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. Tricia Dykers-Koenig, Parish Assoc.

Rev. Lois Annich, Interim Assoc. Pastor

Rachel McDonald, Interim Assoc. Pastor

Anne Wilson, Director of Music

Kate Burleigh, Dir. of Children’s Ministries

Shannon Headen, Dir. of Youth Ministries

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Service of Worship

May 8, 2016 at 11:00 am Welcome! Thank you for joining us today for worship.

If you are visiting, 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 Gracious Mother God, gather us together now as a mother hen gathers her children. We are here, waiting to be nourished by your love and power.

Welcome

Prelude Andrew Carter “Bless the Lord” Descant Choir

Greeting Our God with Joy

Call to Worship Elder Rosanna Sprague Leader: We are the people of God. People: Together we are family. We are married, and single, and in

covenant relationships. We are the people of God. Leader: Together we are family. People: We were married, and never married, and married more than

once, and widowed. We are the people of God. Leader: Together we are family. People: We are older and younger, and in-between, in a first serious

relationship, knowing the joy of love, enduring betrayal, tasting the grief of a dying partner. We are the people of God.

Leader: Together we are family.

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People: We are only children, and have ten siblings, and have raised children, and have no children. We are the people of God.

Leader: Together we are family. People: We are part of a family; the human family, the family of faith,

my family of origin, the family of my choosing. We are the people of God. Together we are family.

Leader: Let us worship God together. written by Katherine Hawker

* Processional Hymn No. 12 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”

*please stand if able

Renewing Our Relationship with God

Prayer of Confession We seek you, O God in mighty earthquakes. We listen for you in resounding thunder. We expect you in sweeping victories. Yet you are found in a gentle loving embrace. You speak in silence. You reveal yourself in the least of our sisters and brothers. Save us, O God, from our aimless wandering. Save us, O God, from our idols. Save us, O God, from our self-induced chaos. Help us to come home and find you. God, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Amen.

written by Katherine Hawker

Time of Silent Confession

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) John Merbecke

Affirming the Good News in Our Lives

Assurance of Pardon

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* Alleluia Jeannette Sorrell

Anthem Bobby McFerrin “The 23rd Psalm”

Bobby McFerrin dedicated this to his mother

Opening Our Hearts to God’s Word

Minute for Mission Elder Charity McDonald “2016 Pentecost Offering”

* Hymn (see p. 5) “Mothering God” Children in Pathways may leave during the hymn

Prayer requests to be read during the Prayers of the People may be passed to the ushers during this hymn

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Scripture Lesson Acts 1: 1-14

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon

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you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Leader: Hear what the Holy Spirit is telling God’s people. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon Rev. Dr. John C. Lentz, Jr. “Separation Anxiety”

Prayers of the People

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.

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Ritual of Friendship

Offering

Offertory Glenn McCure “Kyrie” (from Caribbean Mass)

Chris Vandall, steel drums; Sue Yelanjian, bass

* Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God above ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.

* Prayer of Dedication

Going Forth to Live as God’s People

* Closing Hymn No. 488 “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”

* Commission and Blessing

* Choral Benediction

* Passing of the Peace

Postlude William Walton

“Crown Imperial March”

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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.

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.

Notes & Announcements

Chancel Flowers: The flowers are given by Elizabeth Shaw in memory of Josephine Johnson; and by Cathy and Don Ghiandoni in celebration of Mother’s Day. Prayers are requested this week for: Elaine Dannefer, Grace Glaros, Max Harmon, Rich Israel, Mary Lewis, Linda Martin, Robin Richards, Robert Ruggeri, Baldwin Sawyer, George Sentell, and Debbie Ungemach. Please remember these homebound members in your prayers: Bill Currie, Marge Drollinger, Betty Farnfield, Emma Jane Gibbs, Iris Gilbert, Ron Klein, Emelia McGuire, Joyce Peters, Jack Quinn, Margie & Dwight Stauffer, Elaine Tapie, Lorian Thomas.

