Forest Hill Church seeks to be diverse, inclusive and welcoming.

All God's children have a place in this choir!

3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Hts OH 44118

216-321-2660 Fax: 216-320-1214

Email: office@fhcpresb.org Website: www.fhcpresb.org

Rev. Dr. John C. Lentz, Jr., Pastor

Rev. Tricia Dykers-Koenig, Parish Assoc.

Rev. Lois Annich, Interim Assoc. Pastor

Rachel McDonald, Interim Assoc. Pastor

Anne Wilson, Director of Music

Kate Burleigh, Dir. of Children’s Ministries

Shannon Headen, Dir. of Youth Ministries

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Service of Worship

February 21, 2016 at 11:00 am Welcome! Thank you for joining us today for worship.

If you are visiting, please join us in wearing a name tag so that we might greet you. Our ushers have hearing devices, large print editions of the bulletin,

activity bags for children staying in worship, and directions to our nursery for babies and young children.

Prayer of Preparation On this journey of Lent we will face temptation and we will encounter opposition because change is hard on us and on others. Thank you, God, for this oasis of peace. It is good to be with fellow travelers. Let us drink at the well filled with the living waters of your Spirit.

Welcome

Prelude Shaker trad. “Simple Gifts”

Tina Bergmann and Bryan Thomas

Scripture Pyramid: Psalm 51:10 Sine Nomine Choir

Greeting Our God with Joy

Call to Worship Elder Jack Breisch Leader: Friends, welcome to this place. People: It is good to be together for worship. Leader: Here, may your spirits find peace. People: Here, we connect with God and with one another. Leader: Here, you are a part of the beloved community. People: Here, we are restored for the journey. Leader: Come, let us worship God.

* Processional Hymn No. 384 “Soon and Very Soon”

*please stand if able

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Renewing Our Relationship with God

Prayer of Confession adapted from a prayer by William Loader Rachel McDonald O God, our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you. You look upon us through the face of the poor. You challenge us in the cries for justice. Summoned to follow your way we strain against your direction. Forgive us the wrongs we have done to others, to ourselves, to you. Lift us from our fear that we may see your vision, know your wisdom and find our rest in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Time of Silent Confession

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy”

Congregation sings 2nd time

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Affirming the Good News in Our Lives

Assurance of Pardon

* Response (John Bell)

Anthem spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan

“Give Me Jesus” Mary Francis Miller, mezzo-soprano

Opening Our Hearts to God’s Word Scripture Lessons

Psalm 27 Leader: When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries

and foes— they shall stumble and fall. People: Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;

though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. Leader: One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the

house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

People: For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.

First, all sing in unison. Second, men start, women and children start one measure later.

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Leader: Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

People: Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!

Leader: “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek.

People: Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!

Leader: If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. People: Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path

because of my enemies. Leader: Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false

witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.

People: I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Leader: Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

* Hymn No. 623 “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” Children in Pathways may leave during the hymn

Prayer requests to be read during the Prayers of the People may be passed to the ushers during this hymn

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Luke 13:31-35 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 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! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

After the readings: Leader: Hear what the Holy Spirit is telling God’s people. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon Rev. Dr. John C. Lentz, Jr. “The Lenten Journey: Opposition”

Prayers of the People

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.

Ritual of Friendship all are asked to sign

Offering QR code for online giving is on p. 7

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Offertory Richard Smallwood “Total Praise”

* Response Hymn No. 697

Going Forth to Live as God’s People

* Closing Hymn No. 66 “Every Time I Feel the Spirit”

* Commission and Blessing

* Choral Benediction

* Passing of the Peace

Postlude trad. Irish “Swinging on the Gate”

Tine Bergmann and Bryan Thomas

On the cover: Aaron Douglas, Song of the Towers, 1934. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Works Progress Administration Collection. New York Public Library, copyright holder, free to use without restriction. Song of the Towers represents the migration of African peoples from the rural South to the urban industrial centers of the North just after World War I.

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Welcome Visitors!

We look forward to greeting you and answering any questions you may have. Visitor welcome bags are available in the foyers and the narthex. Take one home with you! Be sure to visit our website, www.fhcpresb.org, to find a complete list of upcoming events, education programs for all ages, and texts and audio of past sermons.

