Fort Street Presbyterian Church 631 W. Fort Street Detroit, MI 48226

Phone (313) 961-4533

www.fortstreet.org www.facebook.com/fortstreet

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 28, 2017

“Never let the past spoil your present or govern your future.”

Author Unknown

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY Seventh Sunday of Easter

May 28, 2017

WE ASSEMBLE IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE “O God, Thou Faithful God” Johannes Brahms Marilyn Biery, Music Director /Organist

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Louis Prues CALL TO WORSHIP Nancy Jennings

Consider the wonderful works of God; Remember the abundance of God’s steadfast love.

We have been blessed in ways we have not realized; We have received more that we could ever deserve.

See the prosperity and abundance around you; Remember the heritage of a nation richly blessed.

How merciful is the God of our ancestors! How gloriously our nation has prospered!

We have gathered because we believe God’s word; We are together to sing, praise to our Deliverer.

We are here to be claimed again by our God. We have assembled to express our gratitude.

*HYMN # 645 “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” MIT FREUDEN ZART

*PRAYER OF THE DAY Rev. Prues

Almighty God, we worship you, remembering your love and mercy. We also gather today to honor the legacy of men and women who have lived an d died so that we might live in freedom. We are humbled by their faithfulness, love of country and trust in You. O Lord, in that spirit of gratitude, inspire us to live each day lives and words that reflect their selfless gifts. Challenge us not to be so pre occupied with our own needs that we hesitate to respond to the needs of others. Grant u s the courage to use our gifts to bring hope and freedom to those chained by poverty, tyran ny, hunger, prejudice and hatred. Help us to deepen our commitments to faith, to others an d to our country, all in the name of Jesus Christ, who frees us from our pasts and offer s us life abundant, now and forever. Amen.

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CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE “My Country, Tis of Thee” AMERICA

*SHARING OF CHRIST’S PEACE Nancy Jennings

Since God has forgiven us in Christ, we too should forgive one another. The Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you.

(Exchange signs of Christ’s peace with those worshipping with you.)

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Rev. Prues PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (“We are ready to Listen” by Walter Brueggemann)

Healing, sovereign God, over match our resistant ears with your transforming speech.

Penetrate our jadedness and fatigue. Touch our yearnings by your words, Through your out-loudness, draw us closer to you. We are ready to listen. Amen.

DUET “The Lord Bless You” J.S. Bach (from Cantata 196) Erika Thompson, mezzo-soprano and Kevin Thompson, baritone

The Lord bless you, yea now and evermore, you and your children.

(Text adapted from Psalm 115: 13-15.)

SCRIPTURE LESSON Ecclesiastes 12 Rev. Prues (pp. 586-87 in pew Bibles) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

SERMON “THINGS TO REMEMBER” Rev. Dr. Louis Prues

*HYMN # 686 “God of Our Life” SANDON

Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom’s song; Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake, Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong.

Our fathers’ God, to thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom’s holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King.

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Rev. Prues

Pastor: Take heart; have no fear; live by faith. Dare to respond to the invitation of Jesus Christ. People: We believe God remembers us and saves us . We want to follow where Jesus lead s. Pastor: There are signs of God’s presence on every hand; There is evidence of God’s favor all around us. People: God is with us at the morning watch; God is present in the darkest night . Pastor: Live with gladness in a nation richly blessed. Live with generosity for the sake of all people. People: We will remember the abundance of God’s l ove. We will share the heritage we have received. Amen.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS Rev. Prues PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 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 th e glory, forever. Amen. MINUTE FOR MISSION Peace, Justice and Mission OFFERING OF THE PLEDGES AND GIFTS OF THE PEOPLE OFFERTORY “The Call” Z. Randall Stroope

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life: Such a Way, as gives us breath: Such a Truth, as ends all strife: Such a Life, as killeth death. Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength: Such a Light, as shows a feast: Such a Feast, as mends in length: Such a Strength, as makes his guest. Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart: Such a Joy, as none can move: Such a Love, as none can part: Such a Heart, as joys in love . (Text by George Herbert)