From the GCC Core Team: Important Action Needed! As you know (because FHC was active in the campaign) Greater Cleveland Congregations worked hard and effectively for Medicaid expansion that brought healthcare coverage to 600,000 low-income Ohioans in 2014. That care is now at risk! The Ohio legislature and Governor have

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proposed changes that will lead to up to one million Ohioans losing healthcare coverage (and will cost the state many more dollars to administer). Ohio needs a waiver from the federal government to make these changes, and we have a chance to convince the Center for Medicaid Services that the waiver will NOT benefit current Medicaid recipients, as they will be asked to pay monthly premiums and will lose benefits if they miss a payment. We have until May 13 to voice our opposition.

Please come to Fellowship Hall today after worship. The GCC Core Team will be there to answer questions and provide you with a letter you may sign and mail.

Coming Up

TODAY Softball: There are no games scheduled today.

Picture Directories: Directory photo appointments may be made on June 7, 9, 10 or 11 for those who were unable to schedule a time in May. Go to our homepage (www.fhcpresb.org) and click the link that takes you directly to the online scheduling page, or stop by Fellowship Hall after worship and sign up in person. THIS WEEK Bible Study: The lessons for this week are: Acts 2: 1-12; Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b; Romans 8: 14-17; and John 14: 8-17.

Bible and Bagels discusses next Sunday’s text(s) on Wednesday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30. All are welcome!

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Care Group: The Jordan Care Group is responsible for meeting members’ needs during May. 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. NEXT SUNDAY Pentecost! Wear red! Jazz violinist Reed Simon and bassist Bryan Thomas will be here. We will ordain and install new Elders, and welcome new members into Forest Hill Church. Adult Education, 9:30 in South Hall: Rev. Lois Annich will lead the fifth week of the “Faith Matters” series: Mindfulness, Acceptance and Serenity. Bike to Worship: As the weather improves (it is improving, right?), take advantage of it, dust off your bicycles and pump up the tires and consider biking to worship! May is National Bike Month, but you are welcome to ride all summer. Wear a helmet, bring a lock and use our bike racks. Enjoy your ride! LOOKING AHEAD Social Groups and Circles The Group (60s – 70s): The Group will meet at the home of Allan and Zivile Khoury for a planning potluck on May 14 at 6:30 pm.

Hilltoppers (retired): William Lewis from McGregor PACE (Providing All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) will speak about care for seniors in the home, community and day care on May 20 at 1 pm in South Hall. All are welcome.

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Iris Circle (all women of the church): Come share a book on Tuesday, May 17 at 1 pm at the home of Cathy Ghiandoni. Put together your summer reading!

Pacesetters (50s-60s): Game Night, Saturday May 14 at 7 pm at the home of Mark and Carol Wedell. Join Us for These Extraordinary Speakers On May 15 we will welcome Chenoa Stock, Companionship Facilitator with Joining Hands in Bolivia, to Forest Hill Church. She will be speaking in South Hall immediately following worship. Refreshments will be provided. Hope to see you there! You may find more details on Chenoa’s work in the May TOWER. On May 22 we will welcome Bill Meyer, professor of philosophy and religion at Maryville College in Maryville TN, who will lead the Adult Education class and preach. Prof. Meyer is a long-time friend of John and Deanne Lentz (he introduced them to each other!) and is the author of Darwin in a New Key: Evolution and the Question of Value, recently published by Cascade Press in Eugene, OR (and available on Amazon.com).

