Sixteenth Sunday in Pentecost                                            

WORSHIP SERVICE               Sunday, September 17, 2006               8:30 & 11:00 A.M.

PRAYER TIME BEFORE WORSHIP: Your Son told us, O God, that if we wish to follow him we must “deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow him.” It all sounds so simple until we try to do this. We have come to learn that this is a radical kind of life, it cuts across the values of the culture, you become the center of our life not ourselves. We are encouraged to follow stars and celebrities, to talk like them and behave like them and dress like them, but in the end this is of little value. Teach us what it means to be not just a believer in Jesus, but a follower as well and it’s in his name that we pray. Amen.

 

PRELUDE                          “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”                             arr. Bish

                                                              “Trumpet Tune”                                                 Martin

                                           “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound”

                                                         Aaron Reckless, ‘cello                                                     

 

WELCOME, CONCERNS, AND GREETINGS

 

A WORD ABOUT THE BLOCK PARTY                                                Reach Out Team

 

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

 

CALL TO WORSHIP  (Psalm 19)

Leader:               We awoke this morning to the light of a new day; we awaken knowing

                          that God is in that place. Wherever we are

Community:      We are in the presence of God.                                                            

Leader:               We eat and dress and prepare for our day and, moment by moment, the chance is offered to know that God is in that place. Wherever we are

Community:      We are in the presence of God.

Leader:               All around us every minute there are messengers of God, whispering, shouting, serving, praying, until we realize, startled, that God is in that place. Wherever we are

Community:      We are in the presence of God.

Leader:               We come with many concerns and from many directions; we dare to hope that God is in this place. Wherever we are

All;                    We are in the presence of God.

 

*HYMN                               “Come Thou Fount of Every blessing”                             No. 356

                                                                         

*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION

 

                                                                          -2-

FIRST SCRIPTURE                                Psalm 19                                       (O.T. Page 498)

Leader:   The word of the Lord.

Community:      Thanks be to God.

                                                                                                                                                       

UNISON CONFESSION

We are bold to confess this morning, O God, the power of the human tongue. With our tongue we can bless others, we can be cranky, we can denigrate another person, we can sing your praises and we can take your name in vain. How is this possible? One minute our speech is full of praise and kindness and the next minute prejudice and gossip flow forth. It is a great mystery. It is like a small spark that can set a whole forest ablaze. Surely, by your grace, if we can tame our tongues we can tame the whole person. Forgive us when our speech with others has not been what it should be. And by your grace from a heart overflowing with your grace and pardon, may words flow forth that build up, encourage and show forth your love, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

                                                                                                                                                    

SILENT CONFESSION & DECLARATION OF PARDON

Leader:               Hear the good news. If we confess our sin, God will keep his promise and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.

Community:      In him we are forgiven, thanks be to God.

 

RESPONSE                             “Wherever I May Wander” (vs. 1)                                 No. 294

 

ANTHEM                                             “Holy, Holy, Holy”

                                                            Aaron Reckless, ‘cello

 

KIDS’ CORNER                                                                                             Karen Reckless

(Kids Corner, Jan Wilson will be taking the children ages 4-9 to Steps of Faith)

                                                                                                                                                  

*HYMN                                 “Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me”                               No. 366

 

SECOND SCRIPTURE READING               Mark 8:27-33                       (N.T. Page 43)

                                                                               (in drama form)

Leader:   The word of the Lord.                                                                                                  

Community:      Thanks be to God.

 

SERMON                   “A Different Kind of Poll”                         Dr. David B. Antonson    


                                                                        -3-                                                                         

*AFFIRMATION AND GLORIA PATRI                                                           (No. 579)

We confess that God sent his Son to proclaim release to those who are bound, to announce that God’s promised kingdom is at hand, to urge everyone to repent and believe the good news. The Lord is moving toward the time when the glorious liberty of the children of God will be manifest throughout the whole creation. We testify God is at work here and now when people obey Christ’s commission to

witness to him and make disciples of all nations, when they spread the good news by their words and embody it in their lives.                                                                                          A Declaration of Faith, 1977

                                                                           

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

 

CALL FOR THE OFFERING

 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM  (8:30)          “For the Beauty of the Earth”

                                                                     Aaron Reckless, ‘cello                                              

 

     (11:00)                                “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”                                 Wagner

                                           Text, The Presbyterian Hymnal, No. 288

 

 *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                                   “You Are Holy” (sing it 3 times)                    See bulletin insert    

             

*BENEDICTION AND RESPONSE            

 

(Are you in need of prayer? If you have a joy, or a concern, or a prayer request and would like to speak to a Stephen Minister, at the 8:30 A.M. service - Val Volkman and George Depee, at 11:00 A.M. and Judy Ehrhardt and Alick Kennedy, will be at the front of the sanctuary after the service.)

