Safety Update

The Session (elders of the congregation) met on May 20 to discuss the recent news from the CDC and Governor's Office concerning masks. They voted to remove our church's mask mandate, effective this Sunday, May 23. Masks are now optional for worship and other indoor gatherings. Volunteers working with children will continue wearing masks, we will continue to socially distance in the sanctuary, and singing will remain limited to the Doxology for now.

Let's continue to practice grace and generosity towards one another during these ever-changing times. Some folks will continue wearing masks; some will not. Some folks have received the vaccine; some have not and will not. I myself have been vaccinated, and I encourage those who can get vaccinated to do so. All of you must prayerfully consider what is best for you, your family, our congregation, and the larger community.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday, either in-person or online, as we worship the Lord together!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Blake & the Session of First Presbyterian Church

"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:1-6

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
May 16, 2021
Seventh Sunday of Easter & Ascension Sunday

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalms 121

Leader: I lift up my eyes to the mountains -- where does my help come from?
People: My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Leader: He will not let your foot slip -- he who watches over you will not slumber.
People: Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Leader: The Lord watches over you -- the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
People: The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
Leader: The Lord will keep you from all harm -- he will watch over your life.
People: The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Opening Song

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Forgiveness & Passing of the Peace

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon — The Preservation of the Truth

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Hymn of Response

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. You may give financially in the offering box in the entry hallway or by visiting our church webpage, dropping off a check at the church office, or mailing in a donation. 
Thank you!

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Heidelberg Catechism

Leader: What is true faith?
People: True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in Scripture; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These are gifts of sheer grace, granted solely by Christ’s merit.

Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
May 9, 2021
Sixth Sunday of Easter

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalms 98

Leader: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
People: His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
Leader: The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
People: He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Leader: Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.
People: Make music to the Lord with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn – shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
Leader: Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
People: He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.

Opening Song

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Forgiveness & Passing of the Peace

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9:1-15

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon — “The Maintenance of Divine Worship”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Hymn of Response

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. You may give financially in the offering box in the entry hallway or by visiting our church webpage, dropping off a check at the church office, or mailing in a donation. 
Thank you!

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.  For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.  For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.  On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. 

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
May 2, 2021
Fifth Sunday of Easter

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalms 92:1-4, 12-15

Leader: It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High; to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.

People: For you make us glad by your deeds, Lord; we sing for joy at what your hands have done.

Leader: The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.

People: They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is our Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Opening Song

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Forgiveness & Passing of the Peace

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon — “The Shelter, Nurture, and Spiritual Fellowship of the Children of God”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Hymn of Response

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. You may give financially in the offering box in the entry hallway or by visiting our church webpage, dropping off a check at the church office, or mailing in a donation. 
Thank you!

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Leader:  The Lord be with you!
Response:  And also with you.
Leader:  Lift up your hearts.
Response:  We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader:  Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Response:  It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The 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.

Words of Institution, Communion of the People, and Prayer after Communion

Closing Hymn

Benediction

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
April 25, 2021
Fourth Sunday of Easter

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 105:1-7

Leader: Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
People: Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
Leader: Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
People: Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Leader: Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Abraham, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
People: He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

Opening Song

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Forgiveness & Passing of the Peace

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading: Romans 10:1-15

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon — “The Proclamation of the Gospel for the Salvation of Humankind”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Hymn of Response

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. You may give financially in the offering box in the entry hallway or by visiting our church webpage, dropping off a check at the church office, or mailing in a donation. 
Thank you!

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Confession of 1967

The reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the life of humankind. His cross and resurrection become personal crisis and present hope for men and women when the gospel is proclaimed and believed. In this experience the Spirit brings God’s forgiveness to men and women, moves them to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience, and initiates the new life in Christ. The new life takes shape in a community in which men and women know that God loves and accepts them in spite of what they are. They therefore accept themselves and love others, knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace.

Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
April 18, 2021
Third Sunday of Easter

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 31:21-24

Leader: Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege.
People: In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.
Leader: Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.
People: Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Opening Song

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Forgiveness & Passing of the Peace

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon — “Rise Up!”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Hymn of Response

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. You may give financially in the offering box in the entry hallway or by visiting our church webpage, dropping off a check at the church office, or mailing in a donation. 
Thank you!

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Heidelberg Catechism

Leader: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
People: That I am not my own, but belong – body and soul, in life and in death – to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

The Six Great Ends of the Church

The way of Christ is a way of resurrection — a way of hope, joy, and new life by the Holy Spirit’s power and to the Father’s glory. This is what Christianity is all about! This is what God calls us, as Christians, to be all about as we bear witness to the continual inbreaking work of God in this wounded and weary world. I like the way the great missionary Lesslie Newbigin said it: “I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.”

To help us live this truth together, I will soon begin preaching through the “Six Great Ends of the Church.” For generations, we Presbyterians have summarized our reason for existence with these purpose statements, found in our Book of Order. The Six Great Ends are:

• The Proclamation of the Gospel for the Salvation of Humankind

• The Shelter, Nurture, and Spiritual Fellowship of the Children of God

• The Maintenance of Divine Worship

• The Preservation of the Truth

• The Promotion of Social Righteousness

• The Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the World

While I am not usually one to cite the Book of Order on Sunday mornings (as it doesn’t often make for the most engaging reading), I do find these statements to be helpful and faithful descriptions of the body of Christ. Come and study them with us. Join us for worship and life together either in-person or online. Let’s rise up, remember, and rejoice in the good news of the gospel: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed.

Sermon Scriptures*

• 4/18/2021 - 1 Peter 2:4-10 (Introduction)

• 4/25/2021 - Romans 10:1-15 (First great end)

• 5/02/2021 - 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (Second great end)

• 5/09/2021 - Hebrews 9:1-14 (Third great end)

• 5/16/2021 - 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (Fourth great end)

• 5/23/2021 - Isaiah 58:1-11 and/or James 1:19-27 (Fifth great end)

• 5/30/2021 - Philippians 2:5-11 or Revelation 21:1-5 (Sixth great end)

Yours in Christ,
Blake

*This list is always subject to change!

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
April 11, 2021
Second Sunday of Easter

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — from Romans 12:1-2

Leader: I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
People: This is our true and proper worship.
Leader: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
People: Then we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Leader: As the people of God, let us worship the Lord!.

Opening Song

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Forgiveness & Passing of the Peace

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading: Psalm 149

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Hymn of Response

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. You may give financially in the offering box in the entry hallway or by visiting our church webpage, dropping off a check at the church office, or mailing in a donation. 
Thank you!

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.  For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.  For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.  On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. 

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
April 4, 2021
Resurrection of the Lord

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Easter Proclamation

Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed!

Prelude: Hallelujah, Amen

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 118:1, 14-24

Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
People: His love endures forever.
Leader: The Lord is our strength and our defense.
People: He has become our salvation.
Leader: Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous:
People: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
Leader: “The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
People: We will not die but live and proclaim what the Lord has done.
Leader: The Lord has chastened us severely, but he has not given us over to death.
People: Open for us the gates of the righteous; we will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
Leader: This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.
People: I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
Leader: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
People: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Opening Song: Easter Wings

Easter Wings is a poem written by George Herbert in 1633.  It is a shape poem which in this case represents two birds in flight if the stanzas are viewed sideways.  I tried to emulate the character of the poem in the music, as each phrase gets shorter and more chromatic as the stanza "descends" to its narrowest point, and then expands to a new conclusion.  The poetry and music also represent our fall into sin and subsequent rescue by Christ who overcame death on Easter morning. He is risen indeed! – Michael Collings

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Forgiveness & Passing of the Peace

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading: Mark 16:1-8

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon – The Way of Christ: Resurrection

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Hymn of Response

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. You may give financially in the offering box in the entry hallway or by visiting our church webpage, dropping off a check at the church office, or mailing in a donation. 
Thank you!

