Fairfax Presbyterian Church

March 16, 2008

Mission-Minded, Small-Group Centered

All worshipers will gather in the narthex. Like the people of Israel entering
the city of Jerusalem with Jesus, we will process into the sanctuary waving palm fronds!

* Prelude Hosanna Processional M Kellner
Carol Choir, Chapel Choir, Teen Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Joyful Ringers

* Call to Worship (responsive) Jessica Tate
L: O come, let us sing to the Lord and shout with joy to the rock of our salvation!
P: Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving, singing joyful songs of praise.

* Processional Hymn 88 All Glory, Laud and Honor Valet Will Ich Dir Geben
(Refrain) All glory, laud, and honor, to Thee, Redeemer, King!
To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and blessed One. (Refrain)

The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went;
Our praise and prayers and anthems before Thee we present. (Refrain)

To Thee, before Thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. (Refrain)

Thou didst accept their praises; accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King! (Refrain)

Welcome and Community Announcements Henry Brinton
You are encouraged to greet people you don’t know during our welcome. Please print your name in the friendship pad and return it to the end of the pew. If you are visiting, please include your name, address, and phone number.

* Hymn 89 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna Ellacombe

* Call to Confession
L: This day that begins with triumphal entry will turn toward the cross. Recognizing the cross as a sign of God’s abundant grace, let us confess our sin together.

* Prayer of Confession (unison)
Gracious God, we are joyful this morning, with shouts of hosanna and the waving of palms. All too quickly these shouts of praise will fade from our lips as we step back into our routines. We ignore your commandments and all they would entail because we are busy, or tired, or because they are too hard. We are in desperate need of a savior. But, when that savior comes as love and humility, we turn away, seeking arrogance and power. Forgive us, O God, and give us renewed faith and courage to experience your saving grace anew this Holy Week. Amen. (Time for silent confession.)

* Assurance of Forgiveness
L: Friends, hear the good news! Only Christ is in a position to condemn. And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns for us.
P: In Christ we are a new creation.
L: Know you are forgiven, and be at peace.

* Response to Our Assurance Gloria Patri #579, The Hymnal
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen, amen.

Anthem Liturgy of the Palms JW Lindh
Carol Choir, Chapel Choir, Teen Choir, Joyful Ringers; Laura Berman, narrator

Conversation with Children
At 8:45, children in Kindergarten to grade 2 may go to Godly Play in room 243. Storytime is available in room 252 for children age 3 to 5.
The nursery (in room 245 for children under 3) is available during all services.

Prayer for Illumination Lou Major (8:45); Nancy Kay (11:15)

Scripture Lessons Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
1O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever! 2Let Israel say, ‘His steadfast love endures for ever.’ 19Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. 20This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. 21I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success! 26Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. 27The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. 28You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. 29O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever.

Mark 11:1-11
1When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.”’ 4They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ 6They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’11Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

L: This is the Word of the Lord.
P: Thanks be to God.

Sermon Palm or Passion? Jessica Tate

* Hymn 101 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Hamburg
(Pass Prayer Cards to the center aisles.)

Morning Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

Offering of Christ’s People
Call to Respond
Offertory God So Loved the World J Stainer
Sanctuary Choir, Kenneth Martin, director

* Doxology 592 Old Hundredth
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God, all creatures here below,
Praise God above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

* Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Sovereign God, as we enter Holy Week, turn our hearts and minds again to Jerusalem, to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that we might follow where he leads us. Use these gifts, along with our gifts of time and talent, to establish your kingdom here and now. Amen.

* Hymn 81 Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days St Flavian

* Benediction

* Benediction Response The Lord Whom We Love K Kaiser

* Postlude Toccata on “Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart” A L Travis

*CCLI License #824089

NOTES ON WORSHIP

Today, remembering when children waved palm branches to celebrate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, the children of our Carol Choir (Vanessa Mueller and Elizabeth Bowen, directors) and Chapel Choir (Donna Whited, director), supported by members of our Teen Choir (Kenneth Martin, director), provide much of our worship music. Hosanna Processional captures the festive spirit of Jesus’ entry, while The Liturgy of the Palms narrates the story from the Gospel of Mark. The Sanctuary Choir sings the best-known choral setting of John 3:16 as our Offertory today.

This Lent, we’re taking a fresh look at the components of worship to experience anew how God moves in the community. In this season of spiritual renewal, enjoy this fresh look at our weekly rituals and deepen your experience of worship.

A Fresh Look at The Call to worship! We gather on Sunday mornings in
response to God’s call. God takes the initiative and calls us into being. In the name of Christ we answer, assembling as the community of faith. In the call to worship, we are invited in to the space of worship, to center again around God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. When we come to worship, we step into a reality larger than the one that occupies us most of the time and we are oriented again toward the kingdom of God.

