The First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin
The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
March 15, 2009
10:30 a.m.

Enter the church in silence. Through silence speak to God and let God speak to you.

PREPARATION: The following are the scripture texts for this morning: Psalm 19 (Pew Bible page 433); Exodus 20:1-17 (page 58) God speaks the Ten Commandments to Moses. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (page 926) The good news of Christ redefines wisdom and foolishness. John 2:13-22 (Page 863) Jesus drives the sellers and money changers out of the temple.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY: Merciful God, in Christ you make all things new. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

BELL PEAL
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WELCOME
PRELUDE “This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made” Hark

THE LENTEN CANDLE CEREMONY
INTROIT (Hymn #85) “What Wondrous Love Is This” Wondrous Love
CHOIR: 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, for my soul,
to bear the heavy cross for my soul!
LITANY
LEADER: Every day as we face the creation of God
PEOPLE: we are reminded of what God has done.
LEADER: Day after day – night after night
PEOPLE: we are reminded of God’s glory.

THE THIRD LENTEN CANDLE IS EXTINGUISHED
LEADER: As we extinguish the third Lenten candle, we are reminded that though we believe that we may be wise, we are only foolish in the eyes of God. To get even a small understanding of the mind of God, we need to understand the meaning of the cross. In so doing, we realize that even God’s foolishness is wiser than all men. (the candle is extinguished)
LEADER: Let us pray. O God, we are so foolish when we believe that we have all the answers to the problems of the world. As we begin to understand the meaning of the cross, help us to see that it is only possible through your power.
ALL: Amen.

*RESPONSE (Hymn #85) “What Wondrous Love Is This” Wondrous Love
ALL: 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!

*OPENING SENTENCES Psalm 19
LEADER: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
PEOPLE: The decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple.
LEADER: The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.
ALL: The commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. Amen.

*HYMN #525 “Here I Am, Lord” Here I Am, Lord

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
LEADER: God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.
ALL: We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sin. Return us to the path of righteousness. Amen.

RESPONSE (Hymnal #573) “Lord, Have Mercy” Kyrie
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. ALL: Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
ALL: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

CHILDREN’S SERMON Eric Houghton

(The children are invited to leave for Sonshine Mountain.)


THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
PSALTER READING Psalm 19

The Word of the Lord!
Thanks be to God!

ANTHEM “The heavens are declaring” Beethoven

OLD TESTAMENT READING Exodus 20:1-17

This, too, is the Word of the Lord!
Thanks be to God!

SERMON “The One” Eric A. Houghton

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Colossians 1:15-20
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;
for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created,
things visible and invisible.
All things have been created through him and for him.
He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church;
he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
so that he might come to have first place in everything.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through him God was pleased to reconcile all things,
whether on earth or in heaven,
by making peace through the blood of his cross. Amen.

OFFERING OF OUR TITHES AND GIFTS

OFFERTORY “Adagio” Lotti

*DOXOLOGY (Hymnal #591) “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. Amen.”

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

-3-
THE SENDING

*HYMN #339 “Be Thou My Vision” Slane

*BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (Hymn #535) “Go with Us, Lord” Tallis’ Canon
ALL: Go with us, Lord, and guide the way
through this and every coming day,
that in Your Spirit strong and true
our lives may be our gift to You.

*CHARGE

*POSTLUDE “Prelude in g minor” J. S. Bach

*The congregation stands. If standing is difficult for you, please feel free to remain seated.

NEXT SUNDAY, March 22, 2009 will be the Fourth Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings will be: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-27 (Pew Bible Page 487); Numbers 21:4-9 (page 122) God tells Moses to set a serpent on a pole to give life to the people in the wilderness. Ephesians 2:1-10 (pages 949-950) Though we were dead through our sins, by grace we have been saved through faith. John 3:14-21 (page 864) Jesus teaches Nicodemus about how God is working in the world by using the story of Moses and the serpent as an example.

PRAYER FOR PEACE – CONGO – In the past several weeks, Congo and its disproportionately mighty neighbor, Rwanda, have teamed up to sweep the eastern side of Congo clear of rebels who had been at the center of a vicious proxy battle between the nations. The New York Times reports that the enmity of Congo and Rwanda has been one of the most stubborn drivers of the bloodshed there, which has claimed millions of lives in the past decade. But if these two countries continue to cooperate, it could represent a significant step toward ending one of Africa’s most vexing wars. “This is really good news, that there’s a serious improvement in relations,” said Koen Vlassenroot, a professor at Ghent University in Belgium who specializes in eastern Congo. “But it’s still rather confusing.” Mr. Vlassenroot and other Congo hands are warning that all the years of cross-border meddling and intrigue as thick as the Congolese jungle make it extremely difficult to tell whether the new Rwanda-Congo relationship is a genuine and lasting change, or simply more maneuvering. Father in Heaven, please place your hands on the hearts of the negotiators in Congo and Rwanda to help them see a future that is without war. Lead them in ways that do no harm to each other. Guide them in genuine understanding and reconciliation toward a lasting change. We pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.