Congregational Notes Chancel Flowers Today’s flowers are given by the Cameron family in loving memory of Alan Scott Cameron. Prayer Concerns this Week Prayers are requested this week for the following: Lucy Conde, Elaine Dannefer, Grace Glaros, Max Harmon, Carol Himmelsteib, Mary Hosier, Shelly Jesberger, Mary Lewis, Roz Peters, Robert Ruggeri, Jim Seeders, George Sentell, Dorothy Turick, Debbie Ungemach, and Mark Wedell. Please remember these homebound members in your prayers: Bill Currie, Marge Drollinger, Betty Farnfield, Iris Gilbert, Ron Klein, Emelia McGuire, Joyce Peters, Jack Quinn, Margie & Dwight Stauffer, Elaine Tapié, Lorian Thomas.

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The Deacons encourage you to stop by the Greeting Card Table in Fellowship Hall before or after worship to sign a card for one or more of our homebound members. We will address and mail the card for you.

Thank you to head usher Roger Heineman and today’s ushers. Please contact the church office if you are interested in joining an usher team.

Announcements

TODAY Today’s Musicians

Today we welcome guest musicians Tina Bergman (hammered dulcimer) and her husband Bryan Thomas (upright bass). Tina is promoted by Apollo’s Fire (Cleveland’s nationally known Baroque orchestra) as the “Diva of the Dulcimer and was described by Pete Seeger as “the best hammered dulcimer player I’ve heard in my life.” Bryan is a versatile bassist who teaches double bass at Kent State University and in the jazz program at Cuyahoga Community College.

THIS WEEK Bible and Bagels

Bible and Bagels meets Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 am in the Jin Room. All are welcome! The lesson this week is from Isaiah 55: 1-9; Psalm 63; 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13; and Luke 13: 1-9.

NEXT SUNDAY

Did you know? For Blacks between the ages of 17 and 20, the effective unemployment rate is 51%. On average, Ohio spends (per year) $11,000 per student and $25,000 per prisoner.

Black America possesses $1.1 trillion worth of buying power. Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the US.

Nine out of ten Blacks (12 and older) do NOT use illicit drugs.

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Adult Education in Lent: 9:30, South Hall The Adult Education Ministry is planning a series of presentations on the images of Jesus in the arts and in the Abrahamic religious traditions.

February 28 Melinda Mersack: Jewish Theology and the Messiah March 6 Gary Sampson: Faces of Jesus in the Visual Arts March 13 Barbara Essex: An African American Perspective on Jesus

ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Care Group The Calvary Care Group is responsible for meeting members’ needs during February. Please call the church office to report an illness, hospitalization, family emergency, birth or death. Information will then be passed on to the Care Group leaders.

Members of this month’s Care Group are: Jenny Himmelman, Deacon leader Jewrett Bailey & family Kevin & Brittani Ball & family Amber & Derrik Balogh Nancy Burcham Bruce & Beverly Cameron Paul Cary, Sue Yelanjian & family Jordan Dail Kay Dunlap Bill Finn & Rachel Martinez-Finn Tim & Carol Gifford Ajah Hales Robyn Hales Judy Hammer Chris Henry

Alex Heston & Elizabeth Endicott-Heston David & Anne Hunter Paolo Iannarelli & Maria Raijki Paul Jennings Bill and Sandy Ladebue Fred & Joann Lafferty Patricia Ludwig Daryl Musick Jeremy Ryman & Diane Moyer & family Sampson Tedunjaiye, Victoria Sampson & family Lee & Cathi Thomas Beryl Williams Caleb Wright Bob & Ginny Young

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Pantry Lunch Volunteer Opportunities Come help with our once a month Pantry Lunch – have lunch, talk with guests, take time for prayer. The guests receive food from the pantry after lunch is over. We need volunteers to set tables, help in the kitchen, and be table hosts. For more information or to help out, please contact Nancy Burcham (216-233-8864 or burcham@roadrunner.com).

Social Groups and Circles The Group (60s – 70s)

The Group will attend the Singers’ Club concert at Forest Hill Church on Sunday, March 13; after the reception we will go to dinner at The Tavern Co. on Lee Rd. For dinner reservations, please contact Nancy Grube (440-461-4693 or donance@sbcglobal.net).

Hilltoppers (retired) The Hilltoppers will be treated to a travelogue by Dave Neff of Panatanal, an area of rainforest in southern Brazil, on Friday, March 18 at 1 pm.

Youth News Every Sunday

Mid and Sr High classes meet from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Today

Sine Nomine Choir will rehearse in the chapel immediately after worship.

Winter Jam Concert 3 pm! See Shannon Headen for details.