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Leader:  The Lord be with you!
Response:  And also with you.
Leader:  Lift up your hearts.
Response:  We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader:  Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Response:  It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The 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.

Words of Institution, Communion of the People, and Prayer after Communion

Closing Hymn

Benediction

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
March 28, 2021
Palm & Passion Sunday

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 118:19-29

Leader: Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
People: This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.
Leader: I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
People: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Leader: The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
People: Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Leader: From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.
People: You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Prayer of Confession: from Psalm 51

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions. Wash away all our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. For surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach us wisdom in the inmost place. Create in us pure hearts, O God, and renew steadfast spirits within us. Do not cast us from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and grant us a willing spirit, to sustain us. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Scripture Reading

Mark 11:1-11

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Praise”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Confession of 1967

In Jesus Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself. Jesus Christ is God with humankind. He is the eternal Son of the Father, who became man and lived among us to fulfill the work of reconciliation. He is present in the church by the power of the Holy Spirit to continue and complete his mission. This work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is the foundation of all confessional statements about God, humanity, and the world. Therefore the church calls all people to be reconciled to God and to one another.

Prayers of the People

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
March 21, 2021
Fifth Sunday in Lent

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — from Psalm 119:9-16

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
We seek you with all our heart;
do not let us stray from your commands.
We have hidden your word in our hearts
that we might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, Lord;
teach us your decrees.
With our lips we recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
We rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
We meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
We delight in your decrees;
We will not neglect your word.

Prayer of Confession: from Psalm 51

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions. Wash away all our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. For surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach us wisdom in the inmost place. Create in us pure hearts, O God, and renew steadfast spirits within us. Do not cast us from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and grant us a willing spirit, to sustain us. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Scripture Reading

Mark 10:35-45

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Service”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Heidelberg Catechism

Leader: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
People: That I am not my own, but belong – body and soul, in life and in death – to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Prayers of the People

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
March 14, 2021
Fourth Sunday in Lent

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship —Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.
Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.

Prayer of Confession: from Psalm 51

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions. Wash away all our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. For surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach us wisdom in the inmost place. Create in us pure hearts, O God, and renew steadfast spirits within us. Do not cast us from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and grant us a willing spirit, to sustain us. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Leader: May the peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

Scripture Reading

Mark 10:17-31

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Poverty”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Sanctuary Worship

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name! – Psalm 103:1

Safety Protocols for Sanctuary Worship

• Everyone must wear masks or face coverings for the duration of the service, including entry and exit, except for the pastor and others while they are leading the service.

• Participants should remain socially-distanced and/or in family clusters during the service, whether standing or sitting. Ushers will be present and the pews will be marked to help you with this.

• Hand-sanitizer and extra masks will be available for those who need them.

• Windows will be opened on Sunday mornings to allow for airflow. (Please dress warmly.)

• Before Sunday, our cleaning staff will clean and sanitize our worship space.

• A volunteer will remain after the service to vacuum and wipe down surfaces as needed: pew rails, light switches, door handles, etc.

• We will not yet sing together, shake hands, hug, or pass the peace during the service.

• Use of the church building on Sundays will be limited to the Sanctuary, entryways, and bathrooms, unless participating in a pre-approved meeting or event.

• Childcare will not be available as we begin meeting, but we will have a Children’s Message, Children’s Church for kids aged 3-2nd grade, and other activities for children on-hand.

We encourage you to do your best to follow these guidelines and to help our children to follow them as well.

Online Worship

Worship will still be live-streamed via our church YouTube page, using our new camera equipment. A bulletin and link to the order of service will be emailed to the congregation on Sunday mornings, and services will be saved online for later viewing. Those without internet access will still receive a printed bulletin and sermon through the mail. We encourage our congregation to do what they are most comfortable with and to use their judgment as to whether or not to attend. We ask those with at-risk conditions or showing signs of illness to wait until safety is more assured. Remember, even if we are not all together in person, we are united by the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name.

