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TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
November 16, 2025
GATHERING AND PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Leader: Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed!
PRELUDE: “Voluntary on Psalm 67” Douglas Wagner
Readying Our Hearts (A time of silent prayer and reflection in preparation for worshiping God together.)
Scriptures for Reflection and Memorization: Acts 10:34-35
“I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 91:2; Romans 10:9, 13)
Leader: Let us worship God. He is our refuge and our fortress, our God, in whom we trust.
People: Let us confess with our mouths, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead.
Leader: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
People: Let us call upon our true God, believing Him in our hearts, confessing Him with our mouths, and worshipping Him in spirit and in truth.
PRAYER OF ADORATION/INVOCATION
*GATHERING SONG: #71 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
Come, all who hear; now to His temple draw near, join me in glad adoration!
Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning;
Sheltering you under His wings, and so gently sustaining!
Have you not seen all that is needful has been sent by His gracious ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you:
Surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if with His love He befriends you.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again; gladly forever adore Him.
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 10:1-8 (Pew Bible pp. 1708-1709)
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison prayer after a time of silent personal confession.)
Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion forgive us of our transgressions. For we know our transgressions, and our sins are always before us. We have done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are proved right when You accuse and justified when You judge. Wash away all our iniquities and cleanse us from our sins. Create in us pure hearts – hearts that seek Your face, O God. Restore to us the joy of Your salvation and grant us humble spirits and servant hearts. O Lord, open our lips and empower our speech that our mouths can declare Your glory, honor and paise.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (based on 1 Timothy 1:15, 17)
Leader: Here are words you may trust, words that merit full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. To all who confess their sins and resolve to lead a new life, He says, “Your sins are forgiven.” He also says, “Follow me.” Now to the One who rules all worlds, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.
*All: (Gloria Patri)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH GOD’S WORD
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 10:9-23a (Pew Bible p. 1709)
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”
The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
ANTHEM: To You I Lift My Soul Diane Hannibal
Choir
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 10:23b-48 (Pew Bible pp. 1709-1711)
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
Cornelius answered, “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Then Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON: “OUR LORD AND (GRAND)MASTER: The Long Game of Redemption”
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD THROUGH AFFIRMATION,
OFFERING, AND PRAYER
*SONG OF REFLECTION AND RESPONSE: “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”
Verse
Lord I lift Your name on high
Lord I love to sing Your praises
I’m so glad You’re in my life
I’m so glad You came to save us
Chorus
You came from heaven to earth
To show the way
From the earth to the cross
My debt to pay
From the cross to the grave
From the grave to the sky
Lord I lift Your name on high
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER AND OFFERING
Invitation
Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Words of Institution
Partaking of the Elements and the Giving of Our Offering
“It Was Finished Upon that Cross” Robinson/Thompson
Acoustic Worship Team
Verse 1
How I love the voice of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary.
He declares His work is finished. He has spoken this hope to me.
Though the sun had ceased its shining, though the war appeared as lost,
Christ had triumphed over evil. It was finished upon that Cross.
Verse 2
Now the curse it has been broken. Jesus paid the price for me.
Full the pardon He has offered. Great the welcome that I receive.
Boldly I approach my Father clothed in Jesus’ righteousness.
There is no more guilt to carry. It was finished upon that Cross.
Verse 3
Death was once my great opponent. Fear once had a hold on me.
But the Son who died to save us rose that we would be free indeed.
Verse 4
Death was once my great opponent. Fear once had a hold on me
But the Son who died to save us rose that we would be free indeed.
Yes He rose that we would be free indeed:
Free from every plan of darkness;
Free to live and free to love.
Death is dead and Christ is risen. It was finished upon that Cross.
Ending
Onward to eternal glory,
To my Savior and my God.
I rejoice in Jesus victory.
It was finished upon that Cross.
It was finished upon that Cross.
It was finished upon that Cross.
(For those joining us in the Sanctuary this morning, you are invited, as you come forward to receive the Communion Elements, and as you feel so led, to place your offering in one of the plates up front. For those unable to be with us physically, you are encouraged to partake of the elements in your home at this time. Also, as you are able, we invite you to set aside your offering as an act of personal dedication at this time, either to be mailed in, dropped off at the church, or brought in when you are able to join us in worship. Let this time be one of receiving from and offering yourself to our Lord — to the praise of His glory.)
Prayer of Commitment
*Sung Response (Doxology)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER OF INTERCESSION/SUPPLICATION
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 the glory forever. Amen.
BRINGING OUR WORSHIP INTO OUR WORLD
*SENDING SONG: “This Kingdom” Geoff Bullock
Acoustic Worship Team
Verse 1
Jesus, God’s righteousness revealed.
The Son of Man, the Son of God, His Kingdom comes.
Jesus, redemption’s sacrifice,
Now glorified, now justified, His Kingdom comes.
Chorus
And this Kingdom will know no end,
And its glory shall know no bounds.
For the majesty and power of this Kingdom’s King has come.
And this Kingdom’s reign, and this Kingdom’s rule,
And this Kingdom’s power and authority,
Jesus, God’s righteousness revealed.
Verse 2
Jesus, the expression of God’s love.
The grace of God, the Word of God revealed to us.
Jesus, God’s Holiness displayed,
Now glorified, now justified, His Kingdom comes. (Chorus)
*BENEDICTION (from 1 Peter 2:9 and Matthew 5:16)
Go forth to love and serve the Lord knowing that by God’s grace, and through faith in Christ Jesus, you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. And walk in that light that others might see your good deeds and give glory to our God in heaven. Amen.
Postlude: “To the Glory of God” E.K. Heyser
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Note: Church’s email address – office@trinitychurchtroy.org. Website address – www.trinitychurchtroy.org.)
- If you would like to help support the work of Hope 7 in our local community, we encourage you to drop off non-perishable food items, toiletries and other hygiene items either at Trinity Church, or at Hope 7 directly (M-F 9:30-11:45), or call Sue Laz (518-892-4042) to arrange for a pick-up.
- We are receiving new or gently used clothes for the Capital City Rescue Mission (CCRM). There is a box in the narthex for donations. You may bring your items to the church or call Sue Laz to arrange for a pick-up.
- Church “business-style” cards are available in the narthex. You are encouraged to take some to hand out as you invite others to join us in worship.
- Sunday morning prayer, 8:30-9:00am in the Prayer Room/Library. Join us as we pray for Sunday’s worship as well as other needs, concerns, praises and thanksgivings.
- Adult Sunday morning Bible Study meets before worship (9:15-10:00am). We are beginning a study on the Spiritual Disciplines. Classes will resume on November 23.
- Wednesday evening Bible Study will meet next on November 19th at 7:00pm. The text for November 19th will be Romans 11:28-32. You can find the Zoom link at the church’s website under “Digital meetings” or as included here — https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84268790436.
- Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are due back today. If you have a shoebox but forgot to bring it, please speak with Sue Laz.
- Senior Holiday Fellowship, Saturday, December 6th from 1-4PM; Open to all 55+. Activities include making gingerbread houses and ornaments followed by holiday bingo with prizes. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by November 29th to Kelly Valerio at 518-577-4136 or the church office at 518-283-2420.