Sherri Bolster – Page 2 – First Baptist Church of Glens Falls

Worship: Sunday, May 3, 2020

Worship Video: https://youtu.be/bzKEj3G0LK4

Prelude Miriam Enman

Introit Through It All

Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, Through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

CCLI Song #18211 Andrae Crouch

Call to Worship From HomileticsOnline.com

Leader: We have come to set our faith and hope on God.

People: God hears our voices and supplications.

Leader: God is gracious and righteous; our God is merciful.

People: What shall we return to God for all God’s bounty to us?

Leader: We will lift up the cup of salvation

People: And call on the name of the Most High!

Hymn Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty

Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning Our song shall rise to Thee
Holy holy holy Merciful and mighty
God in three persons Blessed Trinity

Holy holy holy All the saints adore Thee
Casting down their golden crowns Around the glassy sea
Cherubim and seraphim Falling down before Thee
Which wert and art And evermore shalt be

Holy holy holy Though the darkness hide Thee
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see
Only Thou art holy There is none beside Thee
Perfect in power In love and purity

Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty
All Thy works shall praise Thy name In earth and sky and sea
Holy holy holy Merciful and mighty
God in three persons Blessed Trinity

CCLI Song # 1156 John Bacchus Dykes | Reginald Heber

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer From Taught by Love by Lavon Bayler

Wondrous God, present with us when we do not know it, valuing us when we do not care for ourselves, planting in us the seed of your word even when the soil of our hearts is hard and unyielding, open our eyes to recognize you here. May we sense your presence next to us. May we hear your voice. May we know your touch. May we see you in one another and in the beauty all around us. May your reality emerge deep inside each life, transforming our thoughts and deeds and our relationship with one another. Praying Together:

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.

Gloria Patri

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

Worship in Tithes and Offerings

Special Music as Offering

Prayer of Dedication

Doxology

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.

Responsive Prayer From Feasting on the Word Worship Companion

L: God of Resurrection

P: Hear Our Prayer

Hymn Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

What a fellowship what a joy divine
Leaning on the everlasting arms
What a blessedness what a peace is mine
Leaning on the everlasting arms

Chorus:

Leaning (leaning on Jesus)
Leaning (leaning on Jesus)
Safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning (leaning on Jesus)
Leaning (leaning on Jesus)
Leaning on the everlasting arms

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way
Leaning on the everlasting arms
O how bright the path grows from day to day
Leaning on the everlasting arms Chorus

What have I to dread what have I to fear
Leaning on the everlasting arms
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near
Leaning on the everlasting arms Chorus

CCLI Song # 31779 Anthony Johnson Showalter | Elisha Albright Hoffman

Text for the Message 1 Peter 1:13-25 (ESV)

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for

“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Message

Hymn How Great Thou Art

1) O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

[Refrain]
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

2) When through the woods, and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze
3) And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin

4) When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

Benediction (Blessing)

Postlude Miriam Enman

Worship: Sunday, April 26, 2020

Worship Video: https://youtu.be/9Gpislz1doo

Prelude Miriam Enman

Introit Through It All

Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, Through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

CCLI Song #18211 Andrae Crouch

Call to Worship by Rev. Dr. Libby Grammar, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Martinsville, VA.

Leader: We enter a virtual gathering space once again this season.

People: We worship together in spirit and in truth,

though not in person.

L: We pray, sing, and listen to God’s Word

despite the fear that pervades our community.

P: We trust Christ’s peace,

a peace given freely, despite our doubts and fears.

L: We know the Holy Spirit is among us,

blowing with a hopeful wind of change.

P: We feel the presence of Christ,

the one who died and rose again, and brings us eternal life.

L: We submit to God’s leading in this time of transformation.

P: We experience the joy of Easter morning

when we celebrate all God has in store for us.

