First Presbyterian Church
“Called to Grow, Share, Serve”
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
June 13, 2025
10:30 AM Worship
Welcome & Announcements Dr. Jeff Smith
The Prelude Here I Am, Lord Mark Hayes
Sylvia Rippy, piano
Gathering to Worship God Rev. Larke Blanton
Responsive Call to Worship Psalm 50:1-6
Leader: The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
People: From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.
Leader: He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.
All: Let us bow down and worship the Lord who calls us to do justly!
**Song of Praise Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above #645
Confessing Our Sin to God
*Prayer of Confession Dr. Jeff Smith
Holy God, you desire mercy not sacrifice. You desire that we speak up against the evils of injustice, but most often we remain silent out of fear of what might happen to us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Replace our fears with a holy boldness to speak up for those who have no voice, that together as your people we may walk and live in your righteousness – exhibiting your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. For we offer our prayer to you in the strong name of Jesus Christ our Lord and our Savior. Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
Leader: Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel!
All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
*Please stand if able
**Please stand and sing if able
**Congregational Response Great Is Thy Faithfulness (v.1) #39
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not; thy compassions they fail not. As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
*Passing The Peace Dr. Jeff Smith
(We encourage you to pass the peace of Christ to those seated around you.)
Proclaiming God’s Word
Sharing with our Children Erin Fowler
(Our children are invited to join Mrs. Erin for children’s church, room #149 following the message.)
Anthem Bring to the Lord a Song Eugene Butler
Chancel Choir
Listening to the Word of God Dr. Jeff Smith
First Reading: Isaiah 61:8-9 (Unison)
Second Reading: Esther 4:1-17
Leader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God!
Word of God Proclaimed Dr. Jeff Smith
Esther: “Silence is not an option!”
Responding to the Word of God
*Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed (Unison) Rev. Larke Blanton
I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Rev. Larke Blanton
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.
Responding as Faithful Stewards of God’s Good Gifts
Our Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Still Reuben Martin
Praise Team
We encourage you to give:
You may place your gift in the offering plates as they are passed down your pew.
Or you may go to the church website (www.firstpresboone.org)
and click on the “Giving” button, to give online.
**Doxology To the tune of All Creatures of our God and King
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God the source of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*Prayer of Dedication Jerri Mayberry, Deacon
If you or someone you know needs special prayer today or if you would like to speak personally with
someone about making a first-time commitment to Christ Jesus, or growing in the Christian faith and
discipleship, a church officer is available to speak with you following the worship service at the
communion table.
Going to Love and Serve the Lord
**Going to Serve Whom Shall I Fear Chris Tomlin Praise Team
*Being Blessed to Be a Blessing Dr. Jeff Smith
**The Sending Go, My Children, with My Blessing (v. 1) #547
“Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.
In my love’s baptismal river, I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.”
Postlude Praise Team