April 8 th, 2018 Second Sunday of Easter Gospel Sunday

Transcription

1 April 8 th, 2018 Second Sunday of Easter Gospel Sunday Welcome to this service of worship at Norfield Congregational Church on this Sunday morning. Please join us after worship for Fellowship in the Parish Hall. PREPARING FOR WORSHIP Please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices. *All who are able, please stand in body or in spirit. Ringing of the Church Bell Invocation Karen Moraitis Kaeli Mecca Call to Worship Leader: Christ is risen! People: Christ is risen indeed! Leader: God is alive People: New birth is given! Leader: Hope is alive People: A new age is dawning! Leader: Joy is alive People: Redemption is here! Leader: Love is alive People: Death cannot harm us! Leader: We are alive People: New life is within us! Leader: The church is alive All: God s spirit is within us. God of Life, we worship you. God of Creation, we praise you. God of Revelation, we learn from you. God of Resurrection, we come to celebrate you! Welcome and Announcements

2 Song of Praise and Worship The Good News Gospel Choir Chris Coogan & Jason L. Terry Draw the Circle Wide Mark Miller Draw the circle Draw the circle wide. Draw the circle Draw the circle wide. No one stands alone. We ll side by side, Draw the circle Draw the circle wide. Come On & Praise the Lord with Me T.D. Jakes (Come on and) praise the Lord with me, Praise the Lord with me. (Come on and) praise the Lord with me, Praise the Lord with me. (Chorus) Hallelujah [x4] (Come on and) bless the Lord with me, Bless the Lord with me. (Come on and) bless the Lord with me, Bless the Lord with me. (Come on and) clap your hands with me, Clap your hands with me. (Come on and) clap your hands with me, Clap your hands with me. (Come on and) dance before the Lord, Dance before the Lord. (Come on and) dance before the Lord, Dance before the Lord. Everybody do a little dance now. Everybody wave those hands now. Pastoral Prayer The Lord s Prayer 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Children in grades K-6 will leave following the Lord s Prayer to do an activity in the CE Building. Children in grades 7th and 8th will remain in the sanctuary to worship with their families.

3 HEARING GOD S WORD Scripture Readings Acts 4: (NRSV) Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. John 20: (NRSV) When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you. 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, We have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe. 26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you. 27 Then he said to Thomas, Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe. 28 Thomas answered him, My Lord and my God! 29 Jesus said to him, Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

4 Sermonic Hymn A Move of God Is on The Way Norman Hutchins I feel a breakthrough coming your way, it's a mighty move of God, it's gonna change your day. With signs and wonders, miracles to perform, God is gonna bless you for just holding on. (Chorus) Just hold on, a change is coming, feel it in the air, it's in the atmosphere. Just hold on, a change is coming, a move of God is on the way. You've been expecting a change in your life, looking for your midnight to turn to sunshine. It's gonna happen, you wait and see, all things are possible to them that believe. Sermon #BUSINESSUNUSUAL Rev. Dr. Ruby M. Wilson Invitation to Giving Gospel Choir Oh, Happy Day Edwin Hawkins Prayer of Dedication Benediction Oh happy day Oh happy day When Jesus washed When Jesus washed When Jesus washed He washed my sins away Oh happy day He taught me how to watch, fight and pray, fight and pray And live rejoicing every, everyday Sending Song Amen Jester Hairston Healing Prayers of Anointing will take place following worship service in the Greene Room.

5 Welcome Visitors! We are delighted to have you joining us here at Norfield today! Please let us know if you have additional questions, or require further assistance. Do not hesitate to ask one of our greeters or ushers, a deacon (identified by name badges), or one of our ministers. Please also take a moment to fill out a nametag for yourself so we can greet you by name. Infant and toddler care is available in the lower level of the Christian Education Building. An usher can direct you. You can also see and hear the service in the Greene Room if you need to. A Children s sermon is shared most Sundays and all children are invited to come to the front of the altar and join us. Norfield s Church School, called Discovery Hour, meets during the service. Children leave after the Children s Sermon, accompanied by their teachers. All children are welcome and encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is not necessary. Children can then be picked up following the service at the Christian Education Building. Please ask us for directions. Hearing Assistance System amplifiers are available. Please speak with an usher if you would like to use one. Prayer Cards are located in the pew racks. If you have a prayer request, please fill one out and place it in the offering plate or give it to a minister. We pray over these concerns each week. Please fill in your address and any questions you might have on the back of one of the Prayer Cards in the pews, and then put the card in the offering plate or give it to a minister. Please join us, following the service, for our Fellowship Hour in the Parish Hall so we can welcome you personally and introduce ourselves. If you are interested in becoming a member of our church family, please contact Teri Gaberman, NCC Administrative Assistant at tgaberman@norfield.org. Please visit our website at for more information, and for updates on church activities and service schedules, view our online Google calendar also located on our website.

