1. The Service for The Lord’s Day
July 31, 2022
11:00 am Worship Service
Eighth Sunday of Pentecost
Grace and peace. We believe God loves everyone without exception. All are welcome here.
Our mission is to experience the love of Jesus Christ by practicing
radical hospitality, forming deep relationships, and joining in shared ministry.
“The task of prophetic ministry is to nurture, nourish, and evoke a consciousness and perception
alternative to the consciousness and perception of the dominant culture around us.”
Walter Brueggeman, Prophetic Imagination
A Summer with the Prophets
2. First Presbyterian Church 2
WELCOME TO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ASHEVILLE
Welcome! We hope that you experience the boundary-breaking love of Jesus Christ in our
worship service and in our ministries.
If you are interested in learning more about FPCA, including membership, sharing a
prayer request, or a pastoral concern, please fill out a card from the back of the pew, or go
to our website and click Connect With Us. We welcome new members on the third Sunday
of the month our next time to join will be August 21st, at 9:45 am, in the Library.
Worship bags are available in the narthex for children. The 11:00 am service is streaming
in the Widman Room (Rm 107), down the hall from the narthex, for anyone who may
need to leave the sanctuary. Nursery is available for children through kindergarten,
and older if necessary. If you need assistance, please ask an usher for directions to the
Children’s Hall.
For worship, masks are required in the balcony and in the marked pews near the
entrances. They are required for all children’s events and rooms for ages three and older.
Small groups choose within themselves, according to their needs. Masks are optional.
The Chancel Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of loved ones by Reba
and Don Totten.
Leading in Worship Today:
Pastors: David Germer, Patrick Johnson, Shannon Jordan
Choir Director and Organist: Jeremy Roberts
Choir Assistant : Kim Thomas
Cantors: FPCA pick up choir
*Please stand if able.
Based on Psalm 8
GATHERING IN
Voluntary Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ Mark Sedio
Welcome and Announcements
Choral Introit I Will Sing a Song of Mercy William J. Doggett
I will sing a song of mercy, sing a song of justice,
sing a song of praise to God.
I will live a life of mercy, live a life of justice, live a life of praise to God.
*Call to Worship Patrick Johnson
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
What are human beings that God is mindful of us --
mortals, that God cares for us?
Yet God has made us only a little lower than God’s own self,
and crowned us with glory and honor.
Together let us praise our God,
whose name is majestic in all the earth.
3. First Presbyterian Church 3
*Hymn 755 Alleluia! Laud and Blessing WEISSE FLAGGEN
Call to Confession
Who may rest in God’s presence,
and abide in God’s house?
Those who walk blamelessly,
and do what is right,
and speak the truth from their hearts.
Trusting in God’s mercy,
let us confess our sin,
that we may live in peace with God.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God,
you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you.
We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy.
We have not loved you with a pure heart,
nor have we loved our neighbors as ourselves.
Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness.
In your great compassion,
cleanse us from our sin.
Do not cast us away from your presence,
or take your Holy Spirit from us.
Restore to us the joy of your salvation
and sustain us with your bountiful spirit.
(Silent prayer of confession)
Declaration of Forgiveness
Siblings in Christ, declare with me the good news of the gospel:
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Thanks be to God!
As God’s forgiven people, how are we to live?
Hear now the Word of God:
God has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
The movement from
confession to forgiveness
to thanksgiving invites
the natural response
to live in a way that is
pleasing to God.
From on Psalm 15
Micah 6:8
4. First Presbyterian Church 4
Sung Response
*Hymn 582 Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me GLORY TO GOD
If they find it challenging
to participate in the
entire service, children
are invited to the nursery
during the “Passing of
the Peace.” A nursery
representative
will be in the narthex to
greet you.
*Passing of the Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
HEARING THE WORD
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
First Lesson Matthew 5:1-12
This is the good news of Jesus, the Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Second Lesson Micah 6:1-8
The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God will stand forever.
Thanks be to God.
5. First Presbyterian Church 5
Sermon Simple Instructions Patrick Johnson
RESPONDING IN FAITH
*Hymn 70 What Does the Lord Require of You? MOON
Adapted from the
Confession of 1967
Prayers of the People and 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
*Affirmation of Faith
God’s sovereign love is a mystery
beyond the reach of the human mind.