             

*POSTLUDE                                   “Concerto in G Major”                                       Bach/Ernst

*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           Dave Hawbaker, Bill Held, Ted & Millie Mills

                               11:00                              Bill H. English, Dick Spahr, Dorothy Fitzgerald

LAY READERS:    8:30           Jean Stultz                                                                                          

                              11:00                                                                              Liz Hamilton

ELDER:                11:00                                                                        Sarah Jane Beorn

USHERS:                8:30          Terry Fahrney (head usher), Larry Frye, John Sebastian, Bryan Frye

                               11:00         Jack Swick (head usher), Jerry Fisher, Ron McClymonds, Howard

                                                  Womsley

STEPS OF FAITH:                Jan Wilson

 

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  at Northmont on this 16th Sunday in Pentecost. We are a church that takes visitors seriously and we gather as those who wish to be followers of Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

                                                                                  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

 

CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in loving memory of Lowell Smith from Lisa, John, Olivia, Meredith and Abraham Behm.

 

THE ROSE ON THE COMMUNION TABLE is in honor of the birth of Ian Rothko Bottomley, infant son of Sharon and Richard Bottomley, who was born on August 18th in Stafford, VA. Ian’s grandparents are Tom and Lynn Merriman.

 

OUR MEMBER OF SPECIAL CONCERN: Grace Garver – Cumberland Crossing #308, 9350 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237

 

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Sept. 10th: 8:30 - 89; 11:00 – 184; No SON, Sunday School - 65

 

STEPHEN MINISTER  George Depee will be making hospital calls this week. If you have a special request, please call him at 412-364-6266.

 

OUR STEPHEN MINISTRY program has placed blue and white cards in each pew rack entitled “A Great Way You Can Help a Hurting Friend.” Please read this card.


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: Brian Zimick – Margot Plant’s son (Margot is the Director of Northmont Child Development Center) If you wish to send a note of encouragement send it to: Brian Zimick, Manor Care, 113 West McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317, Dan Marko – son of Jack & Doris Marko, Dick Field, Helen Milsom, Betty Hawthorne, Morrison Family, Cody Weisner, Megan Englert

 

TO BE REMEMBERED WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:

        Ed Halboth, Montifiore Select Specialty Unit

        Ruthanne Springer, discharged

        Amy Pearsall Adkins, discharged

                                                                                                                                                    

                                                          SON Worship Speaker

Sept. 17        Dr. David Antonson – “Just Two Words”

Sept. 23        Dr. David Antonson  Note: Join us at the SON service which will be held on                  

                                                               Saturday, Sept. 23rd at 6:00 P.M. after the Block Party

 

PIPER DEADLINE: October 13 is the deadline for the November 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.

 

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

          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)

          PFC Roach, Justin, C Co. 1st BN 17th IN Regt., Camp Taji, Unit Number 50102, APO AE 09378 –

              Jason Elizeus’s cousin

          SSG Jonathan Falk, A Co. 1-506 2nd Plt., Camp Corregidor, APO AE 09381 – Art & Lois Groweg’s

              Grandson

        Sgt. Glen P. Archey, HHT 2-17 CAV (S3), 101st ABN Div., APO AE 09335 – nephew of Ed & Pat

               Scullion (prayers only until further notice)

          Rob Malloy, HHS/5-133 FA, LSA ADDER-TALLIL, APO AE 09331 (friend of David & Reese Potter’s –

             has no family)


A NOTE REGARDING THE DEACONS PIRATE GAME:  You who attended the Pirate game with the deacons are well aware that the bus did not show up for transportation.  Laidlaw admits their error and we are negotiating with them for reparation.  If you were unable to attend due to the lack of transportation or if you did attend and had to pay a parking fee, please let John Raphael know and you will be reimbursed.  John can be reached at 724-933-9131.

 

ELDERS are reminded to pick up their agendas and packets today for Tuesday’s meeting at 7:30 P.M.

