Service for the Worship of God - 17th Sunday after Pentecost September 15, 2024 | 11:00 AM
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Service for the Worship of God
17th Sunday after Pentecost
September 15, 2024 | 11:00 AM
Welcome
Welcome to Old Presbyterian Meeting House. We are glad you are worshipping with us today
and hope you will explore the many opportunities of learning, serving and community building
at the Meeting House. We are a caring community committed to living the greatest
commandment of loving God and loving our neighbors. If you are new in town and/or looking
for a church home, please accept this welcome as an open invitation to come with us as we
worship and serve Jesus Christ!
Children are welcome in worship!
Worship is for the whole family of God, and we welcome children with their wiggles and
squiggles and giggles. Children’s worship bags, as well as a basket of books, are available in the
church entrance; please return them after the service.
Nursery care for infants and children ages 3 and under is also available in the Education
Building (past the burial ground behind the sanctuary, in the building on the left). On the 2nd -
5th Sundays of the month, children age 4 to grade 3 are invited to attend Bridges to Worship
following the children's message. A parent is welcome to attend with them the first time.
Guests
Please fill out a green Guest/Prayer Request card from the pew and place it in the offering
plate so we can keep you informed.
Assistive listening devices and large print hymnals are available at the church entrance.
Ask an usher for assistance.
Restrooms and a changing station are available downstairs. See an Usher for directions.
Please join us for Fellowship Time following worship outside (or Fellowship Hall in
inclement weather).
After worship stop by the Welcome Table outside the church to find out more about
upcoming events and activities.
Pastoral Care
If you would like to talk to a pastor or notify the pastoral staff of personal concerns,
illnesses, hospitalizations, or deaths, please call the Church Office, 703.549.6670.
If you have a prayer request, please place the green Prayer Request/Guest card in the
offering plate, or contact Rev. Ann Herlin, aherlin@opmh.org.
Find out more
If you are interested in becoming a member of Old Presbyterian Meeting House, contact
Vicki Stones, vstones@opmh.org.
We're Online! Live worship at 11:00 AM: opmh.org/live; Recordings: opmh.org/videos
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM -12:00 PM
To learn more about our church, visit opmh.org.
Prelude In the Garden C. Austin Miles
arr. Mark Hayes
Gathering Around the Word
Welcome The Lord be with you. Rev. Dr. Shelly Wood
And also with you.
Introit Uyai mose (Come All You People) Alexander Gondo
Come all you people, come and praise your Maker; arr. John Bell
come now and worship the Lord.
Call to Worship (Please stand as you are able) Eric Johnson
Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Lead a life worthy of your vocation to which you have been called, with all humility, gentleness, and
patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace.
Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gifts.
Some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the
saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.
Through our worship here today, and through our lives, may we all exercise these gifts to the glory of God!
Hymn 826 Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER
Prayer of Confession (unison) Rev. Katherine Stanford
Almighty God, by water and your Holy Spirit you baptized us to be your own and called the church
into being. We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed. We have not
always loved you with our whole heart. We have not always loved our neighbors as ourselves. We
have often held back the love of your Spirit among us. We have not always listened for your word of
grace. We don’t always live as a people made one in Christ. Forgive what we have been, amend what
we are, direct what we shall be. Help us to confirm your will and walk in your ways. Through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
Please join in silent prayer.
Congregational Response 576 (sung) Lord, Have Mercy SINGAPURA
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Assurance of Pardon
Act of Praise 587 (sung) Celtic Alleluia CELTIC ALLELUIA
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Passing of the Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
At this time children ages 4 years old to 3rd grade are invited to leave for Bridges to Worship at this time.
Please meet the leader at the side door to leave the Sanctuary together.ANTHEM Ain’-a That Good News! Traditional Spiritual
arr. William L. Dawson
I got a crown up in-a the Kingdom,
Ain'-a that good news!
[Refrain:] I'm-a gonna lay down this world, gonna shoulder up-a my cross.
Gonna take it home-a to my Jesus, Ain't-a that good news!
