Virtual Worship for Aug. 30, 2020

The Presbyterian Church, 142 N. Fourth St., Coshocton, OH 43812

Rev. Karen Crawford, Pastor

Alice Hoover, Liturgist

Mark Wagner, Organist, and Pam McMorrow, Pianist

Prelude: Toccata on “Darwall’s 148th” – Rejoice, the Lord Is King (Arr. by Gordon Young) Mark Wagner, Organ

Greeting/Announcements with Pastor Karen

Opening Words and Gathering Prayer with Alice Hoover

The God of our ancestors calls us to worship.     

 Praise the Lord!                                                            

Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

Let us worship God!

Hymn: 423 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun (Isaac Watts) (Arr. by Hal H. Hopson)

Mark Wagner, Organ

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.

To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head.
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.

People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.

Blessings abound where’er he reigns:
the prisoners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.

Let every creature rise and bring
the highest honors to our King,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen. 

Call to Confession/Prayer of Confession/Assurance of Pardon with Pastor Karen

God of mercy, we confess that, like the disciples, we set our minds not on divine things but on human things. Doubting your loving care, we grab for more than we need. Doubting your loving purposes, we shrink from living as your followers. Doubting your loving plan, we become stumbling blocks in your creation. Forgive us that we may gain new life in you, for it is in Jesus’ forgiving name we pray. Amen.

Time with Children and Youth

Prayer for Illumination and Romans 12:9-12 with Alice Hoover

Holy wisdom, holy word. Thanks be to God!

Wonderful Peace (arr. Don Moen) with Pam McMorrow

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

Refrain:
Peace, peace! wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll. [Refrain]

I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control,
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul. [Refrain]

And me thinks when I rise to that city of peace
Where the Author of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom shall be: [Refrain]

Ah! soul, are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark 
O accept this sweet peace so sublime! [Refrain]

Exodus 3:1-15 with Pastor Karen

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Message: I Will Be With You

Hymn: Take Your Shoes Off Moses (Courtney Patton)

Invitation to the Offering with Pastor Karen

Offertory: Because He Lives (Amen) (Matt Maher) West Coast Choir

Prayer of Thanksgiving/Lord’s Prayer with Pastor Karen

Holy God of holy ground, like Moses, we question our fitness to serve heaven’s purposes on earth. Overcome our qualms with the assurance of your presence; bless these offerings that, through them, we may do your will; in the name of the triune One.  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.

Hymn: Lift High the Cross (Newbolt and Kitchin) (Harmonization by Michael Burkhardt) Mark Wagner, Organ

(Refrain)
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his sacred name.

1. Come, Christians, follow where the Master trod,
our King victorious, Christ the Son of God.

2. Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
the hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.

3. Each newborn servant of the Crucified
bears on the brow the seal of him who died.

4. O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
your death has brought us life eternally.

5. So shall our song of triumph ever be:
praise to the Crucified for victory!

Charge and Benediction with Pastor Karen

Postlude: Tuba Tune on “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” (Arr. by Grimoaldo Macchia) Mark Wagner, Organ

Dedication from Mark: I have chosen this song in honor of our dear friend, Charles R. Snyder.  As this Sunday is our last service before your official retirement, we would like to take a moment to say thank you for all that you have done, and will continue to do, for this church.  Forty-four years of service to our Lord and to this congregation is an impressive number, but even more important is the number of lives you have touched through so many different ministries of this church.  You have taught us all to have a stronger faith and to love others just a little bit more.  You have been an important part of this church’s outreach to the community, bringing many people through the doors to hear the message of God’s love.  Your leadership and vision for the music program will be greatly missed, but we rejoice for the many gifts you have given to us over the years.  The Bunn-Minnick chapel organ includes a special stop called the “Festival Trumpet” which is only used on special occasions because it is so LOUD!  Today, it seems fitting to use it as a fanfare of praise in gratitude for your service to the church.  And just as the sound of the Zimbelstern (the bell / wind chime sound) continues to ring as the song fades away, we know you will continue to be an inspiration to all of us and we look forward to your continued friendship!  Until we can properly celebrate with you, know that we love and appreciate you.  Thank you, Chuck.