-4-

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CHURCH HOME and are interested in joining First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin, please indicate your desire to Pastor ByRoade so we can arrange a gathering of our Session.
WE WELCOME ALL WHO WORSHIP HERE TODAY – Coloring pages for children to use during the worship hour are available from the ushers. Before “THE WORD”, girls and boys PK4 through 5^th grade are invited to attend Sunday school on “Sonshine Mountain”. Our nursery, for infants through age 3, is in the Christian Education Building, downstairs in Room 103. Large print bulletins and large print hymnals are available from the ushers. Hearing devices are also available. Please ask for one at the Sound booth.

PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
USHERS: Doug Davis, Nancy Allen, Cheryl Small, Richard Simon
LITURGISTS: Sally King, Kathy Schultz
ACOLYTE: Jonathan G.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS THIS WEEK ARE GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD BY
Marge and Richard Simon is loving memory of Marge’s mother, Margaret, and her aunt, Ruth
Hazel Kirk in loving memory of her mother, Mae Kirk

TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES
8:45 a.m. – Worship Café
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School/Fellowship
10:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship

OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK

Monday (16^th) 10:00 a.m. Strong for Life
Tuesday (17^th) 10:00 a.m. For Your Good Health
2:00 p.m. Koinonia
7:00 p.m. Session
7:30 p.m. Transit – Young Adult Group
Wednesday (18^th) 10:00 a.m. Strong for Life
1:00 p.m. Job Search Group
5:00 p.m. Middle School Youth
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Bible Study – Doyle
7:00 p.m. High School Youth
7:00 p.m. Video Club
8:00 p.m. Contemporary Music Practice
8:00 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal
Thursday (19^th) 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

-5-

PRAYER REQUESTS the names of people who have requested prayer are listed in italics the first week of their request and any time there are changes in their condition or place of recuperation. A complete listing of the people for whom we need to lift our prayers will also be provided for you in each edition of THE VOICE. (Please call the church office if you have a prayer concern.)
† Family and friends of Rev. Robert H., brother-in-law of Betty A., who died March 2 in AL
† Family and friends of L. P. M., Jr., father of Candy B., who died March 5 in GA
† Family and friends of Hattie F., mother of Joyce M., who died March 10
† Charlie R. who fell and broke his pelvis in WV
† Nancy J. at Mease Countryside
Marge B. S. following surgery

• Dorothy C. recovering from a broken hip at Manor Care on Tampa Road
  
• Martha B. recovering from a broken hip at Manor Care on Patricia
  
• Edna-Ann Z. of Virginia, cousin of Frances D., diagnosed with lung cancer
  
• Ann C. and Charles (Chuck) M. under Hospice care
  
• For improved health: Les M., Betsy P., Bill V., Leona B., Lee S., Warren M., Sharyn R., Lois K., Dotsie D., Peg H., Betsy K., Tom F., Dee F., Lonnie A.
  
• All of our members who reside in skilled nursing homes
  
• First Presbyterian Church in our desire to be responsible stewards of our talents and finances
  
• Our Missionaries, Rev. Dr. Archibald Woodruff and Linnis Cook, Pastors Jimmi and wife Sandra-Lee Jones at the Lords Bank Community Church, Lords Bank Village, Belize, in Central America
  

-6-
ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FAMILY DINNER – this week the meal will be chicken cacciatore. The cost is $6.50 per adult; $4.00 12-18; $3.00 2-12; $18.00 max per family with children under 12. We eat at 6:15, so please come a little early to pay. Sign up today on the Friendship Register!

3 CENTS A MEAL will be collected today. Thank you for sharing your abundance with others as Jesus has challenged all of us to do. If each member at FPC gave 3 cents a meal for one year, their individual contribution would be $32.85 – what a positive impact that would be for helping others! Make this part of your overall mission support.

