ST. ELMO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - St. Elmo Presbyterian Church pca
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ST. ELMO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Presbyterian Church in America
Our purpose is to know,
live out of, and proclaim the wonder of God’s grace in Jesus.
October 31, 2021
All Saints Sunday
Rev. Bill Massey, Interim Pastor
4400 St. Elmo Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37409
423-821-1424
http://www.stelmopres.orgThis Week at
St. Elmo Presbyterian Church and Community
October 31 2021
October is Clergy Appreciation Month
Live stream**
Today
9:30am Sunday School for all: children downstairs, adults in the Fellowship Hall with masks
10:30am Morning Worship in person and on YouTube**
——— Youth Group not meeting tonight — Contact: Lance or Julie Wescher
Monday November 1
7:00pm Boy Scouts meet — Contact Ed Sunder or Jay Green
7:00pm Community Association of Historic St. Elmo meets at 4501 St. Elmo Ave. — Contact
Cal Boroughs
Tuesday November 2
10:00am Women's study group meets (childcare available)— Contact Lynn Hall or Shelley
Madueme
Wednesday November 3
7:00pm Wednesday Night Prayer Group will meet — Contact: Jim or Carol Wildeman
7:00pm Flintstone Prayer Group meets at Tuckers— Contact: John or Kathy Tucker
Thursday November 4
6:30pm Stephen Ministry Supervision — Contact persons: Herb and Susan Lea
Saturday November 6
10:00am Curt Daugaard memorial service
Sunday School Nursery Volunteers
October 31: Amy Nichols and Esther Mahoney
November 7: Lydia Mayberry and Lynn Hall
Worship Service Nursery
October 31: Julie and Lance Wescher, Avery Patz
November 7: Lisa Eames, Helen Grace and Tirzah Macallister
Nursery volunteer sign up:
https://tinyurl.com/yp8trcc
Nursery Director: Lydia Mayberry, lydiakarstin@gmail.com, (423) 400-0506
Upcoming
November 7 First Sunday Potluck Lunch! Todd, Liz, and Finn Crusey will be with us for worship and
for potluck lunch for those who can stay. Please bring a main dish for 10-12 people
and a side or dessert as well. A basket for a love offering will be in the Fellowship Hall
for traveling expenses while in the states.
2FOR REFLECTION BEFORE WORSHIP
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to
the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." —
Romans 1:16-17
We can get a good handle on “righteousness” by thinking about the English word. What does it mean to be “right” with your
company, your government or another person? It is a positional word—it means to have a good or right standing, to have no
debts or liabilities that you owe the other person or organization. You are acceptable to the other party because your record has
nothing on it to jeopardize the relationship. The other party has nothing against you. Our right standing with God is received
from him, offered to us by his Son…by faith…It is important to realize how much more is promised here than mere forgiveness.
Many people think Jesus died merely to forgive us. Our sins were laid on him, and we are pardoned when we believe in him. That
is true, but that is only half of Christian salvation. If that were all Jesus did, we would then only receive a new “wiped clean” slate. It
would be up to us to add credit or merit to our account. But here Paul tells us that we have been given righteousness, rather than
merely declared not guilty. — Timothy Keller
________________________
MUSIC
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING FOR WORSHIP
WORDS OF PREPARATION
PRAYER OF PREPARATION
L - This is the day that you have made, Lord.
P - Help us to rejoice in it and be glad!
L - Remind us of the privileges we enjoy as your people:
P - to come to you in these moments, to confess our sins, to receive forgiveness and give it, to pray and sing and listen, to
experience your renewal of our fainting spirits, to rest in all your promises.
L - Open our eyes to see you, Lord.
P - Open our ears to hear your Word.
L - Visit us through your Holy Spirit,
P - and help us to celebrate our faith. Amen.
MUSIC
WE PRAISE YOU, LORD
CALL TO WORSHIP — Psalm 46:1
L - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble! Let us worship him with praise and thanksgiving!
HYMNS OF PRAISE
Hymn #1 — All People That on Earth Do Dwell
1. All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell
Come ye before Him and rejoice.
2. For why? the Lord our God is good;
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood
And shall from age to age endure.
Hymn #92 — A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
PRAYER OF ADORATION
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH — Heidelberg Cat. #1
L- What is your only comfort in life and in death?
3P - My only comfort in life and in death is that I am not my own, but belong — body and soul, in life and in death — to my
faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the
devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in
fact, all things must work to-gether for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.
