Bulletin for Online Worship Service for May 15, 2022
Livestream at 9:00 a.m.

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE
“Choral” Joseph Jongen
As we joyfully greet each other today, sharing the gifts of friendship and love,
as the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

SILENT MEDITATION
Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope.
Protestant theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (who also penned the Serenity Prayer)

CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 148:11-13
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike, old and young together
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven. Let us all praise the Lord!

PRAISE AND ADORATION

HYMN #299
“You Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim” HANOVER

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we come today seeking forgiveness for our inability to love one another as you have instructed us. Instead, we live in alienation from an angry world fraught with war, pandemic, environmental stress, and political unrest. Instead of seeking solutions through your love, we turn away. Forgive us. Help us to step outside of our fear and reach out to others with the love that you have shown us. Help us trust that as your disciples, we can make a difference and help the world to heal. God, hear us as we pray silently our personal prayers of confession.

SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION

KYRIE ELEISON (#551)
“Lord, Have Mercy” LAND OF REST
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI
(#240) “Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks!” ALLELUIA NO. 1

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

REGOGNITION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS
Heather Berry

THE GOSPEL LESSON
John 13: 31-35 page 877 of the pew Bible

FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER

JOYS AND CONCERNS

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 the glory, forever. Amen.

ANTHEM
“My Faith Looks Up to Thee” (9:00) Michael Larkin

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

SCRIPTURE LESSON
Acts 11: 1-18 page 895 of the pew Bible
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

SERMON
“God is Always Drawing the Circle Wider” Dr. Zieman

PRAYER

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

SANCTUS
(#572) “Holy, Holy, Holy”

OFFERTORY
“I Call to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ” Dietrich Buxtehude

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

THE INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
based on 1 Corinthians 15
This is the good news in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold it fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, and that he appeared first to the women, then to Peter, and to the Twelve, and then to many faithful witnesses. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the end; he is our Lord and our God. Amen.

HYMN 288
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. LIVING GOD
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Meld me; mold me; fill me; use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

SERVING OF THE BREAD
Rev. Dempsey will walk down the center aisle with gluten-free bread

THE CUP OF THE NEW COVENANT

COMMUNION ANTHEM
“Lead Me, Lord/He Leadeth Me” (9:00) Michael Larkin
“In Holy Reverence, Lord, We Come” (11:10) Lloyd Larson

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Most loving God, you have given us a share in the one bread and the one cup and made us one with Christ. Help us to bring your salvation and joy to all the world. Through Christ the Lord. Amen.

HYMN #749
“Come! Live in the Light!” WE ARE CALLED

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

BENEDICTION RESPONSE
“Go Now In Peace” Don Besig

POSTLUDE
“Come Holy Ghost” Dietrich Buxtehude

***

Announcements for the Week of May 15, 2022

Joys and Concerns

• We are saddened to share that Linda Niles passed away on Thursday. Linda’s Memorial Service will be Monday, May 16 at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary, with a reception to follow in Fellowship Hall. Please keep her husband Stephen and their extended family in your prayers. Cards may be sent to the family at 4007 Clifton Drive, Omaha, NE 68134.
• We have the joy of recognizing our many Christian Education Volunteers (see names on next page). Stop by Fellowship Hall for a reception and to express your gratitude!
• The flowers in the chancel today are given by Sue Meusey in loving memory of Joe Meusey, a wonderful husband, father, and Papa. If you’d like to provide chancel flowers for a Sunday, stop by the Information Center in the Narthex, or call the church office. The cost is $25.00.

Prayer Vigil for Ukraine is Tonight. Our mission co-worker, Ellen Smith, has just returned from visiting partners in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany. We will hear more from Ellen and from Pastor Jessica Derise with the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy at a prayer vigil tonight at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Check your email from church for the Zoom link.

We Need YOU! We need ushers for the 11:10 a.m. service on May 22. Because our usher teams do not serve during the summer, we also are looking for ushers at our single 10 a.m. service throughout the summer. Sign up on the church website (find the Sign-Up button on home page). Or Contact Jayne Frederickson.

