Presbyterian Church of the Covenant Podcast

Join us in praise of our Lord and hear his words.

PCC April 6, 2025 "the Bread of Life" John 6:35, 53-59

Sunday, February 9th, 2025. Pastor Jason Griffice

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#108) "Rock of Ages"Confession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriPraise SongsSermon - "Walk on the Wildside" (Mark 2:13–17) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeHymn of Response - (#468) "Be Thou My Vision"Offertory and DoxologyPastoral PrayerClosing Hymn - (#370) "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"BenedictionPostludeRock of AgesRock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure. Could my tears forever flow, Could my zeal no languor know, These for sin could not atone—Thou must save, and Thou alone: In my hand no price I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling. While I draw this final breath, When my eyes shall close in death, When I rise to worlds unknown, And behold Thee on Thy throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. Be Thou My VisionBe Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art—Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son; Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art. High King of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. O God, Our Help in Ages PastO God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home!Under the shadow of Thy throne Still may we dwell secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure. Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting Thou are God, To endless years the same. A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night, Before the rising sun. O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guide while life shall last, And our eternal home! Amen.

Unfortunately, I did not begin recording until several minutes into the service. The Welcome, Call to Worship, and part of the opening hymn are lost as a result. Opening Hymn - (#98) "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"Confession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriOrdination and Installation of Elders and DeaconsPraise SongsSersmon - "New Mercies Every Morning" (Lamentations 3:22–26) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeOffertory - "Morning Has Broken"doxologyPastoral PrayerClosing Hymn - "This Is the Day"BenedicitonGreat Is Thy FaithfulnessGreat is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father! There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not: As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. CHORUS:Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided - Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [CHORUS]Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow - Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside![CHORUS]

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipCarol of Christmas - (#184) "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"Prayer of ConfessionSermon - "Starting Over" (Deuteronomy 4:30) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeCarol of Christmas - (#180) "What Child Is This?"Receiving of Tithes and OfferingsOffertory and DoxologyPrayers of the PeopleCarol of Christmas - (#193) "O Come, All Ye Faithful"BenedictionPostludeHark! The Herald Angels SingHark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King: Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King." Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the Virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the God-head see; Hail th'incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King." Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!" AmenWhat Child Is This?What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? Chorus: This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the son of Mary. Why lies He in such mean estateWhere ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners hereThe silent Word is pleading. [Chorus]So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasent, king, to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him. [Chorus]O Come, All Ye FaithfulO come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; Chorus:O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God, all glory in the highest; [CHORUS]Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, O Jesus, to Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; [CHORUS]

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipCarol of Advent - (#169) "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"Lighting of the Candle of LoveCarol of Advent - (#179) "The First Noel"Special Music - "The King Is Born" by Craig AdamsSermon - "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: Last Call" (Revelation 22:16–21)Receiving of Tithes and OfferingsOffertoryDoxologyPrayers of the PeopleCarol of Advent - (#171) "Joy to the World"BenedictionPostludeO Come, O Come, EmmanuelO come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. CHORUS: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel! O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadows put to flight. [CHORUS]O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, And order all things, far and nigh; To us the path of knowledge show, And cause us in her ways to go. [CHORUS]O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind; Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, And be thyself our King of peace. [CHORUS]The First NoelThe first noel the angel did sayWas to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay--In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter's night that was so deep. Refrain:Noel, noel!Noel, noel!Born in the King of Israel!They looked up and saw a starShining in the east, beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night. [Refrain]And by the light of that same star, Three wise men came from country far; To seek for a king was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]This star drew nigh to the northwest, Over Bethlehem it took its rest; And there it did both stop and stay, Right over the place where Jesus lay. [Refrain]Then entered in those wise men three, Full reverently upon their knee, And offeredn there, in His presence, Their gold and myrrh and frankincense. [Refrain]Then let us all with one accordSing praises to our heavenly Lord, That hath made heaven and earth of naught, And with His blood mankind hath bought. [Refrain]Joy to the WorldJoy to the world! the Lord is come:Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and heaven and nature sing. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns: Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, Rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders of His love.

Thank you to our guest musicians: Mattias Chaidez, violinRebecca Meyer and Michelle Phillips, vocalPrelude - "Carol of the Bells"Carols of Christmas - "Joy to the World"First Reading: Isaiah 40:1–5Carols of Christmas - "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"Welcome & News of the ChurchLighting of the Candle of PeaceSecond Reading: Luke 1:26–33Carols of Christmas - "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"Prayers of AdventReceiving of the OfferingOffertory - "Mary Did You Know?" - Matthias Chaidez, violinThird Reading: Luke 1:39–45Carols of Christmas - "O Little Town of Bethlehem"Fourth Reading: Jeremiah 23:5–6Carols of Christmas - "O Holy Night"Sermon - "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: Testify" (Jeremiah 23:5–6) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeCarols of Christmas - "Angels We Have Heard on High"BenedictionPostlude

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#108) "Rock of Ages"Confession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriPraise SongsGathering to the WordSermon - "Gratitude: Christ is Coming Again" (Hebrews 9:24–28) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeHymn of Response - (#240) "Fairest Lord Jesus" (verses 1, 3, & 4)OffertoryDoxologyPrayers of the PeopleClosing Hymn - (#468) "Be Thou My Vision"BenedictionPostludeRock of AgesRock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure. Could my tears forever flow, Could my zeal no languor know, These for sin could not atone—Thou must save, and Thou alone: In my hand no price I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling. While I draw this final breath, When my eyes shall close in death, When I rise to worlds unknown, And behold Thee on Thy throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. Fairest Lord JesusFairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, O Thou of God and man the Son: Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou my soul's glory, joy, and crown. Fair is the sunshine, Fairer stil the moonlight, And all the twinkling starry host: Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purerThan all the angels heaven can bost. Beautiful Savior! Lord of the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, Praise, adoration, Now and forevermore be Thine! Amen. Be Thou My VisionBe Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art—Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son; Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art. High King of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. Amen.

