8169 Perry Highway
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Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) | ||||||
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Fourth Sunday in Lent
PRAYER TIME BEFORE WORSHIP: As we approach ever closer to the sacred ground of Holy Week, O God, show us how we can more fully enter the true meaning of this season of Lent. Help us to hear your Son saying, “I am going up to Jerusalem, and there I will be arrested, killed, buried and raised on the third day.” Help us to hear your Son talk about greatness, when he says, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all, and servant of all.” Help us to hear your Son ask the painful question, “Who do people say that I am?” Count us in the number of those who can say, “You are the One sent from God to redeem the world.” Amen.
PRELUDE “I Call to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ” J. S. Bach
“Jesus, I Will Ponder Now” arr. Manz
WELCOME, CONCERNS, AND GREETINGS
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures
forever.
Community: Those whom God has rescued, let them say so.
Leader: To the hungry and thirsty, those lost and unable to find their way,
Community: Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love. God satisfies the thirsty; the hungry he fills with good things.
Leader: To those wandering in the darkness, lost and forgotten,
Community: Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love. God brings people out of darkness and breaks their bonds.
All: The steadfast love of the Lord never comes to an end. God forgets his people. God is now beside us, calling forth our praise and songs of joy.
*PROCESSING HYMN “Come, Sing, O Church, in Joy!” No. 430
*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION
Leader: The word of the Lord.
Community: Thanks be to God.
UNISON CONFESSION
We frankly admit, O God, that one of our greatest difficulties with forgiveness is holding onto anger, resentment, and bitterness. We say we forgive someone for what
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they may have said or done to us, but it’s hard to let go of the pain that goes with it. And we know what that can do to us. Holding onto anger and resentment can be like poison in our system, a festering wound that doesn’t heal. Our prayer this morning is that as you forgive us and we forgive others, we may be able to let go of the emotions that were part of it all. Drain from us any vindictiveness, any desire to get even, any desire to see ill come to someone else and help us to live in the joy and freedom you provide.
SILENT CONFESSION & DECLARATION OF PARDON
Leader: Jesus Christ was sent by the Father, the one who knew no sin, so that he
might rescue and save the lost.
Community: We rejoice that God’s forgiveness frees and saves us. Give us a new
heart and mind, a new outlook, a new way of looking at the world and
others. Restore to us the joy of your salvation. 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 “Molto Lento” Schubert
(Ave Maria)
Sam Kang, viola
*HYMN “Fairest Lord Jesus” No. 306
SERMON “Look Up, Behold The Savior” Dr. David B. Antonson
*CREED AND GLORIA PATRI No. 579
We believe that Jesus died for sinners. Religious leaders hated Jesus because he criticized their hypocrisy, and exposed their neglect of justice and mercy. They charged him with blasphemy and sedition, when he claimed to speak and act with
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God’s authority. One of Jesus’ followers betrayed him. Others abandoned and denied him, because they were afraid to stand with him, because he provoked unrest
among the people. He was sentenced, mocked, beaten, and crucified as a common criminal. We confess…that in the presence of Jesus, who lived out what God wants us all to be, we were threatened beyond endurance. Blinded by our rebellion against our Creator, we killed his Son when we met him face to face. In this event, God achieved and demonstrated once for all, the costly forgiveness of our sins.
A Declaration of Faith, 1977
RECEIVING OUR TITHES & OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
(11:00) “A Lenten Walk” arr. Hopson
Lee Karayusuf, handbell
Text: Hymn No. 80 Presbyterian Hymnal
*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!
I the Lord will bless and keep you, and give you peace. I the Lord will smile upon you, and give you peace, I the Lord will be your Father, Savior, Comforter and brother: Go my children, I will keep you, and give you peace.
*POSTLUDE “Jesus, My Life’s Light” Zachau
*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 Tom Snaman, Morey Buirge
11:00 Joe Acker, Art Groweg
ELDERS: 8:30 Don Tanner
LAY READERS: 8:30 Mark Nootbaar
11:00 Bob Koehler
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 our parents Art and Betty Wirtz and Olive and Bob Patterson from Bob and Kathi Patterson. Flowers are also given in loving memory of my wife Kathryn from her husband Hank Wojdyla.
OUR MEMBER OF SPECIAL CONCERN: Jean Higby – 9300 David Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, (412-364-6472)
THE SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION goes out to Edwin Phelps and family upon the death of Ed’s mother who died in Virginia on March 16th. Her funeral was held on Saturday.
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Mar. 19th: 8:30 – 101; 11:00 – 154, Sun. School – 120, SON – 61
FOLLOWING WORSHIP please join us for fellowship time in Polley Fellowship Hall. The Northmont Brotherhood Club will be our hosts.
STEPHEN MINISTER Helen Traynor will be making hospital calls this week. If you have a special request, please call her at 412-364-2287.
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: Harry Mohler, Betty Hawthorne, Libby Mansfield, Water’s family, Don Frick, Jack Brownlee – Suzanne Acker’s father, Diane, Dora Collins – Sue LeDonne’s mother, Harry Mohler
TO BE REMEMBERED WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:
Elora Geier, Children’s Hospital, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Edwin Phelps, discharged
Betty Hawthorne, Passavant Hospital
Susan Stewart, discharged
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., Navy Customs, Battalion Quebec, APO AE 09815 (Betty Fraley’s son)
SON Worship Speaker
Mar. 26 Journey to the Cross: A Lenten devotional service
Apr. 2 Dave Brewton
Apr. 9 The Music of the Passion: A musical journey through the Passion via music
from Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar Featuring Rick Purcell and Shari
Richards.
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.
