TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

AUGUST 1, 2021

PRELUDE

Prelude on the Tune Union Seminary Gerre Hancock

“Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether . . .” (1934-2012)

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

[Throughout the bulletin, texts in bold type are to be said together by the congregation; plain text will be read by

the liturgist or minister, following the model of The Book of Common Worship. The numbered hymns included are

from The Presbyterian Hymnal (blue) found in the pew]

stand for CALL TO WORSHIP Ruth Paradise, liturgist

O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good,

God's steadfast love endures forever!

O give thanks to the God of gods,

God's steadfast love endures forever!

O give thanks to the Lord of lords,

God's steadfast love endures forever!

Let the words of my mouth and

meditations of my heart

be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord,

my rock and my redeemer.

HYMN OF PRAISE (see separate hymn document)

O God, Beyond All Praising THAXTED

be seated for

CALL TO CONFESSION Ruth Paradise, liturgist

God invites us to come, not in judgement, but it love.

Because we have faith in God,

we dare to approach with confidence.

In faith and penitence,

let us join in our Prayer of Confession, saying together:

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Ruth Paradise, liturgist

Gracious God, you delight in creation.

You did not create the earth for sorrow nor humanity for sadness;

You made us for joy and destined us for fullness!

In our search for guidance and growth,

we need to remember that life is more than facts

and living is more than holding to a schedule.

We confess we go astray, we lose our way,

we travel on unproductive paths.

Keep us moving on the road toward the New Life in Christ.

Keep our focus on Your love, peace, power, and justice,

so that we may serve You faithfully. Amen.

REFLECTING ON OUR CONFESSION sing twice in contemplation Taizé Community

Take, O Take Me as I Am

ASSURANCE OF OUR PARDON Ruth Paradise, liturgist

In these tight times, God gives us Good News.

Scripture proclaims it with a mighty voice:

"Who is in a position to condemn?

Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us,

Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.

Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.

The old life has gone; a new life has begun."

Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel:

In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Thanks be to God!

stand for

RESPONSE TO OUR FORGIVENESS sing twice with joy Taizé Community

In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful

A WAVE OF PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP WITH OUR NEIGHBORS

be seated for

SOLO

The Song of the Leaves of Life and the Water of Life Ralph Vaughan Williams

from The Pilgrim's Progress (1872-1958)

Michael Manganiello, baritone

Jason Kissel, piano

Unto them that overcometh shall be given of the Tree of Life,

Which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

On either side of the river groweth the Tree of Life,

The Leaves of the Tree are for thy healing.

In the midst of that fair City flows the river of Water of Life, clear as crystal.

Who so will, let them take of the Water of life freely.

Who so drinketh of this water shall never thirst.

Take thou the Leaves of the Tree of Life.

So shalt thou enter in through the Gates of the City.

Words adapted from the Book of Revelation

PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING Ruth Paradise, liturgist

O Holy Spirit of God:

You have gone before us,

You follow in stillness behind us,

And you come to this place with us,

Be with us still as we go forward.

Send out your light and your truth

that they may lead us;

And give us the grace to rejoice

in your mysterious companionship.

Through Jesus Christ, Amen.

FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Ruth Paradise, liturgist

The Epistle Lesson Ephesians 3:14-19

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God!

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth

takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be

strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your

hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the

power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and

to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness

of God.

SECOND SCRIPTURE READING

The Gospel Lesson: John 6:1-13

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God!

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large

crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up

the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was

near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where

are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he

was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of

them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a

boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus

said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat

down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he

distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they

were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be

lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who

had eaten, they filled twelve baskets.

SERMON “Hospitality at Jesus’ Table” Rev. Jack Hodges

HYMN OF RESPONSE 402 (see separate hymn document)

Now Praise the Hidden God of Love DICKINSON COLLEGE

be seated for

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Please use the chat forum to enter your prayers and we will share those as a part of our communal worship.

PURPLE RIBBON LIST Ruth Paradise, liturgist

07/26/2021 Trayvon Hopkins 29 Male Black

07/23/2021 Deontae Brown 24 Male Black

07/19/2021 Derick Lilly 27 Male Unknown

Each ribbon represents a life lost to homicide in Baltimore City. We name them each week and hang a purple ribbon on the

Park Avenue side of our building to remind us to pray for the victims, survivors, and perpetrators of these acts of violence,

and to remind us of our calling to challenge the systemic injustices of our time .

THE OFFERTORY

See invitation to give in the Chat Box on Zoom and Facebook Live.

