March 23, 2025
Pastor Drew Derreth
Remain in Love
WELCOME TO HANOVER VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Our purpose is to become an authentic community that knows Christ and makes His grace and truth known with such power and glory that lives are transformed by the gospel, multiplying worship and praise to God throughout Hanover and the world.
Welcome. We’re glad that you’re with us. We hope you’ll find joyful worship that engages both your heart and mind, as well as genuine friendship and a caring atmosphere. Please take advantage of any of the opportunities offered here. If we can serve you in any way today, simply speak to one of the ushers.
Children are welcome to stay in the service, but if you prefer, quality childcare is provided throughout the service for children from infants to kindergarten aged. Please speak to one of our ushers for locations.
This bulletin will guide you through the service – just start on the next page and continue as the pastor leads. (Moments when you should stand are noted).
As a courtesy to you and those around you, we ask that you please mute cell phones during the worship time.
To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest;
To all who mourn and long for comfort;
To all who struggle and desire victory;
To all who sin and need a Savior;
To all who are strangers and want fellowship;
To all who hunger and thirst after righteousness;
And to all who will come,
this church opens wide her doors and
offers welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
REFLECTIONS
There is scarcely anything that is excellent, beautiful, pleasant or profitable but what is used in the Scripture as an emblem of Christ. He is called a lion for his great power, victory and glorious conquests; he is called a lamb for his great love, pity and compassion: for that merciful, compassionate lamb-like disposition of his…. He is called a bridegroom for the great joy and delight he brings to believers, and rejoices over them as a bridegroom rejoiceth over his bride. He is called the bread of life and the water of life, for the spiritual refreshment and nourishment he gives to the soul; he is called the true vine, because he communicates life to his members, and yields that comfort to the soul that refreshes it as the fruit of the vine doth the body. He is called a rose, and lily, and other such similitudes because of his transcendent beauty and fragrancy. He is called the bright and morning star, and the sun of righteousness; and in our text [John 8:12], he is called the light of the world.
-Jonathan Edwards
Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.
– C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
SUNDAY WORSHIP
March 23rd, 2025
Prelude
Call to Worship
Gathering Songs (Please Stand)
10,000 Reasons
Chorus: Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes Chorus
You’re rich in love, and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find Chorus
And on that day, when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still, my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore! Chorus
10,000 Reasons words and music by Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman © 2011 Atlas Mountain Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Used by Permission. CCLI License #1526697
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease.
My Comforter, my all in all,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
‘Til on the cross, as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied,
For every sin on Him was laid,
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground, His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me.
For I am His and He is mine,
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand,
‘Til He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
Corporate Prayer of Confession
O eternal God and merciful Father, we humbly come into your presence, to confess our innumerable wrongs and spiritual bankruptcy. We know that your merciful arms are infinite, reaching out to hold whoever comes. And so we are encouraged, deeply moved to call for your help, because we trust in Jesus Christ, our mediator and sacrificial lamb, who takes away the sin of the world. Please, Lord, forgive us for all our sins for Christ’s sake; look with compassion upon our frailty and wash us in the pure fountain of Jesus’ blood. Then cover us with the robe of Christ’s innocence and righteousness. And as we make a fresh start, give us new minds and eager, submissive hearts. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
In Christ Alone words and music by Stuart Townend & Keith Getty © 2001 Thankyou Music Used by Permission. CCLI License #1526697
Private Confession
Confession of Faith
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made; of one substance with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified; he spoke by the prophets. And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church;[1] we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
[1] That is, the true Christian church of all times and all places.
Song of Assurance (Please Stand)
Nothing But the Blood
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus: O precious is the flow that makes me white as snow.
No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my cleansing, this I see. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this my plea. Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Chorus
Nothing can for sin atone. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Naught of good that I have done. Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Chorus
This is all my hope and peace. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my righteousness. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus (Repeat)
Nothing But the Blood words and music by Andy Cherry | Robert Lowry © 2012 Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Viva Drive Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Used by Permission. CCLI License #1526697
Announcements & Prayers of the People
Special Music & Offering
Scripture
John 15.1-17
Sermon
Remain in Love
Song of Reflection (Please Stand)
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me;
I once was lost, but now I’m found,
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Chorus: My chains are gone, I’ve been set free,
My God, my Savior has ransomed me;
And like a flood, His mercy reigns,
Unending love, amazing grace.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures. Chorus
Benediction
Parting Song of Praise
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)
Chorus: My chains are gone, I’ve been set free,
My God, my Savior has ransomed me;
And like a flood, His mercy reigns,
Unending love, amazing grace.
WORSHIP MUSICIANS
David Saul
Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone words and music by Stan Roto Walker, Traditional, David Pritchard-blunt, Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Used by Permission. CCLI License #1526697
SCRIPTURE
John 15.1-17
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
NOTES
COMMUNITY & CHURCH LIFE
Parking on Sundays
We’re glad you’re here today! There is a map available on our website (www.hanovervalley.org), highlighting available local parking. There’s plenty and it’s all less than a block away. There is also a parking lot, especially for guests, next to our building outside the Railroad Street Entrance. All public, metered, on-street parking is free on Sundays.
