Church Covenant Open and Affirming Statement

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2 Church Covenant We strive to be a joyful, welcoming Christian Community. We seek to be faithful in a world torn by suffering, injustice, oppression, and war. We are inspired by God, Christ s Ministry, and the examples of other faithful people. We join together in worship and song, fellowship, study, and mission to embrace the risks and challenges of continuing Christ s ministry. We struggle to live out our faith in the world by furthering justice and peace, witnessing to the truth, and proclaiming God s love and mercy for all people. Open and Affirming Statement As a covenant community we are committed to the belief that all people are created equal before God. In affirmation of the inclusive love of Christ Jesus, we welcome persons of any race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability and economic circumstance to full participation in our community life and ministry. We strive to reflect these beliefs in the language and content of our worship and in our lives together. (This statement adopted in 2000, reflects the welcome of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people and their friends and families.) 2

3 Epiphany Sunday January 6, :00 am PRELUDE WE GATHER IN FAITH The Garden of Prayer Edward Broughton ( ) WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS CONGREGATIONAL GREETING GATHERING SONG Arise! Shine! CALL TO WORSHIP One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: All: As foreigners, pilgrims, wanderers, we come to the crossroads searching for meaning. Which way should we turn? We have a star and a story to light the road ahead. But stars rise and fall, and stories twist and turn. Who will go with us? We are called into community, companions on the journey. And how will we know the way? The way, the truth, and the life of Christ are marked with justice, peace, and compassion. The Spirit sings to us still in this star, this story, these companions, and this life that really is life, deep and meaningful, growing and good for all God s children. Let us worship God together. *HYMN (Black, New Century) #156 Brightest and Best 3

4 CENTERING PRAYER & ASSURANCE OF GRACE READING from the Gospels Matthew 2:1-12 WE LISTEN FOR GOD S WORD SERMON Precious But Not Like That The Rev. John MacIver Gage ANTHEM Children Go Where I Send Thee arr. Paul Caldwell (b. 1963) & Sean Ivory (b. 1969) OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS Offertory WE RESPOND TO GOD S CALL Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light Johann Sebastian Bach ( ) Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below, Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. WE SHARE THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION EVERYONE is welcome to at this table. You don't need to be a member of this church or any church to share fully in the bread and cup. When prompted, come forward and take a piece of gluten-free bread and dip it in the cup. (If you aren t sure what to do, ask, and we are glad to explain.) The cup always contains non-alcoholic grape juice. If you would like communion brought to you, please just let an usher know, and we will serve you in your seat. Children of any age may share in communion (with their parents permission) or they may be brought forward to receive a simple blessing. Invitation & Communion Prayer The Lord s Prayer, using these or whichever words are closest to your heart Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. 4

5 Words of Institution Sharing the Bread and Cup WE GO FORTH TO SERVE * HYMN (Black, New Century) #153 Who Would Think That What Was Needed BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Fantasia on Forest Green Lani Smith (b. 1934) Please join us today for brunch, immediately after worship, in Fellowship Hall. We will welcome Rev. John Gage and kick off this exciting new chapter in the life of our church. Many thanks to all of you who contributed delicious hot entrees, salads, and baked goods. Worship Assistant: Joanne Seiden Communion Servers: K.M. Abraham, Scott Stewart, Jean Veigas, Jan Rubenstein Deacons: Rick Devereux, Dibby Moder Flowers: Mary Lou Hughes Flower Delivery: Martha Lamb Altar Guild: Diana Conroy, Laura Cullen Ushers: Jim Leighton, Rich Weitzel, Robert Kennedy The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Martin and Gladys Edman by Mary Lou Hughes. 5

6 2018 Collections* December 23rd and December 30th= $13, /30/2018 Worship Attendance = 75 People December Electronic Pledge Amount: $13, Parish Care Team The new Parish Care Team has been formed to attend to the needs of our church community. If you or anyone you know could benefit from a call or a visit from a Parish Care Team member, or a minister, please contact Dibby Moder at or dmoder@verizon.net. You can also call the church office ( ) with your request for a visit. 6

