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worship service for november 22, 2020

11/21/2020

Link to recording of online worship
Plumsted Presbyterian Church
November 22, 2020—Christ the King Sunday
Welcome
* Call to Worship
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come into God’s presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God. It is the Lord that made us, and we are God’s; we are God’s people, and the sheep of God’s pasture.
Enter the Lord’s gates with thanksgiving, and the Lord’s courts with praise. Give thanks to the Lord, bless God’s name.
For the Lord is good, God’s steadfast love endures forever, and God’s faithfulness to all generations.
* Hymn 155 Rejoice the Lord is King
Confession and Assurance of Forgiveness
We are often oblivious to God’s near presence, consumed by our own interests and unable rightly to see and treat others. Our God is merciful, eager to forgive, seeking us out and able to transform. Confident in the character and power of God, we boldly confess our sin.
On this Christ the King Sunday we confess, Lord of all, that we have often put other priorities ahead of our loyalty to you. We focus on ourselves and become unable to tend to those in need. We obsess on our own desires to the detriment of your creation. We dismiss those without earthly status and seek out those we think can benefit us. We forget that following you means caring for those most in need of compassion and relief.
Forgive us, merciful Lord. Free us from a past we cannot change. Turn us toward you. Shape us into a people who better resemble you, Christ our King, Jesus our servant Lord. Amen.
God tells us, “I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.” Christ alone is judge and Christ is merciful, eager to forgive and abounding in steadfast love. Friends, believe the good news and be at peace. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
Prayer for Illumination
Almighty God, as the days grow shorter and our world continues to wrestle with all manner of suffering, we long to know your near and healing presence. Send your Spirit to grant us the faith and hope to recognize you, worship you, follow you and heed your Word. Amen.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
Scripture
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-2411For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 14I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. 16I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.
20Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, 22I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. 23I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken.
Matthew 25:31-46“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left.
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’
And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’
Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’
Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Sermon
* Affirmation of Faith
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of Intercession
Invitation to the Offering and Dedication
In recognition of our loyalty to our God and our gratitude for all God has given to us, we make our offering with joy and thanksgiving. Let us seek to show our love for the God who relentlessly seeks us out and tenderly cares for us through the gift of our tithes and offerings.
Holy One, we pray for a spirit of wisdom the wisdom to know whom to follow and how to treat one another, the wisdom to steward the gifts you have entrusted us in ways that bring you glory, the wisdom to worship you and you alone. Take these gifts, we pray, bless and use them that the least of these members of your family would be fed, visited, cared for and clothed in your name. Amen.
* Hymn 407 When a Poor One
* Charge and Benediction
* Please stand if you’re able

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worship service for november 15, 2020