6 Parish Notes April 8 th, 2018 Norfield Congregational Church Office Hours: Monday Friday 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Senior Minister Office Hours: Monday Thursday 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Welcome! Thank you for joining us today! We hope that the hour spent in this sacred space will draw you closer to God, and an awareness of God s love. Name Tags! In an effort to maintain and nurture our Norfield family we ask that everyone please put on a name tag. They can be found in the pew box in front of you! Leaders of Worship Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Bernard R. Wilson Special Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Ruby M. Wilson Transitional Associate Minister Rev. Diane Stevenson Director of Music & Worship Arts Dr. David H. Connell Special Musical Guests: Chris Coogan, Jason L. Terry & the Good News Gospel Choir Interim Youth Director Tilly Story Seminary Intern Ellen Willert Deacon of the Day Sandie Kinseley Confirmand Reader Kaeli Mecca Greeter Laurie & Michael Dillon Usher Teri Gaberman & Don Gary Fellowship Hour Host The Haythorn Family Our Prayer List (April) I lift up my eyes to the hills from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2) Prayer Concerns: Travel mercies for all on holiday this week. Today s Altar Flowers are given by the Altar Committee in gratitude to Rev. Dr. Ruby M. Wilson and Safe Have UCC along with Chris Coogan, Jason L. Terry and the Good News Gospel Choir for sharing their many blessed gifts and talents with our congregation. (If you would like to put a name, concern, or joy on the prayer list, please contact the church office at # Your prayer concern will remain on the list for the month; if you would like to extend that time, please contact the church office. Thank You!) D is c o v e r y H o u r Penny Anderson, Christian Education Director Ellen Dickinson, Children s Church Children in grades K-6 will leave following the Lord s Prayer to do an activity in the CE Building. Children in grades 7th and 8th will remain in the sanctuary to worship with their families.

7 Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Ruby Wilson is the Senior Pastor of Safe Haven United Church of Christ in Ridgewood, NY. Reared in Harlem s Lincoln Houses, she is the seventh of nine children born to the late David and Dovetta Wilson. She received her a BA degree from Houghton College and Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from New York Theological Seminary. In addition to her pastoral work with Safe Haven UCC, she is the Interim President for UCC Metro Black Clergy, serves on the New York Conference s Commission on Ecumenism and is an Adjunct Professor at Auburn Theological Seminary. She is the Past President of the Board of UCC s Metro Association Board of Directors. Along with her eight siblings, she established The David and Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund in memory of her parents. This organization awards nine scholarships each year to high school seniors pursuing higher education at an accredited college or university. In 2013, Dr. Wilson established JasD'Jor: Emerging Philanthropists to train young people in the value of giving and service. Musical Guest Performers For over 20 years, The Good News Gospel Choir has been singing at churches, events and concerts over Fairfield County Connecticut and beyond. Started in 1994 by pianist, Chris Coogan, the Choir has produced two albums, Light a Candle and Joy, Unspeakable Joy! The community choir rehearses at Norfield Congregational Church in Weston, Ct and has a mission to reach into the wider community to bring this joyful, expansive music to all people. The choir builds relationships with local communities to raise money for charities and bring people together across racial and class boundaries. Coogan is joined by director, Jason Terry who is a tremendous singer and director, and who also coordinates all the choir s affairs. Jason is devoted to sharing his heart and musical gifts as a blessing to all God s children. Coogan says, I see Gospel music as a unique way to bring people together in love.

