8169 Perry Highway
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Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) | ||||||
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Third Sunday in Lent
PRAYER TIME BEFORE WORSHIP: We marvel O God, that the powerlessness of the manger will now be seen in the powerlessness of the cross. As we move closer to the sacred ground of Holy Week, we will behold the anguish of Jesus, people saying, “He saved; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him.” There we see total weakness, even powerlessness – his flesh torn apart by lead-filled whips, his heart broken by rejection of his friends, his spirit shrouded in the darkness of abandonment. Yet from all this, we are bold to believe that divine love comes to us, we are embraced, and endless mercy has flowed free. Amen.
(From: Renewed For Life, Henri Nouwen)
PRELUDE “Forty Days and Forty Nights” McCabe
“Aria” Manz
WELCOME, CONCERNS, AND GREETINGS
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: God invites all who want to hear good news to come. Come now with
burdens of work, home, and community.
Community: The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Leader: God invites all who want to hear good news to come. Come now with discouragement, fear, and worries.
Community: God decided, through the foolishness of proclamation, to save those who believe.
Leader: God invites all who want to hear good news to come. Come now with open ears, willing hearts, and eager minds.
All: Christ has become the power of God, and the wisdom of God. He is the Good News that we seek. Thanks be to God.
*PROCESSING HYMN “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service” No. 343
*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION
Leader: The word of the Lord.
Community: Thanks be to God.
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UNISON CONFESSION
When your Son Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven of their sins…” he recognized the deep need in every person to accept and give out forgiveness to others. Your forgiveness of us is total, freely offered. But sometimes we put human limits even on your forgiveness. We don’t forgive as you forgive us. We look at terrible situations in the world, or we think about those who have sinned against us, and we say, “I can forgive anything but that!” When we are tempted to limit your forgiveness, we turn to your Son who imposed no limits on his forgiveness. He said even from the cross, “forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” We know you are now ready to cleanse us from any resentment, revenge, hatred, smoldering memories and set us free, even our lack of forgiveness. We cling to the promise that as you forgive us all sins, we are set free to forgive all those near us or far away. By our spirit make that possible in us. Amen.
SILENT CONFESSION & DECLARATION OF PARDON
Leader: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Community: May the God of mercy, who forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in
all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal
life. 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 “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” arr. Pethel
Amanda Joos, flute
*HYMN “Stay with Us” No. 2199
Found in Sing the Faith
SERMON “Check the Pantry!” The Rev. Alick Kennedy
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*CREED AND GLORIA PATRI No. 579
Religious leaders hated Jesus because he criticized their hypocrisy, and reproved their neglect of justice and mercy. They charged him with blasphemy and sedition, when he claimed to speak and act with God’s authority. One of Jesus’ followers betrayed him. Others abandoned and denied him, because they were afraid to stand with him. Civil authorities condemned him because he provoked unrest among the people. He was sentenced, mocked, beaten, and crucified as a common criminal. We confess that in the execution of Jesus, the sin of the human race reached its depths. The only innocent One was condemned and put to death, not by the sinfulness of our nation, but by the sinfulness of us all. (A Declaration of Faith, 1977)
RECEIVING OUR TITHES & OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY ANTHEM (8:30) “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” arr. Pethel
Amanda Joos, flute
(11:00) “It’s Me” arr. Thomas
Sue Swick, piano
Well it’s me, oh Lord, standin’ in the need of prayer. Not my brother or my sister, but it’s me, oh Lord! Standin’ in the need of prayer. Not my father or my mother, but it’s me, oh Lord; standin’ in the need of prayer. Not the preacher who’s a preachin’, but it’s me, oh Lord, standin’ in the need of prayer. Not the deacon who’s a prayin’ but it’s me, oh lord. Standin’ in the need of prayer.
*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 “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley” No. 80
*POSTLUDE “Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee” 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 Ed Scullion, Carl Eidenmuller
11:00 Dick Fisher, Ed Weaver
ELDERS: 8:30 Ken Yoest
11:00 Helen Traynor
LAY READERS: 8:30 Andy Fraley
11:00 Dave Sartori
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.
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 my parents, from Olive Higgins.
CONGRATULATIONS to Wayde and Jane Zeitler upon the birth of their granddaughter, Marissa Jane Zirckel, who was born on Monday, March 13th at West Penn Hospital. John and Michele Zirckel are Marissa’s parents.
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Mar. 12th: 8:30 – 92; 11:00 – 143, Sun. School – 127, SON –56
FOLLOWING WORSHIP please join us for fellowship time in Polley Fellowship Hall. The Reach Out Committee will be our hosts.
STEPHEN MINISTER Tom Snaman will be making hospital calls this week. If you have a special request, please call him at 724-935-1169.
