First United Presbyterian Church 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 16, 2011 Open Hearts, Open Minds,

Open Doors
Thought for meditation: The distinction is made between what is Gods and what is Caesars. The decision remains, who shall be served? If it is God, then Gods will shall be done. If it is Caesar, then Caesar shall reign. Idolatry occurs when the distinction is blurred. When put to the test, Jesus simply asks the question: To whom will allegiance be given?
(*Please stand in body or in spirit)

We Gather In Gods Name

PRELUDE Morning Has Broken/O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing and Maury A. Castro, piano Arr. Weekley and Arganbright Words of Welcome and Signing of Friendship Pads Florence Parmelee

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 Each morning, God's grace awakens us, each evening, God's peace cradles us. Compassion is our constant companion, as we go through work, school, the day. In every moment, God is present with us; God whispers words which can change our lives. Justice is our faithful teacher, pointing to where we can carry out fairness. When we find ourselves groping in the shadows, God's light will provide a way home. We turn the corner, and hope is waiting for us; we return home, and find a feast prepared. *Prayer of the Day Steadfast Hope: when we want to make all the rules so we can win every game, you call us to your side, put your arm around us and whisper, 'play fair!' When we tremble in fear, worried that our lives are about to crash to the bottom, you place us in the hollow of your heart, and give us safety. Word of Joy: when we would follow those who pretend to be our saviors to achieve their own ends, you remind us that we have been chosen

to be examples of faith to others. When we would fill our pockets with the treasures of temptation, you ask us to empty them, so we can become servants of hope. Crafter of Faith: when others judge us on our backgrounds, education, looks, you teach us how to treat all people as equal, to welcome each person as our sister or brother. When we wonder how our needs, our hopes, our lives will be made known to God, you mention us, by name, in all your prayers. Amen *Hymn Let All Creation Bless the Lord Verse 1: All Verse 2: Treble Voices (generally women and children) Verse 3: All
MIT FREUDEN ZART

Text 1989, Hope Publishing Co.

Call to Reconciliation and Confession We know, despite our sincere efforts to live in God's way, that all too easily we slip off the path to the kingdom. Trusting that God will answer our prayers and forgive us, let us confess our sins, as we pray together, Great Lover of Justice, hear our prayers: called to treat all people equally, we take sides and pick favorites; chosen to be your children, we arrogantly assume others are not so honored; challenged to be examples of faith, we reveal our worst natures to our families and friends. Forgive us, Giver of Rest. Enable us to stop putting you to the test, so we can open our hypocritical hearts to your healing touch of compassion and hope. As Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, has given all for us, may we give ourselves to you - confidently, completely, faithfully.

Silence is kept for personal reflection or prayer

Assurance of Pardon Hear the good news: the One who created goodness and beauty is also the One who shows no partiality, but offers grace and peace to all. God has heard our prayers and done the very thing we asked - forgiven us, healed us, restored us. Thanks be to God. Amen. (c) 2011 Thom M. Shuman Thanks be to God; in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! *Response Sing the Faith #2151 Im so Glad Jesus Lifted Me

*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.

CHILDREN ARE EXCUSED TO GO TO FAITH EDUCATION

*Response Dona Nobis

We Proclaim Gods Word

Anthem Immortal, Invisible Arr. Eric Thiman Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes, most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might; thy justice like mountains high soaring above thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love. To all, life thou givest, to both great and small; in all life thou livest, the true life of all; we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish, but naught changeth thee. Great Father of glory, pure Mother of light, thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; all laud we would render: O help us to see tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee. Amen. Prayer of Illumination Scripture Lesson Lesson from the Epistles 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 N.T. page 203

Psalm 99 Text by: Helen L. Wright

Music by: Hal H. Hopson

The Lord reigns; let the people tremble! God is throned on the cherubim; let the earth quake! The Lord is great in Zion, God is high above the nations. (R) May they praise your great and holy name! You are the holy one! Great judge, you love hat is right, and have established justice in Jacob. (R) Glorify the Lord our God; bow down before the throne; bow down and worship God. You are the holy one. (R) Moses and Aaron among the priests, Samuel among those who called on God, all these cried to the Lord; God heard them and answered them. (R) In the pillar of cloud God spoke; they did Gods will and kept the law. O Lord, you answered them; you punished their sings, but you forgave them. (R) Glorify the Lord our God; bow down at the holy hill. Bow down and worship God; the Lord our God is the holy one. (R) Scripture Lessons Lesson from the Gospel Lesson from the Old Testament

Matthew 22:15-22 Exodus 33:12-23

N.T. page 24 O.T. page 80

Sermon What We are Able to Stand *Hymn Sing the Faith #2146 His Eye is on the Sparrow Verses 1 & 2 *Affirmation of Faith The Study Catechism

SPARROW

Question 10. Do you make this confession only as an individual? No. With the apostles, prophets and martyrs, with all those through the ages who have loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and with all who strive to serve him on earth here and now, I confess my faith in the God of loving power and powerful love.
Heb. 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us." Rom. 1:12 "So that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine."

