Forest Hill Church: diverse, inclusive, welcoming

3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Hts OH 44118

216-321-2660 Fax: 216-320-1214

Email: office@fhcpresb.org Website: www.fhcpresb.org

Rev. Dr. John C. Lentz, Jr., Pastor

Rev. Tricia Dykers-Koenig, Parish Assoc.

Rev. Lois Annich, Interim Assoc. Pastor

Rachel McDonald, Interim Assoc. Pastor

Anne Wilson, Director of Music

Kate Burleigh, Dir. of Children’s Ministries

Shannon Headen, Dir. of Youth Ministries

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Service of Worship

February 26, 2017 at 11:00 am Welcome! Thank you for joining us today for worship.

If you are visiting, please join us in wearing a name tag so that we might greet you. Our ushers have hearing devices, large print editions of the bulletin,

activity bags for children staying in worship, and directions to our nursery for babies and young children.

Prayer of Preparation O Lord, Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life: Do not let us stray from you, the Way, nor to distrust you, the Truth, not to rest in anything other than you, the Life.

Welcome

Prelude Spiritual Medley

Tina Bergmann, hammered dulcimer; Bryan Thomas, bass

Choral Introit Shaker melody “Simple Gifts” Descant Choir

Greeting Our God with Joy

Call to Worship Leader: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: O come, let us sing to the Lord and shout with joy to the rock of

our salvation! People: Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving, singing

joyful songs of praise. Leader: Let us worship God!

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* Processional Hymn No. 633 “Praise Ye the Lord” The Descant Choir will sing the first time through, including the repeat of the refrain. Congregation joins in on stanza 2:

Praise God with holy cymbals

*please stand if able

Renewing Our Relationship with God

Prayer of Confession Rev. John Lentz Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, but what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name.

Time of Silent Confession

Song of Forgiveness Appalachian folk melody “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy”

Affirming the Good News in Our Lives

Assurance of Pardon

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* Gloria Taizé

Opening Our Hearts to God’s Word

Family Meditation Rev. Lentz

* Hymn No. 623 “I've Got Peace like a River”

Prayer requests to be read during the Prayers of the People may be passed to the ushers during this hymn

Scripture Lessons John Dugard Habakkuk 1: 1-4, 2: 1-4

The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrong-doing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous— therefore judgment comes forth perverted.

First time: All sing Second time: Sing in a round starting with low voices; high voices begin two measures later; youth and children two measures after that.

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I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.

Acts 1: 6-8 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Luke 4: 16-19 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

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After the readings: Leader: Hear what the Holy Spirit is telling God’s people. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon Rev. Robina Winbush “Living the Vision”

Prayers of the People Rachel McDonald

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.

Ritual of Friendship

Offering

Offertory “John the Revelator” gospel song, arr. Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory

Seth Ungemach, conductor

This song was performed by gospel groups throughout the South and was first recorded around 1930 by Blind Willie Johnson. Johnson was a practitioner of a charismatic tradition, a religion that used music to lift worshipers into an ecstatic, trance-like state of mind. These periods of holy delirium allowed followers to gain brief glimpses into the world described by John in the book of Revelation.

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* Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God above ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.

* Prayer of Dedication

Going Forth to Live as God’s People

* Closing Hymn No. 66 “Every Time I Feel the Spirit”

* Commission and Blessing

* Choral Benediction

* Passing of the Peace

Postlude Traditional fiddle tunes

Tina Bergmann and Bryan Thomas

Welcome Visitors! We look forward to greeting you and answering any questions you may have. Welcome bags are available in the foyers and the narthex. Take one home with you! Be sure to visit our website, www.fhcpresb.org, for a list of upcoming events, education programs for all ages, and past sermon texts and audio.