Live Stream & Bulletin Instructions
You can access the livestream from the front page of hanovervalley.org or through youtube.com/user/HanoverValley.
If you would like to access the weekly bulletin electronically, you can do so through the member area of our website. To access the bulletin, login to the website (after registering for free using your email), click the drop down menu in the upper right hand corner and select ‘Weekly Bulletin’ to download and view the most recent bulletin.
Sunday Morning Childcare
We have childcare for children up to the age of four during our 10:00am worship service. The nursery has recently been renovated to provide more space and will be cleaned thoroughly each week.
Catechism Class
From 9:00-9:45am we offer a class discussing the Westminster Shorter Catechism for students in 1st-5th grades. This class is taught by Noah Trask. This class meets in the 1-3 grade class room.
Pre-K & K Sunday School Class
From 9:00-9:45am we a class for students in Pre-K and K (ages 3-5). This class will be taught by Becky Derreth and Sarah Schwarz and meets in the 3-K Sunday School room.
Ladies Bible Study
The ladies Bible Study will continue to study “Becoming a Woman of Grace”, by Cynthia Heald, the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 10:00am at Hanover Valley PCA, beginning January 12th, 2025. You don’t have to have been to the study previously to come study God’s grace with us. All are welcome.
Prayer Gathering
We are meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month @ 6:30 pm at the church. We would love to have you join us! Please contact Gary Harrity for more information at (717) 630-2771.
Youth Group & Kids Group
Youth group (6-8pm) and kids Group (6-7:30pm) resume this evening after a holiday break! Youth group is for students 6th-12th grade and kids group is for students in 1st-5th grade. Kids group is currently coordinated by Ellis Lankford while youth group is coordinated by Noah Trask.
Identifying and Caring for Victims of Abuse
Dr. Vince Wood, senior pastor at Providence Presbyterian Church, in conjunction with Wheatland Presbyterian Church, will be leading a training program on Identifying and Caring for Victims of Abuse. The purpose of this training is to equip churches to help victims heal. Anyone interested in learning more about ending domestic violence, and caring for the oppressed is welcome to attend. Seminars are available on April 12th, 26th and May 10th at Wheatland Presbyterian in Lancaster or via Zoom. More detailed information on what is covered, cost and registration is available. Flyers are in the great room or see Donna Rosselet for more information. Registration is required and due by April 5th
PAL Donations
Our PAL team will be serving chili and cornbread on the fifth Sunday of March and would like your help in supplying the meal. Donations of fresh or frozen raw ground beef, fresh or frozen onions, cornbread mix, and cans of kidney beans, tomato sauce, and stewed tomatoes are needed. During the month of March donations can be placed in the mercy box and cold items in the kitchen fridge or freezer as appropriate. Any items not used on March 30 will be donated to PAL for later use.
Musicians and singers:
Please reach out to Jessi to participate in the Easter service!
Holy Week Events
Wednesday, April 16th Lenten Dinner Gathering 6:30 PM
Friday, April 18th Good Friday Tenebrae Communion Service 7 PM
Sunday, April 20th Easter Breakfast 9 AM / Easter Worship Service 10 AM
PRAYERS
Prayer Requests:
- Please continue to pray for the Schmoyer family as they grieve the death of Carrie earlier this year. Pray for her husband Brian and her girls Ella and Addy.
- Please pray for Amanda Cooper’s mom as she’s struggling with knee pain and has an upcoming knee replacement surgery in June.
- Amanda Cooper’s, mom’s best friend, Leslie, had surgery for ovarian cancer and it was successful! They were able to get all of the cancer. Please pray for strength, as she will have a few more chemo treatments.
- Please pray for the Trask family as Sarah will have a scheduled C-Section this week to deliver their baby. Pray for the guidance of the doctors, a safe delivery and for quick healing.
- Tom Simon has started on antibiotics for a post surgical infection. Please pray for healing, pain relief and stamina. The family is grateful for all the prayer support and expressions of love and care.
- Pray that Andrew Hauser will continue to remain clear of any rejection of his new organs and for safety as he travels to and from Pittsburgh for his tests.
- Pray that we would recognize God’s hand in our lives and the lives around us.
- Ann Kerrison, a friend of Debbie Stapf, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Pray for Ann and her family as they navigate this challenging time, both physically and emotionally. Please pray for the doctors in their discernment of her treatment.
- Debbie Stapf had surgery on her back on December 4th. Please pray for continued healing and strength.
We want to share your concerns and praises. If you have something to include here please contact Sarah Trask; Call or text 443-277-0110 or email office@hanovervalley.org. Nothing is included here without express permission.