14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces

of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?”

18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”

19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. 20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve.

21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?”

23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is

betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”

27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you,

28 for this is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with

you in my Father's kingdom.”

Matthew 26:14-29 ESV

The Lord’s Day

March 8, 2020

God’s People Gather for Worship

“By God’s grace alone and to his glory alone, we exist to worship God in his greatness and his holiness with Gospel-driven passion and integrity…” (excerpted from FPC Rome Mission Statement)

Preparing our Hearts

Prelude “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” Robert Hebble

Ms. Faye Kesler

Invocation

Declaring God’s Praise

Call to Worship

Hymn No. 3 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”

NICAEA

Affirming Our Faith

The Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Congregational Response “The Doxology” OLD HUNDREDTH

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him, all creatures here below! Praise him above, ye heavenly host!

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! AMEN

Confessing Our Sin and Embracing Our Forgiveness

Call to Confession Leader: “God shows his love to us in this: while we were still yet sinners Christ died for us.” Because we have faith in him, we dare to approach God in confidence as we confess our sin to him now.

Unison Prayer of Confession

ALL: Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart and soul and mind and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

In your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name.

Assurance of Divine Pardon

Hymn No. 11 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

NETTLETON

Offering Our Gifts

Welcome ((At this time, children ages 6 – 4th grade are invited to a time of Children’s Worship in our Education Building

adjacent to the Sanctuary, or to remain in the Sanctuary to continue in worship with their families. Childcare for those 8 weeks – 5 years old is available throughout the service on the first floor of that building.)

Presentation of Tithes and Offerings “The Call of Wisdom” Will Todd

Chancel Choir Dr. Aaron Rice, director Mr. Kyle Coleman, piano

Hearing God’s Word

Scripture Reading Matthew 26:14-29

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

ALL: Thanks be to God!

Sermon “The Infinite Value of the Lamb of God”

Rev. Bill Pardue

Scattering as Christ’s Church

Hymn No. 682 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”

CWM RHONDDA

Commissioning and Benediction

Postlude “Earth and All Stars” Wayne Wold

Ms. Faye Kesler

God’s People Scatter to Live as Faithful, Fruitful Followers of Jesus Christ

Ministry Opportunities

TODAY’S WORSHIP SERVICES (3/8/20): Convergent Service in King Hall (10:30 am): Classic Service in the Sanctuary (10:30 am): Rev. Jeff Chadwick preaching Rev. Bill Pardue preaching 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 (This message was preached at the Matthew 26:14-29 (This message was preached at Classic Service on February 23.) the Convergent Service on February 16.)

NEXT SUNDAY’S WORSHIP SERVICES (3/15/20): Convergent Service in King Hall (10:30 am): Classic Service in the Sanctuary (10:30 am): Rev. Jeff Chadwick preaching Dr. Jonathan Schwartz preaching

WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS – We would like to extend a special welcome to those of you visiting with us today. It is our intent to provide multiple ways for you to connect with us and have your questions answered. One way is through the Friendship Pad that is passed during the Worship Services. If you choose to provide your contact information, our Director of Connections, Natalie Pettegrew, will reach out to you. An online equivalent, the Connect Form, is available at www.fpcrome.org. Welcome Areas are located outside of the Convergent and Classic Services and are identified by the Welcome banners. After the services, our greeters would love to meet you and gift you with a cross by local artist, Cabell Sweeney.

THE ANNUAL KAREMY JACOBS EASTER EGG HUNT HOSTED BY THE TAYLOR FAMILY – The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 4 at 11:30 am at Taylor’s Farm/OTR (495 Minshew Road – directions will be at the church Welcome Center). All ages are welcome to enjoy a hot fog lunch, crafts, and egg hunt. Hope to see you there for a fun and special day as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week!

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES EVENTS – The Children’s Ministries asks you to save the date for these upcoming events:

o Camp 456 will be May 29 – May 31

o Vacation Bible School will be June 29 – July 2

COMMUNITY KITCHEN – We will host the Community Kitchen this week (Monday March 9 – Friday March 13). Food will be served to our community friends from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Volunteers are needed and welcomed either from 8:30 am until 10:30 am for preparation OR at 10:30 am until 12:00 pm to serve. Contact Martin Foster for further information.

WOMEN’S CIRCLES (Bible Study and Fellowship) – The MORNING CIRCLE will meet Monday, March 9 at the home of Carole Lawton, 7 Forest Lane NE, 706-291-7318, at 10:00 am. Please join us for our fellowship and study. Morning Circle meets the second Monday of each month in the homes of members of our church.

The EVENING CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, March 10 in the Fellowship Hall of the Christian Life Center at 6:30 pm. Evening Circle meets the second Tuesday of each month at the church. Please bring your Bible.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY (LED BY AMANDA DAVIDSON) – This study is an overview of the entire Old Testament. The series title is “The Whole Counsel of God – Loving the Old Testament.” Two different times are available on Tuesdays: 8:00-9:00 am OR 1:30-2:30 pm in the Van Dyke Room. The same lesson will be at both times. The study runs through April. Please feel free to jump into the study at any time! Contact Amanda Davidson for more information at 706-936-3335 or tigerden82@bellsouth.net.

