First United Presbyterian Church 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 18, 2011 Open Hearts, Open Minds,

Open Doors
Thought for meditation: Laborers are sent into the vineyard and are told what they will be paid. The amount is the same regardless of the hours that are worked. The gifts of Gods kingdom are likewise equally allotted. They never depend upon how much one produces. The emphasis remains upon how willing we are to approach Gods tasks, and not so much upon what we are due because we responded.
(*Please stand in body or in spirit)

We Gather In Gods Name

PRELUDE The Lords My Shepherd Arr. Penny Rodriguez Words of Welcome and Signing of Friendship Pads
Please add your name to the pad you will find at the end of each pew and pass it along your row so that we can know each other by name.

*Call to Worship In the prayers and the praise, in the word and the wonder: we are given enough joy to live each day. In the justice for the oppressed, in the unexpected generosity for the lost: we are given enough compassion to use in service each day. In the promises made to all, in the mercy offered to each: we are given enough grace to share each day. *Prayer of the Day Fresh as each morning you come to us, Crafter of manna. Your grace rests gently upon us, waiting to be gathered, to become the bread of life we share throughout the day. Fresh as compassion's justice, you come to us, Servant of the poor. Choosing to give as you desire, you show us the last, so we can make them first in our hearts and hopes. Doing no wrong, you make us right with God for all time. Fresh as the water which turns a desert into a meadowland of flowers, Spirit of uninterrupted grace, you come to us. When we would grumble, you give us the gospel to live out; when we would protest, you teach us songs of praise; when we would utter laments, you fill us with God's laughter. God in Community, Holy in One, refresh us with your presence AMEN.

*Hymn Creation Sings! Each Plant and Tree ST. PETERSBURG

Text 1995, Kevin Mayhew Ltd.

*Call to Reconciliation and Call to Confession We continue to believe that we must earn our way into God's heart. But God's grace is given to each of us, for all of us, freely, unconditionally, always. Let us open our lives to this mercy as we pray saying, It seems we cannot decide, Cloud of Glory. We say we will live to serve others, but end up meeting only our needs. We claim to live in a way that honors Christ, but we do not take him to work, school, home. We believe that the gospel can transform lives, (at least, for those who need it - not us). Forgive us, Presence of Peace. Instead of grumblers, may we be ambassadors of grace. Instead of continual complaining, may we carry compassion to the hurting. Instead of whiners, may we be workers with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to reach out and bring the kingdom of God to everyone we meet.

Silence is kept for personal reflection or prayer

Assurance of Pardon This is the good news: there is no ranking in God's kingdom. God graces everyone with the same gifts: mercy, restoration, new life. God has kept the covenant. We have been forgiven, we have been made new people.

(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman

Thanks be to God; in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! *Response Hymns, Songs, and Worship Music #2 Behold, I Make All Things New *Peace Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.
Worshippers are invited to greet one another with the words, The peace of Christ be with you.

*Response Dona Nobis

We Proclaim Gods Word

Time for Children
Children may be excused for Faith Education.

Anthem

With Heart and Voice

Mark Schweizer

Angel voices ever singing, round thy throne of endless light: Praise and adoration ringing, without ceasing, day and night; Thousands only live to bless thee, and confess thee, Lord of might! Lord we know Thy love rejoices, over evry work of thine; Thou did ears and hands and voices, for they blessed praise combine; Craftsmans art and musics measure, for they pleasure did design. Here, great God today we render, and present thine own to thee; Music, word and praises tender, to they holy majesty; Heart and mind and voice uniting, in our choicest melody. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Praise and honor to the Father, Praise and honor to the Son; Praise and honor to the Spirit, ever three in one; One in might and one in glory, while eternal ages run.

Prayer of Illumination Scripture Lessons Lessons from the Epistles Philippians 1:21-30 Lesson from the Gospel Matthew 20:1-16 Lesson from the Old Testament Exodus 16:2-15 Sermon *Hymn Unexpected Provisions Faith Begins by Letting Go LUX PRIMA N.T. page 196 N.T. page 21 O.T. page 62

Text 1996, Hope Publishing Co.

* Affirmation of Faith The Study Catechism Question 1. What is God's purpose for your life? God wills that I should live by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the love of God, and in the communion of the Holy Spirit.
2 Cor. 13:13 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you."

Question 2. How do you live by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ?

I am not my own. I have been bought with a price. The Lord Jesus Christ loved me and gave himself for me. I entrust myself completely to his care, giving thanks each day for his wonderful goodness.
1 Cor. 6:19-20 "You are not your own for you were bought with a price" Gal. 2:20 "And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Ps. 136:1 "O gives thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."

