26th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 27, 2015

GATHERING

THE WELCOME THE PRELUDE “O Christ, the Healer” (hymnal #793) Sadowski “Prayer” Asper When the prelude begins, let us quietly and prayerfully prepare our hearts and minds to worship Almighty God. LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE CALL TO WORSHIP inspired by James 5:13-20

We will walk this day with you, O God, and you will walk with us, gathering us into a community to pray for one another in all things. We will walk this day with you, O Christ, and you will walk with us, calling us to follow you, helping us to set aside all which holds us back. We will walk this day with you, O Spirit, and you will walk with us, sending us out, side by side, to serve those cast aside by the world. ~ written by Thom Shuman

OPENING PRAYER inspired by James 5, Mark 9 Christ Jesus, we come into your presence from many different places. We come with songs of joy and shouts of gratitude. We come carrying heavy burdens and sighs of suffering. As you welcome us into your house, lift our burdens and receive our praise. Salt us with your grace and flavor us with your mercy. Bind us together, that we may be at peace with one another and be strengthened to go forth in service to the world. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. ~ Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009

*SONG OF PRAISE “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” p. 645

*CALL TO CONFESSION *PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of glory, we confess that we have not sought your face. We ignore the needs of the poor and turn away from our own kin. We allow the gospel to go stale, and hide the light you have given. Forgive us; give us grace. By the renewing gifts of your Spirit inspire and empower us again to show the wonder of your love in Jesus Christ our Lord.

God of abundant grace, hear our prayer. We pray for this community… Bless the good that we seek to do in your name; help us to work together more effectively, finding common cause with all who do your will. God of abundant grace, hear our prayer. We pray for loved ones… When danger and distress is all around, show the strength of your steadfast love, and the power of your helping hand. God of abundant grace, hear our prayer. Generous God, as you provide for us each day, nourish and strengthen us in faith and faithfulness, so that we may share your grace in a hungry world; through Jesus Christ, the bread of life. Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

SENDING

*SENDING SONG “The Lord Now Sends Us Forth” p. 747 *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION Go now and celebrate wherever God’s name is honored. When suffering comes, pray in faith. In times of joy, sing songs of praise. Persevere in prayer and action to bring the fallen back to the truth. And may God save you from all that would harm you; May Christ Jesus heal you and raise you up; and may the Holy Spirit anoint you and give you peace with one another. We go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen. ~ Copyright © 2003 Nathan Nettleton

*POSTLUDE “Allegretto” Stainer

(Silent Confession) *WORDS OF ASSURANCE from Psalm 145:13-14

The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down. Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace. Thanks be to God! ~ First Presbyterian Church of Garland, Texas

WORSHIP DANCE

Fight Song/Amazing Grace Kym Peters

THE WORD

CHILDREN’S TIME SCRIPTURE Psalm 19: 7-14 p. 858 Mark 9: 38-50 p.1569 James 5: 13-20 p.1885 MESSAGE Community Life *SONG OF RESPONSE “We Cannot Measure How You Heal” p. 797

THE EUCHARIST

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING OFFERTORY “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” Wood *DOXOLOGY p. 606 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *DEDICATION OF THE OFFERING *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE In our trouble and need, we look to the Lord, the giver of our daily bread, saying: God of abundant grace, hear our prayer. We pray for the church...Teach us the power of fervent prayer, calling on you in our sickness and suffering and singing your praise in times of joy. God of abundant grace, hear our prayer. We pray for the world… Empower ordinary people to take risks for the sake of peace and justice, always remembering the poor and vulnerable.

MOMENTS FOR MEDITATION

Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is

powerful and effective. James 5: 16

WELCOME ~ We are pleased you are here this morning. In order to be a welcoming congregation we encourage you to pick up your nametag, or make one at the table in the narthex. A nursery is available for children 4 and under in room 104, follow the signs down the hallway. BE STILL AND KNOW ~ Recognizing the importance of having a time for stillness in order to prepare for worship, we have a time of welcome and announcements at 9:55 a.m. Following this, we invite you to allow the music of the prelude to touch your heart, quiet your spirit and lift your soul towards God. The lighting of the Christ Candle will move us into active worship. We encourage you to arrive a few minutes early so you can participate in this important time of preparation. Those who enter during this time are asked to do so quietly.

ANNOUNCEMENTS PRESBYTERY PW MEETING ~ All church women are invited to attend the Prospect Hill Presbyterian Women’s 2015 Fall Gathering, Monday, September 28, 2015, at Memorial Presbyterian Church, Cherokee, Iowa. Let’s carpool together. Meet at the church parking lot Monday, September 28th ready to leave the church by 8:00 a.m. For more information, contact Audrey Scholten, Evelyn Kendall or Mary Bomgaars.

THE FORUM ~ This class for adults will resume on October 4th, at noon in the youth room. There will be a light lunch served. The Forum is a place where people can gather to view and discuss the series, “The Meaning of Life: Perspectives From the World’s Great Intellectual Traditions” guided by Professor Jay L. Garfield. All are invited!

PLAYGROUND ~ Attention kids! Be sure to check out the updated playground! The Penning family donated the materials to freshen up our play equipment in loving memory of Abby Penning. Thank-you to Lowell, Pat & Ben Penning for this generous gift!

YOUTH GROUP ~ High School youth will meet this Wednesday at Rejoice Community Church. We are excited about joining together with Calvin Christian Reformed Church and Rejoice Community Church again this year to provide these opportunities for our youth. Both programs run from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Middle School will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at PUCC, with High School youth meeting every week. Come and bring a friend!

CONFIRMATION BIBLES ~ Confirmation Class will be offered this year to our stu-dents in 7th and 8th grades. Our students will be receiving Bibles on Sunday, October 4th, with class beginning on Wednesday, October 7th. Classes will be the 1st and 3rd Wednes-days each month, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the youth room.

