FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTERFOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTERMay 3, 2020May 3, 2020

Making God’s Love Visible

Breath of Life by Lauren Wright Pittman

[This hymn immediately follows the Call to Worship on the next page of the bulletin.]

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I Sing the Mighty Power of GodCREATION AND PROVIDENCE

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TEXT: Isaac Watts, 1715, alt.MUSIC: Gesangbuch der Herzogl. Wirtembergischen Katholischen Hofkapelle, 1784; alt. 1868

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With minimal revision this text brings together six of the eight four-line stanzas in an 18th-century hymnwritten for children and originally headed ÒPraise for Creation and Providence.Ó The anonymous Germantune provides a Þtting sense of breadth and wonder.

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GATHERING

OPENING VOLUNTARY The Peace May be Exchanged from Rubrics Dan Locklair

As the voluntary begins, let the time and the music help to center you for worship. WELCOME AND LIFE IN THE CHURCH

CALL TO WORSHIP One: In the name of the Creator, who colors the sky— In the name of Christ, who died under dark skies— In the name of the Spirit that moves like wind in the sky— All: All peoples of our planet: Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!One: Christ, we come into your presence today to worship in this sanctuary called Earth.All: Holy! Holy! Holy!One: The heavens are telling the glory of God—All: The skies proclaim God’s majesty across the globe.One: We give thanks for clouds that bring forth the rainsAll: that give growth and healing to Earth.One: We invite the wind to join our petitions,All: to breathe our prayers with us.One: We lift our praise of God to the skies!All: Sing, Creation, sing!

HYMN 32 I Sing the Mighty Power of God ellacombe (This hymn is found on the previous page of this bulletin.)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God, our Creator—As we raise our eyes to the skies to consider the wonders of the world around us, we hear creation groaning. We hear creatures crying out in distress. And we hear the web of life gasping for breath. We confess our complicity in the distress of the planet that is our home. You have given us eyes that weep, ears that hear, hearts that feel, hands that work. Teach us to offer them in service to a world that is endangered by our choices. Help us to recognize your presence in the evening sky, your spirit in the wind, your mercy in the falling rain, your grace in the warming light. In the name of Christ who unites heaven and Earth, we remember, we confess, we reflect—

SILENT CONFESSION

Please join in reading or singing those parts of the service printed in bold.

The opening voluntaryis from Rubrics, a five-movement suite for organ by North Carolina composer Dan Locklair. Each movement of the suite takes its inspiration and title from instruc-tions found in The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Today’s cover art is Breath of Life, a digital painting inspired by Genesis 1, by Lauren Wright Pittman. Lauren writes, “The shining wisdom of the Holy Spirit descends in the center of this piece. From the feathered Advocate swirls the breath of life— the very same air that fills our lungs, the very same breath that gives all creatures life, the very same wind that lifts and holds birds in their soaring. Birds of all kinds dance in gratitude around the Spirit, embracing the air and celebrating the gift of life. May we orient ourselves around the breath of God, recognizing, honoring, and protecting the breath of life that flows through every facet of Creation.”

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Leader: As we come home to Earth, As we seek to love our home, As we seek to care for our kin, People: Glory to God in the highest! And on Earth, peace with all creation!

PASSING OF THE PEACE

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE All who for love of God forgive,all who in pain or sorrow grieve,Alleluia! Alleluia!Christ bears your burdens and your fears;so, even in the midst of tears,sing praises! Alleluia!Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

This is Stanza 4 of Hymn 15 All Creatures of Our God and King.

PROCLAIMING THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Jensen Wood OLD TESTAMENT READING Genesis 1:20–25, 30-31

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

A CONVERSATION WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES

NEW TESTAMENT READING Luke 12:1–3, 8–12 John 20:19–23

The grass withers; the flower fades— the word of our God endures forever.

SERMON Air-born Rev. Dr. Richard Spalding

The Prayer for Illumination turns our attention to God to ask that we hear God’s word in order to better know God’s will for our lives.

Jensen Wood is a new First Pres member who just joined with the 2020 Confirmation Class. Congratulations and welcome, Jensen!Jensen is the son of Bill and Kathy Wood, the grandson of Bill and Pam Wood, and the nephew of Dan and Ashley Wood.

The translation of Genesis being read this morning is by Robert Alter, a renowned linguist and literary critic whose aim has been to translate biblical Hebrew as “stylized, decorous, dignified, and readily identified by its audiences as a language of literature.”