HOLY WEEK AT FPC
Maundy Thursday, March 20, worship at 7:30 p.m. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, with a sermon by the Rev. Jessica Tate.

Good Friday, March 21, worship at 7:30 p.m. The crucifixion of Christ is remembered with a dramatic service of silence and lamentation.

Easter Sunday, March 23, Sunrise service at 6:30 a.m., led by the Confirmation Class. Easter Breakfast served in Fellowship Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Worship at 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. with music by the Sanctuary Choir and a sermon by the Rev. Henry Brinton.

TODAY AT FPC
THE MUSIC MINISTRY Visioning Task Force will meet today at 12:30 p.m. in room 110. If you cannot come to the meeting but want to provide input to the vision for FPC’s music ministry, please e-mail or call your worship elders, Michelle Coon and Serena Mercer. We hope to complete this process by early April at the latest. This meeting is for members of the congregation only; no staff members will attend.

This Week at FPC

Sunday, March 16
Palm Sunday
8:45 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Church School, various
11:15 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
12:30 p.m. Teen Choir, 235
7:00 p.m. Instrumental Ensemble, sanctuary

Monday, March 17
10:00 a.m. Sewing, MPR
7:00 p.m. Encounter, 110
7:00 p.m. Elizabeth Circle, Uphaus home

Tuesday, March 18
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting, 110
6:45 p.m. Baptism conference, library
7:15 p.m. Joyful Ringers, 235, sanctuary
7:30 p.m. Session, MPR

Wednesday, March 19
7:00 p.m. Companions in Christ, parlor

Thursday, March 20
Maundy Thursday
9:30 a.m. Esther Circle, parlor
7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir, 235, Sanctuary
7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday service, Providence

Friday, March 21
11:00 a.m. Basic Bible, parlor
12:00 p.m. Midday Prayer, sanctuary

7:30 p.m. Good Friday worship. The crucifixion of Christ is remembered with a dramatic service of silence and lamentation.

Saturday, March 22
Easter Breakfast set up, FH
9:00 a.m. Brass rehearsal, sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Egg Hunt, outside
5:30 p.m. Confirmation rehearsal, sanctuary

Sunday, March 23
Easter Sunday
6:30 a.m. Sunrise service, sanctuary
7:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast, FH
8:45 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Church School, various
11:15 a.m. Worship, sanctuary

Christian Education/Children’s Activities
The Nursery is open Sunday mornings in room 245 for infants from 6 weeks to 3 years of age.

Storytime is held for children ages 3 through 5 during the 8:45 a.m. service and for children ages 3 through 1st grade during the 11:15 a.m. After the Conversation with Children, please take your child up to room 252.

Godly Play for children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade is held following the Conversation with Children in room 243 during the 8:45 a.m. service.

During the 10 a.m. Sunday School hour, Fairfax Kids will meet as follows:
Ages 3-4 in room 255 * Ages 5-K in room 257 * Grade 1-2 in room 244
Grade 3-4 in room 234 * Grade 5-6 in room 233

Youth Classes
Youth B&B classes meet at 10 a.m. in rooms 229 for both Junior Highs and Senior Highs. Youth Fellowship will gather at the regular time this afternoon (4:30 p.m.)

10 a.m. Adult Christian Education, Winter 2008
Basic Bible. This in-depth look at the week’s lectionary reading is led by Pastor Henry Brinton in the multipurpose room. No previous Bible study experience required!

Lent is traditionally a time when disciples renew their commitment to the disciplines of Christian life. Join Jessica Tate & Cate Rodman for a Lenten exploration of corporate and individual Christian practices that connect us to God and one another.

Parenting Your Teenager. Celebrate with fellow adventurers on the path to raising adolescents. This class will meet in room 134.
Morning Mingle. This casual, drop-in class uses videos and short studies to explore faith and life connections. They’re found in room 135.

NEWS OF FPC

THE SANCTUARY CHOIR and a group of professional brass and timpani players will lead the music for our celebration of Easter next Sunday. The Sanctuary Choir will sing Bright Easter Morn as the anthem; they will be joined by the instruments on the introit, Christ Is Risen, O Be Joyful, and the offertory, Fanfare for Easter. The instruments will also assist in accompanying our hymns and will be featured in other service music that morning.

ONE GREAT HOUR of Sharing envelopes are available in your pledge envelope packets. This special Lenten offering supports ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives and work together to strengthen their families and communities. Please make out a check to FPC, marked “One Great Hour” on the memo line.

SERVICE and STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

THE 2008 NOMINATING COMMITTEE needs your help to identify the next leaders of our congregation. We seek FPC members ready to answer God’s call to serve as Elders, Deacons and Trustees. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please fill out the FPC nomination form found on the kiosk in the narthex, or e-mail Lee Phillips.

