Presbyterian Church of Central City

09/06/2026

Psalm 150 Final Praise

09/06/2026

Dear Friends,
We have come to the final Psalm of the great collection of songs and poems calling us to consider two ways and to follow a path, through all kinds of wandering journeys, to a solid life ending in great praise to God, to the LORD God, who call us to know him and his glory. Amen.
Below are the songs, scriptures, and liturgy for our service this morning.

Prelude: Psalm 150 by Poor Bishop Hooper

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Praise Him in His mighty heavens
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Praise Him, His unequaled greatness
Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Praise the Lord

Oh, praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Praise Him in His mighty heavens
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Praise Him, His unequaled greatness
Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Praise the Lord

Praise Him with harp and lyre
Praise Him with trumpet sound
Praise Him with strings and pipe
Praise Him with cymbals loud
Praise Him with harp and lyre
Praise Him with trumpet sound
Praise Him with strings and pipe
Praise Him with cymbals loud
Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord

Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Let everything that breathes
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord (praise the Lord)
Praise the Lord (praise the Lord)
Praise the Lord (praise the Lord)

Welcome and Call to Worship

Psalm 1

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

All Creatures of Our God and King
Hymn #15
verses 1-2, 4,6

Words: Francis of Assisi, Music: German hymn
public domain

1 All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
O brother sun with golden beam,
O sister moon with silver gleam,
sing praises! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2 O brother wind with clouds and rain,
you nurture gifts of fruit and grain.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
O sister water, flowing clear,
make music for your Lord to hear.
Sing praises! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

4 All who for love of God forgive,
all who in pain or sorrow grieve,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ bears your burdens and your fears;
so, even in the midst of tears,
sing praises! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

6 O sisters, brothers, take your part,
and worship God with humble heart.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
All creatures, bless the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, Three in One!
Sing praises! Alleluia! *

Call to Confession

Psalm 150:1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

O God our Father, we confess that we have not worshiped you as we could. We have not yet praised you for all that you are or for all that you have done. Forgive us. Let us learn to praise you with every means possible reflecting your full glory everywhere and at all times. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Leader: Because of God's great love for you, and God's rich mercy for all, you are fully forgiven.

People: We will live as those who are truly loved and truly forgiven through the gift of God's grace.

Assurance of Pardon

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be.
World without end. Amen. Amen.

Matthew 18:15-20

Matthew 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

18 "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Revelation 5:11-14

Revelation 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" 14 The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Prayers and Announcements

Ways to serve and/or be involved in Alpha:
- Attend and invite
- Small Group Leader
- Prayer Team
- Meal Team
- Set-up/Welcome/Serving
- Babysitting/Hanging out with the kids

Offering

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Children’s Message

Psalm 150

Psalm 150:1 Praise the LORD. (Hallelujah!) Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. (Hallelujah!)

Message
Psalm 150
Final Praise

Psalm 150:1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

Psalm 150:2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

KJV Psalm 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

- For his mighty acts. These are the things he has done – his acts, achievements, interventions, plans and plans carried out – and in particular, his acts of salvation.
- For his excellent greatness. That is for who he is. For God himself. I am who I am. For his divine character. For all his attributes.

Psalm 150:3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

- The trumpet. Used in particular for calling a sacred assembly – the coronation of a king, a battle, or various festivals.

ANE Trumpet – 1939 BBC recording

Psalm 150:4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

- tambourine The tambourine is one of two percussion instruments along with the cymbal or cymbals.
- the strings (as a repeat of harp and lyre) and flute or “pipe”

Psalm 150:5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

- cymbals and/or resounding cymbals

- The trumpet
- Harp and Lyre
- Tambourine and Dancing
- Strings and flute
- Clash of cymbals
- Resounding cymbals

- Trumpet
- Harp
- Lyre
- Tambourine
- Flute/Pipe
- Cymbals
- Resounding Cymbals

Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Ways to praise:

In everyplace (heaven and earth), for all the reasons for which he can be praised (who he is and what he has done), in every possible way (all the instruments plus dancing), among all possible people and creatures (everything that has breath).

Let us circle back around to Psalm 1. To the beginning of the whole collection.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is…

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 37:1 Of David. Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-- it leads only to evil.

Repent and believe the gospel.

Psalm 149:4 For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
Invite the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and life.
Learn the words
Practice the words
For application this week:
>Do the four steps:
- Repent and believe the gospel.
- Invite the Holy Spirit and open your hands by faith.
- Learn the words. Pick a way to learn and meditate. Lots of ways to choose from. Try something.
- Practice the words. How can I practice this – at home, in my job, in the thoughts in my head, with my friends?

>Think about how some of the ordinary things you encounter – both created and made from creation items, can give God, the LORD, praise.

Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Before the Throne of God

CCLI Song #2306412, CCLI License #2212149
Words: Charitie Lees Bancroft (Public Domain),
Music: Vicki Cook, © 1997 Sovereign Grace Worship

Rom. 9:30 Our righteousness comes by faith through Christ, who has made an end of all our sin and who has satisfied the justice of God for us.

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong and perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands.
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heav'n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me,
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb,
My perfect, spotless Righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace.
One with Himself, I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God. *

The Body and Blood of Christ – Given for you.

Psalm 1 by Sojourners and Exiles

VERSE 1
Blessed is the man,
Who doesn't walk astray
In the counsel of ungodly men
Nor stand in sinner's way
Found not amongst the scoffers
Instead he places his delight
Upon the law of God
He meditates both day and night

CHORUS
He shall be like a tree that grows
Planted by the river
bearing fruit in time.
In it's season, oh by living waters set
It bears the fruit of holiness

VERSE 2
Sinners shall not stand
Before the judgement seat
And the wicked won't be found
In God's assembly
The way of Godly men
Is known unto the Lord
But the way of wicked
Will soon be overthrown.

CHORUS
He shall be like a tree that grows
Planted by the river
bearing fruit in time.
In it's season, oh by living waters set
It bears the fruit of holiness

BRIDGE
For the wicked they will fly away like dust
And all their works will crumble into rust
But the sons of grace will all appear
With Christ at His right hand
He knows their name, He knows their ways
He'll guard them in the land.

CHORUS
He shall be like a tree that grows
Planted by the river
bearing fruit in time.
In it's season, oh by living waters set
It bears the fruit of holiness

The Body and Blood of Christ – Given for you.

God of Grace and God of Glory
Hymn #307
verses 1-2, 4

Text: Harry Fosdick, Tune: John Hughes, public domain

1 God of grace and God of glory,
on thy people pour thy power;
crown thine ancient church's story;
bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.

2 Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.

4 Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore.
Let the gift of thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving thee whom we adore,
serving thee whom we adore.

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at
work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

08/30/2026

Psalm 149 Fighting Evil

08/30/2026

Dear Friends,
The call of God on us in this world is to both praise God and fight evil both in our lives and in the world. Psalm 149 helps us with both.
Below are the songs, scriptures, and liturgy for our service this morning.

Prelude – Psalm 149 by Poor Bishop Hooper

Sing to the Lord a new song
Praise Him in the gathering
Come, let the children of Zion
Rejoice in their King
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song
Praise Him in the gathering
Come, let the children of Zion
Rejoice in their King

Let them praise His name with dancing
Let them praise His name with melody
For the Lord takes delight in His people
And He crowns them with victory

Let the godly exult in glory
Let them sing for joy in their beds
Let the praises of God be in their mouths
And their hands, a sword double-edged

Let them praise His name with dancing
Let them praise His name with melody
For the Lord takes delight in His people
And He crowns them with victory

Let them praise His name with dancing
Let them praise His name with melody
And for the Lord takes delight in His people
And He crowns them with victory
Yes, the Lord takes delight in His people
And He crowns them with victory

Welcome and Call to Worship

Psalm 146

Psalm 146:1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. 2 I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 3 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. 4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- the LORD, who remains faithful forever. 7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free,

8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. 9 The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. 10 The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.

Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
Hymn #81

Text: John Newton, Music: Franz Joseph Haydn (Public Domain)

We have an eternal city (Zion city). We have the presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit (fire and pillar). We have the streams of eternal water in our salvation (like water from the rock).

1 Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God.
God, whose word cannot be broken,
formed thee for a blest abode.
On the rock of ages founded,
what can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
thou may'st smile at all thy foes.

2 Round each habitation hovering,
see the cloud and fire appear
for a glory and a covering,
showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from their banner
light by night and shade by day,
safe they feed upon the manna
which God gives them when they pray.

3 See, the streams of living waters,
springing from eternal love,
well supply thy sons and daughters
and all fear of want remove.
Who can faint while such a river
ever flows, their thirst to assuage?
Grace, so like the Lord the giver,
never fails from age to age. *

Confession

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your way,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be.
World without end. Amen. Amen.

Psalm 2

Psalm 2:1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father.

8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery." 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Matthew 16:21-28

Matthew 16:21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 28 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory

Hymn #354

Text: Julia W. Howe, 1861
Music: American melody, 19th century
Public Domain

1 Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
he is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
he has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword.
God’s truth is marching on.

Refrain:
Glory, glory hallelujah!
Glory, glory hallelujah!
Glory, glory hallelujah!
God’s truth is marching on.

