Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans

Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church 201 Fayetteville Street

Clinton, North Carolina 28328

Dr. Stephen H. Wilkins, Pastor

Sean & Lara Capparuccia, Directors of Music

Melissa Griffin, Secretary

Service of the Lord's Day Reformation Sunday / Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans

Sunday, October 25, 2020

** PRELUDE “Starkindler” Michael Card

RINGING OF THE BELLS

PROCESSIONAL “Scotland the Brave” & “March Medley” Patrick Knox Unrein, piper (Congregation remains seated for Processional)

* THE OPENING OF THE WORD The Beadle: Silas Lockamy

THE CONGREGATION GATHERS

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP “Celtic Alleluia” O’ Carroll/Wlaker

BLESSING OF THE TARTANS Dr. Falvy Carl Barr, Jr., Clerk of Session

Thank you, O Lord, for your self-revealed Word which has ordained a rich heritage of faith and sacrifice from our ancestors, from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to David, so onwards to the incarnation of Jesus Christ to the establishment of his church: our brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere. Never let us forget that a heritage of faith is a responsibility, not a treasure to be hoarded.

Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

Thank you, O Lord, for the blessing of family; the warmth, comfort, and security of family love. Never let us forget that our family love is a gift to be shared, that the stranger may be as welcome as the brother.

Bless us that we may be a blessing, O Lord.

We praise you, O Lord, for those who have lived and died in Christ that we might have the freedom to dwell in a community of faith. Never let us forget that the days of sacrifice are not yet over, that we too, have lives to live in faith.

On behalf of all clans, families, and nations, we raise these tartans before Almighty God in gratitude for our heritage and pray God’s blessing on His servant people in all lands.

PRAYER OF INVOCATION (Today’s prayer that is also being prayed throughout the Church of Scotland)

Eternal God, before whom the book of history is laid and who sees every event, knows every character, experiences every moment, compared to You we are but a speck of dust caught in the sunlight; for we exist only in the moment, what we call the present – a gift from You: we cannot return to yesterday and correct our errors, we cannot venture into tomorrow and discover what lies ahead; now is all we have, we are a limited people, confined, restricted; and yet, from beyond time and all the stars, You reach out to us in love, to embrace us, to enfold us, to make us welcome, and we rejoice and give You thanks for Your mercy and Your grace. Amen.

* HYMN 45 (See last page for hymn) “I to the Hills Will Lift My Eyes” DUNDEE, Scottish Psalter- 1615

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Adapted from John Knox’s liturgy of 1560)

Almighty God, we are unworthy to come into your presence, because of our many sins. We do not deserve any grace or mercy from you, if you dealt with us as we deserve. We have sinned against you, O Lord, and we have offended you. And yet, O Lord, as we acknowledge our sins and offenses, so also do we acknowledge you to be a merciful God, a loving and favorable Father, to all who turn to you. And so we humbly ask you, for the sake of Christ your son, to show mercy to us, and forgive us all our offenses. Forgive the sins of our youth, and the sins of our old age. By your Spirit, O God, take possession of our hearts, so that, not only the actions of our lives, but also the words of our mouths, and the smallest thoughts of our minds, may be guided and governed by you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

* CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE “Amazing Grace” (first verse) AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

* ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Adapted from The Scots Confession, chapters 6-8)

When the fullness of time came God sent his Son, his eternal wisdom, the substance of his own glory, into this world, who took the nature of humanity from the substance of a woman, a virgin, by means of the Holy Ghost… We acknowledge and confess that this wonderful union between the Godhead and the humanity in Christ Jesus did arise from the eternal and immutable decree of God from which all our salvation springs and depends… Further, it behooved the Messiah and Redeemer to be true God and true man, because he was able to undergo the punishment of our transgressions and to present himself in the presence of his Father’s judgment, as in our stead, to suffer for our transgression and disobedience, and by death to overcome him that was the author of death. So we confess, and most undoubtedly believe. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

* CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE “Amazing Grace” (fourth verse) AMAZING GRACE

The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.

