Second Sunday in Lent                 

WORSHIP SERVICE                     Sunday, March 12, 2006                 8:30 & 11:00 A.M.

PRAYER TIME BEFORE WORSHIP: We want to say “yes” this morning O God, to you. We say “yes” that you are the Lover who wants to be loved. We say “yes” to your question to us “do you love me?” We say “yes” to your truth, to the spiritual life, to Christ within us. We say “yes” to praying and playing, becoming ill and being healed, to living and dying. We say “yes” to the spirit who wants to use Lent for our further development in Christ. We say “yes” to all that you want to do in us today. Amen.

 

PRELUDE                      “Variations on the Hymn Holy, Holy, Holy!”                               Post

 

WELCOME, CONCERNS, AND GREETINGS

 

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

  

CALL TO WORSHIP:

Leader:               God invites all who need a fresh word to come. Come now with the

                          burdens of work, home and community. Jesus says to each of us,

Community:      Repent – turn around, the kingdom of God is at hand.

Leader:               God invites everyone, all ages, wherever we are on the journey of life, to come. Jesus says to each of us,

Community:      Repent – turn around, the kingdom of God is at hand.

Leader:               God invites us to lay aside our lesser gods to embrace the God that we have come to know in Jesus Christ. Jesus says to each of us,

All:                    Repent – turn around, the kingdom of God is at hand. We would live in the fullness of that kingdom.

                         

*PROCESSING HYMN                    “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”                           No. 84

                       

*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION

 

FIRST SCRIPTURE READING            Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16                    (O.T. Page 13)

Leader:   The word of the Lord.

Community:      Thanks be to God.

 

UNISON CONFESSION

The fact that we are always searching for You, O God, always struggling to discover the fullness of Love, always yearning for the complete truth, tells us that we have already been given a taste of You. We confess that we can only look for something that we have, to some degree, already found. How can we search for beauty and truth unless that beauty and truth are already known to us in the depth of our hearts? We all have inner memories of the innocence that we have lost. We were

                                                                          -2-

innocent before we started feeling guilty. We were in the light before we entered the darkness.  We were at home before we started to search for a home. Deep in the recesses of our minds and hearts lies hidden the treasure we seek. We know it’s precious, and we know that it holds the gift we most desire: a life that is stronger than death. Lead us again this lent to behold the Christ whose life overcame death, sin and the evil one for us. Amen.                                            (Henri Nouwen, Renewed For Life)

       

SILENT CONFESSION & DECLARATION OF PARDON

Leader:               Hear the good news! The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that

                          Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. The righteous One died

                          for the unrighteous that he might lead us to God.

Community:      In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.

 

RESPONSE                                  “Change My Heart, O God”

 

Change my heart, O God; make it ever true. Change my heart, O God; may I be like you. You are the Potter; I am the clay, Mold me and make me; this is what I pray.

                                                                                                                                         (repeat)

 

ANTHEM                                                    “Andante”                                        W.A. Mozart

                                                          Sarah Flemming, flute

 

KIDS’ CORNER    (11:00)                                                                              Frank Stricklen

 

*HYMN                                                “Lamb of God”                                              No. 2113

                                                        Found in Sing the Faith

 

SECOND SCRIPTURE READING             Mark 8:31-38                         (N.T. Page 44)

Leader:   The word of the Lord.                                                                                                  

Community:      Thanks be to God.

                                                                           

SERMON                                         “In His Footsteps”                   Dr. David B. Antonson

 

*CREED AND GLORIA PATRI                                                                             No. 579

We believe that the Holy Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in church and culture. The Spirit helps us to hear the voices of peoples long silenced and to work with others for justice, freedom and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!” With believers in every time

                                                                        -3-

and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.                                                                                                 A Brief Statement of Faith, 1990

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER (use debts and debtors)

 

RECEIVING OUR TITHES & OFFERINGS                          

                                                                           

OFFERTORY ANTHEM (8:30)         “What Wondrous Love is This”                   traditional

                                                                       Sarah Flemming, flute                                             

 

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 Lord of bliss to bear the heavy cross for my soul, to bear the heavy cross for my soul!

 

     (11:00)                                         “The Shepherd Psalm”                                            Carter

                                                              (Text: Psalm 23)

 

*OFFERTORY PRAISE & PRAYER OF DEDICATION

   Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise God all creatures here below. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

*HYMN                                   “The Glory of These Forty Days”                                    No. 87

 

*BENEDICTION & RESPONSE

                                                            A Hymn of Dismissal                                          J. Vajda

 

Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone; waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own. In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever, Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.