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*OFFERTORY RESPONSE # 606 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” OLD HUNDREDTH

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*PRAYER OF THANKS Nancy Jennings

WE GO FORTH IN GOD’S NAME *HYMN # 331 “God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand” NATIONAL HYMN

*CHARGE AND BLESSING

*POSTLUDE “Psalm IX” Benedetto Marcello (The postlude is offered as an instrumental prayer, not a performance. You are invited to remain seated;

if you wish to depart, please do so quietly, remembering those who are still worshipping.) + + +

*Please rise in body, mind, or spirit.

Thank you for gathering with us for worship this morning. Following worship, there will be a coffee hour in the small dining area. Please join us! About today’s music: Zane Randall Stroope (b. 1953) is an American composer, conductor and lecturer, currently at Oklahoma State University, where he serves as Director of Choral and Vocal Studies. The text has been set many times by other composers and is by the Welsh-born George Herbert (1593-1633), who was a poet, orator and Anglican priest. The prelude is one of the eleven chorale preludes Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) wrote for organ.

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Organist/Music Director Marilyn Biery

Choir The Worship Choir

Liturgist Nancy Jennings

Sound Tech Tom Marshall

Worship Coordinator Pam Sharrow

Duet Erika Thompson, Kevin Thompson

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Ushers are available to provide assistance with particular needs: Hearing Assist System Wheelchair Access Ramp Wheelchair Seating--locations available in the sanctuary Handicap Restroom--use elevator to second floor

We are delighted that you are here! ∗ Visit the information and display tables in the narthex. ∗ During the worship service, child care is provided for children through age 4. Ushers can

provide directions. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate in Sunday School, which follows the Children's Message. A Christian Education staff member will lead the children downstairs. Parents may pick them up after worship. For additional information about our Sunday School program, please contact Judith Sheldon at firstcircleinc@sbcglobal.net. or Nancy Jackson at nancymottershawjackson@gmail.com.

∗ You may add to the beauty of our weekly worship by contributing a floral donation. Flowers are usually given in memory of or in honor of persons or events. Contact Pam Sharrow at Sharrow13@gmail.com. The church office will contact you for your floral dedication.

Prayer List for the Month of June 2017

Gabrielle Abrego, Don and Lois Bardwell, Lynne Bieniek, Bobbie Edwards and family, Deborah Fair, Iola Jackson, Geraldine Adams Jones, Valorie Kimbrough, Kathy Payne and family, Jane and Richard Petrie, Patrick Picking and family, Mary Robinson, and Mykah.

Prayers for Military Loved Ones. (We are seeking to update our Military Roll. Please contact the church office with any changes.)

Jonathan Heyler USN; Ssgt Shanell Howard USAF; Maj. Michael Kurtti USAF; Capt. Theo Moran USAF; Major Katy Spicer USMC; Lt. Mark Webster USAF.

FORT STREET STAFF: Alison Grosch, Operations Manager; Judith Sheldon, Director of Christian Education; John Glover, Director of Open Door; Marilyn Biery, Director of Music/Organist; Edward Kingins, Director of Music Emeritus; Lola JF Davidson, Secretary; Loretta Stanton, Wedding Coordinator; Jerry Johnson, Building Engineer; Damien Hines, Custodian; Karen Wright, Donlin Center Staff.

Transitional Pastor Pastor Neeta R. Nichols pastor@fortstreet.org

Pastor Emeritus: The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Crilley

Web Site: www.fortstreet.org www.facebook.com/fortstreet

Fort Street begins our summer schedule: morning worship will begin at 10:00 a.m., returning to our regular time on September 10,2017.

Mark your calendar!

Beginning Sunday, June 4, 2017

OPEN DOOR MEAL PROGRAM THURSDAYS 9AM-11AM This program is open to the public. Between 8am and 9am, woman and elderly guests may shower. They may also receive a hygiene kit and use the clothing bank once a month. Between 9 and 11am, men may shower. They may also get a hygiene kit and use the clothing

bank monthly. Guest seeking clothing and hygiene kits must present valid identification. Between 9 and 11am, a full hot meal is served. Volunteers are welcome.