But God reveals divine love in Jesus Christ,
and the power of God’s love in Christ
to transform the world
discloses that the Redeemer is the Lord and Creator
who made all things to serve the purpose of his love.
In response to God’s love,
we affirm that life is a gift to be received with gratitude
and a task to be pursued with courage.
Within the purpose of God,
we are free to steward the resources of nature
for the common good,
to work for justice and peace in society,
and in many other ways,
to use our creative powers
for the fulfillment of human life.
Commissioning for Participants in the Charleston Youth Mission Trip
Youth: Reese Carlton, Clara German, Josiah Germer, Olive Gruver, Rachel Macaluso,
Nat Meadows, Riley Moss, Evan Oldenburg, Melody Otterstad, Zeb Potter, Savannah
Reinhardt, Sally Thornburg
Adults: David Germer, Chris Moss, Beverly Williamson
6. First Presbyterian Church 6
*Hymn 605 Praise to God the Father DA N’ASE
Anthem God Be In My Head John Rutter
God be in my head and in my understanding.
God be in mine eyes and in my looking.
God be in my mouth and in my speaking.
God be in mine heart and in my thinking.
God be at my end and in my departing.
Invitation to the Offering
The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.
Let us return to God the offerings of our life
and the gifts of the earth.
Offering The gifts we offer express
our stewardship of
creation, demonstrate
our care for one another,
support the ministries of
the church, and provide
for the needs of the poor.
In addition to our regular
offering,Â
8. First Presbyterian Church 8
More Light Presbyterians
Upcoming Events, Recent Videos, and The Sermon & Podcast Archives can be found on the front page of the
website. Announcements can be found in the E-Chronicle and on The Weekly Announcement page.
A link for both of these and The First Chronicle can be found on the main page of the FPCA Website.
40 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801 828-253-1431 www.fpcasheville.org
Rev. Dr. Patrick W. T. Johnson..........................................................................................................................................Pastor, Head of Staff
Mary Beth Asher.....................................................................................................................................................Communications Assistant
Eve Bennett...............................................................................................................................................................................................Hospitality
Rieley Bennett..................................................................................................................................................................................................Sexton
Candace Dellinger..............................................................................................................................................................................Nursery Staff
Rev. David Germer.......................................................................................................................................................................Associate Pastor
Rev. Shannon Jordan..................................................................................................................................................................Associate Pastor
Alice Lake..............................................................................................................................................................................................Nursery Staff
Nancy McNeill................................................................................................................................................................Director of Engagement
Jeremy Roberts.......................................................................................................................................................Director of Music, Organist
Anita Sayles...................................................................................................................................................................Administrative Assistant
Kim Thomas.....................................................................................................................................................................................Choir Assistant
Liz Thurston.......................................................................................................................................................................Church Administrator
Sky Trice..................................................................................................................................................................................Nursery Supervisor
We are glad you worshiped here today.
We believe God loves every person without exception. As followers of Christ, we strive to be a holy community
that reflects the diversity of God’s creation through the welcome and full participation of every age, ability,
socioeconomic status, family background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, skin color, and racial identity.
We lament the history of exclusion in the church. We rejoice in the wholeness that comes when we are all in
relationship together. We invite you to join us in ministry at FPCA.
SESSION
DEACONS
STAFF
Class of 2025
Judy Albertson
Reese Carlton
Donna Ensley
Art Kiser
Paul McNeill
Todd Oldenburg
Mary Jane Skinner
Class of 2025
Betsy Herman
Bill Kantonen
Katherine Lafrance
Len Porter
Mary Ellen Porter
Judy Rittmeyer
Babbie Shelton
Class of 2023
Phil Barnett
Sam Cook
Cathie Dodson
Angela Drummond
Claire Trunnell
Class of 2023
Valorie Vliek
Class of 2024
Micki Argall
Cindy Clarke
Chris DeJarnett
Seth Hagler
Alice Boggs Lentz
Zeb Potter
Bob White, Clerk
Class of 2024
Lisa Bridges
Clay Griffith
John Meadows
Cosette Williams
Curtis Williams
9. 9
COMMUNITY JOYS & CONCERNS
Please join the FPCA Family as we celebrate joys among us and pray for loved ones. Our full list is printed once a
month as a part of the First Chronicle Newsletter. Please contact Shannon Jordan (sjjordan@fpcasheville.org or
828-253-1431 ext.125) with prayer requests and updates.
