MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE

The Calvary Baptist Church      Towson, Maryland

Eleven O’clock                                                August 30, 2009

http://www.calvarybaptist-towson.org

 

Frederick K. Weimert, Pastor

Ruth Kulkarni, Christian Kirby, Pastoral Staff

Glenn L. Wittstadt, Jr., Organist‑Director

 

 

PRELUDE         “Moment Musicale” op. 94, No. 2    Franz Schubert

                                               

INTROIT:                      Hymn  # 71

           

*CALL TO WORSHIP                      Psalm 45: 1-7

 

My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my verses to the one who rules;

my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

You are the most handsome of men; grace is poured upon your lips;

therefore God has blessed you forever.

Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your glory and majesty.

In your majesty ride on victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds.

Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.  Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity;

you love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

 

*HYMN 52:    “He Leadeth Me! O Blessed Thought”

 

INVOCATION Followed by the Lord’s Prayer (The version we use is printed on the laminated card in the pew)

 

WELCOME AND REGISTRATION

 

EXTENDED LIFE OF THE CHURCH

 

QUARTET:            “How Great Thou Art”  L. Moore, J. Weimert, B. Ross, D. Thomas

 

PRAYER FROM THE PEOPLE                  
                       

OFFERING                We give thee but Thine own,

                                    What e’re the gift may be;

                                    All that we have is Thine alone,

                                    A trust, O Lord, from Thee.

                                   

OFFERTORY:           “Intermezzo  A Major”           Brahms

 

CHILDREN’S TIME

 

HEBREW BIBLE:      Song of Solomon 2: 8-13       pg. 581    read by  Doug Thomas

 

RESPONSIVE CALL TO PRAYER:

 

The compilers of the lectionary probably chose this reading because they wanted us to have one more reflection on Solomon… who last week was seen praying at the dedication of the temple.

 

            That reading was religious, but this sounds rather  sexual.

This is all that is ever assigned to be read from the Song of Solomon…

I’m relieved to hear that!    Were we to have to read more I might blush.

When it comes to sexuality…

            We become rather Victorian.

We giggle uncomfortably, or change the subject, or we do with this passage what Jewish and Christian commentators have done with this passage since it was first written…

We turn it into an allegory of God’s love for Israel, or the Church.

God who created us male and female, naked and unashamed…

May we never forget the joy we experienced in first love, and may that joyous, deeply human emotion, continue to stir within us, reminding us that we are still alive.  Amen.

 

*HYMN 44:                “For the Beauty of the Earth”

 

SCRIPTURE:                         Mark 7: 1-8                pg. 874

 

SERMON:      “Liv’in in a World of Ritual Reality”

 

*INVITATION HYMN 579:      “Shine, Jesus, Shine”

 

Decisions of faith are personal decisions.  It is for us to choose if we will believe in God.  Decisions of faith are also public and corporate decisions.  When we choose to follow Jesus we are choosing to become part of the “Body of Christ”, the Church.  If you would like to confirm the decision you have made to begin your life of faith or continue that life as a part of this congregation, come forward as we sing the invitational hymn and speak with the worship leader about your decision.

 

*BENEDICTION/RESPONSE        

 

POSTLUDE:      “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”   F. J. Haydn

                                   

  • Congregation standing.

 

The sanctuary flowers are given by Doris Hoyer

in memory of loved ones.

 

If you have a special prayer request please fill out a pink card, found in the pews, bring it forward and place it on the communion table either before the service or during the first hymn.

 

*****

 

THIS    WEEK

 

 

 

SUNDAY MORNING  9:45 a.m. 

Ø  Nursery & Classes for all children on the first floor.

Ø  The Adult Classes will meet together in the Social Room.

Choir Practice will begin Sunday September 6th immediately following worship service and every Sunday thereafter.

 

Our Regular Wednesday evening programs will begin again on Wednesday, September 9th: 

                        6:15 p.m.         Dinner

                        7:00 p.m.         Prayer and Bible Study

                                                Deacons’ Meeting

 

We will have our Sunday School Program Kick-off on Sunday September 13th at 9: 45 a.m.

 

September  14th   12 Noon.  Annie Armstrong Circle meeting in the Church Social Room.

 

September  14th 7:30 p.m.  Needles and News meeting at the home of Helen Ross.  410-825-3360.

 

The Congregational Business Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 20th, following worship,  to discuss the Christian Educational programs of the Church.