2023-05-07 St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Welkom

Order of Service

Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary (5-7-2023: Fifth Sunday of Easter)

Psalm Psalm 66:1–12 or Psalm 66:1–9

First Reading Acts 17:1–15 or Deuteronomy 6:20–25

Second Reading 1 Peter 2:1–10 or Acts 17:1–15

Gospel John 14:1–14

Entrance We stand as the Word of God is brought into the Church - Be seated directly after.

Welcome If you are new please fill in the visitors book on the table at the entrance to the church. Introduce yourself to George, the minister.

Prayer The Minister begins the service with prayer

Chorus 79 We have come into this house and gathered in His name

Chorus 84 Spirit of the living God

Chorus 85 Seek ye first the kingdom of God

Confession of sin

Confession appears in the Old Testament and New Testament as an admission of sin (e.g., Lev 5:5; 5 when anyone becomes aware that they are guilty in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned. 6 As a penalty for the sin they have committed, they must bring to the LORD a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for them for their sin. Matt 3:6  Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. )

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Cathy

will now read the Old Testament reading to us from the NIV pew bible.

She begins with

“Hear the Word of God as it is written in Deuteronomy 6:20–25”

She ends with “This is the word of God”.

Congregation: “Thanks be to God”

Janet

will now read the New Testament reading to us from the NIV pew bible.

She begins with

“Hear the Word of God as it is written in Acts 17:1–15”

She ends with “This is the word of God”.

Congregation: “Thanks be to God”.

Hymn 117 Tell me the old, old story

Sermon By Rev. G.H. van der Westhuizen

The Ten Commandments

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 5: Deuteronomy (The First Commandment (v. 7))

The First Commandment (v. 7) “You shall have no other gods before Me”

The Second Commandment (vv. 8–10)“You shall not make for yourself a carved image”

The Third Commandment (v. 11)“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (v. 11).

The Fourth Commandment (vv. 12–15) “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (v. 12).

The Fifth Commandment (v. 16) “Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you” (v. 16).

(Last Week) The Sixth Commandment (v. 17) “You shall not murder” (v. 17).

(This Week) The Seventh Commandment (v. 18)“You shall not commit adultery” (v. 18).

The Eighth Commandment (v. 19)“You shall not steal” (v. 19).

Luke 10:30–37; Luke 12:16–21;

This commandment is the foundation of our economic system. It recognizes the fact that man has a right to work, earn, save, and own.

In the simple story of the Good Samaritan there are three possible philosophies of wealth (Luke 10:30–37).

The first philosophy could be expressed by the statement: “What belongs to my neighbor belongs to me and I will take it.” This is aggressive stealing.

It was vividly demonstrated by the thieves who robbed and beat the man traveling to Jericho. No one would question the injustice of this act.

But what about robbing a man of his good name? Shakespeare in Othello said, “He that filches from me my good name / Robs me of that which not enriches him, / And makes me poor indeed.”

And what about failure to give your employer an honest day’s work? Taking what doesn’t belong to you, whether it is tangible or intangible, is aggressive stealing.

“What belongs to me is mine and I will keep it” expresses the second philosophy, held by both the priest and the Levite.

This is stealing by withholding from others. Jesus tells us about such a man in Luke 12:16–21. This rich farmer decided to build bigger barns so he could store more crops for himself. Saving is a virtue, but it can become a spiritual liability if done for the wrong reasons.

Every resource that I possess carries with it a corresponding obligation to use it as a good steward should.

“What belongs to me belongs to God and I use it to extend the kingdom” expresses the third philosophy. The Good Samaritan understood what the priest and the Levite did not comprehend.

Deuteronomy 24:19 says, “When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”

And

Deuteronomy 24:12 teaches, “If the man is poor, you shall not keep his pledge overnight.”

The principle is that we should not take advantage of someone else’s misfortunes.

This commandment not to steal really deals with manipulation of another person for one’s own gain.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if those of us who are creditors would extend a helping hand to those less fortunate?

Amen

Notices Mr. John Oberholzer - Session Clerk

Prayer for collection

Hymn 11 Lord the light of Your love is shining

Benediction

Doxology Let us all hold hands as we sing “Now unto Him”

Give the minister a moment to get to the door then please join us for refreshments

Door Duty John Oberholzer

Collection Rosa

Tea Duty Cheryl & Carol

Provide Finger Snacks Cathy & Lidia

Reading Old Testament Cathy - Deuteronomy 6:20–25

Reading New Testament Janet - Acts 17:1–15

Overhead Projector Bruce

Preacher Rev. George Henry van der Westhuizen

Booking of Property - Hall CCW Sunday 10:30-11:30 - Hall CCW Friday 17:00 to 21:00 - Hall Dance Club Mon to Friday

Sunday Evening Fellowship at 35 Portia Str. At 6:00pm Wed Bible study at 35 Portia Street at 7:00pm

Birthdays: None this week

Banking Details: St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church - ABSA, Welkom, 630135 - Current A/C 405 204 1125 - Savings A/C 118 794 605

Weekly Offerings April, May 2023 and Attendance

2nd R860.00 12

9th R450.00 14

16th R310.00 13

23rd R1630.00 15

30th

You are welcome to have a look at the financial books, just make an arrangement with Rosa

FOOD DONATIONS Please remember to bring non-perishables that will be given to Hospice. Milk and toiletries are needed

100 CLUB Envelopes are on the table at the entrance of the church

COINS FOR JESUS Put your coins in the collection plate. Cathy Bell will continue to manage the donations.

Contact Details

Cnr Lebata Str. & Othello Rd, St. Helena, Welkom

PO Box 597, Welkom, 9460

Minister: Rev. George van der Westhuizen - 0823030343 - [e-mail]

Session Clerk: John Oberholzer 0835149219

Secretary: Carol Oberholzer 0825712842

Treasurer: Rosa Jacobs 0825766199