Fairfax Presbyterian Church

March 2, 2008

Mission-Minded, Small-Group Centered

Prelude Nun Bitten Wir D Buxtehude
Donna Whited, Organist

Welcome and Community Announcements Jessica Tate
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.

Introit Look! Here is the Light K Martin
Look! Here is the light that reminds us that Christ shines among us;
For Christ is the light that lightens the whole world,
And Christ is the light that lightens our worship, Yes, . . . (repeat)
(The congregation is invited to join in on the repeat.)

The Lighting of the Christ Candle

Call to Worship (responsive) Henry Brinton
L: Gather round, we have come to this place for worship.
P: Some of us arrive with dry and thirsty souls, longing for refreshment and hope.
L: Lord Jesus, may we receive your living water now.
P: In our worship, may we be blessed, and may we find the joy of eternal life.

* Hymn 510 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts (vv 1,2,3) Quebec

* Call to Confession
L: God gives us many good and life-giving gifts, but we turn away and search for other treasures. Let us confess our failure to walk in the way of the Lord.

* Prayer of Confession (unison)
Creator God, forgive us for all that spoils our lives. Forgive us because, though we have seen your holiness, we have easily put it at the back of our minds. Forgive us because we think we can earn a place in your affections, and so easily forget that the place has been bought for us at a great price by Christ. Forgive us because we think we have only to go on as we are, and all will be well, when really we need to change as radically as if we had been born again. Forgive us our complacency, our lack of obedience to your call. Assure us of our forgiveness in Christ. Amen. (Time for silent confession.)

* Assurance of Forgiveness
L: Jesus has come to save us, not condemn us.
P: Christ has come to show us the way of new and everlasting life.
L: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
P: Thanks be to God! Amen.

* 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.

Sacrament of Baptism (11:15)
Calling Forth
Meaning of Baptism
Question to the Parents
Question to the Congregation
Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed (p. 14, The Hymnal)
Thanksgiving over the Water
Act of Baptizing
Welcome
Hymn 492 Baptized in Water (verse 1 only)

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.

Anthem Veni, Jesu L Cherubini
Instrumental Ensemble, Kenneth Martin, Director

Prayer for Illumination Frances Bowen (8:45); Charles Speer (11:15)

Scripture Lesson Ephesians 5:8-14
8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light – 9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

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

Sermon Diamond in the Rough Henry Brinton

* Hymn 350 Fill My Cup Fill My Cup
(Pass Prayer Cards to the center aisles.)

Prayer Concerns

Offering of Christ’s People
Call to Respond
Offertory Ave Verum, K.619 WA Mozart

* 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)
Accept these gifts, O Lord, and use them to help people who have lost hope, those who mourn this day, those who are victims of tragedy and disaster, those who suffer because of war, those who are lonely and those who are sick. Help us to be your diamonds, transparent to your powerful light. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Call to Communion In Remembrance of Me   B Red
The Bush Family

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Explanation of Our Fresh Look at Communion Jessica Tate
Invitation Henry Brinton
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer
The Breaking of the Bread
The Sharing of the Cup
(Please move to the outer wall of the Sanctuary and form a circle. The elements will be passed from person to person in a clockwise direction. As you pass the bread to your neighbor, please say ”The Body of Christ, broken for you.” As you pass the cup, say, “The Blood of Christ, shed for you.” You may say “Amen” after receiving each element. Please remain standing until the conclusion of the Prayer after Communion.)
Prayer after Communion

* Hymn 510 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts (vv 4,5)  Quebec

* Extroit Now Carry the Light K Martin
Now carry the light that reminds us that Christ goes before us,
For Christ is the light that lightens the whole world,
And Christ is the light that brightens our living. Yes, . . . (repeat)

* Benediction

* Postlude Agincourt Hymn Dunstable
*CCLI License #824089

A FRESH LOOK at Worship! This Lent, we’ll take a fresh look at the various components of worship. Expect to do one new thing each Sunday and experience how God moves in the community as we worship. In this church season of spiritual renewal, enjoy taking a fresh look at our weekly rituals and deepen your experience of worship.