If you have questions, please contact our church office, Pastor Blake Daniel, or a member of the Session.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
March 7, 2021
Third Sunday in Lent & Communion Sunday

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship —Psalm 19:7-14

The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Prayer of Confession: from Psalm 51

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions. Wash away all our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. For surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach us wisdom in the inmost place. Create in us pure hearts, O God, and renew steadfast spirits within us. Do not cast us from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and grant us a willing spirit, to sustain us. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Scripture Reading

Mark 9:42-50

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Self-Denial”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Leader: The Lord be with you!
Response: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
Response: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Response: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The 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.

Words of Institution, Communion of the People, and Prayer after Communion

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
February 28, 2021
Second Sunday in Lent

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 22:23-31

You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
For he has not despised or scorned
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows.
The poor will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the Lord will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
for dominion belongs to the Lord
and he rules over the nations.
All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
They will proclaim his righteousness,
declaring to a people yet unborn:
He has done it!

Prayer of Confession: from Psalm 51

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions. Wash away all our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. For surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach us wisdom in the inmost place. Create in us pure hearts, O God, and renew steadfast spirits within us. Do not cast us from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and grant us a willing spirit, to sustain us. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Scripture Reading

Mark 9:30-37; 10:13-16

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Childlikeness”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Theological Declaration of Barmen

As Jesus Christ is God’s assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins, so in the same way and with the same seriousness is he also God’s mighty claim upon our whole life. Through him befalls us a joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to his creatures. We reject the false doctrine, as though there were areas of our life in which we would not belong to Jesus Christ, but to other lords... Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body is joined and knit together.

Prayers of the People

Father, you are full of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in mercy, and always ready to welcome and forgive. On this second Sunday of Lent, we praise you for who you are, and we ask that you would help us to live with humility as we cling to your Son, Jesus; that in everything we may show ourselves to be your children, and that we may welcome children in your name. Please hear us, by your Spirit, as we lift our joys and concerns to you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray together now as Jesus taught us, saying:

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.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
February 21, 2021
First Sunday in Lent

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 25:1-5

In you, Lord our God, we put our trust.
We trust in you; do not let us be put to shame,
nor let our enemies triumph over us.
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
Show us your ways, Lord, teach us your paths.
Guide us in your truth and teach us,
for you are God our Savior, and our hope is in you all day long.

Prayer of Confession: from Psalm 51

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions. Wash away all our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. For surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach us wisdom in the inmost place. Create in us pure hearts, O God, and renew steadfast spirits within us. Do not cast us from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and grant us a willing spirit, to sustain us. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Scripture Reading

Mark 9:14-29

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Faith”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – from The Heidelberg Catechism

Question: What is true faith?
Response: True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in Scripture; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These are gifts of sheer grace, granted solely by Christ’s merit.

Prayers of the People

God of grace, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. As we enter into this season of Lent, we trust that you lead us and watch over our coming and our going both now and forevermore. With gratitude, we ask this morning that you would strengthen and guide us as we do your work in your world. Convict us of our disobedience, and enable us to heed your call in our lives. Open our ears to the cries of the poor. Teach us to seek and to do justice, to stay in the path of understanding, to pursue righteousness and love, and to trust in your faithfulness above everything else. Please hear us as we lift our joys and concerns to you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray together now as Jesus taught us, saying:

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.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

The Season of Lent

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the season of Lent. If you didn’t grow up with Lent (and I know many of you didn’t, myself included), here’s a bit of background…

The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word for “springtime.” It refers to the length of time before Easter, traditionally forty days, when the Church prepares to commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Just as Advent helps us prepare spiritually for Christmas, Lent helps us prepare spiritually for Holy Week and Easter.

You may be asking, Do I have to observe Lent?  The first answer is, Of course not! But the second answer is, Why wouldn’t you?  This season is a gift to us in which we may pause and reflect on our lives in light of Jesus Christ. So, I encourage you to observe it this year. Typically folks use this time as a chance to give something up: certain foods, certain media, certain habits. In recent years it’s become popular to take something on: daily prayer, for instance, or journaling and letter-writing. Regardless, the goal isn’t self-promotion (pride) but self-effacement (humility). What will help you humble yourself over the next forty days, so that you can see Jesus more clearly? Whatever the answer is… do it.

