OPEQUON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

217 Opequon Church Lane, Winchester, VA 22602 540-662-1843 www.opequonchurch.org

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SERVICE FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD July 5, 2020

9:00 am The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

WE GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

AN EXTENDED PRELUDE FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

[Notes on the Prelude-- July 4, is not the anniversary of a great battle, it doesn't mark the signing of a peace treaty, it is not the date of a military coup. We count our independence as the date that debate and deliberation concluded with the representative delegations signing our founding document proclaiming: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...”]

PRELUDE Please use this time to prepare your inward spirit for the worship of God.

†All who are able, please stand. Bold print—all respond.

THE CHURCH BELL RINGS GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

†ENTRANCE OF THE WORD AND THE LIGHT †GATHERING SONG ......................................................... Be Exalted, O God

CCLI#1622560

I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the people. I will sing praises to Thee among the nations.

For Thy steadfast love is great, is great to the heavens; and Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Thy glory be over all the earth.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Thy glory be over all the earth.

†CALL TO WORSHIP Come to me, Jesus says. All who are weary, come to me. And you, who carry heavy loads, come to me. For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Let us draw near to Jesus, whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light.

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†HYMN NO. 611 .............................................. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee CCLI#1622560

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love! Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun

above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt

away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.

All thy works with joy surround thee; earth and heaven reflect thy rays;

Stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing

sea, Chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in thee.

Mortals, join the happy chorus which the morning stars began. Love divine is reigning o’er us, joining all in heaven’s plan. Ever

singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife. Joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life.

CALL TO CONFESSION God upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. Therefore let us confess our sin with every confidence that we will be lifted up.

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, we confess to you and to each other that we are tired and weighed down by the mistakes we have made, even in our closet relationships with our friends, our spouses, and our family. We fill our lives with comfort and convenience, distractions that consume our energy and time. We chase after things that will not satisfy the hunger in our souls. In this season, we are paralyzed by fear of the unknown; we are anxious about what tomorrow or what next week will bring. Free us from the yokes that bind us and draw us near to you, until we learn to walk with Christ. We give these burdens to you, mindful of Jesus’ promise that he will give us rest.

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MOMENTS OF SILENT PRAYER

WORDS OF ASSURANCE Friends, hear the good news of our faith: God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, showing compassion to all. Forgiven and freed, let us rise up with joy and share our peace with one another.

LITANY OF PARDON Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

†THE RESPONSE OF PRAISE ..................................... Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! CCLI#1622560

Glory, glory, hallelujah! Since I laid my burden down. (2x)

I feel better, so much better Since I laid my burden down. (2x)

Feel Like shouting, “Hallelujah!” Since I laid my burden down. (2x)

† PASSING OF THE PEACE (Please share this prayer with those next to you)

“May the peace of Christ be with you.” “And also with you.”

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

SPECIAL MUSIC ............................................. O Beautiful for Spacious Skies William Heavner, Organist

THE READING OF GOD’S WORD OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Genesis 24 (selected verses) ................... Pew Bible p. 16 NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 ............. Pew Bible p. 792

A SPECIAL TIME WITH ALL GOD’S CHILDREN! .............. “God’s Work for Us”

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†HYMN NO. 475 .................................... Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing CCLI#1622560

Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above;

Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unchanging love!

Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by thy help I’m come; And I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to

thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above. SERMON ..................................................................... “Great Love Stories”

David R. Witt, Pastor

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS OFFERTORY His Yoke Is Easy ......................................... Arr. Ritter

[Notes on the Offertory—R.E. Hudson authored the text and composed the tune for this little known hymn just before the Civil War. The title and refrain reference Matthew 11:30 but the verses paraphrase Psalm 23. The melody seems a bit old fashioned but the message is timeless.]

†THE DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION, SANCTUARY AND AT HOME

Invitation Prayer of Consecration and Prayers of Intercession

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The Lord’s Prayer (hymnal p. 35. We say “debts” and “debtors” in the prayer) Words of Institution Sharing the Bread and Cup Communion Music Closing Communion Prayer

WE GO OUT IN GOD’S NAME

†HYMN NO. 182 .............................................I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say CCLI#1622560

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest, Lay down, O weary one, lay down your head upon my breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad; I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give The living water, thirsty one, stoop down and drink and live.”

I came to Jesus, and I drank of that lifegiving stream; my thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light, look unto me, your morn shall rise, and all your day be bright.” I looked to Jesus, and I found in him my star, my sun; and in

that light of life I’ll walk till traveling days are done.

†CHARGE AND BLESSING †CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE NO. 69 (Refrain) ..................... Here I Am, Lord

CCLI#1622560

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

†POSTLUDE Epilogue ......................................................... Martin [Notes on the Postlude – It would be a stretch to call this organ piece a song. There are only snatches of melody scattered through semi-organized clusters of mostly dissonant chords. But I like it, and it really showcases the rich pedal notes.]

