St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

We are a welcoming, Christ-centered community called to embody, nurture and share God’s Loving Light

both within St. Paul’s and our wider community.

www.stpaulsbirdsboro.org

Third Sunday of Easter April 15th, 2018 9:30 am Worship

We’re Glad You are Here!

Welcome: Inspired by Christ and his ministry of God’s invitation, we proclaim, “No matter

where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”

Restrooms: These are located on the basement level of the church. Either go through the double

doors in the front of the sanctuary and turn right to go downstairs, or use the stairwell in the back

of the sanctuary and then walk through the fellowship hall.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome within our worship services, so that they may learn

how to worship God. (We readily expect to hear their presence and recognize their occasional

need for a “break” from the worship space.) Children’s activity bags, for use during the service,

are available by both entrances to the sanctuary. A nursery, located beyond the double doors in

the front of the sanctuary, is also available for children up to 5 years old. Please see a greeter for

assistance.

Pew pads: Found along the center aisle, these are a great way for us to get to know you, and to

share our welcome and thanks for your presence. Please fill out the pew pad and pass it along to

your neighbor, before returning it to the center aisle.

Hearing amplification devices: These personal devices are available for your use. Directly

connected into our sound system, they make it possible to hear those leading worship without

amplifying background noises. Please see our sound person for assistance.

Remember: As we enter into worship, turn off or silence your cell phone, pager, or watch chime.

Your presence is a blessing to God and to us! Please feel free to share with us any ways in which

we might be a blessing to you in this journey of faith and life.

Get Connected: Signup online for the weekly E-news or monthly Cornerstone Newsletter, like

us on Facebook, give us a call, or send an email. It is our joy to journey with you!

Today’s Scripture Readings

Psalm 5 + 1 John 2:18-25 + John 21:1-14

300 West First Street, Birdsboro PA 19508

610-582-8461 + office@stpaulsbirdsboro.org + www.stpaulsbirdsboro.org

Pastor’s e-mail: pastormotz@stpaulsbirdsboro.org

Order of Worship

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude (Prayer: You awaken me to joy and life. It is for this that I have been created. To this

truth of rich blessing, open my eyes that I may see, my heart that I may feel, and my soul

that I may fully believe.)

(Please rise in body or in spirit)

Call to Worship Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

People: God’s love endures forever.

Leader: In our anguish we cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting us free.

People: God’s love endures forever.

Leader: The Lord is our strength and our song; He has become our salvation.

People: God’s love endures forever.

Leader: We will not die but live, and proclaim what the Lord has done.

People: God’s love endures forever.

Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

People: God’s love endures forever.

Prayer of Invocation Leader: …who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

People: Amen.

Hymn: “I Will Serve Thee” #595

Call to Confession

(Please be seated)

Corporate Confession All: Merciful and loving God, your love for us is unconditional,

yet our love for you and for others is not.

Marred by sin and the brokenness of this world,

we allow prejudice and pride to blind us;

greed and power to corrupt us;

insecurity and fear to pull us from your way;

so that even now in Jesus’ resurrection we are lost from you.

Turn us from our sin and the harm it renders within this life,

as you claim us anew as your children,

giving us the strength and faith

to share in the redeeming and healing way of Christ;

In whose name, we pray. Amen.

Silent Confession (A time of personal prayer for God’s healing and redeeming peace.)

(The response is sung through two times: 1

st – Pastor, 2

nd – All)

Songs and Prayers from Taizé #2, All rights reserved. OneLicense.net License #A-71449

Assurance of Grace Leader: …Everyone who has this hope in Christ is purified, just as Jesus is pure.

People: Thanks be to the living Christ! Amen.

Passing of the Peace Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.

People: And also with you.

(As the next hymn begins, Children up to 9th grade are dismissed to participate in age specific

Christian Education classes for the rest of worship. Parents/guardians of first time students are

invited to follow children to their classroom to complete registration information before

returning to worship. Children, 3rd

grade and younger, must be picked up from their classes.)

(Please be seated)

Hymn: “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” #433 (verses 1 & 2)

Psalm: Psalm 5 (p. #845)

Epistle Lesson: 1 John 2:18-25 (p. #1900) Speaking to a Christian community reeling from a schism that has torn the faith community

apart, John seeks to provide assurance that the Word of God has not been nullified by this

act, and to give confidence for individuals to persevere in their witness to Christ.

Gospel Lesson: John 21:1-14 (p. #1687) Even after the resurrection, and their own experiences with the risen Christ, the disciples

still have difficulty recognizing Jesus. However, in a command that leads to a miraculous

catch, Jesus makes himself known to them.