PRAYER FOR OUR PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS AND SHARING OF THANKSGIVING
OUR RETURN TO GOD, OUR SAVIOR
CORPORATE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All - O God our Savior, we come before you as foolish sheep who are prone to wander from you. You have set your love on us,
but we find it hard to trust you and prefer to turn to our own wisdom. You lead us into green pastures, but we reject the feast
you lay before us and try to fill ourselves with things that don’t satisfy. You lead us by still waters to restore our souls, but we
dabble with strong currents of temptation and then are swept away by torrents of sinful cravings. You call us to paths of
righteousness, but we scorn your warnings, ignore your guidance, and rebel against your discipline. You have given us the
privilege of knowing you but we prefer worthless idols that leave us empty. Jesus, you are our sacrificial lamb. You never strayed
from the path of obedience to your Father, even when that path led you to a brutal cross where you would be made sin for us,
taking our guilt upon yourself. Thank you for refusing to turn to the path of your own glory, so that we could be safely gathered
into your fold. Holy Spirit help us see where the path of true blessing lies, and give us hearts that are eager to travel that path.
Thank you for holding fast to us, for we cannot hold onto you. Enable us to know the safety and delight in walking with you. In
Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S PARDON – Isaiah 53:5
L - But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us
peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
HYMN #520 — Jesus Thy Blood and Righteousness
REJOICE! #1 — A Debtor to Mercy Alone
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
RECEIVING OF GOD’S WORD
READING OF GOD’S WORD – Luke 9:28-46
SERMON – The Surpassing Glory of God..............Dr. Hans Madueme
HYMN #355 — We Are God’s People
BENEDICTION
L – Having heard the Gospel,
P – Let us go forth to serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
ALL – Thanks be to God!
Please pray for these individuals and groups this week:
Emily and Dariush Shahryari Our U.S. Senators
Bethany Sims The Persecuted Church in IRAN (8)
Paul, Suzanne, and Lauren Sims
Pray for our faithful witness to our
Rachael Sims neighbors
Pastoral Search Committee
The Session: Bill Massey, Rob Allen, Jay Green,
Jeff Hall, Hans Madueme, Lance Wescher
David and Lisa Fish: Uganda
Family Promise
RUF-UTC: John Mark Scruggs
4New Members Class
Beginning Sunday, November 7, Pastor Massey will teach an Introduction to St. Elmo Presbyterian Church (SEPC) class.
This class will introduce participants to the nature of our church's ministry and what membership involves. There is no
obligation to join the church. We will meet in the downstairs Sunday School room during the Sunday School period (9:30
a.m. to 10:15 a.m.) for 4 to 6 weeks. Join us whether you are exploring church membership or just want a brief refresher
on the ministry of the church.
Worship Greeters for Sunday mornings!
November - Don and Carrie Houston
December - Kedric and Jennifer Webster
January - Joni Harbert
If you would be willing to serve in this capacity, please email or call
Jill Robbins (jillrob84@gmail.com) or Kathy Tucker (kathyatucker@gmail.com).
Thank you to everyone who has signed up!
Pray for the Persecuted Church in IRAN (8)
I RAN , A FGHANISTAN REPRESENT OPPOSING BRANCHES OF I SLAM
Source: MNN, September 19,2021
The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Taliban in Afghanistan represent two very different branches of thought in Islam:
Shi'ite and Sunni. As the Sunni Taliban has seized control of Afghanistan, many Shi'ite Muslims have fled the country. Dr.
Hormoz Shariat with Iran Alive Ministries says, “Now, the history of their conflict is long. In Iran, for example, Sunnis do
not have the right to have any mosques. But in Sunni countries like Afghanistan, Shi'ite Muslims are in danger.” This sets
up a potentially tense political situation between Afghanistan and Iran. “The Taliban and the Islamic Republic of Iran, I
can say they're afraid of each other. They are trying not to get into any conflict with each other because of the fear.” Iran
Alive broadcasts Christian television into both Iran and Afghanistan. Pray for the safety of Christians and the growth of
churches in these countries. “The people of Afghanistan, for the majority, still believe in Islam. But the majority of Iranian
Muslims don't believe in Islam. So it makes it easier for Christians in Iran, except that the government of Iran is after
them. In Afghanistan, not only the Taliban will be after Christians, but many of the Afghans will turn the Christians in.”
Pray for safety and growth for churches in Iran and Afghanistan.
Family Promise Contact: Seth and Lydia Mayberry
Pray for their organization during this time of transition as executive director Jackie Clay steps down from her role
and they seek a new leader to fill her position.
“Pray specifically for our staff as many changes are happening and we ask for strength through it all.”
Pray for E’tienne Easley, their Director of Development, who will be leading the organization and carrying out
essential executive director duties for the time being.
Pray that all continues to go smoothly with housing renovations to make their long-term rentals move-in ready so
that they can be be opened as projected this fall and more consistently meet the needs of the families they serve.
Pray for Giving Tuesday coming up November 30th and specifically for a matching sponsor. Last year was successful
even though they didn't have a matching sponsor and while they were still able to help many families with rent,
utilities and shelter, it is their prayer this year that they could find someone willing to sponsor and enable them to
help even more families.
