18TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST - September 26, 2021 - For Christ, for His kingdom, and for the common good. Since 1814.
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1 8 T H S U N DAY
AFTER PENTECOST
September 26, 2021
M OS E S S M A S H I N G TH E TA B LE TS O F TH E L AW
Rembrandt
For Christ, for His kingdom, and for the common good. Since 1814.S E P T E M B E R 2 6 , 2 02 1 18th Sunday after Pentecost
WORDS OF PREPAR ATION
Many people consider the Bible inspiring but not inspired … a book to be respected, but not read … a
book for the clergy but not the laity … a book for good, religious people but not for sinners. For many,
its religious stories are irrelevant to everyday people in everyday life. We must teach that God speaks
through the Bible, and that he speaks into our everyday lives, with truth and power to change us.
—Debbie Seward
Anyone who knows the Ten Commandments perfectly knows the entire Scriptures.
—Martin Luther
ORDER OF WORSHIP
†VOLUNTARY Ode to Joy
Arr. Dan R. Edwards
WELCOME AND MINUTE FOR MISSION Kevin Garvey
†INTROIT A Simple Song from Mass
Schwartz | Bernstein
Sing God a simple song: Lauda, Laude … Make it up as you go along: Lauda, Laude … Sing like you like
to sing. God loves all simple things, for God is the simplest of all. I will sing the Lord a new song to praise
him, to bless him, to bless the Lord. I will sing his praises while I live all of my days. Blessed is the man
who loves the Lord, blessed is the man who praises him. Lauda, Lauda, Laude … and walks in his ways.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help. I will lift up my voice to the Lord singing
Lauda, Laude. For the Lord is my shade, is the shade upon my right hand, and the sun shall not smite me
by day nor the moon by night. Blessed is the man who loves the Lord, Lauda, Lauda, Laude, and walks in
his ways. Lauda, Lauda, Laude, Lauda, Lauda di da di day … All of my days.
CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Sarah Bird Kneff (8:30)
Dr. Sandra Randleman (11:00)
Pastor: We have gathered to praise our gracious God.
All: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
Pastor: We will give thanks to you, O Lord, with our whole heart; we will tell of all your wonderful
deeds.
All: We will be glad and exult in you; we will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
*†OPENING HYMN 1 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Nicaea
*PR AYER OF ADOR ATIONFIRST LESSON | Matthew 22:36–40
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and
first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two
commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Leader: The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
CALL TO CONFESSION Rev. Joshua Rodriguez (8:30)
Dr. Stuart Gordon (11:00)
PR AYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our
sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: cleanse us from all our offenses,
and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may
draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and
strength; through Jesus Christ your Son.
A moment for silent confession.
ASSUR ANCE OF PARDON
*RESPONSE OF GR ATITUDE 581 Glory Be to the Father
Gloria Patri
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH | Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son
our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from
the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from
thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic
church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life
everlasting. Amen.
Whether you are a longtime member or a guest, please mark your presence by signing the friendship pad
and greet those seated near you as you pass it along.
‡ BLESSING OF THE YOUNG DISCIPLES
Children who are age 4, 5, or 6 (not in 1st grade) are invited to join Young Children & Worship.HYMN OF PREPAR ATION Speak, O Lord
Keith Getty | Stuart Townend
& 44 Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï. Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï. Ï Ï Ï
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Speak, O Lord, as we come to You to re - ceive the food of Your
Teach us Lord full o - be - di - ence, ho - ly rev - er - ence, true hu -
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4 Speak, O Lord, and re - new our minds; Help us grasp the heights of Your
& Ï. Î Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï. ÏÏÏ
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ho - ly word. Take Your truth, plant it deep in us; Shape and
mil - i - ty. Test our thoughts and our at - ti - tudes in the
plans for us. Truths un - changed from the dawn of time, that will
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7
& Ï. Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï j Ï Ï
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fash - ion us in Your like - ness, that the light of Christ might be
ra - di - ance of Your pu - ri - ty. Cause our faith to rise, cause our
e - cho down through e - ter - ni - ty. And by grace we'll stand on Your
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10
&Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú
seen to - day in our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
eyes to see Your ma - jes - tic love and au - thor - i - ty.
prom - is - es; And by faith we'll walk as You walk with us.
Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï. Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï. Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï. j Î
13
&
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Speak, O Lord, and ful - fill in us all Your pur - pos - es, for Your glo - ry.
Words of pow'r that can nev - er fail; Let their truth pre - vail o - ver un - be - lief.
Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built and the earth is filled with Your glo - ry.
PR AYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE RE ADING | Exodus 20:1–6
1And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land
of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make
for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth
beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the
Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the
fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me
and keep my commandments.
Pastor: The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
SERMON And God Spoke … Dr. Ryan Moore
You shall have no other gods before me. —Exodus 20:3
OFFERTORY By Thee with Grace, O Bounteous Lord (from Creation)
Franz Joseph Haydn
By thee with grace, O bounteous Lord, are earth and heaven stored. This world, so great, so wonderful,
thy mighty hand has framed. O blessed be his holy might; his praise we sing eternally.As you reflect on the Lord’s goodness, you can make an offering by dropping your gift
in the offering plate, texting “GIVE” to 707-475-3005, or donating online at fpcnashville.org.
PR AYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PR AYER
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, forever. Amen.
*HYMN 838 Standing on the Promises
Promises
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Marie Maxwell – Clerk of Session
Wally Dietz – Chair of the Nominating Committee
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CHOR AL RESPONSE | Numbers 6:24–26 The Lord Bless You and Keep You
John Rutter
The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The
Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.
*CLOSING VOLUNTARY Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word (Erhalt uns, Herr)
Dietrich Buxtehude
* Those who are able, please stand.
† Latecomers may be seated.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE SERVICE
Ryan Moore, PhD – Pastor
Stuart Gordon, DMin – Executive Pastor
Sarah Bird Kneff, MDiv – Associate Pastor for Discipleship & Engagement
Sandra Randleman, DMin – Associate Pastor for Congregational Care & Missions
Joshua Rodriguez, MDiv – Associate Pastor for Young Adult Ministry
Raphael Bundage, DMA – Director of Music
Peter Rogahn, DMA – Organist and Assistant Director of Music
Rhonda Swanson, MM – Assistant Organist
FPC Handbell Choir – Peter Rogahn, Director
Chris Simonsen – Baritone
Ryan Casey – Guitar
SANCTUARY FLOWERS
Flowers in the chancel are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Calvin Houghland by his family.
MUSIC NOTES
A Simple Song from Mass – Stephen L Schwartz and Leonard Bernstein © The Leonard Bernstein Music Publsihing Co LLC All rights reserved. (ASCAP)
Speak, O Lord – Keith Getty | Stuart Townend © 2005 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of
Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1121456
The Lord Bless You and Keep You – John Rutter Music - ©1981 Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. OneLicense.net License #A714895
COVER IMAGE
Rembrandt, Moses Smashing the Tablets of the Law, 1659, oil on canvas, Gemäldegalerie, State Museum of Berlin.S U N DAY M O R N I N G S
The Big Read is a 90-day, all-church reading of the Bible. While most of us are familiar
with individual stories from Scripture, the Big Read seeks to move us beyond that,
to develop a sense of the Bible’s overarching narrative—a single story of salvation,
from Old Testament to New, held together by a faithful God and pointing to Jesus
Christ. This is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in God’s story, to find ourselves
in it, and to see the world with new clarity. Learn more at fpcnashville.org/BigRead.
NURSERY CARE AND YOUNG CHILDREN & WORSHIP
Nursery care for children 6 weeks to 3 years old is available for the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services, and
during the education hour. Reservations are required weekly and can be made at fpcnashville.org. Pickup for
nursery care is located in the interior parking lot by the Gathering Place.