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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 Stavros Gazis Custodial office@fhcpresb.org Shannon Headen Youth shannon@fhcpresb.org Rev. Dr. John Lentz Jr. Pastor pastorlentz@fhcpresb.org Rachel McDonald Interim Assoc. Pastor rachelm@fhcpresb.org Peg Weissbrod Outreach webeditor@fhcpresb.org Anne Wilson Music annew@fhcpresb.org

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Calendar: May 8 - 15, 2016 Sunday, May 8: Mother’s Day 8:30 am Discernment Task Force mtg 9:00 am Child care begins 9:30 am Adult Education Youth Education Descant Choir (gr. 1-5) 10:15 am Descant Choir activity 10:30 am Continental Breakfast 11:00 am WORSHIP Children’s Worship Class 11:15 am Pathways (gr. 1-5) 12:15 pm Coffee and Conversation Monday, May 9 6:00 pm Progress not Perfection (AA) 7:00 pm Al Anon 7:30 pm Borton Group (AA) Boy Scout Troop 403

Tuesday, May 10 1-3:00 pm Abundance Food Pantry 5:00 pm Fitness Fusion Wednesday, May 11 7:30 am Bible and Bagels 12:30 pm Wed. Women’s AA 7:00 pm Ministry meetings

Thursday, May 12 5:00 pm Fitness Fusion 7:30 pm Chancel Choir FH Swim Club mtg

Friday, May 13 7:00 am TOWER deadline 9:30 am Al Anon

Saturday, May 14 8:00 am Men’s Group 8:45 am Ministry retreat with Discernment Task Force

Sunday, May 15: Pentecost 8:30 am Nominating Committee mtg 9:00 am Child care begins 9:30 am Adult Education Youth Education Descant Choir (gr. 1-5) 10:15 am Descant Choir activity 10:30 am Continental Breakfast 11:00 am WORSHIP: Communion Children’s Worship Class 11:15 am Pathways (gr. 1-5) 12:15 pm Coffee and Conversation Special program: Chenoa Stock speaks about her work in Bolivia 3:30 pm Softball vs St Ann’s, FH Field #6

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Spring Work Day Volunteers: Many thanks to those who made the church work day a big success. All scheduled work was completed including the washing of 120 windows and the washing and installing of 60 screens. Considerable amount of work was done on the church’s gardens and grounds. Thirty-eight members, eight Boy Scouts and one scoutmaster contributed their time. The forty- seven volunteers ranged in age from three to ninety-five. Brittani Ball Caiden Ball Keara Ball Mykelti Ball Mary Ball Nick Baumgartner Theresa Baumgartner Jessica Baumgartner Dave Bell Kay Dunlap Peter Eloff Cathy Ghiandoni Carol Gifford Tim Gifford

Kurt Haas Roger Heineman Anne Hunter David Hunter Paola Iannarelli Paul Jennings Allan Khoury Kermit Lind Laurie Logan Clyde Loughridge Karen Loughridge Jim Manista Steve Marunowski

Hal Musick Jim Seeders Pat Seeders Dean Sieck Jeff Smith Derry Stauffer Ahren Stock Alisha Trammell Mark Wedell Peter Williams Boy Scouts – 1 scout master 8 scouts

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Things are a little different at Forest Hill Church in the summer. Whenever you’re in town, come and see what’s happening! Here are some examples: John Lentz will be away in July and August.

Details are in an email sent on May 5, and will be in the June TOWER. Interim Associate Pastors Rev. Lois Annich and Rachel McDonald will

be pastoring, preaching and planning in July and August. Watch for a few guest preachers as well!

Music Director Anne Wilson will be away in June. The Summer Choir will assist organist Fern Jennings in June and

welcome Anne’s return in July. The Discernment Task Force will continue its excellent work. The youth mission group will head to Washington DC in July. The annual Outdoor Worship and Cookout is scheduled for August

13. Remember: The summer schedule begins June 5 with worship at 10

am.

Watch for details in the June TOWER

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Schedule your family’s appointment for a picture for the new FHC Directory (which will be ready for distribution in the fall):

sign up TODAY in Fellowship Hall (look for Barb Hansen and the PHOTO DIRECTORY sign)

or go to the website – www.fhcpresb.org – and click the link on the home page.

We are currently scheduling appointments from May 17 – May 21 and June 7, 9, 10 and 11. If you sign up on line, come to the Fellowship Hall table the following Sunday to pick up your packet of information.

Cover image: Detail from “Mother and Child Sleeping” by Diego Rivera