Prayers for:
KATHRYN CAMERON and FAMILY, for healing and strength as Kathryn recovers from surgery on 7/21 to replace
both hips. She plans to be at The Lodge for inpatient rehab.
DAVID and RUTH ZYRY FRANKLIN, who moved to VA to be closer to family and enjoy grandparenting.
EMILY and JONATHAN GADDIS, Emily is the daughter-in-law of Susan Gaddis and is facing extensive testing at
Duke in preparation for a lung transplant needed as a result of leukemia.
ANDREW GADDIS, son of Susan Gaddis, for upcoming rotator cuff surgery.
D’ETTA LEACH,who has moved to Greenville, SC to be closer to family and adjusting to a new beginning. Her new
address is 111 E. McBee Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601.
DOUG KING, father of Lauren Wood, diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. Prayers for his wife and family in SC as
they navigate his care and embrace quality time together.
MARGARET RIDDLE, who is the full-time caregiver for her husband Joe. Joe is receiving in-home Hospice care for
Parkinson’s, dementia, and Pulmonary Fibrosis. She is also in the process of selling their home.
ALETHA ROPER, as she recovers from a recent back surgery following a fall.
JOY, the adult daughter of Pat and Dan Ruzic, as she is treated for a herniated disc that is causing severe pain.
FAMILY and FRIENDS of Muriel Siddall, who are grieving her death on Friday, July 22nd, after a brief illness.
VICKIE, niece of Douglas King, as she navigates concerns for family relationships.
CODY WEAVER, a young friend of Sam Cook and Anita Rose, who is coping with a devastating loss.
TONY ZWOLINSKI, husband of Jane Laping’s cousin, who was seriously injured in a mountain biking accident and
is in intensive care.
CAREGIVERS providing care and support for spouses, parents, or extended family.
ALL who are in need of mental health care and are trying to find access to appropriate support and for those
experiencing limitations due to illness.
AFGHAN REFUGEES, who are adjusting to life in Asheville, and our teams of volunteers who are assisting them.
All PEOPLE affected by war in Ukraine, those living in fear or with violence, and for the leaders around the world
to seek peace.
MEMBERS OF FPCA who have been affected by Covid 19 in recent weeks.
We Celebrate:
FPCA YOUTH & LEADERS going to Charleston S.C., Youth: Reese Carlton, Clara German, Josiah Germer, Olive
Gruver, Rachel Macaluso, Nat Meadows, Riley Moss, Evan Oldenburg, Melody Otterstad, Zeb Potter, Savannah
Reinhardt, Sally Thornburg and adults: David Germer, Chris Moss, Beverly Williamson
Help us stay connected by sharing your news, prayer concerns, or other requests. Pastors and staff are available
by phone, email, or appointment. The church office is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. If you have
a scheduled hospitalization, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can support you. If you need pastoral
assistance during office hours, please call the church office. At other times, please call the pastor-on-call at
828-222-0113 and leave a message with the receptionist. An FPCA pastor will return your call. To keep your
contact information up to date, please log into your Realm account or contact Anita Sayles.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONNECT THROUGH SKILLS & INTERESTS
The leadership at FPCA is working hard to connect and re-connect people into the mission of God. Part of that
is knowing how you want to connect and what opportunities that you want to hear about. Please fill out a blue
interest form or go to your Realm Profile on you Realm App or computer and make the selections under “skills”
and “interests.”Choosing one of these opportunities is not a commitment, but an indication that you would like to
know when we have possible places of engagement. If you would like help to understand how to use Realm, please
reach out to Shannon at sjordan@fpcasheville.org!
LUNCH BUNCH 11:30 AM
This summer we have a lunch opportunity to connect with new and old friends at
restaurants around town. These restaurants have parking and accessibility. Please join
us for this relationship building opportunity. RSVP to the church office or
sjordan@fpcasheville.org.
• August 1 Outback Steakhouse; 30 Tunnel Road.
• August 22 Pomodoros; 1070 Tunnel Rd
ASHEVILLE YOUTH MISSION SUMMER GROUPS
The group that arrives on Sunday, July 31 Hamline UMC (St Paul MN), St Paul DOC
(Raleigh NC). This will be our last summer group but AYM will have a few weekend
groups this fall.
