Today we celebrate the Lord’s Supper by intinction, which means “dipping.” All are invited to come forward row by row, as ushers direct, to receive a piece of bread, (“The body of Christ, broken for you”) and to dip it lightly into the cup, (“The blood of Christ shed for you”). There are many appropriate responses, including, “Thanks be to God,” “Amen,” or just prayerful silence. Return to your pew along the side aisle. Christ welcomes all to the table. For those who are unable to come forward, please alert an usher, who will make sure you are served in your seat.

We are glad you are worshipping with us this morning and hope that

you find your experience of worship to be uplifting and meaningful. Any Usher (designated with a name tag) will be glad to answer your questions and help you find your way around. If you need wireless audio receivers, large print bulletins and hymnals, directions to classrooms, restrooms or access ramps, please notify an Usher.

We offer a nursery for infants and toddlers during the worship service at 10:00 a.m. For help finding ways to connect with the ministries and people in this community of faith, or for information about joining the church, please send a message to Membership Coordinator, Allison Cockrill, allison@firstonthird.org.

The flowers in the church are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Dr. Richard Edward Lawson from the wedding of his daughter, Susan Emery Lawson to Andrew Walker Morrison.

Note on Our Worship Space You may notice some changes in the sanctuary, chapel, and Gilmour Hall as we experiment with the arrangement of worship materials and space. This is an exciting way to consider how we engage the senses in worship, thinking theologically about the important relationship between the Word of God and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. You will notice today, for instance, that the large cross greets us as we enter the place of worship, reminding us that we are a people who follow in the way of the Crucified and Risen one. The new cup and plate on the table remind us that the same Risen Christ has promised to eat and drink with us, his people, to nourish us along the journey of discipleship, whenever we gath-er together.

125 S. 3rd Street Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 762-6688

www.firstonthird.org

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

The music of the Opening Voluntary draws us from the outside world into the presence of God. In preparation for worship, you are invited

to use this time for prayerful reflection.

OPENING VOLUNTARY “Break Thou The Bread of Life” - Seth Bingham “Communion” - Eugene Gigout WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

[Please pass the friendship register down the row for each person to sign.] MOMENT FOR MISSION Discipleship Bible Study CONGREGATIONAL INTROIT 399 “God Welcomes All” THEMBA AMEN

God welcomes all, strangers and friends; God’s love is strong and it never ends. CALL TO WORSHIP Today, the words of God come to us, in love, Inviting us to not be afraid, but to place our faith in God. Today, the word of God comes to us, in faith, inviting us to trust in the One who knows us, to place our hope in the One who saves us. Today, the Word of God comes to us, in hope, inviting us to be gracious in our love and in our service to others. +HYMN 401

“Here in This Place” GATHER US IN

TODAY’S SERVICE

First Presbyterian Church Growing in Faith and Love

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost August 25, 2019

For Urgent Pastoral Needs, Please Call - (910) 338-9109

*Please leave a message and the Pastor will return your call.

If you have joys to share, including a birth announcement, or concerns, please call the church office (762-6688).

REMINDER: Please be sure to silence all electronic devices upon entering the sanctuary.

Leading in Worship: Dan Lewis, Pastor Nicole Newton, Associate Pastor John Tabler, Director of Music Benjamin Horrell, Asst. Director of Music

Scheduling Information

If you would like to receive the weekly e-newsletter, please email Amy Osborne at amy@firstonthird.org.

To share joys or concerns, including birth announcements, or to reserve a room or change a room reservation, please call the church office or send an email message to calendar@firstonthird.org.

Weekly Updates

Stephen Ministry Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. Psalm 66:16.

“Sometimes we bargain with God. But soon after we are renewed, we lapse into our old ways. God always keeps his promises and wants us to do the same.” If you have fallen short on ful-filling the promise, consider talking with a Stephen Minister to help get you back on track. Reach out to one of the pastors, 762-6688 or Janice Clark, 228-8584.

Worship Schedule

One service at 10am through Labor Day

Flower Committee On behalf of the Flower Committee, we wish to extend our appreciation to Sam Haddock for furnishing the beautiful peace lilies which were placed in the chancel to the Glory of God during July and August.

Congregational Care Ministry The Emergency Care Committee, helps church members in the event of a hurricane, power outage, or other related situations. Committee members will call to check on members wellbeing and if they need assistance. If you, or any congregation members you know would like this service, please call Cathy Bai-ley, 910.793.2145, or the church office 910.762.6688 to be put on the list of members to call.

Greeting Team The Greeting Team serves as an extension of the hospitality of the church and seeks to welcome mem-bers and guests by holding doors open and providing assistance as needed on Sunday mornings for 30 minutes prior to services. Greeters are needed for the remainder of the year to serve between 8:30-9am and 10:30-11am. Please call Allison Cockrill at the church office, 762-6688 to sign up for remaining dates and times, or visit the signup link on the Member page of the church website to view and register open dates.