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED TOMORROW Please note: The Church Office will be closed for the Independence Day holiday.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS July 5-12, 2020

TODAY Pre-Service Music Concert by William Heavner

9:00 am: Livestreamed Morning Worship, At Home Communion 10:30 am: Spiritual Growth Faith Formation Class via Zoom 11:00 am: In-Person Worship (Please Note Restrictions, including Required Reservations)

THIS WEEK

Monday: Church Office Closed—Honoring Independence Day Tuesday: Staff Meeting—10:00 am Wednesday: “Snackin’ & Chattin’” via ZOOM—12:00 Noon Thursday: “Just for Kids” via ZOOM—11:00 am Tai Chi—1:00 pm—Pitcock Memorial Shelter Sherando Food Pantry—6:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY

Livestreamed Morning Worship—9:00 am Spiritual Growth Faith Formation Class via Zoom—10:30 am

In-Person Worship—11:00 am (Reservations Required—Please Note Restrictions)

Psalm 119:105-112 Sermon: “A Walk in the Dark”

Safe Church Education Session via ZOOM—12:15 pm Outdoor Worship—6:30 pm—Pitcock Shelter & Field

(Please Note Restrictions)

VACATION FOR THE WITTS Carole and David Witt will be on vacation July 10-19. If a pastoral concern arises, please contact Parish Associate Tracie Martin at 304-856-2080 or 315-247-5969.

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PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER Jackie Boyd Family Kent & Lee Dittman Gary Pierce Becky Proctor Andrew Oliver Denise Musgrave Faye Myers Donna & Tom Messerschmidt Adam Branchoover Racial Injustice Bonnie Wilfong Pat Burslem Amy Lou Haake Paula Thomason

Duke Cutshall Donna Royston Skowronski Riana Wilhelm Noah Porter Arthur deButts James Brown Larissa Strosnider Dave Johnson Coronavirus First Responders Healthcare Workers

Grocery Workers Essential Workers School Children/Teachers Funeral Homes Families Older Adults Food Banks Homeless Underemployed & Unemployed Megan Galloway Lisa Shade-Snip Bobby Hudnall Frances Pitcock Sue Lee Julia Long Lanette Orduna Paul Ebersole Colleen McMurdo Lyn White Nancy Kerns Edgar Tufts Nathan Windle Mike Shade Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC)

Casey Carr Ed & Esther Duetsch Mark Wilhelm Katie Teets TK Tandy III Dan Thompson Division in Our Country Joe Lingo Brad Treece Patricia Ferguson Women & Children of Domestic Violence Families of Children, Youth & Young Adults with Special Needs Jim Butler Tom Ganoe Disaster Relief Agencies Kes Mersha Jane Lewis Doug Koch Illubabor Bethel Synod of Church Mekane Yesus Rachel & Michael Weller Doug Dicks

PRAY FOR THOSE IN THE MILITARY SERVICE Joshua Blake, Max Crane, Andrew Crane, Thomas Crane, Edison Gomez, Taylor McMurdo, Samuel & Julia Phillips, Brandon Michael, Jared Snawder, Greg Sousa, Katherine Tufts, Michael White, and their families. RE-ENTRY PLAN BEGINNING TODAY

9:00 am Livestreamed Full Worship Service (only Worship Team present) ✓ Our current livestreamed worship will be available to you at 9:00

am or any time after ✓ This is the service that the congregational surveys

overwhelmingly indicated must be our priority and must continue as is.

11:00 am In-Person Worship (limited to 75 people) ✓ 45-minute service with restrictions for all worshipers ✓ Minimum 6’ social distancing at all times inside the building ✓ No social interaction inside the building

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✓ Wearing face masks mandatory for entrance to the building and must always be worn in the building; if you do not wear a face mask, you will be asked to go home and livestream.

✓ No congregational singing or spoken responses ✓ Advanced registration and reserved seating required for worship

EACH WEEK through phone call or Sign-Up Genius. Please call Rebekah Witt at 540-686-0752 for phone reservations on Monday or Tuesday. The Sign-Up Genius link will be emailed by the church office on Tuesday afternoons. You will need to register again every week.

✓ Limited seating capacity in Sanctuary (75) ✓ Printed bulletins on pews ✓ Restrooms available one person at a time ✓ No Nursery provided. ✓ We would strongly encourage those who are most compromised

and those who are not able to adhere to the restrictions to stay home, stay safe, and worship with us through livestream.

