ARDMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10:30 A.M., JULY 18, 2021 - Sixteenth 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., JULY 18, 2021
Sixteenth 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
PRELUDE Marche from “Sonata Pontificale” N. Jacques Lemmens (1874)
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
OPENING PRAYER
*CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 31) Eliza Brooks
In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your
righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.
Into your hands I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was
beset as a city under siege.
Love the Lord, all you his saints. The Lord preserves the faithful.
MUSICAL REFLECTION Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty UNSER HERRSCHER
CALL TO CONFESSION (from Ephesians 2)
“God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we
were dead through our sins, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have
been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places
in Christ Jesus.” Let us confess our sins before God and neighbor.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Faithful and everlasting God, hear us as we make our confession. When threatened
or maligned, we fail to open our eyes and see the reality of your heavenly
commonwealth. We proclaim the lordship of Jesus, but such a proclamation does
not always lead to the assurance of your care. We return evil for evil and fail to
express the power of Christ’s forgiveness. Forgive us, O Lord, and strengthen us to
be your kingdom people on this earth; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
3ASSURANCE OF PARDON (from Matthew 18)
“Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins
against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times seven?’ Jesus said to
him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.’” Friends, in Jesus Christ
we have been forgiven seventy-seven times, let us forgive one another.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE (from II Corinthians 13)
Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one
another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with 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 Come, Spirit, Come O WALY WALY
Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control, Let inward love guide every deed;
Our spirits long to be made whole. By this we worship and are freed.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
THE WORD PROCLAIMED
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Almighty God, in you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Open
our eyes that we may see the wonders of your Word; and give us grace that we may
clearly understand and freely choose the ways of your wisdom; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
FIRST READING, II Kings 6:15-23
When an attendant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out,
an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. His servant said, “Alas,
master! What shall we do?” He replied, “Do not be afraid, for there are more with us
than there are with them.” Then Elisha prayed: “O LORD, please open his eyes that he
may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was
full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. When the Arameans came down
against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, please, with
blindness.” So he struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked. Elisha said to them,
4“This is not the way, and this is not the city; follow me, and I will bring you to the
man whom you seek.” And he led them to Samaria.
As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these
men so that they may see.” The LORD opened their eyes, and they saw that they were
inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them he said to Elisha, “Father, shall I
kill them? Shall I kill them?” He answered, “No! Did you capture with your sword and
your bow those whom you want to kill? Set food and water before them so that they
may eat and drink; and let them go to their master.” So he prepared for them a great
feast; after they ate and drank, he sent them on their way, and they went to their
master. And the Arameans no longer came raiding into the land of Israel.
ANTHEM, Solo To Every Thing There Is a Season Daniel Pinkham (1963)
Carol Sargent, Soprano
To every thing there is a season,
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
SECOND READING, Acts 7:54–8:4
When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at
Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of
God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens
opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered
their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged
him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the
5feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “LORD
Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “LORD, do
not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died. And Saul approved of
their killing him.
That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except
the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout
men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging
the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he
committed them to prison.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word.
THIRD READING, Luke 23:32-38
Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with
him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there
with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father,
forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide
his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying,
“He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!”
The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying,
“If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over
him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON “Witnessing the Invisible Reality” Rev. Jason Grimes
Summer Series on “Church Emerging”
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
*HYMN 234 I to the Hills Will Lift My Eyes DUNDEE
*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
heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he
6shall 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.
WE HONOR AND GIVE THANKS FOR OUR GRADUATES Kathy Toal
Eric Hibbs and Andrew Yurchak
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 Come Down, Angels Spiritual, arr. Undine Moore (1978)
Come down, Angels, trouble the water.
Let God’s saints come in.
I love to shout, I love to sing.
I love to praise my heavenly King.
I think I hear the Sinner say:
My Savior taught me how to pray.
*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 429 (v. 1, 4, 5) Lord, You Give the Great Commission ABBOTT’S LEIGH
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Marche Pontificale Charles Gounod (1869)
7The rosebud at the font announces the birth of Claire Anne McComiskie
born on July 8, 2021 (same day as Anne) to Anne and Graham McComiskie.
She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21½ inches long.
Proud family members include grandparents, Bill and Kathy Toal; great-
grandparents, Steve and Barbara Hibbs; and great-aunt, Linda Hibbs.
The flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of our daughter,
Anne Toal McComiskie, our son-in-law, Graham McComiskie, and
our new granddaughter, Claire Anne—and to wish Claire’s great-
grandmother, Barbara Hibbs, a very Happy Birthday today
by Kathy and Bill Toal
and
In memory and honor of my parents, Margaret and George Sargent,
and my late stepmother, Dorothy Rodda Sargent, all of whom were
devoted to Ardmore Presbyterian Church over many years—and in
appreciation of Gary Garletts and his continuing legacy of great
music at APC by Carol Sargent.
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 when they head out for the day (e.g. from dinner leftovers,
etc.). Contributions of new or gently used lunch bags and ice packs (anything left from
the school year) are welcome! Thank you! Any questions, contact: Schaunel Steinnagel,
rvschaunel@aol.com, 302-463-0542.
Beer Tasting Fundraiser for Sanctuary Village
Saturday, July 31, 2-4 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church, 40 North
Main St., Hatfield, PA. Click here to view the flyer and for more
information. We hope you’ll join us for this tasty event to support a worthy cause!
(*No beer tasting will occur on APC property!*)
8Interfaith Hospitality Network:
Two families experiencing homelessness and connecting with
re-housing programs are currently staying with the Main Line
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). While the families are still
not staying at different churches, there are a couple of ways for us
to help, the week of July 18-25.
You may drop off any of the following items at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in
Ardmore, between 12 and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21 and/or Friday, July 23:
Diapers (particularly sizes 3T and 4T), Snacks & Drinks (e.g., small bottles of water;
small yogurts; string cheese—dairy and/or non-dairy; cracker packages), Gift Cards
($10 denomination preferred) to such stores are Walmart/CVS/Giant.
Financial support for IHN is also always welcome, via the Donate button at
ihncares.org. Any questions, please contact Schaunel Steinnagel, rvschaunel@aol.com
or 610-658-2636, (home) or 302-463-0542 (cell). Thank you for your help!
Local Outreach Ministry: Ardmore Food Pantry
The Ardmore Food Pantry is housed at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
in Ardmore and is asking for staple food items as well as paper bags
with handles and reusable plastic bags. Staple food items include: cereals, canned
meals, pasta, spaghetti sauce, hearty soups, mac & cheese, bottled dressings, canned
tuna, chicken, salmon, granola bars, oatmeal (packets), canned vegetables and beans,
sliced bread, snacks, peanut butter & jelly, canned or cups of fruit and applesauce,
mayonnaise (smaller sizes), crackers (saltines or Ritz). Non-perishable donations can be
left in the St. Mary’s cloister at any time. You may also leave items in the APC office or
in the narthex (where you enter our sanctuary).
Sanctuary Memorial Flower dedications are needed for the
upcoming weeks: July 25th, August 1st, 8th, and 15th.
Please contact the church office to make arrangements.
Thank you.
9Preschool 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-and-7-months-old
Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. before 02/15/21
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)
Church Softball is Back!
After a COVID-cancelled season, APC will again be playing softball in
the Upper Main Line Church Softball League! This is a co-ed, slow-pitch
league, open to all ability levels over the age of 14. All who come are guaranteed to
play, and those without experience are even given an extra strike! This year with fewer
numbers, we will be fielding a combined team together with our friends from Wayne
Presbyterian and St. Luke’s Lutheran in Devon. We will play on Sunday afternoons at
the Easttown Twp. Library field on First and Bridge Avenues in downtown Berwyn, just
off Lancaster Avenue. For more info, contact Don Poorman, dhpoorman@gmail.com.
Please come join us!
Date Time Opponent
July 18 4:30 p.m. Good Samaritan Episcopal
10This Week at APC
Sunday, July 18 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, July 19 1:00 p.m. Prayer Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83578496052
Tuesday, July 20 2:00 p.m. Safety Task Force Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81117187799
Sunday, July 25 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
Christmas-in-July Hymn Sing
11:45 a.m. Lemonade on the Lawn
7:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Chat
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85940579693
Welcome Carol Sargent, Soprano
Carol Sargent, soprano, enjoys an active performing life in New Jersey
and New York City with the distinguished Ember Ensemble, now in
its 27th season (www.EmberEnsemble.org). She has sung with
numerous churches and is currently with the Presbyterian Church
of Chatham Township. Carol earned a B.M. degree in Voice from
Wittenberg University and continued her graduate studies in
Washington, D.C. She is an award-winning student of Deborah Simpkin King, Founder
and Artistic Director of Ember. Carol is especially pleased to be working with Gary at
APC, the church in which she grew up and where she has great memories of
exceptional music and Easter mornings with timpani and brass!
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: Austin Beltante,
David Block, Brooks 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!
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