Hymn Sometimes “Alleluia”

Sometimes Alleluia,
Sometimes Praise the Lord
Sometimes Gently Singing,
Our hearts in one accord

Oh let us lift our voices,
Look toward the sky and start to sing
Oh let us now return His love,
Just let our voices ring Chorus

Oh let our joy be unconfined,
Let us sing with freedom unrestrained
Let’s take this feeling that we’re feeling now,
Outside these walls and let it rain. Chorus

Oh let us feel His presence,
Let the sound of praises fill the air
Oh let us sing the song of Jesus’ love,
To people everywhere. Chorus

Oh let the Spirit overflow,
As we are filled from head to toe.
We love you Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
And we want this world to know. Chorus

CCLI Song#21765 Chuck Girard

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer From Litany and Other Prayers: For the Common Lectionary Year A
by Everett Tilson and Phyllis Cole

O God whose rains fall upon the just and the unjust, hear our prayer. You set your rainbow in the clouds as a sign of the covenant you made with all earth’s creatures. You promised that whenever the bow was in the heavens, you would look upon it and remember the bond between us.

Unlike yours, our memory fades. Though we too have a sign by which to remember- the sign of the empty tomb- we often forget whose we are. But now, in gathering here, we remember well. Look upon us, come upon us, O God; send your promise by your Spirit. May it descend upon us like a dove. Praying Together:

Gloria Patri

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

Worship in Tithes and Offerings

Special Music as Offering

Prayer of Dedication

Doxology

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.

Responsive Prayer

L: Hear Our Cry, O God

P: Listen to Our Prayer

Hymn Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee

Jesus the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills my breast
But sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest

No voice can sing no heart can frame
Nor can the mind recall
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name
O Savior of us all!

O Hope of every contrite heart
O Joy of all the meek
To those who ask, how kind Thou art
How good to those who seek

But what to those who find
Ah this nor tongue nor pen can show
The love of Jesus what it is
None but His loved ones know

Jesus our only joy be Thou
As Thou our prize wilt be
in thee be all our glory now, and through eternity.

CCLI Song # 4778495 Augustus Edmonds Tozer | Bernard of Clairvaux | Edward Caswall

Text for the Message 1 Peter 1:1-12 (ESV)

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Message Genuineness of Your Faith

Hymn O, How I Love Jesus

There is a name I love to hear
I love to sing its worth
It sounds like music in my ear
The sweetest name on earth

Chorus O how I love Jesus
O how I love Jesus
O how I love Jesus
Because He first loved me

It tells me of a Saviour’s love
Who died to set me free
It tells me of His precious blood
The sinner’s perfect plea

It tells me what my Father hath
In store for every day
And tho’ I tread a darksome path
Yields sunshine all the way

It tells of One whose loving heart
Can feel my deepest woe
Who in each sorrow bears a part
That none can bear below

CCLI Song # 28696 Frederick Whitfield | Unknown

Benediction (Blessing)

Postlude Miriam Enman

Worship: Sunday, April 19, 2020

Worship Service Video: https://youtu.be/H6P5c_5ss34

Prelude Miriam Enman

Announcements

Have a need? Reach out to Pastor Stephanie by email at revstephanies@gmail.com or by phone 518-832-9792. We will do our best to meet your need together with local resources.

Want to know what’s new in church news? Visit our Facebook page and/or our website at www.fbcgf.org. We will also share urgent news using the church phone/prayer tree.

We will be evaluating church openings on a week to week basis. We are following the recommendations of the CDC and NYS health department.

Call to Worship From Before the Amen: Creative Resources for Worship

Leader: God’s being-and-doing extends far beyond greatness.

People: Praise God around all the earth.

Leader: God astounds us in the words and music we come to share this morning.

People: Praise God with tambourine and dance, strings and cymbals!

Leader: In our inhales and exhales, in our gathering and in our releasing, in our pondering and in our praying, we praise!

People: Alleluia! Praise God!

Hymn He Lives

I serve a risen Saviour; He’s in the world today.

I know that He is living, whatever others say.

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

Chorus:

He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,

And though my heart grows weary I never will despair.

I know that He is leading, thro’ all the stormy blast;

The day of His appearing will come at last. Chorus

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian! Lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,

None other is so loving, so good and kind. Chorus

O God, we trust totally in You as we trust in no other. You are the creator of all things, and our life depends on You moment by moment. You give us breath and we respond with songs of praise and hymns of adoration. You give us truth, and we teach others Your word and try to model Your ways. You give us eternal life, and we share the gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, with all who will listen. You fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and we love others as You have loved us. You call us Your friends, and we seek to be friends with the friendless. In all things we completely depend upon You and do not rest secure in our own strength or wisdom. Draw us closer to You and enable us to live more faithfully as followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray:

Gloria Patri

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

Worship in Tithes and Offerings

Special Music as Offering Derek Whaley and Cyndie Wade

Prayer of Dedication

Doxology

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.

