Fairfax Presbyterian Church

September 23, 2007

Mission-Minded, Small-Group Centered

8:45 & 11:15 am Service of Worship

Prelude Holy Manna JW Kerr

Beth Corry, organist

Welcome and Concerns of the Church 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.

Minute for Mission Suzanne Doherty

Call to Worship (responsive) Henry Brinton

L: God of our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers,

P: We remember with gratitude your steadfast love that supports our lives.

L: Grant us your holy presence, your peace and your power,

P: And use this time of remembrance and celebration to renew our faith in you.

#*Hymn 563 Lift Every Voice and Sing Life Every Voice

* Call to Confession

L: We sin not only by doing evil, but by failing to do good. Let us admit our failings together ...

* Prayer of Confession (unison)

Compassionate God, forgive us our failure of nerve and loss of vision, our shortage of hope and lack of trust, our eyes that do not see and our ears that do not hear, our wanting too little and our expecting too much, our efforts in middling causes, our mediocrity in serving your Kingdom. Forgive us, Lord, and let the shock of a fresh start shake us into new patterns of living. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. (Time for silent confession.)

* Assurance of Forgiveness (responsive)

L: The proof of God's amazing love is this: While we still were sinners, Christ died on the cross, to bring us forgiveness.

P: Thanks be to God for this gift of new life.

* Response to Our Assurance Gloria Patri

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

Storytime (in room 252 for children age 3 to 5) and nursery (in room 245 for children under 3) are available during all services.

Anthem Awake, My Heart J M Marshall

Sanctuary Choir

Prayer for Illumination Serena Mercer

Scripture Lesson Luke 16:1-13

1Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. 2So he summoned him and said to him, “What is this that I hear about you? Give me an account of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.” 3Then the manager said to himself, “What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.” 5So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, “How much do you owe my master?” 6He answered, “A hundred jugs of olive oil.” He said to him, “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.” 7Then he asked another, “And how much do you owe?” He replied, “A hundred containers of wheat.” He said to him, “Take your bill and make it eighty.” 8And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. 9And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes. 10‘Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. 11If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? 13No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’

Sermon Is Honesty the Best Policy? Henry Brinton

* Hymn 388 O Jesus, I Have Promised Angel’s Story

(Pass Prayer Cards to the center aisles.)

Morning Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

Offering of Christ’s People

Call to Respond

Offertory God of the Sparrow J Kerr

* 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)

Keep our eyes on your kingdom, Lord, and make us bold and creative in the ways that we serve you. Accept these gifts, and use them to do your healing, teaching, and transforming work on earth. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.

* Hymn 371 Lift High the Cross Crucifer

* Benediction

Benediction Response Ascription of Praise D M Schwoebel

* Postlude Fanfare M Helman

*CCLI License #824089

Announcements (September 23, 2007)

This Week at FPC

Sunday, September 23

8:45 a.m. Encounter, sanctuary

10:00 a.m. Church School

10:00 a.m. Chapel, Carol Choir Meeting, 235

10:00 a.m. PWCT, parlor

11:15 a.m. Worship, sanctuary

4:00 p.m. YF, various

7:00 p.m. Jam Session, sanctuary

Monday, September 24

10:00 a.m. Sewing, MPR

9:30 a.m. Martha Circle, parlor

6:00 p.m. DYL, Stevens home

7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts, MPR

7:00 p.m. Elizabeth Circle, Rodman home

7:15 p.m. Radiant Ringers, 232

Tuesday, September 25

10:00 a.m. Purly Gators, library

7:15 p.m. Joyful Ringers, 232

Wednesday, September 26

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

7:30 p.m. Quilters, 110

Thursday, September 27

9:30 a.m. Esther Circle, parlor

7:30 p.m. Choir 101, Sanctuary Choir, 235

Friday, September 28

11:00 a.m. Basic Bible, parlor

12:00 p.m. Midday Prayer, sanctuary

Saturday, September 29

8:15 a.m. NCP/PW Fall Gathering, various

Sunday, September 30

8:45 a.m. Worship, sanctuary

10:00 a.m. Church School

10:00 a.m. Chapel, Carol Choir Meeting, 235

11:15 a.m. Worship, sanctuary

12:30 p.m. Congregational meeting followed by reception for new members & new staff

4:30 p.m. YF, various

7:00 p.m. Encounter rehearsal, FH

Christian Education

Children’s Activities

The Nursery is open Sunday mornings 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 will be held following the Conversation with Children 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 137
Grade 3-4 in room 233
Grade 5-6 in room 234

Youth Classes

Youth B&B classes will kick off today, Sun, Sept 23.

