Bulletin for Sunday, September 5th, 2020

 Call to Worship

 L:The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom, like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, them majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord.

P: Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those of a fearful heart, “Be strong, fear not! For behold, your God will come with vengeance, and the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

L: Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand will become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become rushes and reeds.

P: And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not pass over it and fools shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; it shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there and the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Prayer of Invocation: Dear Lord Jesus, you say to us, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me,” and we answer thee, “O Jesus, thy father’s son, come in, blessed of the Lord!” Amen.

Prayer of Confession: Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high?He raises up the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. Father, forgive us for all the ways that we have grieved you. You give us all things, you save us from our enemies; you are our tower and strong defense and yet, we reject you, we turn our backs to you. Wrapped up in ourselves we push you and your servants away.We pray with the thief on the cross, Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: The saying is sure and worthy of acceptance, that Anointed Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might be dead to sin and alive to all that is good.  Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! And hear the good news:

P: In Jesus Anointed we are forgiven. Amen.

Psalm 119, I Timothy 1

Sermon: Timothy, my born child in faith

Hymns #379 vss 1, 3 &5 Take My Life, #571 vss. 1,3 &4 My Country, Tis of Thee, #262, 1,2 & 3 Holy, Holy, Holy

Announcements: Pastor Amy meets at Kinni II at 7:45 am and at 9 am on Tuesdays for Prayer Breakfast.  If you would prefer to meet outside, Pastor Amy will also be at Common Man on Tuesdays at 1:30 (please note the time change). If you would like a home visit or phone call don’t hesitate to let Pastor Amy know.

In light of the rise in suicide and self harm throughout our region please let it be known that calls to Pastor Amy are taken day and night. Call 715-273-4429 or 715-2734904. Pastor Amy’s cell phone is 715-928-3480.

Prayers for Cal Baker, Eleanor Oltman, Doris and Harold Coulson, Don Gilbertson, Audrey Gilbertson, Susan Lafferty, prayers for India and its Muslim and Christian minoritys, for Libya and Syria, for the Uighurs in concentration camps in China, for the congregations that have been destroyed in China, India, Syria and Egypt, for those who have not been able to come to church

June 7th Bulletin. Good to see you!

Call to Worship (Ecclesiastes 11)

L: Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what evil may happen on earth. If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth; and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls there it will lie. He who observes the wind will not sow; and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know how the spirit comes into the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed and at evening withhold not your hand.

P: For you do not know which will prosper.

Prayer of Invocation:  Father, may your son come to us just as he came to the disciples so long ago. Breathe upon us, fill us with your Holy Spirit. Breathe on us so that we can breathe and be free, walking right now in the kingdom of heaven, singing praises to your name. Amen.

Song “Seek Ye First”

Prayer of Confession: Blessed Lord, the angel that you sent proclaimed, “Peace on earth to men of delight.” You have given mankind a new name, men of delight, such is your love and pleasure in us. We know that we have done nothing to deserve this, nothing to deserve you giving your everything to take away our sins. You gave your beloved son and he took away our sins at Golgotha. Father, forgive us, we have gone astray. We fail to remember your ways and your thoughts. Distracted by many things, discouraged by many things, overwhelmed by many things, we forget the Lord Jesus. We say with the criminal on the cross, Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Remember us that we might remember you and come into your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Give thanks to the Father who has given you a share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.

P: In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 109, Colossians 3:1-17

Sermon: Seek the things that are above, where Anointed is

Song “There Is a Redeemer” (vss 1-2)

Prayers of the People

Communion: Invitation, Song “Spirit of the Living God,” Prayer of Thanks, Lord’s Supper, Prayer, Peace

Song “Down to the River to Pray”

Benediction

Bulletin for First Day Service, Sunday, May 24th

See You Soon!

Call to Worship (Psalm 51) 

 L: Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

P: Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

L: Hide your face from my sins and blot our all my iniquity.

P: Create in me an pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

L: Do not cast me away from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

P: Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.

Prayer of Invocation: Dear Lord Jesus, you say to us, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me,” and we answer thee, “O Jesus, thy father’s son, come in, blessed of the Lord!” Amen.

Praise Song: #561 We Gather Together

Prayer of Confession:Almighty God, you gave the Lord Jesus, our “Leader Triumphant.”  He goes before us, leading us in the Way. In the darkness he is the light shining. We say with the thief on the cross, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Remember us, O Lord this day.  We pray for the forgiveness of our sins and renewal through the Holy Spirit, that right now we might be part of the restoration that is to come. We pray that we would be released from the spirit of fear and anxiety, and that instead we might have fearless hearts just like yours. Abba, Father, we are sorry for all that we have done to grieve you. We are caught in a prison house. But you set the captive free.  We pray that we might be the free people that we truly are in Jesus Anointed. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Our Lord said, “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Anointed Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might be dead to sin, and alive to all that is good.   Hear the good news.