COME TO KOINONIA this Tuesday at 2 p.m. to hear Marty Hager review the most exciting historical book he has ever read! It is Looking for Lincoln: The Making of an American Icon written by three generations of Kunhardt authors. In honor of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, Marty will address the myths, memories, and questions that gathered around our most beloved – and our most enigmatic – president. Put Marty and Honest Abe on your calendar for Tuesday, 2 p.m. in the FPC Library. Attendance is required for anyone who has ever lived in Illinois!

SESSION MEMBERS please remember to pick up the Session Docket in your mailbox. Session meets Tuesday, March 17.

KIRKIN’ O’ THE TARTAN Join us on March 29^th for our annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan. There will be bagpipes and drums, flags and banners, and of course, tea and scones as we celebrate our Scottish heritage and as each family – Scottish or not – receives a blessing from the pulpit. After all, that’s what Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan means – “Blessings of the families.”

FITNESS & FOOD a 4 week health series presented by the Membership, Growth & Development Committee – Tuesdays, March 17, 24, 31 and April 7 from 10 until 11:15 a.m. in Hager Hall. Program leaders: Kim Mohr, AADP Certified Health Counselor and Ashlie Fisher, NFPT Certified Personal Trainer. This four week series will explore how to make gradual lifestyle changes to improve your overall well-being. Call the church office to register (733-2318). There is no fee for this series, but a voluntary “Love Offering” will be taken.

ANNUAL LENTEN COMMUNION BREAKFAST – Saturday, April 4^th in the Fellowship Hall of the Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor. Registration will begin at 9:30 with breakfast being served at 10:00 a.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Becky Burton, Pastor of Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church. The breakfast is free, however, donations will be appreciated. Please call Linda Frazer no later than March 27^th to reserve your spot!

FIRST SUNDAY BOOKS – April 5^th - 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. in the church library. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch & Jeffery Zazlow. What matters most? What do you want as your legacy? Carnegie Mellon computer science professor Randy Pausch was asked to give a “last lecture” after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His book focuses on life, laughter and helping other people achieve their dreams, while seizing every moment of life. Discussion leaders: Debbie Blocher & Marge Brown. Come join the conversation! This book is available at the First Church library, the Pinellas library system and at booksellers. Bring a friend- newcomers always welcome!

WE’RE GOING TO CHIP (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project) this coming Friday, March 20. Can you prepare a cold dish for delivery to our homeless friends? Please sign up for meat, salad, fruit or cookies at the CHIP table in Hager Hall after the service. If we all do a little, we can make a lot of difference!

EASTER LILIES It is time to order Easter lilies! Each year we adorn the sanctuary with Easter lilies sponsored by members of our church family. The cost is $8.00 per plant. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in Hager Hall. (Plants may be taken following the 10:30 a.m. service on Easter.)

USHER TRAINING CLASS – Wednesday, April 8 – 7:00 p.m. – Anyone interested in being an usher for the traditional worship service is invited to a brief “training” by Rev. ByRoade on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Come learn the subtle nuances of this important service and add YOUR name to our list of those willing to serve in the capacity.

BOULDER BIBLE STORIES SUSPENDED FOR LOW ATTENDANCE Until further notice, there will no longer be a class for young children between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Thanks to all the readers and helpers for their assistance in the last few months.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DUNEDIN
455 SCOTLAND STREET
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA 34698
TELEPHONE: 727-733-2318
WEB SITE: fpcdunedin.org EMAIL: officeadminfpc@tampabay.rr.com

MINISTERS All the Members
PASTOR/HEAD OF STAFF The Rev. Victoria M. Gardner ByRoade
PARISH ASSOCIATE The Rev. Willard N. Doyle
PASTOR EMERITUS The Rev. W. Martin Hager
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC/ ASSISTANT TO ADMINISTRATOR
Stephen L. Allen
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LEADER/MINISTRY INTERN
Luke Phillips
YOUNG LIFE CHURCH PARTNER Jeff Iosa
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR Donna Dayock
FINANCIAL SECRETARY Betsi Knapp
CUSTODIAN David Rodman
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR Cori LoCicero

THE SESSION OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DUNEDIN MODERATOR: Rev. Victoria ByRoade CLERK OF SESSION: John Brockman
	Class of 2009 Carole Anne Agnew Dusty ByRoade Diana Carsey Chris Ehmig Peg Rowe Cheryl Small	Class of 2010 Jim Gibbs Marion Guthrie Rebekah Quizhpe Roberto Sanchez Jim Szatkowski Mary Walthall	Class of 2011 Bob Blocher John Brockman Marge Brown Greg Long Clare McGrane

The Mission of the First Presbyterian Church is to Invite, Share, Celebrate, and Send
the Christian faith by word and deed to the community and world.