Young Children & Worship will meet in the Children’s Ministry Wing. Parents will pick up their child after
worship at the door to Grundy Hall.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CL ASSES
Most Sunday School classes this fall will be informed by the Big Read. Find a listing of all classes below. For
more information, visit fpcnashville.org or contact Rev. Sarah Bird Kneff, Associate Pastor for Discipleship
and Engagement (sbird@fpcnashville.org).
Bethel Bible COB | Room L-200 | Led by Marty Kauffman and Mary Marraccini
Big Read Forum | Courtenay Hall | Led by Dr. Stuart Gordon and others
Coffee and Bible Class | Memorial Library | Led by class members
Cornerstone Class | Vance Hall | Led by a teaching team
Discipleship Class | Witherspoon Room | Led by David Goodcase, Charlie Bryan Sr., and Jim Cawood
Enneagram Class | Chapel | Led by Abbi Rodriguez
Family Fellowship Class | Session Room | Led by Dr. Ryan Moore
Good News Class | Room L-207 | Led by Rev. John Musgrave
June Ramsey Class | Virtual | Led by guest speakers, coordinated by Scott Pearson
Young Adults Class | Bryant Conference Room | Led by Lipscomb Davis
CHILDREN’S EDUCATION HOUR
Bible Time for for 4–6-year-olds | Check-in and pickup at Grundy Hall
Sunday Breakfast Club for ages 7+ | Check-in and pickup in the Enrichment Center
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School meets weekly at 9:40 a.m. in the Gathering Place. Youth will start together every week for
announcements, a group game, worship, and testimony before they split into grade-level classes.
COVID -19 POLICY UPDATE
As you may know, the greater Nashville area is currently experiencing high case counts of
COVID-19. To protect our congregation and mitigate spread in our community, the Session
Coordinating Council has decided to update our policies and temporarily return to Step 3C of
our COVID Response Plan. Step 3C includes the following guidelines for all church activities on
campus. We will evaluate this policy in 30 days.
• Masks: Required indoors. Not required outdoors.
• 9:45 Education Hour and Small Groups: Available in person and online.
• Nursery: Open Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 a.m. Registration required.
• Meals: Permitted indoors for ages 12+, permitted outdoors for children under age 12.
• Events: All events will continue as scheduled. Modifications may be made to location.
• Early Preschool: Parents permitted indoors, with masks.NEWS & EVENTS
Servants Needed on Sunday Mornings for Children’s Ministry — Adults of all ages who love Jesus and
love children are needed to nurture our younger generations in the faith! Opportunities are fun, meaningful,
and available week by week—no long-term commitment required. Come enjoy a cross-generational approach
to the Big Read in the Enrichment Center with people age 7 and older! Or join Mickey Fitts and Kelly Posey
for a play-based approach to the Bible in Grundy Hall and the Children’s Ministry Wing. To learn more and
sign up, visit https://linktr.ee/fpcnashville and click Children’s Ministry Volunteers.
Presbyterian Women Fall Bible Study — Come be a part of the Presbyterian Women Fall Bible Study by
registering for a circle! The fall study will complement the all-church Big Read, as we look at some lesser-
known biblical women through the lens of curiosity, expectancy, and humility. Come along with us as we
study the Word and point one another to Christ. Women of all ages and stages are welcome. To register, go to
fpcnashville.org/congregation/presbyterian-women, then scroll down to view the circles and register for one.
You can also call the FPC hospitality desk for assistance in registering.
Fall Communities of Belonging — Communities of Belonging this fall will follow the Big Read. They are
underway now and continue through the week of December 12. Discussion will be focused on the previous
Sunday’s sermon. It is not necessary to commit to reading the entire Bible to join a COB, but all participants
are encouraged to pick a reading track and spend time in the Word each day. There are several groups to
choose from, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats.
Election of Officers | September 26 | Following both worship services — A congregational meeting will
be held today following both worship services, for the purpose of voting on a slate of new officer candidates
presented by the Officer Nominating Committee. We are thankful for those who serve on the Officer
Nominating Committee and for all who serve as officers helping FPC to fulfill its mission.
