WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829
www.westcenterchurch.org
MAY 5, 2024, SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER 11:00 AM WORSHIP THROUGH PRAISE/HOLY COMMUNION
PRELUDE: “FANTASIA & FUGUE IN D-MINOR” (J. PACHELBEL)
INTROIT:
* RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP:
Pastor: Come now and see the works of God.
People: How wonderful are God’s deeds!
Pastor: Come and listen, all you who fear God.
People: Hear what God has done for me.
Pastor: Blessed be God, who hears our prayers,
People: And bids us bear the fruits of the Spirit.
* OPENING HYMN: NO. 507 “I COME WITH JOY”
* UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION: Contemporary Collect – pg. 1
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE: God of unconditional love, we confess that we have not fully loved one another as you have loved us. We have ignored the needs of those around us. We have tended to our own comfort and convenience at the expense of others. We have not forgiven others as we have been forgiven. We have shied away from the hard work of reconciliation and of seeking understanding with those who differ from us. Melt the hardness of our hearts, that we may be renewed in your love. Assure us of your pardon that we may know the power of your forgiveness. In the name of Christ our Lord. AMEN.
MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION/SELF REFLECTION:
LORD’S PRAYER (“DEBTS”)
* RESPONSIVE READING OF PSALM 98, pg. 2.
* GLORIA PATRI: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.
World without end. AMEN.
WORSHIP THROUGH CARING, PRAYING AND GIVING
MEDITATIONAL HYMN: NO. 218 “NEW SONG OF CELEBRATION RENDER”
CHORAL RESPONSE
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND THANKSGIVING:
SHARING OF OUR GIFTS, TITHES AND OFFERING PRECEDED BY PRAYER
PRAYER OF DEDICATION: Gracious God, in your love you have given us all that we have.
You are the vine; we are the branches. Receive these fruits of our labor, which we dedicate to your glory.
Use us and these gifts that we offer, that we may be signs of your love in and for the world, through Jesus Christ our Savior. AMEN.
OFFERTORY: “MY LORD, WHAT A MORNIN’” (SPIRITUAL)
My Lord, what a mornin’ when the stars begin to fall.
You’ll hear the trumpet sound to wake the nations underground. Looking to my God’s right hand when the stars begin to fall.
You’ll hear the sinner cry to wake the nations underground. Looking to my God’s right hand when the stars begin to fall.
You’ll hear the Christian shout to wake the nations underground. Looking to my God’s right hand when the stars begin to fall.
* DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
PASSING OF PEACE, JOYS, CONCERNS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORSHIP THROUGH REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
FIRST READING: ACTS 10: 44 - 48, pg. 1
DUET: “MY TRIBUTE” (A. CROUCH)
How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me;
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude
All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee
To God be the glory for the things He has done.
With His love, He has saved me; with His power, He has raised me;
To God be the glory for the things He has done
And as I live my life; Let it pleasing, Lord to Thee.
And if I gain any praise, it’s because of Calvary
THE GOSPEL WITNESS: ST. JOHN 15: 9 - 17, pg. 3
PREACHING OF THE WORD: FRIENDS TOGETHER - REV. DR. CHRISTOPHER PONNURAJ
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (NICENE CREED): We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.
HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE
(Follow the separate Holy Communion worship sheet)
* CLOSING HYMN NO. 343 “CALLED AS PARTNERS IN CHRIST’S SERVICE”
* BENEDICTION
RESPONSE:
POSTLUDE: “FANFARE” (D. DOUGLAS)
*Please stand as you are able and comfortable standing.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ a cordial welcome to those who have come to this house of worship. We thank you for worshiping with us today. Your presence encourages and strengthens us. Guests are invited to sign the guest book in the narthex. We look forward to seeing you again.
Our Friendship and Fellowship Coffee Hour will be held in Bodge Lounge. Come and share the joy of Christ’s love with us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS
5/9 Celia Milton, 5/17 Taylor Furey, 5/17 Daisy Grace Ikwechegh,
5/22 John Strybos, 5/26 Bambi Mitchell
COVENANT OF CARE
Ted St. Angelo, Nargis Abbas, Cindi Barna, Dante Ferraro, Marjorie Edwards,
Judy Ross Francis, David Fruitman, Frank Ingram, Ann Jamison,
Edie Jamison-Koenig, Jeanette Johnson, Manoris Long, Ray Lopat, Rick Macerata, Joe Miller,
Martin Morua, June Nickerson, Sue Nuding, Master Sgt. Timothy Peters, John Polvere,
Nancy Protzman, Tony Roque, Bill Rosenberg, Anthony Russo,
Richard Z. Steinhaus Jr., Edith Unger, Maryella Ward Leigh, Amanda Wilson
WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (UCC)
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829 www.westcenterchurch.org
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
ckponnuraj@gmail.com (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist:
jpstrybos@aol.com (203) 921-5210
Chancel Choir: Kelly Guerra Sedgwick, Lauren Mitchell, Robert Orbach, Susie Reisinger
PRELUDE: “FANTASIA & FUGUE IN D-MINOR” (J. PACHELBEL)
INTROIT:
* RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP:
Pastor: Come now and see the works of God.