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Notes & Announcements Today’s music: We welcome Tina Bergmann on hammered dulcimer and her husband Bryan Thomas on upright bass. Promoted as the "Diva of the Dulcimer" by Apollo's Fire, Cleveland's nationally known Baroque orchestra, Tina is known for her driving energy and syncopated rhythms and was described by Pete Seeger as "the best hammered dulcimer player I've heard in my life." Bryan is a versatile bassist who performs as a free-lance musician throughout northeast Ohio. He is the double bass instructor at Kent State University, and teaches in the jazz program at Cuyahoga Community College. Black History Month: We welcome as today’s preacher the Rev. Robina Winbush, Associate for Ecumenical Relations at the national office of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Chancel Flowers Today’s flowers are given by Robyn Hales in memory of her mother Dorothy, her father Albert and her sister Terri; and by Joan Bacon in loving memory of her father, Richard Benson. Welcome to the newest member of the Forest Hill Church family: Elizabeth Jane Wadsworth Wigger (Elly), daughter of Amy Wadsworth and David Wigger, was born February 18. Prayers are requested this week for: Max Harmon, Wafa Kuri, Keith Logan, Robin Richards, Robert Ruggeri, George Sentell, Joy Stang, and Dorothy Turick.

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The Deacons encourage you to stop by the Greeting Card Table in Fellowship Hall before or after worship to sign a card for one or more of our homebound members. We will address and mail the card for you.

Please remember these homebound members in your prayers: Marge Drollinger, Emma Jane Gibbs, Iris and Al Gilbert, Ron Klein, Emelia McGuire, Joyce Peters, Jack Quinn, Margie Stauffer, Elaine Tapié, and Lorian Thomas.

Care Group: The Calvary Care Group is responsible for assisting the clergy in meeting members’ needs during February. Please call the church office to report an illness, hospitalization, family emergency, birth or death. Information will then be passed on to the Care Group leaders. Thank you to head usher Roger Heineman and today’s ushers. Please contact the church office if you are interested in joining an usher team.

Coming Up

TODAY Prayers for Pantry Guests: Guests who come to the monthly Abundance Pantry Lunch express gratitude for the responses of FHC members to their prayer requests. A number of them would also be pleased to pray for concerns of our congregation. To submit a prayer request, please use the green prayer form and place it in the offering.

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THIS WEEK Ash Wednesday: This Wednesday, March 1, is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. We will offer dinner at 6:30 and worship at 7:30.

Please note on the friendship pad if you plan to attend the dinner and haven’t already contacted the church office.

Lent begins March 1

This year’s theme: Keeping a Holy Lent

March 4, 8:30am – 12pm: All-Church Retreat

(Bodwell Hall)

We will gather at 8:30 for coffee and conversation. The

retreat will begin at 9 am and you will be home by lunch.

Children are welcome and children’s activities will be led

by Kate Burleigh and Shannon Headen.

The pastors will offer workshops on prayer, worship and the

bible.

Snacks will be provided.

Please use the friendship pad to indicate that you wish to

attend.

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Bible Study: The lessons for this week are: Genesis 2: 15-17 and 3: 1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5: 12-19; Matthew 4: 1-11.

Bible and Bagels discusses next Sunday’s text(s) on Wednesday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30. All are welcome!

NEXT SUNDAY Adult Education, 9:30 in South Hall: On March 5, Dr. Lentz will begin an 8-week series on the Sacraments: “Equipping the Saints for Ministry.” Books! Clear out your bookshelves and pass along donations to Abundance Pantry’s guest book cart. We’re looking for books for children (from board books to young adult chapter books) as well as novels and short stories for adults. Drop your donations on the library cart in Fellowship Hall. Thank you! LOOKING AHEAD The Group: The Group will meet on Saturday, March 11 at 6:30 pm at Barb Hansen’s home, 9104 Idlewood Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 to hear Dave Neff’s “Peruvian Panorama” presentation. Details have been emailed and will be in the March TOWER. All are welcome! RSVP to Barb Hansen (BJhansen47@gmail.com or 440-255-5514). Hilltoppers: Hilltoppers will meet on Friday, March 10 at 1 pm at the church to hear Dave Neff’s program on Peru (described above).

