ARDMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10:30 A.M., AUGUST 8, 2021 - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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“Transforming Lives Through the Good News of Jesus Christ”
ARDMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
10:30 A.M., AUGUST 8, 2021
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Worship Service
Welcome to Ardmore Presbyterian Church Welcome to worship at Ardmore Presbyterian Church! We are delighted you are
joining us for worship this morning—whether you are physically present with us
here in the sanctuary, or whether you’re livestreaming the service from home! The
people of God are resilient because Jesus was, is, and will continue to be Lord of
the Church. The Holy Spirit gifts Jesus-followers with praise, song, and prayer
either in a sanctuary or at home on the computer. Over the centuries, Christians
have worshipped in catacombs, homes, prison cells, desert monasteries, gothic
cathedrals, country churches, and now, via the Internet. This virus will one day
pass, but until that day arrives, let us be encouraged in Christ’s reign. Please find
ways to remain connected with each other, your faith, and church. Like those who
have gathered for 2000 years in unusual places, let us worship God!
A message from Rev. Jason Grimes
We welcome you warmly to Ardmore Presbyterian Church where we strive to be faithful
disciples of Jesus Christ.
We are especially thankful for visitors. If you have a prayer request, please email it to
Rev. Jason Grimes at jgrimes@ardmorepres.org or call 610-642-6650x100.
A recording or live streaming of Sunday’s service will be posted online at
www.ardmorepres.org.
Please spread the word to those who are interested in viewing our virtual worship.
SESSION
Class of 2021 Class of 2022 Class of 2023
Cathie Calkins Dick Corl Jody Brumbach
Chip Cobb, Jr. Barry Jeffries Anne Conroy
John DiNome Jeff Michaelson Elaine Giese
Robie Lawlace Ben Yurchak Donald Poorman,
Clerk of Session
BOARD OF DEACONS
Class of 2021 Class of 2022 Class of 2023
Eliza Brooks Katherine Anne Matt, Kristy Cobb
Dan del Duca Moderator Graham Fuller
Holly Frank Jessie DiNome Isla Grant
Viola Terwiesch Howard Donahue Anne Toal McComiskie
Maria Helena Fernandez
2
*Standing for those who are able. People’s response in bold type.
Order of Service
GATHERING THE PEOPLE OF GOD
PRELUDES He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought Dale Wood (1992)
My Jesus, I Love Thee Diane Bish (1980)
Ross Ellison, Guest Organist
The grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH Rev. Jason Grimes
MOMENT FOR MISSION: WEST KENSINGTON MINISTRY Gary Lovett
OPENING PRAYER
*CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 62) Don Poorman
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
God alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge
for us.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God.
God alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.
MUSICAL REFLECTION Christ of the Upward Way SURSUM CORDA
CALL TO CONFESSION (from Jeremiah 31)
This is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel, says the Lord: I will
put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people. I will forgive their evil deeds, and I will remember their
sin no more. In penitence and faith, let us confess our sins to almighty God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you. We humbly confess
our sins and ask for your mercy. We speak so loudly the noise drowns out your
voice. Our eyes are fixed so intently on career and life goals, we cannot see glory
in our midst. Overwhelmed by news in an age of information, we forget your
revelation in Scripture. When important decisions need to be made, we ask,
“Where are you, O God?” Open our eyes and ears to your way, truth, and life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 3
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (from Psalm 103)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far God removes our transgressions from us.”
Friends hear the good news. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*PASSING OF THE PEACE (from Psalm 122)
“Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers. For the sake of my
relatives and friends I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’”
The peace of Christ be with you.
Peace be with you.
(Call two people in our church community today and pass the peace of Christ.)
RESPONSE, Solo The Lone, Wild Bird PROSPECT
The lone, wild bird in lofty flight And I am Thine! I rest in Thee.