                                                                         

*POSTLUDE                “Praise to Thee, O Christ, Who Suffers for Us”                      J.S. Bach

*All Who Are Able May Stand                                        *****Ushers May Seat Worshippers   

 

THE LIGHTED CANDLE on the communion table reminds us to pray for peace.

 

GREETERS:             8:30        Bill Held, Jim Bodfish

                                 11:00        Bill Combs, Dick Spahr

ELDERS:                  8:30                                                                                                 

                               11:00        Lee Karayusuf

LAY READERS:      8:30        Valerie Volkman

                                 11:00        Joanne Zaletsky, Sarah Gable                                              

USHERS:                  8:30        Tom Englert (head usher), Dick Krotzer, James Nicola, Dave

                                                  Stanton, Judith Shifrin

                                 11:00        Bill English (head usher), Jean McClymonds, Art Groweg, Jon Goff,

                                                  Betsy Wood

STEPS OF FAITH:                Frank Stricklen

 

NORTHMONT OFFERS a well-equipped nursery that is supervised by permanent staff. All worshippers are welcome to use the nursery for infants and preschoolers for all or a portion of each service. When exiting the front doors of the sanctuary, turn right.

 

WELCOME TO WORSHIP on the 2nd Sunday in Lent. During these 40 weekdays and 6 Sundays, we focus on discipleship and what it means to follow Jesus Christ, culminating in Holy Week. In joy and in sorrow, the church proclaims, remembers, and responds to the atoning death of Christ.

 

                                                                                  VISITORS’ GUIDE

WE ARE GLAD you have chosen to worship with us. We invite visitors to sign the friendship register pad. Look for hospitality greeters wearing nametags. To learn more about Northmont Church:

                    w     Take a visitor packet of information from an usher when they are offered.

                    w   Attend Fellowship Time after the 11:00 a.m. service.

                    w     Children are welcome in the nursery.

                    w     We invite you to participate in worship and all other programs we offer.

                    w     Check out our website: www.northmontchurch.org

 

TODAY’S CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in loving memory of Laurel Werner and Charlotte Pearsall from George and Carolyn Pearsall. Flowers are given in loving memory of my husband Bill from Shirley Prevost. Flowers are also given in loving memory of Aleene Eidenmuller from her husband Carl.

 

OUR MEMBER OF SPECIAL CONCERN: Sandy Guckert – 370 Inwood Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, (412-366-6138)

 

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Mar. 5th: 8:30 – 115; 11:00 – 180, Sun. School – 131, SON –57

 

FOLLOWING WORSHIP please join us for fellowship time in Polley Fellowship Hall. The Worship Committee will be our hosts.

 

STEPHEN MINISTER Helen Haberlein will be making hospital calls this week. If you have a special request, please call her at 412-367-4929. 


PRAYER REQUEST CARDS are in each pew rack as well as on the table in the back of the church. If you have a prayer request, please fill out the card and place it in the basket on the table in the back of the church and those needs and names will be given to the person giving the morning prayer and will be included that day.

 

PRAYER REQUESTS: Kian Kooros & Wilma Kooros, Riley Jane – Spitz’s granddaughter, Great-Aunt Audrey, Rick’s parents, Terri Lambert, Neal & Bev’s baby, Hope McKitrick, Nancy Faron, Mr. Duncan, Glenn Griser – Audrey Griser’s son

 

TO BE REMEMBERED WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:

        Elora Geier, Children’s Hospital, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

        Thelma Boul, St. Barnabas Nursing Home

                                                                                                                                                        

OUR MEMBERS IN THE MILITARY – REMEMBER WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:

          SPC Scott, Paul M., HHC 2-70 AR, DFAC, Bldg. 7227, Fort Riley, KS 66442 (Mary Ellen Scott’s       grandson)

                  SGT Ryan W. Hey, C TRP 4-7CAV 2ID, unit # 150237, Camp Hovey, S. Korea, APO AP 96224

            (Matt Hey’s nephew)

          CPL & Mrs. David Potter, 217 Speer Ct., Camp Pendelton, Stuart Mesa, Ocean Side, CA 92054  

          (Mary Potter’s son and Bernice Dowling’s grandson)

          Fraley, David T., Naval SF Customs PAPA, APO AE 09366 (Betty Fraley’s son)

 

                                                          SON Worship Speaker

Mar. 12        Frank Stricklen

Mar. 19        Brian Wallace

 

REMINDER: All thank you notes are to placed in the Piper only, except during July and August when we do not have a monthly Piper.

