SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 17, 2020

Coming to faith is analogous to falling in love. One cannot fall in love in the abstract. Love

comes through an encounter with another person. The same is true of faith. If faith is a

relationship with the living Christ and the living God who sent him, then faith can only

come through an encounter with them. And the Spirit is the one who makes this presence

known.

Craig R. Koester, New Testament Scholar, Luther Theological Seminary

PRELUDE

Cathédrales, Op, 55, No. 3 Louis Vierne

from 24 Pièces de fantaisie (1870-1937)

Played and recorded by organist Doug Savin,

on his home instrument utilizing Hauptwerk technology.

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

One: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

All: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Fill us with your holy love, O Lord, and open the treasures of your wisdom to us. You alone know all that we desire.

So perfect what you have begun in us, and answer the prayers you instill in us through the stirring of your Holy Spirit. Even as we seek your face, turn to us and show us your glory. Then our longing will be satisfied, and our peace will be complete. Amen. —Based on a prayer of Augustine of Hippo (354–430)

GATHERING HYMN 464

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee ODE TO JOY

CORPORATE CONFESSION

Eternal God,

in whom we live and move and have our being,

whose face is hidden from us by our sins,

and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts:

Cleanse us from all our offenses,

and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires,

that with reverent and humble hearts

we may draw near to you,

confessing our faults,

confiding in your grace,

and finding in you our refuge and strength;

through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.

Silent prayers of personal confession may be offered.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

Hear the good news!

Hope does not disappoint us,

for God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us in

baptism.

Believe this good news and give thanks: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

Thanks be to God.

SUNG PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Come and Fill Our Hearts sung three times CONFITEMINI DOMINO

SCRIPTURE READINGS

First Reading Acts 17:22-31

Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely

religious you are in every way. For 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. The

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, nor is he served by human hands, as

though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and

all things. From 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, so 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. For ‘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.’

Since 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. While God

has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people

everywhere to repent, because 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.”

ANTHEM

If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments Thomas Tallis

(c. 1505-1585)

Sung by the Sanctuary Choir of First & Franklin Presbyterian Church,

recorded during a service of worship in 2017.

If ye love me,

keep my commandments,

and I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another comforter,

that he may 'bide with you forever,

e'en the spirit of truth. John 14:15–17

Second Reading John 14:15-21

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he

will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth,

whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You

know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no

longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you

will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my

commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will

be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

SERMON I Will Not Leave You Orphaned

HYMN OF RESPONSE 419

How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord REPTON

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Please use the chat forum to enter your prayers and we will share those as a part of our communal worship.

O God, in your mercy. Hear our prayers. PURPLE RIBBON LIST

05/05/2020 David Spangler 55 Male Unknown

05/06/2020 Jalen Cuspert 27 Male Unknown

05/06/2020 Briana Mayers 23 Female Unknown

05/07/2020 Shawanna Spann 28 Female Unknown

05/07/2020 Troy Shelton 49 Male Black

05/08/2020 Justin Snipe 30 Male Black

05/10/2020 Brandon Brown 32 Male Black

05/12/2020 Rudolph Lomax 22 Male Unknown

05/13/2020 Tamerrah Gilliam 36 Male Unknown

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

OFFERTORY

See invitation to give in the Chat Box on Zoom. If you wish to give via Paypal, you will need to open a new tab on your browser. If you need assistance please request help from either of our E-Ushers: Allie Pyan alexandra.pyan@gmail.com or Sabrina Schlosser Schumann ssschuma@gmail.com

If you would like to give your offering by mail, please send to the church office at First & Franklin Presbyterian Church, 210 West Madison Street, Baltimore MD 21201. Offerings will be processed weekly.

OFFERTORY ANTHEM The Call (from Five Mystical Songs) Ralph Vaughan Williams

(1872-1958)

John McLucas, baritone Jason Kissel, organ

Recorded during a service of worship at First & Franklin, 2019.