I got a harp up in-a the Kingdom… I got a robe up in-a the kingdom… I got a Savior in-a the kingdom…
Proclaming of the Word
First Scripture Reading Jeremiah 29:4-7 Wendy Matney
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God.
Second Scripture Reading Ephesians 3:14-21
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God.
Sermon Rev. Corey Nelson
Responding to the Word
Hymn 301 Let Us Build a House (All Are Welcome) TWO OAKS
Affirmation of Faith from A Brief Statement of Faith, 1991
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom
alone we worship and serve. We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life.
The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and
neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. The same
Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture,
engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread
of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the church. In a broken
and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to
Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples
long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered
by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we
watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!” With believers in every
time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
Invitation to Discipleship
Prayers of the People Rev. Dr. Allison Lundeen
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.Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
Offertory For Everyone Born Brian Mann
For the text by Shirley Erena Murray, see no. 769 in arr. Bryan Holten
your pew hymnal, Glory to God.
Doxology 607 OLD HUNDREDTH
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all creatures here below;
praise Holy Spirit evermore; praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Charge to the Pastor Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick
Charge to the Congregation Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe
Sending the Word out into the World
Hymn 726 Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons) KELVINGROVE
Benediction Rev. Dr. Shelly Wood
Choral Response Amen from “Gloria,” William Byrd
in Mass for Four Voices
Postlude Voluntary on “Lift High the Cross” Sydney Hugo Nicholson
arr. Craig Phillips
Please stand as you are able
Today
Duty Elder is Rob Brewer.
Duty Deacon is Karen Waller.
Today’s flowers are arranged by Becky Bostick and Lea Shuba.
Our prayers are newly offered for Jean Alderman.
Reception Following Worship
Join us following the service as we celebrate the beginning of Rev. Dr. Wood’s ministry
with the Meeting House. Please come to the courtyard for a reception hosted by the
Deacons.
Youth Group Kick Off BBQ
September 15, 5-7 PM, Church Courtyard (by the Royal Street gate)
Join us today! All youth in grades 6 through 12 and their families are invited!Upcoming Events
September 21-22, 2024 September 28-29, 2024
Alexandria Heritage Trail Walk Blessing of the Animals
All creatures great and small are welcome at our annual
The Dismantling Racism Team is sponsoring the Blessing of the Animals worship service on Saturday,
Alexandria Heritage Trail Walk that will provide an September 28 at 4:00 PM! Join us to celebrate the special
opportunity to learn about African American History of connection between humans and their furry, feathered, and
Alexandria. Meet us on September 21, for a one-hour scaly companions. Bring your pets for a brief blessing and
walk starting at 10:00 AM at Waterfront Park, 107 N. prayer of thanksgiving. We’ll gather in front of the church
Union Street. RSVP to Jeff at for this joyful outdoor service (weather permitting). Don’t
serviceandjustice@opmh.org. forget leashes or carriers for everyone’s safety. All well-
behaved pets are welcome! opmh.org/events
Adult Education
In the Footsteps of the Good Samaritan: Clara Barton
and the history of the American Red Cross
Scotland in 2025 Info Session
This 4 week series will offer a deep dive into the The Membership & Evangelism Ministry is excited to
extraordinary life of Clara Barton, how the American Red offer this travel opportunity to Scotland in September
Cross (ARC) came to be and how Barton’s legacy and 2025! There will be an information session about our trip
visionary spirit continue to thrive throughout the current on September 29 at noon following worship in Heritage
work of the ARC. Hall. Our Tour Director, Stephanie, will be here to help
September 22 - Stretched Muslin and Stained Glass: with questions and take deposits for those who are ready.
