Fairfax Presbyterian Church

Easter Sunday, March 30, 2008

Mission-Minded, Small-Group Centered

Prelude Tröstung (Solace) F Liszt
Michael Clabough, Guest Organist

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Nancy Stevens
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 brightens our worship.

The Lighting of the Christ Candle

Hymn for the Easter Season
Celebrate with Joy and Singing Evelyn Chapel
Sanctuary Choir, Kenneth Martin, Director

Call to Worship (responsive) Henry Brinton
L: In this Easter season, we celebrate with joy and singing.
P: Christ is alive, the cross is empty!
L: Let us celebrate the good news of the resurrection.
P: Christ is alive, and so are we!

* Hymn 108 Christ is Alive! Truro

* Call to Confession
L: Jesus offers us new life, but so often we act as though we are captive to sin and death. Let us confess our sin to God.

* Prayer of Confession (unison)
Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn. We are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and are indifferent to calls for justice. We despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant, given in Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. (Time for silent confession.)

* Assurance of Forgiveness
L: God gave his only Son to suffer death on the cross for our forgiveness.
P: God delivered us from the power of death by Christ's glorious resurrection.
L: Hear the good news and believe: In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
P: Alleluia! 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.

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 I Know That My Redeemer Lives (8:45) Arr M Cox
He Is Exalted (11:15) arr M Kellner
Instrumental Ensemble, Kenneth Martin, Director

Prayer for Illumination Lisa Bokovoy (8:45); Al Henderson (11:15)

Scripture Lesson Acts 17:22-31
22Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, ‘Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. 23For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, 25nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. 26From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, 27so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him – though indeed he is not far from each one of us. 28For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said, “For we too are his offspring.” 29Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. 30While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.’
L: This is the Word of the Lord.
P: Thanks be to God.

Sermon The Art of Gratuitous Praise Henry Brinton

* Hymn 106 Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks Alleluia No 1
(Pass Prayer Cards to the center aisles.)

Morning Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

Offering of Christ’s People
Call to Respond
Offertory Adagio in D-flat major (8:45) F Liszt
There is a Redeemer (11:15) arr M Kellner

* 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)
Almighty God, in you we live and move and have our being. Thank you for the life you have given us, and the new life that comes through the resurrection of Jesus. Accept these gifts as signs of our gratitude, and use them to spread the good news of your love, healing, and hope throughout the world. Amen.

* Hymn 113 Christ the Lord is Risen Today! Llanfair

* 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.

* Benediction

* Benediction Response Alleluia (8:45) Lyra Davidica

* Postlude Excelsior! Chorale for Organ F Liszt
*CCLI License #824089

NOTES ON WORSHIP
We welcome Michael Clabough as our substitute organist today while Dr. Donna Whited is on vacation. During this Eastertide (the season from Easter until Pentecost) we are using hymn #107 to help focus our celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. This may not be a familiar hymn, so feel free to follow along in the hymnal as the Sanctuary Choir sings today. In a few weeks we will invite you to join in! The Sanctuary Choir anthem at 8:45 a.m. is an arrangement of an early American hymn tune. This sprightly melody captures the excitement of the Resurrection. The Instrumental Ensemble plays two contemporary tunes at the late service that reflect on the Resurrected Christ.

TODAY AT FPC
CHAPEL CHOIR rehearsals resume today, Mar 30 at 4:30 p.m. in room 235. The choir is preparing for its participation in the Abendmusik program on Sun, Apr 20, so don’t miss this opportunity to learn our new songs. Newcomers are always welcome! Carol and Teen Choir rehearsals also resume today, Teen Choir at 12:30 p.m. and Carol Choir at 4:30 p.m.

This Week at FPC
Sunday, March 30
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
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. Youth Sunday Rehearsal, sanctuary

Monday, March 31
6:00 p.m. DYL, Stevens’ home
7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts, various
7:15 p.m. Radiant Ringers, 232, sanctuary
7:30 p.m. Girl Scouts, 135

Tuesday, April 1
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting, 110
10:00 a.m. Ruth Circle, Cook home
7:15 p.m. Joyful Ringers, 235, sanctuary

Wednesday, April 2
7:00 p.m. Companions in Christ, parlor
Thursday, April 3
7:15 p.m. Sarah Circle, Cheadle home
7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir, 235, sanctuary

Friday, April 4
11:00 a.m. Basic Bible, parlor
12:00 p.m. Midday Prayer, sanctuary

Saturday, April 5
8:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast, MPR
8:00 a.m. Glebe Workday
9:30 a.m. Sanctuary Choir, sanctuary, 235

Sunday, April 6
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
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. Youth Sunday Rehearsal, sanctuary

Octagon deadlines: May issue, Tue, Apr 8; June issue, May 13
Information for the Sunday bulletin should be submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday
Send information for The Octagon and the bulletin to office@fairfaxpresby.com.

