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(Welcome to worship today. Bold responses are spoken by the congregation.
Note that an * indicates when all are invited to rise in body or in spirit.)
Prelude “Sonata in D” Georg Muffat (1645-1704)
Greetings and Announcements Rev. Lindsey Hubbard-Groves
This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
An Act of Praise
*Westminster Chimes
*Invitation to Worship Rev. Junha Kim
All our work has built on the enduring work of those who came before us.
And so we lift up those who will complete these tasks after us.
There are prophets, but no way to live into the future without each other.
We must allow ourselves to plan for uncertainty and expect goodness.
Jesus’ ministry focused on how resources can be used for the greater good.
While our concerns are evergreen, we trust there will be unexpected solutions.
We worship together this way.
*Hymn #645 “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” mit freuden zart
Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled
and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.
The Lord is never far away,
but through all grief distressing,
an ever present help and stay,
our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s tender hand,
God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.
Thus all my toilsome way along,
I sing aloud thy praises,
that earth may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart,
both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory.
Let all who name Christ’s holy name
give God all praise and glory;
let all who own his power proclaim
aloud the wondrous story!
Cast each false idol from its throne,
for Christ is Lord, and Christ alone:
To God all praise and glory.
*Invitation to Confession Rev. Junha Kim
Repentance is the way to return to what we want to reaffirm. So, we pray this confession together, as individuals, and corporately as an accountable community, first in silence.
*Silent Prayer
*Unison Prayer of Confession
It is time for us to remember and refresh our values. We must imagine a church where the titles we keep are less important than the tasks we get to accomplish together. We will recall that the church is not a bank, our returns will not always be financial; still, talking about our resources is critical. We are rooted in the justice work of Jesus and remind ourselves that our neighbors include the people near where we worship, the people near our people, and the parts of ourselves that we haven’t reconciled.
*Affirmation of Healing
We are beacons of light. While our gaze is focused outward, toward concerns named and unnamed, we do not neglect our internal community.
Alleluia. Amen.
*The Passing of the Peace
The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
An Act of Proclamation
Moments With Children and Reception of Confirmands and New Members
Introduction Rev. Lindsey Hubbard-Groves
Presentation Janet Patin, Elder
On behalf of the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church, it is our joy to present these confirmands, Reid and Leo, to be received as new members alongside Vicki, Laura, Jan, and Glenn.
Jan Poujade, Clerk
Confident of God’s grace at work in our community, do we, the congregation, promise to nurture these new members by our words and deeds, encouraging them to know and follow Christ, and to be faithful disciples? If so, please respond, we do.
We do!
Profession of Faith Rev. Gregg Neel
Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?
I do.
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his love?
I do.
Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, living out his love?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you be faithful members of this congregation, share in its worship and ministry through your prayers and gifts, your study and service, and so fulfill your calling to be a disciple of Christ?
I will, with God’s help.
Prayer of Blessing and Welcome Rev. Junha Kim
And all God’s people say:
Hooray!
Anthem “When in Our Music God Is Glorified” C.V. Stanford
The Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 13: 1-10, CEB
Love: the Universal Spiritual Gift
If I speak in tongues of human beings and of angels but I don’t have love, I’m a clanging gong or a clashing cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and I know all the mysteries and everything else, and if I have such complete faith that I can move mountains but I don’t have love, I’m nothing. If I give away everything that I have and hand over my own body to feel good about what I’ve done but I don’t have love, I receive no benefit whatsoever.
Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. As for prophecies, they will be brought to an end. As for tongues, they will stop. As for knowledge, it will be brought to an end. We know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, what is partial will be brought to an end.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “Syllabuses” Rev. Lindsey Hubbard-Groves
A Moment for Silent Reflection
An Act of Response
*Hymn #188 “Jesus Loves Me!” jesus loves me
Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me he who died
heaven’s gate to open wide.
He will wash away my sin,
let his little child come in. [Refrain]
Jesus loves me, this I know,
as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee,
saying, “Let them come to me.” [Refrain]
Celebrating Our Work With Lindsey Rebecca Brown, Jane Kurtz
Sharing Joys & Concerns Rev. Gregg Neel
(At the conclusion of spoken joys, let us pray together, “Thanks be to you, O God.”
For concerns, let us make them our own by praying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”)
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts Fred Locke
The Session is inviting you to share in a love offering for Lindsey Hubbard-Groves to honor her ministry. You can use the offering plate, write a check and write “Love Offering for LHG” in the memo line, or give online. Go to westprespdx.org, and in the top right corner, click “GIVING,” then “DONATE ONLINE.” Fill in your amount, and write “Love Offering for LHG” in the memo line. Thank you!
Offertory Anthem “When Peace Like a River” arr. Dale Grotenhuis
*Doxology – Hymn #606
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.
-OR-
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Hymn #541 “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” randolph
God be with you till we meet again;
loving counsels guide, uphold you,
with a shepherd’s care enfold you:
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
unseen wings protecting hide you,
daily manna still provide you:
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life’s perils thick confound you,
put unfailing arms around you:
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love’s banner floating o’er you;
smite death’s threatening wave before you:
God be with you till we meet again.
*Benediction Rev. Lindsey Hubbard-Groves
*Postlude “Pomp and Circumstance No.1 in D” Edward Elgar
(You may be seated for the postlude or you may depart.)
Welcome, New Members!
Laura E. Cook
Laura grew up in Portland at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian. After returning to her hometown with her husband, she is excited to join the Westminster community with her young family. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, bouldering, and taking family walks to local coffee shops.
Vicki Hunt
Vicki loves to hike, read, swim, and spend time with her family. She has previously been a waitress (at The Original Pancake House) and a bookkeeper, but she has been retired for 18 years. She’s looking forward to getting to know more people at Westminster.
Reid Kostek
Reid Kostek is a 16-year-old sophomore at Grant High School. His favorite part about church is the community. He wants to learn more about how to do good in the world.
Leo Lillard
(No bio provided.)
Jan Stover
Jan was born and raised in Portland. She lost her husband of 45 years in January 2022, and now Boo-boo, her “very spoiled” kitty, is her main love. She is looking forward to developing caring, loving friendships with those in the Westminster community.
Glenn Taylor
Glenn is a retired photographer who enjoys playing the guitar. He has two children. He looks forward to enjoying fellowship with the Westminster community.