Question 11. When the creed speaks of "God the Father," does it mean that God is male? No. Only creatures having bodies can be either male or female. But God has no body, since by nature God is Spirit. Holy Scripture reveals God as a living God beyond all sexual distinctions. Scripture uses diverse images for God, female as well as male. We read, for example, that God

will no more forget us than a woman can forget her nursing child (Is. 49:15). "'As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you,' says the Lord" (Is. 66:13).
Is. 49:15 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you." Is. 66:13 "As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." Matt. 23:37 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"

Question 12. Why then does the creed speak of God the Father? First, because God is identified in the New Testament as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Second, because Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of this Father. Third, because when we are joined to Christ through faith, we are adopted as sons and daughters into the relationship he enjoys with his Father.
Rom. 1:7 "To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." John 14:9-10 "Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works." John 17:24 "Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world." John 1:12 "To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God." Gal. 4:6 "Because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'"

We Respond to Gods Word

Sharing Joys and Concerns Prayers of the People and The Lords Prayer Offering Our Gifts and Ourselves Offertory Its Me, its Me, O Lord First United Mens Quartet African-American Spiritual

Its me, its me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Not my brother, not my sister Not the preacher, not the deacon Not my father, not my mother. *Response #428 Verse 1 We Give Thee but Thine Own
SCHUMANN

*Prayer of Dedication O God, we hear about the cost of discipleship. Nothing less than our whole life is required. We dedicate these gifts in response to Christs call, and offer ourselves in full commitment. Take us and mold us according to his will. We pray that who we are may be acceptable, what we do may find favor, and that which we give will reflect your love. Amen.

We Go in Gods Name
*Hymn - #432 Sung Twice *Charge and Blessing All are invited to remain for a time of fellowship and refreshment. Todays reader: Trudi Wybourn Todays flowers were provided by Don and Shirley Bowes in loving memory of her parents Clayton and Rose Johnson. October 23rd Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46 Song of Hope
ARGENTINA

Prayers of the People

Joy that, Scott Anderson, The first openly gay minister, was ordained yesterday at the PCUSA church in Wisconsin after 20 years of waiting. Joy for the birth of Nora born 10/14. Prayers for Dons improvement and Mary & Karens health concerns.

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 OCTOBER 23RD - 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 I 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. Thank you for your support - Thanks to many of you, TAUM was able to raise $8200 to support the Troy Damien Center, serving people living with HIV/AIDS, at the AIDSWalk on Sept. 24. Usually the Center raises about $9000, though. Contributions can be accepted by TAUM until Oct. 21, and can be sent directly to TAUM, 291 Second St., Troy, marked AIDSWalk. We really appreciate your support! 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. Clean-up Bucket - $60 each Please donate! Each bucket contains everything needed for the job. Church World Service will send these buckets to where ever needed. Please use the envelope provided. Make the check out to FUPC and on the memo line write CWS. Our goal is get enough money for 50 buckets. Would you like to beautify the service? Purchase flowers in memory or in celebration of an event or someone special. The dates that are available are: October 30. Please leave a note in Pat Carlsons box or call her cell 526-9408 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 Todays Faith with Martha Juenger Reading Scripture for Spiritual Growth Here are some ideas about reading scripture from the book Life with God by Richard Foster, and other places. We are a community of learners; come and bring your understanding of how reading scripture develops your spiritual life. Faith Ed for children Oct. 16, 23 Faith Ed for children Oct. 30 Intergenerational Faith Ed after worship all are invited Adult Ed Oct. 16 Spiritual Disciplines and Stewardship led by Martha Juenger 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 October 23rd - Michael Adee visits FUPC We are lucky to have Michael Adee HERE at FUPC for worship and adult ed on Sunday, the 23rd!!!! The publicity you see inserted in this bulletin and invitations have been sent to all of the churches in Albany Presbytery and to surrounding presbyteries, so we may also be lucky enough to host some visitors!! The More Light Team is asking for folks to sign up for the pot luck lunch on the 23rd, so that we have a beginning sense of how many will be coming and can plan accordingly. The request is that each family bring a dish to serve 8 - 12 folks, so that there is ample food for all including visitors. We will also need help that day in "transforming" the worship space into lunch space following refreshments. Offers of assistance will be enthusiastically accepted! CAPITAL REGION THEOLOGICAL CENTER NEWS The Apostle Paul taught that we must "be transformed by the renewing of our minds." We are encouraged to be intentional about finding ways to grow in our faith, our understanding, and our desire to know Christ better. CRTC can help by offering a wide variety of courses to aid in your ministries and spiritual growth! Connect and share with others as you explore your faith. Which of these courses is right for you? Spirit, Grace & Power: Acts of the Apostles, w/ Rev. Dr. Richard Carlson, Siena College, Thurs. & Fri., Oct. 20 & 21, 9am-3pm, This popular professor is back to help us rediscover the grace and power of the Spirit at work in the early church as well as our own! $175. Reg. deadline: Extended to October 13, 2011. Opening the Doors: Welcoming the Differently-Abled, w/ Rev. Catherine Patterson, NYS OPWDD, Thurs., Oct.27, 9am-3pm, Designed to help faith leaders reach out to individuals and families of individuals with developmental disabilities who wish to belong to a faith community. $85. Reg. deadline: October 13, 2011. 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-12:30 pm, 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 16 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:30 PM 7:30 PM

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

Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Wheeler Room Fellowship Hall Rose Room Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Copy Room Faith Ed Office Rose Room Copy Room Rose Room

Tuesday, October 18 3:45 PM Troy Childrens Chorus 6:30 PM Human Resources Meeting 7:15 PM Faith Ed Meeting Wednesday, October 19 6:30PM Bible Study Thursday, October 20 4:00 PM Fa-Fin-Stew 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Saturday, October 22 10:00 AM AA Meeting Sunday, October 23 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:30 AM 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Worship with Michael Adee Faith Ed for Children Fellowship Time Congregational Meeting Adult Faith Education Potluck NA Group Meeting

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