 

PIPER DEADLINE: March 13th is the deadline for the April Piper!  Reminder – have your article mailed to the editor by noon! piper@northmontchurch.org Please send your articles by e-mail if possible! The church office is not responsible for submitting your article. Please find someone in your group to e-mail your article to the editor. Your article should be sent as an attachment.

 

WE ARE WELCOMING Sarah Gable in a new role at Northmont. This past week she became Sean’s new intern assisting with the Sr. High and Jr. High youth groups.

 

DR. AND MRS. ANTONSON leave for Greece this coming Tuesday morning, returning on March 24th. The group is comprised of 21 people, several from Northmont, and joining them will be 19 others from the Kansas City area. Pray for them as they trace the second missionary journey of the apostle Paul. Rev. Kennedy will be covering and making hospital calls.

 

ATTENTION MEN! Come to the NBC (Northmont Brotherhood Club) meeting each Tuesday morning. Starting at 8:30 A.M. – donuts, coffee, and fellowship in the kitchen. We meet at 9:00 A.M. in Polley Fellowship Hall. This week  our topic is Paws For A Cause.

 

LUNCH BUNCH:  This month we’ll be enjoying the food at The Willow Restaurant on

Camp Horne Road.  Ladies, please join us and feel free to bring a friend if you like.  Wednesday, March 15 is the date.  We’ll meet in the church parking lot at 11:30 AM.  Please RSVP to Linda Zmuda by the 13th of March (412) 931-6787.

 

LOOKING AHEAD: Preaching this coming Sunday will be Rev. Alick Kennedy. Motions from session committees are due in the office, electronically, this coming Wednesday for the March 21st meeting.
 

SPECTRUMS: You’re invited to a bowling party at Pines Plaza Lanes on Saturday, March 25th, noon to 2:00 P.M. Cost $8.25 per person and it includes two games and shoes. After bowling we’ll go to Pizza Roma. Call Anne Linaberger to RSVP at 412-364-2547.

 

BEACONS are going to dinner and a comedy mystery play at Community Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 25th. Call Kathy Spitz at 724-935-1051 for information.

 

MISSION MINISTRY encourages all to attend the WMI Mission Conference at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary March 24th and 25th. Keynote speakers include Dr. Kenneth Bailey and Dan and Beth Merry. The registration fee has been paid so Northmont may participate in the full conference or just special sessions. HOWEVER you do need to send in the form indicating your choices. Details appear in the March Piper. Please pick up a form from the church office. Jean Drumheller will coordinate car-pooling, so if interested call her at 412-366-5871.

 

YOU DON’T GET OUT MUCH – your condition won’t allow it. There aren’t too many visitors anymore. A Stephen Minister would like to visit, listen, share your opinion and help you discover new ways to cope.

 

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH FOR NORTH HILLS FOOD BANK: Month of March   – Macaroni & Cheese.  All items are very much appreciated, especially monetary donations. Checks should be made out to Northmont U. P. Church – memo-North Hills Food Bank.


Small Group/Spiritual Growth Opportunities

 

POST-ADVENT SMALL GROUPS: Small groups are a perfect way to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and experience true fellowship with your sisters and brothers in Christ. And now is the perfect time to join! Call any of the group leaders for more information!

Studying Paul’s Letter to the Romans:

  Sunday @ 7:00 PM: Bart Roberts (724-933-6065)

Studying Journeying Through Lent with Mark

  Monday @ 7:00 PM: Kip & Sylvia Campbell (412-364-2869) & Brian Wallace (412-974-3064)

  Wednesday @ 6:30 PM: Dr. David B. Antonson (412-364-0105)

  Wednesday @ 6:30 PM: Judy Shifrin (412-367-4299)

  Friday @ 6:30 PM (Family Friendly. Bring the kids!) Bill Baierl 412-367-4693)

 

EVERY SUNDAY

After SON Group: 7:00 P.M. in Northmont Library Contact Bart Roberts (724-933-6065)

 

EVERY THURSDAY

Spirituality and Prayer group continues our study of Eugene Peterson’s Christ Plays in 10,000 Faces this Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in the Berean Room. Led by Frank Stricklen.

