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Sixth Sunday of Easter
- Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024
- Time: 10:30am–11:30am
- Location: Sanctuary
Ascension introduced the ‘distance’ between the symbols of bread and wine on earth and the ascended Christ, but nevertheless a ‘distance’ bridged by the real presence of the risen and ascended Christ through the Spirit. Hence the place of the sursum corda [lift up your heart] in the heart of the Reformed Eucharistic Rite—the ascension with Christ became of primary importance again: we are made to sit with Christ in the heavenly places.
Gathering around the word
Prelude: Talk About a Child That Do Love Jesus, setting by Calvin Taylor
This setting of the African American spiritual, Talk About a Child, employs colorful chromaticism, counterpoint, and a little jazz flavor. Composer and concert artist Calvin Taylor has degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, and the University of Kentucky. His senior Oberlin recital made history when he became the first organist in the school’s 180-year history to improvise an encore, an 11-minute extemporization. Kathleen Battle’s recording of this is worth a listen.
† Call to Worship
We come to join with all the earth in praise:
to sing a new song to the Lord,
who has done marvelous things,
who has shown us steadfast love and faithfulness.
We praise the Lord with joyful noises joining the symphony of the earth:
the roar of the ocean,
the call of the birds,
the wind across the hills,
people in every corner of the globe.
On this sabbath day of rest and gladness,
we greet you with joy, our living God!
Come, let us worship God!
† Hymn #268, “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
Prayer of Adoration
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Tender God, forgive us for our half-hearted faith that loves only when it is easy, and reaches out only to those who are like us, that ignores your inconvenient commandments and fails to bear fruit that anyone would rejoice in. How can a faith like that conquer the world? Nourish us again to blossom with whole-hearted faith that abides in your love and shines forth with joy. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Silent prayer of confession
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the Good News! The only one who could judge us calls us friends. Jesus chose us over his own life, so let us choose Jesus in the life we have now. By the power of the Spirit, our sins are washed away, and we are made new.
Thanks be to God!
† Response of praise: Hymn #267, “Come, Christians Join to Sing”
Come, lift your hearts on high: Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky: Alleluia! Amen!
He is our guide and friend; to us he’ll condescend;
his love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen!
Praise yet our Christ again: Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain: Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore his goodness we’ll adore,
singing forevermore: Alleluia! Amen!
Life in Community
Come in your faith, and in your doubt! If you are joining us for the first time, we invite you to share your information by scanning the QR code. We would love to connect.
Upcoming events and recent announcements are available in the back of the bulletin and on our website at catonsvillepres.org.
Expression of Thanks
Proclaiming the Word
Children’s Message
Prayer for illumination
Holy Spirit, help us to hear familiar words with fresh ears and take your Holy Word to us seriously, as guide and pattern for our lives. Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 47
† Hymn #451, “Open My Eyes, That I May See”
Scripture: Luke 24:44-53
Sermon: “Lift Up Your Hearts,” Kenneth Kovacs
Responding to the Word
Call to Offering
Offering of Tithes and Gifts
OffertorY: Our Father, Maurice Duruflé, adapt. Robert H. Gower
† Doxology #607: “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ, all people here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
† Prayer of Dedication
Generous God, we bring you our offerings today, and ask that you bless them. Bless the gifts we share that they might be saved, stewarded, and used in ways that honor you. Bless the tasks that we will undertake this week, that we might be coworkers in your coming kingdom. May we bless you by being witnesses to your love, grace, and generosity. Through Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord, we pray. Amen.
† Hymn #529, “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether”
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Invitation to the Table
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is a right and joyful thing to give you thanks, God of wisdom and hope.
In every age you have confirmed in the saints the glorious promise of our inheritance in Christ and the immeasurable greatness of your just and gracious power.
And so, with angels and archangels and all the host of heaven, we sing your praise and join the everlasting hymn:
[Sung] Holy, holy, holy Lord.
God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he, O blessed is he
Who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed are you and blessed is your Son…
…Through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, Almighty God, now and forever.
And now hear us as we offer that perfect prayer, uniting heaven and earth:
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.
Communion of God’s People
Prayer of Gratitude
God Most High, we have lifted our hearts to you in this joyful meal with our risen Lord. Continue to sustain us with your power and draw us into your presence so that we may feast with you in glory at the wedding of heaven and earth; through Christ, who lives and reigns with you forever. Amen.
† Passing of the Peace
† Hymn: “For Everyone Born”
Refrain:
And God will delight when we are creators of justice
And joy, compassion, and peace:
Yes God will delight when we are creators of justice,
Justice and joy!
