Central Reformed Church Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost August 8, 2021
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Central Reformed Church
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
August 8, 2021REFLECTION
This thing all things devours:
birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
gnaws iron, bites steel;
grinds hard stones to meal;
slays king, ruins town,
and beats high mountain down.
-The creature Gollum’s riddle to Bilbo Baggins in
J.R.R. Tolkien’s tale, The Hobbit. Answer: Time.
Cover Art: John 3 - The Vine & the Branches © 2004 P. Solomon Raj | Eyekons
All song permissions via CCLI license #2931504 and One License #729524A.ORDER OF WORSHIP
ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
AUGUST 8, 2021
9:30 am
____________________________________________________________
GATHERING IN LOVE
The prelude is a call for personal preparation for the worship of God.
Prelude “Partita on ‘Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven’” | Robert A. Hobby
The Chimes
Welcome
Votum, Call to Worship
One: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Many: Amen.
*Hymn “Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven” | #478
*Salutation
One: Grace and peace to you, from God our Creator, Jesus our Redeemer, and from
the Holy Spirit, who lives within us this day and always.
Many: Amen.
*Invitation to Confession
*Prayer of Confession (unison)
Holy and merciful God,
in your presence we confess our sinfulness,
our shortcomings, and our offenses against you.
You alone know how often we have wandered from your ways,
wasted your gifts, forgotten your love.
Have mercy upon us, loving God.
Give us tender hearts of remorse for how we have failed you and others.
Give us open hearts and outstretched hands to receive your forgiving love
poured out for us in Jesus Christ our Savior.
And may we be strengthened by your Holy Spirit
to forgive those who have hurt us
and give our lives for others in his name. Amen.
*Assurance of Pardon
*Hymn “Holy, Holy” | #140
*The Peace
One: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Many: And also with you.
*Please stand in body or in spirit.LISTENING IN EXPECTATION
First Lesson Psalm 111 (page 490)
One: The Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God.
Children’s Moment
Second Lesson Ephesians 5:15-20 (page 952)
One: The Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God.
Sermon “Redeeming the Time”
Prayer for a Blessing on the Word
*Hymn “Come, Labor On” | #415 (soloist sings verse 1, congregation sings 2, 3 and 4)
RESPONDING IN FAITH
*Affirmation of Faith: Our World Belongs to God (Preamble 1, 2, 6)
As followers of Jesus Christ,
living in this world—
which some seek to control,
and others view with despair—
we declare with joy and trust:
Our world belongs to God!
From the beginning,
through all the crises of our times,
until the kingdom fully comes,
God keeps covenant forever:
Our world belongs to God!
God is King: Let the earth be glad!
Christ is victor: his rule has begun!
The Spirit is at work: creation is renewed!
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
We rejoice in the goodness of God,
renounce the works of darkness,
and dedicate ourselves to holy living.
As covenant partners,
set free for joyful obedience,
we offer our hearts and lives
to do God’s work in the world.
With tempered impatience,
eager to see injustice ended,
we expect the Day of the Lord.
We are confident
that the light
which shines in the present darkness
will fill the earth
when Christ appears.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Our world belongs to you.Announcements
Giving of Our Tithes and Offerings
Please pass the friendship pads at this time. To receive weekly updates and announcements, please include your
e-mail address.
Offertory “Andante tranquillo” from Sonata III | Felix Mendelssohn
*Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” | #592
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.
*Offertory Prayer
Prayers of the People
During the prayers each week, we remember our neighboring faith communities and their leaders. Today we are praying
for the staff and congregation of Highland Hills Baptist Church.
One: The Lord be with you.
Many: And also with you.
During the prayer:
One: Lord, in your mercy,
Many: Hear our prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
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 de-
liver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.
DEPARTING IN JOY
*Hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” | #210 (verses 1, 3, 4 and 5)
*Charge and Blessing
One: Whoever you are, wherever you go in God’s wide world,
whatever happens to you of good or ill, always remember that . . .
Many: Jesus is Lord!
One: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the
Holy Spirit be with you always.
Many: Amen!
