October 25, 2009, 10:30 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE

Preparation for Worship
*Invocation
Creator God, you made all that is, both seen and unseen.
You made us in your image, both male and female, that we might reflect your goodness, wisdom and love.
As we gather around your Word this day, may our faith be renewed, that we may serve you.  Amen.
*Opening Praise – 239 “Amid the Thronging Worshipers”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
“Be Thou My Vision’
“Father, I Adore You”
“Speak, O Lord”
Call to Confession – Ephesians 2:1-3
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, you have given us the law of Moses and the teachings of Jesus to direct us in the way of life.  You offer us your Holy Spirit so that we can be born to new life as your children.  Yet, O God, we confess that the ways of death have a strong attraction and that we often succumb to their lure.  Give us the vision and courage to choose and nurture life, that we may receive your blessing.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon – Ephesians 2:4-9
*Song of Assurance – 469:1,2,4 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
Call to Service – Ephesians 2:10
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Psalm 8 (page 496)
Message – “What Are Mere Mortals?”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 8:1,4,5 “Lord, Our Lord, Your Glorious Name”
The Offertory – CRWRC PowerPoint “One Table”
The Offerings – First:  General Fund
  Second:  CRWRC Disaster Response
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Parting Song – 633 “He Is Lord”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The second offering today is for Christian Reformed World Relief Committee and specifically disaster response work around the world.  CRWRC is involved in response to the typhoons in the Philippines and the earthquake in Indonesia as well as ongoing disaster response work in this country and other parts of the world.  Your generous response to these tragic situations will help many people rebuild their lives, having been loved by Christians who make this possible.

Tom Reynolds is regaining his strength following the major surgery he had to remove cancer from his pancreas and surrounding organs.  Pray too for wisdom as he and Dawn make decisions regarding further treatment options.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: whatever Tilly sends you.  The focus this week is on “other stuff” – hard candy, mints, gum, t-shirts, socks, caps, sunglasses, flashlights (with extra batteries), jewelry, etc.  Just remember – it has to be small enough to fit in a shoe box.

The repeat presentation of “Generations”, Ron Crawford’s fast-paced analysis of how people in different age groups respond differently to situations and how they can learn to work together when aware of these differences, has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 12.  Put that date on your calendar and plan to attend and to bring some friends with you.

Tuesday, 7:00 PM  Elders meet
Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s luncheon at Cracker Barrel

Christian Reformed Home Missions has created a series of short devotions for Reformation Week.  Designed for all ages, each one has a prayer, a challenge to the reader, and a family discussion topic.  Please go to www.crhm.org/transformation to receive these devotions, which are available now.


NEXT SUNDAY, November 1, 2009

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:15 AM  Classes for all ages meet.  The adult class continues their series of studies on the book of Revelation, “God Wins:  a Look at the Mysteries of Revelation.”  Pastor Gelder is leading the class, which includes a video segment and discussion based on a study guide.  Plan to join us for an eye-opening view of Jesus walking among his churches, battling the evil one throughout history, winning the victory at Calvary and returning in majesty and glory.

MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM  Pastor Gelder will bring the message, continuing the series of messages “Good Questions, Great Answers”.  The message will be “What Does the Lord Require of You?” based on Micah 6:8.  This will also be an opportunity to give thanks for the Protestant Reformation and the return to biblical teachings led by Luther, Calvin and others.

We are encouraging people to be part of a small group for either study, fellowship, support, common interests, or any combination of the above.  On November 1 we want to have information about existing groups and give you an opportunity to tell us what you might be interested in.  All existing groups are asked to prepare a brief “info sheet” with information about when and where you meet, who is a contact person, what type of activities you do, etc.  These will be displayed in the back of church after the service on November 1.

There will be special refreshments in honor of Joe and Jan Patak’s 55th wedding anniversary.  May God bless them with many more years together.