First Presbyterian Church

Cranford, New Jersey

Founded 1851

 

May 2, 2010 10:00 a.m.                                                   Communion Sunday

Those who are able, please stand.                                                                           Music Sunday                                                                                                                          

Thank you for turning off cell phones.

We Gather Around GodŐs Word

Prelude                                     Improvisation on God of Grace                                      Manz     

 

Choral Introit                                                  Fantasy on Immortal, Invisible                                      Smith

                                    Jubilee Bell Choir, Dr. Frederick Irwin directing       

 

*Call to Worship                                                                                                     Skip Winter

Leader:   Praise the Lord!  Sing to God a new song.                               

People:  May GodŐs praise be heard in the assembly of the faithful.  

         L:  Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy!

      All:  Let us praise GodŐs name with dancing, making melody to God with

              tambourine and lyre.  Praise the Lord!

*Hymn 264                                     When in Our Music God Is Glorified                            Engelberg  

Prayer of Preparation and Confession                                                                             

            We lift up our voices to you, Creator God, in song and prayer, giving praise to         the One who sees more than we are able, understands more than we can, brings             peace   where we cannot.  Lord God, forgive us.  We limit our vision to what our       eyes    can see: a moment of joy or a moment of despair; a moment of truth or a             moment of deception; a moment of harmony or a moment of discord.  Do not            weary of our careless ways.             Keep us in the promise of what you see: a new             heaven and a new earth.  Filled with such hope, give us grace for this and every       moment.

                                                             

            Our silent prayers of preparation & confession

Assurance of GodŐs Love and Forgiveness

 

Anthem                                                        Helelujan           (hallelujah)                       Native American Chant    

Combined Choirs

 

Welcome and Ritual of Friendship                                                                        Rev. Diane Curtis        

(Please fill out the Friendship Pad completely, pass it along, and return it to its starting point. Be sure to include your e-mail address.)

Special Music                                   When God Makes a Promise                                           Brown

                                                            Caroler Choir

 

                                                Sing & Dance, Children of God                       Michael Bedford

                                           Crusader Choir – Elsa Hahn directing

 

A Time for Children                                                                                         Rev. Valencia Norman

(All children are invited forward.  Afterward, children may go to Sunday School classes for all ages.)

*Hymn 293                            This is My FatherŐs World                                         Terra Beata 

We Proclaim GodŐs Word

Scripture Reading                      (p.716 of Old Testament)                                     Psalm 148

L: The Word of the Lord.

P: Thanks be to God.

Sermon                                              Sing! Sing! Sing!                               Rev. Diane Curtis

 We Respond to GodŐs Word

We Worship With Our Offerings              

Offertory                                                      Table Song                                                          Hass

                                          Westminster and Chancel Choirs

*We Give Praise to God                                                                                     Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Praise him all creatures here below. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise him above ye heavenly host.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

O Praise him, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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 Dedication

 

Sacrament of the LordŐs Supper

Invitation

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Words of Institution

Breaking of the Bread

Communion of the People

Prayers of the People and The LordŐs Prayer

Our Father, who are 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

 

*Closing Hymn 288              I Sing the Mighty Power of God                                 Ellacombe

                                        

*Benediction

 

Postlude

 

Go In Peace – to Serve in Love

 

LARGE PRINT bulletins and hymnals, special ChildrenŐs Bulletins.  Whenever possible, please help your fellow worshipers by exiting and entering the sanctuary at times other than during prayers or scripture readings. Thank you.

 

WELCOME and thank you for your contribution to this service of worship.  Visitors, members and friends:  please fill in the Friendship Pad completely, noting those near you, and pass it along.  May you sense in this place, the presence and the love of God in Christ.

NURSERY CARE for children 2 years and younger is always available during worship in the Nursery, located downstairs in Memorial Hall (adjacent to the sanctuary) across from the Thomson Youth Center.  A Crib Room is also available.  Please ask an usher for directions.

SUNDAY SCHOOL classes for all ages (2 & ½ and up) are located in the Education Building.  Church School leaders are available to help students and parents locate their classrooms.

 

THE FLOWERS today are given to the glory of God.  

TO REACH THE PASTOR, you may contact the Rev. Diane Curtis at 908 803-6395 or by e-mail at dianecurtis@firstprescranford.org; or the Rev. Valencia Norman at 201 404-6935 or by e-mail at vbnorman@firstprescranford.org.