The liturgical color of Eastertide is white, and sometimes gold. It represents joy and purity, and is also used for the season of Christmas, All Saints Sunday, and Sundays directly reflecting the life of Jesus, such as Baptism of the Lord and Epiphany.

RESPONDING AND SEALING

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O Day of Rest and GladnessGATHERING

393

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TEXT: Stanzas 1–2, Christopher Wordsworth, 1862, alt.; stanza 3, Charles P. Price, 1980, alt.MUSIC: Memmingen ms., 17th cent.; harm. George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1904Text St. 3 © 1985 Charles P. Price

ES FLOG EIN KLEINS WALDVÖGELEIN7.6.7.6.D

In this text the Þrst day of the week represents a threefold commemoration of Creation, Resurrection, andPentecost—each an encounter with Trinitarian activity centered on one of the Three Persons. The tune namerecalls the secular German song adapted for use with several hymns.

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In this text the first day of the week repesents a threefold commemoration of Creation, Resurrection, and Pentecost—each an encounter with Trinitarian activity centered on one of the Three Persons.

OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS

Offertory Music Down in My Soul arr. Moses Hogan Lorna Hildebrandt, Kathy Wirstrom, Leslie Smith,

Heidi Hess-Willis, Amy RuhfI hear music in the air,I can feel it in the air.There must be a God somewhere.

Over my head,I hear music in the air.There must be a God somewhere.

Over my head,I hear singing in the air.There must be a God somewhere.

I got this music down in my soul,And it fills my heart with the joy of the Lord.

I’ve got joy,I’ve got it joy, everlasting.I’ve got peace,I’ve got it peace, everlasting.I’ve got love,I’ve got it love, everlasting.I’ve got joy,I’ve got it joy, everlasting.

Love in my heartOh yes, I got peace in my soul,Oh yes, I got joy in my heart,Joy today!

Do you love the Lord.I love the Lord!Well!

I got joy!I got peace!I got love!In my soul!

The offering is a time we return to God the blessings we have been given, through both tangible acts of stewardship and service. Please support this church financially. The needs of our church and community are great. We will still lend support to the mission programs we love, our neighbors in need, and our members who are hurting. The church continues to have expenses including compensation for our staff. None of those needs are diminished by this virus. We are not passing an offering plate. We are also not taking a pass on doing what we must to keep First Pres as vital during this pandemic as we have ever been. Know that we are grateful to you. Give online at the website, use “Text-to-Give” (855-904-1523), use our Give + App, scan the QR code below, or put a check in the U.S. mail. If you need assistance with any of the online options, call Anna Miller, Finance Manager. Never has your giving mattered more.

Scan the QR code below with your phone to go directly to our giving page.

The photographs that are displayed during the Offertory music are by Kathy and Kurt Hillig.

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s PrayerOne: The Lord be with you.All: And also with you.One: Lift up your hearts.All: We lift them up to the Lord.One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.All: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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Sanctus

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

Communion Music Let Us Break Bread Together arr. Moses Hogan David Magumba, soloist

Let us break bread together on our knees,let us break bread together on our knees.When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees,let us drink wine together on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us praise God together on our knees, let us praise God together on our knees.When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,O Lord, have mercy on me.

Prayer after Communion

We believe that the invitation to this Feast comes from Jesus himself and draws upon the oldest of Christian writings; it is theenactment of his teachings, the enfleshing of his words. Though we celebrate the sacrament virtually for the first time, the words and gestures of the liturgy will be familiar. Bound together by the Holy Spirit, the simple elements of bread and cup are visible signs of God’s grace at work in our world now — even during this time when we must be physically separate from each other.

We celebrate our Kindergartners and First Graders who participated in our Communion Workshop and are taking their first communion today with their families.Addy Carlisle Ethan CrawfordJoshua LeeCora Meade Jackie Vercler Ben Zink

We thank Worship Committee and Liturgical/Visual Arts Team members for providing communion photos.Lois BryantLisa DanielsonMillie DanielsonSue DempseyBecky DonallySusan FroelichPatricia GilbreathJeanette KiblerSandra McDonaldAngie MillerKatie ParkerMarita ServaisJeanette SwartzDave VanderMeer

SENDING

HYMN 509 All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly holy manna

Please sign our virtual Friendship Pad.If you are worshiping with us via YouTube, Facebook, or radio, either click click here https://bit.ly/2RIig2I to let us know that you joined us for worship today or sign the pad on our website (www.firstpresbyterian. org).

