tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2008-02-07://2 2012-05-14T04:43:49Z Movable Type 4.1 tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.383 2012-05-14T04:41:50Z 2012-05-14T04:43:49Z

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, May 13, 2012 MP3 Download (6.06 MB) RealAudio Download (3.56 MB)...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org MP3 Download (6.06 MB) RealAudio Download (3.56 MB) tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.382 2012-05-10T21:26:46Z 2012-05-10T21:28:08Z

THE FIRST LESSON 1 John 5:1-6 THE SECOND LESSON John 15:9-17 SERMON "Jesus' Facebook" WORSHIP NOTES This is the sixth Sunday of the Easter season and we focus on some of the final instructions Jesus gave to his disciples at...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org THE FIRST LESSON 1 John 5:1-6 THE SECOND LESSON John 15:9-17 SERMON "Jesus' Facebook" WORSHIP NOTES This is the sixth Sunday of the Easter season and we focus on some of the final instructions Jesus gave to his disciples at the Last Supper. The gospel of John, the last of the four canonical gospels, has a number of sections in which Jesus gives talks to his disciples. The farewell discourse we read from today began in Chapter 13 with Jesus washing the disciples feet and ends with Jesus praying for the disciples in Chapter 17. Our particular text emphasizes the nature of the relationship between Jesus, God, and the disciples as characterized by love. There is a provocative assertion by Jesus that we are more than simple servants but in fact, are intimate friends with him. We open our worship with words of greeting and a Call to Worship incorporating the Psalm for the Day (Psalm 98). In celebrating the resurrection in Easter, we will not be focusing on confessional elements in our worship but instead using an Easter litany. The Affirmation of Faith is taken from a portion of The Brief Statement of Faith, a confession highlighting the shared beliefs of all Presbyterians. tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.381 2012-05-07T04:31:33Z 2012-05-07T04:34:06Z

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, May 6, 2012 MP3 Download (6.86 MB) RealAudio Download (4.04 MB)...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org MP3 Download (6.86 MB) RealAudio Download (4.04 MB) tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.380 2012-05-05T17:03:16Z 2012-05-05T17:05:56Z

THE FIRST LESSON 1 John 4:7-21 THE SECOND LESSON John 15:1-8 SERMON "The Human Connection" WORSHIP NOTES Our worship on this the fifth Sunday of the Easter season focuses on the metaphorical text from the gospel of John where Jesus...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org THE FIRST LESSON 1 John 4:7-21 THE SECOND LESSON John 15:1-8 SERMON "The Human Connection" WORSHIP NOTES Our worship on this the fifth Sunday of the Easter season focuses on the metaphorical text from the gospel of John where Jesus calls himself the vine and his disciples the branches. Part of this text is reflected in the Call to Worship. We continue to open with the ancient words of greeting in the church announcing the truth of resurrection as well as using an Easter Litany rather than our normal Prayer of Confession. For this season we have moved our welcome and announcements to follow the Passing of the Peace. We begin by processing in with the Easter hymn, "Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna". The hymn following the sermon we will sing "Abide in Me, The Master Said; the true and living vine; my life shall be, the master said, poured out for you as wine." Following the Lord's supper we sing the communion hymn "Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ", reminding ourselves of bearing fruit in a world of doubt. We will be communion this morning sitting in the pews reflecting the personal nature of today's text call to remain in Christ. In the Presbyterian church, we understand the Lord's Table to be open to all who seek to follow Jesus. tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.379 2012-04-26T18:52:50Z 2012-04-26T18:56:49Z

