First Presbyterian Church
Easton, PA

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA

A SERVICE FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Self-Development of People Sunday

WE GATHER TO PRAISE GOD

TOLLING OF THE BELL

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH

MOMENT FOR MISSION

"One Great Hour of Sharing" - Art Charlton

LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

CALL TO WORSHIP

Pastor: In God there is hope.

People: In God there is meaning.

Pastor: In God there is love.

People: In God there is life.

Pastor: In God there is forgiveness.

People: In God there is purpose!

*HYMN No. 260 - "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"

WE CONFESS OUR SIN

CALL TO CONFESSION (seated)

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION (seated)

Lord God, you know how difficult it is for us to love: we are so easily irritated; we are so quick to criticize and complain; we are so ready to argue our own point of view; we are so slow to understand the feelings of others; we are so hesitant to take the first step of reconciliation; we are so slow to sympathize; we are so persistent in remembering past hurts. Forgive us, we pray, for allowing all these things to stifle our love. Amen.

WE ARE RECONCILED TO GOD AND ONE ANOTHER

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

*GLORIA - "Glory Be to the Father" (Inside back cover of Hymnal)

*PEACE OF CHRIST

As we are forgiven in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

WE HEAR GOD'S WORD

THE WORD FOR THE CHILDREN - Patti Smith

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

(Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers in the Church Nursery at the temporary location in the Churchman Building, next door. Children and youth, age 3 and above, and Church School Staff are dismissed to their classes in the Churchman Building. Following worship, parents may meet their children/youth in their classrooms at 11:45 AM.)

LESSON FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES - Psalm 103:1-14

NEW TESTAMENT LESSONS - Matthew 18:21-22

Luke 23:32-38

*HYMN No. 84 - "In the Cross of Christ I Glory"

SERMON - "Another Lenten Sermon on Forgiveness" - Rev. Charles F. Holm

"Bless the Lord...who forgives all your iniquity..." (Psalm 103:2-3)

"Then Peter...said to (Jesus), 'Lord, if another...sins against me, how often should I forgive?'" (Matthew 18:21)

"Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'" (Luke 23:34)

ORGAN RESPONSE

WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD'S PRAYER (unison) (use "debts", "debtors")

(Inside back cover of Hymnal)

OFFERING OF THE PEOPLE

*DOXOLOGY - "Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow"

(Inside back cover of Hymnal)

*UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION

God of the miraculous, as we present these gifts we recognize the reality of miracles: the miracle of your love that motivates us to give, and the miracle of our love as it becomes invested in others. Amen!

*HYMN No. 366- "Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me"

*BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE - "Shalom to You"

(Congregation is invited to sing)

Shalom to you now, shalom my friends.

May God's full mercies bless you, my friends.

In all your living and through your loving,

Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.

*Those who are able, please stand.

OUR PASTOR: Reverend Charles F. Holm

2407 Patriots Lane, Easton, PA 18040; (610-253-9768)

COORDINATOR OF YOUTH, FAMILY, AND EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES - Jennifer Henshue

SEMINARIAN/ASSISTANT - Patricia Smith

MUSIC DIRECTOR/ORGANIST - Beth Ann Vaughn

LITURGIST - Chauncey Howell

ACOLYTES - Jessica Van Norman, Jacob Van Norman

HEAD USHER - Bill Bartlett

COFFEE HOUR/FLOWERS/HOSPITAL VISITATION - Eileen Bloshuk, Pat Martin

CLERK OF SESSION - Barry Fugere

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - Nancy Penman

FINANCIAL SECRETARY - Lorraine Fugere

TREASURER - Ann Marie Ballentine

WELCOME TO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH! It is a pleasure to have you worship here today. Visitors and mermbers are encouraged to join us for a time of fellowship and refreshments at our temporary location in the Churchman building next door. To find this building, exit the sanctuary by using the front doors, turn right and walk to the building at the corner of Spring Garden and N. Fourth Sts.

JOIN US EVERY SUNDAY

CHURCH SCHOOL - 10:30 AM

WORSHIP SERVICE - 10:30 AM

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

333 Spring Garden Street

Easton, PA 18042

610-253-3579

Website address: www.eastonfpc.org

E-Mail: office@eastonfpc.org

NURSERY AND CHILD CARE is provided during Sunday worship for infants and toddlers, at the Churchman building next door. Ask an usher for assistance.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REMEMBER WITH CARDS, CALLS, LETTERS & PRAYERS

Marjorie Adam - Country Meadows

WE HAVE MOVED!

We have vacated the Church House for our building renovations. Meetings are held at 101 N. 4^th Street and the three church offices and choir are located at 107 N. 4^th Street.

LARGE PRINT BULLETINS may be obtained from an usher.

SHAWL MINISTRY

The Shawl Ministry will meet tomorrow, March 3 at 1:00 PM in the Churchman Building. Everyone is welcome. Contact Judy Sample, 610-253-5810, with questions.

