Our Session

CLASS of 2017 CLASS of 2018 CLASS OF 2019

Darren Bird Finance & Administration

Steve Jewett Finance & Administration

Shawnee Wakeman Finance & Administration

Ben Burr Worship

Nancy Thomas Worship

Marie Morrison Worship

Eric Linker Congregational Connections

Candice Shepard Congregational Connections

Ben Schneider Congregational Connections

David Murray Building & Grounds

Jim Rockel Building & Grounds

Billy Carriker Building & Grounds

Joe Novobilski, Clerk of Session Christian Education

Dave Mowery Christian Education

Thomas Heavey Christian Education

Choir Chime Ringer, Today: James Ide Next Week: Isabella Rockel

Worship Assistant, Today: Emma Wakeman Next Week: Gigi Hunnicutt

Ushers, Today: Chip Wells, Baxter Coble, Steve Jewett, Joey Dulin, Joe Novobilski, Darren Bird

Next Week: Reggie Hunnicutt, Chris Bechtol, Dave Miller, Kevin Harris, Frank Reynolds, Jimmy

Stafford, King McCachren

A Time for Children, Today: Neal Carter Next Week: Joey Dulin

Nursery Volunteers, Today: Maggie Linker & Brenda Horton; Allison and Aydenn Harris

Next Week: Joe and Rosie Baczewski; Scott and Dori Swaringen

Worship Ministry

Stewardship

Stewardship Report

2017 Budget $351,000 Total given YTD $188,915 Amt. needed per month: $ 29,250 Total for August $ 10,782 Amount needed Weekly $ 6,750 Total for August 13 $ 4,228

Thank you for your faithful giving.

Loan Status

Education Building Loan as of:

7/31/2017 $468,983

Minimum Monthly Payment $5,110

Contributions to the Capital Campaign are still

being accepted. Please prayerfully consider

giving to help reduce this debt.

Rocky River Presbyterian Church ● 7940 Rocky River Road ● Concord NC 28025 www.rockyriver.org ● 704-455-2479 ● fax: 704-455-2489

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Neal Carter ● 704-455-2479 or 910-280-9688 ● nealcarter64@gmail.com Church Administrator: Cyndi Conway ● 704-455-2479 ● churchadmin@rockyriver.org Director of Christian Education: Sharon Vanpelt ● 704-455-2479 ● dce@rockyriver.org

Youth Director: JD McNutt ● 704-455-2479 ● youthrrpc@gmail.com

Morning Worship

Sunday, August 20, 2017 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

11:00 a.m.

PRELUDE (Let us prepare our hearts for worship ● Please silence your cell phones)

CHIMING OF THE HOUR James Ide

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP We Are One in the Spirit (sung by Congregation)

1. We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord; we are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord, and we pray that all unity may one day be restored:

Refrain And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

2. We will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand; we will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand, and together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land:

Refrain

3. We will work with each other; we will work side by side; we will work with each other; we will work side by side, and we’ll guard human dignity and save human pride:

Refrain

4. All praise to the Father, from whom all things come, and all praise to Christ Jesus, God’s only Son, and all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one:

Refrain

Gathering

† HYMN #473 For the Beauty of the Earth

† CALL TO CONFESSION

One: Friends believe the good news of the gospel.

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

One: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

All: And also with you.

Let us exchange a word of peace with our neighbors and remain standing for our Response to Forgiveness

† ASSURANCE OF PARDON & PASSING THE PEACE

† RESPONSE TO FORGIVENESS Gloria Patri #579

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the

beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen.

† PRAYER OF CONFESSION (based on Matthew 15:21-28)

Merciful God,

we confess that, just like Jesus’ disciples, we too sometimes lose patience with

people who need our help and support. Like the disciples, we find ourselves

wishing that they would just go away and leave us in peace.

In your mercy, forgive us. Remind us again of the deep love you showed toward

us when we were still in need—a love so deep that it sent you willingly to the

cross on our behalf.

Show us how to love others as You have loved us. Teach us your compassion,

so that we may be your hands and feet to those in need. In Jesus’ name, we

pray. Amen. Time for Silent Confession

Service of Welcome of New Members

Elder: On behalf of the session I present Mary Loraas who has been received

into the membership of this congregation by reaffirmation of faith.

Minister: You come to us as a member of the one holy catholic church, into

which you were baptized, and by which you have been nurtured.