FPCA STITCHERS
Monday, August 1st, Room 214, 6:00 pm
Do you knit, crochet, weave, or sew? FPCA has a wonderful group that usually meets
each 1st Monday at 6:00 pm. They create beautiful prayer shawls for people who need to
know that God’s love is surrounding them, offering healing, comfort, and love. Due to the
recent holiday, they are meeting this Monday, August 1st.
FAITH FORMATION, JULY 31,
Fellowship Hall 9:45 am
All are welcome to the Sunday morning Adult Faith Formation Class!All are welcome
to the Sunday morning Adult Faith Formation Class! This final week of our study of the
writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This discussion based class is being led by a variety of
leaders and provides a time of reflection and discussion.
In August, FPCA member and retired seminary professor Jane Vann will lead a
discussion on the current week’s sermon text. Hope to see you there!
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN - ORDER YOUR STUDY BOOK BY AUGUST 1st
Please order your copy of the Presbyterian Women’s study book for this coming fall by
contacting Shannon Jordan @ sjordan@fpcasheville.org by August 1. Celebrating Sab-
bath: Accepting God’s Gift of Rest and Delight, by Carol M. Bechtel, costs $10 each. The
order goes in after August 1st. You can pay for your book when you pick it up by cash
or check. Stay tuned for the news of their arrival.
11. ANNUAL CHURCH RETREAT
September 30-October 2 at Montreat Conference Center--only 30 minutes away.
The FPCA Retreat has a long history of fun, learning, activities, and rest. With a variety
of contemplative and worship activities, everyone can find a way to connect more deeply
with God and one another. (And you really don’t want to miss the variety show!)
The deadline for commuters is August 8th.
Thank you to all of those who signed up for the overnights at Montreat.
If you missed the deadline, there are a few rooms left. Please contact the
church office if you would like to stay overnight at the retreat.
Go to www.fpcasheille.org/fpca-retreat or use the QR code to register.
HELP NEEDED FOR OUR AFGHAN NEIGHBORS GROUP
The two families we have been encouraging continue to progress in their journey to independence. They have jobs
and housing. Their next steps include advanced English language training, financial literacy, and acquiring driver’s
learning permits. Transportation remains an active need.
If you have ESL, financial literacy, or driver’s license training expertise, please let us know. We deeply appreciate
all of you who are actively helping us or providing moral support. Please direct your questions to Randy Fluharty
(rfluharty54@gmail.com) or Alan Young (alan.g.young.sr@gmail.com).Â
KOINONIA GROUPS
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines koinonia as “spiritual communion and
participative sharing in a common religious commitment and spiritual community.” FPCA
will be starting Koinonia small groups this fall to support members in their faith life and
to build Christian friendships. Groups will meet for 90 minutes, twice a month, October-
May. These groups will be participant based, with a trained facilitator. The curriculum
will help participants explore different ways of experiencing the power of God, spiritual
practices, the enneagram, and ways to engage scripture. For more information, please
contact Shannon at sjordan@fpcasheville.org .
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CHOIR
We are getting ready for the Fall!
Do you have children or youth that are interested in our Children’s or Youth Choir? For
more information contact Jeremy Roberts at jroberts@fpcasheville.org. Youth Choir
will start Sunday, September 11th if there is Youth Group that day. Children’s Choir
will begin Wednesday September 7th with a pizza party and registration.
12. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
Sunday, July 31
11:00 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary Rev. Patrick Johnson preaching
12:00 pm Fellowship on the front lawn or in Wallace Foyer if raining
All Day Youth Mission Co. Charleston SC trip July 31st - August 5th
Monday, August 1st
11:30 am - 1:30 pm Lunch Bunch @ TGI Friday’s (Biltmore Village 115 Hendersonville Road)
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Centering Prayer (Zoom) Contact Waid Shelton
Sunday, August 7
8:45 am Worship Service in Campbell Chapel Rev. David Germer preaching
9:45 am Faith Formation (Fellowship Hall)
9:45 am Godly Play preschool - fifth grade (Room 106)
11:00 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary w/ baptism Rev. David Germer preaching
12:00 pm Fellowship on the front lawn or in Wallace Foyer if raining
Zoom & Registration links can be found on the church calendar at fpcasheville.org.