Is still with Thee, nor leaves Thy sight. Great Spirit, come, and rest in me.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
THE WORD PROCLAIMED
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Prepare our hearts, O God, to accept your Word. Silence in us any voice but your
own, that, hearing, we may also obey your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FIRST READING, Amos 9:11-12
On that day I will raise up
the booth of David that is fallen,
and repair its breaches,
and raise up its ruins,
and rebuild it as in the days of old;
in order that they may possess the remnant of Edom
and all the nations who are called by my name,
says the LORD who does this.
ANTHEM, Solo O God, Have Mercy (St. Paul) Felix Mendelssohn (1836)
Brian Ming Chu, Baritone
O God, have mercy upon me, and blot out my transgressions
according to Thy loving kindness, yea, even for Thy mercy’s sake.
4
Deny me not, O cast me not away from Thy presence,
and take not Thy spirit from me, O Lord.
Lord, a broken heart, and a contrite heart is offered before Thee.
I will speak of Thy salvation, I will teach transgressors,
and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.
Then open Thou my lips, O Lord,
and my mouth shall show forth Thy glorious praise.
(Psalm 51, selected verses)
SECOND READING, Acts 15:1-21
Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the
brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you
cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate
with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to
Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. So they were sent
on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria,
they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the believers.
When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles
and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some
believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is
necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.”
The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had
been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, you know that in
the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom
the Gentiles would hear the message of the good news and become believers. And
God, who knows the human heart, testified to them by giving them the Holy Spirit,
just as he did to us; and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction
between them and us. Now therefore why are you putting God to the test by placing
on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to
bear? On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord
Jesus, just as they will.”
The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of
all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. After
they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related
how God first looked favorably on the Gentiles, to take from among them a people
for his name. This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written,
‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen;
5from its ruins I will rebuild it,
and I will set it up,
so that all other peoples may seek the Lord—
even all the Gentiles over whom my name has been called.
Thus says the Lord, who has been making these things known from long
ago.’
Therefore I have reached the decision that we should not trouble those Gentiles
who are turning to God, but we should write to them to abstain only from things
polluted by idols and from fornication and from whatever has been strangled and
from blood. For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who
proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every sabbath in the synagogues.”
THIRD READING, Mark 4:21-25
He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or
under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be
disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear
listen!” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give
will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have,
more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be
taken away.”
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON “Listen Up and Pay Attention: Rev. Jason Grimes
The Art and Discipline of Discernment”
Summer Series on “Church Emerging”
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
*HYMN 426 Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak CANONBURY
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (The 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
6heaven, 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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
PREPARING TO MAKE OUR OFFERING TO GOD
OFFERTORY, Solo Ride On, King Jesus Spiritual, arr. Hall Johnson (20th c.)
Ride on, King Jesus, King Jesus rides a milk-white horse,
No man can a-hinder me. The river of Jordan He did cross.
For He is King of kings, He is Lord of lords. King Jesus rides in the middle of the air,
Jesus Christ, the first and last, He calls his saints from everywhere.
No man works like him. (African-American Spiritual)
*DOXOLOGY
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.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION OF OUR GIFTS
*HYMN 443 O Christ, the Great Foundation AURELIA
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE March in G Henry Smart (1850)
7The flowers are given to the glory of God
and in loving memory of my grandmother, Annie Mae Johnson, who was
a great role model for visiting the infirmed and loved orchids,
by Jessie DiNome.
Preschool Registration, 2021-2022 School Year
We are open for registration for the 2021-2022 school year! If you wish to
reserve a place for your child(ren) for September 2021, please register on
our website. Please note that the cut-off dates comply with Lower Merion
School District and provide guidelines for admission:
Age Requirements
Two Day, 2-year-and-7-month-old Program 2-years-old before 02/15/21
Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Annual Tuition: $2000.00
Three Day, 3-year-old Program 3-years-old before 09/15/21
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Annual Tuition: $3000.00
Five Day Program 4-years-old before 09/15/21
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Annual Tuition: $4200.00
Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
Michelle Butera, Director (mbutera@ardmorepres.org)
Irena Reynolds, Administrator (preschool@ardmorepres.org)
Sanctuary Memorial Flower dedications are needed for the
following upcoming weeks:
August 15th, 22nd, 29th, and September 12th.