Leader: The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God!

Sermon “Recognizing Jesus”

(Please rise in body or in spirit)

Statement of Belief – Nicene Creed All: We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,

begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:

by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures;

he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.

He has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

We acknowledge one baptism for forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Hymn: “You Walk Along Our Shoreline”

Word Copyright © 1991, GIA Publishing, All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-714498

(Please be seated)

Prayers of the People

(Believing in God’s truth, we open ourselves as God’s servants through prayer.)

The Lord’s Prayer

All: 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, for ever. Amen.

Receiving of Tithes and Offerings

(We give as an act of worship, tangibly offering ourselves to God’s service.)

Offertory

(Please rise in body or in spirit to sing glory to God)

Doxology

Offertory Prayer

Commissioning

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Christ Has Made the Sure Foundation” (Note: interlude between 2

nd and 3

rd verse)

Postlude

(As the acolyte carries the Light of Christ out into the world, so too are we to carry Christ’s light from this sanctuary into the world, our communities, and our homes. May the presence

of the Spirit go with you until we gather again in the shared joy of God’s worship.)

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Worship Leaders Minister – All Members

Pastor – Rev. Joseph A Motz

Organist – Grace Griffith

Worship Steward – Jeff Baker

Acolyte – Will Manney

Ushers – Wanda Druzba & Pat Babel

Announcements

Community Outreach Today: Your Help Is Needed – Following worship join others for

about an hour to distribute colored sidewalk chalk to households along the Mission: Birdsboro 5K

race routes as a fun way to promote all the April 21st activities that will be held here at our

church. Proceeds from the race benefit not only Mission Trip Birdsboro, but the ministries of our

church as well. All are welcome to join in this act of community blessing.

Mission 5K –LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY! With only 3 days left to register online, don’t

forget to pick up you event registration form before you leave church today. You can pick them

up on the table at the side door entrance of the church. If you have race or registration related

questions, please contact Holly Bretzius at mb5k@stpaulsbirdsboro.org.

April 21st Race Day Volunteers Needed – Mission: Birdsboro 5K is developing into a major

community outreach event for our congregation. Therefore your support is needed to ensure we

are showing our community the best of St. Paul’s, as through our witness we give reason for

people to further explore a life of faith within our congregation. Areas especially needing your

support are on the 21st are:

Packet Distribution to Runners: 8:00-9:00am

1 Mile Finish Line Assistant: 8-9:30am

Race Traffic Control (assisting Fire Police): 8-10:30am

Family Activity Assistants 8:00am – 10:30am

5K Finish Line Assistant (must be 18 or older):: 8:30 – 11am

To sign up as a volunteer speak to Holly Bretzius following worship or sign upon through our

website under “What We Do” tab. Note that all volunteers get a discounted price of $5 for the

Masonic Lodge, 7-11am, all you can eat breakfast.

Mission Trip Birdsboro: Volunteer Registrations Officially Open! – Serving our local

community for the last four years Mission Trip Birdsboro participants have assisted over 50

homeowners and 10 community hubs right here in our backyard. With site worker, supply team,

kitchen crew, photography/videography, listeners, and spiritual development specific roles, there

is a place for you. Pick up a registration form today at the church side entrance greeter table or by

going online to spaulsbirdsboro.org “What We Do.” Note, space is limited and registration forms

are due by May 20th.

Assisting Homeowners Through God’s Love – Serving homeowners within a 15 minute

radius of our church, Mission Trip Birdsboro volunteers have painted, repaired decks, installed

doors and hand railings, improved landscaping, and provided other assistance that generally does

not require permitting. If you or someone you know could us a touch of God’s love and caring

support, complete an assistance application form today. Applications are available on the table at

the side door entrance of the church, or by visiting stpaulsbirdsboro.org / MTB / Application for

Assistance. All forms are due May 13th.

Game Night at St. Paul’s – We are going to celebrate all of the hard work that has been done

this year by the teachers and students of Sunday school! On May 25th

from 5:30-8pm we will

meet at the church to play games, eat pizza, and have some fun! This is a family/community

event so please bring someone with you. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Pat

Babel by Sunday, May 20. Also, we are looking for some new and fun games. If you have a

game at home that you would like to share, please bring it.

