“Love Does No Wrong”

September 6, 2020
Christ Presbyterian Church
Virtual Worship Service
Facebook Live: @christpc
Audio Live Stream: www.largocpc.org
Call and Listen: 351-888-7756
Cell Phone Text: CALL ME
September Greetings,

Can you believe it is September already? The summer has flown by as we remained safer at
home during this difficult time. As our country continues to grapple with the COV-19 pandemic,
we continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidelines issued by the
Presbyterian Mission Agency, National Council of Churches and the CDC guidelines for in-
person worship and gatherings. The Session will be meeting later this month to prayerfully
consider our next steps for in-person worship, Holy Communion, and fellowship activities for
the fall. This may mean a continuation of our present arrangement of virtual gatherings.

As your Pastor, I would like to thank all of you that have stayed connected through virtual
worship, bible studies, and daily devotions as we continue to be the body of Christ. When we
began our summer season following Pentecost, I began preaching and leading a weekly bible
study on Matthew 25 which calls all of us to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith
comes alive and we are awaken to new possibilities. The greater church of our denomination,
PC(USA) has compelled us, “to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are
hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.”

By accepting the Matthew 25 invitation, you can help us as a church become a more relevant
presence in the world. We recognize Christ’s urgent call to be a church of action, where God’s
love, justice and mercy shine brightly. We rejoice in our re-energized faith that unites Christ’s
church in a common and holy purpose of mission in our local community and in the world.

In trying to fulfill the Matthew 25 invitation, CPC has developed and implemented two new
programs. The first is our weekly brown bag meal distribution on Tuesday evenings and the
other is our new “Blessing Box.” It is a stationary outdoor food pantry open to the
neighborhood for persons take items needed to help supplement their family’s meals.

So, we need your help to make these programs sustainable. Please consider donating
resources or monetary gifts to either of these programs. The “Blessing Box” items must be
non-perishable and not outdated. We now have a backup cabinet to store excess items so the
“Blessing Box,” can always remain stocked up to help those in need.

In the coming days, I will be reaching out to you to better understand your needs, your
concerns, and how you may become better connected with the church during this virtual world
we now engage one another in. To close, I remind you of these words, “God sends the Church
to work for justice in the world: exercising its power for the common good; dealing honestly in
personal and public spheres; seeking dignity and freedom for all people…” — PC (USA) Book
of Order, W-5.0304,

Blessings in Christ,
Rev. John Scott
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 Welcome to Sunday Worship
14th Sunday after Pentecost, September 6, 2020 10:00 am
Welcome and Announcements
GATHERING AROUND THE WORD
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, we come this day seeking courage and hope for the
future. Our world is in such peril. Heal these wounds and quiet the
words of war. Help us to be those who bring peace in our families
and communities. Banish the darkness of doubt and fear; anoint us
with your light and love that we may spread the good news of your
mercy to everyone. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

Call to Worship
One: Come out of the darkness of despair into the brightness of
God’s transforming love.
All: We praise God for God’s presence with us!
One: Prepare your hearts and spirits to receive God’s mercy and
healing.
All: We thank God for God’s mercy toward us.
One: Come, let us praise and worship God who is always with us.
All: Thanks be to God at all times and in all places. AMEN.

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Hymn I Danced in the Morning
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
and I danced in the moon and the starts and the sun,
and I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth.
At Bethlehem I had my birth. (refrain)
Refrain
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
and I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,
and I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.
I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee,
but they would not dance and they would not follow me.
I danced for the fisherman, for James and John.
They came with me and the dance went on. (refrain)
I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame.
The holy people said it was a shame.
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high,
and left me there on a cross to die. (refrain)
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black.
It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back.
They buried my body and they thought I’d gone,
but I am the dance and I still go on. (refrain)
They cut me down and I leapt up high.
I am the life that will never, never die.
I’ll live in you if you live in me,
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. (refrain)
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Prayer of Confession

All: Forgiving and loving God, our hearts are filled today with
pain and concern for the future of humankind. Words of
anger assail our airways — we cannot escape from the
threats being thrown about. In our fear, we cry “Where are
you, O Lord?” We wander around in the darkness of the
spirit, seeking light and hope. Forgive us when we forget
that you are always with us, through times of peace and
times of war. Heal our souls. Help us to reach out to others
with the assurance of your love and presence, for we ask
this in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

Silent Confession

Assurance of Pardon

One: God hears our prayers and our cries. God leads us out of
the darkness of the past into the bright promise of today
and days to come. We are called to stand strong and
confident in God’s Love. Rejoice, dear friends, for that
love which began before creation flows in and through
you!
All: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. AMEN.

PROCLAIMING THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination

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Reading from the New Testament
Romans 13:8-14
8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who
loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall
not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You
shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this
word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a
neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 Besides this, you
know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from
sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became
believers; 12 the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside
the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us live
honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in
debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.
14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for
the flesh, to gratify its desires.
The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Rom. 13:8-14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God!