Dedications for August 15 and 22 must be confirmed by
Tuesday, August 10 to be included in the Bulletin.
Thank you.
8Sanctuary Village Fundraiser
Sanctuary Village is having a fundraiser, which
involves the collection of new or gently used shoes.
We are calling the fundraiser “Soles for Souls!”
This fundraiser benefits our building a community of Tiny Houses in
Philadelphia for people who are experiencing chronic street homelessness.
There will be a container to collect shoes (new or gently used), in the church office. If
the container is getting filled, Schaunel Steinnagel will take the shoes and bag them up
for collection/storage, so that more shoes can be donated! The collection will run
approximately through August and September.
Sanctuary Village will be paid by the pound for the shoes collected. The shoes will be
shipped abroad to be sold by small business owners to provide earnings for them as well
as affordable shoes for their customers. This is a win-win-win opportunity as it helps
Sanctuary Village, these vendors, and the planet by not having unwanted shoes end
up in landfills.
Thank you very much!
Any questions, contact Rev. Schaunel Steinnagel, RVschaunel@aol.com, 302-463-0542.
APC Book Group: More Information
Love is the Way: Holding On To Hope in Troubling Times (5 Stars, 264
pages), by Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church:
"Walk the path of love with one of the warmest, most beloved spiritual
leaders of our time, and learn how to put faith into action."
Bishop Curry gives us a message of hope in an inspirational road map for living the
way of love illuminated by moving lessons in his own life. The way of love is essential
for addressing the seemingly insurmountable challenges facing the world today.
Discover gifts needed to live the way of love with an unwavering regard for human
dignity. (Excerpted from Amazon description)
As books arrive, they will be placed on the Book Group shelf in the Narthex (next
to the Coffee Hour table). Just sign out, read, and return to the shelf to be shared
by September 28. Contact the Church Office if you need to have one delivered.
Happy and inspirational reading!
9Welcome to the Organ: Dr. Ross Ellison
Guest organist, Dr. Ross Ellison is owner-operator of University
Music Service in Hershey, and is Assistant Professor of Music at
Millersville University of PA. In demand as a substitute organist
in central and southeastern PA, Ross is also a frequent recitalist at
Burton Parish Church in colonial Williamsburg. Ross lives in Hershey with his wife,
Sharon.
Welcome Brian Ming Chu, Baritone
This morning, APC welcomes baritone Brian Ming Chu as
guest soloist. Acclaimed by the Washington Post for his “sterling
performances,” Brian is a dynamic interpreter of music from the
Baroque to the 21st century. A specialist in oratorio and choral
music, he has sung lead roles in oratorios such as Elijah, Creation, and Messiah, and the
Requiems of Brahms, Mozart, and Verdi. For over 15 years, Brian has served on the
voice faculty of Muhlenberg College; he has also taught at Haverford and Swarthmore
Colleges.
West Kensington Ministry: Golf Outing
Please consider joining us for the 3rd Annual West Kensington
Ministry Golf Outing on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Jeffersonville
Golf Club at 10:30 a.m. (shot-gun start). Sign-in/registration begins
at 9:30 a.m. A donation of $150 per player is required to participate,
which includes lunch, green fees, a putting contest, door prizes, and much
more. Register at www.westkensingtonministry.com and contact Chad Pilling
(pillingcb@gmail.com) for more information. We hope you will join us! Check out
the flyer for full details!