P: In Jesus Anointed we are forgiven. Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 107, Colossians 2

Sermon:  That they might be encouraged

Hymns #575 Eternal Father, Strong to Save, #572 America, the Beautiful

Announcements: Community Meal will continue this Wednesday in a slightly different form. Farhad Kosari has offered to buy Subway sandwiches or salads to the first 10-15 who call the manse before 4 pm on Wednesday June 10th.

First Presbyterian’s congregation will be meeting in the church building again on Sunday, June 7th and we will be celebrating communion. Please see the letter that the session has sent out regarding the building’s opening. God bless you all and hope to see you there!

Laurel’s session meets to discuss the opening of the building at Hager City. Please stay tuned for more information.

 A message from Pastor Amy: Listening to NPR on Thursday, I learned that all telephone and texting scams are on the rise.  Some scam artist are pretending to be contact tracers and public health officials. Please be aware.

Bulletin for Sunday, May 17th

First Day of the Week Service!  Sorry that I did not share bulletin for last Sunday. We had a technological snafu because of the snow on my computer (long story) and I did not end up recording the service properly (turned off the computer accidentally).  Anyway, here is the bulletin for tomorrow!  God bless!

Call to Worship (Psalm 18)

L: For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God

P: The God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe

L: He made my feet like hinds feet and set me secure on the heights

P: He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  Thou hast given me the shield of thy salvation and thy right hand supported me and thy gentleness made me great.

Praise Songs: #117 We Will Glorify,  #51 Beloved

Prayer of Invocation: Dear Lord Jesus, you say to us, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me,” and we answer thee, “O Jesus, thy father’s son, come in, blessed of the Lord!” Amen.

Prayer of Confession: Lord God you are generous, tenderhearted, fearless. You gave your only begotten son, the lamb of God, taking away the sins of the world, "the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men.'' Father, forgive us for the many times we have turned our backs on you, denying the truth. Forgive us for the ways we have given in to fear. Help us to keep our eyes on the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, Jesus our savior. Comfort us, renew our hearts by thy Holy Spirit. Teach us thy way. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon:  May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Give thanks to the Father who has given you a share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.

P: In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 106, Colossians 1:15-29

Sermon: The unseen God

Hymns #25 Immortal, Invisible, #60 Morning Has Broken

Announcements: Know someone who is in need of an AA meeting? A list of virtual meetings as well as instructions on how to access the meetings can be found at www.district05.org.  If you wish to speak to a recovered member of Alcoholics Anonymous from the Chippewa Valley, please contact their 24-hour hotline at 715-835-5543. Feel free to reach out with any questions at pi@district05.org

The Red Wing School district is looking for volunteers to help students as they pick up lunches during the day.

Go to Sign-Up Genius online if interested.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4DAEA928A1FA7-student 

Ellsworth’s Session will meet this Wednesday at 6 pm

First Day Assembly! Your Sunday, May 3rd Service

Call to Worship (Isaiah 41)

L: When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none and their tongue is parched with thirst.  I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

P: I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the desolate country a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

L: I will put in the barren places the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. 

P: I will set in the desolate country the cypress, the plane tree, and the pine together, that men may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel created it.

*Prayer of Invocation: Dear Lord Jesus, you say to us, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me,” and we answer thee, “O Jesus, thy father’s son, come in, blessed of the Lord!” Amen.

Praise Songs: #51 Beloved, #262 More Precious Than Silver

Prayer of Confession: “Blessed be the Lord from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem.” Father, forgive us, the sins in our society and the sins in our hearts push away the truth. We forget the story of your love and faith. We forget that now we are part of that story, more than conquerors through him who loved us. Almighty God give us eyes to see your only begotten son, Jesus.  Our many fears, our cruel words and deeds, our busyness, our laziness, our lack of love, our lack of faith, these things show that  things are not right. But heal us O Lord and we shall be healed. With you nothing is impossible. Have mercy on us that we might no longer be slaves but sons who are free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Jesus said, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink,” and “whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters. Come, buy, without money and without price (Isaiah 55:1). Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Hear the good news.

