The First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin
The Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 20, 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 1 (Pew Bible page 424); Proverbs 31:10-31 (pages 535-536) The virtuous woman is praised for her excellence. James 3:13-4:3, 7-8 (page 982) Wisdom is shown in how you live your life in community. Mark 9:30-37 (page 821) Jesus teaches his disciples about his death and resurrection.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY: God of all, you have willed that the last shall be first, and you have made a little child the measure of your kingdom. Give us the wisdom which is from above, so we may understand that in your sight, the one who serves is the greatest of all. Amen.

THE GATHERING

BELL PEAL
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WELCOME

PRELUDE “Two Variations on EIN’ FESTE BURG” Crisafulli

INTROIT (Borrowed Light) “Unless This Day Be Holy” Aurelia
CHOIR: Unless this day be holy all days shall blur to one,
as orderly but empty they march from sun to sun.
But if we keep the Sabbath through prayer and song and praise,
we’ll find the sacred meaning of all our working days.
*ALL: O let this day be holy and rich in strength and peace,
and when the day is over its meaning shall increase,
as day by day we labor to shape our work and art
to fit the holy visions that thunder in our heart.

*OPENING SENTENCES
LEADER: Draw near to God, as God comes near to us.
PEOPLE: We will say “yes” to God’s presence.
LEADER: Hear the wisdom of the Spirit, and live in peace.
PEOPLE: We will say “yes” to the working of the Spirit.
LEADER: Live with gentleness, full of mercy.
PEOPLE: We will say “yes” to one another, living together in grace.
LEADER: Let God work in you! Let us worship God!

*HYMN #108 “Christ Is Alive!” Truro
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
LEADER: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
PEOPLE: For God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world;
but that the world might be saved through him.
LEADER: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
PEOPLE: God of all people, we confess that we crave recognition and praise. We are competitive in our works, at school, at church, even at home. We strive to achieve so that we may be congratulated. We want to win. We want to be the greatest. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be first must be last and servant of all.” God of radical love, help us to hear our Lord’s voice. Forgive our selfish desires. Help us to encourage others and give you the glory. Amen.

RESPONSE (Hymn #304) “Jesus Loves Me” Jesus Loves Me
CHOIR: Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so;
little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
ALL: Jesus loves me! This I know; as He loved so long ago,
taking children on His knee, saying, “Let them come to Me.”
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
LEADER: Know that God hears our prayer and will have mercy
on all who humbly repent of their sin.
PEOPLE: Did not God send Christ our Savior to cleanse us of unrighteousness? Does not Christ intercede on behalf of those who confess?
LEADER: Lay aside your burden, then, and take courage from the Gospel.
God forgives us through Christ.
ALL: Thanks be to God for such a gift!

*GLORIA PATRI (Hymnal #579) “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.”

CHILDREN’S SERMON Luke Phillips

(At this time the children may leave for Sonshine Mountain.)

THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

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EPISTLE READING James 3:13-4:3, 7-8

The Word of the Lord!
Thanks be to God!

ANTHEM “We Will Sing for Joy” Scarlotti

GOSPEL READING Mark 9:30-37

This is the Gospel of the Lord!
Praise to You, O Christ!

SERMON “Pick Up the Phone” Luke Phillips

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT Mary Ann Beall

OFFERING OF OUR TITHES AND GIFTS
OFFERTORY “Duke Street” Nelson
*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

*HYMN #423 “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun” Duke Street

*BENEDICTION
*RESPONSE (Songs for Celebration) “How Sweet the Name” Tapestry
ALL: How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believers ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, and drives away our fear.

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*CHARGE
*POSTLUDE “EIN’ FESTE BURG – Homage to J. S. Bach” Crisafulli

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

NEXT SUNDAY, September 27, 2009 will be the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The scripture readings will be: Psalm 124 (Pew Bible Page 498); Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 (pages 390-391) Queen Esther secures the safety of the Jewish people from the king. James 5:13-20 (page 983) The prayers of the community are helpful to those who suffer. Mark 9:38-50 (pages 821-822) Jesus teaches his disciples about temptation.

PRAYER FOR PEACE – SOMALIA - Somalia is a country torn into two parts.  The breakaway region Somaliland is setting up a government and trying to secure their streets.  The southern part of Somalia has been destroyed and abandoned by civilization.  The people who remain suffer greatly from marauding gangs.  Those who wish to help are captured and tortured for ransom.  There is no governance, no security.  Most educated people have left the country so that those remaining are desperately surviving on hand-outs from the terrorists and gangs who roam the land.  There is a terrible drought so that there is no water or food, the land provides no nurture to the people.  The United Nations has declared Somalia a failed state and the entire area a disaster.  No help can be given to these people because there is no organized public conscience to receive the help.  Oh God, we hear of these desperate people and it breaks our hearts.  How can we help?  What are we supposed to do?  Give us wisdom and bring justice to the poor people of Somalia.  Let those who commit crimes meet justice and let those who need help to find solace.  Guide other nations to focus on this awful situation to end the chaos and to protect those who are left behind and being abused by the gangs.  Help the gangs learn better ways to reach their dreams.   Amen.

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 – Coffee is available in Hager Hall following both services. Coloring pages for children to use during the worship hour are available from the ushers. 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, Paul Burks, Karen McNulty, Helen Fisk
LITURGIST: Kathy Schultz
ACOLYTE: Jonathan G.