Responsive Prayer

L: Hear Our Cry, O God

P: Listen to Our Prayer

Hymn ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word;

Just to rest upon His promise;

Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Chorus: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,

Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!

O for grace to trust Him more.

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to trust His cleansing blood;

Just in simple faith to plunge me,

’Neath the healing, cleansing flood.

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just from sin and self to cease;

Just from Jesus simply taking

Life, and rest, and joy, and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;

And I know that Thou art with me,

Wilt be with me to the end.

Text for the Message Psalm 25 (NIV)

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, I trust in You;
Let me not be ashamed;
Let not my enemies triumph over me.
Indeed, let no one who ^[^a^]waits on You be ashamed;
Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.

Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.

Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.

Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.

Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.

The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,
To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Your name’s sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Who is the man that fears the Lord?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.

He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.

My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me,
For I am desolate and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart have enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses!
Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins.
Consider my enemies, for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
Keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.

Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of all their troubles!

Message Beginner’s Trust by Rev. Jerrod Hugenot

Hymn Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
O what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

Chorus: This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending, bring from above,
echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Chorus

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blessed
Watching and waiting, looking above
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love Chorus

Benediction (Blessing)

Postlude Miriam Enman

Worship: Sunday, April 12, 2020- Easter

Worship Service: https://youtu.be/_oNaAs5e5AM

Flower Memorial: https://youtu.be/g4rS0PH0soE

Prelude Miriam Enman

Leader: Christ is Risen!

People: He is Risen indeed!

Call to Worship From Nancy Townley: posted on ministrymatters.com

Leader: Don’t weep! Don’t mourn! There is great Good News!

People: Christ the Lord is risen today!

Leader: Put away your garments of mourning; let the light of God’s love flood into your lives.

People: Christ the Lord is risen today!

Leader: No more do we have to fear the darkness; it has been overcome by God’s light.

People: Christ the Lord is risen today. ALLELUIA!

Hymn Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
All creation, join to say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
From Lectionary Worship Aids Cycle A by H. Burnham Kirkland

Our Father in heaven, this is the best day of the year, for we celebrate the best day of all time. Jesus, who was dead, is alive, and we, who will one day die, will live again. Darkness has yielded to light, and evil has been defeated by the holy. May this hour reflect the joy of the event we celebrate, and may our lives be flooded with your hope.

We cry out together as with those around the world: 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.

Gloria Patri

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

Worship in Tithes and Offerings

Special Music as Offering “Jesus is Risen Today!”

Performed by Kristine and Jeremiah Geer Accompanied by Miriam Enman

Prayer of Dedication

Doxology

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.

Responsive Prayer

L: Hear Our Cry, O God

P: Listen to Our Prayer

Hymn Christ Arose!

Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!

Refrain:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus, my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus, my Lord!

Death cannot keep his Prey,
Jesus, my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus, my Lord!

Text for the Message Luke 24:1-12

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”

And they remembered His words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles.And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

Message “Say Yes” to The Resurrection

Hymn Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

Benediction (Blessing)

Postlude Miriam Enman

Worship: Friday, April 10, 2020- Good Friday

Worship Service: https://youtu.be/wjRKHdMADF4

Prelude Miriam Enman

Leader: Jesus said: I am the light of the world.

People: Anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Leader: If I say, “Let the darkness cover me, and the light around me turn to night,” darkness is not dark to you, O God.”

People: The night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike.

Leader: Let us pray,

Gracious God,

You give us the sun to illumine the day and the moon and stars to shine by night. Kindle in us the flame of your love that our lives may shed abroad the radiance of your light and the world may be full of the splendor of your glory; through Jesus Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. Amen.

Light the Candles

Leader: Brothers and sisters, we are called to be children of the day and not children of the night.

People: Let us approach the throne of grace that we may receive mercy.