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. During the 10 a.m. Sunday School hour, Fairfax Kids normally meets 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, Spring 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!
Jessica Tate & Cate Rodman’s class on individual and corporate Christian practices will continue through spring, using the book Christianity for the Rest of Us.
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 FLOWERS in the sanctuary this morning are given by Jim & Linda Turner in memory of their son Clay on the occasion of his birthday today, Mar 30.

FPC RECYCLES! Any and all articles made of glass, aluminum, plastic or paper may now be placed together in the recycling containers found throughout the church. The materials do not need to be separated, but please empty liquids from bottles, cans and cups before placing them in the bins. Thank you for helping us care for God’s creation!

GOLDEN AGE MINISTRY News Note: Don Rapp, author of On Balance: Mastery of Physical Balance for Life and the leader of a GAM workshop to be held at FPC in June, will be featured on Barbara Walter’s 20/20 program on longevity on Tue, Apr 1.

SERVICE and STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
REBUILDING TOGETHER (Christmas in April) is fast approaching. Mark you calendars for Sat, Apr 26 and help us make a difference in the life of Mrs. O’Brien of Falls Church. We will hold a planning meeting Thur, Apr 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Please contact Sal Sparacino, Mac Mercer or Kevin Strickler with questions. To confirm your availability, please complete the form on the kiosk and put it in the offering plate. Thanks for your involvement in this important local mission project.

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.

HOSPITALITY & WELCOME: The Deacons are looking for church members to help them welcome new members to FPC. If you are interested in mentoring a new member to offer intentional hospitality and welcome to our church family, please get in contact with one of the deacons from your parish, or e-mail deacons@fairfaxpresby.com.

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.

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. Plan now to attend, and invite some friends to join you!

YOUTH NEWS
THE GOD AND COUNTRY program will begin Sun, Apr 20 at 4 p.m. for boys and girls in scouting programs who wish to earn a religious medallion. Led by Henry Brinton, the program will be held every two weeks through June 1, with medallions presented at worship on June 15. Interested? Call Henry Brinton at 703 273-5300 by Apr 6.

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.

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
MEN’S BREAKFAST will meet Sat, Apr 5 at 8 a.m. in the multipurpose room. Bill Hendricks will speak about the Shriners’ hospitals for children. Please join us for great fellowship and a great breakfast!

VISITORS are invited to a New Members Seminar on Sunday, April 6 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in room 110. Lunch will be served! Led by the pastors and elders of FPC, this is an opportunity to learn what it means to be a Presbyterian, to hear about the ministry and mission of FPC and to reflect on God’s involvement in your life. At the end of the seminar, you are welcome to join the church. Please RSVP to 703 273-5300 by Wednesday, April 2 to let us know if you will need childcare.

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 GAM LUNCH on Sun, Apr 20 after the 11:15 a.m. service will feature Margie Ralston, Carolyn Major and Nancy Partridge speaking on Nutrition for Seniors.

CAROL CHOIR will not rehearse on Sun, Apr 20, when the Carol Choir will sing at a service that morning, or on Mother’s Day, Sun, May 11.

LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES! Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to join “Team FPC” for the 2nd Annual Run to End Domestic Violence, a 5K Run/Walk at Fort Washington National Park in Maryland on Sat, May 17 at 8 a.m. Four FPC members participated last year, and had a great time! The $20 entry fee benefits a worthy cause – forms are available on the kiosk. Contact Mike Watson for more information.

YOUNG ADULTS
YOUNG ADULTS COOKOUT! If you are a young adult (self-described!), please join us for a cookout on Sat, Apr 12 at 3 p.m. at the home of Abbey & Braden Giordano. Please bring a side dish to share; RSVP to Braden.

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.

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.

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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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