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Volunteer Opportunity: Support the work of Heights Community Congress HCC is looking for people who enjoy doing online research – they are beginning to research communities who recognize “educational redlining” as a problem or concern. Their hope is to identify partners and join forces to bring a national spotlight on the issue. Interested? Please contact Martha Goble (Martha.Goble@att.net). Greater Cleveland Congregations: Not all in! Save March 9 – that’s the date of GCC Public Hearing on the Q deal. 7 pm at Elizabeth Baptist Church; carpools will leave from FHC at 5:45. Watch for details.

Youth News Every Sunday: Mid and Sr High classes meet from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Today The Sine Nomine Choir will rehearse in the Chapel after worship.

Staff Emails

Rev. Lois Annich Interim Assoc. Pastor pastorannich@fhcpresb.org Becky Austin Finance beckya@fhcpresb.org Lynda Bernays Administration office@fhcpresb.org Kate Burleigh Children kateb@fhcpresb.org Ann Donkin Building mgr. adonkin@fhcpresb.org Stavros Gazis Custodial office@fhcpresb.org Shannon Headen Youth shannon@fhcpresb.org Rev. Dr. John Lentz Jr. Pastor pastorlentz@fhcpresb.org Rachel McDonald Interim Assoc. Pastor rachelm@fhcpresb.org Peg Weissbrod Outreach pegw@fhcpresb.org Anne Wilson Music annew@fhcpresb.org

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Calendar: February 26 – March 5, 2017 Sunday, February 26 8:30 Nominating Committee 9:30 Adult Education Descant Choir followed by Descant Choir Activity Childcare for children thru Kdg 10:30 Continental Breakfast Chancel Choir Cherub Choir 11:00 WORSHIP Children’s Worship Class (preK-K)

Pathways children will attend church with their families

12:15 Coffee and Fellowship Sine Nomine Choir rehearsal Monday, February 27 6:00 pm Progress not Perfection (AA) 7:00 pm Al Anon 7:30 pm Borton Group (AA) Boy Scout Troop #403 Tuesday, February 28 12:00 pm Abundance Pantry Lunch 1:00 pm Abundance Pantry 5:00 pm Fitness Fusion exercise class Wednesday, March 1: Ash Wednesday 7:30 am Bible and Bagels 12:30 pm Wed. Women’s AA 5:00 pm Dinner helpers 6:30 pm Dinner 7:30 pm Worship 8:30 pm Chancel Choir

Thursday, March 2 5:00 pm Fitness Fusion exercise class Friday, March 3 10:00 am Al Anon Saturday, March 4 8:00 am Men’s Group 8:30 am All-Church Retreat 9:00 am CEIRS class Sunday, March 5: 1 Lent Pancake breakfast (a fund-raiser for the summer youth trip to Montreat) will be served before and after worship 9:30 Adult Education Descant Choir followed by Descant Choir Activity Childcare for children thru Kdg 10:30 Continental Breakfast Chancel Choir 11:00 WORSHIP: Communion Children’s Worship Class (preK-K)

Pathways children will attend church with their families

12:15 Coffee and Fellowship 12:30 Prayer Group class 3:00 Recital: Students of Ina Onnafrei

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Pick up your printed copy of the TOWER

in the foyer

Cover image:

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DETAILS 1. In the March Tower there will be a Black History

Month Quiz 2. All questions will be from articles on the BHM Wall 3. Most questions will be in multiple choice format 4. (5) questions will be taken from each of the (3) time

periods 5. Questions will be from articles posted lower on the

BHM Wall 6. Quizzes can be emailed to John Dugard

(romans.chap8@gmail.com) or hand written and turned in at the Tower table

7. The deadline for entries will be March 5th 8. Gift certificates will be awarded at the March 12th

Service

FROM THE FOREST HILL DEACONS In recognition and appreciation for the historical wall created for our continuing education of Black History by the Black History Month Committee (BHM), the Forest Hill Deacons are funding the purchase of: (3) $25.00 gift certificates to selected restaurants featured in the BHM listings of Black owned restaurants. Certificates will be awarded to the top (3) correct entries on BHM Quiz