Sunday Communion Food Offering:Our Sunday Communion Food Offering today supports Food Gatherers. Food Gatherers is the hub and source of food for hungry people across our city and county, supporting every hungry household, food pantry and meal program with the essential food and supplies. Canned food and other staples may be dropped off at First Pres Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Financial gifts may be made by check or online (www. firstpresbyterian.org/donate). Learn more on our website.

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All Who Hunger, Gather GladlyLORD’S SUPPER

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TEXT: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1990MUSIC: William Moore’s Columbian Harmony, 1825Text © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc.

HOLY MANNA8.7.8.7.D

(alternate harmonization, 396)

The United Church of Canada minister who wrote this text was introduced to shape note tunes at the 1990Hymn Society conference in Charleston, South Carolina. Afterwards she vacationed with friends nearby andworked out this text while humming this tune as she walked up and down the beach.

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CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Sing Praise to God, You Heavens! wie lieblich ist der maien

(Psalm 148)

This is stanza 3 of Hymn 17.

CLOSING VOLUNTARY Fugue in G Minor Gottlieb Muffat

WELCOME TO WORSHIP! The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof!

This Eastertide we join together as caretakers of God’s creation to explore issues related to ecology and climate justice and how we can continue to be stewards and caretakers of God’s marvelous creation. We welcome you to our series entitled, “New Creation: Green Faith Rising —Hope in a Time of Climate Change.”

What does climate change mean to you? Are you scared or discouraged, angry or indifferent? And what does it have to do with our Christian faith? For these seven weeks following Easter, join our intergenerational exploration of our environmental crisis that will include focused worship services, hands-on activities, and guest speakers.

For our Green Faith Rising Series “Living with Hope in a Time of Climate Change,” members of ourcongregation have been asked to share their photographs throughout our online worship services. We thank Kurt and Kathy Hillig for sharing their work with us today.

This paraphrase of Psalm 148 reflects the spirit of praise linking Psalms 146–150. Of the two great themes found in these final five psalms—creation and deliverance—this psalm focuses on the former. The opening praise “from the heavens” is matched by praise “from the earth.”

Music copyright: All music is reprinted under OneLicense.net A-720542. All rights reserved.

Cover art copyright: © Lauren Wright Pittman; used with permission of the artist.

ANNOUNCEMENTSA prayer team is available to those who would like prayer following this service. At 10:30 a.m. and at noon on Sundays you may enter the prayer room via the home page of our website (https://firstpresbyterian.org/event/prayer-team).

Join Rev. Rogers for a virtual Coffee Hour each Sunday immediately following the Closing Voluntary.Bring your own cup of coffee and gather with fellow congregants until 11:15 a.m. for a time of socialization and a brief discussion topic. This is a great way to see friends we miss while being apart and to make new friends. This week’s topic is “If you could be outside anywhere on earth today, enjoying God’s creation, where would that be?”

Everything about our response to Covid 19 can be found on our website and Facebook page. If you are not on our weekly email list and want to receive updates, subscribe at our website.

If you are in need of a face mask for yourself or family members, please contact your chapel deacon to obtain a mask made by a First Pres sewing volunteer. If you don’t know who your deacon is, please contact Deacon Coordinator, Doug Gottliebsen (dagottlieb@aol.com).

Please reach out by call, note, or Facebook messenger to those you are not seeing while First Pres is closed. We need one another more than ever. We need to hear one another’s voices by phone and email and text message, and keep in touch as this virus expands in our community. Some small groups at First Pres may be meeting using an online platform, such as Zoom or Go to Meet. If you need information about these platforms, and want to gather friends for Bible study or prayer from your home, using your computer, and need the tools, contact the Church Office so that we can offer assistance.

If you are struggling or concerned and would like pastoral care, please call the Church Office, email Rev. Rogers, or submit your prayer request online. The Prayer Chain is actively praying for all prayer requests, lifting up joys as well as concerns.

CO-votionals: Sheltering in the Refuge of God’s Heart. Brief daily email devotionals are available to uplift us in a time of despair, darkness, and fear. These spiritual reflections, written by our members, are based on scriptures, hymn texts, and poems. Subscribe on our website. All those who received the Lenten email devotionals will remain on the list to receive these new co-votionals unless you unsubscribe yourself. Questions? Want to write? Contact Rev. Rogers (mrogers@firstpresbyterian.org).

