October 2008 Archives

THE FIRST LESSON 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

THE SECOND LESSON Matthew 22:34-46

SERMON "The Reformed Driven Church: What Really Matters!"

Worship Notes

Today we celebrate Reformation Sunday marking the day (October 31, 1517) Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the castle church doors in Wittenberg, Germany. Luther argued against the Roman Catholic Church practice of selling indulgences (forgiveness of sins), and he affirmed the basic belief that it is faith alone that saves us. Luther believed ultimate authority resided not in the church hierarchy but in scripture and translated the Latin bible into German (the famous Wittenberg Bible). A key element of the reformation was its assertion of the priesthood of all believers. We observe this day to remind ourselves of the tradition that has been passed down to us from our theological predecessors.

The opening Call to Worship is taken from Psalm 46 which served as a basis for Luther's famous hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." The Prayer of Confession is adapted from a modern Reformed/Presbyterian Statement of Faith and the Assurance of Pardon are words of scripture Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. Luther thought congregational singing should be a significant part of worship including the singing of Psalms so we sing Psalm 90 this morning. The central scripture this morning is taken from the gospel of Matthew where Jesus articulates what he finds most vital in the spiritual life. The Affirmation of Faith are words Martin Luther wrote in a commentary on Romans and reflects his understanding of faith and good works. We end our service singing Luther's most famous hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" where we are reminded of God's faithfulness and our desire to serve God in the world.

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, October 12th, 2008, delivered by Rev. Craig Howard.

Jeremiah 11:32-39

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THE FIRST LESSON Hebrews 11:32 - 39

THE SECOND LESSON Jeremiah 38:4-13

SERMON The Servant of the King

Worship Notes

Over the past four weeks, we have reflected on the act of corporate worship as the central activity we perform together as the body of Christ at Westminster Presbyterian Church. In the weeks ahead, we build upon this understanding of worship and expand it to include our engagement in the community outside Westminster's walls. This task of bearing and following God's Word into the world is also known as mission, which is itself a form of worship.

Today, we read in Old Testament scripture of Jeremiah's rescue from the pit by the servant Ebed-melech. This experience frames God's Word in the context of hope and mercy and serves to remind us that we, too, have a choice to build our hope on a solid foundation and emerge from the pit. In several ways, this scripture also parallels the journey of slavery. The interpretation of God's Word today is offered in the form of a dramatic monologue by guest preacher, Craig Howard.

The music through which we worship today illumines these themes. The prelude is an improvisation on imagery of the pit and emergence from the dark depths. The solo, sung during the sermon, is an African American spiritual "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child." The response hymn sings of the "Solid Rock" that is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The closing hymn is "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which was first set to music in 1905 and later became an important hymn of faith and song of social justice in the civil rights movement.

We extend a warm welcome to Craig Howard who fills our pulpit this morning. Craig is an ordained minister of the Word and Sacrament and currently serves as a Senior Development Officer at McCormick Seminary in Chicago. Craig and his wife, the Rev. Marilyn Gamm, live in Madison where Marilyn serves as pastor of Dale Heights Presbyterian Church. Welcome, Craig!