10 a.m. Adult Classes

Discovering the Christian Calendar. FPC’s own seminary student Lois Aroian will engage this class in thought-provoking discussions about church life and worship in room 110.

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!

Parenting Your Teenager. Commiserate and celebrate with fellow adventurers on the path to raising adolescents. Facilitated by your fellow parents of teenagers, this class meets in fellowship hall.

Morning Mingle. This casual, drop-in class uses videos and short studies to explore faith and life connections. They’re found in room 244 across from the nursery.

NEWS OF FPC

WE WELCOME Dr. Suzanne Doherty of the Center for Pastoral Counseling of Virginia as she offers a minute for mission. Please pick up a flier about the Center and its Second Annual Benefit from the narthex as you leave this morning.

JESSICA TATE will be examined by National Capital Presbytery Tue, Sept 25 at 2:30 p.m. Members of FPC are invited and encouraged to attend this portion of the presbytery meeting to support her. The meeting will be held at National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Avenue in Washington DC.

THE FLOWERS in the sanctuary this morning are given by Sue & Mike Watson in honor of their 27th wedding anniversary.

THE REV DR. ROGER J. GENCH, pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, will preach at FPC Sun, Oct 14 at both services. Roger and Henry are performing a “pulpit exchange” that day, with Henry preaching at New York Avenue. In addition to hearing Roger’s sermon, FPC members will learn about his experience with community organizing and the Washington Interfaith Network’s successful efforts to promote social justice issues in the District. FPC is exploring the possibility of being part of a similar network here in Northern Virginia being facilitated by the Industrial Areas Foundation.

A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held Sun, Sept 30 following the 11:15 a.m. service of worship for the purpose of electing elders, deacons and members of the 2008 nominating committee. All FPC members are encouraged to attend.

A reception for our new Associate Pastor Jessica Tate, our new Acting Director of Music Kenneth Martin and our new members will be held after the 11:15 a.m. service of worship on Sun, Sept 30.

THE FPC WEBSITE BULLETIN BOARD found on the home page provides the latest news of our church. Click on “Bulletin Board” for information regarding funeral announcements, church closings and other news. If you have something you would like to add to the FPC Bulletin Board, e-mail webteam@fairfaxpresby.com.

DID YOU NOTICE two boxes in the narthex extension with colorful files? These are resource files brought to you by the FPC Golden Age Ministry (GAM). They provide FPC members of any age with information about local resources addressing health, life planning and life enrichment issues. GAM welcomes your comments, suggestions and participation in its activities. We expect these files to find a permanent home in the church library.

SERVICE, STEWARDSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

THE GOLDEN AGE ministry is seeking volunteers to transport senior FPC members to and from church, medical appointments and various errands. An immediate need is transport for Joe Cardassi, our volunteer assistant building administrator, to and from the church office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and to and from worship services on Sundays. Joe resides at 14400 Woodmere Court, #123 in Centreville. If you can assist Joe with transport, please contact Marilyn Cromartie. If Centreville is not a convenient location for you, but you might be able to assist in other transportation needs as they arise, contact Bob Thompson.

THE SEWING GROUP needs your help! We are trying to make 70 skirts for Honduran school girls. We need your help pressing and inserting elastic. No sewing skills are required. Please join us on Mon, Sept 24 and/or Oct 1 in the multipurpose room from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or any period of time you have available. We also need boys’ navy blue slacks, girls’ and boys’ white shirts, blouses or T-shirts to complete the uniforms. Please donate your gently used clothing by leaving them in the multipurpose labeled for the sewing group. We hope to have 140 uniforms ready for the Men on a Mission to take to Honduras on their trip this year. For more information about the Sewing Group, please see the September Octagon or the FPC website or contact Lynne Thompson.