Postlude “Prelude in Classic Style” | Gordon YoungLIFE AT CENTRAL
WEEK OF AUGUST 8, 2021
____________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP NOTES
New to Central? Thank you for joining us today, whether in person or online. Our mission is to connect all
people to God and to one another through scripture, sacrament, song, and service. We have been in ministry for
180 years and are a part of the Reformed Church in America, a Christian denomination that began in New Am-
sterdam (now New York City) in 1628. To learn more, please visit our website: www.centralreformedchurch.org.
About Today’s Affirmation of Faith: Our World Belongs to God was approved by Synod 2008 of the Chris-
tian Reformed Church in North America. (The first edition was adopted by Synod 1986.) While not having con-
fessional status, it is meant to give a hymn-like expression of our faith within the heritage of the Reformed con-
fessions, especially addressing issues that confront the church today.
Next Sunday, August 15: Join us for worship, in person or online, at 9:30 am. Pre-service music will begin at
9:20 am. Guest minister Rev. Dr. Mary Hulst will preach on Romans 8:1-8 with a sermon titled “No Condemna-
tion.” Mary is ordained in the Christian Reformed Church and has served as University Pastor at Calvin Univer-
sity since 2009. Please invite others to join you for worship.
Media Connections: Today’s service is available via livestream through our website at centralre-
formedchurch.org. Follow us on Facebook at Central Reformed Church or on Instagram: @centralreformed.
Giving: Your financial gifts help Central to fulfill its mission of connecting all people to God and to one another.
As your situation allows, please consider a gift to Central. To make a one-time or recurring gift either via credit
card or via your bank account, please visit Central’s online giving platform: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/
tithely/give-one-time/1392171. Thank you for your generosity.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
From Shelly LeMahieu Dunn, Church Administrator: Friends, I have recently become aware of a medi-
cal issue that requires surgery (scheduled to take place on July 30.) While the prognosis is good, I will know
much more after the surgery takes place. At this point, however, I anticipate being on medical leave for much of
the month of August. I ask for your patience, kindness, and goodwill as the staff works to cover for me during my
absence, adding more to their already full plates. To connect with staff about general inquiries—or to submit an-
nouncements for Life at Central—please send an e-mail to office@centralreformedchurch.org. Thank you!
Sunday Morning Schedule Changes: At its June meeting, consistory approved changing the start time for
Sunday morning worship from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, beginning on Kickoff Sunday (September 12). This will al-
low for expanded discipleship and ministry opportunities, both before and after the service. Additionally, on the
first Sunday of each month during the program year, we will gather together for a shared meal after worship.
More details will be forthcoming over the summer. In the meantime, please help us to get word out about the
upcoming change in our worship time. Thank you!
Minister for Congregational Care Job Opening: Pastor Larry will be retiring at the end of the summer. We
will be celebrating his time with us—and saying our farewells—on Kickoff Sunday (September 12). In the mean-
time, we will be looking for a new person to fill this role. If you know of someone who might be a good fit, please
contact the church office (office@centralreformedchurch.org) for a job description. Thank you for your assis-
tance!
From Trey Tirpak: Hey Central family! I just wanted to inform you that I will be entering my first call in or-
dained ministry at The First Church in Albany, New York, as minister of discipleship and outreach. Since my or-
dination service will be in New York later this year, I would love it if you joined me at Central for a blessing and
celebration service on Sunday, August 15, at 2:00 pm! The short service will be followed by some refreshments
and mingling, as a thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey. Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/3xffzII.
Finally, whether you can come to the service or not, I want you to know that I’m so grateful for my time at Cen-
tral and all you have done for me. Please stay in touch through e-mail at treytirpak@gmail.com.