2 God has sounded forth the trumpet
that shall never call retreat
he is sifting out all human hearts
before the judgment seat;
O be swift, my soul, to answer;
O be jubilant my feet!
Our God is marching on. [Refrain]

Refrain:
Glory, glory hallelujah!
Glory, glory hallelujah!
Glory, glory hallelujah!
God’s truth is marching on.

3 In the beauty of the lilies
Christ was born across the sea,
with a glory in his bosom
that transfigures you and me;
as he died to make us holy,
let us live to make men free,
while God is marching on. [Refrain]

Refrain:
Glory, glory hallelujah!
Glory, glory hallelujah!
Glory, glory hallelujah!
God’s truth is marching on.

Prayers and Announcements

Ways to serve and/or be involved in Alpha:
- Attend and invite
- Small Group Leader
- Prayer Team
- Meal Team
- Set-up/Welcome/Serving
- Babysitting/Hanging out with the kids

Offering

If you would like to give online
through Zeffy, you may use the
following link or QR code.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/
donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-18106

You may also find the link on
- our website www.ccpresbyterian.com
- or Facebook under “About” and then “links”

Offering

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Children’s Message

Psalm 149

Psalm 149:1 Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. 3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. 4 For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. 5 Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.

6 May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, 7 to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, 9 to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD.

Message
Psalm 149
Fighting Evil

The “final five” or the last of the 3 “Hallel” collections is Psalms 146-150.

Each begins and ends with Hallelujah!
Halle – Praise lu – to Ya – Yahweh (the LORD)

These were at times used in daily synagogue readings.

Psalm 149:6 May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands…

Matthew 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Psalm 149:1 Praise the LORD. (Hallelujah!) Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.

Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

Psalm 149:4 For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

Psalm 149:5 Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.

Psalm 149:6 May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, 7 to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, 9 to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD.

Psalm 149:6 May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, 7 to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, 9 to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD.

Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,

Romans 13:4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Psalm 149:6 May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, 7 to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, 9 to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD.

For application this week:
- Thank God for his grace upon you and his salvation. Say a word of thanks when you lie down to sleep or sit down for a meal. (Maybe a dance as well)
- Consider what kind of fight against evil that you are called to. Is there a personal sin to name and drive out? Is there a cause in your community or family to engage?

Fight for something righteous.

Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Hymn #182
Text: Horatius Bonar, Tune: English folk tune, public domain. New recording by Brian Doerksen, 2021 Hymns for Life Album

From the hymn book notes:
Each stanza here pairs an invitation from Jesus with a response from the narrator. These invitations recall how Jesus welcomed those who were heavy laden (Matthew 11:28), offered living water (John 4:10-14), and identified himself as the light of the world (John 8:12, 9:5)

I heard the voice, the voice
I hear the voice, the voice
♪
I heard the voice, the voice
I hear the voice, the voice

1 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.

2 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.

I heard the voice, the voice
I hear the voice, the voice
I heard the voice, the voice
I hear the voice, the voice

3 I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“I am this dark world’s light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I’ll walk
till traveling days are done. *

I heard the voice
I hear the voice, the voice
I heard the voice, the voice
I hear the voice, the voice, the voice
I heard the voice, the voice, the voice
I hear the voice, the voice, the voice
I heard the voice, the voice
I hear the voice, the voice

Numbers 6:23
“The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Founded in the 1872, the Presbyterian Church of Central City has provided a place to worship God for over 152 years. We proclaim the gospel of Christ, provide a place to belong, and seek to...

08/25/2026

Alpha starts September 13!

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

I can’t believe that summer is almost over and Sept. right around the corner. But lots to celebrate soon so here they are;
Sept. 1. Jordan Buckau
Sept. 1. Caleb Rowe
Sept. 14. Jon Rowe
Sept. 19. Sheila Lenhart
Sept. 21. Rachel & Bentley Brandquist (A)
Sept. 26. Chevonne Garfield
Sept. 27. Rachel Brandquist
Sept. 27. Parker Solt
Sept. 30. Joyce McIlnay
Party hardy in September.

08/23/2026

Dear Friends,
We are meant to live deep delights and strong desires, unto the most glorious ends. Our path to and through that will involve challenges, but these can be redeemed in and through the grace of God as we live and seek Him by faith. Today we meditate on a portion of the longest chapter and Psalm in the Bible, #119. Let us learn to seek and find and to practice in Jesus name.
Below are the songs, scriptures, and liturgy for our service this morning.

Welcome and Call to Worship

Psalm 117

Psalm 117:1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. 2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Hymn #475

Author: Robert Robinson, Music: unknown, public domain

1 Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

2 Here I raise my Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I’m come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.

3 O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above. *

Confession

O God our Father, we confess that we have not delighted in you in the way that we could. We have not desired and longed for more light, more understanding, and a better walk in the way of your instruction. Forgive us. Lead us into love and faithfulness, into delight and desire, for the sake of your name and glory, Amen.

