Welcome and Greeting Rev. Dan Schumacher If you are visiting FBC this morning, or would like more information about thechurch and our programs, please pick up a Welcome Packet at one of the entrances.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Russ, Terese, and Aaron Storm Congregational Hymn #332 “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Vv. 1,2,6 AZMON SONGS OF OUR FAITH An Introduction to O God, Our Help in Ages Past: Chris Oldham
The mystery of time is the subject of “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” a paraphrase of Psalm 90. The hymn is considered by many to be one of the finest ever written and, perhaps, the best known of the 600 hymns by Isaac Watts, often called the “father of the English hymnody.”
At an early age, Isaac displayed unusual talent in writing poetic verse. As a young man he became increasingly concerned with congregational singing in the English speaking churches. Only ponderous, metrical psalms were used until this time. To use any words other than the actual words of scripture would have been considered an insult to God. Challenged by his father to “write something better for us to sing,” young Watts began to create new versions of the psalms with inspiring and expressive style. At the early age of twenty-five, he published an important hymnal titled, The Psalms of David in the Language of the New Testament. In addition to “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” several of Watts’ other paraphrases based on psalm settings are hymn texts still widely sung today, including “Joy to the World,” based on Psalm 98.
After more than 250 years, Isaac Watts’ hymn remains a timely reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout the past, and God’s sure promises for our future (Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace, 12). Congregational Hymn #566 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” ST. ANNE
Invocation and Lord’s Prayer Rev. Dan Schumacher 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.
Musical Offering “From Everlasting (Psalm 90)” Hudson and ClowFrom Scripture Reading Psalm 90 (NRSV) Rev. Dan Schumacher Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn us back to dust, and say, “Turn back, you mortals.” For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance. For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years come to an end like a sigh. The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands!
Sermon “Learning to Number Our Days” Rev. Dan Schumacher
Hymn of Response #295 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” NETTLETON