EASTON AREA TUESDAY LENTEN MEDITATIONS

Each Tuesday during Lent, at 11:15 AM, St. Paul's Third Lutheran Church, 2561 Newburg Road, Easton, will host a Lenten Meditation. Bring a bag lunch; desserts and beverages will be provided. This Tuesday, March 4, the Rev. Belfield Costello of First Moravian Church will speak. Services are sponsored by Easton Area Church Women United. Call 610-258-0875 for directions.

CALLING ALL SINGERS!

Your talents are needed for our Easter music. Please come to rehearse on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 AM and Thursday, March 13, at 7:30 PM. Easter morning rehearsal will be at 9:00 AM. All rehearsals are in the sanctuary. See Beth Ann Vaughn for more information.

INQUIRERS SEMINAR

Interested in learning more about the Christian faith in general, the Presbyterian Church, or First Presbyterian Church, Easton? Have you been thinking about making First Presbyterian Church your home? These are all good reasons to attend our next Inquirers Seminar on Saturday, March 8, when we will address all those questions and more. We will begin at 9:30 AM with coffee, juice and light refreshments. The seminar concludes at Noon. Dress is casual. Professional nursery and child care is available but needs to be arranged in advance by calling the Church Office, 610-253-3579. Please call the Church Office or Rev. Holm and let us know you will attend the March 8 get-together.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

The deadline for the April issue of Soundings is next Monday, March 10.

BRUNCH BUNCH

Next Sunday, March 9, the Brunch Bunch will go to Charlie Brown's Restaurant in Alpha, NJ. Meet at 101 N. 4^th Street after worship for directions and car pooling. Everyone is welcome to join this group for a time of good food and fellowship. Call Rose Marie Leone, 610-258-3063, for more information.

PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER FLOWERS

Our sanctuary will be beautifully decorated for Palm Sunday and Easter. If you would like to contribute toward the Palm Sunday decorations and Easter flowers, please complete the form below and return to the church office by this Tuesday, March 4. You may have a listing in the bulletin in memory or honor of a loved one. The cost of one listing is $9.00.

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PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER FLOWERS

In memory of _____________________________________________

In honor of _______________________________________________

NAME ___________________________________________PHONE ___________________

NO. OF LISTINGS ________AMOUNT ENCLOSED $___________

STEWARDSHIP REMINDER

Stewardship is part of belonging to a church. Regular, systematic giving to a church community is a strong statement about faith and beliefs. The pledges we make are vitally important to the mission that our church undertakes. A solid financial commitment from our members helps First Presbyterian Church grow and thrive. Please remember to return your 2008 pledge card to the church as soon as possible. Pledge cards are on the table at the back of the sanctuary.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

Please call Ms Rose Marie Leone at 610-258-3063 if you would like to donate flowers for a Sunday. March 9 as well as dates later in the year are available. The flowers enhance the beauty of our worship and are then delivered by the Deacons to the sick and shut-ins.

PRAYER CHAIN

You may put the name of a loved one, friend or neighbor on the Prayer List. If you would like to pray for people each week, there are prayer lists on the table in the back of the sanctuary and in the meeting room at 101 N. 4^th Street. To put a name on the list or to receive the prayer list by email, contact Nancy Penman at the church office, 610-253-3579. Prayers do make a difference!

BULLETIN COVERS

Members and friends may choose to contribute bulletin covers for one or more weekly Sunday services. The cost is $10.00. Call the church office, 610-253-3579.

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

The church office will be closed this Thursday, March 6.

STEPHEN MINISTRY WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY

On Saturday, April 12, 2008, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM there will be a Stephen Ministry Workshop in East Stroudsburg. Stephen Ministry is a proven system for equipping lay people to provide high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people who are hurting. It is used by more than 10,000 congregations from 15 denominations. At the workshop you will gain valuable, practical caregiving skills you can use right away, and learn more about this ministry. Each participant will receive a manual and information packet. If you would like to attend, please contact Cathy Burnet, 610-588-6738, or the church office by March 12, in order to register. There is no charge for the workshop.

FOOD SUNDAY

The second Sunday of each month envelopes are found in the bulletin for contributions to ProJeCt of Easton. These monetary gifts benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry ($1.00 allows ProJeCt to distribute $15.00 worth of food). ProJeCt of Easton also offers comprehensive emergency assistance and language and literacy services. Please continue to give generously to this local mission.

HERE WE COME A CAROLING...

Yes! It is Easter time again and a trip is planned to go caroling after worship on Palm Sunday, March 16. After worship, we will gather in the Churchman Building to eat some lunch, clear our throats, and practice the songs we will be singing over at Country Meadows Retirement Community. We will head over to Country Meadows and begin spreading our joyous song around 2 PM. Those interested in this festive mission, please call or email Jen Henshue (610) 737-5881 or jen@henshue.org by March 12, so we can plan accordingly.