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 29, 2012 10:15 am Worship JAZZ Worship: MASS IN BLUE I am the good shepherd. I know my own and My own know Me... John 10:14. The Scripture Lesson John 10: 11-18 WORSHIP NOTES Welcome...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 29, 2012 10:15 am Worship JAZZ Worship: MASS IN BLUE I am the good shepherd. I know my own and My own know Me... John 10:14. The Scripture Lesson John 10: 11-18 WORSHIP NOTES Welcome to worship on this, the Fourth Sunday After Easter. In the liturgical calendar, this is also known as "Good Shepherd Sunday." This morning, we have an opportunity to "know and hear" the voice of the Shepherd as proclaimed through the musical idiom of Jazz. Jazz is truly an American musical form with roots that can be traced back to both African and European origins. Although it is nearly impossible to create a singular definition of jazz that encompasses all its many styles, jazz is often characterized by syncopated rhythms, opportunities for improvisation by virtuoso musicians, and a certain restlessness between melody and harmony Our order of worship this morning is largely unaltered from the traditional form used by the Presbyterian Church (USA). However, elements of the liturgy will incorporate the movements from Mass in Blue, a jazz setting of the Latin mass by British composer, Will Todd (b. 1970). A pianist by training, and a composer since age 7, Will Todd has won critical acclaim for this energetic jazz work, which has been performed more than 100 times since it was commissioned in 2003. This setting of the mass contains elements of blues, soul, and swing. In describing his musical vision, Will Todd says: "If I had free choice of how I spent my musical time, I'd run a jazz club in a cathedral with gigs on Friday and Saturday nights, vibrant ecumenical and cross-faith worship on Sundays and big choral concerts as often as possible - featuring the best professionals alongside community and youth choirs. There would be opera and music theatre as well - electric guitars, drums, timpani and brass sections blending and riffing with the massive sound of the organ, smashing together the blues, Celtic song, modal melodies, sumptuous gospel harmonies and big atonal chords. ANYONE and EVERYONE would be welcome and that would be HEAVEN." It is Todd's enthusiasm for music and the sacred that shines through in this Mass in Blue. Although set in a mass form, the six movements are derived from passages that have also found a home in our protestant tradition. For example, the "credo" movement is based on the text of the Apostles' Creed. In worship this morning, we hope to enliven our understanding of the Reformed worship tradition by enabling us to "know and hear" the voice of God, which is alive in our liturgy each week. This worship service will be used in similar form at both Covenant Presbyterian (8:30am) and at Westminster Presbyterian (10:15am). We are pleased to collaborate with our choir colleagues in Christ for this special service of worship on Good Shepherd Sunday. tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.378 2012-04-23T04:22:24Z 2012-04-23T04:24:20Z

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, April 22, 2012 MP3 Download (7.16 MB) RealAudio Download (4.21 MB)...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org MP3 Download (7.16 MB) RealAudio Download (4.21 MB) tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.376 2012-04-19T20:13:35Z 2012-04-19T20:14:51Z

THE FIRST LESSON 1 John 3:1-7 THE SECOND LESSON Luke 24:36-48 SERMON "To Be A Witness" WORSHIP NOTES Welcome to worship at Westminster on this the Third Sunday of Easter on which we continue our celebration of the resurrection of...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org THE FIRST LESSON 1 John 3:1-7 THE SECOND LESSON Luke 24:36-48 SERMON "To Be A Witness" WORSHIP NOTES Welcome to worship at Westminster on this the Third Sunday of Easter on which we continue our celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The liturgical season of Eastertide began on Easter Sunday, continues for seven Sundays, and will conclude with our observance of Ascension Sunday (May 20) before the season of Pentecost begins on May 27. The liturgical color for Eastertide is white. In worship today, we consider our witness to the resurrection of Christ and reflect on the ways in which we witness to others in our faith journey. tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.377 2012-04-19T20:11:12Z 2012-04-21T20:17:53Z

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, April 15, 2012 MP3 Download (6.61 MB) RealAudio Download (3.89 MB)...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org MP3 Download (6.61 MB) RealAudio Download (3.89 MB) tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.375 2012-04-09T06:04:43Z 2012-04-09T06:06:42Z

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, April 8, 2012 MP3 Download (7.10 MB) RealAudio Download (4.18 MB)...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org MP3 Download (7.10 MB) RealAudio Download (4.18 MB) tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.374 2012-04-06T02:20:57Z 2012-04-06T02:22:33Z

THE FIRST READING Isaiah 25:6-9 THE SECOND READING Mark 16:1-8 SERMON "The Promise of an Empty Tomb" WORSHIP NOTES Welcome to worship at Westminster on this Easter Sunday on which we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org THE FIRST READING Isaiah 25:6-9 THE SECOND READING Mark 16:1-8 SERMON "The Promise of an Empty Tomb" WORSHIP NOTES Welcome to worship at Westminster on this Easter Sunday on which we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The liturgical season of Eastertide continues for seven Sundays and concludes with our observance of Ascension Sunday (May 20) before the season of Pentecost begins on May 27. The liturgical color for Eastertide is white. During the season of Lent, we put our "Alleluias" away. Today, we proclaim our faith with the shouts of "Alleluia! The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!" The hymns and service music we sing this morning all reflect the joyous celebration of Christ's resurrection. During Holy Communion, all who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are invited to come forward and receive the elements by intinction. In keeping with longstanding Westminster tradition, our Easter Sunday worship ends with an invitation for all to join the Chancel Choir in singing Handel's "Hallelujah!" tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.373 2012-04-05T04:58:13Z 2012-04-05T05:00:01Z