Leader: Let us pray,

All: Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too real to hide, and too deep to undo. Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming fire of judgment. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Amen.

Leader: This is the message we have heard from Christ and proclaim to you: God is light.

People: If we walk in the light as Christ is in the light, we have communion with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.

Hymn Were You There?

1 Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

2 Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

3 Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Readings and Extinguishing of Lights

FIRST READING- Shadow of Betrayal Matthew 26: 20-25

SECOND READING- Shadow of Desertion Matthew 26: 31-35

THIRD READING- Agony of the Soul Luke 22: 39-44

FOURTH READING- Unshared Vigil Mark 14: 32-42

FIFTH READING- “Father, the hour is come” John 17: 1-6

SIXTH READING- “That they may all be one” John 17: 15-22

SEVENTH READING- Arrest in the Garden John 18: 1-6

EIGHTH READING- Shadow of the Cross Mark 15: 16-20

Four More Candles Extinguished Representing the Disciples

Special Music “In the Shadow of the Tree” Kristine and Jeremiah Geer Accompanied by Miriam Enman

FINAL READING- The Word was God (paraphrased from John)

Before the world was created, the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was the same as God. From the beginning the Word was with God. Through the Word God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without the Word. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to humanity.

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us.

The Word was in the world; and though God made the world through the World, the world did not recognize the Word. Some, however, did receive the Word and believed in the Word. So the Word gave them the right to become God’s children.

This is now the judgement works: the light has come into the world, but people love the shadows rather than the light, because their deeds are evil.

The Final Candle Represents Christ

Portions of this service are reprinted from UCC Book of Worship ©1986 by permission of the United Church of Christ Office for Church Life and Leadership.

Worship: Thursday, April 9, 2020- Maundy Thursday

Worship Video: https://youtu.be/rAG2mv5xHcE
NOTE: There is a portion of video without sound. Imagine what is going on based on tonight’s scripture.

Instructions for Getting Ready:

Gather a bowl of water and towel into your worship space. We will be washing feet tonight.

Prelude Miriam Enman

Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Holy One, all the lands!
Serve God with gladness!
Come into God’s presence with singing!

People: For the Holy One is good;

God’s steadfast love endures for ever,

And God’s faithfulness to all generations.

Hymn Jesus Paid It All

1) I hear the Savior say,
Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

2) Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
and melt the heart of stone.

3) For nothing good have I
Whereby thy grace to claim-
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calvary’s lamb.

4) And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
Jesus died my soul to save,
my lips shall still repeat

Confession of Sin

Leader: If we say we have no sing, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

People: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Leader: Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us confess our sins in silence and ask God for the forgiveness we need.

Extended silence for reflection and prayer.

Leader: Let us pray.

People: Gracious God, we have denied your intentions for us. We have preferred our way to Christ’s way. We have served ourselves and things we have made. We have disobeyed your commandment to love others as we love ourselves. Forgive us, and awaken us to faith and to a life of service; through Jesus Christ who came not to be served, but to serve, and who served you even to death, for our redemption. Amen

Leader: While we were yet helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

People: The love of God for us is show in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Telling The Story (Scripture) Through Drama

Hymn What Wondrous Love is This

What wondrous love is this O my soul O my soul
What wondrous love is this O my soul
What wondrous love is this that caused the King of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down
When I was sinking down, sinking down
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, my soul
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing
To God and to the Lamb I will sing
To God and to the Lamb who is the great I Am
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing!

And when from death I’m free I’ll sing on I’ll sing on
And when from death I’m free I’ll sing on
And when from death I’m free I’ll sing and joyful be
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on
And through eternity I’ll thing on!

Message

Foot Washing

Leader: Friends in Christ, we are reminded by the scriptures, in diverse words and symbols, of what God intends for us. The water of our baptism is a cleansing sign of our dying and rising with Christ.

The bread and wine of Holy Communion are saving food, announcing to us again Christ sacrifice and victory for our salvation.

Now, at Christ’s command, we share the water of humility, and stoop as once Christ stooped to wash the feet of others.

As you wash one another’s feet (or your own) say: “How happy we will be if we put into practice the truth of humility. With God’s help, may we each practice humility.”