A GENTLE REMINDER: please don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour next Saturday evening, April 1st, because of Daylight Savings Time.
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 Dave Hawbaker will speak about the Constitution.
LONGVUE ACRES GARDEN CLUB will be meeting Tuesday evening, March 28th at 7:00 P.M. in Polley Fellowship Hall. Chuck Prenn from Charles Prenn Tree & Turf Care will be speaking on “Pruning for Trees and Shrubs.” Our programs are open to all interested gardeners.
PW CIRCLES are visiting the Gathering Place on April 11th. The Gathering Place is a private, spiritual, gift boutique with all proceeds going to charity. The circles are inviting anyone interested in joining their group for this shopping experience. You must call Peggy Grinager at 724-779-9865 if you are interested in attending. The group is carpooling from the church at 9:30 A.M.
SUNDAY, APRIL 9TH PALM SUNDAY. We will celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Chancel Choir and Northmont Belles will sing and play at both the 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. services, and the Kuyimba Choir will sing at the 11:00 service. The Northmont Church School will present a procession with banners depicting scenes from Holy Week.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13TH, MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE at 7:30 P.M. The Chancel Choir will sing, and we will celebrate Holy Communion. A reenactment of the Last Supper will take place. A rehearsal for the Good Friday service for readers, acolytes and those involved with lighting will take place immediately following this service.
FRIDAY, APRIL 14TH GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE at 7:30 P.M. The Chancel Choir will sing, soloists and instrumentalist will sing and play music for this Holy Friday, as we experience together Christ’s final hours on earth.
SATURDAY, APRIL 15TH, 8:30 A.M. Brass ensemble rehearsal with organ in the sanctuary at 9:30 A.M. Chancel Choir and Northmont Belles rehearse in the sanctuary.
SUNDAY, APRIL 16TH. EASTER SUNDAY! He is risen, Alleluia! 7:15 A.M. Easter Sunrise service with the 2006 Confirmation Class of Northmont, followed by breakfast in the Fellowship Hall provided by our Troop 335 Scouts. Then, two identical festival services of praise and glory for our Risen Savior at 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. The music will consist of Chancel Choir, brass ensemble, Northmont Belles, percussion, and David Hughey, baritone soloist. The Kids of the Kingdom and the Kuyimba Choirs will sing at 11:00 A.M.
MAY 6TH WORK DAY AT THE PITTSBURGH PROJECT: The Missions Committee is looking for volunteers to take part in a Volunteer Work Day at the Pittsburgh Project on the North Side on Saturday - May 6th. The workday will run from 8:00 am until approximately 3:00 pm. The Pittsburgh Project is an urban, neighborhood-based, Christian community development organization. Please contact Rick Balbo at 412-367-1971 if interested or sign-up after services on April 23rd and 30th.
THE YOUTH NEED YOUR HELP!! For college students, finals are just around the corner and all the stress that comes with them, so help us to remember all of our college students who are under loads of papers and tests. For the next couple of weeks we will be accepting donations for college student packets. Some suggestions may be: pens, pencils, candy, Raman Noodles, note pads, highlighters, or popcorn. We would appreciate your help! Thank you.
ACTORS NEEDED FOR MAUNDY THURSDAY. 13 men, 6 women, and 2 children (1 male and one female) are needed for Bread of Life, a re-enactment of the Last Supper on Thursday, April 13. Those interested will meet in the Sanctuary after the 11:00 a.m. service on April 2 to get parts and information about costumes. Brief rehearsals will take place in the Sanctuary on April 9, after the 11:00 a.m. service, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday April 12, and at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 13 before the service. Those who participated last year are certainly invited to help out again, but we will need a few new folks to replace a few who have a conflict on April 13. See Frank Stricklen for details.
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!
YOU CAN’T DRIVE ANYMORE. The church steps are getting to be too much for you. You just can’t get the medicine cap off the medicine bottle. You feel frustrated because you can’t do these things, and you’ve always been very independent. A Stephen Minister would like to listen.
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:
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: Freedom and Privacy in America
FOUNDATIONS: Berean Room
Death—not the final frontier. Next week: Messiah, Passover, and Palm Sunday as a backdrop to the Passion. What do we need to understand about Passover, Palm Sunday, and the expectation of the Jews for their Messiah in order to comprehend how we go from Triumphal Entry to Crucifixion in the course of a week? What kind of Messiah is Jesus and how does his differing view of what it means to be God’s Chosen lead to his betrayal and death? What does Jesus’ view of the role of Messiah tell us about our role in society and the church as followers of a Suffering Servant? 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.
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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 26: Rom. 8:11-25
8:30 & 11:00 Worship Sanctuary
9:30 AM Sunday School
4:30 PM Sr. High Bible Study Youth Lounge
6:00 PM Son Service Sanctuary
6:30 PM AA Fellowship Hall
7:00 PM Theta Alpha Chi Youth Lounge
7:00 PM SON Committee Meeting
Monday, March 27: Gen. 49:1-28
1:30 PM Staff Meeting Library
7:00 PM Boy Scouts Fellowship Hall
7:00 PM Brian Wallace’s Bible Study Berean Room
Tuesday, March 28: Mark 8:1-10
8:30 AM NBC Fellowship Hall
6:30 PM Longvue Garden Club Fellowship Hall
6:30 PM Jr. High Bible Study Youth Lunge
Wednesday, March 29: 1 Cor. 12:1-11
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 30: Exod. 1:6-22
11:00 AM Spirituality & Prayer Berean Room
3:45 PM Belles Westminster Room
Saturday, April 1: Mark 9:14-29
9:30 AM Reach Out Committee Malawi Room