7 Please contact the church office or to find out how you can give electronically. *Collection amount does not include additional pledges received electronically. Our current pledge amount for 2018 is $392,968. This represents a budget shortfall of $57,032 for the year. The Board is responsible for the overall administrative life of the church including buildings, finances, personnel and the overall health of the church. Moderator: Jackie Allen Clerk: Jane Brand Term Ends 2019: Jim Conroy, Diane Rees, Kristin Mollerus, Keith McClelland Term Ends 2020: Howard Sesso, Barbra Morton, Amanda Angel Term Ends 2021: Craig Morrison, Scott Lively, Amy Hurley The Deacons are responsible for the spiritual life and well-being of the church. Term Ends 2019: Rick Devereux, Dibby Moder, Scott Stewart, Carol Miller, Jean Veigas Term Ends 2020: Kevin Blume, Paul Brown, Sue Cotton, Lucy Slosser Term Ends 2021: Jim Ruetenik, Phil Gotwals, KM Abraham, Patty Morrison, Janet Rubenstein The Outreach Committee advocates to the church and its members about important issues relating to social justice in our church, community, city state and the world. They provide opportunities to volunteer and guide us in financial giving. We aim to give 15% of our income from pledges to the church to Outreach financial giving. Term Ends 2019: Bill Rees, Fred Moder, Hiroko Hardebeck, Lynn Gotwals, Term Ends 2020: Carol Brown, Mi Herzog, Tom Mollerus Term Ends 2021: Connie Kaufman The PRC is an independent group that supports and maintains an open and healthy relationship between the Minister(s) and Members of the Congregation. The PRC does not take the place of communications between the Members and the Minister(s), but rather helps those who need advice and assistance with such communications. Members: Tom Mollerus, Fred Moder, Martha Lamb 7

8 Welcome to all who are new or here for the first time! If you are interested in learning more about our church, please or call the office at to set up a conversation. For updates on church life, our family ministries, Christian Education and Youth Ministries follow us on Instagram Congregational Church of Needham UCC on on Twitter Please silence your cell phone before attending the service. You can Check In on Facebook and let people know you are here. Feel free to Tweet, Snapchat, or Instagram during the service. If you would like or need a hearing device an usher will be able to assist you. Children s Childcare is offered for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers in the Nursery located downstairs during the service. Rev. John MacIver Gage Office Hours Please contact the church office to schedule an appointment during his office hours on Tuesday and Wednesdays 12 3pm. Hours are also available by appointment. Senior Minister The Rev. John MacIver Gage RevJohn@needhamucc.org , ext. 106 Director of Children &Youth Ministries The Rev. Madelyn Foster RevMaddie@needhamucc.org , ext. 104 Music Director Valerie Becker musicdirector@needhamucc.org Organist/Accompanist Sangyoung Kim Staff Church Administrator Danielle Jurdan Office@needhamucc.org , ext. 101 Office Assistant & Bookkeeper Cindy Sullivan Office2@needhamucc.org , ext. 100 Housekeeper Sanira Alchaar Handyman Bill Donovan The Congregational Church of Needham 1154 Great Plain Avenue Needham, Massachusetts Facebook: Congrega onal Church of Needham UCC Twi Instagram: needhamucc of ice@needhamucc.org The Rev. Dr. Paul Clayton, Pastor Emeritus 8

9 ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS January 6, 2019 TODAY: GIVE POINSETTAS A HOME Extend the Christmas Spirit. Please take a plant home TODAY! Partner-Family (and Scholarship Donor) Letters Due Today January 6 th! Partner families and scholarship donors are asked to write their letters and submit them by the January 6 th deadline to Dave Johnson at: davebjohnson77@gmail.com. It takes 4-5 weeks for our volunteer translators to convert these 140+ letters to Spanish, in time for the February delegation s departure, so please do your part to make this a more manageable task for Dave. Yummy snacks for Coffee Hour! We invite you to host or co-host a Sunday! Families and individuals are invited to sign up for a Sunday to provide the food. You can use this opportunity to celebrate someone s birthday, anniversary or honor a person in your family or an occasion by providing goodies for coffee hour. Your sponsorship will be mentioned in the bulletin. The office has set up an online sign-up form at go/10c0844a8aa23a2fd0-coffee or you can simply call the office to do so. Please call the office if you have any questions at Volunteer Opportunity for Baby Basics We are looking for a person who can host the distribution table on the first Tuesday of every month. This entails giving families diapers from 6-7 pm, dinner provided for you and your family. Contact Jennifer Haggerty at jenniferhaggerty@hotmail.com for more information or to volunteer. 9

10 Sunday January 6th Monday January 7th Tuesday January 8th Wednesday January 9th Sunday January 13th Monday January 14th Wednesday January 16th Thursday January 17th Sunday January 19th Monday January 20th 8:30 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 9:00 am 7:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Worship, Sanctuary Welcome Brunch for Rev. John Gage Cancer Support Group, Reception Room Board Meeting, Library Community Dinner, Reception Room Board Meeting, Library 7:00 pm Deacons Meeting, Library 8:30 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 9:00 am 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Worship, Sanctuary Guatemala Partnership Meeting, Library Mindful Meditation, Chapel Bible Study, Reception Room Youth Choir Cancer Support Group, Reception Room Finance Team Meeting, Conference Room 7:15 pm EMT Meeting, Reception Room 7:30 pm Cancel Choir Practice, Choir Room 8:15 am 8:30 am 10:00 am 11:30 am Men s Breakfast, Library Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Worship, Sanctuary Parish Care Team, Library Bible Study, Reception Room Youth Choir Office Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day 10