We are one with each other, sisters and brothers in the family of

God. We rejoice in the gifts you bring to us. As you join with us in

the worship and service of this congregation, it is fitting that together

we reaffirm the covenant into which we were baptized, claiming again

the promises of God which are ours in our baptism.

Please Keep in Your Prayers: Carol Mathis; Priscilla Clough, friend of Alice Williams; Terry Kelly, friend of Reggie and Gigi Hunnicutt; Trina

Hadfield Jones; Bing Dickason, father of Ted Dickason; Tom Rhodes, friend of Shawnee Wakeman; Pat McDonald;

Marie Hildreth; Bob Boswell, father of Dori Swaringen; Wes and Ree Abernathy; Cathy Jewett; Benita Schirtzinger,

mother of Darren Bird; Sam Peterson, friend of Priscilla Giuliano; Tevis Pinkerton, friend of Jerry Clark; Alan

Cochran, brother of Neal Cochran; Ann Jones, daughter of Ray and Priscilla Clawson; Karen DeCarlo, co-worker of

Alice Williams; Sonya Moorehead, friend of Jerry Clark; Ellie Wagoner; Lindy and Helene Linenberger; Johnston

Howie; Jim Murray; Kristine Way, co-worker of Alice Williams; Ouida Harman; Jim Busse, friend of Stephanie

Campbell; Amy Hicks; Maxine Phillips, friend of Dale Ritchie; Brendan Milliken; Seville Funk; Marlene Howard; Kay

Nalbone; Jimmy McDonald; Linda Modzelesky; Bob Brombacher; Teresa Williams; Zackie Moore.

Please call the church office to have your requests updated on Monday of each week.

Children’s Ministry Sharon Vanpelt, Director of Christian Education

YOUTH MINISTRY JD McNutt, Youth Director

August 20 - TODAY!! Annual End of summer Ice Cream social 6 pm

August 27 - Youth @ 6pm; Welcome to the new rising youth!!!!

We welcome new members to our Youth Group—let’s be intentional in inviting friends to join us!

Christian Education Sunday August 27th

During the Sunday School hour on August 27th all Sunday School classes will join together for a brief

program bringing the church school year to a close. We will begin by breaking bread together over a

lovely breakfast. Then we will hear from each class or area about some of their most inspiring or

memorable moments over the past year, and we will celebrate promotions between children’s classes.

New 3rd

graders will receive a Bible. The worship service that day will focus on the importance of

Christian education for the church. This year we will offer a special blessing for all students (preschool,

grade school, college, and higher schooling or certification) for the new school year.

Bring your favorite homemade or store bought ice cream and the youth will supply

the toppings!

Everyone is Welcome to Join Us to Celebrate the

End of Summer!!

TODAY!! SUNDAY AUGUST 20

6:00PM FELLOWSHIP HALL

VISITS FROM THE PASTOR— Please remember to let us know if someone is in the hospital, is ill, or just needs a

visit from the pastor. This ministry is so important to Neal and to our church—knowing that your pastor and church

family are there to support you in your time of need is one of the blessings of being a member at RRPC. Call the

office at 704-455-2479 or Neal directly on his cell phone (REALLY—CALL HIS CELL PHONE!) at 910-280-9688.

Basket Ball Hoop Fundraiser!!

The good news is that our youth and

neighborhood kids are using the new

basketball court. The bad news is that

the hoop couldn’t stand the test of time.

This is the Goliath 54” in ground hoop that we are trying to get

Donations will be accepted at the ice cream social

Our goal

$599

Looking Ahead HARRISBURG FOOD PANTRY - We shopped with 14 families ( 50 individuals) this week. Shelves and

storage are looking really good except for the following canned items: mixed vegetables, spinach, beets

small chicken noodle soup (please no tomato). Donations can be brought to the vestibule and put in the

wooden box.

Wednesday Night Fellowship

August 23 ● Fellowship Hall Meal: Chicken Alfredo

The cost is $5 per person with a

maximum of $15 per family.

Please rsvp by signing the friendship pad. Let us

feed your body and soul!

GRIEFSHARE— Fall series began on Thursday and we had numerous

participants. We meet every Thursday at 6:30 upstairs in the new building.

The group is open to anyone who has lost a child, spouse, parent, or significant

person in their life. We welcome those from our church family and community

who need comfort and healing. Please share this ministry with your neighbors

and friends.