SNOW CANCELLATION POLICY

First Presbyterian Church of Easton is registered with WFMZ Channel 69 and church activity cancellation/postponement information will both run across the bottom of your television screen and appear online at WFMZ.com.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

Gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing are used by the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Self Development of People. We are receiving the offering every Sunday up to and including Easter Day, March 23. Church School OGHS banks may be returned on Palm Sunday, March 16.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

2008 Church Goal - $4,500.00

Amount received last Sunday - $376.00

Total received to date - $753.00

BOOK DISCUSSION

Monday, March 10, 7:00-8:00 PM

in the Churchman Building

Join us as we discuss and reflect on the spiritual insights in the book The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers,

by Amy Hollingsworth

Call Cathy Burnet, 610-588-6738, for more information.

HELP NEEDED!

There is a need for an additional person to take turns ironing the communion cloth each month. Also, an additional person or persons is needed to help prepare communion on a rotating basis. Please call Donna Van Norman, 610-559-3806, with questions or to volunteer.

MEALS ON WHEELS HELP NEEDED

We need volunteers to help deliver meals to the area's needy on the first Friday of each month. It only takes two hours out of your day to provide such simple, but important help. Contact Pat Stanek, leader of Mission Team, 610-253-3735, for more information. Thank you!

SAFE HARBOR MEALS

This congregation has provided dinner to the residents of Safe Harbor on the first Monday of every month for many years. The date of July 7 is available. If you and some friends would be interested in participating in this mission, or if you would like more information, please contact Pat Stanek, 610-253-3735.

MISSION FAIR CANCELLED

The Mission and Health Fair scheduled for Sunday, March 9 has been cancelled due to the church renovation and moving. The fair will be rescheduled to another date.

BUS TRIP TO "ABRAHAM AND SARAH"

On Saturday, June 28, 2008, the Deacons are hosting a bus trip to the Sight and Sound Theater (Living Waters) in Lancaster, PA. The bus will depart from the church at 10:30 AM to see the 1:00 PM performance of "Abraham and Sarah". Dinner will follow at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord. We will return to Easton about 9:00 PM. Cost per person is $75.00/adult, $59.00/teen (13-18) and $45.00/child (3-12). Cost includes the show, dinner and bus. Seating is limited to the first 47 people. Deadline is May 17, 2008. Contact Ann Marie Ballentine for reservations, 610-923-7430.

YOUTH NEWS

Those people in the church who are in grades 5-12 are invited to attend YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS!!! I know, the word "meeting" sounds SOOOO exciting. But we really do have fun! We get together, play games, grow in fellowship, and learn about our faith as Christians. Upcoming events are also planned at the meetings, so if there is something you want to do, come and tell us! Any questions, comments, ideas or help, tell Jen Henshue, (610) 737-5881 or jen@henshue.org. Here are the dates for our next meetings:

OUR VISION We envision First Presbyterian Church of Easton as a growing church that Nurtures through Christ's love people of all ages, especially children, youth and families; Embraces the surrounding suburban communities from our downtown location; and Witnesses an ever deepening devotion to God by moving outside ourselves and our daily lives through outreach and mission with our church's urban neighbors.

DISCOVERING THE

BIBLE

AN ADULT EDUCATION/BIBLE STUDY/

DISCUSSION SERIES FOR LENT

Come, discover the Bible! This five-part Lenten series is a basic introduction to the Bible for those who have little or no background, but it is also a stimulating refresher for those who have loved the Bible but never explored the incredible story of where the Bible actually came from and how it was passed on to us.

Adults of the church and community are invited to take part in this study! Each session is offered on Sundays, 9:00 - 10:00 AM. Rev. Holm is the study leader.

Sunday, February 10 - Getting Acquainted with the Bible

Sunday, February 17 - The Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament

Sunday, February 24 - The New Testament

Sunday, March 2 - Survival, Spread, Influence of the Bible

Sunday, March 9 - How to Study a Bible Passage

A simple introduction to the Bible,

what it is, how we got it, and how to use it.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

333 Spring Garden Street, Easton

610-253-3579

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

333 Spring Garden Street, Easton, PA 18042

610-253-3579

The Rev. Charles F. Holm, Pastor

Elizabeth Ann Vaughn, Director of Music

Jennifer S. Henshue, Coordinator of Youth, Family and Educational Ministries

Patricia A. Smith, Seminarian/Assistant

Walking Those Last Steps With Jesus

The time has come once again for us to walk with our Lord, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, to his Last Supper with his friends, to his dying on the cross, and finally to his triumph over death.

The way of the cross ends on Easter morning. Without the joy of Easter, we have no hope, and the meaning of his passion is empty. We must walk with him to the cross to know the depth of his love for us. Only then can we feel the power and joy of the message, "He is Risen!"

Please, join us for the services of Holy Week that lead us - along with Jesus - to the glory that is Easter morning.