the worship of god nineteenth sunday after pentecost
TRANSCRIPT
The Worship of God
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 3, 2021
9:00 AM
Reflection “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best of the time, because the
days are evil.” - Ephesians 5:15-16
“It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” - C.S. Lewis
Welcome and Announcements
Gathering Music Rock of My Salvation Teresa Muller Milette Oden, Piano
Call to Worship Psalm 116:12-14 What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call
on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Invocation (Concluded by 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.
Songs of Praise Battle Belongs Johnson/Wickham Yet Not Through Christ In Me Robinson/Ferrin/Thompson
Confession of Faith Psalm 72 (Trinity Hymnal #810) Pastor: Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. All: He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will
crush the oppressor. He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days the righteous will flourish, prosperity will abound till the moon is no more. He will rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. The desert tribes will bow before him and his enemies will lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores will bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba will present him gifts. All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.
To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire victory; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and want fellowship; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to all who will come, this church opens wide her doors and offers welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Come, let us worship God.
For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live? May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long. Let grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon; let it thrive like the grass of the field. May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed. Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.
Prayers of the People (concluded by 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.
Offertory There Is a Fountain Mason Please pass and sign the welcome pads during this time
Scripture Reading Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon “Living Wisely in the World” Rev. Matt Kuiken
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Benediction
Congregational Response The Church’s Doxology Holden
Now, blessed be Jehovah, God, The God of Israel, Who only doeth wondrous works, In glory that excel, Who only doeth wondrous works, In glory that excel.
And blessed be His glorious Name To all eternity; The whole earth let His glory fill. Amen, so let it be; The whole earth let His glory fill. Amen, so let it be.
Psalm 72/Oliver Holden—The Psalter, The Bible Songs and The ARP Psalter OneLicense.net A-720820—Used by permission
If you have a physical or spiritual need, or a concern for the upcoming week, there are elders available to pray with you immediately following the service. The prayer room is located behind the Praise Team.
We extend love and sympathy to Mark & Carolyn Dewalt on the passing of Mark’s father, Marvin Dewalt on September 25, 2021.
The Lord’s Supper, also called Communion or the Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all followers of Jesus Christ to partake of this sacrament: those who have believed the good news, repented of their sins, and are professing members in good standing in a Christian Church. If you are not a Christian, or if you are not prepared to share in this meal, we encourage you to spend time in prayer. We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with his people, the Church. If you have any questions about partaking of this meal, please speak to one of our elders. Covenant children are asked to refrain from partaking until they have been received into communicant membership by the elders. (Each communion bread tray has individually wrapped Gluten-free communion wafers.)
“Living Wisely in the World” Rev. Matt Kuiken
Matthew 2:1-12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold,
wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king
of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When
Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling
all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was
to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the
star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently
for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and
worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star
that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place
where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great
joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell
down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold
and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they
departed to their own country by another way.
Sermon Notes “Living Wisely in the World” Rev. Matt Kuiken Matthew 2:1-12
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Wednesday Night Adult Ministries - 6:30pm
Come join us for dinner at 5:30pm! Dinner menu for 10/6 includes:
Pork tenderloin, green beans, corn on the cob, pasta salad, rolls and assorted desserts.
Youth Ministry
• It is time to complete the Annual Youth Waiver/Release form for your student (gr. 6-12). The form is online at https://bit.ly/yw234
• Parent & Youth Worker Workshop “Teens and Anxiety” Oct. 16, 2021, 9am-3pm in the MAC
This workshop which will be held at First
ARP Church will equip parents and youth workers to help the children and teens in their lives to navigate anxiety.
Anxiety has reached epidemic proportions
among our kids—it’s now the number one health-care concern on college campuses.
What is anxiety, and how is it affecting
today’s children and teens? What are its causes? And how can we stand in the gap to provide ministry responses that ease the pressure, calming kids for the sake of the gospel. Register today at https://bit.ly/PYLW2021. October 2nd is the deadline to register. $15/person, includes lunch.