** INSTRUMENTAL RESPONSE “Amazing Grace” Columbian Harmony, 1829 (Congregation remains seated for Instrumental Response)

** ANNOUNCEMENTS

FIRST LESSON: Psalm 119:97-105 OT 568

MUSICAL OFFERING “Be Thou My Vision” Irish Tradiontal, arr. Richard Shephard

SECOND LESSON: 2 Timothy 3:10-17 NT 212

SERMON “The Kirk and the Book” Rev. Dr. Stephen Howell Wilkins

* HYMN 739 (See last page for hymn) “O for a Closer Walk with God” CAITHNESS, Scottish Psalter - 1635

* THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Taken from The Scots Confession, Chapter 1; the prayer is the epilogue to The Scots Confession)

We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom alone we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust; who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; by whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by his inscrutable providence for such end as his eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of his own glory.

Arise, O Lord, and let thine enemies be confounded; let them flee from thy presence that hate the godly Name. Give thy servants strength to speak thy Word with boldness, and let all nations cleave to the true knowledge of thee. Amen.

* CHORAL GLORIA PATRI (Congregation remains standing for choral Gloria Patri) Scottish Chant, Hymn No. 580

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

* HYMN 168 (See last page for hymn) “Within Your Shelter, Loving God” ABBEY, Scottish Psalter- 1615

* BENEDICTION AND BLESSING

* CHORAL RESPONSE “Traditional Irish Blessing” Setting by Austin C. Lovelace “May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be at yor back, the sunshine warm upon your face,

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again… may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

* POSTLUDE “March of the Champion Supreme” W. Baird, Patrick Knox Unrein, piper

In honor of all former members of Graves Memorial whose membership is now in the Church Triumphant.

* Those who are able, please stand

** Seating of worshipers

FLAGS & TARTAN BANNERS PROVIDED BY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF GMPC

In 1999, paraments in the clergy tartan for the pulpit and lectern and the pastor’s stole, were handmade and anonymously given to GMPC in honor of the ministry of The Rev. Edward Franklin Johnston, Jr. In 2004, clergy tartan rosettes and Celtic cross brooches were given in honor of Edward Franklin Johnston, Jr., Pastor Emeritus, by his family, rededicated this year in his memory.

The Scots Confession Banner Handmade by GMPC Presbyterian Women The flag of the United States of America In honor of Neal Warren Sinclair and James Eulen Sinclair, Jr. Saint Andrew’s Cross In memory of Doris Butler Stewart and Henry Lafayette Stewart, Jr. Seal of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) In memory of Needham Howell Boyette Scottish Lion Rampant In honor of The Rev. Dr. William Lee Hawkins

Falvy Carl Barr, Jr. Family Ayrshire District Bonnie Dalby Barr (Creech) Family Angus District Campbell Bradley Family Campbell and Graham Richard Franklin Bryan, Jr. Family MacKay John Wesley Cowand, III Family Colquhoun John Thomas Denny, III Family MacMillan Haywood Alexander Faircloth Family MacLachlan William Sullivan Fulton Family MacMillan and Strathelyde Blue Timothy Ward Howard Family MacGregor Edward Franklin Johnston, Jr. Family Johnston, Kerr/Carr and Wells Harold Henry Lamb Family Lamont Curtis Ray Lindsay Family Lindsay John Thomas Newton Family Edinburgh District Patrick Brian O’Neal Family O’Neal Betty Blue Britt Packard Family Thomson Myrtle Whitesides Petty Family MacGill George Byron Rose Family Rose William Kenner Scott Family Scott James Anthony Sessoms Family Paisley District James Eulen Sinclair, Jr. Family Sinclair Charles P. Spell, II Family Tara District Robert Glenn Spell Family MacNeil of Barra Henry Lafayette Stewart, Jr. Family Stewart of Appin John Peeler Surratt Family Stuart of Bute Granvillene Wallace Carter Family Wallace Sara Warren Rosario Family Fife District Burl Jasper Williamson, Jr. Family MacKay

