First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses

June 25, 2017   Fresh Air Worship

Fresh Air Worship and Brunch at the DeCloux-Rappleye’s Westwind Farm (2914 County Road 143, Interlaken) on June 25 at 10 a.m. Bring brunch items to share and your table service along with lawn chairs. If the weather is unsuitable to be outside, we will worship in their barn. There will be NO worship service in town this week as we worship and celebrate together at the farm.

Story: Psalm 23     (p. 491, Pew Bible)

Sermon: “Following the Shepherd”

Focus: A Psalm of Confirmation

 Reflection:

This week as we focus the attention on this most famous of psalms we must be conscious that people will be drawn to different imagery within the psalm corresponding to what the circumstances of life are that they find themselves in at that moment. How lucky are we to have been given such a blessing as this; where in the space of only six short verses, scripture speaks so powerfully to our human situation, and describes so well the relationship God has with us.

Hymns We Will Sing:

*HYMN #187     “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us”              (BRADBURY)

*HYMN #838     “Standing on the Promises”                       (PROMISES)

*HYMN #300     “We Are One in the Spirit”  (THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS)

This info is for our study of the Psalms but may change as Pastor Cheryl is on vacation and we will be welcoming the Rev. John Kotun to our pulpit today.

Story: Psalm 13     (p. 484-5, Pew Bible)

Sermon: How Long?

Focus: A Prayer for the People

Reflection: Psalm 13 provides a model for prayer. It is open and honest, it lays down fears and worries, confessing them to God, and does so in hope and faith. It is a song for all ages and all situations, admitting the frailty of our own personhood and acknowledging the salvation provided by God.

 Hymns We Will Sing:

*HYMN #14                   “For the Beauty of the Earth”                                 (DIX)

*HYMN #649                  “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound”       (AMAZING GRACE)

*HYMN #353                       “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”                   (SOLID ROCK)

For June 11, 2017                                            

 Story: Psalm 100   (p. 541, Pew Bible)

Sermon: “Joyful Celebration”

Focus: Joy

Reflection: We will be looking at the Psalms in the coming weeks. For a bit of general interest background on the Psalms, you might want to visit the short film with Bono (of the band U2) and Eugene Peterson (author of The Message Bible) talking about their friendship which has revolved around a common passion for the Psalms. It is readily available online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l40S5e90KY.

 Hymns We Will Sing:

*HYMN #388                                      “Come All You People”                    (UYAI MOSE)

*HYMN #35                   “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”       (LOBE DEN HERREN)

*HYMN #134                                 “Joy to the World”                                     (ANTIOCH)