Question 3. How do you live for the love of God? I love because God first loved me. God loves me in Christ with a love that never ends. Amazed by grace, I no longer live for myself. I live for the Lord who died and rose again, triumphant over death, for my sake. Therefore, I take those around me to heart, especially those in particular need, knowing that Christ died for them no less than for me.
1 John 4:19 "We love because he first loved us." 2 Cor. 5:15 "And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them." Rom. 12:15-16 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are."

Question 4. How do you live in the communion of the Holy Spirit? By the Holy Spirit, I am made one with the Lord Jesus Christ. I am baptized into Christ's body, the church, along with all others who confess him by faith. As a member of this community, I trust in God's Word, share in the Lord's Supper, and turn to God constantly in prayer. As I grow in grace and knowledge, I am led to do the good works that God intends for my life.
1 Cor. 12:27 "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." Gal. 3:27 "As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." 1 Cor. 6:17, 19 "But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?" 2 Pet. 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Eph. 2:10 "For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life."

We Respond to Gods Word

Sharing Joys and Concerns Prayers of the People and the Lords Prayer Offering Our Gifts and Ourselves Offertory Just a Closer Walk With Thee/Take My Hand Lord Jesus Traditional, arr. Anne Murray and Tommy West Soloists: Miriam Parmelee and Karen Harpe *Response Sing the Faith #2195 In the Lord Ill Be Ever Thankful

*Prayer of Dedication O God, you give us tasks to perform. You equip us with strengths and abilities beyond what we deserve. In Christ you call us to faithfulness, to exercise obedience, to be deliberate in our discipline. We come now offering you the results of our labors. Use them as a means to further your work in Christs name. Amen.

We Go in Gods Name
*Hymn Lord, We Hear Your Word with Gladness HOLY MANNA

Text 1994 Oxford University Press, Inc.; Music 1997, Roy Hopp

*Charge and Blessing Postlude Sing to the Lord of Harvest Arr. Jan Sanborn

All are invited to remain for a time of fellowship and refreshment.

Todays reader: Corrinne Curtis September 25th Sermon Unexpected Provisions Scripture Reading: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-5, 37-45; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16 About The Study Catechism: Full Version with Biblical References: In 1998 the 210th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved two new catechisms for use as teaching tools for the church. The second of these is The Study Catechism, which was prepared in two versions: the Full Version and the shorter, somewhat simplified Confirmation Version. Both follow the traditional sequence of the Apostles; Creed. The Ten Commandments and the Lords Prayer. The Confirmation Version is designed to be used with youth during the confirmation process, while the Full Version can be used in the training of church officers, in adult study groups, in the education of new church members, or in many other settings.

Prayers of the People

Prayers for, Charlie, Miriams cousin, who is still in ICU but off life support. We thank God for the miracle that his surgery still seems to have been successful and that he is slowly improving. Prayers for families of 9/11 victims who cannot put closure to their loss because remains have not yet been identified. Continued prayers for people who stereotype because of the 9/11 attacks.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome To First United! It is a joy that you have chosen to enrich this worshipping community
with your presence this morning. We hope you find a spiritual home here, a place of love, support and service. Following worship, you are cordially invited to gather with the community for a time of refreshment and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

AROUND TOWN AND AT FUPC!

PLEASE CONSIDER A CLEAN UP BUCKET TO HELP IN FLOODED AREAS.....$60. EACH BUCKET CONTAINS EVERYTHING NEEDED FOR THE JOB!!!! CWS WILL SEND THESE BUCKETS TO WHERE EVER NEEDED....PLEASE USE THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED....MAKE CHECK OUT TO FUPC W/CWS ON MEMO LINE....OUR GOAL IS TO GET $$$$$$ FOR 50 BUCKETS

Damien Center of Troy to Participate in annual AIDS Walk

Once again the Damien Center of Troy, housed at TAUM, is inviting friends and supporters to participate in raising pledges through the annual AIDS Walk. We will not be able to participate directly, since September 24th is also the date of our church retreat. So I am asking everyone from First United who walked in the past and everyone who pledged in the past to pledge for Donna Elia or Janice Wiezorek (the Damien Center director). Additionally, if you know of anyone outside of FUPC who might be interested in walking or pledging, please ask them to do so and to designate their donations for the Troy Damien Center. The Damien Center of Troy is a mission of Troy Area United Ministries. Damien Center serves those living with HIV and AIDS and their families. Among other services, the Damien Center serves lunch and dinner twice a week, provides social and recreational opportunities and coordinates outreach and support.