MARRIAGE ANYONE 2017?

Thinking of getting married? Want to get married at Fort Street?

Contact the Wedding Coordinator,

Fort Street Presbyterian Church Wedding

631 West Fort

Career Closet Is in need of extra large

men suits and shirts.

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Fort Street News MISSION STATEMENT

Fort Street Presbyterian Church is an oasis in an urban environment, building a caring Christian community where diversity is celebrated and developing programs that minister to metropolitan Detroit and the world beyond. We do this in response to the grace of God through Jesus Christ, recognizing the truth of the Gospel: There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of us are one in Christ Jesus.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

9-11am Open Door

2 Church Offices

Closed 8:00-9:00pm AA

3 5:30pm AA 8:30pm-10:00pm Al-Non

4 9:00am Worship Choir 8:45am Adult Ed 10:00am Worship 11:30pm Worship Arts mtg (Upper Rm) 1:30pm visit to Charles Wright Muse-um (offsite) 6:30pm NA

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6 8:30am Clothes Sort 12-2pm Career Closet 8:00-9:00pm AA

7 2:00pm Staff meeting 7:00 Session

8 9-11am Open Door

9 Church Offices

Closed 8:00-9:00pm AA

10 5:30pm AA 8:30pm-10:00pm Al-Non

11 9:00am Worship Choir 8:45am Adult Ed. 10:00am Worship, (Communion) 11:30am Deacons Strawberry Festival 6:30pm NA

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13 8:30am Clothes Sort 12-2pm Career Closet 8:00-9:00pm AA

14 2:00pm Staff meeting

15 9-11am Open Door

16 Church Offices

Closed 6:00pm Wedding Rehearsal 8:00-9:00pm AA

17 3:00pmWedding 5:30pm AA 8:30pm-10:00pm Al-Non

18 8:45am Adult Ed 10:00am Worship 11:30am PJ and M mtg 6:30pm NA

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20 8:30am Clothes Sort 12-2pm Career Closet 8:00-9:00pm AA

21 2:00pm Staff meeting 6:00pm Fiscal Op.

22 9-11am Open Door

23 Church Offices

Closed 6:00pm Wedding Rehearsal 8:00-9:00pm AA

24 TBD Wedding 5:30pm AA 8:30pm-10:00pm Al-Non

25 9:00am Worship Choir 8:45am Adult Ed 10:00am Worship 6:30pm NA Welcome Youth Mission Blast (YMB)

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(YMB)

27 8:30am Clothes Sort 12-2pm Career Closet 8:00-9:00pm AA (YMB)

28 2:00pm Staff meeting 6:00pm Deacons 6:30pm Personnel (YMB)

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9-11am Open Door

(YMB)

30

Church Offices Closed

8:00-9:00pm AA (YMB)

June 2017

Meaning in a Moment 2017

Return to the “Gospel of John” with Nancy Combs

June 4,2017 Summer Hours: 8:45 to 9:45 for 10:00 worship

All Are Welcome!All Are Welcome!All Are Welcome!All Are Welcome!

Christian Adult Education, Stapleton Chapel

9:45am – 10:45 a.m.

Fort Street ChurchFort Street ChurchFort Street ChurchFort Street Church

Invites its neighbors for

a Jazzy Strawberry Festival

11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Sunday,

June 11, 2017 631 W. FORT ���� DETROIT MI

corner of Fort and Third, 313-961-4533

Enjoy the jazz ensemble performing on the steps of the church along with

FRESH STRAWBERRY

SHORTCAKE WITH DELICIOUS WHIPPED CREAM OR VANILLA ICE CREAM

Come and support this Deacons’ Fundraiser ($5 suggested, any donation gratefully accepted)

www.fortstreet.org www.facebook.com/fortstreet