11/14/2020

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Watch a recording of this service
PLUMSTED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
November 15, 2020— 24th Sunday After Pentecost
Welcome and Announcements
* Call to worship
This is the Lord's Day, the day of wonder and grace.
This is the day to worship the One who calls us here.
This is the Lord's Day, the day we are given joy and peace.
This is the day promised to us, the day of healing and renewal.
This is the Lord's Day, and it has come just in time!
This is the day we gather with hope, with faith, with love!
* Hymn  473  For The Beauty Of The Earth
Confession and Assurance
When we remember all the mistakes we have made, all the careless words we have spoken, all the contempt we have given to those around us, we have trouble looking God in the eye. But God gazes at us with mercy and love, waiting to forgive us, even as we hesitate to speak of the brokenness of our hearts.
Again we must confess, Master of the Universe, our struggles to be faithful disciples. Entrusted with all your gifts, we become fearful once again of misusing them, missing the chance to be a blessing to others. Invited to dance in the light of your love, we stand against the wall once again, keeping company with our old friend, sin. Called to be emptied for those who struggle in life, we fill ourselves once again, with scorn for the poor choices they make.
Have mercy, Journeying God, have mercy on us. Once again, open our eyes to your kingdom in our midst, so we might discover that your day of hope and grace has already come in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
(Silent Confession)
This is the good news: God intends for us to find life, to embrace hope, to receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ, our Servant.
The end of our journey is not rejection and emptiness, but the fullness of grace and hope in our God. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven. Amen.
Prayer for illumination
Lord God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit, that as we hear your word, read and proclaimed, we may be stirred up to holiness of life, and may live with you forever in the world to come; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Scripture Readings                         Judges 4:1-22
The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died. So the Lord sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-goiim. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly twenty years.
At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. She sent and summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you, ‘Go, take position at Mount Tabor, bringing ten thousand from the tribe of Naphtali and the tribe of Zebulun. I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand.’” Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” And she said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and ten thousand warriors went up behind him; and Deborah went up with him. Now Heber the Kenite had separated from the other Kenites, that is, the descendants of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, and had encamped as far away as Elon-bezaanannim, which is near Kedesh. When Sisera was told that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor, Sisera called out all his chariots, nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the troops who were with him, from Harosheth-ha-goiim to the Wadi Kishon.Then Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day on which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. The Lord is indeed going out before you.” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand warriors following him. And the Lord threw Sisera and all his chariots and all his army into a panic before Barak; Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot, while Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth-ha-goiim. All the army of Sisera fell by the sword; no one was left.
Now Sisera had fled away on foot to the tent of Jael wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between King Jabin of Hazor and the clan of Heber the Kenite.Jael came out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord, turn aside to me; have no fear.” So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. Then he said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink; for I am thirsty.” So she opened a skin of milk and gave him a drink and covered him. He said to her, “Stand at the entrance of the tent, and if anybody comes and asks you, ‘Is anyone here?’ say, ‘No.’” But Jael wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, until it went down into the ground—he was lying fast asleep from weariness—and he died. Then, as Barak came in pursuit of Sisera, Jael went out to meet him, and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking.” So he went into her tent; and there was Sisera lying dead, with the tent peg in his temple.
Sermon
* Affirmation of Faith
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Lord in your mercy, or Lord, in thanksgiving,
Hear our prayer.
Prayers of the People
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
God has offered the world a new vision of life which is full and abundant, teeming with all the good gifts that have been lavished upon us in Christ Jesus.  May we be open to receiving them with gratitude, and in offering them, along with ourselves, for the sake of others.  Let us offer our tithes and offerings to God.
Bring forth the fullness of your vision to us, O God, as we open our hearts to you in the giving of our gifts.  Like the praise we offer, may they bring glory to your name, now and in your world forever. Amen.
* Hymn #210 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
* Charge and Benediction
Let us go forth to be God's faithful people of might.
We bravely share our gifts with everyone we meet.
Let us go forth to be the followers of Jesus.
We will not hold back our compassion, but will offer it to all.
Let us go forth to be the Spirit's hope and peace.
We will be the grace, the joy, the wonder others need in their lives.

* Please stand if you’re able

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advent 2020 online study group - mondays at 7 p.m.

11/11/2020

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Advent online study group: Witness the life and ministry of Jesus through the eyes of Mary
Not a Silent Night by Adam Hamilton
5 sessions Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning November 23
This year, experience Advent and Christmas with the one who knew Jesus more intimately than anyone else—his mother, Mary. Imagine the pain she felt at the crucifixion, her pride as Jesus’ ministry grew, and her unrestrained joy when she looked into his face the night he was born in a stable in Bethlehem. In his book, Not a Silent Night, Adam Hamilton helps you witness the life of Jesus from Mary’s unique perspective, beginning at the very end and traveling back in time to the very beginning.

November 23—Beginning with the End
November 30—The Piercing of Mary’s Soul
December 7—Amazed, Astounded, and Astonished
December 14—Mary, Full of Grace
December 21—It Was Not a Silent Night

A limited number of the books have been ordered. Cost is $11. The Ocean County Library also has 2 copies available to borrow. Please see Phyllis if you would like to buy a copy.

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november 8, 2020 worship service