Register Now for Vacation Bible School. Go off-road for a Monumental Adventure through the colorful canyons and sunbaked trails of the southwest. By exploring God’s awesomeness, kids form a rock-solid faith for the road ahead. VBS will be held June 21-23 (Tues-Thurs) from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 4 years to 5th grade (completed).

Today Is Christian Education Recognition Sunday! At both worship services, everyone who has volunteered in some aspect of the CE Programs will be recognized. We had 108 people volunteer this school year!!! Our children will be handing out a special “thank you gift” to each volunteer. To all who have volunteered in Christian Education this year, thank you for your dedicated service. The CE Committee is hosting a reception to honor our volunteers in Fellowship Hall between services. Please come and thank them!\

Adult Education
Keith Allen
Haley Allen Mendick
Christine Dempsey
Brenda & Tim Graumann
Carl Greiner
Charlene & Lloyd Meyer
Patty Ritchie
Marshall Zieman

Children & Youth Education
Holly Baddley
Lauren Ballou
Amy & Dennis Boesen
Beth Broderick
Jeffrey Boyum
Jeremy & Sheri Cunningham
Julie Evers
Anna Flairty
Carla & Jon Fritz
Sarah Grady
Madelyn Grady
Jane Hawkins
Bryan & Gayle Hoybook
Chad & Emily Justice
Christina & Matt Kahler
Margaret Knight
Jenny & Ryan Koch
Lisa Luke
Beth Maxwell
Meghan & Noah McClain
Quinn McGuire
Sarah Mooney
Emily & Josh Murray
Kathy Nickel
Jill Rath
Cindy Rieke
Karen Saunders
Ashley Sherlock
Piper Smith
Kim Spencer
Amanda Stalnaker
Barb Stuedemann
Anna Sumner
Sue Thomas
Bidong & Victoria Tot
Kara & Josh Versaw
Kathryn Vint
Chris & Staci Voss
Stephanie Weaver
Rebecca Weyant
Becky Zieman

VBS
Lauren Ballou
Amy Boesen
Jeff Boyum
Kristen Curtis
Anna Flairty
Sue Gollehon
Brenda Graumann
Bethany Haas
Sally Hansen
Jane Hawkins
Angela Holdren
Blake Kahler
Kendall Kahler
Gayle Kerr-McFadden
Sue Kiel
Margaret Knight
Adam Luke
Brady Luke
Lisa Luke
Evan McFadden
Beth McGrath
Amy Miller
Tanya Mitzel
Ella Moore
Garrett Moore
Kathy Moore
Ann Pearson
Aurora Quartoroli
Jill Rath
Piper Smith
Amanda Stalnaker
Anna Sumner
Sue Thomas
Sara Thorson
Flora Tiedt
Mark Tiedt
Victoria Tot
Alex Voss
Garrett Voss
Staci Voss
Mason Will
Libby Whitlow

Youth Leaders
Ethan Bennett
Jeremy Cunningham
Julie Evers
Carla & Jon Fritz
Brad & Dawn Gibson
Susan Price
Lenten Study Leaders
Paula & Keith Allen
Ardys Hansum
Charlene & Lloyd Meyer
Jeanette & Tom Searson
Sandi Stuckey
Anna & Rock Sumner
Earlene Uhrig

Library Committee
Judy Arms
Jeremy Cunningham
Kristin Jacobi

Confirmation Mentors
Haley Allen Mendick
Rob Bailey
Holly Baddley
Brenda Graumann
Don Metzger
Ann Pearson
Barb Stuedemann

Advent Workshop
Amy Miller
Linda Miller

Easter Egg Hunt
Junior & Senior High Youth

CE Committee
Jeff Boyum
Jeremy Cunningham
Brad & Dawn Gibson
Matt Kahler
Amy Miller
Cindy Rieke
Jeanette Searson
Kathryn Vint

Pentecost Offering Has Begun! Each year on Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church. As one of the four Special Offerings of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Pentecost Offering unites us in a church-wide effort to support young people in Christ and inspire them to share their faith, ideas, and unique gifts with the church and the world. One unique feature of this special offering is the fact that 40% of the amount PCOC collects will remain with us to support ministries with children and youth in our church and local community. We will officially collect this special offering on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, but donations may begin now by making your check out to PCOC and indicating Pentecost Offering in the memo line. Special offering envelopes are also in the pews.

