First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses

It’s another beautiful day in the Fingerlakes as we celebrate Pentecost. Enjoy the sun shine and cooler temperatures today. This is our virtual service for FPCU. You will see that this post looks similar to a bulletin but with media. Please worship along with Pastor Dan, Steve Little(Poetry reciter and author), Pam Postle(Poetry reciter) and music from Joe Pepper. Thank You Steve and Pam for their special contributions to our service this week.

Pastoral Welcome and Church Announcements

Prelude

*Call to Worship

 

*HYMN#289 “On Pentecost They Gathered”

 

The Music Will Play Again

(S.E. Little)

 

Can you remember 1971?

I was 17 and full of fun.

A two-door car and AM radio

That car was my music studio

 

I remember almost all the hits

Was sad that Jeremiah won it all

A few of these tunes fit the times we’re in

Amazing Grace would make the call

 

And as we look for the sacred store

Where we heard the music just months before

We hope the man there will find a find a way

To make the music play again, someday

 

50 years on, Judy went to the coast

Found the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost

She fixed the church bells that were broken

Amazing Grace again was spoken.

(Excerpted from American Pie, Don McLean 1971)

Old Testament Reading 

Joel 2:28

^2:28 Then afterward
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

New Testament Reading

Acts 2:1-13

2 1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.

5-11 There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. They couldn’t for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, “Aren’t these all Galileans? How come we’re hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?… “They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!”

12 Their heads were spinning; they couldn’t make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: “What’s going on here?”

13 Others derided them with scorn, “They’re drunk on cheap wine.”

The Message (MSG)

[1] Many events in the life of Jesus and his followers happened on Jewish holidays.[1] Passover, Rosh Hashanah, the festival of the first fruits, Purim, the festival of Weeks to name a few. Today’s major event takes place during the Jewish Festival of Weeks aka Shauvot, aka Pentecost.

 

Shauvot, the Jewish Pentecost has dual significance.  It celebrates the wheat harvest in the land of Israel and the reception of the Ten Commandments.  “From a Jewish perspective, what happens in Acts 2, our New Testament text for today is a reenactment of… a second Sinai. The booming of the wind… like the thundering at Sinai, and the tongues of fire over the disciples’ heads were akin to the time when the cleft tongue, (coming) out of the mouth of God (as God) uttered the 10 Commandments.”

 

The Targum Neofiti, an ancient Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible describes the giving of the 10 Commandments by the mouth of God, ‘like torches of fire, a torch of fire to the right… a torch of flame to the left, it flew… swiftly into the air… and turned around and became visible in all the camps of Israel (before) becom(ing) engraved on the two tablets of the covenant.’”[1]

*The Jewish and Christian seasons of Pentecost have much in common where humans interact with fire controlled by God. In both, the gathered people play with fire and do not get burned!  It’s a description of the great Mysterium Et Tremendum: the Awesome Nature of God that like the ferocious wind and fire at the same time repels and attracts us.  Out of the Pentecost event, a life changing, world changing movement was created.  For those of us on the New Testament side, it became known as the birth of the church.

[i] Many events in the life of Jesus and his followers happened on Jewish holidays.[i] Passover, Rosh Hashanah, the festival of the first fruits, Purim, the festival of Weeks to name a few. Today’s major event takes place during the Jewish Festival of Weeks aka Shauvot, aka Pentecost.

Shauvot, the Jewish Pentecost has dual significance.  It celebrates the wheat harvest in the land of Israel and the reception of the Ten Commandments.  “From a Jewish perspective, what happens in Acts 2, our New Testament text for today is a reenactment of… a second Sinai. The booming of the wind… like the thundering at Sinai, and the tongues of fire over the disciples’ heads were akin to the time when the cleft tongue, (coming) out of the mouth of God (as God) uttered the 10 Commandments.”

The Targum Neofiti, an ancient Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible describes the giving of the 10 Commandments by the mouth of God, ‘like torches of fire, a torch of fire to the right… a torch of flame to the left, it flew… swiftly into the air… and turned around and became visible in all the camps of Israel (before) becom(ing) engraved on the two tablets of the covenant.’”[i]

The Jewish and Christian seasons of Pentecost have much in common where humans interact with fire controlled by God. In both, the gathered people play with fire and do not get burned!  It’s a description of the great Mysterium Et Tremendum: the Awesome Nature of God that like the ferocious wind and fire at the same time repels and attracts us.  Out of the Pentecost event, a life changing, world changing movement was created.  For those of us on the New Testament side, it became known as the birth of the church.

Sermon 

*HYMN #288 “Spirit of the Living God”

Pastoral and Silent Prayer

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; Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Offertory Music

Offertory

*HYMN #606   “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”

Prayer of Dedication

HYMN#290  “O Day of Joy and Wonder”

 

The Benediction

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Gods own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of God who called you out of the darkness into the marvelous light. Once you were no people, but now you are God’s people; Once you have not received mercy, but now you have received mercy; therefore, my friends go with the Spirit, living as servants of God.

1 Peter 2:9-10

Postlude

*Portions of today’s liturgy is from Psalms and Prayers by B. David Hostetter, p. 83.

 

It’s another beautiful day in the Fingerlakes. Enjoy the sun shine today. This is our virtual service for FPCU. You will see that this post looks similar to a bulletin but with media. Please worship along with Pastor Dan, Amy Erickson and music from Joe Pepper. Thank You Amy for being our liturgist this week.

Pastoral Welcome and Church Announcements

Prelude

*Call to Worship

One:         When the way is difficult and the path is lonely, we hear our Jesus saying, “I will not leave you alone.” When the journey is smooth, and the traveling is easy, we hear Jesus say, “I will not leave you alone.”