People: How wonderful are God’s deeds!
Pastor: Come and listen, all you who fear God.
People: Hear what God has done for me.
Pastor: Blessed be God, who hears our prayers,
People: And bids us bear the fruits of the Spirit.
* OPENING HYMN: NO. 507 “I COME WITH JOY”
* UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION: Contemporary Collect – pg. 1
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE: God of unconditional love, we confess that we have not fully loved one another as you have loved us. We have ignored the needs of those around us. We have tended to our own comfort and convenience at the expense of others. We have not forgiven others as we have been forgiven. We have shied away from the hard work of reconciliation and of seeking understanding with those who differ from us. Melt the hardness of our hearts, that we may be renewed in your love. Assure us of your pardon that we may know the power of your forgiveness. In the name of Christ our Lord. AMEN.
MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION/SELF REFLECTION:
LORD’S PRAYER (“DEBTS”)
* RESPONSIVE READING OF PSALM 98, pg. 2.
* GLORIA PATRI: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.
World without end. AMEN.
WORSHIP THROUGH CARING, PRAYING AND GIVING
MEDITATIONAL HYMN: NO. 218 “NEW SONG OF CELEBRATION RENDER”
CHORAL RESPONSE
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND THANKSGIVING:
SHARING OF OUR GIFTS, TITHES AND OFFERING PRECEDED BY PRAYER
PRAYER OF DEDICATION: Gracious God, in your love you have given us all that we have.
You are the vine; we are the branches. Receive these fruits of our labor, which we dedicate to your glory.
Use us and these gifts that we offer, that we may be signs of your love in and for the world, through Jesus Christ our Savior. AMEN.
OFFERTORY: “MY LORD, WHAT A MORNIN’” (SPIRITUAL)
My Lord, what a mornin’ when the stars begin to fall.
You’ll hear the trumpet sound to wake the nations underground. Looking to my God’s right hand when the stars begin to fall.
You’ll hear the sinner cry to wake the nations underground. Looking to my God’s right hand when the stars begin to fall.
You’ll hear the Christian shout to wake the nations underground. Looking to my God’s right hand when the stars begin to fall.
* DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
PASSING OF PEACE, JOYS, CONCERNS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORSHIP THROUGH REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
FIRST READING: ACTS 10: 44 - 48, pg. 1
DUET: “MY TRIBUTE” (A. CROUCH)
How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me;
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude
All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee
To God be the glory for the things He has done.
With His love, He has saved me; with His power, He has raised me;
To God be the glory for the things He has done
And as I live my life; Let it pleasing, Lord to Thee.
And if I gain any praise, it’s because of Calvary
THE GOSPEL WITNESS: ST. JOHN 15: 9 - 17, pg. 3
PREACHING OF THE WORD: FRIENDS TOGETHER - REV. DR. CHRISTOPHER PONNURAJ
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (NICENE CREED): We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.
HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE
(Follow the separate Holy Communion worship sheet)
* CLOSING HYMN NO. 343 “CALLED AS PARTNERS IN CHRIST’S SERVICE”
* BENEDICTION
RESPONSE:
POSTLUDE: “FANFARE” (D. DOUGLAS)
*Please stand as you are able and comfortable standing.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ a cordial welcome to those who have come to this house of worship. We thank you for worshiping with us today. Your presence encourages and strengthens us. Guests are invited to sign the guest book in the narthex. We look forward to seeing you again.
Our Friendship and Fellowship Coffee Hour will be held in Bodge Lounge. Come and share the joy of Christ’s love with us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS
5/9 Celia Milton, 5/17 Taylor Furey, 5/17 Daisy Grace Ikwechegh,
5/22 John Strybos, 5/26 Bambi Mitchell
COVENANT OF CARE
Ted St. Angelo, Nargis Abbas, Cindi Barna, Dante Ferraro, Marjorie Edwards,
Judy Ross Francis, David Fruitman, Frank Ingram, Ann Jamison,
Edie Jamison-Koenig, Jeanette Johnson, Manoris Long, Ray Lopat, Rick Macerata, Joe Miller,
Martin Morua, June Nickerson, Sue Nuding, Master Sgt. Timothy Peters, John Polvere,
Nancy Protzman, Tony Roque, Bill Rosenberg, Anthony Russo,
Richard Z. Steinhaus Jr., Edith Unger, Maryella Ward Leigh, Amanda Wilson
WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (UCC)
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829 www.westcenterchurch.org
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
ckponnuraj@gmail.com (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist:
jpstrybos@aol.com (203) 921-5210
Chancel Choir: Kelly Guerra Sedgwick, Lauren Mitchell, Robert Orbach, Susie Reisinger