Would you like to beautify the service? Purchase flowers in memory or in celebration of an
event or someone special. The dates that are available are: September 18, 25, and October 30. Please leave a note in Pat Carlsons box or call her cell 526-9408

Refreshment Time after church provided by you! How do you get involved? See Don Lutz after service or call him at 283-6920. Bible Study Every Wednesday Night at 6:30: Bible Study conducted by Interim Pastor
Jacquelyn Pinkowski in the Rose Room. The focus will be on the scriptures for the following Sundays scripture lessons.

Music News Hymn Sing Today at 3:00 p.m. The Eastern New York Chapter of the American Guild of
Organists will hold a Hymn Sing today at 3:00 p.m., in First Presbyterian Church (corner of State and Willett streets), Albany. The event is the first in the chapters 201112 season, and will feature organist members, directors, and their choirs. Besides congregational singing, there will be readings and a brief installation of new officers. This program is open to all, and we hope you will attend and enjoy a wonderful time singing some great hymns of the church.

Troy Childrens Chorus also begins in September. Highlights for the coming season include
singing for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Empire State Plaza, and participating in a Childrens Choir Festival in Maine next March. Please go to www.troychildrenschorus.org for more information.

Choral Collaborative Concert All singers are invited to participate in a concert joining the
Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Albany, and the Madrigal Singers of The College of St. Rose. The concert will be all-Mozart, featuring the regal Coronation Mass, as well as the beloved Ave Verum Corpus and Laudate Dominum. Rehearsals will be held in the Rose Room of First United, Thursdays from 7-7:45 pm beginning September 22 and running through November 10, with a dress rehearsal on November 12. The concert will be held on Sunday, November 13, at 3 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Albany. Contact Maury if you are interested in singing!

Early Childhood Music - First United is pleased to host Music Together in our facility. This is a
highly acclaimed music and movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, big kids, and their parents/caregivers. The classes are taught in the Rose Room on Mondays & Thursdays: 9:30 & 10:30 am & 6:00 pm (Mondays only). If you are interested in enrolling your child, go to www.mattsmusictogether.com

Faith Education
Childrens Faith Education Today following the Passing of the Peace, the children are invited upstairs to the Wheeler Room for Faith Education. Please pick your children up in the Wheeler Room after worship. Adult Education Interim Pastor Jackie Pinkowski will talk about Centering Prayer today in the Rose Room after fellowship time.

WEEKLY CALENDAR Sunday, September 18 9:00 AM Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Worship 11:00 AM Fellowship Time 11:30 AM Adult Faith Education 7:30 PM NA Group Meeting Tuesday, September 20 3:45 PM Troy Childrens Chorus Wednesday, September 21 6:30PM Bible Study Thursday, September 22 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Saturday, September 24 9:00 AM Leadership Retreat 10:00 AM AA Meeting Sunday, September 25 9:00 AM Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Worship 11:00 AM Fellowship Time 11:30 AM Adult Faith Education 7:30 PM NA Group Meeting

Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Rose Room Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Rose Room Rose Room

Fellowship Hall 2nd Floor Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Rose Room Fellowship Hall

The First United Presbyterian Church of Troy 1915 Fifth Avenue, Troy, New York 12180 Phone: (518) 272-2771 / Fax: (518) 266-9483 E-mail: info@unitedprestroy.org / www.unitedprestroy.org Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 2 PM Where People with Differences Unite in Christ Our Mission Statement Together, we worship God through Christ and explore all dimensions of life in the Spirit; To demonstrate Gods inclusive love, we seek to heal wounds and care for Gods creation; To serve God in the world, we work for peace and justice. Our Statement of Inclusive Ministry We invite all people of every background, condition, and orientation into the full fellowship, ministry and mission of Gods Good News in Jesus Christ. All who join the church are extended the full privileges of membership, are challenged to lead lives of Christian discipleship, and are eligible to be considered for church office.
First United Presbyterian Church Officers for 2011, 2012 & 2013 The Session Moderator - The Reverend Jacquelyn Pinkowski Class of 2011: Sue Steele, Courtney Savaria, Karen Harpe Class of 2012: John Buckley, Pat Carlson, Peg Drew, Chandlee Gill Class of 2013: David Lanoue, Dan Rogers, Trudi Wybourn The Board of Deacons Class of 2011: Martha Juenger, Don Lutz, Marsha Mintz-Botsford, Pat Rudebush Class of 2012: Bob Harrington, Bonnie Kerr, Carol Harrington, Claudia Schwendeman Class of 2013: Shirley Bowes, Steven Paul Bowes II, Dana Parker, Shirley Street Pastor: Jacquelyn Pinkowski Minister of Music: Maury A. Castro Coordinator of Educational Ministries: Leslie M. Kelly Financial Analyst: Carlie DAnnunzio Administrative Assistant: Carla Fisk For pastoral emergencies call (518) 279-7401 or (406)794-9360 or email Jackie@unitedprestroy.org