THE LORDŐS SUPPER at First Presbyterian Church, is celebrated the first Sunday of each month. All baptized Christians are welcome at the LordŐs Table, trusting that forgiveness and abundant life are not rewards conferred on the worthy, but gifts of grace offered by a loving God to those who come in faith, acknowledging their brokenness and need for God, and seeking reconciliation with God and neighbor. Baptized children who are being nurtured and instructed in the significance of the invitation to the Table at their level of understanding are invited to receive the LordŐs Supper.  Welcome.

 

 

Interim Pastor & Head of Staff – The Rev. Diane Curtis

Associate Pastor – The Rev. Valencia B. Norman

Director of Music Ministries – Dr. Frederick Irwin

Assistant Music Director – Elsa G. Hahn

Organist – Robert Grube, Jr.

Director of Christian Education – Mary E. Beckhusen

Youth Director – Melissa E. Layfield           

                                            Church Administrator – Gail L. Clauer

 

Church website:  www:firstprescranford.org

THE ŇLOOSE OFFERINGÓ (undesignated monies) given today and every Communion Sunday support the DeaconsŐ Fund, providing emergency assistance to those in need in this congregation & community.

CHAPEL PRAYER TIME – Following each SundayŐs worship service, the Dorothy Snyder Chapel is open for prayer and quiet meditation.  All are welcome.

LABYRINTH WALK TODAY – You are invited to walk a canvas replica of the Chartres Labyrinth in France today from 1-4 p.m. in Bates Hall. This ancient meditative practice is a wonderful means for Christians to feel closer to God, to promote peace and healing, to focus on mindfulness, and to experience the Divine Presence.  More information is available at the walk.  First Pres. offers the Labyrinth Walk to members, friends and the community the first Sunday of each month.

TODAY THE Chancel Choir is DebutING New Choir Robes The recent purchase of the choir robes was made possible by a very generous memorial gift from the family of Dorothy West, a long-time Chancel Choir member.  The gift specifically designated the funds for the purchase of new robes. 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MAY 9, 2010

A special meeting of the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, will be held on Sunday, May 9, 2010 in the sanctuary, immediately following morning worship.  The purpose of the meeting will be:   (1) to approve Phyllis Dunlop as a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC); and (2) elect Rich Fleissner as an elder, class of 2013.

Signed:  Arthur Winter Jr., Clerk of Session and Donna Graziano, Clerk of Session 5/1/2010                

MEMBERSHIP EXPLORATION CLASSES will concludemeet again today and on May 2, 2010.  During these classes we explore our own personal faith journeys, what we believe in as Presbyterians, what membership in a Presbyterian church entails, and finally, a history of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford and opportunities to serve.  These classes begin at about 11:30 following some fellowship time and are finished by 1:00.  A luncheon is served and child care is provided..  If you are interested in attending, please contact the church office or Doug Tanguy at rdtanguy@gmail.com or 908- 322-8093.  We hope to see you there!

SHOP SMART AND DO GOOD ON Tuesday, May 4th at the fundraising event for local charities at Lord & Taylor, Westfield.  The sale goes on all day from 10 am to 9 pm and there are Ôpre-sale days- from April 25th to May 4th if you cannot get there on the Tuesday of the sale.  If you purchase a $5 ticket, you can save 20% on a big item of your choice AND get a 15% off all-day pass for every item in the store, including cosmetics, fragrance, fine jewelry, you name it!  If you use a store credit card, you get an extra 10% off through the day.  All of the proceeds from the $5 ticket sales comes to our First Pres Church fundraising drive.  You can buy tickets from the Church Life Team and some session members.  Please look for our table in the narthex or at Fellowship Time.

 

 

SHOP SMART AND DO GOOD ON Tuesday, May 4th at the fundraising event for local charities at Lord & Taylor, Westfield.  The sale goes on all day from 10 am to 9 pm and there are Ôpre-sale days- from April 25th to May 4th if you cannot get there on the Tuesday of the sale.  If you purchase a $5 ticket, you can save 20% on a big item of your choice AND get a 15% off all-day pass for every item in the store, including cosmetics, fragrance, fine jewelry, you name it!  If you use a store credit card, you get an extra 10% off through the day.  All of the proceeds from the $5 ticket sales comes to our First Pres Church fundraising drive.  You can buy tickets from the Church Life Team and some session members.  Please look for our table in the narthex or at Fellowship Time.