In families where there is a member with mental illness, caregivers may find life particularly hard. We work as best we can to love and calm those in our homes who are struggling in particular ways. You may be a family member caring for a loved one with mental illness. During this time of sheltering-in-place, we have two Stephen Ministers with particular experience who are willing to listen and care. Please reach Rev. Rogers to access those caregivers for yourself. To all, please pray for those who are challenged with mental illness as we endure this time of quarantine.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTSOur undergraduate campus ministry, UKirk@UMich, continues to meet online, Sundays @ 12:30 p.m. for College Lunch and Wednesdays @ 8:00 p.m. for Small Group. Please contact Rev. Evans McGowan (campus@firstpresbyterian.org) for more information. All are welcome!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTHPlease contact Rev. Mark Mares, Minister of Youth & Families, for information about the numerous ways youth are connecting at this time. Mark can be reached at mmares@firstpresbyterian.org.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIESPlease contact Beca Torres-Davenport, Coordinator of Children’s Education & Family Ministry, for information about opportunities to connect and resources for children and families. Beca can be reached at btorres-davenport@firstpresbyterian.org.

College Graduates will be recognized in the May 20 bulletin. Please submit the graduate’s name, parents’ (or grandparents’) names, the institution granting the degree, and the degree granted. Submissions are due by this Friday, May 8.

High School Graduates will be recognized in June. High School graduates will be recognized in the June newsletter and in the June 7 bulletin. Please submit the graduate’s name, parents’ (or grandparents’) names, the school granting the degree, and future plans. Submissions are due by this Friday, May 8.

ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Bible @ 9:30 meets this afternoon at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. All are welcome to join the discussion to explore the big ideas of the Christian faith as the group studies Ezra and Nehemiah. Email Rev. Ed Koster (ehkoster@aol.com) for Zoom connection information.

Journeys Book & Bible Study meets virtually on Zoom on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. Contact Rev. Frazier (afrazier@firstpresbtyerian.org) for more information.

Join us for “Living with Hope in an Age of Climate Change,” an intergenerational, interactive series. Today’s presentation is “We Can’t Get Around It, So How Are We Going to Get Around?” Accompany us on a virtual bus tour/scavenger hunt as our series on climate change continues by Zoom at 11:30. There will be prizes! A recording of the presentation will be accessible via the First Pres YouTube site after 2:00 p.m. To attend the live class, click on the image on the website. Join a book group reading Jim Antal’s Climate Church, Climate World. Groups meets virtually via Zoom every two weeks through June 5. The next meeting is this Friday, May 8, 3:30–5:00 p.m. Please sign up on the website. Jim Antal will preach for us on May 31, Pentecost Sunday.

Presbyterian Women: Ways to Stay ConnectedPW Moderator Ginny Bell will continue to send out timely information in email blasts. We invite all women of the church to be added to the emails. Just let Ginny know at virginiabell2013@gmail.com. We encourage all who might be on Facebook to like the First Pres Facebook page.

The Spiritual Writing Group invites your participation! Have you ever wanted to be creative with words? Have you found it so difficult to just sit down quietly and write a memory to share? This spring during “social distancing “ we are sharing our creative work and our discussion of these shared writings all by email. You won’t even have to leave your home to participate. If you wish to join us please contact Meg Brown, lmegbrown@gmail.com, and she’ll email you the email addresses of all our members. The writing prompt word for May is “Gate.” Join with us in your creative writing.

Take a mini-pilgrimage at Gallup Park here in Ann Arbor and explore your faith. We have prepared three walking guides with different themes that foster reflection as you walk the 1.35 (or 1.65) mile trail at Gallup Park. We hope you will explore this new way to stay physically distant, enjoy the outdoors, and reflect on your journey. The guides and a park map may be found our on website.

Are you passionate about climate change isssues? First Pres is forming a Social Justice Group which you are invited to join. Contact Rev. Sanderford (jsanderford@firstpresbyterian.org) for more information.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

Support Food Gatherers in May. Food Gatherers, the backbone of the food supply chain for every program, agency and ministry in our city and county needs additional food and support to keep up with increased demand because of the coronavirus. Canned food and other staples may be dropped off at First Pres Monday-–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Financial gifts may be made by check or online (www.firstpresbyterian.org/donate).

Join us in starting our First Pres garden from home! Sign up by next Sunday, May 10 to receive a kit. We’ll provide the seeds, some soil, and seedling containers. You’ll plant and care for the seedlings and then when we are able you can drop off your seedling plants at the church to be included in the First Pres garden! Deliveries will be made May 11–17. On May 17 you are invited to join us for an online discussion about how our small “mustard seed” actions can impact the greater community! More information is available on our website.