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Leader: Let us pray…

All: O God, we give you thanks for the gift of Jesus Christ, the only one begotten by you before all worlds. We thank you for the splendor of Christ’s life of service. We thank you for symbols of love and humility. We ask that you will strengthen us for the service to which you call us, that we may find in lowering ourselves, in washing, and in all other acts of mercy, the fullness of life that we see in Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives in exaltation, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Special Music “One Lonely Night” Kristine and Jeremiah Geer Accompanied by Miriam Enman

Portions of this service are reprinted from UCC Book of Worship ©1986 by permission of the United Church of Christ Office for Church Life and Leadership.

Worship: Sunday, April 5, 2020 Palm Sunday

Worship Service: https://youtu.be/MA_nv0Q2l6w

Bulletin for Facebook Live Online Worship

Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 5, 2020

Prelude Miriam Enman

Announcements

Have a need? Reach out to Pastor Stephanie by email at revstephanies@gmail.com or by phone 518-832-9792. We will do our best to meet your need together with local resources.

Based on CDC/NYS Health Recommendations, we will be continuing to have church online (Facebook and FBC website) through the month of April 2020. We will include Holy Week services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Hymn Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

Hosanna, loud hosanna
the little children sang;
through pillared court and temple
the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them,
close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises,
the simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children
should on his bidding wait.

“Hosanna in the highest!”
That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice.

Special Poetry Reading Kathleen McCoy

Call to Worship From Litanies and other Prayers by Everett Tilson and Phyllis Cole

L: Today, as every day, God wakens our ear,

P: That we might hear as those taught by Jesus.

L: Today, as every day, God fills our heart,

P: That we might feel as those taught by Jesus.

L: Today, as every day, God quickens our tongue,

P: That we might speak as those taught by Jesus.

L: Today, as every day, God fortifies our will,

P: That we might risk as those taught by Jesus.

Hymn All Glory, Laud and Honor

Refrain: All glory, laud, and honor, to thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.

1. Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal Son, who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and Blessed One. (Refrain)

2. The company of angels are praising thee on high, and we with all creation in chorus make reply. (Refrain)

3. The people of the Hebrews with psalms before thee went; our prayer and praise and anthems before thee we present. (Refrain)

4. To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise; to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. (Refrain)

5. Thou didst accept their praises; accept the prayers we bring, who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King. (Refrain)

Words by: Theodulph of Orleans; trans. by John Mason Neale Music by: Melchior Teschner; harm. by W.H. Monk

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer From When We Gather by James G. Kirk

You give us tongues to speak comforting words to those who are weary. Each morning you awaken us to the words of new life. Open our ears that we may hear of your redemption; open our lips that we may confess Christ as the source of all righteousness and faith. Our time is in your hands, O God; we give you praise for your goodness that has no end.

Gloria Patri

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

Worship in Tithes and Offerings

Special Music as Offering Bob Barker

Prayer of Dedication

Doxology

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.

Responsive Prayer

L: Hear Our Cry, O God

P: Listen to Our Prayer

Hymn Ride On, Ride On In Majesty

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hear all the tribes hosanna cry;
O Savior meek, pursue your road
with palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die:
O Christ, your triumphs now begin
o’er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The host of angels in the sky
look down with sad and wond’ring eyes
to see th’approaching sacrifice.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Your last and fiercest strife is nigh;
the Father on his sapphire throne
awaits his own anointed Son.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
bow your meek head to mortal pain,
then take, O God, your pow’r and reign.

Text for the Message Matthew 21: 1-11

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

“Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”

And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Message “Say Yes” to The Journey

Hymn God Be With You

God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you,
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,
’Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still divide you,
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again,
If life’s perils should confound you,
God will put his arms around you;
God be with you till we meet again.

Benediction (Blessing)

Postlude Miriam Enman

Worship: Sunday, March 29, 2020

Video of Service

Order of Service for Sunday, March 29, 2020

Prelude Miriam Enman

Announcements

Have a need? Reach out to Pastor Stephanie by email at revstephanies@gmail.com or by phone 518-832-9792. We will do our best to meet your need together with local resources.