 

 

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED invite you to join them for lunch at Osceola Presbyterian Church, Raritan Road in Clark on Friday, May 7, at 12 noon.  A delicious catered meal and unique entertainment will be ensured by Mary Wells.  Twelve dollars ($12.00) is being charged to cover their costs and support local charities.

 

WhatŐs Happening This Week at First Presbyterian Church

Sunday, May 2nd – Communion and Music Recognition Sunday

  10:00 a.m.     Worship Service                                                                                 Sanctuary             

  10:15 a.m.     Sunday school                                            Sanctuary & Christian Education bldg.

  11:30 a.m.     Fellowship Time                                                             Thomson Youth Center

  11:30 a.m.     Membership Exploration Class                                                             Library

  11:30 a.m.     Westminster Choir                                                                          Music Room

  11:45 a.m.     Confirmation Class                                                                            Room 302

    1:00 p.m.     Labyrinth                                                                                          Bates Hall

    6:00 p.m.     Middle School Youth                                                                          Room 302

    7:00 p.m.       Youth Supper                                                                                   Room 302

    7:00 p.m.     Grief Support                                                                           Mettam Lounge

    7:30 p.m.     High School Youth                                                                             Room 302

Monday, May 3rd

   6:30 p.m.      Pastor Nominating Committee                                                                  Board Room

Tuesday, May 4th    Lord & Taylor Fundraiser Today

    7:30 p.m.     Children & Youth Team                                                               Thomson Youth Center

    7:30 p.m.     Worship Team Service & Mission Team                                                                                         Board Room

Thursday, May 6th  

    3:30 p.m.     Caroler Choir rehearsal                                                                               Music Room

    4:30 p.m.     Crusader Choir rehearsal                                                                  Music Room

    6:30 p.m.     Jubilee Bell Choir rehearsal                                                               Music Room

    7:30 p.m.     Chancel Choir rehearsal                                                                                 Music Room

Friday, May 7th

    6:00 p.m.     Play NŐ Date                                                                                       Bates Hall        

Sunday, May 9th — MotherŐs Day Canata

  10:00 a.m.     Worship Service                                                                                  Sanctuary             

  10:15 a.m.     Sunday school                                             Sanctuary & Christian Education bldg.

  11:15 a.m.     Congregational Meeting                                                                                  Sanctuary

  11:30 a.m.     Fellowship Time                                                              Thomson Youth Center

  11:30 a.m.     Westminster Choir                                                                           Music Room

  11:45 a.m.     Confirmation Class                                                        Thomson Youth Center

    6:00 p.m.     Middle School Youth                                                                          Room 302

    7:00 p.m.       YYouth Supper                                                                                            Room 302

    7:00 p.m.     Grief Support                                                                           Mettam Lounge

    7:30 p.m.     High School Youth                                                                             Room 302

 

 

Do you believe it?   YouŐre being scoutedÉ     

YouŐre being recruited! 

 

To play on the

First Presbyterian ChurchŐs 

                      recreational Softball Team

                                                                                                                 

                           Ages:    High School & up    

When:  Tuesday and Thursday evenings

      (an occasional Monday and/or

               Friday game for rain dates)

Where: All fields are in Union County

 

     To signup and/or get more                         information,

      call Brian Knutson                at:  814-574-2653, or

                                      908-233-0778

 

 

LetŐs PLAY BALL !!

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Join Us for Faith Night

Somerset Patriots vs. Camden Riversharks

 

The Somerset Patriots are sponsoring a night of baseball fun on Thursday, May 20th at 7:05 p.m.  The game will be held at the TD Bank Park in Bridgewater.

 

Tickets are $7.00 and will be available before game night.  Checks should be made payable to First Presbyterian Church.

 

Just fill out the information below and reserve your seat for a night of fun and fellowship.  You will be responsible for your own transportation to the game.

 

Please return this slip with your payment to Mary Beckhusen, Director of Christian Education no later than May 2, 2010.

 

Name_____________________________

 

# of tickets_____ Phone #_____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayers of the Church Family

ŇWho shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.  They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from the God of their salvation.Ó                                                      Psalm 24:3-5                                                                             

Prayer for those in the First Pres. family facing health challenges and the loss of family members.