If you wish to give via Paypal, you will need to open a new tab on your browser.

If you need assistance please request help from our E-Usher:

Allie Pyan, alexandra.pyan@gmail.com.

If you would like to give your offering by mail, please send to the church office at First & Franklin Presbyterian

Church, 210 West Madison Street, Baltimore MD 21201. Offerings will be processed weekly.

AT THE OFFERTORY

The Woodcutter's Song Ralph Vaughan Williams

from The Pilgrim's Progress

Michael Manganiello, baritone

Jason Kissel, organ

They that are down need fear no fall; they that are low, no pride;

They that are humble ever shall have God to be their guide.

I am content with what I have, little be it or much,

And, Lord, contentment still I crave because thou savest such.

Fullness to such a burden is that go on pilgrimage,

Here little, and hereafter bliss, is best from age to age.

John Bunyon

We sing at the presentation of the offering.

stand for

WE LIFT UP OUR DEDICATION IN SONG HYFRYDOL

For the life that you have given,

For the love in Christ made known,

With these fruits of time and labor,

Joined with gifts that are your own.

Here we offer, Lord, our praises;

heart and mind and strength we bring;

Give us grace to love and serve you,

living what we pray and sing

be seated for

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

THE INVITATION TO THE LORD'S TABLE

PAUL TELLS OF THE ORIGIN AND PURPOSE OF THIS MEAL

I Corinthians 11:23-26

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when

he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is

my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also,

after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in

remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s

death until he comes.

THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord our God.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give God our thanks and praise.

here begins the Prayer of Thanksgiving

concluding with The Lord’s Prayer.

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;

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

WE SHARE TOGETHER IN THE MEAL

THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREAD

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed,

took the bread, gave thanks to God, broke it and said:

“This is my body which is given for you.

Do this in memory of me.”

The bread is broken

and distributed to the congregation.

HYMN 513 - first verse, seated

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.

May this gift of bread bind us together,

for the bread represents our unity in the Body of Christ.

We are Christ's body in the world;

nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Now, let us share together in the Bread of Life.

We eat together.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE WINE

In the same way,

after supper, the Lord Jesus took the cup and said:

“This cup is God's new covenant, sealed with my blood.

Whenever you drink it, do so in memory of me.”

The Cup is poured

and distributed to the congregation

HYMN 513 - second verse, seated

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.

Come, let us receive Christ’s Cup of Blessing.

As Christ lives, so shall we live in him,

and pledge our service in his name.

Now, let us share together in the Cup of Blessing:

We drink together.

THE THANKSGIVING AFTER THE SUPPER

Bless the Lord, O my soul: Psalm 103:1-2

And all that is within me, bless God's holy name

Bless the Lord, O my soul;

And forget not all God's benefits.

HYMN 513 - third verse, seated

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.

Let us pray together:

Gracious God, we give thanks

for the mighty sweep of your love, embracing all

people,

encircling all nations.

We thank you for Jesus Christ,

who breaks down walls of hostility,

who brings authentic justice and true community,

who reveals your all-encompassing love.

Because of our participation at this Table,

unite us in his ministry of love and service.

May we be made strong and sure

through Christ’s gracious and irresistible word,

in whose name we pray. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS

Eternal Light, Immortal Love,

we bless Your name for all Your servants

who have kept the faith,

finished their course,

and are at rest with You.

Help us to abide in their fellowship

and to follow their example,

that we may rejoice together will all your saints

in the joy of Your eternal kingdom.

Through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

stand for

HYMN OF SENDING 504 (see separate hymn document) UNION SEMINARY

Draw Us In The Spirit’s Tether

remain standing for

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

Prelude on the Welsh Tune Hyfrydol Ralph Vaughan Williams

Online Fellowship for those on Zoom and In-person coffee hour. Please join in.

Grace and joy to all who have joined us in worship. Please join us for refreshments following the service in

Reid Chapel/Fellowship Hall or outside if weather permits.

~~~ Regarding our church bulletins, we are moving to produce them in two forms. The in-person bulletins

return to their pre-covid style of simply citing the Hymn numbers and Biblical texts and page numbers.

When hymns are printed in full, they are from the Glory to God hymnal not in the pews, or from another

source that will be noted. This will mean some difference in layout but save both paper and production

time. Please excuse any bumps in the road!

LEADING WORSHIP TODAY

Rev. Jack Hodges, Guest Preacher

Ruth Paradise, liturgist

Dr. Jason Kissel, organist