Prayer Emphasis Week
Operation Christmas Child
2021
The Operation Christmas Child program begins this week! Shoeboxes are
available in the Welcome Center. Look for announcements next week and in special email blasts. “I will make you as a ‘Light for the Nations,’ that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” - Isaiah 49:6.
Children’s Ministry
Pumpkin Festival! - We Can’t Wait... Be sure to put Wed., Oct. 27 on your calendar!
We Need Volunteers for our two Trunk-or-Treat events and Pumpkin Festival! Sign Up Here:
https://forms.gle/x2N5ioapA9u7WyML7 or put your name on one of the sign-up sheets in the
Chapel Narthex.
On the first Sunday for the next six months, send $5.00 with your children for our Haiti Smile Banks!
Do You Love Two and Three Year Olds? We are seeking volunteers for this age group for Sunday
mornings and Wednesday nights? Contact Rebecca Maney or Julie Clark.
Men’s Bible Study Thursdays at 7:30 AM
Every Thursday morning at 7:30am a group of men gather in the private dining room of the Fellowship Hall and study the Word. We welcome you to come join us!
Financial Update General Operating Fund
MTD 9/29/21 YTD thru 9/29/21
Revenues $ 121,290.94 $ 1,249,033.23 Expenses $ 129,378.66 $ 1,128,441.81 Net surplus (deficit) $ (8,087.72) $ 120,591.42
Weekly Sports Ministries
Come and join us!
Adult Coed Volleyball Tuesday & Thursday
8:30-10:30am, MAC Gym
Adult Basketball Every other Thursday beginning 9/16,
6:30-8:30pm, MAC Gym
Interested in playing adult basketball? Contact Walter Davis at 704-214-4359.
Women’s Ministries
Advent Devotional Fall Fellowship Dinner Rescheduled
Prayer Concerns
• Bob Barnhill & family - passing of Bob’s daughter, Sydna Rhodes on 9/19
• Patsy Boyles - recovering from procedure
• Dana Bumgardner (friend of Lisa Johnson) - under Hospice care
• Ann Cain - recovering from pneumonia and a fall
• Dale & Tracy Clayton (friends of Dana Haley) - Dale has prostate cancer and Tracy has rectal cancer
• Marilyn Crisp - health concerns - back in hospital
• Mike Daniels - will have shoulder surgery 10/20
• Gary Dellinger - health concerns
• Mark Dewalt - passing of father, Marvin Dewalt on 9/25
• Carlton Dixon - under Hospice care
• Patricia Dukes’ son-in-law, Greg Hall - has ALS
• Joe Erwin - cancer treatments
• Chip Ferguson’s son, Bill Ferguson - having complications from diabetes
• Rick Gibby’s brother, Larry Plemmons - has cancer
• Tweet Heavener & family– passing of sister, Sydna Rhodes on 9/19
• Amy Hueitt - prayers for healing
• Rebekah Keever - passing of mother, Sydna Rhodes on 9/19
• Margaret Kennedy - takes rehab 3 times a week at Terrace Ridge. She is lonely and would enjoy calls or visits. (Visits at Terrace Ridge require a reservation and visitors are limited to 2 at a time for 1 hour only).
• Mary Ann Lore - under Hospice care at Morningside due to congestive heart failure
• Bill & Betty Martin - health concerns
• Pat McCurry - had bone marrow biopsy on 9/30
• Sharron McPeters - prayers for procedure results
• Dawn Powers (daughter of Linda & John Powers) - Has Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and she had a serious reaction to the Covid vaccine.
• Family of Sydna Rhodes - Sydna passed away 9/19
• Marie Taylor - recovering from back surgery on 9/15
• Oscar Whitescarver - health concerns. Oscar & Sarah desire your prayers.
