Forest Hill Church: diverse, inclusive, welcoming

3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Hts OH 44118

216-321-2660 Fax: 216-320-1214

Email: office@fhcpresb.org Website: www.fhcpresb.org

Rev. Dr. John C. Lentz, Jr., Pastor

Rev. Lois Annich, Interim Assoc. Pastor

Anne Wilson, Director of Music

Kate Burleigh, Dir. of Children’s Ministries

Shannon Headen, Dir. of Youth Ministries

2

Service of Worship

February 18, 2018 at 11:00 am

First Sunday in Lent Welcome! Thank you for joining us today for worship.

Please join us in wearing a name tag so that we might greet you.

Our ushers have hearing devices, large print editions of the bulletin,

activity bags for children staying in worship, and directions to our

nursery for babies and young children.

Prayer of Preparation God of grace and demand, you challenge us to reclaim our baptismal identity as

those whose lives are built on your call and your promises—not on the easy,

seductive forces around us. Stir our hearts that we may engage your transforming

word anew and rediscover its power to save. Amen.

~ Walter Brueggemann

Welcome

Prelude arr. Joel Raney

“What Wondrous Love Is This”

Voices in Bronze

Choral Introit John Bell

“We Will Take What You Offer”

3

Greeting Our God with Joy

Call to Worship Lotus Headen

One: Lead us in the way of truth, O God.

All: Show us your holy pathways.

One: Your way is steadfast love and faithfulness.

All: Teach us to follow where you lead

One: We trust in your way, O Lord

All: To you, we lift up our souls. Let us worship God!

(Based on the work of Karen Clark Ristine in

The Abingdon Worship Annual 2018)

* Processional Hymn No. 215 “What Wondrous Love Is This”

*please stand if able

Renewing Our Relationship with God

Prayer of Confession Shannon Headen

The world is too much with us, O God. We are overwhelmed and

undermined by the many forces that clamor for our attention.

Forgive our wandering minds and divided hearts. By the power of

your Spirit renew our passion for discipleship. In your mercy, grant

us strength, courage, and hope to walk in your ways, following in

the steps of Jesus who gave himself in love that we might have

abundant life. In his name we pray. Amen.

Time of Silent Confession

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) Henry Leck

Sine Nomine Choir

4

Affirming the Good News in Our Lives

Assurance of Pardon

Be Still and Know (John Bell)

Anthem arr. Jarrett Roseborough

“Heaven for a Motherless Child”

Lauren Wright, guest soloist

Opening Our Hearts to God’s Word

* Hymn No. 658 “God Is So Good”

Children in Pathways may leave following the hymn

Prayer requests to be read during the Prayers of the People

may be passed to the ushers during this hymn

All sing first time; 2nd time lower

voices begin; upper voices begin

1 measure later

5

Scripture Lessons

Romans 12: 1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to

present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,

which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but

be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern

what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Mark 1: 9-15

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by

John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he

saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.

And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I

am well pleased.’

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in

the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild

beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the

good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of

God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’

Leader: Hear what the Holy Spirit is telling God’s people.

People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon Rev. Lois Annich

“Be Transformed!”

Prayers of the People Pastor John Lentz

6

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.

Ritual of Friendship

Offering

Offertory Glenn E. Burleigh

“Nia” (Purpose)

* Response Hymn No. 697

* Prayer of Dedication

Going Forth to Live as God’s People

* Closing Hymn No. 694 “Great God of Every Blessing”

* Commission and Blessing

7

* Choral Benediction Sanctuary

* Passing of the Peace

Postlude Pietro Yon

“L’Organo Primitivo”

Welcome Visitors! We look forward to greeting you and answering any questions you may

have. Welcome bags are available in the foyers and the narthex. Take one

home with you! Be sure to visit our website, www.fhcpresb.org, for a list

of upcoming events, education programs for all ages, and past sermon

texts and audio.

8

Notes & Announcements Chancel Flowers are given by the Cameron family in loving memory of Alan

Scott Cameron, and by Al Gilbert in honor of Iris’ 90th birthday.

Prayers are requested this week for: Joe and Betsy Andrews, Max

Harmon, Florence and Ron Klein, Wafa Kuri, Jimmy Strong, Bob and Linda

Uhle, and Connor White.

Please remember these homebound members in your prayers: Marge

Drollinger, Iris and Al Gilbert, Emelia McGuire, Joyce Peters, Margie

Stauffer, Elaine Tapié, Lorian Thomas, and Beryl and Henrietta Williams.

Please pray for Jean and Scott Duncan and their family; Jean’s father

Harold “Dutch" Snyder died recently.

Please pray also for the Wollaeger family; Chris’ mother Madge

Wollaeger Kastner died recently.