11/6/2020

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Link to video recording of service
PLUMSTED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
November 8, 2020— 23rd Sunday After Pentecost
Welcome and Announcements
* Call to worship
Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord,  and God’s might, and the wonders that the Lord has done.
* Hymn       457 I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art
Confession and Assurance
Despite God’s clear commandments to us and gracious covenant with us, we often choose to serve the lesser gods of this world. In acknowledgment of our idolatry and failings, resting on the promise of God’s mercy and forgiveness, we confess our sin to God and before one another.
Loving God, as we examine our life together, our impulses and actions, we see all too clearly that our choices do not reflect your commandments. We fail to love you and we neglect to love our neighbors. You tell us to be ready to meet you at any moment, to stay awake to your presence and prepared to do your will. We remain distracted or complacent, disillusioned or paralyzed. We ask for your wisdom. Focus our attention on our Savior that we might see your vision for this world. Forgive our past mistakes so that we will be free to be the salt and light you call and create us to be. Amen.
Be pleased, O God, to deliver me.
O Lord, make haste to help me!
Friends, believe the good news,
through Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God! Amen.
Prayer for illumination
Alpha and Omega, you are our beginning and our end, nothing in this life or in this world is absent of your love, presence and power. As we quiet our minds and look to set our worries aside even if for a moment, send your Spirit. Give us wisdom. Instruct us. Shape us. Guide us. Send us. May your Word read and proclaimed be embodied in our actions. Amen.
Scripture readings
Amos 5:18-24
Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord? It is darkness, not light; as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake. Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?
I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.
Matthew 25:1-13“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept.
But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’
And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut.
Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Sermon
* Affirmation of Faith    from A Declaration of Faith
God has not taken his people out of the world, but has sent them into the world
to worship God there and serve all humankind. We worship God in the world by standing before the Lord in behalf of all people. Our cries for help and our songs of praise are never for ourselves alone. Worship is no retreat from the world; it is part of our mission.
We serve humankind by discerning what God is doing in the world and joining God in that work. We risk disagreement and error when we try to say what God is doing here and now. But we find guidance in God’s deeds in the past and in God’s promises for the future, as they are witnessed to in Scripture. We affirm that the Lord is at work, especially in events and movements that free people by the gospel and advance justice, compassion and peace.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Lord in your mercy, or Lord, in thanksgiving,
Hear our prayer.
Prayers of the People
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
We commit to serving God. All other loyalties are penultimate. As a sign of our desire to follow Jesus Christ, we give to God a portion of what God has entrusted us to steward.
Almighty God, when our fear of tomorrow threatens to overwhelm us, help us to remember that we serve you and you are omnipotent, loving and abounding in steadfast kindness. As we offer you these gifts, we ask for the wisdom to fill our lamps with the oil that enables us to be the light of the world. May this offering enable others to know your near and good presence. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
* Hymn                     11 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?
* Charge and Benediction
* Please stand if you’re able

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November 06th, 2020

11/6/2020

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spread joy to children in need with Girl Scout troop 50440

10/31/2020

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Girl Scout Troop 50440 of New Egypt invites you to help spread joy to children in need this Christmas season. They are collecting the following items (new items only) - all items must be able to fit into a shoe box

School supplies
Doll Babiles/Stuffed Anmals
Hats/Mittens/Scarves
Christmas PJs for children age 5-14
Foam balls/Playing cards
Craft kits/Amall Games
Puzzles/Coloring Books/Journals
Toothbrushes
Washcloths and Bar Soap
Deodorant
Hand Wipes (no liquids)

They are also collecting shoe boxes in good condition and wrapping paper. If you are able to help them meet their goal, please email [email protected]. Items can be dropped off at the church on Thursday 11/5. If you know of a family in need of a Christmas Surprise Shoebox, please email [email protected]

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november 1, 2020 All saints day

10/30/2020

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Link to a video recording of this service
PLUMSTED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
November 1, 2020— All Saints Day
Welcome and Announcements
* Call to worship
I will bless the Lord at all times;
God’s praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt God’s name together.
I sought the Lord, and God answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to the Lord, and be radiant;
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
* Hymn       457 I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art
Confession and Assurance
God loves us so much that we are called children of God. When we see God face to face we will resemble our Lord. In anticipation of that day, we come before God and confess our sin, seeking to repent and be reshaped into a closer image of the One we follow and worship. Let us pray.
Lord of every tribe and nation, on this day when we remember and give thanks for all the saints, we are mindful of the countless ways we fail to follow their example of loyalty and faithfulness. We capitulate to idolatry. We worship the false gods of our time instead of bowing down before the Lamb on the throne. We imagine all people gathered in praise of you and lament how we make our witness through our divisions and strife. Forgive us for acting as if earthly powers are ultimate. Hear our plea to find our hope, our life, our salvation in you alone. Accept our repentance and reshape us in ways that glorify you. Amen.
O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in the Lord. O fear the Lord, you God’s holy ones, for those who fear God have no want. Friends, believe the good news, through Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Thanks be to God. Amen.
Prayer for illumination
Gracious God, we come to worship carrying with us the concerns of the world, the worries on our hearts and burdens that have become too heavy for us to carry. In the light of your Word reveal to us that which truly matters, those things we need to expose in order that healing might happen, and the next step that will take us closer to our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Revelation 7:9-17
After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Matthew 5:1-12When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the apeacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Sermon
* Affirmation of Faith
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Lord in your mercy, or Lord, in thanksgiving,
Hear our prayer.
Prayers of the People
Offering
Come before God with gifts and offerings that reflect your joy and gratitude for God’s grace and goodness. Come before God with praise and worship, joining with all the saints as we present to God with gladness a portion of all that God has entrusted us to steward.
Alpha and Omega, our beginning and end, there is nowhere we can flee from your Spirit, no place God-forsaken or unable to be transformed by your redemptive power. As we remember the saints who ran the race before them and were called good and faithful servants, we are humbled and inspired to seek to follow you more closely and imitate those who imitated Christ. We offer these gifts as a sign of our desire to be loyal to you and loving to our neighbors. Take them, bless them, distribute them in ways that reveal your goodness to your creation. Amen.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
. . .
Therefore, with all creation we sing your praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes your name. Hosanna in the highest.
. . .
Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
. . .
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. They 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.
Breaking of the Bread
Communion of the People
Prayer after Communion
Thank you, gracious God, for giving us bread for the journey of these forty days. As we travel on through the wilderness, help us to share your grace with others and draw us ever closer to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
* Hymn            280 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
* Charge and Benediction
* Please stand if you’re able
Ministers: Rev. David Bowman, Rev. Phyllis Zoon
Music: Mrs. Gail Miller