Mar. 9 A Fresh Look at Confession of Sin and Assurance of Pardon
Mar. 16 A Fresh Look at the Call to Worship

A Fresh Look at COMUNION! Communion (also known as The Lord’s Supper) is one of two sacraments in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Jesus commanded us to share this meal in remembrance of him. In this sacrament of bread and wine, the words and actions make the promises of God visible and the covenant between God and the people of God is renewed. God has promised to be our God and we God’s people. As we share the meal we remember God’s grace in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and we proclaim our confident hope that God’s reign will be fully realized. Christ’s sacrificial death is at the heart of communion, but in sharing the meal with one another we believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit we encounter the resurrected, living Christ. It is a joyful feast that we celebrate in thanksgiving for all God has done in the world and in hopeful anticipation of Christ coming again to usher in the kingdom of God.

NOTES ON WORSHIP

THE FLOWERS in the sanctuary this morning are given by The Ruth Circle in honor of Jean Schlappi’s 90th birthday March 3.

WE THANK Stephanie Dugan and Corinne Zimmerman (8:45) and Mary Fesak and Leah Turner (11:15) for helping prepare the table for our Communion services this morning.

WOODWINDS and strings of our Instrumental Ensemble play two choral prayers that relate well to Communion. The English text of the anthem is “Jesus, Savior, come to me.” The offertory is a hymn to the “True Body” of the Bread of the Eucharist. David, Gretchen, Ben & Michael Bush sing the Call to Communion from the musical drama Celebrate Life.

HOLY WEEK AT FPC:
Palm Sunday, March 16, worship at 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. Music by the children of the church and a sermon by the Rev. Jessica Tate.

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.

This Week at FPC

Sunday, March 2

8:45 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Church School, various
11:15 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
12:30 p.m. Nominating Committee, 110
12:30 p.m. Teen Choir, 235
4:30 p.m. Youth Fellowship, various
4:30 p.m. Chapel Choir, 235
4:30 p.m. Carol Choir, 233
7:00 p.m. Encounter, sanctuary

Monday, March 3

7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts, various
7:15 p.m. Radiant Ringers, 232, sanctuary
7:30 p.m. Girl Scouts, 135
7:30 p.m. Midlife Men, 110

Tuesday, March 4

10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting, 110
10:00 a.m. Ruth Circle, parlor
7:00 p.m. Cub Scout Committee, 234
7:00 p.m. All Committee Night, various
7:15 p.m. Joyful Ringers, 235, sanctuary

Wednesday, March 5

7:00 p.m. Companions in Christ,
parlor

Thursday, March 6

7:15 p.m. Sarah Circle, parlor
7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir, 235, sanctuary

Friday, March 7

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

Saturday, March 8

8:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast, MPR
9:00 a.m. Teacher training, 234

Sunday, March 9

8:45 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Church School, various
11:15 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
12:30 p.m. GAM, MPR
12:30 p.m. Glebe lunch, Whipple home
12:30 p.m. Teen Choir, 235
2:00 p.m. Youth Fellowship, sanctuary
4:30 p.m. Chapel Choir, 234
4:30 p.m. Carol Choir, 233
7:00 p.m. Encounter, 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. service in room 252. A Storytime caregiver will meet the children outside the sanctuary after the Conversation with Children or you may take your child up.

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 3-6 in room 233 for the first Sunday of the month Putting Others First class.
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 the larger story of God. This class meets in room 110 beginning today, Sun, Feb 10.

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

BAPTIZED this morningZenas Crane Colt III, son of Jennifer Anne Sowers Colt and Zenas C. Colt II. We welcome Zene's grandfather, Zenas M.C. Colt, his aunt, Susannah Colt, his aunt and uncle Laura & Dave Wrubel and his grandfather Gary Sowers, our clerk of session. Also baptized is Sullivan Patrick Ogden Thompson, son of Nancy Lee Turner Thompson and Clayton Walter Thompson II and brother of Turner Clayton Thompson. We welcome Sullivan’s grandparents, Jim & Linda Turner and Ogden & Nancy Thompson; his great-grandparents, Mabel & Freeman Fry; his great aunts and uncles Richard & Ann Thompson, Philip Barber, Gail Knecht and Rita Beck; and his aunts, uncles and
cousins Wade, Malcolm & Fiona Turner; John, Sean, Max & Leah Turner; Eley, Kara, Sherman, Mitchell, Saunders & Sophia Thompson; Billy & Robin Conner; and Teresa, Brian & Mimi Cook.