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY ~ We will be celebrating communion with Christians all around the world next Sunday, October 4th!

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS ~ Noah’s Ark Preschool is seeking two individuals to be substitute teachers. Candidates must be available Monday-Thursday from 8:15am-11:15am and/or from 12:15pm-3:15pm. Duties include passing out papers, serving snack, cleaning, and playing with children. No teaching is expected. Interested candidates must complete a state and national background check and have an updated physical on file at the preschool. If you are interested and/or have any questions, please contact Shannon Jensen, Director/Teacher at 546-6626 or at puccnoahsark@frontier.com.

PUMPKINLAND ~ Middle school & high school youth will be traveling to Pumpkinland on October 14th. Details will follow. Save the date!

MOSAIC OF PEACE ~ The Mission Commission plans to support sending a representative of our church to the Mosaic of Peace conference in Jerusalem next April. We plan to use Human Development Funds to pay for the entire cost of the conference. Attendees will be inspired by the stories of Christian peacemakers in the Holy Land, walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace and encounter contemporary Palestinians and Israelis; they will be equipped by engagement with Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders, experience contextual theology and study peacemaking practices within the framework of PCUSA policy; they will be connected with global and local partners to take meaningful action for a just and lasting peace in the region. This is a limited enrollment conference and applications must be submitted by October 15. Not everyone who applies may be accepted. It is expected if anyone from our congregation is accepted, that they will continue to tell their story in our Presbytery upon returning. Please contact Dennis Sohl, chair of the Mission Commission soon if you are interested.

WORSHIP AT HILLVIEW PARK ~ Sunday October 18th at 10:30 AM. Catered meal following worship, with a hike in the park after lunch. Save the date!

BOARD

OF ELDERS

Karissa Carlson, Clerk

Evelyn Kendall

Deb Thompson

Lowell Penning

Beth Kehrberg

Kevin Albers

Rob Bixenman, Treasurer

Mike Cunningham

Roger Dempster

Linda Smith

Arlo Swalve

MODERATOR

Rev. Jan Christensen

504 6th Avenue SE

Office: 546-6624

Cell: 541-3586

Email:puccpastor@frontier.com

Pucclemars.com

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Presbyterian UCC

BOARD OF DEACONS

Betty Athens 546-6611

Cris Collins 546-4510

Lon Penning 546-4637

Colleen Scholten 546-4775

Dennis Smith 546-7580

Bruce Brock 548-4611

Kay Koch 546-6905

Teresa Peters 546-6763

Mary Bomgaars 546-6470

CALENDAR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

9:15 AM - Sunday School

10:30 AM - Worship

11:30 AM - Refreshments in the Fellowship Hall

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Office Closed

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

6:30 PM - HS Youth Group @ Rejoice!

7:00 PM - Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

9:15 AM - Sunday School

10:30 AM - Worship/World Communion Sunday

11:30 AM - Refreshments in the Fellowship Hall

OFFICE HOURS

The church office is open 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,

Tuesday through Friday. Closed during noon hour

You may also contact the office through e-mail,

puccoffice@frontier.com, or phone 546-6624

PLEASE KEEP THE

FOLLOWING IN YOUR THOUGHTS

AND PRAYERS

Pat Hawkins

Jean Rowe

Betty Swalve

Mikalla Ericson

Tyler Finley

Marlyce Christensen

Walker Raymond

Mavis Kuper

Jim Farley

Dr. Ron Batz

Chris Jackson

Dennis Smith

Tyler Schweisow

Evelyn Kendall

Brad Athens

Rod & Colleen Scholten

Norma Martfeld

Pam Schweisow & Family

The Family of Linda Angerman

The Family of Sonny Athens

The Family of Abby Penning The Family of Gale Dennler

The Family of Bette Waite

Please pray for Zoar Presbyterian Church,

In George, IA and their pastor, Dale Lint.

WELCOME EVERYONE! If you are here today, looking for a friendly church...where you will be loved and accepted regardless of your age, class,

race, ethnicity, or lifestyle orientation...where you will be challenged to reflect on your beliefs, acknowledge your doubts, ask your questions, and grow in faith...where God’s desire for

compassion, healing, reconciliation, justice and joy is preached...where you are given the opportunity to put your

faith into action through effective outreach ministries...then we trust you will feel at home here! No matter who you are, or

where you are in your life journey… You are welcome here!

Presbyterian United Church of Christ 858 Seventh St. S.E. Le Mars, IA 51031

Please join us after worship for coffee and fellowship

In the Fellowship Hall.

SERVING THIS SUNDAY USHERS - Jeff & Teresa Peters Roger & Karen Dempster GREETER - Jackie Albers READER - Lowell Penning CANDLE LIGHTERS - HOST/HOSTESS - Karen Peters AUDIO/VISUAL - Lon Penning ELDER - Kevin Albers NURSERY - Open but Unattended ORGANIST– Laurey Zwart MUSIC DIRECTOR - Deb Thompson PASTOR - Rev. Jan Christensen

SERVING NEXT SUNDAY USHERS - Scott Goeken, Harold Peters Roger & Karen Dempster GREETER - Jeanine Penning READER - Rod Scholten CANDLE LIGHTERS - HOST/HOSTESS - Rob & Janelle Bixenman AUDIO/VISUAL - Lon Penning ELDER - Linda Smith NURSERY - Open but Unattended ORGANIST– Laurey Zwart MUSIC DIRECTOR - Deb Thompson PASTOR - Rev. Jan Christensen

September 27, 2015 puccoffice@frontier.com

Pucclemars.com

712.546.6624

MISSION STATEMENT Followers of Christ serving, growing and reaching out as a

loving and engaged faith community with opportunities for all.