Alpha House Families: With the families at Alpha House sheltering in place, lunches are now being provided by congregations and community groups. Support of the homeless is considered an essential service. If you’d like to help out, contact Volunteer Coordinator Mark Heffner (249–9227).

Thrive Juicery Support for Our Local Emergency Room Medical Personnel: You can help provide immune-boosting, raw, cold-pressed juice to the amazing ER medical staff. For each dollar donated, Thrive Juicery will match the donation in juice. Deliveries will be made daily to the UM and St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospitals. Call 585-5221 or donate online (https://www.thrive-juicery.com/).

Suds ‘n Sheets Campaign for Cass: Help our Suds ‘n Sheets Campaign for Cass Community Social Services. Please bring your donations of paper towels and laundry detergent, items always in demand at Cass, and drop them off in in the bins outside the Memorial Garden entrance Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. This collection of basic items assists the Cass Community in a particularly fragile time. Financial gifts may be made by check or online (www.firstpresbyterian.org/donate).

SAVE THE DATES!We are not sure how long our hiatus from gathering in person for worship and events will continue. In the uncertainty of this time we urge you to check our website frequently for updates and read all communications from First Pres.

New Member Class — May 3 and 17Contact Rev. Rogers for more information if you would like to join First Pres. All are welcome! This class will be conducted online today, Sunday, May 3 and on Sunday, May 17, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Virtual Art Exhibit — Coming Soon!Be on the lookout for our upcoming Virtual Art Exhibit on the theme “Living with Hope in the Time of Climate Change.”

Monthly Taizé Prayer Service — this Tuesday, May 5, 7:00 p.m. Our monthly Taizé prayer service continues virtually. Worship with us with sung and chanted prayers, meditation, a period of silence, liturgical readings, and icons. There is no preaching. The service will be available via YouTube and Facebook.

Friday, May 15 — Good Reads, A Book Discussion GroupOur next book is the classis spiritual memoir, An American Childhood, by Annie Dillard. Contact Rev. Sanderford for information on joining this book group via Zoom.

Sunday, May 17 — Resident Minister Alumni SundayReturning to the pulpit is the Rev. Brennan Blue, First Pres Resident Minister (2011–2013). Brennan is Senior Pastor of St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Wednesday, May 20 — Presbyterian Women GatheringThe virtual gathering begins with Bible Study via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. If you want to meet via Zoom, please contact Rev. Johnson (kjohnson@firstpresbyterian.org) or Virginia Bell (virginiabell2013@gmail.com). Following Bible Study Ginny Rezmierski will highlight the Circles Program. Lifetime Membership Awards will be presented to Katie Beery, Joan Bentz, Eleonora Charlson, and JoAnn Freethy.

Sunday afternoons in June — “Cancer: Now What?” The class will use Cancer: Now What?, a book by Kenneth C. Haugk, founder of Stephen Ministries, as a discussion resource. Contact Rev. Rogers if you are interested. More information will be available soon.

Sunday, June 14 — Good Reads Virtually! A Virtual Book Reading and Conversation with William Kent Krueger

Best-selling author William Kent Krueger joins us at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom to read from his most recentnovel, This Tender Land. A question and answer period, moderated by our own Robin Agnew, will follow the reading.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF

Robin Agnew, Administrative Assistant

Liz Call-Boyce, Finance Assistant

Reverend Andrew Frazier, Resident Minister

Pat Gilbreath, Welcome Center Volunteer Coordinator

Lisa Haddrill, Technology Coordinator

Dr. Paul Haebig, Interim Organist

Almer Harris, Maintenance Specialist

Reverend Khayla Johnson, Resident Minister

Mary Jones, Publications Coordinator

Cindy King, Administrative Assistant

Reverend Evans McGowan, Campus Ministries Coordinator

Reverend Mark Mares, Minister of Youth & Families

Kellie McInchak, Children’s Choir Director

Anna Miller, Finance Manager

Adrian Prundeanu, Facilities Manager

Linda Robinson, Office Manager

Reverend Melissa Anne Rogers, Associate Pastor

Reverend Amy Ruhf, Resident Minister

Reverend Jay Sanderford, Associate Pastor

Reverend Dr. Rick Spalding, Interim Pastor

Sandy Talbott, Wellness Coordinator & Parish Nurse

Beca Torres-Davenport, Coordinator of Children’s Education & Family Ministry

David VanderMeer, Minister of Music & Fine Arts