Special Music Craig Courtney

Thee Will I Love

Solo – Susan Taylor

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Reading from the Gospel
Mathew 18:15-20
15 “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out
the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you,
you have regained that one. 16 But if you are not listened to, take one
or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by
the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If the member refuses to
listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen
even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax
collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound
in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything
you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where
two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Mt 18:15-20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
One: This is the Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God!
Sermon Rev. John Scott
“Love Does No Wrong”
Sermon Outline:
1. What love is not
2. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for love
3. Love as a command
4. Love as a response
5. Where two or three are gathered
6. Love does no wrong
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 My Sermon Notes

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Affirmation of Faith Confession of 1967-9.41-9.42
We believe the church in its mission encounters religions of men
and in that encounter becomes conscious of its own human
character as a religion…God’s revelation in Jesus Christ called
forth response of Jews and Greeks…The Christian religion, as
distinct from God’s revelation, has been shaped throughout
history by the cultural forms of its environment. The Christian
finds parallels between other religions and their own and must
approach all religions with openness and respect. Repeatedly
God has used insight of non-Christians to challenge the church
to renewal. But the reconciling word of the gospel is God’s
judgement upon all forms of religion, including the Christian. The
gift of God in Christ is for all humankind. The church, therefore,
is commissioned to carry the gospel to all persons, whatever
their religion may be and even when the profess none. AMEN.

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Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling;
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion;
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit; let us find the promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
Finish then thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee:
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
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Benediction
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Blessings Box
The church now has an
outdoor food pantry to serve
our neighborhood and
community. Anyone can
come and take from it what
they need. Also, anyone
can place a food item or
items into it so that others may benefit from these shared blessings. If
sharing, please do not place items with expired dates or perishable
foods into the Blessings Box. Thank you for supporting this ministry as
we continue to explore new ways and what it means to be the hands
and feet of Jesus.
Updates for Church Directory
If any of your contact information has recently changed please drop us
a note in the mail or email us with your updated information. Thank
you.
Pastor’s Daily Devotions
Pastor John is posting daily devotions via our church FaceBook page
@christpc. Please like, comment, and share to add a blessing to
someone’s day.

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CPC Outreach to our Neighborhood
CPC is working to address hunger issues in our community by making
and distributing meals weekly. They include a sandwich, chips, fruit,
and drink. We distribute them Tuesdays from 5 pm to 6 pm in front of
the church. We gather at 4 pm in Don Airey Hall following COVID-19
precautions to prepare the meals. If you can help volunteer or donate
it would greatly be appreciated. Thank you for your continued support.
Wednesday Boxed Dinners
Since we are not currently meeting in person meals will continue to be
available for delivery or pickup. If you need a break from preparing a
meal just let us know to be added to the list. If you are able to we are
asking for donations to help with the cost of food and preparation. If
interested in receiving a meal, please contact June Sanchez at 727-
409-4199. Delivery area is limited.
Wednesday Night Live
Join us from the comfort of your home as we begin a live Wednesday
night program beginning September 9 at 6:30 pm. The program will
include music and a short devotional message. It will be available via
the church Facebook page @christpc.
Cloth Face Masks
Volunteers have been busy making non-medical grade cloth type
3-layer face coverings at church. To request a face covering please
contact the church office at 727-584-8695 and leave a message.
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September Stewardship Update
Your CPC leadership thanks you for your continued support in financial
gifts for the ministries of the church. Giving this past month was lighter
than the month prior. While donations are essentially meeting what
was pledged for budget we are still about 25% short of what is needed
to continue to meet our operational needs.
If you have been making gifts in support of the ministries here at Christ
Presbyterian Church, we thank you for your generous heart. If you
have not given recently, we encourage you to consider doing so.
Ways to give from home:
1. Online at www.largocpc.org
2. Through GIVEplus App on Apple or Android devices
3. Mail a gift directly to the church
4. Use the bill pay option through your bank.
Your giving through any of these options allows us to meet the needs
of the ministries that Christ has entrusted us with.
CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Phone: 727-584-8695 • Fax: 727-585-1079 • 3115 Dryer Ave, Largo FL 33770
www.LargoCPC.org • email: Office.largocpc@gmail.com
Office Hours: Due to Covid-19 restrictions office is currently only open by appointment.

Pastor & Teaching Elder Rev. John A. Scott, Jr. email: Pastor.largocpc@gmail.com
Director of Music Steven Radeck email: StevenRadeck@gmail.com
Custodian June Sanchez email: JuBug616@aol.com
Youth Coordinator Sean Myers email: Seanmyers24@gmail.com
All songs used by permission CCLI #863215 and streaming CPSL 139714, Expiration date 7/31/2021

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