Refugee Resettlement Support. Have you been moved by the on-going refugee crises and want to take some direct action? Here is an opportunity. Our PCOC Mission Committee has decided to partner with Lutheran Family Services in providing necessary supplies for 1,000 refugees from various nations who will be settling in Nebraska in the next year. We will be collecting bathroom supplies during the 5 Sundays in May. Grab a flyer at the Information Center in the Narthex with the list of needed items. Bring your supplies back to the Narthex on May 22 or 29. If you would like to help with this or future refugee projects, contact Jeanne Smay, Dawn Buchanan, or Paula Allen.

Calling All Readers! Join the PCOC Book Group on Wednesday, May 18 in Room 13 from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss “The Dictionary of Lost Words” by Pip Williams. Questions? Contact June Fettig.

Cross Roads Will Meet on May 22. Meet at the circle drive doors after late service. We hope that many of our college students will be home for the summer and can join us. All young adults (ages 20-40) are welcome! We will go for pizza, have a sermon talkback, and discuss our summer mission plans. Sign up online for the mission weekend happening June 23-26.

Save the Date for the Pentecost and Groundbreaking Celebration on Sunday, June 5. We’ll take an all-church photo after the service, and the Pancake Man will provide lunch. We’ll also hold a ceremonial groundbreaking for the building expansion.

Sign Up for the Youth Choir Festival. Singers finishing grades 8-12 are invited to attend this year’s summer youth choir festival happening June 20-26! Rehearsals take place Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:00–8:30 p.m. Cost is $45 for the week and includes music, snacks, activities, and a festival t-shirt. Scholarships are available based on need. Register online on the church website.

GALS Chocolate and Fellowship on June 4. We’re kicking off the return of GALS, a women’s fellowship group. Check your church email for the sign-up link. We will meet at 1:00 p.m. to carpool to Bakers Chocolates near Ashland for a shopping stop and then visit Glacial Till Tasting Room in historic downtown Ashland to enjoy some fellowship. The only cost is what you choose to spend at either establishment. This event will be a delightful afternoon to reconnect with friends. If you have any questions, please contact Brenda Grauman or Staci Voss.

Sign Up for 49ers on June 7. Our speaker will be Gina Tomes, Program Director and co-founder of Bethlehem House Omaha. An Omaha native and educated at UNL and Creighton, Ms. Tomes is responsible for programming and oversight of the house. The lunch location is Gorat’s, 4917 Center Street, at 11:30 a.m., and we will order from a special menu. Everyone is welcome to join us – whether you are 49, younger, or older! For reservations or questions, please contact Mary Ott or Judy Sundberg. You also can sign up at the Information Center.

Two Choices for Bible Study Starting June 7. Both groups will study the same lesson, starting with the story of Joseph. Please choose the group/time that works best for you. Sign up on the church website for either group.
• Tuesday Bible Study is on a break until June 7. New members are always welcome!
• New Men’s Summer Bible Study Starts June 7. Join Marshall and Keith Allen for a new Tuesday morning Men’s Bible Study. Beginning June 7, we will meet at church every Tuesday this summer from 7-8 a.m. Coffee and pastries/donuts will be provided. Bring your favorite Bible, your insights, your conversation, and your fellowship.

Gift Cards Wanted! PCOC’s mission partner, Voices for Children in Nebraska, is excited to host a 35th Birthday Celebration on Friday, November 4, 2022. The event will be held in the ballroom at the Livestock Exchange Building and will include a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and carnival games. We are in need of food and beverage gift cards as well as other types of gift cards to use as prizes for the games and for inclusion with some silent auction items. If you have unused gift cards in your wallet, purse, or desk drawer, please consider donating them to the Voices for Children Gala committee. We are happy to accept your gift card donations between now and Friday, Sept 23, 2022. For further information, please contact Amy Boesen. On behalf of Nebraska’s children, thank you for helping make our state a great place to be a kid.