The Kirkin’ O’ The Tartans has its origin in the early 1940’s, when The Rev. Dr. Peter Marshall, Scottish born and bred Chaplain of the U.S. Senate and Pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, preached a number of sermons in support of the British War Relief and the Scottish Clans Evacuation Plan. The popularity of the service caught the interest of many Scots and Scotch-Irish in this country and abroad. Eventually the Kirkin’ O’ The Tartans became celebrated across the United States in witness to the rich heritage of Scottish Christianity and especially of the Presbyterian Church’s roots in the Scottish Reformation. On March 20, 1998, the United States Senate declared April 6 as “Tartan Day,” in honor of the Declaration of Arbroath, where on April 6, 1320, Scottish clans united around one leader, Robert the Bruce, crowning him King of Scotland. It was St. Columba who first brought the Christian Faith to Scotland in 563, setting up a monastic community on the island of Iona. It was John Knox who established the Reformation in Scotland in 1547. The word, “kirk” is the Scottish word for “church.” When we “kirk the tartans,” we are “churching,” or “blessing” the families (or “clans”). While we bless the tartans, we are actually blessing all the families of the congregation. Though many of us come from different nationalities and Christian Communions into the Presbyterian Church, by virtue of our being Presbyterian, we have been “grafted in” to the particular Scottish heritage of the Christian Faith. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is steeped in Scottish tradition as it was developed in the era of the 16th century by the “Father of Presbyterianism,” John Knox. In 1560, he developed the first book of discipline which attempted to apply a theocratic system to all of Scotland, as previously accomplished by his teacher in Geneva, Switzerland, John Calvin, the great systematizer of all Protestant and especially Reformed Theology. For conduct of public worship, Knox prepared a Book of Common Order, which was approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1564. This document suggests much about the order of Scottish worship and its rugged simplicity included in Presbyterian worship.

1. The Entrances are of strategic importance. The Scottish Presbyterian held in highest regard, the open Word of God (Little Entrance) and the Communion (Great Entrance). The people would stand in honor of the holy items brought into and taken from the Sanctuary. This custom is still observed in the old parish churches of Scotland.

2. Affirmation of Faith the Scots Confession was written in 1560 at the request of Parliament by John Knox and five colleagues. The document remained the Confession of the Church of Scotland until superseded in 1647 by the Westminster Confession.

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MRS. JUANITA CANTRELL AND FAMILY CELEBRATE THE MEMORY OF MR. AND MRS. ERNEST LEN JONES

WITH A GIFT TO OUR A/V SYSTEM UPGRADE IN LIEU OF FLOWERS. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

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CONGREGATIONAL CONCERNS: REMEMBER IN PRAYER… HOSPITAL/ASSISTED LIVING Erma Faircloth – Mary Gran; Rm. 709 Tink Purcell – The Cardinal at North Hills Margaret Faircloth – Mary Gran; Rm. 701 Frances Hubbard – GlenAire

Betty Heaton – Mary Gran; Rm. 305 Alice Rose – Brighton Gardens, Rm. 164 Mary Harrington – Southwood; Rm. 300 Faye Carr – Rolling Ridge; Rm. 102

AT HOME: Julie Stefanovich, Diane Westerbeek, Martha Dunn, Tim Pope, Henry Lamb, Gina Powell, Maria L. Murphry, Dorothy Sue Faison, Susan Bristow, Susan Fox, Lisa green

OTHERS: Wayne & Michelle Reynolds – (Brother of Joy Prestage); Joyce & Landon Autry – (Parents of Tammy Honeycutt); Linda Capper - (Mother of Sean Capparuccia); Juaweese Franklin – (Mother of Melissa Nimmo); Margaret Raynor – (Mother of Nancy Heath); Kimberly Lockamy- (Mother of Justin Lockamy); Maude Farlow– (Mother of Amelia Surratt); Ray Respess – (Brother-in-law of Piet Westerbeek); John Golden – (Brother-in-law of John Surratt); Mary Lynn Roberts- (Sister of Mac Purcell); Maude Becky Hughes - (Sister of Bill Scott); Emeline Shoemaker – (Granddaughter of FUMC Keith & Janet S.); Bob Werner – (Husband of Barbara Werner); Christopher Hernan - (Grandson of Joan Carr); Andy Collins – (GMPC Missionary); Franklin Keck – (Nephew of Marinda Rives)

OTHER CONCERNS / LOOKING AHEAD . . .

Music Notes: Welcome and thank you to our guest musicians – Mr. Patrick Unrein, bagpipes and Mr. Jason Brown, drummer.

Refreshments will be served following todays GMPC’s Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans Service. Please stay and join us.