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your way,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be.
World without end. Amen. Amen.

Romans 12:1-8

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Matthew 16:13-20

Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Christ is Mine Forever

CCLI Song # 7036096, CCLI License #2212149
Words and Music: Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson
© 2016 CityAlight Music

Mine are days that God has numbered.
I was made to walk with Him.
Yet I look for worldly treasure
And forsake the King of kings.

But mine is hope in my Redeemer.
Though I fall, his love is sure.
For Christ has paid for every failing.
I am His forevermore.

Mine are tears in times of sorrow,
Darkness not yet understood.
Through the valley I must travel,
Where I see no earthly good.

But mine is peace that flows from heaven,
And the strength in times of need.
I know my pain will not be wasted.
Christ completes his work in me.

Mine are days here as a stranger,
Pilgrim on a narrow way.
One with Christ I will encounter
Harm and hatred for his name.

But mine is armour for this battle,
Strong enough to last the war.
And he has said he will deliver
Safely to the golden shore.

And mine are keys to Zion city,
Where beside the King I walk.
For there my heart has found its treasure:
Christ is mine forevermore.

Come rejoice now, O my soul!
For his love is my reward.
Fear is gone and hope is sure.
Christ is mine forevermore!

Come rejoice now, O my soul
For His love is my reward
Fear is gone and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore

Come rejoice now, O my soul
For His love is my reward
Fear is gone and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore

Come rejoice now, O my soul
For His love is my reward
Fear is gone and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore

And mine are keys to Zion city
Where beside the King I walk
For there my heart has found its treasure
Christ is mine forevermore
Christ is mine forevermore
Christ is mine forevermore

Prayers and Announcements

Ways to serve and/or be involved in Alpha:
- Attend and invite
- Small Group Leader
- Prayer Team
- Meal Team
- Set-up/Welcome/Serving
- Babysitting/Hanging out with the kids

Offering

If you would like to give online
through Zeffy, you may use the
following link or QR code.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/
donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-18106

You may also find the link on
- our website www.ccpresbyterian.com
- or Facebook under “About” and then “links”

Offering

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Children’s Message

Psalm 119:25-32

Psalm 119:25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. 26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. 28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. 30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Message
Psalm 119:25-32
Delight and Desire

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 119 takes another crack at “What does it mean to ‘delight yourself in the LORD’?

Psalm 119 is an epic poem, the longest chapter in the Bible by far – 176 verses.

It has 22 stanzas (one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet) of 8 verses each. All of them are a meditation on a theme.

The poem uses 8 different words for the “instruction” of God, the LORD:

Law (Torah, or instruction),
Word (debar),
Laws (mispatim),
Statute(s),
Command(s),
Decrees,
Precepts, and
Word/Promise (imrah). Each of these occur almost exactly 20 times evenly(ish) distributed throughout the Psalm (25, 24, 23, 23, 22, 21, 21, 19)

One more thing…

There is a triumph of the spirit, a developing delight and desire, a satisfaction (and longing at the same time) in the face of, or despite and through challenges, remaining distress and trouble, even evil yet in the world.

When someone is happy, and joyful, engaging and interesting, hopeful, despite trouble – that we find interesting, desirable, and inspiring.
Psalm is a meditation from that kind of person.

Psalm 119:25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word (debar).

Psalm 119:26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.

Psalm 119:26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.

Psalm 119:26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.

Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.

Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.

Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.

Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.

Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

I have chosen, I have set, I hold fast, I run…

Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 119:45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

Psalm 119:14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
Psalm 119:16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Psalm 119:24 Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
Psalm 119:35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

Psalm 119:47 for I delight in your commands because I love them. 48 I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
Psalm 119:20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.

Delight and desire in a personal God, the LORD, who can hold the weight over a lifetime.
Even in tension and challenge, sometimes because of and through those challenges.
With confidence and humility, and through practice.
This is a worthy and inspiring life.

For application this week:
- Don’t give up. Tension and challenges are part of the journey of strong faith.

- Ask for a better and higher aim. Ask for a deeper delight and sharpened desires.

Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

How Firm a Foundation
Hymn #463
verses 1-3, 5

Text: John Rippon, Music: American folk melody, public domain

1 How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God's excellent Word!
What more can be said
than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

2 "Fear not, I am with thee,
O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee,
and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

3 "When through the deep waters
I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

4 "When through fiery trials
thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

5 "The soul that on Jesus
hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell
should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no, never, no, never forsake.”

Numbers 6:23
“The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Founded in the 1872, the Presbyterian Church of Central City has provided a place to worship God for over 152 years. We proclaim the gospel of Christ, provide a place to belong, and seek to...