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SANCTUARY FLOWERS THIS WEEK ARE GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD BY
Peg Rowe and Mary Boynton in honor of their mothers – Sylvia Boynton and Evelyn Rowe

TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES
8:45 a.m. – Worship Café
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School/Fellowship
10:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship
11:45 a.m. – Coffee and Conversation

OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK

Monday (21^st) 10:00 a.m. Strong for Life
7:00 p.m. Financial Peace University
Tuesday (22^nd) 10:00 a.m. Women of the Church Coffee
7:30 p.m. Transit (Young Adult Group)
Wednesday (23^rd) 10:00 a.m. Strong for Life
6:00 p.m. Family Dinner
7:00 p.m. Bible Study – Doyle
7:00 p.m. Video Club
8:00 p.m. Worship Café Rehearsal
Thursday (24^th) 10:00 a.m. Coffee and Conversation
7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEDNESDAY FAMILY NIGHT DINNER – The dinner this week will be Panko crusted chicken breast, oven roasted potatoes salad, dessert. 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 gather at 6:00 p.m. (to pay) and eat following the blessing at 6:15. Sign up today on the friendship register!

WELCOME COFFEE FOR THE WOMEN OF THE CHURCH will be held in Hager Hall on Tuesday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE for First Church Scholars – If you are a full-time student at one of the Florida colleges or universities, you may qualify for a Gladys Douglas Hackworth Scholarship. If you are a full-time student at a non-Florida college, you may apply for a scholarship from the James Crozier Scholarship Fund. Please send a letter to Mary Walthall, 1781 Briar Circle, Dunedin, FL 34698. You may also e-mail Mary at mwalthall@tampabay.rr.com. Include your college goals, status, number of courses scheduled, social security number and the address of the financial aid department of your college in your request. If you are a current scholarship recipient, please include a copy of your grades. Please submit your request to Mary before September 21, 2009.

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FIRST SUNDAY BOOKS DISCUSSION October 4 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. in the church library. HANDS OF MY FATHER: A Hearing Boy, His Deaf Parents and the Language of Love by Myron Uhlberg. Growing up in the deaf and hearing worlds, Ulhberg’s memoir is less about the challenges of communication and more about the love that bound his family together. Honest, humorous, thoughtful autobiography about growing up in a unique household. Discussion leader: Nancy Christy The book is available in the church library and the Pinellas County library system.

FIRST FRIDAY CONVERSATIONS - MAYOR DAVE EGGERS – October 2, 11:45 a.m. Hager Hall – Bring a brown bag lunch and join Dunedin’s Mayor in a discussion about Dunedin’s growth, while preserving our community’s charm. Call the church office (733-2318) to make your reservation! Newcomers welcome – bring a friend!

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY On Sunday, October 4, First Church will honor WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY with a special offering and with a MISSION FAIR.  The PEACEMAKING OFFERING is an opportunity to specially support the training and other activities of the Presbyterian United Nations Office in New York City (50%); projects of the Presbytery that promote justice (25%); and our locally selected recipient, the Haven of RCS (25%).  You will find an envelope for the PEACEMAKING OFFERING in your Giving Envelope box, or you can write your check to First Church and put “Peace” on the memo line.  Please give generously to the PEACEMAKING OFFERING.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS starts October 4 at 9:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Facilitator: Jynx Bailey. This is an introductory class for you to see if the study is the right fit for you.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION Today, September 20 at 11:45 a.m. or Thursday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m. Contact Marge Brown (brownpaige@knology.net or 733-7936) for more information or to make a reservation.

PW COUNCIL MEMBERS please pick up copies of the minutes for September in the PW mailbox.

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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.)

• Don H., father of Donna D., following a lung biopsy on September 16
  
• Margaret C. under care at Barrington Terrace
  
• Gail T. recovering in Cold Springs, KY after a brief hospital stay
  
• John E., nephew of David and Bobbie E., following an injury in Afghanistan
  
• Karolina N. following surgery
  
• Walter B. recuperating at Emeritus
  
• Jean J. recuperating at Health South
  
• Elizabeth R. following knee surgery
  
• Paul K. diagnosed with colon cancer
  
• Dave D. recuperating at home
  
• Fran I., mother of Jeff I., following breast cancer surgery
  
• Eva M. at Manor Extensive Care on Tampa Road
  
• John K., father of Tina Marie F., facing health issues
  
• Sandi G., family friend of Dave and Bobbie E., diagnosed with incurable cancer
  
• Edna-Ann Z. of Virginia, cousin of Frances D., diagnosed with lung cancer
  
• For improved health: Marion G., Jim B., Su R., Charlie R., Millie R., Martha B., Betsy P., Bill V., Sharyn R., Lois K., Dotsie D., Peg H., Dee F.
  
• All our members who reside in skilled nursing homes
  
• The Transfiguration Faith Community of St. Petersburg, a new church development in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay
  
• Luke Phillips, our contemporary worship leader, as he begins the process toward ordination
  
• First Presbyterian Church in our desire to be responsible stewards of our talents and finance
  

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/ORGANIST Stephen L. Allen
YOUNG LIFE CHURCH PARTNER Jeff Iosa
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LEADER/MINISTRY INTERN
Luke Phillips
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR Donna Dayock
ASSISTANT TO ADMINISTRATOR Stephen L. Allen
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 2010 Jim Gibbs Marion Guthrie Jim Szatkowski Mary Walthall	Class of 2011 Welch Agnew Bob Blocher John Brockman Marge Brown Greg Long Clare McGrane	Class of 2011 Rosalie Bergman Tami Ehmig David Eichenberger Beverly Fisher Peggy George Ann Sabo

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.