 

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – 9:30 A.M.

 

ADULT BIBLE STUDY                                                                                      Malawi Room    

We will discuss the following texts: Genesis 17:1-17, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31, Romans 4:13-25, and Mark 8:31-38

 

TOPICS CLASS:                                                                                                Fellowship Hall

THIS WEEK: Rev. Don Dawson will speak on the upcoming World Mission Initiative Conference (March 24, 25) and the New Wilmington Missionary Conference (July 22-29)

 

FOUNDATIONS:                                                                                                             Berean Room

Differences in spirituality.  Why does my experience of God vary so greatly from that of others? Why do different denominations think differently about spirituality? How is Presbyterian and Reformed Tradition spirituality similar to and different from that of our Catholic, Baptist, Methodist and Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ? Why is it that the type of spirituality that once warmed my heart may now leave me cold. For the answers to these and other questions, join us next Sunday at Foundations in the Berean Room at 9:30 a.m.  Led by Frank Stricklen.


 

                                                                     * * * *

Pastor: Rev. Dr. David B. Antonson

Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Polley

Parish Associate Pastors: Rev. Alick Kennedy and Rev. Dr. Robert Forsythe

Organist and Director of Music: C. William Goff

Director of Family Ministries/Contemporary Worship: Frank Stricklen

Youth Director: Sean Kelly

Seminary Intern: Brian Wallace

Office Manager: Linda Allerton

Church Secretary: Rose Dragan

Church Treasurer: Lynn Merriman

Custodians: Colin Baldwin, Jr. and Patty Sopouchak

Northmont Child Development and Preschool Center:

Director: Margot Plant and Assistant Director: Diane Croyle

              
                 Calendar For The Week:
March 12 – March 18, 2006

 

Sunday, March 12:                                                                                                         John 5:19-24

8:30 & 11:00 AM    Worship                                                                                                              Sanctuary

   9:30AM                 Sunday School

   6:00 PM                 Son Worship Service                                                                                        Sanctuary 

   6:30 PM                 AA                                                                                                              Fellowship Hall

   7:00 PM                 Theta Alpha Chi                                                                                         Youth Lounge

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Monday, March 13:                                                                                                                                Psalm 6

 1:30 PM                   Staff Meeting                                                                                                           Library 

 6:30 PM                   Youth Committee                                                                                        Youth Lounge

 7:00 PM                   Boy Scouts                                                                                                Fellowship Hall

 7:00 PM                   Brian Wallace’s Bible Study                                                                       Berean Room

                                  Piper Deadline

 

Tuesday, March 14:                                                                                                                       Gen. 42:1-17

  8:30 AM                 NBC                                                                                                            Fellowship Hall

  9:15 AM                 Sarah Circle                                                                                                   Malawi Room

   6:30 PM                 Staff Relations                                                                                              Berean Room

   7:30 PM                 Boy Scout Committee Meeting                                                              Fellowship Hall

   7:30 PM                 Esther Circle                                                                                                 Malawi Room

 

Wednesday, March 15:                                                                                                               Gen. 42:18-28

  9:30 AM                 Knitters                                                                                                         Malawi Room

   5:30 PM                 Kids Kingdom                                                                                           Fellowship Hall

   5:30 PM                 Oasis                                                                                                           Fellowship Hall 

   6:30 PM                 Thekrew                                                                                                       Youth Lounge 

   7:30 PM                 Choir                                                                                                    Westminster Room

                                 

 Thursday, March 16:                                                                                                                   Mark 4:21-34

11:00 AM                 Spirituality & Prayer                                                                                    Berean Room

11:00 AM                 AARP                                                                                                         Fellowship Hall

   6:30 PM                 Cub Den Meetings                                                                                   Fellowship Hall

   7:00 PM                 Facilities                                                                                                                    Library

   7:30 PM                 Global Missions                                                                                           Malawi Room

 

Friday, March 17:   1 Cor. 7:1-9

   9:30 PM                 Project Linus                                                                                                Malawi Room

   3:45 PM                 Belles                                                                                                   Westminster Room

                                                                                                                                                                                 

   Saturday, March 18:                                                                                                                  Gen. 43:16-34