FEASTING ON THE WORD ADULT eSUNDAY SCHOOL, Sundays at 9:30 a.m., via Zoom (Password: 229613): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7391075928?pwd=dHhLL0NDMmZ1enRHRmZ3WWhwQzJhdz09. PLAN TO JOIN US! Teachers: 10/25: Anne Price/Nita Aiken, 11/01: Paul Viser/James Dodson, 11/08: Nita Aiken/Melvin Weaver

Hey GMPC Youth - Let's meet! We will have weekly youth gatherings that alternate between the middle school youth and high school youth, on Sundays, from 6-7:00 p.m. We will gather indoors with masks, but also have some outdoor activities. Our theme for the year is "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." October Schedule: High School Youth- 10/4 & 10/18 and Middle School Youth- 10/11 & 10/25

Visit the GMPC "Sharing Wall" Blog: https://gravesmemorial.org/blog/! Content that encourages togetherness in spirit and fellowship (recipes/photos, uplifting prayers, poems, family news, or just a good laugh) is continuously needed! Send submissions to Madeline Fetterman: mepope@ncsu.edu.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY, Mondays at Noon, via Facebook Live and Zoom (Password: bible): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85080397699?pwd=dUxLeEpGYWZUMFZ5K2xINFJWUzVyZz09. Plan to join us as Dr. Wilkins leads us in a Bible Study, on the book of Isaiah.

DAILY PRAYER SERVICES, TUESDAY – THURSDAY at 11:30 a.m. via Facebook Live or Zoom (Password: pray): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88612474563?pwd=S21mL3E3R0lRcU4rYWQ3eHJiejgzdz09. We will “gather” for a time of prayer (scripture and a brief devotion) and virtual fellowship. Join us! Monday prayer service is the first part of the Monday Noon Bible Study.

Thanksgiving Community Food Drive to benefit the Christian Food Bank of Salemburg: It is time once again for GMPC’s annual food drive. Grocery bags with an attached “wish list” are now available. Bags may be picked up/dropped off in the Fellowship Hallway or Narthex. We ask that you please return your filled bag(s) by Monday, November 9th. We are looking forward to another successful food drive and feel so blessed to be able to help make a difference in the life of someone else. *Note: Any grocery bag will work.

MISSION OPPORTUNITY: The Christian Food Bank of Salemburg has requested our help in feeding the homeless. Individually packaged food items are needed for care packages: Nabs, Applesauce/Fruit Cups, Granola Bars, Tuna/Chicken Pouches, Vienna Sausage/Soup with Pull Top Tabs, Etc. A collection bin is in the fellowship hallway.

The next Presbyterian Women Circle Meeting (Circles will meet jointly until further notice) will be held Monday, November 2nd, at 3:00 p.m., in the GMPC Fellowship Hall and livestreamed via Zoom (Password: 229613): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7391075928?pwd=dHhLL0NDMmZ1enRHRmZ3WWhwQzJhdz09. BIBLE LEADER: Anne Price The PW Handbooks and Horizons Bible study books, Into the Light: Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament are available in the office.

PW Circle #3 Christmas Mission Project 2020: Circle #3 will once again adopt 10 residents from Mary Gran Nursing Center in need of a little extra love and joy during the Christmas season. If you would like to contribute to this project, we ask that you submit monetary donations to the church office by November 3rd, Payable To: Presbyterian Women, Memo: Circle #3 Christmas Project.

GMPC Mission Buddies FIRE BUCKETS Project: (We ask that items needed be donated by November 6th.) We will be collecting Fire Bucket items to benefit Sampson County and Clinton City School students who have suffered a house fire. We will partner with other churches and mission groups in our area to hopefully supply all schools with at least 2 Fire Buckets. We contributed 10 buckets last year and are hoping to meet the same goal this year. Items Needed: *(Items from the Dollar Tree are the perfect size and price to go in these buckets. Items for one bucket will cost approx. $26.00. ) Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener, (4) Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Wash Cloths, Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Men/Women Deodorant, Razors/Shaving Cream, Baby Wipes, Feminine Products, $10.00 Grocery/Drug Store/Fast Food Gift Card, or Monetary Donation to help buy items needed. *The Mission Buddies collection bin is located in the Fellowship Hall. (Buckets will be purchased separately.)

Copies of THESE DAYS Daily Devotions for living by Faith, October - December, are available in the fellowship hallway and narthex.