Sunday, August 1, 2021 - Communion Sunday

CCLI Copyright License 1030652 Size A Streaming License 20686773 Size A (Disclosure: First Presbyterian Church, and its members, do not own any rights to the music played during this service, nor do they receive any royalties for using these pieces. Our license allows us to use the songs we list that are in the “Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal”) We thank you for joining us for our Sunday morning worship service here on YouTube. We pray that you feel God’s love around you as you join us. On this Sunday (August 1, 2021) our service began with our organist, Sarah Scovel, playing “Gavotte,” by Samuel Wesley. Rev. John P. Wilson then made the announcements of the church, reminding members of opportunities to serve the church as well as throughout the community this coming week. Our liturgist, Val DeFever, then read the Call to Worship, and then asked that everyone stand as they are able and sing “Come Sing to God,” # 805 from our hymnal “Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal” (used with permission). Ms. DeFever then read the Call to Confession, which was followed by everyone reciting the Prayer of Confession in unison, followed by a few moments of silent prayers of confession. Ms. DeFever then read the Assurance of Pardon, which was followed by everyone singing the Gloria Patri. The Prayer for Illumination was then read, followed by the Old Testament Lesson from Psalm chapter 34:11-22. We were then blessed with a solo performance by Lisa Paige as she sang “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore,” # 721 from our hymnal “Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal” (used with permission). Sarah Scovel accompanied her on the piano. Rev. John P. Wilson then read the Epistle Lesson from Ephesians 4:1-6, which was followed by a prayer and then his sermon entitled “Here By Choice.” After Rev. Wilson’s sermon, he invited everyone to stand and sing “Arise, Your Light Is Come!” # 744 in our hymnal, “Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal” (used with permission). We then entered into a time where we shared the joys and concerns of the church, followed by prayers of the people. At this point in our worship, we normally would pass around the offering plates, but with covid concerns FPC now leave the plates at both exits of the sanctuary and asks that those attending leave their offerings as they enter or exit. We use this time as a time of mediation, while we listen to our organist, Sarah Scovel, play “Untitled” by Charles Rinck. After the time of mediation ends, everyone stands and sings the Doxology. As we came to the time of communion, Rev. Wilson encouraged those watching via Facebook Live (as well as you who are watching this on YouTube), to obtain a piece of bread and small glass of grape juice and join in communion. Before we are given communion, everyone recited the Prayer of Thanksgiving followed by THE LORD'S PRAYER: "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they 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." Our custom is to partake of the bread as it is passed, and hold the cup until all have been served. We offer gluten free bread at the center of communion tray. You need not be a member of FPC, or any Presbyterian Church, to commune during the service. Once everyone has been served communion, Rev. Wilson offers a word of prayer, and then ask those who are able to stand and sing. This Sunday we sang “We All Are One in Mission,” # 733 in “Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal” (used with permission). Rev. Wilson then gave the Benediction, and everyone begins to leave while our organist played the postlude. This Sunday Ms. Scovel played “A Psalm of Trust,” by David Paxton. Many choose to remain silent in their seats and enjoy the music before they leave. First Presbyterian Church 201 S. 5th Street P.O. Box 612 Independence, KS 67301 (620) 331-0241 Visit our website at: http://fpc-indy-ks.org/ Visit us on Facebook at: First Presbyterian Church, Independence, Kansas Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Because of God’s grace, love, and gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, we worship, witness, teach and serve. Our Sunday services are taped live on an IPad on Facebook Live each Sunday, and then transferred to this YouTube Channel on Monday morning. If you would like to attend our services, we meet at 10:00 a.m. June through August, and 10:45 a.m. September through May (CST). We ask all who attend to please sit according to directions listed on the pews for social distancing concerns. Any and all are welcomed to join us in worship.