First United Presbyterian Church 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 23, 2011 Open Hearts, Open Minds,

Open Doors
Reflection: There is no pain greater than not being able to be yourself. True humility is not the putting down of the self but the putting down of roots into the earth, the cultures of the earth and the mystery which we call God. To enter the wilderness is to discover one's true home. What you are seeking lies within you. No one can give it to you. All you have to do is to own it. The greatest achievement is to learn to be and to rest in that achievement. Abandon yourself to the otherness and you will find yourself in the process. Nurture the mystic within you for she is the guardian of the most sacred mysteries. She alone is the 'you' that cannot be destroyed; for her name is compassionate wisdom and her aspect is divinity. When you can see the divine in yourself You will be able to see the divine everywhere. When you reverence the divine in yourself You will be able to reverence the divine everywhere. When you nurture the divine in yourself You will be able to nurture the divine everywhere. W. L. Wallace, Aotearoa, New Zealand
(*Please stand in body or in spirit)

We Gather In Gods Name

PRELUDE Lead Me, Lord Arr. Robert W. Thygerson Words of Welcome and Signing of Friendship Pads
Please add your name to the pad you will find at the end of each pew and pass it along your row so that we can know each other by name.

*Call to Worship O God, whom no image can encompass, no definition encircle and yet who meets us in the gentle touch of love, the beauty of a butterfly's wing,

and the laughter of children, help us to move beyond our attempts to limit you, intellectualize you or to eliminate you from all that is earthy, sensuous or vibrant, so that we may greet you in every particle of this spectacular universe which you are creating. *Hymn- #332 Live Into Hope Verse 1: All Verse 2: Treble Voices (generally women and children) Verse 3: Choir Verse 4: All Prayer of Confession From fear and ignorance; Good Lord, deliver us. From indifference and detachment; Good Lord, deliver us. From prejudice and pity; Good Lord, deliver us. From selfish and speedy judgements; Good Lord, deliver us. From shallow and simple answers; Good Lord, deliver us. With hope and wisdom; Living God, inspire us. With compassion and involvement; Living God, inspire us. With openness and love; Living God, inspire us. With full and prayerful generosity; Living God, inspire us. with courage to face the reality and complexity of life; Living God, inspire us. Living God, so inspire us with the depth of your love, that we bear it on our lips and in our lives; for your name's sake. Amen. Thanks be to God; in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! *Response Once We Were No People Patrick Evans
TRURO

*Peace Since God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.
Worshippers are invited to greet one another with the words, The peace of Christ be with you.

*Congregational Response Dona Nobis (Grant Peace)

We Proclaim Gods Word

Time for Children

CHILDREN ARE EXCUSED TO GO TO FAITH EDUCATION

Congregational Anthem Bambelela (Never Give Up)

Traditional South African

Arr. Leonorah Kunene

Bambelela is a Xhosa word that translates as hold on, in the sense of hopeful perseverance. Sindiswe Mamputo, who works with people in Gugulethu living with AIDS, said, When we sing this song, it is from the bottom of our hearts. We have hope for some things that we are sure to receive but we do not know when. That is our faith. In addition to its use at worship, the song is sung in the wider context of political protest as well as encouragement.

Copyright 2002 JL Zwane Memorial Congregation. Used with permission.

Prayer of Illumination Scripture Lessons Lesson from the Psalms Lesson from the Gospel Lesson from the Gospel Sermon Psalm 139:1-18 Mark 12:28-31 Matthew 28:18-20 O.T. page 577 N.T. page 49 N.T. page 34

Great Commandment or Great Commission?

*Hymn Guide Us to Openness FAITHFULNESS Words by The Rev. W. Robert Martin, IIIPastor, First Presbyterian Church, Palo Alto, CA (Dedicated to the faithful ministry of More Light Presbyterians) Guide us to openness, Spirit of mercy, Aide us in seeking Gods justice and grace.

Move us to show Christs compassion through witness, Love first to offer and hate to erase. Refrain: Guide us to openness! Guide us to openness! Let no one ever be shunned or denied. Make of the Church a bold place of compassion, That all who seek you may come and abide. Spirit of tenderness, impart your presence, Fill both our hearts and our hands with your care. Let no one suffer or grieve unattended, Grant us your kindness and warmth here to share. Refrain Though there are those who would limit Christs graces, Still we refuse to believe in such lies, For in this time we have made a commitment Never to limit loves power or size. Refrain
W. Robert Martin, III, used by permission, granted to First United Presbyterian Church of Troy

*A Prayer of Affirmation God who made me in your image, teach me to love myself as you love me. God who made me in your image, allow me to show that image to the world. God who made me in your image, help me to see your image in all those I meet. God who made me in your image teach me to conserve and protect all your creation. God who made me in your image Bless, protect and keep me and all your children safe. Amen.