Vacation Bible School 2018 - ‘CAVE QUEST, FOLLOWING JESUS - THE LIGHT OF

THE WORLD’ - June 24-28 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm each evening I Want to Help - Join in the fun of creating an amazing VBS experience for the youth of our

community! There are three meetings scheduled in order to be ready for our VBS in late

June. Dates are 4/24/18, 5/29/18 and 6/19/18 at St. Mark’s fellowship hall at 7pm. Any and

all help will be appreciated. Any questions please contact Eloise Stevens.

VBS Registration - St. Paul's UCC will co-host VBS with St Mark’s Lutheran Church of

Birdsboro and the event will be held at St. Mark’s. A light supper will be served each

evening, followed by music, bible story, crafts and games. Registration forms will be made

available soon on our website as well as at our church entrances for children four to 12 years

old.

Altar Flower Sponsorship Opening – There is an open spot in the Altar Flower sponsorship

chart, for the end of April. If you would like to be a sponsor, please speak with Judy Reeser.

Visit Us on Facebook - If you haven't done so already, take a moment and check us out of

Facebook. There you can get instant updates on what's happening here at St. Paul's and in our

community. Also, don't forget to rate us and let the FB community what you think!

The Life and Ministry of St. Paul’s UCC

Sunday, April 15

Adult Christian Ed Church – CE Wing 8:30am – 9:15am

Worship Church - Sanctuary 9:30am – 10:45am

Hearts Ablaze Worship CE Building –Lg. Meeting Room 9:00am – 1:00pm

Play Practice Church – Sanctuary 11:00am – 1:00pm

Confirmation Class CE Building – Primary Room 4:00pm – 5:30pm

New Millennium CE Building –Lg. Meeting Room 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Monday, April 16

All About Families CE Building – Lower Level 8:00am – 8:00pm

Threefold Blessings Church – Sanctuary 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Boy Scouts CE Building – Large Meeting Room 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Tuesday, April 17 // Tax Day

All About Families CE Building – Lower Level 8:00am – 8:00pm

Office Hours CE Building – Church Office 8:30am – 12:30pm

Pastor’s Open Office @ Boone Area Library 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Wednesday, April 18

All About Families CE Building – Lower Level 8:00am – 8:00pm

Office Hours CE Building – Church Office 8:30am – 12:30pm

Disciple Bible Study CE Building - Primary Room 9:00am – 11:00am

Consistory CE Building – Primary Room 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Hearts Ablaze Youth Meeting CE Building – Lg. Meeting Room 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Thursday, April 19

Hungry Souls Ministries CE Building – Lower Level 7:30am – 9:00am

All About Families CE Building – Lower Level 8:00am – 8:00pm

Office Hours CE Building – Church Office 8:30am – 12:30pm

Sober @ 6:30 CE Building – Lg. Meeting Room 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Boy Scout Committee Meeting CE Building – Primary Room 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Friday, April 20

All About Families CE Building – Lower Level 8:00am – 8:00pm

Beginner’s Meeting CE Building – Lg. Meeting Room 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Saturday, April 21 // Mission: Birdsboro 5K // Beautify Birdsboro

Mission: Birdsboro 5K Church & CE Building begins at 7:00am

Sunday, April 22 // Newsletter Articles Due

Adult Christian Ed Church – CE Wing 8:30am – 9:15am

Worship Church - Sanctuary 9:30am – 10:45am

Hearts Ablaze Worship CE Building –Lg. Meeting Room 9:00am – 1:00pm

Play Practice Church – Sanctuary 11:00am – 1:00pm

New Millennium CE Building –Lg. Meeting Room 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Flower Dedication To the Glory of God in memory of Mary Jane Doaty by Ruth Grant.

Prayer List Healing

Dave Wolfgang

Bruce Dragan

Matt Wilson

Larry Wolfgang

Comfort in Time of Loss The Family of Jane (Johnson) Mountz

Long Term Care Support Hannah Hughes

Linda Badman

Jane Borcher

Paul M. Miller

Fred Miller

John Miller

Mabel Staubs

Neil Miller

Josephine Phillips

Nina Dickinson

Ministry Suppoet

Remington Doane

All Men & Women in the Armed

Forces

Joys & Celebrations

Logan Work

Prayer List Guidelines: To add someone to the Prayer List, please complete the blue Prayer Request card that can be found in

the church pew. Due to legal standards of privacy, it is necessary that we require an individual’s consent before we are able to place their name on a public prayer list. If you are unable to get their consent, but

would like the Pastor to be aware, you are invited to share the name privately. Please ensure that you fill out the Prayer Request card in its entirety.

Individual’s names will remain on the prayer list for 1month, with the exception of Long term Care, which will remain for a period of 3 months.