, and our world for all whom you have already welcomed. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*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 “Fountain Medley” Parks Brawand and John Brawand, violins
CHILDREN’S SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING
John 3:1-18
1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Luke 24:13-27
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
SERMON Gideons International, Kurt Turner
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH -- Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #101 (blue) “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Jan J, Judy Se, JoAnn G, Roger & Marvis J, Rozanne M, Lee P, Arlyce T
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: JoAnn G, Ian & Abby G & Violet
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC “In the Garden” C. Austin Miles
Zoe Regan vocalist, Bonnie Foster on Piano
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
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.
*CLOSING HYMN #370 (blue) “Just as I Am, Without One Plea”
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou biddest me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!!
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