• Huiping, Abigail and Anna Wood - have tested positive for Covid
Birthdays Jamee Webb—10/3 Polly Graham—10/3 Sam Kelly—10/3 Joe Boyles—10/4 Nancy Sabol—10/4 Mike Daniels—10/4 Jasmine Perez—10/4 Elisabeth Cary—10/5 Marilyn Crisp—10/6 Meredith Parks—10/6 Becky McKay—10/6 Joey Gray—10/6 A.J. Williams, II—10/6 Hannah Miele—10/8
Ian Cherry—10/9 Vicki Caldwell—10/9 Samuel Ratchford—10/9 Ruby Long—10/9 Brice Maney—10/10 Luke Hayes—10/10 Mary Kendrick—10/10 Ronel Borromeo—10/10 David Philbeck—10/11 Bill Gillespie—10/12 Bill Hayes, Jr—10/12 Katie Morrow—10/12 Tracy Thomason—10/12 Anita Dino—10/12 Tete Pearson, Jr.—10/13 Seth Harwell—10/13
Wedding Anniversaries
Caleb & Sara Farrar 10/3/15 6 years Ryan & Carley Payseur 10/3/19 2 years Phil & Jane Painter 10/4/86 35 years Mike & Dana Haley 10/6/84 37 years Bill & Kim Hayes 10/9/99 22 years Charles & Sandy Merrill 10/12/12 9 years Ruth & Peter Bernet 10/20/84 37 years Nick & Rachel King 10/20/18 3 years Mike & Sandra Watson 10/21/06 15 years Pat & Jenny Morrow 10/21/66 55 years Randy & Pamela Mumford 10/23/04 17 years Martin & Tammy Pearson 10/23/82 39 years George & Cheryl Belk 10/24/87 34 years
SESSION Matt Kuiken, Moderator Josh Hjemvick, Vice Moderator Rick Craig, Clerk
2021 2022 2023 2024 John Connor Fred Caldwell Artie Cooper Jerry Best Ken Henry Vincent Cherry Ron Kirkpatrick Rick Craig Morris Keeter Andy Dyksterhouse Randy Mumford Tom Ellington David W. Smith, III Walter Payne Phil Painter Mike Foster Joe Summerville Bob Rouse David Smith
DIACONATE
2021 2022 2023 Brian Cerilli Butch Boyd Craig Curtis Mike Harwell Tim Daniels Adam Forbes Shawn Hubers Billy Israel Joey Gray David Jansen Mark Miele Kyle Hobson Rob Parker Richard Pearson John Kelly Greg Starnes William Ratchford Cristian Toro Jeff Stowe
ELDERS EMERITUS
Bob Barnhill Tete Pearson Tom Campbell Bob Sytz Maurice Canaday Joe West Charles Ferguson Oscar Whitescarver Lin Hollowell
TRUSTEES
2021 2022 2023 Wade Huss Charles Ferguson Bob Sytz
CONGREGATIONAL OFFICERS FIRST ARP WOMEN’S MINISTRIES Ellis Fisher….…………………..Chairman Carol Hayes…….…...…………………….Advisor Rick Craig…………………...….Secretary Jan Adams..………….………………Advisor Elect Jerry Best……………………….Treasurer Gayle Goodrich………………………Past Advisor Bonnie Jansen……………………...…….Secretary Alice Auten……………………………...Treasurer
MINISTERS The members of this church family who in serving their Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ,
extend Deep Roots into God’s Word and Wide Reach into God’s World.
