First Presbyterian Church (USA) of Smithville
300 Burleson, Smithville, TX 78957
(512) 360-5231
As a Church we are committed to:
Glorifying God through worship
Welcoming all as children of God
Serving others in the light of God's love.
The First Presbyterian Church (USA) of Smithville welcomes you to our online ministry. Our Church is a church filled with life, serving the community of Smithville and surrounding areas for over 140 years . . . and just a short, pleasant drive from Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Flatonia, and towns throughout Bastrop County. If you are searching for a Church home, we would be pleased to welcome you into our fellowship. New members are received by our Session upon letter of transfer from another Christian congregation, or by profession of faith or reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Please come and visit us here in our building or on Facebook!
Important Announcements:
Due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in our area, we have reinstated our mandatory mask requirement for services. Please mask up to protect your friends, family, and fellow worshippers.
MEET PASTOR KRIS AND HER FAMILY - HUSBAND DAVID AND SONS ALEX AND HENRY
We are open in our church building for the 11 AM service but we will continue to provide a Facebook Live video and post the video here. The video from Sept 19th is now available.
The videos from Facebook Live will be available here and on Facebook. There are lots of reasons why we are glad it's 2021. One of them is that it is our church's 150th birthday. We had a great celebration on Sept. 19th!
Here is the bulletin for the September 19th service:
September 19, 2021
Eleven o’clock
17th Sunday after Pentecost
The Gathering
Chiming of the Hour
Prelude and Lighting of the Candles
Welcome and Sharing in the Life of the Congregation
Call to Worship
Invocation
Opening Hymn I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me
I’m gonna live so God can use me anytime and anywhere.
I’m gonna live so God can use me anytime and anywhere.
I’m gonna work so God can use me anytime and anywhere.
I’m gonna work so God can use me anytime and anywhere.
I’m gonna pray so God can use me anytime and anywhere.
I’m gonna pray so God can use me anytime and anywhere.
I’m gonna sing so God can use me anytime and anywhere.
I’m gonna sing so God can use me anytime and anywhere
Call to Confession
Confession of Our Sins
O God, who makes known to us all truth, we confess that we are weighed down by our failings: envy distances us from other people; greed alerts us only to our own desires. Where we might bring reconciliation, we create conflicts. Where you call us to give, we take. Where your presence beckons, we resist. Deal with us not as we deserve, O God, But forgive us cleanse us, and teach us your way. Amen.
(Silent, personal prayers of confession)
Assurance of Pardon
*Gloria Patri Hymn No. 734
The Word
The Prayer for Illumination
The First Reading of Scripture Isaiah 43: 18 Psalm 32 (in unison)
1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
The Second Reading of Scripture Philippians 3: 12-15
A Time for the Children of Our Church
The Passing of the Peace
Special Music Jane Istre, Lisa Maresh, Monica Miller
Our Gospel Reading Luke 9: 57-62
Sermon Rev. Sallie Watson “Breaking up with the Past”
Our Statement of Faith
The Prayers of the People
The Morning Offering
The Offertory
The Doxology
The Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
The Sending
Closing Hymn God of our Life
God of our life, through all the circling years, we trust in You;
In all the past, through all our hopes and fears, Your hand we view.
With each new day, when morning lifts the veil
We own Your mercies, Lord, which never fail.
God of the past, our times are in Your hand; with us abide.
Lead us by faith to hope’s true Promised Land, be now our guide.
With You to bless, the darkness shines as light,
And faith’s fair vision changes into sight.
God of the coming years, thro’ paths unknown we follow you.
When we are strong, Lord, leave us not alone; our faith renew.
Be now for us in life our daily bread,
Our heart’s true home when all our years have sped
Blessing
Postlude