- For everyone born, a place at the table,
For everyone born, clean water and bread,
A shelter a space, a safe place for growing,
For everyone born, a star overhead. [Refrain] - For all who share life, a place at the table,
Revising the roles, deciding the share,
With wisdom and grace, dividing the power,
For all who share life, a system that’s fair. - For those we neglect, a place at the table,
A voice to be heard, a part in the song,
The hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
For those we neglect, the right to belong. - For all who have breath, a place at the table,
A covenant shared, a welcoming space,
A rainbow of race and gender and color,
For all who have breath, the chalice of grace. - For you and for me, a place at the table,
Though wounded and sore, with need to forgive,
In anger in hurt, a mindset of mercy,
For you and for me, a new way to life. - For everyone born, a place at the table,
To live without fear, and simply to be,
To work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
For everyone born, the right to be free.
† Benediction
Postlude: Lasst uns erfreuen/Easter Song, setting by Rebecca Groom Te Velde
Lasst uns erfreuen is a hymn that originated in 1623 in Germany. In 1906, it was published in the English Hymnal in strong triple meter. This hymnal was edited by Ralph Vaughan Williams and his version has become the English-speaking standard today. The hymn’s triumphal tune and repeating Alleulias have secured its widespread usage during the Easter season. Composer Rebecca Groom Te Velde is a Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Sources
Image: Icon of the Ascension, Novgorod, 15th century.
For Everyone Born, words by Shirley Erena Murray, music by Jane Marshall. Words ©️ 1998, rev. 2023 Hope Publishing Company. Music ©️ 1999 Hope Publishing Company.
Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013).
Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-734388; CCLI Copyright License B 20481088 + Streaming License B 481071
Worship Participants
Jeff Bolognese
Liturgist
Dorothy Boulton
Associate Pastor
Kathy Glennan
Video production
Marcellous Dixon-Grant
Worship Technical Director
Wendy Johnston
Organist and Assistant Director of Music
Kenneth Kovacs
Pastor
Greg Knauf
Director of Music
Vickie Lord
Social media support
Learning & Growing
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Thursday, May 9 and 16 | 10:30 a.m. in the Library
Thursday Morning Bible Study resumes for a special series that explores the Bible’s understanding of death. The Bible does not speak with one voice on this subject. Each week, we’ll study a different passage of scripture and related theological themes, supported by additional articles and reflection pieces to inform our discussions. View the full schedule and readings.
Realm Walkthrough
Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m. on Zoom
This session will cover the basics of Realm, like logging in, navigating around, and accessing the directory. This will be recorded and available for those who cannot attend either of the times synchronously.
Adult Education: Belonging
Sunday, May 12 at 9 a.m. in the Library | Led by Ken Kovacs
Last fall, we kicked off our theme for the year: Connection and Belonging. On May 12, we bring our adult ed program to a close with a look back and reflection upon our theme. We will focus on David French’s piece in The New York Times from several weeks ago on friendship and learning to be present to those in need. Read the article at catonsvillepres.org/AdultEducation.
Youth Group: End of Year Cookout
June 2 | 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the pavilion
Middle and high school youth are invited to an outdoor cookout on June 2 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.! We’ll meet in the pavilion and enjoy burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian dishes, plenty of sides, and lots of yard games. Contact the church office with questions.
Announcements
Fellowship Hour
Thank you to Jadie Mayes for hosting today’s Fellowship Hour!
Upcoming Sabbatical
Ken Kovacs will start a three-month sabbatical on Monday, June 3. He will be in worship on June 2, return to the office on September 4, and worship on September 8. Dorothy Boulton will be acting Head of Staff while Ken is away, and we’ll have guest preachers for many Sundays throughout the summer. Look for the Pentecost Messenger with more details.
Friday Food Drives
Friday Food Drives in the Frederick Road parking lot will begin again starting Friday, May 10 and will continue every other Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting) until Thanksgiving. This year, our congregation will partner with several organizations as recipients of the food collected. The items collected in May will be given to Westowne Elementary for distribution to students as part of an end of the school year package.
Hybrid Gathering for Contemplative Prayer and Meditation
Contemplative Prayer and Meditation is gathering online but also in person this week! Tomorrow, May 6, we’ll circle up at 7 p.m. in the France Room to spend time listening rather than speaking, allowing our attention to soften, quiet, and move inward. Contact the church office with questions.
Bridges to Housing Stability: Beans & Bags for Bridges
Join us on May 5 in a day of fun and community as we work to end homelessness through Bridges to Housing Stability’s Beans & Bags fundraiser! Enjoy chili, cornhole, a silent auction, and live music by local musicians. Chili tickets and cornhole registration are now available.
Realm Signups Continue
Today is the second-to-last Realm signup and picture day! Head over to the France Room following worship to update your contact information, receive your signup link, and take a photo for the pictorial directory. Blue fliers with additional information are in the front and rear of the sanctuary. Next Sunday is the final sign up and picture day.