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life: Such a way as gives us breath; Such a truth as ends all strife; Such a life as killeth death. Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength: Such a light as shows a feast; Such a feast as mends in length; Such a strength as makes his guest. Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart: Such a joy as none can move; Such a love as none can part; Such a heart as joys in love. George Herbert (1593-1633)

DOXOLOGY 591 OLD HUNDREDTH

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all creatures here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION Phil Adams

God of light and abiding love, thank you for the gift of a guide and companion,

especially in these times when our fears and loss of control overwhelm us. When the

ground seems uncertain under our feet and we grope in the darkness of uncertainty

may our faith be found unwavering and our urge to give out of our abundance

unbroken. Guide us to use these offerings in ways that help others find the comfort,

communion, and joy you offer through the programs of this church and the examples

of our lives. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

SENDING HYMN 281

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah CWM RHONDDA

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

FELLOWSHIP

Giving at First & Franklin Presbyterian Church

The ministry of the First & Franklin Church depends on your generous giving, especially in these difficult times. Click the link to give your offering: GIVE. Please consider using an “automatic payment” for your church giving, or mail your offering to the church office at 210 West Madison Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Your gifts will be processed by the church office.

LEADING WORSHIP TODAY

Rev. Rob Hoch, Pastor

Jason Kissel, Minister of Music & Organist

Taylor Brooks, Tech Support

Marianne Shick, soprano, hymn leader

The First & Franklin Sanctuary Choir, anthem recordings

Pastor Rob's schedule runs from Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

(not including Sunday). To meet with Rob, please set up an appointment.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

UPDATE ON FINANCIAL AND STAFFING DECISIONS BY THE SESSION

(May 7, 2020)

As you know, all of us face difficult decisions in the continuing crisis of the

pandemic, including the leadership of First & Franklin Presbyterian Church. We have tried

to balance the church's financial needs with the deep bond of affection we feel for each

member of our staff in this community of faith. It is in that spirit that Session has continued

to pay all of our part-time staff up until now, even those who have not been able to work.

In light of curtailed revenue and continued uncertainty about when we may resume in-

person worship and what it may look like, it is with a heavy heart that Session has taken

action to preserve the financial position of the church in this national emergency. At its May

5th meeting, the Session voted to cease remuneration for paid choristers, the Associate for

Youth Music Ministry, nursery care providers, and extra office help at the end of the current

pay period, and to cease to pay the Director of Arts and Christian Education at the end of

the academic term ending on May 31st. First & Franklin will remain at summertime staffing

levels until further notice. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Laurel

Oldach, Chair of the Finance Committee (laurel.oldach@gmail.com).

Session

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR OFFERINGS

As we all recognize real concerns for our friends who will experience hardships through this

disruption in regular routines, so too, we need to be mindful that your weekly contributions

are critical to helping us maintain the financial obligations of the church. Payroll, mortgages,

electricity and the rest are needs we must continue to cover, and your continued support of

your pledges will be even more important while we are tele-worshiping. In addition to

accepting your pledges by mail to the church office, we have recently added a PayPal link to

the top of our new website which will allow us to process donations with this link: GIVE.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

PASSING THROUGH THE ARCH OF CONSTANTINE: MUSICAL

DIVERSION BY SCOTT FULTON AND FRIENDS

May 17, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern US Time

Greetings, Friends – We’ll do some music again this Sunday for those in lock down or partial

lock down. We’re calling the fifth in this informal concert series, “Passing Through the Arch

of Constantine: Musical Diversion by Scott Fulton and Friends”. We’ll start at 1:00 p.m.

Eastern US time and 7:00 p.m. Rome time, Sunday May 17th. The theme reflects that we are

now passing through a gradual lifting of the lockdown here in Italy. Because of this, the re-

openings that are occurring in other countries, and the likely pickup of social and other

activity for all of us, we’re thinking that this will probably be our last in this series.

Many thanks again to Chandler Randol for joining us as a guest artist on the May 3rd

program. If you missed that program, you can watch the video here:

https://zoom.us/rec/share/4O0lLe7rrHhIbpXH2GfDUaV5MNnGeaa80CIb_KcIzka1EN

beo3OdhsGksS0x3poR Password: 5u%E7NI$

This Sunday we will have at least three guest appearances: Walt and Peggy Edmonds in

Monrovia, Maryland (USA), and Jess and Pete Troell of Zimbabwe (currently sheltering near

Charlottesville, Virginia (USA)), and Chase Livingston in Hawaii (thanks for getting up so

early, Chase!).