And for loved ones & friends of the First Pres. family.

Please offer prayers for peace, for those affected by war and violence, all who have lost jobs, for all who are homeless and hungry, for families in conflict, for fighters and survivors of disease, their families and friends, and those suffering thru natural disasters.

Pray for those in the First Pres. family facing health challenges and the loss of family members:  Lillian Cabarle, Terry Briscoe, Linda Bristow, Lorraine Dizzia, Deirdre Dreyer, Ruby Ferreira, Jeanne Fritz, Hunter Grau, Ethel Heim, Al Hogan, Bob Kraft, Linda Oricchio, Linda Orr, Mavis Serafin and family, Evelyn Spotts, Dave Swanson, Linda Thorn, Marie Tilton, Jeremy Tomlinson, Ernestine Trubenbach, Jim Van Horn, Alice Wallace, Ann Weisgerber and Vicky Yager.

 

And for loved ones & friends of the First Pres. family: Mike Adams, the Rev. Greg Albert, Christel Baldia, Kris Beck, Ron Binder, Ruth Blair, Paula Bobucky, Ruth Bodamer, Bridgette Bray, Mary Briggs, Sabrina Brito, Christel Buldia, Carol Canning, Benjamin F. Chandler Jr., Craig Clark, Cheryl Davis, June Dell, Michael Derback, Sarah Doyle, Nancy Elmer, Bob Emerson, Linda Louise Geha, George Goellner, Kathy Gorski, Gerald Grau, Caroline Gries, Anthony Griffo, Charlie Halgren, the Hicks family, Art Holden, the Horn family, John Howard Jr., Jim Iozzi, Eileen Jacob, Frances Jewitt, John Karathanos, Marguerite Kincaid, Vivian Kommosser, Lori Kwasnika, Gert Leary, Ernie Lehner, Lucas, Shirley MacKenzie and family, Margaret Marr, Dolores J. Graham, Gail Martin, Josephine Martin, MaryAnn, Carmel McSweeney, Joe & Dottie Mease, Lenny Miller, Cordellia Moore, Mary Mull, Jack Mueller, Ruth Nowalk, Donna Paduano, the Petito family, Patricia Philip, Evan Phillips, Cecilia Quintero, Maya Patricia Reilly, Jean Rinkus, Juanita Rodriguez, Gary Roeben, Elizabeth Rogers, Brian Rubin, Cole Sanchez-Perez, Melissa Santana, Julie Scheffels, Bob Sells, Janet Small, Bill Smith, Thomas Stevens, Peter Tully, Karen Williams, Tom Williams, Joan Winter, and for the students of Drew University trying to raise money for a mission trip to Uganda.

 

Please offer prayers for peace, for those affected by war and violence, all who have lost jobs, for all whom are homeless and hungry, for families in conflict, for fighters and survivors of disease, their families and friends, and those suffering thru natural disasters, especially China, Haiti and Chili.  Pray for their people, their leaders, and the military and rescue workers in their countries.  Please ask for GodŐs daily comfort and the blessing of faithful trust for all who serve in the military: Steven Bobrowski, Nathan Brett, Vincent Charles Dooley, ŇBJÓ Felegi, Ryan Gerrity, Kyle Johnson, Nick Jordan, Chris Lehner, Jaclyn MacDermant, Ken Matz, David Moseley, Chap. (Col.) Arthur Pace, Alexander Prawdzik, Jonathan Ruff, Elizabeth Trujillo, Richard Trujillo, and Joseph Woglom. 

 

 

 


  Join Us for Faith Night

Somerset Patriots vs. Camden Riversharks

 

The Somerset Patriots are sponsoring a night of baseball fun on Thursday, May 20th at 7:05 p.m.  The game will be held at the TD Bank Park in Bridgewater.

 

Tickets are $7.00 and will be available before game night.  Checks should be made payable to First Presbyterian Church.

 

Just fill out the information below and reserve your seat for a night of fun and fellowship.  You will be responsible for your own transportation to the game.

 

Please return this slip with your payment to Mary Beckhusen, Director of Christian Education no later than May 2, 2010.

 

 

Name_____________________________

 

 

# of tickets_____ Phone #_____________