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: Christians in Turkey, Christians in China, Ruth Hangge, Mary Wiggins, Kachanik family, Warren Neiger
TO BE REMEMBERED WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:
Elora Geier, Children’s Hospital, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Thelma Boul, discharged
Art Groweg, discharged
Audrey Griser, discharged
Edwin Phelps, hospitalized in Virginia
OUR MEMBERS IN THE MILITARY – REMEMBER WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:
SPC Scott, Paul M., HHC 2-70 AR, Bldg. 7227, Box 148, 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. 19 Brian Wallace
Mar. 26 Journey to the Cross: A Lenten devotional service
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: April 14th is the deadline for the May 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 WELCOME TO OUR PULPIT this morning the Rev. Alick Kennedy. Alick and his wife Jean are Stephen Ministers at Northmont and Jean is a member. Alick is a graduate of Bloomfield College and Princeton Theological Seminary. Rev. Kennedy has served in churches in Middlesex and Clinton, NJ and most recently he has served as pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church in Franklin Park for 16 years.
DR. AND MRS. ANTONSON are in Greece, returning on March 24th. Rev. Kennedy will be covering and making hospital calls.
WE ARE NOW COLLECTING: Toys, games, puzzles, linens, kitchenware, antiques, books, CD’s, DVD’s, jewelry…NO CLOTHING, FURNITURE, OR COMPUTERS PLEASE. Just bring your donations to Polley Fellowship Hall before March 24th and we’ll sell it to make money for our local, national, and international missions.
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 Ed Weaver will interview a member of NBC.
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.
MANY THANKS for your participation in the MALAWI FAMINE RELIEF PROJECT. Since last December, including the $255.00 collected by the children, and $600 sent directly to Presbytery by church members, you have donated $5,450. This translates into 272--110 lb. bags of corn, which would feed 2180 people for one month, or a staggering 29,975 lbs or 13.6 metric tons of corn. What a blessing you are to the people of Malawi, through your gifts and your prayers. If you are interested in joining us in further global mission projects, please call Sarah Flemming at 412-630-8339. So many thanks to Linda Allerton, Lynn Merriman, Bill Goff and Frank Stricklen for their help with the project.--Your Northmont Mission Ministry Team
FABRIC NEEDED. The children of Northmont need your help. They are making new banners for the Palm Sunday parade depicting Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, Gethsemane, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. If you have scraps of fabric they can use for their banners, please bring them to church and leave them in Frank Stricklen’s office. The children appreciate your help!
GETTING OLDER: It seems like yesterday when you were just beginning a family, just starting your career. Now you’re retired, and the children are scattered, out on their own. It’s hard to fill the empty hours. A Stephen Minister would like to be there for you.
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
OUR LENTEN SMALL GROUPS HAVE BEGUN, but it’s not too late to join. If you’re interested in joining contact the leaders:
This week’s readings from the Gospel of Mark:
Sunday |
Mon |
Tues |
Wed |
Thurs |
Fri |
Sat |
6:6-13 |
6:14-20 |
6:21-29 |
6:30-44 |
6:45-46 |
7:1-23 |
7:23-40 |
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
TOPICS CLASS: Fellowship Hall
THIS WEEK: Separation of Church and State
NEXT WEEK: Freedom and Privacy in America
FOUNDATIONS: Berean Room
Death. Thanks to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, it doesn’t have to be the final frontier. But what happens when we die? What happens to our souls? What about heaven and hell? When do we see God? What do Presbyterians have to say about all of this? 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:
Sunday, March 19: Rom. 8:1-10
8:30 & 11:00 Worship Sanctuary
9:30 AM Sunday School
6:00 PM Son Worship Service Sanctuary
4:00 PM PLC Malawi Room
6:30 PM AA Fellowship Hall
Monday, March 20: Gen. 44:18-34
1:30 PM Staff Meeting Library
7:00 PM Boy Scouts Sanctuary
7:00 PM Brian Wallace’s Bible Study Berean Room
Tuesday, March 21: 1 Cor. 7:32-40
8:30 AM NBC Fellowship Hall
10:00 AM Northmont Homemakers Malawi Room
6:30 PM Jr. High Bible Study Youth Lounge
7:00 PM Deacons Library
7:30 PM Session Berean Room
Wednesday, March 22: Mark 6:32-40
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 23: Psalm 27
11:00 AM Spirituality & Prayer Berean Room
7:15 PM Stephen Ministry Berean Room
Friday, March 24: Psalm 22
3:45 PM Belles Westminster Room
6:30 PM Cub Pack Meeting Fellowship Hall
Saturday, March 25: Mark 7:1-23
8:00 AM Rummage Sale Fellowship Hall