Meeting Clara Barton at her National Historic Site; led Questions? Vicki, vstones@opmh.org
by Dr. Heather Huyck, Public Historian & Pamela
Goddard, Senior Program Director of the Mid-Atlantic
Region of the National Parks Conservation Association. October Wednesdays
Learn about Bridges to Worship! Mid-Week Connections
Find out more on September 22, 9:30-10:30 AM in Embracing Authentic Civility
Flounder 1B. This session is for adults interested in
learning more about the Bridges to Worship experience in a Disconnected World
that children 4 years old through Grade 3 attend most Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 6:00-8:00 PM
Sundays during a portion of the 11:00 service. Ellen Dinner and Childcare available
McCrary-Mayer will provide a fun and informative Authentic civility is the ability to have empathy and a
introduction, tell a Bible story, and share how this desire to understand one another even amid our differences
experience is different from our typical Sunday School. – whatever those differences may be. Not mere politeness
Bridges to Worship uses the Godly Play model, a multi- to cover over awkward situations or to get us what we
sensory program structured much like a worship service want, but a real recognition that each of us is a part of the
with songs, prayers, stories and ritual. Come explore and human community and that we all matter.
wonder with us! Questions? Noelle, ncastin@opmh.org Authentic civility is not easy. It calls for enormous
commitment and energy. It is so much easier to just ignore
New Member Class others, or avoid them altogether. Life seems easier when
Interested in exploring membership at the
Meeting House? Join us on Sundays, we just stick with what we think we know and with what
Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 6 from 9:30-10:30 keeps us comfortable. But that’s unrealistic. Because like it
AM for our New Member Class. Please or not, we are all in this together.
register at opmh.org/events. Authentic and civil – something to be. It matters. For all of
us. Join us.
3rd, 4th and 5th Graders Reading materials to consider as you prepare for this series:
Sunday, September 22, 4:30-6:00 PM In Defense of Civility: How Religion Can Unite America on
Help make pet treats for the Blessing of the Seven Moral Issues that Divide Us by James Calvin Davis
Animals! More info at opmh.org/events or and How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others
contact Ann, aherlin@opmh.org Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks.
For more info about events, opmh.org/eventsOngoing Sundays Ways to Give
Worship at 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM in person and online 1. Place your offering in the
at 11:00 AM. offering plates.
Childcare for infants and toddlers 2. Give online at opmh.org/give
8:15 AM-12:15 PM, Room 14 – Education Building
or snap the QR code at right.
Children's Sunday School
9:30-10:45 AM, Education Building 3. Text opmh to 73256
Meeting House Youth, Grades 6 to 12 4. Mail a check to 323 S. Fairfax St.,
Sunday Morning Gathering, 9:30 AM, Flounder 1B Alexandria, VA 22314.
Fall Kick Off of Youth programs, Sept. 15, 5-7 PM
Contact Mary Pratt Perry, mpratt@opmh.org, for more info. Leadership
Adult Education Rev. Dr. Shelly Wood, Pastor,
9:30 AM, Heritage Hall, Elliot House swood@opmh.org
September 15, Financial Landscape of the Meeting House Rev. Katherine Stanford, Associate Pastor,
September 22, In the Footsteps of the Good Samaritan: kstanford@opmh.org
Clara Barton and the history of the American Red Cross Rev. Ann Herlin, Associate Pastor,
aherlin@opmh.org
More Faith Formation Dr. Bryan Holten, Dir. of Music and Organist,
Centering Prayer, Wednesdays, 7:00 AM, in person and zoom bholten@opmh.org
Sunday’s Coming Bible Study, Thursdays, 10:00 AM, Zoom Mrs. Noelle Castin, Dir. of Christian Education,
ncastin@opmh.org
Mrs. Mary Pratt Perry, Dir. of Youth Ministry,
More Coming Up! mpratt@opmh.org
Mr. Aaron Siirila, Business Administrator,
Sept 29 Confirmation Orientation 4:30 PM asiirila@opmh.org
Mrs. Ellen Haas, Administrative Specialist,
Sept 30 Holiday Sharing Sign-
ehaas@opmh.org
Ups Deadline
Mrs. Vicki Stones, Communications/Office Mgr.,
vstones@opmh.org
Mr. David Heiby, Presbyterian Cemetery,
Oct 2 Midweek Connections 6:00 PM cemetery@opmh.org
Mrs. Tania Ryan, Meeting House Cooperative Preschool Dir.,
Oct 16 Church Retreat Deadline taniaryan@aol.com
to sign up Ms. Jenny Parker, Clerk of Session,
clerk@opmh.org
Nov 1-3 Church Retreat at Contact the Church Office: 703.549.6670, admin@opmh.org
Massanetta Springs
More info about events, opmh.org/events
Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday School Teachers needed
PLEASE HELP! Three disciples are still needed to join
our teaching teams. Contact Noelle Castin,
ncastin@opmh.org to sign up.