Biblical Study Tour: There are still openings for next spring’s biblical study tour (April 22-May 6, 2022). To-
gether we will travel to Israel and Palestine, where we will immerse ourselves in the story, geography, history,
and culture of the Bible, and return home with a renewed vision of God’s kingdom and our place in it. We will be
joined by Bart and Pat DenBoer, who have led these tours for fifteen years. The anticipated cost—which includes
airfare (Chicago departure), all ground transportation, hotels, transfers, tips, plus breakfast and dinner each
day—is $3700 per person. A deposit of $150 is due as soon as possible. For more information, please contact
Pastor Steve: spierce@centralreformedchurch.org.FELLOWSHIP Annual Church Picnic: Please mark your calendars for our annual church picnic to be held on Kickoff Sun- day, September 12, immediately following worship. Fall Golf Outing: Mark your calendars for Central’s annual fall golf outing, the Jack Van Ess Cup, on Saturday, September 18. More details soon! ADULT DISCIPLESHIP Fall Fellowship Groups: This fall, Central will offer three fellowship (home) groups for those looking to grow in Christ by connecting with others on a deeper spiritual level. These informal groups of 8-12 people will meet in Central members’ homes to enjoy food and beverages as well as meaningful conversation. Three groups will meet this fall: Sundays (early evening) at the home of Jim and Margie Brink (Sep 26—Nov 21); Friday evenings at the home of Pastor Steve and Monica Pierce (Sep 17—Dec 17); and Saturday evenings at the home of Vivian and Tom TerMaat (Sep 18—Dec 18). Groups do not meet every week. Information and sign-up sheets are in the atrium. MINISTRY TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH Volunteer with Youth and Children: When children are baptized at Central, we make a commitment to help them along their journey of growth toward Christ, and we need more volunteers to help our students on that journey. We need help everywhere: on the youth committee, the children's committee, children and worship leadership, youth group volunteers, and more! All volunteers need to undergo a background check process and complete an online training. E-mail Nick at nloubert@centralreformedchurch.org if you are interested, or call him at 616.460.8583. Meals for Mel and Pool Party: Meet at Central at 5:00 pm; dinner is provided. E-mail Nick to RSVP. 456er Mystery Trip: Our 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students are invited on a mystery trip on Monday, Au- gust 9! (7th graders are invited because we were not able to do our mystery trip last year.) Sign your student up by e-mailing nloubert@centralreformedchurch.org. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Thanksgiving: for all those joining us in worship this morning, whether online or in person; for all those cele- brating birthdays, anniversaries, or other milestones this week; for all those who give of their time, energy, tal- ents, and resources to advance Central’s mission and ministry. Comfort and Grace: for those who have lost loved ones in recent weeks; for those struggling with dementia and memory loss; for those who are anxious, worried, and discouraged; for those facing a difficult diagnosis; for those with chronic illnesses; for individuals making end-of-life decisions; for those who are lonely and isolated. Healing and Peace: for all those recuperating from illness, injuries, or medical procedures; for family and friends being treated for cancer; for loved ones battling COVID-19; for all those searching for a path to healing. Strength and Guidance: for those who have undergone or are facing medical procedures in the coming weeks; for those undergoing employment challenges; for all health care workers; for our homebound members and those who reside in assisted living facilities and nursing homes; for those who struggle with mental health challenges. Blessing and Protection: for those who are travelling during these summer days. Shalom: for the healing of deep divisions, inequality, and racism across our country; for our ecumenical and interfaith neighbors, particularly the congregation we are highlighting this week, Highland Hills Baptist Church. CHURCH INFORMATION Prayer and Pastoral Care: If you are in need of prayer or pastoral care, please contact Pastor Steve at spierce@centralreformedchurch.org, Pastor Larry at lschuyler@centralreformedchurch.org or your elder. Pastor Steve will be away from August 14—22; after next Saturday please contact Pastor Larry or your elder with con- cerns. If you have a prayer request to share through the Central prayer chain, please contact Carol Bergman at clstaff67@gmail.com or call the church office at 616.456.1773. If you wish to be added to the prayer chain e-mail list, please e-mail the church office at office@centralreformedchurch.org. Announcements: Please send announcements for Life at Central to Pastor Steve Pierce— spierce@centralreformedchurch.org by noon on Wednesday. (Announcements may be edited for consistency, clarity, or conciseness.)
TODAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS
Preacher: Rev. Steven Pierce
Liturgist: Dawn Tillema
Principal Organist: Norma de Waal Malefyt
Prayers of the People: Rev. Steven Pierce
First Lesson Reader: Kaleb Jigo
Offertory Prayer: Jay Harsevoort
Vocalist: Kathryn Becksvoort
Sound Tech: Tom TerMaat
Video Tech: Tom Smith
Central Reformed Church
10 College Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
616.456.1773
centralreformedchurch.org
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