First Presbyterian Church, Sterling IL

Welcome to First Presbyterian Church Sterling Online! *Prelude with Henry - The Two Grenadiers by Schumann *Prelude Pondering - Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you. *Opening Prayer Gracious God, Champion of the Universe, we so often fluff ourselves up. Aren’t we the only creatures who compose masterpieces of music and art? Don’t we govern ourselves, enrich ourselves, promote ourselves? Can’t we dunk basketballs, bat baseballs, spike volleyballs? Aren’t some of us masters of comic irony? Other creatures don’t practice rocket science. We do. And yet. Here we are, frightened by a thing so small it can’t be seen under most microscopes. It’s not even an animal or a plant. It’s a virus, a mere parasite, dependent on our own living cells to replicate. And yet it has shuttered our schools, cancelled our flights, and emptied our churches....

  Prelude We Are Not Alone by the Oasis Chorale We are in uncharted territory these days. The sea is so big, and it is stormy and rough, and our boat seems so small. But God is with us. When the disciples were in the midst of that storm on the sea, fearful that they would all perish, Jesus was in the boat with them, and calmed the storm with a word, “Peace. Be still.” Peace be with you all. Call to Worship In the midst of life’s storms, God is there. What have we to fear? In the darkness and terror, God is with us. Of whom shall we be afraid? God is there to calm the storms and speak peace. We will not fear, for God is with us. Rise up, people of God, for you are loved and saved. Thanks be to God who cares deeply for us. Opening Song - Sanctuary with Erik & Nicole Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary Pure and holy, tried and true With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living Sanctuary for you. Hymn - God, Who Made Each Great Wide Ocean God, who made eac...