LET’S FIGHT the flu at FPC! Flu shot clinics will be held in fellowship hall from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sun, Oct 7 and 14. Sign up sheets are posted in the narthex. The cost is $25. Senior citizens, bring your medicare cards and nurses will bill them directly. Call Sandy Henderson for more information.

ELEVEN MEMBERS AND FRIENDS of FPC will run the Marine Corps marathon this fall in support of the 25:40 ministry, which assists children in South Africa whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS. You can make a donation to support any one or all of our runners online at www.2540.org or by writing a check to FPC with “25:40 marathon” on the subject line (donations made through the church will be in support of all ten runners). Please make your donations as soon as possible.

DO YOU KNOW your numbers? No, not your cell phone or Blackberry numbers, but your blood pressure numbers. Stop by the narthex extension after the service on the first Sunday of every month to have one of FPC's health care professionals check your blood pressure and to receive important information about the most recent guidelines regarding high blood pressure. If you are a health care professional and would like to be a part of this important ministry, please contact Lenny Pacholski.

ON THE CALENDAR

KENNETH MARTIN asks parents of Carol and Chapel Choir children to meet in room 235 at 10 a.m. today, Sun, Sept 30 to discuss plans for this fall. Start up for these choirs, originally set for this week, will be delayed pending the outcome of these dialog sessions in order to ensure that the choirs meet the needs of our children and the desires and goals of their families.

BASIC BIBLE meets every Friday from 11 to noon in the parlor. Join us in this weekly study of the Sunday scripture lessons. No experience required!

MIDDAY PRAYER is held every Friday from noon to 12:30 in the sanctuary for all who want to bring their joys and concerns to God.

A BAPTISM CONFERENCE for anyone desiring baptism for themselves or their children will be held Tue, Oct 16 at 6:45 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Please note this new date, time and location.

A BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON will be held in your honor on Sun, Oct 28. Be sure to save the date because it won’t be a party without you! The Member Connections Ministry would like to live up to its name and connect FPC members to one another. You will sit at tables according to your birthday month and meet others born in the same month. Kids will sit at a separate birthday table. We still need people to help with decorations and bake birthday cakes. If you would like to volunteer your services, please call Megan Lyons.

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

RALLY FOR INTERFAITH Social Action at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church at 4 p.m. today, Sun, Sept 23 and learn more about the Virginia Interfaith Center’s efforts to promote social justice in our Commonwealth and how you can join in the cause.

THE REVEREND Jeanne Torrence Finley of United College Ministries of Northern Virginia is seeking short term housing for herself and her husband. If you have information about a short lease, sublet, or private rooms available in someone’s home, please contact her at 540 239-6013, 703 426-1939 or 703 476-7032.

Upcoming Messages

Sun, Sept 30 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. Sermon by Jessica Tate

Sun, Oct 7 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. Small Steps, Luke 17:5-10 World Communion Sunday

Sun, Oct 14 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. Pulpit exchange with Roger Gench

Sun, Oct 21 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. My Bad, Luke 18:9-14

Youth News

Today, Sun, Sept 23 will be the first in our series of 4th Sunday Jam concerts. Work In Progress, a contemporary Christian Band, will perform in our sanctuary from 7 to 8 p.m. They are based out of Vienna Presbyterian Church and are well known in the Northern Virginia area their performances at The Great Banquet. There is no charge.

Sun, Sept 30 the youth will host a Spaghetti Dinner for the congregation and share their experiences from the mission trip to Philadelphia and the summer retreat in Montreat, NC. There is no charge for this event; it’s a way for them to say thank you for the support of the congregation and share their experiences with their FPC family. More details to follow, but please mark your calendars and join us for dinner.

Previous Bulletins Index

Upcoming and prior messages
by Henry Brinton
(can be found on the Sermon Index Page)

10723 Main Street
Fairfax, Virginia 22030-6985
(703)273-5300
Fax (703) 591-4246

Fairfax Presbyterian Church - Fairfax, Virginia, 22030-6985
(703) 273-5300 - FAX (703) 591-4246
fpc@fairfaxpresby.com
Contact Web Team with comments and updates.