An open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. March 25, :00 am Palm Sunday

Transcription

1 An open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ March 25, :00 am Palm Sunday

2 Welcome to our worship service. Please join us for refreshments and time for fellowship immediately following the service. PRELUDE INTROIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Prayer Ludwig van Beethoven Hosanna Marie Pooler Shepherd s Staff Rev. Jim and Rev. Heike CONGREGATIONAL GREETING OPENING PRAYER Blessing of the Palms Bless these parade palms, O God of Celebration. May they remind us of the simple joys of living. May we remember the excitement that comes with following Christ. Bless these protest palms, O God of Justice. May they remind us that Empire is not a thing of the past. May they make us bold and brave to stand up against injustice. Bless these funeral palms, O God of Comfort. May they remind us of the road that lies ahead. May they encourage us in times of grief and pain. We give you thanks for the parade, the protest, the processional. Guide our steps through this holiest of weeks as we cry out together "Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!" Amen. ~ written by Rev. Caela Simmons Wood, Pastor, First Congregational United Church of Christ in Manhattan, Kansas. OPENING HYMN #213 (Black, New Century) Hosanna, Loud Hosanna TIME FOR CHILDREN (Children leave for Sunday School after Time for Children.) 2

3 ANTHEM Prayer of Reflection Hosanna to the Son of David Daniel Moe (b. 1962) O Holy One, we are too distressed to notice that you join us in the parade. We are too deeply grieved to be aware that you sit beside us at the table. We are too busy sighing. We are too busy talking. We have insisted upon our own answers. We proclaimed our own knowledge about why bad things happen, about why the rich get richer, about why the world feels so broken. We have assured ourselves that this is the way that things must be, but this life is in your hands. Our lives are in your hands. O Holy One, speak to us. Fill our silences. Comfort us with your love so that we may find your understanding. Trust us to find your answers when we finally tire from our own. Save us, O Holy One, with your steadfast love. Amen. (two minutes of silence) Assurance of Renewal God opens our ears. God speaks when we are silent. God approaches us in the parade and at table in our denial and our praise to be our help. Now and always. Amen. Kyrie, eleison, Christe, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. (Ancient, Greek, Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy). (see insert for music) READINGS Mark 11: 1-11 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If 3

4 anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'" They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. HYMN #216 (Black, New Century) SERMON HYMN (see insert) All Glory, Laud, and Honor Rev. Heike Werder Your Will Be Done (Sing Twice) COMMUNITY PRAYERS Concerns and Celebrations Prayers for Our Friends and Families, Our Church, Our Community, and the World. Lord s Prayer (please pray whatever form is familiar to you; many choose to pray Our Father, Our Mother, Our Father and Mother, Our Creator, or Our Maker, or Father/Mother God...debts/debtors or trespasses/those who trespass ) OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS In each of our pews today is a black friendship book which we encourage you to fill out and pass to the person next to you during the offering. If you have been with us before, just put down your name, but if you are new today, please let us know who you are. Thanks! Offertory Anthem The Feast of Palms Alan Bullard 4

5 * Lenten Doxology text by Isaac Watts (1707) tune by Lowell Mason (1825) NCH #224 v. 4, alt. Were the whole realm of nature of mine, that were an offering far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. Prayer of Dedication CLOSING HYMN #170 (Red, Pilgrim Hymnal) (This hymn will be sung unaccompanied.) O Sacred Head, Now Wounded BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Jesus Enters Jerusalem (1982) Calvin Hampton Ed. by Harry Huff Worship Assistant: Rein Kirss Deacons: Philip Gotwals, Paul Brown Altar Guild: Laura Cullen Ushers: Craig Morrison, Eric Slosser, Valerie Kistler Flowers: Nancy Fischer Flower Delivery: Martha Lamb The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Al Hyde and Jack Baldwin by Deb and John Baldwin. 5