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october 25, 2020 21st sunday after pentecost

10/25/2020

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Watch a video of this service
PLUMSTED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
October 25, 2020— 21st Sunday After Pentecost
Welcome and Announcements
* Call to worship
We are invited to share in Christ's ministry of compassion.
We will widen our hearts so we might cradle the lost.
We are challenged to learn more about God each day.
We will open our minds so we might discern God's dreams for us and see the holy in all things.
We are summoned to let the Spirit be planted within us.
We will deepen our souls so we might grow in love.
* Hymn                                      460 Holy God, We Praise Your Name
Confession and Assurance
We have been entrusted with the message of the gospel, but all too often act as if the memos from sin and death have more influence in our lives. Let us confess our sins, so we might know God's great love for us.
As you know, God our healer, we stand on the edge of your promises and hopes yet cannot seem to let ourselves cross over into the life you intend for us. We seek praise from our families yet are unable to tell them how much we love them; we care more about our needs and desires, than for the struggles of our neighbors; we think more about the trash we read and see than focusing on the Spirit of wisdom.
Forgive us, Everlasting God. Renew our lives with your grace; restore our hopes with your vision of tomorrow; refresh our spirits with your joy which comes to us new in each moment in the gift of your Child, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
(Silent Confession)
This moment, this morning, this day, and in all the days to come, God's compassion and hope fill our lives. What joyous good news!
Our hope is not in vain. God forgives our sins and is the dwelling place for all people. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Prayer for illumination
Holy One, you planted us by living water, that we might be rooted in righteousness. You call us to be holy as you are holy. Assured of your love, help us to cast aside all fear, that we may see the sacred in all that is around us, as we hear anew your word for us this day.  Amen.
Scripture Readings
Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the Lord. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
Matthew 22:34-46
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”’? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
Sermon
* Affirmation of Faith                                             The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Lord in your mercy, or Lord, in thanksgiving,
Hear our prayer.
Prayers of the People
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
The wonderful works of God surround us. How will we show our gratitude? The generosity of God exceeds all our limits. How will our manner of life reflect the abundance of God’s mercy? Surely our offerings are one measure of our response. Let us share them with joy and thanksgiving.
We thank you, God for the opportunity to express our love to you through the gifts we offer to support and encourage your work in near and distant places. Make our hearts glad that we can share in extending the gospel and helping to heal humanity’s pain, for we bring them to you with grateful hearts. Amen.
* Hymn                                   357 O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee
* Charge and Benediction
And now go forth,
to love God with all your heart, your mind, your soul:
with passion, with prayer, with intelligence;
to love your neighbor:
with forgiveness, with service, with love;
and to love yourself:
with hope, with joy, with peace.
* Please stand if you’re able
Ministers: Rev. David Bowman, Rev. Phyllis Zoon
Music: Mrs. Gail Miller

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October 18, 2020 - 20th sunday after pentecost