Care Group: The Calvary Care Group is responsible for assisting the clergy

in meeting members’ needs during February. Please call the church office

to report an illness, hospitalization, family emergency, birth or death.

Information will then be passed on to the Care Group leaders.

Thank you to head usher Roger Heineman and today’s ushers. Please

contact the church office if you are interested in joining an usher team.

The Deacons encourage you to stop by the Greeting Card Table in

Fellowship Hall before or after worship to sign a card for one or more of

our homebound members. We will address and mail the card for you.

9

Coming Up

TODAY

Please welcome guest soprano Lauren Wright, a member of the Wright

Family Singers and a singer with Cleveland Opera Theatre and Opera

Cleveland. She has traveled the world, performing many roles from

Wagner to Verdi to Menotti.

Black History Month Program: The Annual Forest Hill Church Gospel

Concert

This year’s concert will feature music by the professional Black sacred

music ensemble “Spiritual Gifts” and poetry by Ali McClain, a local poet

and Spoken Word performer. Refreshments will be served at 6 pm and the

concert begins at 6:30.

THIS WEEK

Iris Circle will meet for a potluck lunch and Bible study on Tuesday,

February 20 at 11:30 am in Bodwell. Rev. John Lentz will share wisdom

about the courageous women of Exodus – the not-so-well behaved ones

who DO make history!

Bible Study: The lessons for this week are: Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16; Psalm

22: 23-31; Romans 4: 13-25; Mark 8: 31-38

Bible and Bagels discusses next Sunday’s text(s) on Wednesday

mornings from 7:30 to 8:30. All are welcome!

10

NEXT SUNDAY

Adult Education, 9:30 in South Hall: The Adult Ed class will conclude their

study of Ecclesiastes. In March and April the class will use Raymond

Brown's book A Risen Christ in Eastertime as the basis for discussions.

Dale Hilton, Director of Teaching and Learning at the Cleveland Museum

of Art, will be a guest speaker on March 11, and Dr. Sheila McGinn, Chair

of the Department of Theology & Religious Studies at John Carroll

University, will speak on April 8. The books have been ordered and will cost

$13.00 (they are also available from Amazon should you wish to order your

own). We will notify you when they are available.

Labre Project Warm, gently-used clothing and accessories – coats,

sweaters, hats, gloves, blankets for men, women and children – are

appreciated for the Labre Project in East Cleveland. Please leave donations

in the bin in Fellowship Hall.

Black History Month Book Discussion and Potluck lunch See p. 13 for

details.

LOOKING AHEAD

Lenten Dinners: Exploring an Easter Church through Justice & Mission

You are invited to two all-church dinners exploring our call to seek justice.

Week one will focus on our vision for the beloved community. How does

your prayer life reflect this vision and what allows you to be persistent in

working towards this goal? Week two will focus on action and

opportunities. Learn about direct service, organizing, and advocacy. What

is the balance of these methods and what are some common pitfalls?

Friday March 2nd & Friday March 16th, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

A free-will offering will be collected for the meal.

11

Reservations are required. The weekly email offers a link that allows you

to sign up online, or use the reservation sheet on p. 17.

Youth News Every Sunday: All youth meet in the Ruah Room from 9:30 – 10:30 am.

Staff Emails

Rev. Lois Annich Interim Assoc. Pastor pastorannich@fhcpresb.org

Becky Austin Finance beckya@fhcpresb.org

Lynda Bernays Administration office@fhcpresb.org

Kate Burleigh Children kateb@fhcpresb.org

Ann Donkin Building mgr. adonkin@fhcpresb.org

Stavros Gazis Custodial office@fhcpresb.org

Shannon Headen Youth shannon@fhcpresb.org

Rev. Dr. John Lentz Jr. Pastor pastorlentz@fhcpresb.org

Peg Weissbrod Outreach pegw@fhcpresb.org

Anne Wilson Music annew@fhcpresb.org

12

Calendar: February 18-25, 2018 Sunday, February 18 1 Lent

9:00 am Child care begins

9:30 am Adult Education

Youth Education

Descant Choir

Stewardship Ministry mtg

10:15 am Descant Choir activity

10:30 am Continental Breakfast

Chancel Choir

11:00 am WORSHIP

Pathways to the Promise Land

12:15 pm Coffee and conversation

Blood Pressure check

5:00 pm Faith Leader

6:30 pm Black History Month Concert

(refreshments served at 6 pm)

Monday, February 19

6:00 pm Progress not Perfection (AA)

7:00 pm Al Anon

CPNC meeting

7:30 pm Borton Group (AA)