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, April 1, 2012 MP3 Download (7.39 MB) RealAudio Download (4.35 MB)...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org MP3 Download (7.39 MB) RealAudio Download (4.35 MB) tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.372 2012-03-29T18:52:38Z 2012-03-29T18:53:57Z

*THE PSALM LESSON Psalm 24 Hymn 177 "Lift Up the Gates Eternal" THE FIRST LESSON Phillipians 2:5-11 THE SECOND LESSON Mark 11:1-11 SERMON "Parades, Kings, and the Problem of Power" WORSHIP NOTES Today we celebrate Palm Sunday commemorating Jesus triumphal...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org *THE PSALM LESSON Psalm 24 Hymn 177 "Lift Up the Gates Eternal" THE FIRST LESSON Phillipians 2:5-11 THE SECOND LESSON Mark 11:1-11 SERMON "Parades, Kings, and the Problem of Power" WORSHIP NOTES Today we celebrate Palm Sunday commemorating Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in all four canonical gospels. The Palm branch is a symbol of triumph and victory in the Jewish tradition, and our children enact for us the sense of joy the people felt as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Our worship this morning is centered on Mark's account of this story. We begin with words from Psalm 118 where the psalmist uses the metaphor of entering through the gates and giving thanks for God's salvation. Our choir and children process into the sanctuary singing the traditional Palm Sunday hymn "All Glory, Laud, and Honor." Our confession reminds us of our inability to fully understand the nature of Christ's kingship. In the Philippians text, we read an ancient church hymn affirming how Jesus emptied himself taking the form of a servant. The hymn following the sermon expresses how "Sometimes they strew His way, And his sweet praises sing, Resounding all the way Hosannas to their King. Then Crucify! Is all their breath, and for his death They thirst and cry." We also welcome a new member to our congregation. We will be serving communion in the regular fashion this morning. In the Presbyterian Church, we believe in an "open table" where all are invited to participate in these gifts of grace no matter their denomination or age. It is our practice to hold the bread until we all partake together symbolizing our sense of community in faith. The wine may be taken as we receive it indicating our own personal discipleship. tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.371 2012-03-25T17:58:15Z 2012-03-25T18:00:05Z

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, March 25, 2012 MP3 Download (7.39 MB) RealAudio Download (4.35 MB)...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org MP3 Download (7.39 MB) RealAudio Download (4.35 MB) tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.369 2012-03-22T22:41:12Z 2012-03-22T22:42:24Z

PSALM LESSON PSALM 42 Hymn 189 "As Deer Long for the Streams" THE FIRST LESSON Micah 6:6-8 THE SECOND LESSON Matthew 6:1-18 SERMON "Quiet Spirituality" WORSHIP NOTES We will be Gathering and Recessing this season to emphasize how our discipleship...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org PSALM LESSON PSALM 42 Hymn 189 "As Deer Long for the Streams" THE FIRST LESSON Micah 6:6-8 THE SECOND LESSON Matthew 6:1-18 SERMON "Quiet Spirituality" WORSHIP NOTES We will be Gathering and Recessing this season to emphasize how our discipleship is lived out in the world. Much of the liturgy incorporates parts of the Sermon on the Mount because we will be focusing on this Scripture during Lent. The pulpit has been moved to the center reflecting our emphasis on personal discipleship. You also may notice a stronger emphasis on personal language during the season in order to remind us of not only our communal commitment but our individual call to discipleship. Today the scriptural focus is taken from Jesus words about certain acts of faith (prayer, fasting, and service to others) including his teaching the disciples the Lord's Prayer. In our worship, we have interspersed words from the Lord's Prayer highlighting different aspects of worship. "Our Father, hallowed by the name" is an appropriate act of praise to begin our worship. "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done" also expresses how the purpose of worship is to enact God's kingdom in our world and in our lives. "Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" is placed before the Prayer of Confession. "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil" expresses part of the purpose of the Proclamation section of our worship. "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever" articulates our response to God's Word and affirmation of God's power and grace. tag:blog.westminstermadison.org,2012://2.370 2012-03-22T04:23:51Z 2012-03-23T04:25:44Z

This is the lesson and sermon from Sunday, March 18, 2012 MP3 Download (6.35 MB) RealAudio Download (3.74 MB)...

John http://www.westminstermadison.org MP3 Download (6.35 MB) RealAudio Download (3.74 MB)