10/16/2020

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Here is the link to online worship
PLUMSTED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
October 18, 2020— 20th Sunday After Pentecost
Welcome and Announcements
* Call to worship
Exalt the Almighty
and worship at God’s holy mountain,
for the Lord is holy.
Look! The Lord draws near;
come into the presence of the Holy One.
Let us behold the glory of our God.
* Hymn               138 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Confession and Assurance
The grace of God overflows for us through Christ Jesus who came into the world to save sinners. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
Living Lord,
in you we live and move and have our being.
You call us to give all that we are
and all that we have
in service to Christ.
But we hold tightly to our treasure,
afraid we will not have enough for ourselves,
and hold back our talents,
afraid these gifts will not be enough.
God, unclench our fists
and help us to give fully and freely
so that, in all things,
we might serve and glorify you.
Silent confession
Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. Thanks be to God!
Prayer for illumination
What more, Lord, could we ask for than the promise of your presence with us, your presence that gives us rest? Send your Spirit to open us to your Word read and proclaimed that we might hear and find rest for our souls and bread for the journey. Amen.
Scripture readings
Exodus 33:12-23
Moses said to the Lord, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people’; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”
[The Lord] said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
And Moses said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.”
The Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
[Moses] said, “Show me your glory, I pray.”
And [the Lord] said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The Lord’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” And the Lord continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”
I Thessalonians 1:1-10
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake.
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.
Matthew 22:15-22
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap [Jesus] in what he said.
So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?”
But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
Sermon
* Affirmation 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 Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God.
Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel.
Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.
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.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Lord in your mercy, or Lord, in thanksgiving,
Hear our prayer.
Prayers of the People
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
Extol the Lord our God, and worship at God’s holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy. Let us extol and worship our holy God with the offerings of our lives and the gifts of the earth.
Lord of all, we render to you that which is yours. We recognize that all we have, that all the earth, every fiber of our being and every cell of creation is yours. We can do nothing apart from your presence and power working with us. In thanksgiving and joy, we give to you this offering. Bless it, we pray, and use it for that which will bring you glory and share your love. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
* Hymn                     420 God of Grace and God of Glory
* Charge and Benediction
* Please stand if you’re able

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Worship Service for October 11, 2020

10/8/2020

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Click here to view a video of the service
PLUMSTED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
October 11, 2020— 19th Sunday After Pentecost
Welcome and Announcements
* Call to worship
Come, all who hunger for good news.
We thirst for words of hope and healing.
Come, from rural road and city street
We gather at the King’s invitation.
Come, join the celebration.
Let us worship the Lord!
* Hymn                                       155 Rejoice the Lord is King
Confession and Assurance
The grace of God overflows for us through Christ Jesus who came into the world to save sinners. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
Extravagant God, you invite us to your table in the Kingdom of Heaven. But we do not take our place at the feast. We say, “We have more important things to do,” and turn back to labors that threaten to consume us.
Beckon us again, we pray, that we may respond with gratitude. In your mercy, gather us in that we might experience the joy of your kingdom and taste the abundance of your grace.
Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. Thanks be to God!
Prayer for illumination
Gracious God, the news this week disturbs and scares us. The state of the world, the state of our own hearts, frightens and stuns us. We need your transformative word to call us back to you, to remind us of who and whose we are, to shape us for your service in ways that shine Christ’s light in our darkness. Send your Spirit so that we will hear and respond rightly to your word to your people. Amen.
Scripture readings
Exodus 32:1-14
When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered around Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make gods for us, who shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Aaron said to them, “Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” So all the people took off the gold rings from their ears, and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from them, formed it in a mold, and cast an image of a calf; and they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a festival to the Lord.” They rose early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought sacrifices of well-being; and the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to revel.
The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!< The Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.” But Moses implored the Lord his God, and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’“ And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
Philippians 4:1-9 4Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Matthew 22:1-14Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.3He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. 4Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’5But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, 6while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them.7The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9Go therefore into the main streets and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ 10Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, 12and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless.13Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’14For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Sermon
* Affirmation of Faith                          The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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 life everlasting. Amen.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Lord in your mercy, or Lord, in thanksgiving,
Hear our prayer.
Prayers of the People
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
God’s love for us never ends. God’s mercies are new every morning. When we consider God’s goodness and mercy, we are humbled and awed. In gratitude and joy we give to God our morning’s offering. Let us worship as we give.
Almighty God, you invite us to the banquet, welcome us to your table, send your prophets with your instructions and your Son to save us from our sin. The depth and breadth of your compassion cannot ever be earned or repaid; hence we call it grace. Accept, we pray, these gifts, given in thanksgiving and in the hope that you will bless and use them to call others to the heavenly banquet. Amen.
* Hymn                              145 Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
* Charge and Benediction
* Please stand if you’re able

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