5**COVID information update
We will continue with our current policy.
Masks are REQUIRED in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays. Masks are strongly REQUESTED in the Sanctuary on Sundays.
We will have First Sunday Potluck Lunch on November 7.
David and Lisa Fish
Uganda
Praise
While most schools are still closed, some international schools have gotten special permission to reopen. We are
thankful that we have received this permission and are now able to meet with our students in person.
We are thankful to have completed the first quarter of our school year and have met with most of the parents for
parent-teacher conferences.
We are thankful to have our two “foster” kids living with us again and hope they will begin some form of online
education soon.
Prayer
Please be praying for our students and their families. Some of them are processing difficult life issues including failed
adoptions, various traumatic experiences, and the death of a sibling.
Please be praying for the children of Uganda who have missed almost two full years of education due to school
closures.
Please be praying for the Bible study and craft group for the women in our village. One of the older ladies in the
group passed away, which has led to significant conflict among her family members.
Please be praying for our son Elijah as he decides where to attend college.
Please pray that God would help us parent our children well and love each other well.
Please join us for lunch next Sunday, for our First Sunday Potluck.
The Cruseys will be with us to share the latest news about their plans.
They will be with us in worship as well. They are trying to raise their last bit of support needed and then they are off to
London to help a church whose pastor has life-threatening illnesses. Then, Lord willing, in a year or so they will be off to
Perth, Australia
A basket will be available in the Fellowship Hall during lunch for a love offering for their fuel and food needs while
traveling in the States.
6Sermon Title: The Surpassing Glory of God
Luke 9:28-36 NIV
28
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for
and James with him and went up onto a mountain to us to be here. Let us put up three shelters — one for you,
pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he
changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared
lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the
glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my
his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice
Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples
sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time
glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men what they had seen.
1. Who embodies God's glory perfectly? (vs. 28-31)
2. Why do we often struggle to live up to God's glory? (vs. 32-33)
3. What does God's glory mean for our lives today? (vs.34-36)
7Date: _______________________________
Hymns or Song Titles we sang today: Put a star by your
favorite song we sang today.
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Today’s Text: __________________Book _________Chapter _________Verse _______
What is one important thing you learned from the sermon today? ______________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Listen for certain words in the sermon,
and put a mark by them when you hear Pastor Bill say them.
Sermon Words
FREDERICK DOUGLASS CLOUD
TRANSFIGURATION GLORY
HANS ZIMMER CALVINISM
SLEEPWALKING JESUS
WESTMINSTER CONFESSION REFORMED
A ________ came from the _______, saying, “This
is my _____, whom I have ________; _______ to
him.”
81
9Welcome to St. Elmo Presbyterian Church pca
St. Elmo Presbyterian Church is a Stephen Ministry Congregation
Sunday School for Children and Adults High School and Middle School Youth Group
Begins at 9:30am. Children downstairs in the SS Coordinators/Contacts: Lance and Julie Wescher
hallway. Adults meet in the Fellowship Hall with
masks. Youth Group meets Sunday nights from 6:00pm-
Sunday School for kindergarten children through 8:00pm, except for the first Sunday of each month.
youth group age — contact: Rob and Elaine Tinholt
Christian Education Staff Contact Information
Little Lambs Worship Program for Three and Four Nursery Director: Lydia Mayberry
Year-Olds TBD Youth Interns: Aden Hunt and Matilda Green,
Daehla Smith, Isaac Kvale
Nursery Available
Nursery is provided for babies through the age of
two during Sunday School and worship. If you can
help us in our nursery, please contact: Lydia
Mayberry.
Sign up to volunteer in the nursey at:
stelmopres.org. Click on “Connect-Grow-Serve”
then “Nursery...” then scroll down to Sign up for
Sunday Nursery...”.
You can also go to: https://tinyurl.com/yp8trcc
To join the St. Elmo Presbyterian Church
Past Sermons and Church Calendar
Email List:
Sermons online: https://soundcloud.com/SEPC4400/
1. Go to: http://lists.st-elmo.org/mailman/listinfo/
sets
sepc
2. Enter your email address in the gray box
Calendar online: www.stelmopres.org/events
3. Enter your name in the gray box
4. Password is optional
5. Click “Subscribe” and you will be added to the
list. You will receive an email with directions for
Find us on Facebook:
sending an email to the list and also
St. Elmo Presbyterian Church - pca
unsubscribing. If you have difficulty signing on,
facebook.com/StElmoPresPCA please email Jay Green at
jay.green@covenant.edu.
Parking
Please do not park in front of driveways, or IN driveways, or in front of garages.
Please try to park on the side streets and not on St. Elmo Avenue (painted bike lanes).
Also, park to the right of the road (in the direction you are going) so that you are not ticketed by the police.
Permission to print music and lyrics: CCLI#418158
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