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TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
July 6, 2025
GATHERING AND PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Leader: Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed!
PRELUDE: “Pilgrim’s Chorus” Richard Wagner
Readying Our Hearts (A time of silent prayer and reflection in preparation for worshiping God together.)
Scriptures for Reflection and Memorization: Romans 9:5b, John 1:1, Colossians 2:9.
“. . . the Messiah, . . . is God over all, forever praised! Amen.” (Rom 9:5b)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jn 1:1)
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” (Col 2:9)
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: We love you, O LORD, our strength. The LORD is our rock, our fortress and our deliverer; our God is our rock, in whom we take refuge. He is our shield and the horn of our salvation, our stronghold.
People: We call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and we are saved from our enemies.
Leader: He reaches down from on high and takes hold of us; He draws us out of deep waters.
People: He brings us out into a spacious place; He rescued us because He delights in us.
Leader: It is God who arms us with strength and makes our way perfect. He makes our feet like the feet of a deer; He enables us to stand on the heights.
People: The LORD lives! Praise be to our Rock! Exalted be God our Savior!
PRAYER OF ADORATION/INVOCATION
*OPENING SONG: “Hope of the Nations” Brian Doerksen
Acoustic Worship Team
Jesus, hope of the nations,
Jesus, comfort for all who mourn;
You are the source of heaven’s hope on earth;
Jesus, light in the darkness;
Jesus, truth in each circumstance;
You are the source of heaven’s light on earth;
In history You lived and died;
You broke the chains, You rose to life.
You are the hope living in us;
You are the Rock in whom we trust;
You are the light, shining for all the world to see;
You rose from the dead, conquering fear,
Our Prince of Peace drawing us near;
Jesus, our hope, living for all who will receive;
Lord, we believe.
SCRIPTURE READING: Deuteronomy 7:6b-11 (Pew Bible pp. 285-286)
[Moses wrote] “The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. But
Those who hate him he will repay to their face by destruction;
he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him.
Therefore, take care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today.”
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.)
O God, the Father of our Savior Jesus the Christ, Your covenant love is boundless and Your mercy is inexhaustible. You, Almighty God, are the Ruler of all things, perfect in Your judgments, and forever to be worshipped and praised. And so, with humility of heart and an awareness of our sinfulness, we ask You to cleanse our mind, body, and spirit of those sinful thoughts and actions that prevent us from experiencing the fullness of Your goodness and glory. Cast out every evil thought, every base desire, all envy and pride, all wrath and anger, all that is contrary to Your holy will. Give us instead a pure heart and an ever deepening love for You, we pray in Jesus name.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON:
Leader: Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are assured that there is no sin so terrible that God cannot forgive, and no hurt so deep that God cannot heal, when we repent and come to Jesus in faith. Therefore, with confidence, not in ourselves but in our Lord Jesus, receive the forgiving love of God; and, demonstrate that forgiveness that’s yours in Christ by forgiving one another, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to the praise of the Father’s glory.
*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: Romans 8:28-39 (Pew Bible pp. 1757-1758)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
SONG: #468 “My Jesus, I Love Thee”
My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine,
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, `tis now.
I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, `tis now.
In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, `tis now.
SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 9:1-5 (Pew Bible p. 1758)
I [Paul] speak the truth in Christ — I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit — I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON: “Paul’s Plea for Israel”
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD THROUGH AFFIRMATION,
OFFERING, AND PRAYER
*SONG OF REFLECTION AND RESPONSE: “Deep in the Shadows of the Past”
Verse 1
Deep in the shadows of the past
Far out from settled lands
Some nomads travelled with their God
Across the desert sands.
The dawning hope of humankind
By them was sensed and shown,
A promise calling them ahead,
A future yet unknown.
Verse 2
While others bowed to changeless gods
They met a mystery.
Invisible without a name
“I AM WHAT I WILL BE.”
And by their tents around their fires
In story, song and law
They praised, remembered handed on
A past that promised more.
Verse 3
From Exodus to Pentecost
The promise changed and grew,
While some remembering the past
Recorded what they knew.
Or with their letters and laments
Their prophecy and praise
Recovered, kindled and expressed
New hope for changing ways.
Verse 4
For all the writings that survived
For leaders long ago
Who sifted, copied and preserved
The Bible that we know,
Give thanks and find its story yet
Our promise, strength and call,
The model of emerging faith
Alive with hope for all.
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER AND OFFERING
Invitation
Affirmation of Faith: The 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, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. 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, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who 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.
Prayer of Thanksgiving/Consecration
Words of Institution
Partaking of the Elements and the Giving of Our Offering
“The King Is Coming” Smith/Fieldes
Acoustic Worship Team
Verse 1
The Spirit and the bride
Together testify
All things shall be made right.
Amen.
The lost shall be restored
The grave shall be no more
And all the church will roar.
Amen.
Chorus 1
Prepare the way
The King is coming.
Enthroned on praise
The King is coming.
The last the first the living Word
In glory shall return.
We prepare the way.
Verse 2
With hearts like lamps that burn
As light upon the earth
We wait for His return.
Amen.
No fear of what’s to come
Our hope set in the One
Who said that it is done.
Amen. (Chorus 1)
Tag 1
Jesus we prepare the way.
Verse 3
The trumpet soon shall sound.
He’ll ride upon the clouds.
And every knee will bow.
Amen.
The honor and the fame
The glory power and praise
Be unto Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Tag 2
Amen, amen.
Amen, amen.
Chorus 2
Prepare the way,
The King is coming.
Enthroned on praise,
The King is coming.
The last the first the living Word
In glory shall return.
The great I Am,
The Son of Man,
The Lion and the Lamb,
The Cornerstone who stands alone
In light will lead us home.
We prepare the way.
(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 up to our Lord — to the praise of His holy name.)
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
*CLOSING SONG: #411 “How Firm a Foundation”
How firm a foundation you saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He has said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
“When through the deep waters I call you to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with you in trouble to bless,
And sanctify to you your deepest distress.
“When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply;
The flame shall not hurt you, I only design
Your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.
“The soul that on Jesus still leans for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”
*BENEDICTION (Hebrews 13:20-21)
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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.
- Adult Bible Study meets on Sundays before worship (9:15-10:00am). The current study is a survey of the Old Testament. We are looking at those Bible books (historical and prophetic) that cover post-exilic Judah from 520-440 BC.
- Wednesday evening Bible Study at 7pm on Zoom. You can find the Zoom link at the church’s website under “Digital meetings” (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84268790436). The text for this Wednesday is Romans 9:6-13.
- 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.
- In the narthex are copies of the booklet, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ.” It presents an overview of the good news of Jesus. The truth about who God is, who we are, and how we may live with God now and forever is presented. You are encouraged to pick up a few copies and share them with those you know who do not yet know Jesus or who may be questioning what it means to be a Christian.
- The July/August Upper Room devotional is available in the narthex.
- We are looking for a few individuals to help with sorting the donations we have received for our clothing ministry. If you would like to help with this, please speak with Sue Laz.