ADULT EDUCATION
One-Day Inquirers Class | October 9 | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Jones Session Room — The next Inquirers
Class will be offered as a one-day retreat on Saturday, October 9. If you are interested in joining the class
or just learning more about membership at First Presbyterian, reach out to Rev. Sarah Bird Kneff (sbird@
fpcnashville.org).
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Job Openings — FPC is actively seeking Nursery Attendants to assist on Sunday Mornings. This is a
great opportunity for high school/college students, childcare workers looking for extra work, or simply
someone who loves little ones. The church’s Early Preschool is seeking Support Educators, ideally with some
background in early childhood education. This part-time position offers a flexible schedule (9:00 a.m.–2:30
p.m. M–F, TT, or MWF) and would be an ideal fit for university students majoring in education, or moms/dads
with experience in the education world who have school-aged children. To learn more about either position,
visit fpcnashville.org/work-us/.
MISSIONS
FPC Begins 20th Habitat Build This Fall — This October, FPC will complete its 20th Habitat for Humanity
build. The church has partnered with Habitat since 2003 and has built a home each year since then, except
for 2005, when we built two. There are 20 volunteer openings each on October 16, 17, 23, and 24. No prior
experience is necessary, and volunteers aged 16–17 may participate with adult supervision. This year’s build
will be at a townhome complex—the Sherwood Commons—so work will primarily be indoors, always with
COVID precautions in mind. We also hope to roll out the FPC grill to provide lunch.
Manna Freezer — Do you know someone who could use a pick-me-up? Someone dealing with illness or
a death in the family? Someone going through financial difficulties? If so, stop by the Manna Freezer in the
back stairwell near the kitchen, off Courtenay Hall, to pick up a package or two of the frozen foods that are
available. The freezer is stocked at the moment with cookies, muffins, and small loaves of quick breads. Other
items have not yet been replenished. Be alert to those around us who could benefit from the gift of food from
the Manna Freezer, and deliver something to brighten someone’s day.
(continued on next page)Golf Scramble | October 5 | 12:30 p.m. | Nashville Golf and Athletic Club — The fall Golf Scramble is
scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5, at Nashville Golf and Athletic Club. All ages and skill levels
are welcome to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship at this fundraiser for Preston Taylor Ministries. Registration,
which closes October 1, is $110 per player and is open to both singles and teams.
MUSIC
October 12:20 Concerts | October 10 & 31 | 12:20 p.m. | Sanctuary — McKenzie Garey and Peter Rogahn
will kick off FPC’s 2021–22 Concert Series with two 12:20 recitals this October. Following the 11:00 worship
service on October 10, McKenzie Garey will sing a 20-minute program with Peter Rogahn accompanying,
featuring works by Mendelssohn, Debussy, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Tom Cipullo. McKenzie is studying at the
Eastman School of Music for a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance. On October 31, Peter Rogahn
will present a 30-minute organ recital following worship. The program includes works by Bach, Nashville
native Craig Phillips, and Max Reger—a dramatic fantasy on the beloved Reformation hymn A Mighty
Fortress Is Our God.
October 3, 10, 17, 24 | 4:30 p.m. | Sanctuary Front Porch
Worship on the Porch will be back this October, meeting at 4:30 p.m. on October 3, 10, 17,
and as part of FPC’s Fall Fest on the 24th. On October 3, the FPC Grill Team will be on
hand to celebrate our 20th Habitat for Humanity build. In the event of inclement weather,
the service will be canceled.
INTERESTED IN GET TING MORE CONNECTED?
First Presbyterian Church extends a warm welcome in the name of Christ to all who worship with us today. Since 1814
First Presbyterian has sought to be faithful in service to Jesus Christ and the common good. We are rooted in the Reformed,
orthodox, and evangelical traditions of the larger church. If you do not have a church home, we would love to welcome you!
We are delighted you have chosen to join us in worship. Whether you are a guest or a longtime member, fill out the Connect
Card to get more involved, update your contact information, or sign up for church communications. Drop your completed
Connect Card in the offering plate.
S U N DAY W O R S H I P L I V E S T R E A M AVA I L A B L E
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