Ushers Needed
Looking for new team members for our Sunday morning
usher team. Sign up at opmh.org/ushers
To learn more go to opmh.orgOld Presbyterian Meeting House
THE FIRST WOMAN IN OUR CONGREGATION TO . . .
The pending installation of the Rev. Dr. Shelly Wood as our congregation’s thirteenth installed senior minister will be a first
in the congregation’s history. Dr. Wood will be the most recent “first woman to … .” The congregation’s list of “first woman
to …” entries is long, and an interesting story is connected with each one of them. For a more complete list of "first women,"
see opmh.org/firstwomen, and if you know of other first women, contact Don Dahmann at ddahmann@yahoo.com.
In 1780, Ann McCarty Ramsay became the first person known to organize fundraising in Alexandria to directly
support soldiers fighting in the American Revolution. Clergy conducted “sermons suited to the occasion” and Martha
Washington donated $20,000. Donations totaled $75,518 – worth more than one-million dollars today.
In 1817, congregation women established the Female Onesimus Society, our congregation’s first program to assist
Alexandrians in need of daily necessities beyond conducting worship services to raise funds, which began during the
1780s. They focused on creating clothes for distribution during winters. The society was organized by Mary Scull
(Mrs. John) Harper and Anna King (Mrs. John) McDonald. The society was the forerunner of charitable outreach led
by women of the congregation that continues to the present.
In 1820, Elizabeth Love Muir became the first woman to serve our congregation as organist. She was the daughter of
the Rev. James and Elizabeth Muir.
In 1827, Harriet Livermore became the first woman to preach at the Meeting House. She was from New Hampshire
and was popularly known as the “Pilgrim Stranger.” She was one of the best-known female preachers in the United
States during the nineteenth century and one of the earliest to also travel throughout the country. She addressed our
congregation weeks after having preached to a standing-room-only crowd in the chamber of the House of
Representatives in the U.S. Capitol.
In 1952, Louise M. Maechtle became the first person to serve our congregation as director of religious education/
Christian education. She served in that position from 1952 to 1956 and also served as director of children’s work
during that same period; director of weekday kindergarten when it was established in 1954, which evolved into the
Meeting House Co-Operative Preschool in 1970; and as assistant for Christian education from 1975 to 1978.
In 1965, Anita Garrett Smith became the first woman to serve our congregation in an ordained position when she was
installed as a deacon in the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. (“Southern Presbyterian Church”). The Presbyterian
Church in the U.S. allowed women to be installed in ordained positions for the first time the previous year. Men
served our congregation in ordained positions from its formation.
In 1988, the Rev. Dr. Edna Banes became the first woman to be ordained as a minister of our congregation when she
was installed as an associate minister.
In 2003, the Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, the Annie Scales Rogers Professor of Christian Social Ethics at Union
Theological Seminary-PSCE (now Union Presbyterian Seminary) in Richmond, Virginia, became the first African
American woman to preach at the Meeting House. She preached and led a Christian Education class on Rally Day
Sunday, 7 September 2003. The first African American man to preach before our congregation was the Rev. James C.
Ward in 1817.
In 2024, the Rev. Dr. Shelly Wood became the first woman to serve as our congregation’s senior minister. She
preached for the first time on 28 April 2024 and will be installed in October 2024.
Submitted by Donald C. Dahmann, History and Archives Committee, Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 19 June 2024.
If you would like to take a tour and hear more about our history, please contact the church office, 703.549.6670 or
our Historian, Dr. Don Dahmann, ddahmann@yahoo.com
323 S. Fairfax Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.549.6670 | opmh.orgYou can also read