BAPTISM – We are excited to invite you to the baptism of Madeline Earnest who made her public profession of faith at the Communicants ceremony just a few weeks ago. The baptism will be held on Sunday, March 15, at 1:30 pm at Calvary Baptist Church. All church members are warmly encouraged to not only witness but also participate in this momentous occasion for worship and celebration!

FPC ONLINE GIVING – FPC now has the capability to accept giving through our website as well as on our phones/mobile devices via the ShelbyNext Membership App. If you need instructions, they can be found in the information racks or you may call the church office.

SING HANDEL’S MESSIAH WITH THE CHANCEL CHOIR – The Chancel Choir will present selections from Handel's Messiah on Maundy Thursday. Please consider joining the choir as they rehearse on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 pm in the Sanctuary. If you cannot commit to rehearsal each week, you can come to the bonus rehearsal on 3/22 from 2:00-4:30 pm and any two Wednesday rehearsals between now and Maundy Thursday. We hope to fill the choir loft as we reflect on the gospel story. Please contact Aaron Rice (aaronr@fpcrome.org) with any questions.

FOOD! FUN! FELLOWSHIP! PIPS MONTHLY LUNCHEON – Our Pips lunch Thursday, March 26 at 11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll feature three historic women of Rome who are WWII heroes who served our nation as Rosie the Riveters. This may be the last time these three heroes share their story. Our lunch will be catered by Provinos for just $5.00 per person and we’ll have apple pie for dessert. Please remember to sign up with the church office and join us for great food, fun and fellowship!

PIPS TRIP TO CYCLORAMA – Pips is planning a trip to the Cyclorama at the Atlanta History Center on Tuesday, April 7. We’ll leave the church at 8:15 am in the church bus. On our way home we’ll stop at the OK Corral for lunch. Please don’t wait to sign up with the church office. We have 7 tickets left. The trip costs $15.00 which covers the cost of your ticket. Bring money for lunch.

TIP OF THE MONTH – By now, you may already have worked your way through the Pray for Me Prayer Guide. So what do you do now? Start over at the beginning and keep going!! Continue to be diligent and persevering in your prayers for your student. Also, this month, we suggest that you

contact the other prayer champion(s) on your team and find a time to meet, or at least talk on the phone, to pray for your student together. This only needs to take a few minutes. Praying together for your student will also act as a way of encouraging one another to keep praying.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY BEGINS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 – Ladies, join us to “Steep Yourself in the Word of God”. The 6-week study begins March 18 on Wednesday nights at 6:15 pm. Katey Temple, Joan Brock, Jennifer Scott and Virginia Saunders will be leading this class as we continue the theme of JOY.

PARENTING SEMINAR – One of the most important God-given opportunities we have as parents is to teach our kids God’s design for sex. It’s also one of the more challenging subjects for parents to talk about with courage and confidence. To provide you with encouragement in this area, we are offering an equipping seminar called “Talking With Your Kids About Sex.” This will be a one-time seminar offered at FPC on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, from 6:15–7:15 pm. No matter the age of your children, all parents are invited to attend! It’s never too early or too late to engage our kids. The seminar is a Family Equipping Ministry Team event led by Rev. Schwartz. Along with the seminar, a four-book series called “God’s Design for Sex” will be available at a significantly discounted price! This highly recommended resource will be a helpful guide to you as parents in facilitating those all-important conversations. Hope to see you there!

PARENTING CLASS – Join us for a five-week Wednesday night parenting class, March 25 – April 29, featuring video talks from a recent Paul David Tripp conference called “Parenting: It’s Not What You Think It Is.” The topics he covers with parents include: giving up control, shaping their character, thriving in the teen years, and resting in God. Many of these same themes are addressed in Tripp’s popular book, “14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family,” which will also be a resource for the class. Discussions will be facilitated by Rev. Schwartz. Come and be encouraged by the grace of God as He renews our vision, purpose, and joy of parenting.

MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST – All the men are invited to breakfast every Thursday at 6:55 am in Hardy Classroom #1. We’re always done by 8:00 am. Please join us for great food, fellowship and prayer.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FAMILY GATHERINGS CONTINUE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 – Meal from 5:30 – 6:15: Pirkle’s will cater our meal which will include BBQ Smoked Pork, Baked Beans, Slaw, Chips, Salad, and Texas Toast. The children’s menu will be Chick-Fil-A Sandwich, Chips and Dessert. The home page of our website (www.fpcrome.org) provides easy access to make your reservations, which are due by NOON on Monday, March 9. You may also email your reservation by that same deadline to info@fpcrome.org, call the church office at 706-291-6033, use the green cards in the Sanctuary pew racks, or sign up in the back of King Hall at the Convergent Service. We do not make standing reservations, so please make your reservations on a week-to-week basis to ensure an accurate count for our caterer. Program from 6:15 – 7:15

• Disciplines of Grace (Dr. Jonathan Schwartz) – CLC Fellowship Hall • Presby-What? (Rev. Bill Pardue and Kenneth Studdard) – CLC 201 • Christianity and the Art (Rob Davis) – CLC 203 • Bible Zone 2/3 Year olds – Education Bldg. Room 208 • Bible Zone 4/Kinders – Education Bldg. Room 206 • Communicants (6th grade) – Education Bldg. Hardy Classroom #1 • The Summit for children 1st – 5th grades – Education Bldg. in God’s Garden • Chancel Choir Rehearsal (6:15-7:30) • Junior High (6:00-7:15) – In the Crossing • Senior High (6:00-7:15) – In the Boy Scout Room

Cost: Adults $7.00 – Students and Children $3.00 (Note: Family Max has increased to $25.00)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FAMILY GATHERING STUDIES FOR ADULTS CONTINUE:

- “DISCIPLINES OF GRACE” LED BY DR. JONATHAN SCHWARTZ (CLC Fellowship Hall) – I warmly invite you to join me to study and discuss some of the ways in which the Bible says we grow in the grace of God. 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB) says, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” The discipleship process involves learning to develop spiritual practices for the purpose of growing in Christ and experiencing more joy in our relationship with him. Together we will look at some of the inward, outward, and corporate disciplines of grace that are not commonly talked about or even thought of as disciplines, such as rest, fasting, evangelism, work, and worship. I look forward to being with you over these next few weeks, and growing in Christ together. – Rev. Schwartz

- “PRESBY-WHAT?” CLASS LED BY REV. PARDUE AND KENNETH STUDDARD (CLC Room 201) – Are you curious about what Presbyterians believe? Were you raised in another denomination but would like to know more about ours? Are you considering joining this church (or have recently joined) but have questions about it? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, then the “Presby-What?” class is for you! This class is for all visitors and new members who want to know more about the ministry and beliefs of our church and denomination. To sign up, please contact Sarah Pope in the church office.

- “CHRISTIANITY AND ART” LED BY ROB DAVIS (CLC Room 203) – Art is either forming us or deforming us. This means that the arts (visual art, film, music, literary arts etc.) are incredibly powerful. The arts can sanctify or destroy us. Together, we will seek to answer the following questions.

• How is art inherently valuable? • What is the purpose of art within real life? • What is the role of the arts in spiritual formation? • Is there a difference between “fine art” (art in a museum) and “popular art” (art used for

commercial purposes) and can either or both be equally powerful impactful? • Is there a false divide between “worldly art” and “church art”?

Come and join this conversation!

EASTER LILLIES – It is time once again to place your order for an Easter Lily to be placed in honor or in memory of a loved one. You may fill out one of the yellow cards located in the pew rack in the Sanctuary or call the church office. The cost of the lily is $10.00. Sunday, April 5 is the deadline for placing your order.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS we need your help! As a women's ministry, we are partnering with the Ruth and Naomi House to provide meals for its residents on the third Thursday of every month for 2020! Will you consider joining us? The Ruth and Naomi House is a women's and children's shelter on North Broad in Rome that opened its doors just last year. So, grab a couple friends and sign up for a night to serve those in our community. Thank you!

Sign up through the Take Them a Meal link: www.takethemameal.com last name: Naomi House password: ruth2020

PRAYER REQUESTS – If you have a prayer request, the Prayer Team meets every Thursday to pray for this church body. Please let us know through the church website or by email at anitasmith716@comcast.net if we may pray for you. Be assured that all requests will be held in confidence.

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER LIST AVAILABLE – Each week you will find a page listing the current prayer needs of the congregation in the back of King Hall and at the Welcome Center outside of the Sanctuary. Please take one and use it as a way of supporting members of your church family in prayer. If you would like to have a name added to the list, please call the church office at 706-291-6033.

SERVE PROFILE – Knowing which potential area of service interests you is extremely helpful for our ministry leaders. This does not automatically sign you up to serve anywhere! It just opens the door for a ministry leader to contact you and discuss ways you may feel called to serve FPC and our surrounding community, when opportunities are presented. If you have not yet completed the online survey (SERVE PROFILE) or Intentional Conversations, we ask that you please do so. It is accessible from all mobile devices and will take about 7 minutes to complete. Scan the QR code (via camera or scanner app) or visit fpcrome.org/serve and click on the SERVE PROFILE button. If you prefer a paper copy, you may find one in the information racks.

Our worship service is broadcast weekly at 11 am on WLAQ FM 96.9 and AM 1410. (There is a 30-minute time delay from the actual time of our service.) Sermons may also be accessed on our web site at www.fpcrome.org.