10This Week at APC
Sunday, August 8 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Adult Small Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/890918410
10:30 a.m. Lord’s Day Worship, In-Person (& Livestreamed)
https://ardmorepres.org/live
11:30 a.m. Lemonade on the Lawn
7:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Chat
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85940579693
Monday, August 9 1:00 p.m. Prayer Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83578496052
Tuesday, August 10 2:00 p.m. Safety Task Force Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81117187799
7:30 p.m. Board of Deacons Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85075048566
Sunday, August 15 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Adult Small Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/890918410
10:30 a.m. Lord’s Day Worship, In-Person (& Livestreamed)
https://ardmorepres.org/live
11:30 a.m. Lemonade on the Lawn
7:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Chat
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85940579693
Current List of Needs for The Well
The Well (the overnight shelter for women which is
a part of The Welcome Church) has a request for the summer: reusable (e.g., soft-sided)
lunch bags and reusable ice packs are needed so that the women can more safely plan
to bring food with them (e.g., from dinner leftovers, etc.) when they head out for the
day. Contributions of new or gently used lunch bags and ice packs (anything left from
the school year) are welcome! Thank you! Contact Schaunel Steinnagel, 302-463-0542,
rvschaunel@aol.com, for more information.
11Lift your prayers this week for: APC Safety Task Force, Children
Suffering from Anxiety, Our Church Family, Pastor Jason Grimes &
Family, World Leaders & Health Care Workers, Dr. David Githii.
Prayers for those suffering from Covid-19 and from long term effects.
Ongoing Prayers for: Kate Brooks, Jessie DiNome, Rosemary Fischer,
Sandy Foote, Twila Garletts, Claire Hammonds, Janet Jennings, Maria Helena Michaelson
and Gabby, Julie Patterson, Christopher Rowe, Mary Schreiber, Kathy Toal, Peter Vicki.
Prayers for those grieving the loss of someone they love. Friends/Family: John Beerbower,
Austin Beltante, David Block, Brooks Family, Xavier Fernandez Toro and Family, Fischer
Family, Green Light Movement, Walter Haenn, James and Sara Hodsden, Michael James,
Joyce (Jason Grimes’ Mother), Joyce (Laura Goetsch’s Mother), Andrew Mead, Patty Mihok,
Cil McKibben, Mary Scattergood, Schreiber Family, Gloria Yeboah. Prayer for those in care
facilities. Prayer for those in the military. APC mission partners: APC Preschool, Ardmore
Food Pantry, Caring Hands Ministry (in India), First Place, Interfaith Hospitality Network,
Kuwadzana Presbyterian Church (in Zimbabwe), Maternity Care Coalition, Medical
Benevolence Foundation, Pre-Med Hospice Ministry, Teachers’ Teammates, The Welcome
Church, Welcoming the Stranger, and West Kensington Ministry.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Ministers: Entire Congregation
Assisted by:
Rev. Jason Grimes, Pastor, jgrimes@ardmorepres.org
Gary Garletts, M.M., AAGO, Director of Music/Organist, ggarletts@ardmorepres.org
Kaitlyn Waterson, soprano; Courtney Capriotti, mezzo-soprano; Jim Longacre, tenor; Tom Sitzler, baritone
Rev. Graham Robinson, D.Min., Parish Associate, gjmtk5@gmail.com
Michelle Butera, M.B.A., Director, Weekday Preschool, mbutera@ardmorepres.org
Kaitlyn Waterson, Church Administrator, kwaterson@ardmorepres.org
Irena Reynolds, M.A., Preschool Administrator, ireynolds@ardmorepres.org
Scott Welden, M.B.A., Finance Manager, swelden@ardmorepres.org
Bob Peters, A.S., Building Manager, bpeters@ardmorepres.org
Eliza Brooks, O.T.D., Youth Ministry Coordinator, ebrooks35@gmail.com
5 W. Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003-1599
610.642.6650 | www.ardmorepres.org
Online E-Giving — You may now give to APC at any time by going to the church’s
website (www.ArdmorePres.org) and click on the green “GIVE NOW” button on
the top right corner. Or, you may simply scan the QR code on the left here with
your phone. Simply set up a new account and start e-giving today!
12You can also read