To register, contact the church office, 704.455.2479/churchadmin@rockyriver.org or

Julia Alexander at 704-455-9753 / 2jralex@ctc.net

November 10 - 12 ● William Black Lodge We hope you will join us for a weekend of faith, fellowship, food and fun!! Women of all ages are encouraged to attend. Registration forms can be found in the vestibule, on our website or in the office.

A $50 deposit is due by September 10.

Contact Priscilla Giuliano at 704-706-3203/tttandsp@gmail.com

Rocky River Presbyterian’s Annual

Choir Practice

BEGINS WEDNESDAY

AUGUST 23

7:00PM

IN THE CHOIR ROOM!!

We hope to see some new faces and

welcome anyone who would like to join us!!! Questions: Contact Stephanie Campbell 704-785-7161

Women's Annual Meeting: Sunday, August 27th at 5:00p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

We will be honoring four women of the church who have passed on into eternal

life. These women contributed so much during their time at Rocky River. Join us as we

honor with memorials Emmy Pharr, Lib Thomas, Ruth McCachren and Louise Murray.

All women of the church are invited and encouraged to attend. Our annual meeting will

be held after the memorial service.

The women’s circles meet the first Tuesday of each month. Morning Circle meets at the church at

10:00am and the Evening Circle meets at member’s homes at 7:00pm. The Evening Circle will be

studying a new book in September—Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver. The morning circle will be

following the Horizon Bible Study.

Questions? Please contact Priscilla Giuliano at 704-706-3203/tttandsp@gmail.com

The Word

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (unison)

Living God, help us to hear your holy Word that we may truly understand; that,

understanding, we may believe and believing, we may follow in all faithfulness

and obedience, seeking your honor and glory in all that we do; through Christ

our Lord. Amen.

Profession of Faith

Hear these words from Holy Scripture:

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s

own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of the

One who called you out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.

(1 Peter 2:9)

Minister: Now, as you publicly declare your faith, I ask you to reject sin, to

profess your faith in Jesus Christ, and to confess the faith of the

church, the faith in which you were baptized.

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways

of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?

Member: I do.

Minister: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and

Savior, trusting in his grace and love?

Members: I do.

Minister: Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing

his love?

Member: I will, with God’s help.

Minister: You have publicly professed your faith. Will you be a faithful

member of this congregation, share in its worship and ministry

through your prayers and gifts, your study and service, and so fulfill

your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Member: I will, with God’s help.

Congregation: With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you to share with us in

the ministry of Christ, for we are all one in him.

Prayer

TIME FOR CHILDREN Neal Carter

ANTHEM

THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 15:21-28 (page 16)

One: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

SERMON No Pets Allowed Neal Carter

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

† DOXOLOGY Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow #592

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

† HYMN #261 God of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Apostle’s Creed)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth; And in Jesus

Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the

Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He

descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended

into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from

thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy

Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of

sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Responding to the Word

Sending

† HYMN #400 When We Are Living

† CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

† CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE

May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep us forever; Grant us peace, perfect peace, strength in every endeavor; Lift up your eyes and see His face, love will leave you never; May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep us forever.

POSTLUDE

Rocky River Presbyterian Church

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Welcome, guests and friends!

What a blessing that God led you to worship with us today! Visitors—please sign our friendship pad, and let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

We welcome you to join us for Wednesday Night Fellowship. Dinner is served at 6:00pm in the

Fellowship Hall. Cost $5 per person/ Maximum $15 for family Menu: Baked Potato Bar

Worship Packets for preschool and elementary children are available in the vestibule and

located in our red, (preschool) and blue, (elementary) activity bags. These packets are designed to help

children participate in worship. Please return the bags to the vestibule as you leave the service.

Nursery and childcare services are always available during service for infants through Kindergarten.

Interested in membership? Contact our Church Administrator, Cyndi Conway, to arrange a meeting with our Pastor, Neal Carter. 704-455-2479 or churchadmin@rockyriver.org

† PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Generous God, creator, redeemer, sustainer, at your table we present this

money, symbol of the work you have given us to do; use it, use us, in the service

of your world to the glory of your name. Amen.

There is still time to help with the Back to School Supplies!!

We will be accepting donations until Wednesday, August 23

Any bulk items will be packed into bags after WNF and delivered to

Rocky River Elementary School on Thursday morning.

Thank you for your generosity!!