Please scroll to the bottom here for the Zoom coordinates and instructions for this Sunday’s

program. Again, for those of you listening alone, we suggest that you listen with headphones

for the best audio results. As always, feel free to pass the invitation along to others.

If you are not on our email list (i.e., if you got the invitation from someone other than us),

please use your email to sign in; that way we can stay in touch.

As with last time, we’ll linger at the end and open up the lines for some banter.

For those enjoying singing along, here are some of the covers that may be shared this time

(not necessarily in this order): Shower the People You Love With Love, Edelweiss, This

Land is Your Land, This is My Song, Don’t Worry Be Happy, For Baby, Hammer Song,

Folsom Prison Blues, Dream a Little Dream, Home on the Range, I Can See Clearly Now,

Here Comes the Sun, Volare, When the Saints go Marching In, We’ll Meet Again.

These shows are being done with basically no equipment (unplugged and unrefined), so, if

you want a better audio experience, you may want to go to the websites where you can listen

to studio recordings of some of the music: e.g., https://www.scottcolefulton.com

or https://www.scottfulton.hearnow.com

We look forward to connecting on Sunday whoever needs the diversion or company.

Apologies to those only recently added to the email list that we thought had been included

all along. We have enjoyed these moments with all of you, and are thankful that you

welcomed us into your homes.

Take good care, keep your chins up and your wings level, and stay healthy.

Scott and Sasha

Zoom Invitation

Topic: Passing Through the Arch of Constantine: Musical Diversion by Scott Fulton and

Friends

Time: May 17, 2020 1:00 PM Eastern US Time

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96579853493?pwd=VnNsOU5LdEpuY0txK3VIK0c0VkNBZz09

Meeting ID: 965 7985 3493

Password: 011169

One tap mobile

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Dial by your location

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Meeting ID: 965 7985 3493

Password: 011169

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ab3k42Z88M

MORNING PRAYER | 7:00am

Please join us online:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Zoom Event Click: MORNING PRAYER

Facebook Live: FFFacebook

HYMNALS

If you wish to have a copy of the pew hymnal delivered to your home, please contact

Minister of Music & Organist, Jason Kissel at jkissel@firstfranklin.org, or 443-631-6480.

Singing is one way to celebrate our unity in God's spirit during times of physical separation.

Having a hymnal in your hands during online Sunday services can not only strengthen our

collective experience, it also serves as a rich source of study, meditation and prayer

throughout the week.

E-USHERS NEEDED FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

We are in need of E-Ushers for Sunday Worship Services. These are people who are

comfortable with technology and can help others if they need it. Those who use

laptops/desktops are preferable rather than those who use smartphones or landline phones.

If you will be able to help out, please email Wanda Morgan at information@firstfranklin.org

to let her know which Sunday you will be available.

THE SPIRE SERIES

The Spire Series, First & Franklin’s signature arts series is pleased to present a reimagined

version of the Fourth Annual Baltimore Piano Marathon Concert. On Sunday, May 24

beginning at 2:00 p.m., video performances by five outstanding pianists will be played in a

virtual marathon. Pianists Michael Angelucci, Matthew Bachman, Yury Kosachevich, Ken

Osowski and Michael Sheppard have recorded 25-minute segments in their homes, which

include brief remarks about the music they are playing. Music of Handel, Debussy, Chopin,

Schumann/Liszt, Beethoven, Bach and Sondheim will be featured!

PENTECOST SUNDAY WITH MADISON AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH

We are excited to announce that we will be holding a joint service of worship with the

Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church of Baltimore on May 31st, 2020, Pentecost Sunday.

We will be hosting the service on Zoom.

Please note: The service will begin at 10:15 a.m.

More details to follow!

PASTOR'S BLOG

Please click on the link below to read the lastest editions of the Pastor's Blog:

https://www.firstfranklin.org/category/pastors-blog/

DID YOU MISS A SUNDAY?

Or did you want to re-visit a particular sermon from our congregational life?