We Respond to Gods Word

Sharing Joys and Concerns Prayers of the People and The Lords Prayer Offering Our Gifts and Ourselves Offertory *Response #428 Verse 1 We Give Thee but Thine Own

SCHUMANN

*Prayer of Dedication O God, you call us as stewards to take care of your creation. As we till its soil, help us also to replenish and nurture the earth. As we sow seeds for tomorrows crops, teach us the meaning of patience and hope. As we reap the harvest, guide us to see that all your people are fed. Amen.

We Go in Gods Name
*Hymn - #386 O For a World Verse 1: All Verse 2: Bass Voices (generally men) Verse 3: All Verse 4: Treble Voices (generally women and children) Verse 5: All *Charge and Blessing All are invited to remain for a time of fellowship and refreshment. Todays reader: Shirley Hinkamp Todays flowers were provided by Sue Steele.
AZMON

Thank you to Michael Adee for coming and sharing with First United Presbyterian Church!
October 30th Scripture Reading: Joshua 3:7-17; Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; 1st Thessalonians 2:9-13; Matthew 23:1-12

Prayers of the People

Prayers for Rose, Joan, Linda, George, C, Marvin, Aunt Ann, Laura R., Jackie R., the closing of Pioneer Coop and the people who work there, and all people suffering from domestic violence.

Privacy Act The session has affirmed a Privacy Policy for all joys and concerns expressed either orally or in writing. We are trying to respect the privacy of individuals and respect the intent of the HIPPA act. What does this mean? When expressing your concern: Use first names only Do not explain the situation, God knows what is needed Any further action must be cleared by the person expressing the concern. As we lift out concerns we are reminded that God knows more than we do and will be at work in the situation in ways we may never be able to understand.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome To First United! It is a joy that you have chosen to enrich this worshipping community with your presence this morning. We hope you find a spiritual home here, a place of love, support and service. Following worship, you are cordially invited to gather with the community for a time of refreshment and conversation in Fellowship Hall. AROUND TOWN AND AT FUPC!

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TODAY - AFTER WORSHIP This congregational meeting is to elect new officers. Festival of Music and Chocolate TAUM will be hosting the annual Festival of Music and Chocolate, to benefit the furniture program. Sunday, Nov. 6th at St. Pauls Episcopal Church here in Troy. The FUPC choir will be singing too! If anyone is able to help by providing a chocolate (or other) dessert, please see Martha Juenger. What is a Prayer Chain? A prayer chain is a group that connects through prayer either by phone or email. When a need arises for prayers, calls are made or emails are sent and the prayer warriors do their work. We need more warriors for our prayer chain! If you feel that you would want to be a part of the prayer chain please speak to Carol Harrington at 235-7580 or Miriam Parmelee at 283-0014. Lunch after worship with Pastor Jackie and Ron Pinkowski There is a standing invitation to join Pastor Jackie and Ron for lunch (dutch treat) every Sunday. Meet them during fellowship time to discuss a meeting place. Sage College Presents - Hell and Highwater or Lessons from When the Sky Falls Written by Jamuna Yvette Sirker and Directed by Leigh Strimbeck. Performances are Oct. 27-29 at 8pm. Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for students and seniors. To make reservations call: 244-2248. Benefit Performance for Troy Area United Ministries on Oct. 26th tickets are $12. All ticket sales will go to victims of the recent flooding in Troy. Refreshment Time after church provided by you! How do you get involved? See Don Lutz after service or call him at 283-6920. Thank you to the following for signing up and volunteering! October 23 Joan Rogers October 30 Kerry Welcome Bible Study Every Wednesday Night at 6:30: Bible Study conducted by Interim Pastor Jacquelyn Pinkowski in the Rose Room. The focus will be on the scriptures for the following Sundays scripture lessons. Music News Postlude Worship Committee and worship leaders are conducting a trial period of not including a postlude in the worship service. This is only for a portion while the congregation is worshipping in the fellowship hall, to encourage the congregation to enjoy a full fellowship time, and be able to prepare adequately for faith education in the multiuse space. The Worship Committee and worship leaders welcome your thoughts on this trial at any time. Choral Collaborative Concert Plan on attending this joint concert sung by our Chancel Choir, the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Albany, and the Madrigal Singers of The College of St. Rose. The concert will be all-Mozart, featuring the regal Coronation Mass, as well as the beloved Ave Verum Corpus and Laudate Dominum. The concert will be held on Sunday, November 13, at 3 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Albany (362 State St.). Free will offering, and a reception to follow. Faith Education News Faith Ed for children Oct. 23 Faith Ed for children Oct. 30 Intergenerational Faith Ed after worship all are invited Adult Ed Oct. 23 Dr. Michael Adee, M.Div., PhD Executive Director and Field Organizer for More Light Presbyterians Charting the Future: What are the challenges and opportunities for a More Light Church in this new day? Oct. 30 Intergenerational Faith Ed after worship CAPITAL REGION THEOLOGICAL CENTER NEWS