ON PALM SUNDAY, March 16, we will gather in the narthex for our Fresh Experience of the Call to Worship. Like the people of Israel entering Jerusalem along with Jesus, we will process into the sanctuary waving palm branches. Please wait to be seated that Sunday until after the Call to Worship.

SERVICE and STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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 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.

FPC’S ABENDMUSIK concert is Sun, Apr 20. The Sanctuary Choir is preparing selected choruses from Handel’s Messiah for this event. Singers who wish to participate can rehearse with us Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kenneth Martin.

THE COMBINED CHILDREN’S choirs will present the anthem on Palm Sun, Mar 16. An invitation is offered for those not currently in a choir to participate. Youth in grades 5 & 6 may join Teen Choir; 2nd through 4th graders are welcome in Chapel Choir; 1st graders may join Carol Choir. Chapel & Carol Choirs rehearse Sundays at 4:30 p.m.; Teen Choir, Sundays at 12:30 p.m. (a snack will be provided). E-mail Kenneth Martin, Donna Whited or Vanessa Mueller.

THE SEWING GROUP will meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mar 3 and 17 to work on projects for the 25:40 mission and adaptive clothing for wounded soldiers. We need your help, for any amount of time you can offer, whether you sew or not. FYI, Mar 9 is the last day to see the altarpiece made by HIV/AIDS patients served by 25:40; it is on display at National Cathedral at 2:30 p.m. Mon-Sat and 12:45 Sun. Contact Carol Radden or Lynne Thompson if you are interested in seeing A Story of Love, a video about Hamburg in South Africa and the hope Dr. Carol Baker Hofmeyr is bringing to people there.

YOUTH NEWS

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. You can help by writing a check to FPC with “30 Hour Famine” on the memo line.

ON THE CALENDAR

MEADOWKIRK, our Presbytery’s camp and retreat ministry in Middleburg, is having an Open House today Sun, Mar 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. This will be a time to explore the facilities and learn about retreat offerings and summer camp opportunities for families, kids, youth and adults. There will be a dedication service for the new dining hall at 3 p.m.

MIDLIFE MEN on a Mission invite you to join their 5th mission trip to Honduras from Nov 1 to 9, 2008. Interested men are welcome to attend the next meeting Mon, Mar 3 at 7:30 p.m. in room 110. Henry Brinton will show a short PowerPoint on Motivating Men to Do Mission and the group will share information about work to be done at a Christian boarding school, camp and clinic. All seeking work and adventure are invited to check out this opportunity.

MEN’S BREAKFAST will meet at 8 a.m. Sat, Mar 8 in the multipurpose room. Charles Uphaus and Ken Bingham will introduce Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement, a coalition of Northern Virginia faith communities working for social justice.

THE GOLDEN AGE group will discuss Tax Tips with retired Fairfax City Commissioner of the Revenue Juanita Dickerson after the 11:15 service on Sun, Mar 9 in the multipurpose room. Please bring a sandwich; we will provide an additional dish, dessert and beverages. All members and visitors are invited to join us for this informative program.

THE GLEBE GUILD spring flower planting luncheon will be held Sun, Mar 9 following the 11:15 a.m. service at the home of Marty & George Whipple. West side Glebe workers are asked to bring a salad; east side workers should bring dessert.

THE MEETING GROUND event “Lose Weight and Get Strong Through the Ten Commandments of Faith and Fitness,” a book talk and signing with authors Henry Brinton and Vik Khanna, has been re-scheduled to Tue, Mar 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

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
Mark your calendars now for our first Young Adults Dinner on Sun, Mar 9 at 6 p.m. at Auld Shebeen Irish Pub in downtown Fairfax City (3971 Chain Bridge Road). Please RSVP to Jessica Tate.

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.

Upcoming Messages
Mar 9 8:45 and 11:15 a.m., Legos and Bones, Ezekiel 37:1-14
Mar 16 8:45 and 11:15 a.m., Palm Sunday, Sermon by Jessica Tate, Mark 11:1-11
Mar 20 7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday; Combined service with
Providence Presbyterian Church, at Providence. Sermon by Jessica Tate
Mar 21 7:30 p.m. Good Friday; Combined service with Providence at FPC

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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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