Please visit: Sermons

THEOLOGY ON TAP | May 19 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Join us for a satisfying talk with Paul in his Letter to the Galatians. If “satisfying talk” and “Paul” aren’t quite natural partners in your vocabulary, bring a beverage of your choosing to take the edge off, and together we’ll quaff a pint of Pauline theology! Topic: Theology on Tap Time: May 19, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84928239457 Meeting ID: 849 2823 9457 One tap mobile +13017158592,,84928239457# US (Germantown) +16465588656,,84928239457# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 849 2823 9457 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdUJLvXVxV NEED TECH HELP? OR SOME EXTRA SUPPORT AROUND ACCESSING OUR ONLINE SERVICES? Please call Taylor Brooks and he'll set up a time to visit with you about your tech needs. His contact information is below: Taylor Brooks, Audio Engineer/Electronic Gizmo Wunderkind Contact by phone or email: 336-341-2294 asoundresource@gmail.com CONGREGATION GIVING

March PayPal $ 2,427.20

April 6 $ 2,505.00

April 16 $ 5,180.73

April 20 $ 1,795.00

April 27 $ 2,980.00

April PayPal $ 3,317.46

May 4 $ 3,815.00

May 11 $ 4,093.73

May PayPal (to date)

$ 1,653.00

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers from 5/10/2020

Prayers for the family of Alan Anders who passed away after a long battle with a stroke and brain

tumor. [Rol & Audrey]

Prayers for a friend who died of Covid-19. [Marla]

For Sonja Ahuja who has gone to her rest and for her loved ones who were blessed by her love and

presence in their lives. [Sabrina]

For Amber and her 3 year old daughter, a friend of Racheal Haugh, who lost her husband. [Susan

H.]

Prayers of thanks for my elderly sister who is recovering from Covid-1 at GBMC. [Deborah]

Prayers for our grandson’s 19th birthday. [David & Connie]

Thanksgiving that Betty’s Mother has tested negative. [Jim & Betty]

Prayers for the family of George Reynolds as he nears the end of his life. [Connie]

For everyone who is facing food insecurity in our country and around the world. [Laurel]

Prayers for the recovery of Kevin Jones.

Prayers from 5/3/2020

Prayers of thanksgiving and greetings to Gale Cary, friend of Corena Bridges, who joined us in

worship.

Prayers for Kevin J. who is sick at home with Covid-19. [Amanda J.]

Prayers for my sister who is hospitalized at GBMC with Covid-19. It has impacted her cognitive

ability. [Deborah McC.]

Prayers for my son Jeremy who is sick with a cold. [Marla]

Prayers for my niece, Charisma, who is in Univ. of MD diagnosed with a mass in her throat. She has

endured more setbacks than a person should in 25 years of life, so I pray not just for her resilience

and perseverance, but her continued strength in this next battle. [Scot S.]

Prayers for Kate Anderson, mother of three infants, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

[Amanda J.]

Prayers for our neighbors in SW Baltimore. [Susan H.]

For our friends in Taguasco. [Betty S.]

Prayers of thanks for my oldest granddaughter’s upcoming college graduation and her new job as a

public school teacher. [Deborah McC.]

Thanksgiving for sanctuary during this pandemic. [Susan H.]

Pray for Becca’s father who is isolated in a retirement facility and is feeling depressed. [Steve H.]

Prayers for Becky Brown as she recovers in rehab from a broken arm. And a special prayer for Tom

who cannot be with her while she is away. [Martha A.]

For the Huse, Appeltans and Ahuja families who are mourning. Hold the Ahuja’s close as Sonja

moves into hospice care this week with her family around her. [Sabrina]

Thanks to God for my friend Brian who will soon graduate as a new nurses. [Mike J.]

Praying that as doors begin to open in the next few weeks that people show good sense in keeping

safe. [Maggy]

Prayers for my friends Tatianna Warren and Duane Kinnon who have both lost several loved ones

in NYC. [Mary A.]

For my brother in law, Jeff Byers who started chemo for his pancreatic cancer. He is courageous and

serene. [John McL.]

Grateful to be celebrating my Mom’s 91st birthday and my Uncle’s 99th birthday. [Beth & Laura]

Prayers for Racheal (Genth) Eisler, friend of this congregation, who is recovering from a successful

emergency surgery. [John McL.]

Prayers for my Mt. Vernon neighbors and to my Mom, Phyllis, on her 77th birthday this month.

Also for everyone in the restaurant industry to remain strong. [Randy V.]

Prayers for the soul of my friend Brandon Thiel who passed away at the age of 33. [Charley B.]

Thanksgiving for the joy that our cat gave us for many years. [Betty & Jim]