BIBLE BINGO CHALLENGE Children Kindergarten-5th grade age received a golden envelope in the mail last week with the BIBLE BINGO Challenge. Work on completing your BINGO card so your name can be entered in for the prize drawings. Mark an X on each square as you complete it. Photos of completed cards are to be sent to Carole Witt at dce@opequonchurch.org by July 8. Have fun reading and doing all the things on your BINGO Card. ZOOM TIME FOR CHILDREN Carole and Rebekah Witt will be hosting a final ZOOM time JUST FOR KIDS this Thursday, July 9 at 11:00 am. We will join together for about 30

“Snackin’ & Chattin’” Wednesdays

12:00-12:45 pm Have a snack at home/in office

Talk & Pray with Pastor David & Others via ZOOM

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minutes to play some games, share jokes and stories, and have a prayer together. The link for the children’s Zoom will be sent out earlier in the week. This time is good for children Kindergarten-5th grade age. Spice up your morning time by joining us for this interactive and entertaining time. COLLECTOR’S SHOW AND TELL All are invited to join our Zoom group "Collector's Show and Tell" as we share what we collect and how we got started collecting. Our Zoom meeting will be on Friday, July 17, at 1:00 p.m. The meeting notice will be sent out the week of July 13 via the church e-mail. If you have questions please contact Becky Proctor at beckyproc@comcast.net.

COMMUNITY GARDEN 10.75 pounds of produce were donated to the Highland Food Pantry, and 13.4 pounds were donated to the Sherando Food Pantry this week. In the month of June, 59.65 pounds were harvested from the garden. If you are interested in helping water or deliver produce, the SignUpGenius page can be found on the home page of the church's website. If you have any

Next Sunday, July 12 6:30 pm WOW!

Wonderful Outdoor Worship at the Picnic Shelter/Lawn

• Approximately 40 minutes in length

• Please bring your own lawn chairs

• Those challenged in navigating the ground may sit in the shelter

• Restrictions Will Apply: Minimum 6’ social distancing; no

singing; no restrooms on the property will be available; have a mask available for unanticipated interaction less than 6’

• No advance registration required.

• You will be directed where to park and will sit in front of your

vehicle.

• Weather Permitting

Outdoor worship at 6:30 pm on Sunday evenings

– July 26, August 9, & August 23

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questions, please contact a lead gardener or the garden administrator at graysonmoyer7@gmail.com. YOUR OFFERING—THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

✓ Mail it to Opequon Church, 217 Opequon Church Lane, Winchester, VA 22602

✓ Drop it by the church by calling ahead and ringing the doorbell upon arrival. You can use the mail slot in the door (that leads to the Dell Room) after hours.

✓ Set it up through an on-line banking transfer with your local bank. You may specify the amount and the day you want your contribution sent to OPC, just like the bills you pay on-line. The advantages are convenience, time savings, and for many forgetfulness.

✓ Click it on the Donate Now button on the church website.

OUTREACH THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Opequon’s engagement in mission is strong! Your food, in-kind, and financial donations are appreciated and may be brought to the church during weekly office hours. Bins are located outside. We are especially supporting…

• Our Motel Ministry—There is a need for donations such as dish sponges, dish soap, laundry detergent pods, dryer sheets, tooth brushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, cracker packs, granola bars, oatmeal packs, boxes of easy mac & cheese, and ramen noodle packs.

• Highland Food Pantry (non-perishables)

• Sherando Food Pantry (canned chicken, canned chili with meat, canned spaghetti & meatballs, canned fruit & vegetables, soup, dry cereal)

• Bright Futures, feeding the children of Winchester and Frederick County (e.g. 100% Juice Boxes, granola bars, cup of soups, cracker packs, boxes of oatmeal packets)

SAFE CHURCH EDUCATION SESSION The Laurel Center will present another Safe Church Education Session next Sunday, July 12 at 12:15 pm via Zoom. A link will be emailed. The topic is,

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"How Sexual Offenders Groom Children: What Every Adult Needs to Know." Parents, staff, & volunteers working with children/youth are encouraged to attend. Please note this topic is not suitable for younger children.

WORSHIP NOTES AND REFLECTIONS

Notes on Today’s Music

How did today’s music testify to God’s persistent and steadfast love? Notes on Today’s Children’s Conversation

What do we learn from the yoke? Notes on Today’s Prayers Notes on Today’s Scripture and Sermon

❖ How have you experienced God’s steadfast love? ❖ What Biblical stories model for you the relationship between God and

humanity? ❖ What misplaced burdens are you carrying? ❖ How does Jesus’ call end our weariness or lift our burden? ❖ Where might God be offering you a more well-fitted yoke? ❖ Where do you sense God moving in hidden ways?

In Remembrance

Mary Jacqueline “Jackie” Boyd

August 7, 1932 – June 29, 2020

“I am the resurrection and the life,” says the Lord. “Those who believe in me shall live, even though they die, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25-26