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#468) "Be Thou My Vision"Confession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriMinute for MissionPraise SongsSermon - "Gratitude: As a Way of Life" (Philippians 1:1–6) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeHymn of Response - (#443) "I Need Thee Every Hour" (verses 1, 2, & 3)Receiving of Our Tithes and OfferingsOffertoryReceiving and Dedication of Our Stewardship PledgesDoxologyPrayers of the PeopleClosing Hymn - (#363) "To God Be the Glory"BenedictionPostludeBe Thou My VisionBe Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art—Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son; Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art. High King of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. Amen. I Need Thee Every HourI need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord; No tender voice like ThineCan peace afford. CHORUS: I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee! O bless me now, my Savior—I come to Thee. I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou near by; Temptations lose their powerWhen Thou art nigh. [CHORUS]I need Thee every hour, In joy or pain; Come quickly, and abide, Or life is vain. [CHORUS]To God Be the GloryTo God be the glory—great things He hath done! So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the lifegate that all may go in. CHORUS:Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory—great things He hath done. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. [CHORUS]Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. [CHORUS]

PreludeWelcomeCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#118) "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"Confession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriRecognition of StaffPraise SongsSermon - "Set Free: Miracles Along the Way" (Joshua 3)Hymn of Response - (#82) "Victory in Jesus"Receiving of Our Tithes and OfferingsDedication of Hurricane Relief OfferingOffertoryDoxologyPastoral PrayerClosing Hymn (#337) "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"BenedictionPostludeA Mighty Fortress Is Our GodA mighty fortress is our God,A bulwark never failing;Our helper He amid the floodOf mortal ills prevailing.For still our ancient foeDoth seek to work us woe—His craft and power are great,And, armed with cruel hate,On earth is not His equal.Did we in our own strength confide,Our striving would be losing,Were not the right man on our side,The man of God's own choosing.Dost ask who that may be?Christ Jesus, it is He—Lord Sabaoth His name,From age to age the same,And He must win the battle.And though this world with devils filled,Should threaten to undo us,We will not fear, for God hath willedHis truth to triumph through us.The prince of darkness grim,We tremble not for him—His rage we can endure,For lo, his doom is sure:One little word shall fell him.That word above all earthly powers,No thanks to them, abideth;The Spirit and the gifts are oursThrough Him who with us sideth.Let goods and kindred go,This mortal life also—The body they may kill;God's truth abideth still:His kingdom is forever.Victory in JesusI heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory,How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning,Then I repented of my sins and won the victory.CHORUS:O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever!He sought me and brought meiwh His redeeming blood;He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him—He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing,How He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see;And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit,"And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory.[CHORUS]I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory,And I heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea;About the angels singing and the old redemption story,And some sweet day I'll sing up there the song of victory.[CHORUS]Praise to the Lord, the AlmightyPraise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!All ye who hear,Now to His temple draw near;Join me in glad adoration!Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth,Shelters thee under His wings, yes, so gently sustaineth!Has thou not seenHow all thy longings have beenGranted in what He ordaineth?Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.Ponder anewWhat the Almighty can do,If with His love He befriend thee.Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.Let the AmenSound from His people again:Gladly for aye we adore Him.

PreludeWelcome & News of the ChurchCall to WorshipOpening Hymn - (#2) "How Great Thou Art"Confession, Assurance, and Gloria PatriPraise SongsSermon - "Set Free: Be Strong and Courageous" (Joshua 1:1–9) - by Rev. Jason GrifficeHymn of Response - (#454) "Trust and Obey" (verses 1 & 4)Receiving of Our Tithes and OfferingsOffertoryDoxologyPastoral PrayerClosing Hymn - (#363) "To God Be the Glory"BenedictionPostludeHow Great Thou ArtO Lord my God! when I in awesome wonderConsider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed: CHORUS:Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee:How great Thou art, how great Thou art!Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art!When through the woods and forest glades I wanderAnd hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; When I look down from lofty mountain grandeurAnd hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze: [CHORUS]And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin: [CHORUS]When Christ shall come with shout of acclamationAnd take my home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art![CHORUS]Trust and ObeyWhen we walk with the Lord In the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. CHORUS:Trust and obey, for there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obeyThen in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we'll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go, Never fear, only trust and obey. [CHORUS]To God Be the GloryTo God be the glory—great things He hath done! So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the lifegate that all may go in. CHORUS:Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory—great things He hath done. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. [CHORUS]Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. [CHORUS]