A Look Ahead

August 25: Communion and Blessing of the Backpacks, 10am, Sanctuary

August 29: Preschool Parent’s Night, 5:30pm, Sanctuary

September 5: Grandparent’s Support Network Volunteer Orientation, 6pm, Boney Hall

September 8: Rally Day and Youth Kickoff Traditional Worship Schedule Resumes - 8:45am, Chapel service - 9:00am, Gilmour Hall Contemporary service - 11:00am, Sanctuary service

September 9: Disciple Bible Study Introduction, 9:15am, Gilmour Hall

September 11: Discipleship Bible Study Introduction, 7pm, Gilmour Hall

September 15: Sunday School Classes Resume, 10am, Multiple Rooms Fall FPC 101 Classes, 10am, Bride’s Room

September 18: Fellowship at First, 5:30pm, Gilmour Hall

Youth Kickoff Families are invited to join their youth for dinner, worship, and a look at what the upcoming year will hold on September 8 from 6-8pm in Boney Hall.

New Youth Group Schedule! Starting September 16th, youth group will have a new schedule! Each group will have their own time, with a shared dinner from 6:30-7pm. Middle School Youth 5:30-7:00 High School Youth 6:30-8

Family Promise (Interfaith) First Presbyterian will be hosting Family Promise/Interfaith families the week of September 15-22nd. Our mission is to provide transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and emergency shelter to home-less families with children. Help and share your talents by signing up through the Member Page of the website and selecting the Family Promise link, or by calling the church office 910.762.6688. Volunteer opportunities for all shifts are available and include cooks, laundry helpers, van drivers, and those who can offer fellowship. Call Michelle Zumbro with questions about this important mission 910.508.8835.

Disciple Bible Disciple Bible is coming! First Presbyterian Church will begin a new, in depth, 12 week study of the Old Testament starting the second week of September. Weekly meetings of about 75 minutes will give partici-pants a chance to read and discuss the Bible in context. Join us Monday, September 9th at 9:15am or Wednesday September 11th at 7:00pm in Gilmour Hall for an introductory question and answer session and to sign up.

TIME WITH THE YOUNG CHURCH

[Three year olds through second graders are invited to come forward, place their offering in the plate and have prayer with the minister.]

WE PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST LESSON Hebrews 12: 18– 29

The Word of the Lord. Pew Bible P. 227 Thanks be to God.

SECOND LESSON Jeremiah 1: 4-10 The Word of the Lord Pew Bible P. 698 Thanks be to God.

SERMON Nicole Newton

“No More Excuses”

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

+HYMN 691 “Lord, When I Came into This Life” LAND OF REST

+AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (the Apostles’ Creed)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son of our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was cruci-fied, 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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OFFERING

CALL TO CONFESSION - (adapted from 1 John 1)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility and faith, let us confess our sins to God...

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of Life, you come to us as a consuming fire, the one who has consecrated us before time. You promise us a kingdom that can-not be shaken and call us to serve you with praise and thanksgiv-ing. But we forget and yield to fear. We trust in the tangible re-wards of this world, and neglect your promises. We confess that we are a divided people; we foster separations and widen rifts in our families, our communities, and in the world. Open us to your healing. Free us from all that distances us from your presence. Give us your grace and inspire us to serve you with courage; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

SILENT PRAYER KYRIE MERBECKE

Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Sisters and Brothers, hear this good news: Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ. And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ in a new creation. The old life is gone and a new life has begun. Let us all believe this good news: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

+CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE 447 “We Are Forgiven” WE ARE FORGIVEN

We are forgiven. We are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. PASSING OF THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! And also with you!

OFFERTORY ANTHEM

"Thou My Everlasting Portion" - Opal Davis Thou my everlasting Portion, more than friend or life to me, All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee. Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee. Not for ease or worldly pleasure, nor for fame my prayer shall be; Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with Thee. Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with Thee. Lead me through the vale of shadows, bear me over life's fitful sea; Then the gate of life eternal may I enter, Lord, with Thee. Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, Then the gate of life eternal may I enter, Lord, with Thee.

- Fanny Crosby

+DOXOLOGY (606) OLD HUNDREDTH

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.

+PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND 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.

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

WE GO IN GOD’S NAME

+HYMN 761

“Called as Partners in Christ’s Service” BEECHER

+CHARGE & BENEDICTION CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE 544 “Bless the Lord” BLESS THE LORD Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

“Rise Up, O Church of God” - Seth Bingham

If you leave before worship’s conclusion, please do so silently in consideration of others. Please refrain from photography and videography

during the worship service. [+You are invited to stand. For each hymn, please stand as the last line of the introduction is played.]