STAFF
Matt Kuiken…………..………………………………….Senior Pastor….……………...….……[email protected] Josh Hjemvick….………….……………….Associate Pastor of Youth and Families………...…[email protected] Brian Wood (704-271-4350) ………………. Associate Pastor of Adult Ministry…………………[email protected]
Tammy Baker (704-271-4395)…..…………..……….Financial Secretary………….....…..………[email protected] Phil Biedenbender……..………..…………………..Chancel Choir Director…………….….…………[email protected] Julie Clark………………….……………..Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry………..………[email protected] Betsy Forbes………….………….……………..Director of Women’s Ministries………………[email protected] Mark Forbes…………..……….……..…….…………..Church Planting…….……..……..………[email protected] Barbie Harwell (704-472-0508)…………….…...……..Church Hostess………...……………….…[email protected] Wanda Henderson (704-271-4398)…………...……….Church Secretary …....……..…………[email protected] Wade Huss (704-271-4449) .…………..…...……….Facilities Coordinator……….……..…………[email protected] Rebecca Maney (704-271-4409).…….….…….Director of Children’s Ministry…..….…....…[email protected] Billy Marino (704-271-4497).….………...….……..Church Administrator……………….………[email protected] Trip McGill…………………………….……...Director of Music and Organist………….…….………[email protected] Courtney McKeown…………………..Director of Neighborhood and Sports Ministry…………[email protected] Milette Oden.….……..………..…………...Director of Children’s Music Ministry……....….…..……[email protected] Wes Phillips (980-522-8671)…………..…………..Christway Counseling………….….……[email protected] Amanda Rankin.……......…………………………Female Youth Assistant……………………...…[email protected] Mike Watson…….………………………………..Maintenance Supervisor…………………[email protected] Tari Williamson……………………..Director of Christian Education and Discipleship………………[email protected]
Prayer Needs
Prayer Requests:
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Prayer of Belief:
Lord Jesus Christ, I admit I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but, through you, I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment and offering forgiveness. I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior. Amen.
(If you are saying this prayer for the first time today, please share with a church officer up front, or let one of the pastors know.)
Welcome Guests!
Thank you for taking this opportunity to
worship with us today. We hope that it
was an encouragement to you. It was a
privilege to have you with us, and we
hope you felt welcome here. If you have
any questions about a relationship with
Jesus, or about getting connected to First
ARP Church, please fill out the connect
card on the next page, tear it off, and put
it in the offering plate. We would love to
follow up with you. If there is anything
that you would like the pastors of First
ARP to pray for, we would be honored to
do that as well.
The mission of our church is to develop
deep roots into God’s word, the Bible,
and develop a wide reach into God’s
world, by sharing Jesus in word and
deed, that all would come to know and
glorify God. Please know that you are
always welcome to join us. Thanks again
for joining us today, and may the Lord
bless you.
Pastor Matt Kuiken
I would like more information about:
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Welcome to our church community. To receive
the information listed below, please print clearly,
tear off and place in the offering plate.
This Week at First ARP
Sunday, October 3 8:30am Youth Choir - Choir Room 9:00am Worship Service / Sunday School / Small Groups 10:30am Worship Service / Sunday School / Small Groups 2:00pm Life Chain of Gaston County - sidewalks of E. Garrison Blvd. in front of Grier MS 4:00pm American Heritage Planning Meeting - (via Zoom) 6:00pm Small Group Inquiry Evening - FH 6:00pm Open Gym for Youth 6:30pm Youth Group (6:30-8pm) - Youth Space
Monday, October 4 10:00am H.E.A.L. Prayer Team via Zoom 11:30am Intercessory Prayer Time - Prayer Room 7:30pm AA Meeting - Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, October 5 6:30am Dawn Prayer Meeting - Sanctuary 7:30am Men’s Breakfast - Firestone Grill 8:30am Adult Coed Volleyball - MAC 6:00pm Handbell Rehearsal - Handbell Room 7:00pm Musical Drama Practice - MAC
Wednesday, October 6 5:00pm Junior Choir - Choir Room 5:30pm Dinner - Fellowship Hall 6:30pm Adult Electives 6:30pm Children’s Ministries - W.O.W. Nights 6:30pm Youth Study - MAC (grades 6-12) 6:30pm Chancel Choir - Choir Room 6:30pm Cherub & Primary Choir 6:30pm Praise Team - Sanctuary 7:00pm Joyful Noise Rotations
Thursday, October 7 7:30am Men’s Bible Study-FH Private Dining Rm 8:30am Adult Coed Volleyball - MAC 10:00am Women’s Ministries Hebrews Bible Study Fellowship Hall 1:00pm Women’s Ministries Hebrews Bible Study (via Zoom) 6:00pm Grief Share - home of Gayle Miele, 2707 Steeplechase Rd., Gastonia, 28056 6:30pm Open Gym - Men’s Basketball 6:30pm Trail Life USA - Room 304
Friday, October 8 7:00am Virtual Men’s Prayer Time - Zoom 4:00pm Dove Retreat - Bonclarken