 

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 Barry Harris will speak about New Orleans - Post Katrina.

 

HELPERS ARE NEEDED to spruce up Northmont’s gardens. It would be nice to have our grounds looking ship shape for the block party. We encourage you to join with some of the Beacons who will be working on the grounds Tuesday, September 19 from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. All can go to Pizza Roma when finished for a light dinner. Please call Sharon or Bill Walston at 412-366-3917 if you can help with this service project.

 

KIDS IN  GRADES 1-5!!!!!! Northmont  Kids of the Kingdom Program begins with a pizza supper  this Wednesday, September 20th at  5:30 P.M. in Polley Fellowship Hall. Music, Bible stories, kitchen crafts, choirchimes, and exciting new boomwhackers are all part of the fun. We will begin to learn our new Christmas musical, “A Stable Fit for a King.” “What,” you may ask, “are Boomwhackers?”  Come and find out!  Our program ends at 7:00 P.M.  Northmont members and their friends are most welcome! Please bring a few dollars for pizza!

 

THERE IS A MEETING to which anyone is invited, at the Presbytery Center this

     Wednesday, September 20th from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. We will be discussing the General Assembly report called “Peace, Unity and Purity” that was adopted in June of 2006 in Birmingham, AL. This is the second in a series of such meetings. The 39 page paper can be downloaded form the General Assembly website. If you are going, notify Dr. Antonson and you can ride with him.


THIS COMING  SATURDAY – NORHTMONT BLOCK PARTY: Please mark your calendar for Northmont’s Annual Block Party at 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Bring your family and friends to practice and see Northmont’s “Reach Out” attitude in action. Invite that person who might need a deeper spiritual life, or a community and place to explore Christianity and the Northmont spirit. Besides the traditional attractions including Petting Zoo, Moonwalk, Balloon artist, Stampin’, Face Painting, Tractor Rides, Antique Cars, Musical exhibition, free food, … your Reach Out team is working on a few new ones for us all. Don’t miss it. Stop by the table in the back of the church and sign up to help with the Block Party!

 

MALAWI DINNER TO WELCOME THE MALAWIANS will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at Beulah Presbyterian Church. The Malawians arrive on Thursday, September 21st. You are invited to greet the Malawians at the airport on Thursday, September 21st at 2:30 P.M. Delta baggage claim area. Check out the website for events and reservation information: www.pghpresbytery.org/calendar/cal_files/malawi_events.htm

 

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN JOINING NORTHMONT, or just want to find out more about our programs, ministries and missions, you’re invited to our next New Member/Inquirer Class. The class provides approximately 5 hours of instruction aimed at educating visitors to become active members of the church. The class will meet on Sunday evenings September 24 and October 1 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM in the Berean Room (ground floor across from the kitchen). Those class members who decide to join the church will meet on Sunday morning October 8, and be introduced to the congregation at the 11:00 AM service that day. For more information or to RSVP contact Anne Linaberger at (412-364-2547 or alinaberger1@comcast.net.) Please notify Anne if you need child care or transportation. Date for the 2007 new member classes are: Winter Class: February 4, 11 & 18, and Spring Class: May 20, June 3 & 10.

 

BEACONS will be dining at Miyaka Japanese Steak & Seafood Restaurant in Wexford flats on Saturday, September 30th at 6:30 P.M. Please call Kathy Spitz at 724-935-1051 to reserve your spot.

 

JOIN OTHERS IN INVESTING IN THE KINDOM. We have $3,000 toward the $10,000 goal to buy textbooks for the 20 seminary students at Zomba Theological College in Malawi. Stock certificates of any denomination are available in the church office through the end of September.

 

“WHY DON’T YOU TRY THIS?” When you’re going through tough times, the advice flies thick and fast. But often it isn’t advice you need – it’s caring. Stephen Ministers are trained to give this care by listening instead of pushing advice.