All:        When the horizon is far, and the call is clear, we hear our Jesus say, “I will not leave you alone.” When the place is here and the time is now, we hear our Lord say, “I will not leave you alone.”

One:         Loving and Forgiving One, unseen yet known, we hear the world speak in power and greed and we hear you speak in love and grace. May our lives be lived in the echo of your voice.

All:        When we are persuaded by the want that leads to hurt, the hankering that leads to greed, the yearning that leads to selfishness, help us turn onto the path of remembrance of all things good and loving.

One:         When we are persuaded by the spin that becomes truth, the belief that becomes dogma, the fear that becomes intolerance, help us turn onto the path that follows you.

Pastor:         No one has seen God. Yet, Jesus has shown us God. Jesus is the assurance of God‘s forgiveness. Let us worship God, the God of the known and unknown, of forgiveness and of grace.

*HYMN#331 “God of the Ages”

 

Old Testament Reading 

Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn us back to dust, and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”

For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.

You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.

So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.

Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants!

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil.

Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands! Psalm 90

*HYMN #337 “My Country Tis of Thee”

Sermon 

New Testament Reading

John 14 selected verses

“I am not going to leave you alone in the world—I am coming to you. In a very little while, the world will see me no more but you will see me, because I am really alive and you will be alive too. When that day come, you will realize that I am in my Father, that you are in me, and I am in you.

21 “Everyone who knows my commandments and obeys them is the one who really loves me, and everyone who really loves me will himself be loved by God, and I too will love her and make myself known to her.”

25-26 “I have said all this while I am still with you. But the one who is coming to stand by you, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will be your teacher and will bring to your minds all that I have said to you.

Pastoral and Silent Prayer

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; Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Offertory

You speak, O God and life comes forth. Out of the shadows of chaos your breath stirs order and beauty sustained by your steadfast love. Speak again, O Creator, and breathe new life into this beloved church so that we answer the call with our gifts, our tithes and our offerings in service to the world you so love. Amen.

*HYMN #606   “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”

Prayer of Dedication

One:     Whenever the Holy Spirit brings to our minds what we need to remember:
All:       We will remember and we will move.
One:      May we find space large enough to dance in the streets;
All:        And be passionate enough to shout in protest;
One:      And reach wide enough to include everyone;
All:        And have faith colorful enough to trust the adventure;
One:      And journey long enough to be changed. Whenever the spirit moves,
All:        We will remember and move.
One:       May our ears be open enough to listen to the world;
All:        And hearts strong enough to encounter the fray;
One:      Trust worthy enough to speak of it openly;
All:        Grace deep enough to offer it freely;
One:       And love long enough to endure all things, whenever the Holy Spirit moves,
All:        May God accept these our gifts of time, treasure and talent.

HYMN#839   “Blessed Assurance”

 

The Benediction

Postlude

 

 

It’s a beautiful day. Enjoy the sun shine today. This is our virtual service for FPCU. You will see that this post looks similar to a bulletin but with media. Please worship along with Pastor Dan, Carol Macleod and music from Joe Pepper..

Pastoral Welcome and Church Announcements

Sixth Sunday of Easter Slideshow at FPCU

Prelude

*Call to Worship

One:  Our God is an awesome God

All: Sweeter than honey is God’s Word.

One:  Bringing understanding for the living of these days.

One:  God’s word is a lamp unto our feet.

All:  And a light unto our path.

One: When we become afraid; when we lose our way,

All: When God challenges us; when the storms of life overcome us,

One: Then the Spirit speaks to our souls.

All:  We see God

All:  And we worship God.

*HYMN#159 “O Sing a Song of Bethlehem”

Prayer of Invocation

Gracious God,

We gather once again to offer You praise and thanksgiving
for Your unfailing love and faithfulness,
shown most clearly through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Grant us grace to worship You in spirit and in truth.

Through the power of Your Holy Spirit,
open our eyes to recognize You here among us.
Give us courage to step out in faith to meet You,
and confidence to follow where You lead.

Amen.

Old Testament Reading 

A song of David.

Psalm 29:1-8, 10-11

1 Praise the Lord, you heavenly angels!
Praise the Lord’s glory and power.
² Praise the Lord and honor his name!
Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty.
³ The Lord’s voice can be heard over the sea.
The voice of our glorious Lord God is like thunder over the great ocean.
⁴ The Lord’s voice is powerful.
It shows the Lord’s glory.
⁵ The Lord’s voice shatters great cedar trees.
The Lord breaks the great cedars of Lebanon.
⁶ He makes Lebanon shake like a young calf dancing.
Sirion trembles like a young bull jumping up and down.
⁷ The Lord’s voice cuts the air with flashes of lightning.
⁸ The Lord’s voice shakes the desert…
In his temple everyone shouts, “Glory to God!”

¹⁰ The Lord ruled as king at the time of the flood,
and the Lord will rule as king forever.
¹¹ May the Lord make his people strong.
May the Lord bless his people with peace.

 

*HYMN #345 “In The Age of Twisted Values”

New Testament Reading

Mark 6:47-52

⁴⁷ When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.

48 When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by.

49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out;

50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

51 Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,

52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Sermon 

Pastoral and Silent Prayer

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; Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Offertory

*HYMN #606   “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”

Prayer of Dedication

All: O God of All Good Surprise, Grateful for your presence with us, our guide, our guard, our stay, we thank you for the Spirit speaking courage to our very souls.  Glad for the love you give, we praise you with our offerings and we dedicate our time, talents, and treasure to the ministry of healing your broken, troubled world. Amen.

HYMN#754″Help Us Accept Each Other”

 

The Benediction

Postlude

 

*A portion of today’s virtual service is provided by https://cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca/worship_resources/jesus-walks-on-water/