EASTER FLOWER order forms are on the kiosk. Please put completed forms, with a check made out to FPC and marked Easter flowers on the memo line, in the offering plate, or return them to the church office by tomorrow, Mon, Mar 17. This is a wonderful way to help celebrate Easter at FPC and honor loved ones. You may choose to take your plant home or leave it for the deacons to deliver to shut ins or members who have suffered a recent loss.

DID YOU KNOW that our Deacons carry communion to members who are not able to attend church? They need your help in making sure that they offer this service to all our homebound members. If you know a member who is unable to attend services, please e-mail Marylove Klein or Nancy Kay.

VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY FAMILIES for Children seek a few special families willing to open their homes to an abused or neglected child. Stays can be no longer than 21 days; every month, you sign up for the dates you are available. Training is provided. VEFC also needs volunteers for their Community Council, which meets 10 times a year and offers support to families. For more information visit www.vefc.org or contact Kim Ludwig at 703 606-8852 or kludwig@vefc.org.

MEALS ON WHEELS needs drivers to deliver meals to older neighbors unable to cook for themselves. Volunteers are especially needed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Volunteer opportunities are also available to drive older people to medical appointments or shopping or just to make a friendly visit. For more information, contact the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging Volunteer Intake Line at 703 324-5406 or dfsaaavolunteer@fairfaxcounty.gov.

BREAD TEAM ambassadors needed: each week, first-time visitors to FPC receive a loaf of home-baked bread, a special way of welcoming them made possible by our volunteer bakers and the “ambassadors” who make the deliveries. Ambassadors deliver only to visitors who live within 2 or 3 miles of their homes and make deliveries only 4 to 6 times a year. We are in particular need of ambassadors in the Vienna area. For more information, contact Esther Bevis or Mary Ann Campbell.

FPC’S ABENDMUSIK concert is Sun, Apr 20 at 7 p.m. The Sanctuary Choir is preparing selected choruses from Handel’s Messiah for this event. Singers should contact Kenneth Martin to find out how they can participate.

FPC’s Teddy Bear Ministry is flourishing, thanks to ongoing donations of new bears from members and friends. If you know someone who is ill, lonely or depressed, please take them one of our bears. We ask only that you sign it out in the Bear Ministry book in the narthex so we know where its new home is. In order for this ministry to remain successful, we must constantly replenish our bear supply and we appreciate your continuing donations of new bears.

YOUTH NEWS

THEOLOGY CLUB. This new youth small group is dedicated to studying the roots of
Christianity. What does it mean to be a Christian? What does it mean to believe in God? Any 9th to 12th grade youth is welcome to join us for open discussions on Sun, Apr 13 and Sun, May 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the parlor. Contact Abbey Giordano or Jessica Tate for more information.

MULCH MADNESS, our spring youth fundraiser, is upon us. Deadline for orders is Sun, Mar 23; forms are available in the narthex. Sat, Mar 29 is the day for pick-up and delivery.

FPC YOUTH, as part of their “Be the Change” 30 Hour Famine for the World Vision campaign, will fast from April 11 to 13 to raise money for starving children around the world. It is their mission to help prevent the deaths of some of the 29,000 children who die from hunger every day. Help by writing a check to FPC with “30 Hour Famine” on the memo line.

ON THE CALENDAR
CALLING ALL WOMEN, young, old and in between! You are invited to the Generations of Women luncheon Sun, Apr 6 at 12:15 p.m. in fellowship hall. We’ll explore “Praying in Color” as we enjoy food, fun and fellowship! This is an annual tradition at FPC that we hope you can experience this year. It’s potluck, so bring anything you want (really!). Need more information? Contact Cate Rodman.

THE SEWING GROUP will meet tomorrow, Mon, Mar 17 at 10 in the multipurpose room to adapt clothing for wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital. Newcomers are welcome!

CAROL CHOIR will not rehearse today, Sun, Mar 16 or next Sun, Mar 23. Rehearsals will also not be held on Sun, Apr 20, when the Carol Choir will sing at a service that morning, or on Mother’s Day, Sun, May 11.

FPC’S EASTER EGG hunt for children up to age 10 will take place at 10 a.m. Sat, Mar 22. Please donate 24 plastic eggs filled with wrapped candy or stickers by Sun, Mar 16; there will be a collection box in the narthex. Volunteers are needed to help during the hunt as well. Contact Kris Richmond.

YOUNG ADULTS

GMU Students, please join us for a home-cooked meal at Thursday Fellowship Dinners from 7 to 9 p.m. at Saint George’s United Methodist Church (4910 Ox Road). Contact Jessica Tate for more information.

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Fairfax Presbyterian Church - Fairfax, Virginia, 22030-6985
(703) 273-5300 - FAX (703) 591-4246
fpc@fairfaxpresby.com
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