Want to know what’s new in church news? Visit our Facebook page and/or our website at www.fbcgf.org. We will also share urgent news using the church phone/prayer tree.

We will be evaluating church openings on a week to week basis. We are following the recommendations of the CDC and NYS health department.

Hymn Sweet, Sweet Spirit

There’s a sweet, sweet spirit in this place
And I know that it’s the spirit of the Lord There are sweet expressions on each face And I know that it’s the presence of the Lord

Sweet Holy Spirit
Sweet heavenly dove
Stay right here with us
Filling us with your love
And for these blessings
We lift our hearts in praise (hearts in praise)
Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived
When we shall leave this place

Call to Worship From Taught by Love by Lavon Baylor

God calls us from the valley of dry bones.

Come, listen for a word from our God.

We hear God calling us in a far distant voice.

We had nearly forgotten God’s care for us.

The Spirit breathes life into our bones.

God offers hope when we have lost our way.

Our souls wait for the refreshment God offers.

Our spirits are filled with great expectation.

Christ came as a light to all the world.

Christ comes among us today to light our way.

We hear the teacher calling us.

Christ unbinds us that we may see and believe.

Hymn O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing

O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
’tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.

He speaks, and listening to his voice,

new life the dead receive;

the mournful, broken hearts rejoice;

the humble poor believe.

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer From Taught by Love by Lavon Baylor

God of steadfast love, bring new life to this community of your people. We are eager to hear your voice and be filled with your Spirit. Come from the four winds, O Breath, and bring vitality and purpose to our gathering, that we might be energized and encouraged. Hear our voices, lifted in praise and crying out from our need. Be attentive to our supplications, lest we die apart from you. Only you can unbind us and set us free.

Gloria Patri

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

Worship in Tithes and Offerings

Special Music as Offering

Prayer of Dedication

Doxology

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.

Responsive Prayer

L: Hear Our Cry, O God

P: Listen to Our Prayer

Hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
when the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar ,
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.

Text for the Message John 11:1-45 NIV

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it. Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

hen Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept.

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

Message “Say Yes” to The Tomb

Hymn Christ Beside Me

Christ be beside me, Christ be before me,
Christ be behind me, King of my heart.
Christ be within me, Christ be below me,
Christ be above me, never to part.

Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand,
Christ all around me, shield in the strife.
Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting,
Christ in my rising, light of my life.

Christ be in all hearts thinking about me,
Christ be on all tongues telling of me.
Christ be the vision in eyes that see me,
In ears that hear me Christ ever be.

Repeat Verse 1

Benediction (Blessing)

Postlude Miriam Enman

Worship: Sunday, March 22, 2020

Worship Service: https://vimeo.com/399628119

Worship Order of Service

Prelude Miriam Enman

Announcements

Hymn Give Me Jesus

Call to Worship From Taught by Love by Lavon Baylor

God summons us to wake up and see.

Light has come to lead us to all that is good.

Our eyes have been opened to God’s goodness.

We seek to live as children of light.

God sees beyond our outward appearance.

God knows the intent of our hearts.

We are here to find out what is pleasing to God.

We want to know what is right and true.

God listens to all who worship sincerely.

Praise God with openness and obedience.

We seek to know and follow God’s will.

This is a day to do the works of God.

Hymn Be Thou My Vision

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

From Lectionary Worship Aids Cycle A by H. Burnham Kirkland

We know, O God, that without your help our search is in vain, our efforts are useless, and our worship is cold. Warm our hearts, strengthen our wills, and sharpen our minds, so that your name will be honored and our faith will be firmly established.

Gloria Patri

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

Worship in Tithes and Offerings

Special Music as Offering Andrew and Stephanie Schneider

Prayer of Dedication

Doxology

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.

Responsive Prayer

L: Hear Our Cry, O God

P: Listen to Our Prayer

Hymn Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Text for the Message John 9:1-41 NIV (Click for Biblegateway.com text)

Message “Say Yes” to Open Eyes

Hymn Open Our Eyes That I May See

Benediction (Blessing)

Postlude Miriam Enman

Worship Sunday, March 15, 2020

Worship Service on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/398501220

The Well by Casting Crowns

Responsive Prayer from The Lutheran World Federation