For a special focus during this Lenten season, we at First Presbyterian Church are studying and praying through Backyard Pilgrim by Matt Canlis. Want to read along? You can order a copy by clicking here. We are also meeting on Wednesday at noon for “Wednesdays on the Way” to walk on the Sylva Greenway while we discuss each week’s readings. We welcome you to join us as we walk the way of Christ together.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
February 14, 2021
Transfiguration of the Lord

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 50:1-6

The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
Our God comes
and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him,
and around him a tempest rages.
He summons the heavens above,
and the earth, that he may judge his people:
“Gather to me this consecrated people,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for he is a God of justice.

Prayer of Confession

God of compassion, in Jesus Christ you reveal the light of your glory, but we turn away, distracted by our own plans. We confess that we speak when we should listen and act when we should wait. Forgive our aimless enthusiasms. Grant us wisdom to live in your light and to follow in the way of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading

Mark 9:2-10

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Glory”

In-person services resume this week in our Fellowship Hall. Please wear a face covering, bring a chair to sit in, and practice social distancing while attending. A live-stream of the service is available at the link above. Simply click the link or visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish.

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Great God of dazzling beauty and overshadowing majesty, in Jesus Christ we glimpse the image of your glory, glory as of the only begotten Son of the Father. Teach us to listen to him so that we may hear your voice and follow your holy way, by the power of your Holy Spirit, and to your glory. Please hear us as we lift our voices to you, asking: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray together now as Jesus taught us, saying:

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.

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Wednesdays on the Way

Join us for “Wednesdays on the Way,” a weekly, walking book study for the season of Lent.

First, purchase a copy of the book Backyard Pilgrim by Matt Canlis and commit to reading it one day at a time.

(You may find it helpful to watch the short documentary film Godspeed first, which you can do by clicking here. This came before the book and will help you get the bigger picture.)

Click to order!

Then, join us on Wednesdays at 12:00pm during Lent (2/17-3/31) to walk the Jackson County Greenway. We will discuss each week's reading while we walk. Wear your mask, move your body, celebrate creation, and connect with your church family. Here is the schedule:

• 2/17 - Week 1 - What Kind Of Parent Is God?

• 2/24 - Week 2 - What Makes Kids Flourish?

• 3/3 - Week 3 - What Do Fearful Children Do?

• 3/10 - Week 4 - Who Began To Risk Being Found?

• 3/17 - Week 5 - Where Was Jesus Found For Us?

• 3/24 - Week 6 - What Has Jesus Done For Us?

• 3/31 - Week 7 - What Is Jesus Doing For Us Now?

Cancellations due to weather or other circumstances will be announced in our weekly church email. When in doubt, call or email the church office.

We hope you’ll join us as we walk the way of Christ in this very special season.

Worship from Home

A Service for the Lord’s Day
February 7, 2021
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

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Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship — Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Prayer of Confession

God of grace, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. You teach us to love our neighbors, but we walk away, wrapped in our own concerns, condoning evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. Help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness anew; through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Friend. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

New Officer Ordination & Installation

Congregational questions:

• Do we, the members of First Presbyterian Church, accept these deacons and this elder, chosen by God through the voice of this congregation, to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ? (“We do”)

• Do we agree to pray for them, encourage them, respect their decisions, and follow as they guide us, serving Jesus Christ, who alone is Head of the Church? (“We do”)

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading

Mark 6:30-44

Sermon – “The Way of Christ: Compassion”

Due to rising cases of COVID-19, in-person worship services are suspended. We will instead be live-streaming the service with a small worship team. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in! The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Leader: The Lord be with you!
Response: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
Response: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Response: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The 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.

Words of Institution, Communion of the People, and Prayer after Communion

Tithes and Offerings

With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord.  (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779.  Thank you!)

Benediction

May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.