~~~ Michael Manganiello, soloist

~~~ Audrey Suhr, communion bread

Ruth Paradise & Jack Hodges, fellowship

~~~ STAFF

Rev. Christian Iosso, Interim Pastor

Jason Kissel, DMA, Minister of Music & Organist

George Meagher, Sexton

Wanda Morgan, Office Administrator/Wedding Coordinator

The church office is open 8am-4pm Monday-Friday

First & Franklin Presbyterian Church

210 W. Madison Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Office: 410-728-5545 Fax: 410-728-0722

information@firstfranklin.org

firstfranklin.org

Many thanks to Nusrat David for the coffee hour last week to celebrate the installation of the newly

elected deacons and elders. Later in the summer we will ordain and install Becca Hollaway as elder and

install Randy Veale, who has previously been ordained, as a deacon.

For Pastoral Care emergencies: Rev. Jack Hodges has agreed to be on-call in the event of any immediate

situations. His number is [410] 828-0819 and he will be in contact with Chris as well.

WANTED: VOLUNTEERS ON SATURDAYS TO HELP WITH THE FOOD PANTRY

For over a year, our dedicated group of volunteers have loyally showed up Saturday afternoons to help run

the food pantry, but situations are changing for many -- moving to new locations, new job opportunities

that conflict with Saturday hours, and chances to occasionally travel. Are you available to volunteer with

the pantry? The hours are from 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.. You can come once a month or more or be on call for

substituting when needed. Please contact Corena Bridges, if you are interested at 443-418-7883

or corbrid@gmail.com.

THE SANCTUARY CHOIR

The Sanctuary Choir at First & Franklin will resume rehearsals on Thursday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m.,

and return to worship on Sunday, September 12. We are excited to welcome several new singers into the

choir, including Lauren Redditt (pictured), a graduate of Baltimore School for the Arts and Peabody

Conservatory. Ms. Redditt will serve as worship soloist on Sunday, August 8 - please join us that day to

help welcome her to this community!

NEW FIRST & FRANKLIN DIRECTORY!

We are encouraging those who have not yet completed their forms to do so. Including photos will be a

great way to get to know each other by sight as we re-enter in-person worship, while the directory overall

will help strengthen our community.

After a year plus of COVID shut-down, we want to strengthen our community. This will also help with

pastoral care and the work of Deacons and Membership Committee.

Please click: Directory Form to fill out the Directory Form so that you can submit your information to be

included in First & Franklin's Directory. The completed form should be submitted

to Directory@firstfranklin.org. Thank you.

PLEDGE CARDS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED

We have recorded 33 pledges so far. If you haven't yet pledged, please prayerfully consider doing so.

Pledge cards will be available in the Narthex. To access the web form, please click: Pledge Card.

MORNING PRAYER | 7:00am – 7:30am

Please join us online: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Zoom Event Click: MORNING PRAYER

DID YOU MISS A SUNDAY?

Or did you want to re-visit a particular sermon from our congregational life?

Please visit: Sermons (Most recent updates are on Facebook)

Prayers from 7/18/2021

Prayers for my best friend’s family. His eldest brother’s daughter, who was a day, old passed away. [Muddassar]

Joy to have Meredith singing in person and wishing her a Happy belated Birthday.

Prayers for Joey who is dealing with addiction and loneliness.

Prayers for Robin Wheeler for continuous healing from her surgery. [Anne]

Thanksgiving for Chris’ return to the Pulpit after minor surgery. Good sermon Chris. [Paula]

Prayers for John Oldham, Laura’s brother, who is undergoing radiation for Prostate Cancer.

Prayers from 7/25/2021

Blessing to the new Elders and Deacons.

Prayers for healing for Laura’s brother John who is undergoing radiation treatments for prostate cancer.

For the efforts of Cuba partners network and other agencies who are attempting to ship rice, beans and

medical supplies to those in need in Cuba and our friends in Taguasco who are experiencing a new wave

of Covid.

Prayers for Anne’s friend, Robin Wheeler, who has just received news that her cancer has spread. She is

struggling to work while she heals.

Prayers for Haswell Franklin and his wife, Madge, who are increasingly restricted from leaving home.

For a local homeless person Chris has recently gotten to know, Marie Victoria Gay, as she struggles to

find shelter in this city as a relatively new semi-resident.

Prayers for healing for Laura’s Mom Janet who continues to struggle with her symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Thanksgiving for the joy of welcoming new visitors to our church.

Prayers for Jeremy Earnest, whose mother passed away July 21st after fighting end stage Liver disease.