8 Announcements Rediscover Your Faith at Norfield in 2018! Led by Rev. Dr. Bernard R. Wilson, our weekly Open Door Bible Study on Wednesdays at 9:30am in the Greene Room explores the Biblical texts to be presented in Worship the next Sunday, and is a great way to get even more out of church. Rev. Wilson presents the readings in historical and literary context, explores how different Christian traditions interpret them, and how to make sense of what the Biblical witness is trying to say to us. The discussion is active and thoughtful, but informal and very welcoming! Also, our Mom s Bible Study, led by Norfield mom, Katie Gregory is held on Mondays at 9:30am in the Banks Room! The group is structured to suit a mom's busy schedule and provides mothers at any stage of life with thoughtful, biblical encouragement for each and every day. The Mom s Bible Study Group will NOT meet on Monday, April 9 th due to the school break. Come and nourish your faith at Bible Study! Music Makers Ministry on Wednesdays! Children from toddlers through sixth grade are invited to be part of our Wonderful Wednesdays! MMM is an after-school program which includes activities instruments, and singing as the children learn and grow together, getting ready to sing and play for worship, perform pageants and plays, and enjoy Christian fellowship. MMM will NOT meet on Wednesday, April 11 th due to the school break. For more information, please contact Dr. David H. Connell at david@norfield.org or at # , ext Giving Made Easy! Text to give a Special Worship Service gift to commemorate the Easter season. It s a secure, fast and easy way to support Norfield on this beautiful morning! Simply send a text message with the amount you would like to contribute (example: 25). Within a few minutes, you ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder name and debit or card information. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt of your donation via . Faster than writing a check! For future giving, send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will process automatically! You can even text repeat to make it a recurring donation. Thank you for all you do to support our mission during Special Worship Services and throughout the year. We hope you enjoy this new way to share your generosity!

9 Congregation & Community Corner Staying Safe Without Living in Fear Sunday, April 15 th How do we reconcile a world increasingly focused on locking down with being a community focused on opening our doors every wider in welcome? On April 15 th, immediately following worship, please join us in the Norfield Room for a presentation by Seminary Intern Ellen Willert to learn about options and resources available to faith communities to increase our ability to care for one another without changing who we are. Ellen has training as a Disaster Chaplain and recently attended a workshop given by the CT State Police on Safety in our Houses of Worship. She would like to share with Norfield what she has learned. Hope to see you there! Alzheimers & Spirituality Rev. Colette Bachand-Wood Wednesday, April 18 th 6:30pm 9:00pm Christ & Holy Trinity Church - Branson Hall 75 Church Lane, Westport Grief Support Group Pastoral Care Chaplains April 16 th May 21 st Mondays (for 6 weeks) - 7:00pm 8:30pm The Unitarian Church 10 Lyons Plain Road, Westport

10 The Board of Outreach cordially invites you to A Night in Old San Juan! Saturday, April 21 st, :00PM Silent & Live Auction Items featuring House seats to the Broadway Hit Show Hamilton and a unique dining experience at the exclusive Tessa restaurant in NYC! BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW! LIMITED AVAILABILITY! Tickets - $75 per person $65 for seniors Price includes authentic Puerto Rican cuisine & libations by an award-winning chef! To purchase tickets, please visit or Norfield Facebook. For information, please contact auctiondinner@norfield.org or # Proceeds to benefit Outreach Beneficiaries and Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Support!

11 The Good News Gospel Choir with Chris Coogan & Jason Terry presents A Spring Benefit Concert Sunday, May 12 th 4pm Norfield Congregational Church Tickets: $20 Adults - $15 Seniors - $10 Children Proceeds to benefit Berni & Murcer Friends for Life Comfort Backpack program for children diagnosed with cancer. For more information, please contact berniandmurcer@gmail.com or visit For tickets, please visit or Berni & Murcer s Facebook page. A Special Concert Bonus will feature the world premiere of the Berni & Murcer Friends for Life original composition by Chris Coogan & Jason Terry!

12 Chu r ch Calenda r Day Date Time Event Place Sunday 4/8 10:00am Gospel Sunday! Sanctuary NO Confirmation Class Parish Hall Monday 4/9 NO Mom s Bible Study 7:00pm Boy Scouts Parish Hall 7:00pm Deacons Meeting Greene Room Wednesday 4/11 9:30am Open Door Bible Study Greene Room NO Music Makers Ministry CE Building 7:00pm Good News Gospel Choir Parish Hall Thursday 4/12 6:15pm Handbell Rehearsal Greene Room Saturday 4/14 8:30am Kiwanis Club Parish Hall 9:30am DDWSF Workshop Norfield Room Sunday 4/15 10:00am Worship Service Sanctuary 5:15pm Confirmation Class Parish Hall BOARD AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Moderator Tracy Pennoyer Church Clerk Shivanthi Edwards Assistant Treasurer Pam LaFontaine Board of Trustees Don Gary Human Resources Jean Davis-French Senior Shepherds Carol Hamilton Board of Christian Education Christa Gross Prayer Shawl Ministry Jacqueline Pike Board of Christian Outreach Robert Smits Vice Moderator Mary Crawford Nominating Committee Gaitrie Bos Altar Committee Bobbie Sassano & Gaitrie Bos Board of Deacons Dan Klein Board of Music Bayard Dodge Board of Fellowship Anne Troxell Prayer Requests Jackie Troxell Shepherds Lois Bechtel & Missy Dorsey Treasurer Kurt Schreder