Boundary Awareness, w/ Rev. Dr. Davis Olsen , Thurs., Nov. 3, 9am-3pm, Explore fundamental role relationship tensions and why boundaries do or do not hold. For all congregational leaders and those who minister to children, teens, adults, or any specialized ministry. $90. Reg. deadline: October 18, 2011. God in the Details: A Faith & Science Dialogue, w/ Rev. Dr. Wesley Wildman, Sat., Nov. 5, 9am3pm, The more we learn from science, the more we begin to grasp the fullness of Gods glory! Explore cosmology & creation, evolution and human nature. $85 Reg. deadline: October 20, 2011. Go Ye: The Nuts & Bolts of Planning a Mission Trip- A Resource Sharing Event, w/a Panel of Area Presenters, Sat., Nov. 19, 9am-12:30pm, Ever wondered how to put together a mission trip- and do it well? Hear about planning, fundraising, finding volunteers, & more! $40 by Oct 21; $45 thereafter. Reg. deadline: Nov. 3, 2011. Register online at www.capitalrtc.org or by phone at 518-462-2470. Watch our website for information on these and many other courses available in 2011. Scholarships and group discounts available for most classes; please contact us for an application.

WEEKLY CALENDAR Sunday, October 23 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:30 PM 7:30 PM

Choir Rehearsal Worship Faith Ed for Children Congregational Meeting Fellowship Time Adult Faith Education POTLUCK NA Group Meeting

Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Wheeler Room Fellowship Hall Unity Sunshine Space Rose Room Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall

Monday, October 24 6:30 PM Session Tuesday, October 25 3:45 PM Troy Childrens Chorus Wednesday, October 26 6:30PM Bible Study Thursday, October 27 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Saturday, October 29 10:00 AM AA Meeting Sunday, October 30 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Worship Fellowship Time Adult Faith Education NA Group Meeting

Fellowship Hall Rose Room Rose Room

2nd Floor Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Rose Room Fellowship Hall

The First United Presbyterian Church of Troy 1915 Fifth Avenue, Troy, New York 12180 Phone: (518) 272-2771 / Fax: (518) 266-9483 E-mail: info@unitedprestroy.org / www.unitedprestroy.org Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 2 PM Where People with Differences Unite in Christ Our Mission Statement Together, we worship God through Christ and explore all dimensions of life in the Spirit; To demonstrate Gods inclusive love, we seek to heal wounds and care for Gods creation; To serve God in the world, we work for peace and justice. Our Statement of Inclusive Ministry We invite all people of every background, condition, and orientation into the full fellowship, ministry and mission of Gods Good News in Jesus Christ. All who join the church are extended the full privileges of membership, are challenged to lead lives of Christian discipleship, and are eligible to be considered for church office.
First United Presbyterian Church Officers for 2011, 2012 & 2013 The Session Moderator - The Reverend Jacquelyn Pinkowski Class of 2011: Sue Steele, Courtney Savaria, Karen Harpe Class of 2012: John Buckley, Pat Carlson, Peg Drew, Chandlee Gill Class of 2013: David Lanoue, Dan Rogers, Trudi Wybourn The Board of Deacons Class of 2011: Martha Juenger, Don Lutz, Marsha Mintz-Botsford, Pat Rudebush Class of 2012: Bob Harrington, Bonnie Kerr, Carol Harrington, Claudia Schwendeman Class of 2013: Shirley Bowes, Steven Paul Bowes II, Dana Parker, Shirley Street Pastor: Jacquelyn Pinkowski Minister of Music: Maury A. Castro Coordinator of Educational Ministries: Leslie M. Kelly Financial Analyst: Carlie DAnnunzio Administrative Assistant: Carla Fisk For pastoral emergencies call (518) 279-7401 or (406)794-9360 or email Jackie@unitedprestroy.org