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FHC Staff Emails Rev. Dr. John Lentz Jr. Pastor pastorlentz@fhcpresb.org Rev. Lois Annich Interim Assoc. Pastor pastorannich@fhcpresb.org Rachel McDonald Interim Assoc. Pastor RachelM@fhcpresb.org Anne Wilson Music annew@fhcpresb.org Shannon Headen Youth shannon@fhcpresb.org Kate Burleigh Children kateb@fhcpresb.org Lynda Bernays Administration office@fhcpresb.org Becky Austin Finance beckya@fhcpresb.org Peg Weissbrod Outreach webeditor@fhcpresb.org Stavros Gazis Custodial office@fhcpresb.org

The Lessons Next Sunday: Isaiah 55: 1-9; Psalm 63; 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13; and Luke 13: 1-9. Set aside time each day for prayer and study. As you read the lessons for the week, consider how they settle or challenge you? What image or word catches your attention? Keep notes of your observations in a journal.

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Black History Month Schedule

Sun. Feb. 21 12:30—3:00 pm

Panel Discussion of “A Case for Reparations,” led by Bakari Kitswana and other experts

Sanctuary

Sat. Feb. 27 5:30—6:30 pm

All-Church Soul Food Potluck (reservations required, donations encouraged; see FHC website)

Fellowship Hall

Sat. Feb. 27 6:30—8:30 pm

2nd Annual Gospel Concert in celebration of African American music

Sanctuary

Sun. Feb. 28 12:30—2:00 pm

Rap as Poetry (led by the youth)

South Hall

Get your blood pressure checked in South Hall after worship today. Pick up your March TOWER in the foyer!

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Calendar: February 21-28, 2016 Sunday, February 21: 2 Lent 9:15 Child care begins 9:30 Descant Choir (gr. 1-5) Youth Education (gr. 6-12) Adult Education 10:15 Descant Choir activity 10:30 Chancel Choir Continental Breakfast 11:00 Worship Children’s Worship class 11:15 Children’s Christian Ed, gr 1-5: Pathways to the Promise Land 12:15 Fellowship and Coffee Hour Blood Pressure check Sine Nomine Choir 12:30 Black History Month Program: Panel discussion of “A Case for Reparations” 3:00 Youth to Winter Jam concert 5:00 Faith Leader Living Prayer class Monday, February 22 6:00 pm Progress not Perfection (AA) 7:00 pm Al Anon Special Presbytery Meeting (Independence PC) 7:30 pm Borton Group Boy Scout Troop #403 Tuesday, February 23 12:00 pm Abundance Pantry Lunch 1:00 pm Abundance Pantry opens 5:00 pm Fitness Fusion Wednesday, February 24 7:30 am Bible and Bagels 12:30 pm Wednesday Women’s AA Continued in next column

Weds., cont 5:30 pm Tablesetters 6-7 pm Drop-in Supper 7:00 pm Worship: Compline 7:30 pm Session meeting Thursday, February 25 5:00 pm Fitness Fusion 6:20 pm Voices in Bronze 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Friday, February 26 10:00 am Al Anon Saturday, February 27 9:00 am CEIRS class: Dr. George Smiga Church Growth retreat (Finns’) 5:00 pm Soul Food Potluck 6:30 pm Concert: A Celebration of African-American Music Sunday, February 28: 3 Lent 9:15 Child care begins 9:30 Descant Choir (gr. 1-5) Youth Education (gr. 6-12) Adult Education 10:15 Descant Choir activity 10:30 Chancel Choir Continental Breakfast 11:00 Worship Children’s Worship class 11:15 Children’s Christian Ed, gr 1-5: Pathways to the Promise Land 12:15 Fellowship and Coffee Hour 12:30 Black History Month Program: “Rap As Poetry” 1:30 Apollo’s Fire rehearsal 5:00 Faith Leader Living Prayer class

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Black History Month Presents…

The central event of this year’s Black History Month celebration is today’s panel discussion of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ groundbreaking work, “A Case for Reparations,” from 12:30 - 3:00 pm this afternoon. Author, political analyst and activist Bakari Kitwana will lead a panel of experts including Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, attorney Deadria Farmer-Paellmann, and local policy experts and advocates in considering this provocative topic. Kitwana, whose commentary on politics and youth culture has been heard on National Public Radio and seen on CNN, C-Span, and The Tavis Smiley Show, is currently Senior Media Fellow at the Harvard Law-based think tank, The Jamestown Project. He is also CEO of Rap Sessions: Community Dialogues on Hip-Hop, which facilitates discussions around the country on difficulties faced by the hip-hop generation.

Please join us!

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