P:In Jesus Anointed we are forgiven. Amen

Scripture: Psalm 104, Philippians 4

Sermon: Rejoice in the Lord always

Hymns # #559 Come, Ye Thankful People Come, #296 We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations

Announcements: Please contact Jack Hines if you would like to be a census worker. Mr. Hines is coordinating the census in our region. Pay is $22/hour plus 58 cents/mile working on one’s own time. For more information contact him at 715-307-1274

Prayer Chain: For Doris and Harold, for Gary, for Susan, for Don Gilbertson and Audrey, for Cal Baker, for Eleanor Oltman, for Debbie Baker, for Sara and Laura, for the Food Pantries in Ellsworth and Red Wing, for all prisoners, for John in his prison where there is 100% CV19—thankful that most are completely symptom free.

First Day Assembly, Sunday, April 26th, 2020

Call to Worship (Isaiah 41)

L: When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none and their tongue is parched with thirst.  I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

P: I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the desolate country a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

L: I will put in the barren places the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. 

P: I will set in the desolate country the cypress, the plane tree, and the pine together, that men may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel created it.

Prayer of Invocation: Dear Lord Jesus, you say to us, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me,” and we answer thee, “O Jesus, thy father’s son, come in, blessed of the Lord!” Amen.

Prayer of Confession: Almighty God, God of Faith, you have loved us with a love so deep that you sent your only begotten son to make right all that was so wrong.  Lord, we confess that often we walk by our own sight and not by faith, that power that established Jesus on the cross to gain the victory, that power that raised him up on the third day, that power that raised us up when we were dead in our sins.  Our minds and hearts are not right within us.  We close our eyes to the pain of our neighbors; we say “No” to pity. We grieve your Holy Spirit.  Father, forgive us, that all lies and half truths may be cleared away.  Have mercy upon us!  Lead us, Father, into all truth that we may we free. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Our Lord said, “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Anointed Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might be dead to sin, and alive to all that is good.   Hear the good news.

P: In Jesus Anointed we are forgiven. Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 103, Philippians 3:12-21

Sermon: Forgetting what is behind and stretching towards what is ahead

Hymns #435 What a Friend We Have in Jesus, #26 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Announcements: 

Please contact Jack Hines if you would like to be a census worker. Mr. Hines is coordinating the census in our region. Pay is $22/hour plus 58 cents/mile working on one’s own time. For more information contact him at 715-307-1274

Prayer Chain: For Doris and Harold, for Susan Lafferty, for Don Gilbertson and Audrey, for Cal Baker, for Eleanor Oltman, for Debbie Baker, for Sara and Laura, for the Food Pantries in Ellsworth and Red Wing

First Day Assembly, April 19th, 2020!

Sunday Service, April 19th 2020

Call to Worship:

L: I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry

P: He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings

L: And he has put a new song in my mouth, praise unto our God

P: Many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord

L: Blessed is the man that makes the Lord his trust: and respects not proud, nor such as turn aside to lies,

P: Many, O Lord my God are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts, which are unto us.

L: They cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than could be numbered.

Prayer of Invocation: Father, you raised up Jesus on the first day of the week and he came to the disciples, caught in a trap they had made for themselves and said, “Peace be with you” and he breathed upon them and said “receive the Holy Spirit.”   Father, may your son come to us just as he came to the disciples so long ago.  Amen.

Prayer of Confession: Eternal God in whom we live and move and have our being.  You have drawn us to yourself and we cry to you, Abba, Father! We confess our sin, and the sins of our society, we have used your gifts carelessly, and acted ungratefully. We enjoy the fruits of the harvest, but forget that you have given them to us. We store up goods for ourselves alone, as if there were no God and no heaven. Father, in your mercy forgive us, deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires that we all, with unveiled face, might behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, and be transformed into the same image from glory to glory.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Jesus said, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink,” and “whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters. Come, buy, without money and without price (Isaiah 55:1). Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Hear the good news.

P:In Jesus Anointed we are forgiven. Amen

Scripture: Psalm 102, Philippians 3

Sermon: The power of his resurrection

Hymns: #494 Like a River Glorious, #108 Come, Christians, Join to Sing

Announcements: If you would like to communicate any concern to the Ellsworth Ministerial Association please contact Pr. Amy, they will be having a Zoom meeting this week.

Prayers for Eleanor, Laura and Sara, Cal Baker, Bill Baker, Don Gilbertson, for the Food Pantry, for Mayo, for our universities and colleges, for those who work in restaurants and hotels, for those with small businesses, for Mary Flack and her family, for Susan Lafferty for her health and for her to be able to reunite with her congregation