Tuesday, February 20

11:30 am Iris Circle

1:00 pm Abundance Pantry

5:00 pm Fitness Fusion exercise class

6:00 pm HOLA Action training

Wednesday, February 21

7:30 am Bible and Bagels

10:00 am TOWER collators

12:00 pm Hilltop Garden Club

Bullshevicks

12:30 pm Wed. Women’s AA

7:00 pm TransFamily East

Thursday, February 22

5:00 pm Fitness Fusion exercise class

6:20 pm Voices in Bronze

7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Friday, February 23

10:00 am Al Anon

Saturday, February 24

9:00 am CEIRS class

PRISM Workshop

Sunday, February 25 2 Lent

9:00 am Child care begins

9:30 am Adult Education

Youth Education

Descant Choir

10:15 am Descant Choir activity

10:30 am Continental Breakfast

Chancel Choir

Cherub Choir

11:00 am WORSHIP

Pathways to the Promise Land

12:15 pm Potluck Lunch and

Book Discussion

Sine Nomine Choir

5:00 pm Faith Leader

13

Black History Month Program Sunday, Feb. 25, 12:30 PM

Annual Afro-Caribbean Soul Food Luncheon and

Discussion of Sister Citizen by Melissa Harris-Perry

For several years, we have had a traditional African-American Soul Food

Pot Luck during Black History Month. This year we are trying something

new. In order to acknowledge and honor the many recent immigrants from

African and Caribbean countries, we are planning an African and Caribbean

Pot Luck.

The Black History Education Team will provide chicken, ham, beef, and a

vegetarian bean dish. Please sign up to bring a salad, vegetable, side dish,

condiment, bread, dessert or something of your choosing that fits the

theme. Start perusing your recipes and watch for the SignUpGenius link in

the email news, or look for Ann Williams in Fellowship Hall after worship.

After lunch, join us for a lively, facilitated discussion of Sister Citizen--a

high-energy conversation about a serious topic, with emphasis on what we

can do to help straighten the walls of the crooked room in which we live.

14

News from Friends of HOLA

HOLA is a small, grassroots Latino organization based in NE Ohio focusing

on Advocacy, Community Organizing and Civic Engagement.

A local chapter of Friends of HOLA (people who support the work of HOLA)

has been formed and meets at Forest Hill Church. They have two actions

planned to support and raise awareness for DACA (Deferred Action for

Childhood Arrivals).

February 20 and 27: Friends of HOLA is planning a public witness action in

support of a Dream Act and to stop separating families through

deportations on Tuesday, February 27, 10:00 AM, in downtown Cleveland.

Anyone interested in participating in this action must attend training at

FHC on Tuesday, February 20. A light supper will be served at 6:00 PM,

and training will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The training will focus

on non-violent public action; Friends of HOLA is seeking peaceful,

disciplined, determined and supportive individuals with a heart for

undocumented immigrants and Dreamers.

RSVP to Pastor Lentz (pastorlentz@fhcpresb.org) or call the church office.

Shoes needed: HOLA is planning a silent protest on March 10 to

emphasize what’s at stake if Congress doesn’t pass the Dream Act this

year. To do this theatrical activity, they are collecting shoes. If you have

old shoes you can donate (they will later be given to charity), please bring

them to FHC and leave them in the SHOE box on the stage.

15

Help Support Another Sanctuary Church

St. Andrew Episcopal Church in Mentor accepted a family living in

sanctuary in October. St Andrew is a much smaller church with fewer

resources to draw upon. This Sunday at 4 pm there is a concert at St

Andrew to benefit the sanctuary project. We encourage you to show your

support for them by attending the concert or sending their sanctuary

project a donation.

St Andrew Episcopal Church, Mentor

7989 Little Mountain Rd

Mentor OH 44060

Sanctuary Concert series, Feb. 18, 4-6 pm

$10 suggested donation

There is more information on the St Andrew website:

http://www.standrew-mentor.com/sanctuary

16

Lent 2018 at Forest Hill Church

Fridays, March 2 and March 16: Lenten Dinners and discussion (see

p. 8)

Reservations are required; please use form below or the online link

Sunday, March 4

7:00 pm Service of Compline

Holy Week: March 25-31

Maundy Thursday, March 29

6:30 Dinner, 7:30 Worship

Good Friday, March 30

12:00 Community worship at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Easter Vigil, March 31, 7:30 pm

If you are interested in being baptized (or having a child

baptized) at this service, please contact Rev. Lentz.

Easter: April 1

Worship at 9 and 11 am

Cover image: JESUS MAFA. Jesus is tempted - Matthew 4: 1-11, from Art in the

Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN

17

Reservations for March 2 and March 16 dinners

“Exploring an Easter Church through Justice and Mission”

Name_______________________________________________________

Yes, I/we will attend ___on March 2 ___on March 16

How many adults for each

dinner?____________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Do you need child care? For what age(s)?

______________________________

You may put this in the offering plate