 

AUDITIONS!!! Auditions for Northmont Church and Paragon Studios’ joint production of Children of Eden will be held Saturday, October 14th from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. at Northmont. Auditions are open to members of Northmont ages 12 – adult and students of Paragon Studios. Anyone wanting to be considered for the show must audition. Bring a prepared song with music. An accompanist will be provided. Broadway or Disney style music works best. You may not sing a-capella or with a tape. Several books will be provided at auditions if you do not have music. Those auditioning will also be asked to read a scene which will be provided. You can show up any time between 2:00 and 4:00. Please be aware that this is a commitment. Actors are not permitted to miss rehearsals, unless you notify the director at auditions that you will have a conflict. Please bring a list of conflicts of any prior commitments, lessons, concerts, etc. that may interfere with rehearsals. Children of Eden was written by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) and follows mankind through Creation and into the Flood. The show will run January 12-20, 2007. If you have further questions, please contact Director Deborah Loffredi at Paragon Studios at 412-367-1121. You can read more about the show at www.ParagonStudios.org.

 

DR. & MRS. ANTONSON are leading a tour to Italy called “Highlights Of Italy.” The dates are March 19-29, 2007. Brochures are in the office.

 

THE MCCLURE LECTURES at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will be held on Monday, September 25th and Tuesday, September 26th. The featured speaker is Dr. Peter C. Phan, professor of Catholic Social Thought, Georgetown University. The theme is, “Christian Mission: Roman Catholic Asian perspective.” His first lecture in the chapel is 11:30 A.M. on Monday followed by a dinner at 6:00 P.M. His second lecture is at 7:30 P.M. that evening. For more information consult the seminary website. Lectures are free. The dinner is $8.00.

 

REMINDER TO ALL GROUPS SENDING OUT BULK MAILINGS: Your group is responsible to stuff and label the envelopes, and box and deliver your mailing to the post office.

 

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH FOR NORTH HILLS FOOD BANK: Month of September – Macaroni and 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

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 its study of Eugene Peterson’s Christ Plays in 10,000 Places.  Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Berean Room.  Led by Alick Kennedy.

 

EVERY FRIDAY @ 6:30 PM: Family Friendly – Bring the kids! Bill Baierl 412-367-4693

 

ADULT BIBLE STUDY – 9:30 A.M.

 

ADULT BIBLE STUDY:                                                                                      Malawi Room

NEXT WEEK: Prov. 31:10-31; Ps. 1; James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37

 

ADULT TOPICS CLASS:                                                                              Fellowship Hall

TODAY: Adult Topics Class Season Opener – You won’t want to miss it!!
 
FOUNDATIONS:                                                                                             Berean Room

Led by Rev. Doyle Snyder

 

 

 

 

     

 

* * * * *

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             

Youth Director: Sean Kelly

                    Seminary Intern: Chris Brown

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: Jan Moreland
 
                                         * * * * * *

 

Calendar for the Week:

                  September 17 – September 23, 2006

 

Sunday, September 17:                                                                                                                 Matt. 5:21-26

8:30 & 11:00             Worship

9:30 AM                   Sunday School

 3:00 PM                   Jr.  & Sr. High Youth Groups                                                                  Fellowship Hall

 6:00 PM                   Son Service                                                                                                         Sanctuary

 6:30 PM                   AA                                                                                                              Fellowship Hall

 

Monday, September 18:                                                                                                                  Job 40:1-24

1:30 PM                    Staff Meeting                                                                                                           Library

7:00 PM                    Boy Scouts                                                                                                Fellowship Hall

                                 

Tuesday, September 19:                                                                                                                Acts 16:6-15

 8:30 AM                  NBC                                                                                                            Fellowship Hall                 

 7:00 PM                   Deacons                                                                                                                    Library

 7:00 PM                   Webelos to Scouts                                                                                   Fellowship Hall

 7:30 PM                   Session                                                                                                          Berean Room

         

Wednesday, September 20:                                                                                                                  Psalm 4

 9:30 AM                  Knitters                                                                                                         Malawi Room

  4:30 PM                  Roots                                                                                                            Youth Lounge

  5:30 PM                  Oasis                                                                                                           Fellowship Hall

  7:30 PM                  Choir                                                                                                    Westminster Room

                                                                                                                                                                                     

 Thursday, September 21:                                                                                                               Job 28:1-28

 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 Management                                                                                           Library

    7:00 PM                Christian Education                                                                             Bible Study Room

   

Friday, September 22:                                                                                                                             Psalm 32

   3:45 PM                 Belles                                                                                                     Westminster Room                 

 

Saturday, September 23:                                                                                                             John 12:44-50

  3:00 PM                  Block Party                                                                                                       Parking Lot

  6:00 PM                  SON Service                                                                                                     Parking Lot