6 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.) 6

7 3/18/2018 Collections* = $ 1,720 3/18/2018 Worship Attendance = 104 people February Electronic Pledge Amount: $12, Please contact the church office or office@needhamucc.org to find out how you can give electronically. *Collection amount does not include additional pledges received electronically. Our current pledge amount for 2018 is $390, This represents a budget shortfall of $59,582 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 Term Ends 2020: Howard Sesso, Kenneth Allen, 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, Jane Clayton Matthews, 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 Term Ends 2020: Carol Brown, Mi Herzog, Tom Mollerus Term Ends 2021: Lynn Gotwals, Connie Kaufmann 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 Rev. Jim at Rev Heike at 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. Jim Mitulski s Office Hours Please contact the church office to schedule an appointment during his office hours of Tuesday & Wednesday 2 6pm; Thursday 2 5pm Evening hours are also available by appointment. *If these mes do not work for you please contact the office for alternate availability. Interim Senior Minister The Rev. Jim Mitulski RevJim@needhamucc.org , ext. 106 Associate Minister The Rev. Heike Werder RevHeike@needhamucc.org , ext. 105 Director of Children &Youth Ministries Madelyn Downer Youth@needhamucc.org , ext. 104 Organist/Accompanist Sangyoung Kim Housekeeper Sanira Alchaar Staff Church Administrator Danielle Jurdan Office@needhamucc.org , ext. 101 Office Assistant & Bookkeeper Cindy Sullivan Office2@needhamucc.org , ext. 100 Music Director Valerie Becker musicdirector@needhamucc.org Handyman Bill Donovan The Congregational Church of Needham 1154 & 1180 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 March 25, 2018 The Transition Team is nearing the final phase of our Church Profile preparation. Once completed, we will be sending it to The Reverend Wendy Vander Hart from the Massachusetts Conference, UCC to review and validate. The Transition Team is so appreciative of the support that the Congregation has given us in the preparation of the Church Profile. This document will serve as the foundation for the work of the Search Committee as we begin our search for a new settled Senior Minister. As always, please us at transitionteam@needhamucc.org if you have questions. The Transition Team: Deb Abraham, Alan Clayton-Matthews, Diana Conroy, Claudia Darmofal, Frank Lupino, Carl Madsen, Barbra Morton, Heather Salerno, Reverend Jim Mitulski Easter Flower Donations - Due Today Offering envelopes are available in the pews and in the main office for donations this Easter season to the Flower Fund in honor of loved ones. We are grateful for the flowers/plants that decorate our church and will acknowledge your generous offering in the Easter Sunday Bulletin. Please return offering envelopes from the pews to the office to Danielle Jurdan s mailbox or to the box on her office door by March 25th. Walk the Labyrinth Our church Labyrinth will be out in Fellowship Hall from Monday, March 26 th at 10am through Thursday, March 29 th at noon. All are welcome. Garden Friendly People Invited! The Flower/Garden/Decorating Team is welcoming new members who like to might like to help out on a project by project basis, to take on a once-ayear task or to be more involved in the church s decorations, Easter & Christmas flowers and outdoor gardens and beds. If interested, please contact Danielle in the office at office@needhamucc.org or FAMILY PROMISE WALKATHON, April 7 - Ok, so there is a bit of snow out there, but it s melting fast and we ve got 5 walkers on our church team-cheryl AG, Sue Cotton, Jenni Haynes, Soomi Lee, and Susan Kirk and we now need sponsors. We ve kept our fundraising goal at $2000, the same as last year, and we can do this! Please find one of us at coffee hour to learn how easy it is to sponsor a walker online. Or register to become a team member and walk with us! The 3.1 mile walk begins at 9AM at the Natick Community Senior Center and winds through historic downtown Natick, then along neighborhood sidewalks through pleasant tree 9

10 lined streets of older homes full of character, many with front porches. You ll walk past Natick High School and even get water views of Dug Pond. There s an award ceremony after and a raffle with very awesome prizes. And it s all over by 11AM! Register to walk or sponsor at Do you enjoy singing? The Choir extends an invitation to all who like to sing. Just bring your voice to church on any Sunday morning at 8:30. We practice pieces for the service and perhaps for the next week as well. We have an evening rehearsal just once a month on the first Thursday at 7:30, where we preview the music for the coming four weeks. They are fun to sing and so it is a good time to give choir a try. If you wish to sing only one time, now and again or every week, you are welcome. CHIMING SUBS NEEDED! If you want a fun, spur-of-the-moment musical experience, an opportunity to try chiming with no regular commitment that would also be helping our Friendly Chimers, please just join our rehearsals after church from 11:30-12:15. ANY SUNDAY! ANY AGE! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, though reading music helps (just 2 notes). Come to the sanctuary, ready to enjoy yourself while helping out our Chimers. THANKS! ECO WORDS IDEAS FOR A GREEN LENT Go meat free a couple of days a week; Go zero-waste or plastic-free; Reduce food waste; Cook from scratch for all of Lent; "Fast" from excess water use; Try a buy-nothing challenge; Be a minimalist; Change your mode of transportation; Establish a strong morning routine; Do a digital detox Read the March issue of the Focus or check out the EMT bulletin board for more details on how to implement these ideas. Family & Youth Ministries April 2018 Vacation Bible School (VBS) runs Tuesday, April 16-Friday, April 20, 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM each day. Children use arts and crafts, science, story and theater, games, and cooking to explore the themes of love, courage, faith, and hope. A gluten-free snack is provided. Students should bring a bagged lunch, change of clothes, water bottle, and sunscreen. Sign up at First Formal Communion Workshops are offered to students in second grade (as well as older students who weren t able to participate previously) and help children learn more about our Protestant understanding of Communion in the United Church of Christ. A workshop will be held on Sunday, April 22, 11:30-1:00. First Formal Communion will be celebrated during the 10:00 AM worship service on Sunday, May 6. Please sign up in advance by ing Maddie at youth@needhamucc.org. 10

11 11

12 Sunday March 25th Palm Sunday Monday March 26th 8:30 pm 10:00 am 11:30 am 1:00 pm 9:00 am 6:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Worship Palm Sunday, Sanctuary Meditation w/ Sue Findlay, Chapel Friendly Chimers, Sanctuary Pilgrim Book Group, Library Youth Group Egg Stuffing (grades 6-12) Cancer Support Group, Reception Room Confirmation Class, Library Tuesday March 27th Wednesday March 28th Thursday March 29th Friday March 30th 7:00 pm Interfaith Race Discussion (Rev. Jim Part 3) 7:00 pm Lenten Vespers, Chapel 6:00 pm Maundy Thursday & Soup Dinner, Linden Hall & Sanctuary 7:00 pm Good Friday at First Baptist Church (858 Great Plain Ave.) Sunday April 1st Easter Sunday Monday April 2nd 8:30 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 9:00 am 6:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Worship Easter Sunday, Sanctuary Easter Egg Hunt Cancer Support Group, Reception Room Confirmation Class, Library Tuesday April 3rd Wednesday April 3rd 6:00 pm Community Dinner, Linden Hall 7:00 pm Vespers, Chapel Thursday April 4th Sunday April 8th 12:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:30 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Lunch w/ Heike, Library Choir Practice, Linden AB Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Worship, Sanctuary Meditation w/ Sue Findlay, Reception Room Pilgrim Book Group, Library Open Table Dinner Jr &Sr High Youth Groups Guatemala Meeting, Library 12

13 13

14 14