First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

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1 First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt, Interim Pastor Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-Organist Jessica Skidmore, Christian Ministry Coordinator Tori Potter, Sexton Nancy Klebart, Office Manager ext. 1 office.fpchurch@gmail.com

2 MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE Communion Sunday, June 3, 2018, 10:00 a.m. Confirmation Sunday ORGAN PRELUDE: Oh, the Beautiful Treasures Shaker Tune Arranged by Wilbur Held (b ) ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP (written by Rev. M. Enid Watson) Pastor: Jesus said, Follow me. Parish: We don t always know what that means. Pastor: We are on a journey of discovery. Parish: We are here because we want to be God s people; Pastor: We are here because we are broken and want to be whole again; Parish: We are here to celebrate our lives, and God s presence in this life. All: Let us worship God with great thanksgiving. *HYMN: Morning Has Broken PH #38 blue PRAYER OF APPROACH AND CONFESSION (Adapted from Touch Holiness) As we end another busy week in our lives, we come before you, O God, knowing that you are always ready to receive us, shortcomings and all. We take time out to consider how our lives might better reflect your broad view of life, your forgiving spirit, your wisdom, your creativity, your patience. You call us to the inspiring, and sometimes difficult, work of living the way that Jesus taught us-- loving our neighbors as ourselves. You challenge us to have courage in the face of possible ridicule and failure. We seek to be like Jesus in refusing to be dead in the midst of life, and in refusing to ignore glaring needs and insistent cries for help. May the transforming power of your love shine through each of us. We pray in Jesus name

3 *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, the power and the glory forever. Amen. *GLORIA PATRI: 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 SCRIPTURE READINGS: Jeremiah 29:11 Jen Powers, Reader For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Hebrews 12:1-3 Jessica Skidmore, Reader Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. ANTHEM: My Faith, My Hope Text: George Herbert ( ) and written in 1633 Music: Gwyneth Walker (b. 1947) My Faith. My Hope, my Strength, my Light Come, my Way, my truth, my Life: Such a Way, as gives us breath: Such a Truth, as ends all strife: Such a Life outliveth death. Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength: Such a Light, as shows a feast; Such a Feast, as mends in length; Such a Strength, as makes his guest. Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart: Such a Joy, as none can move: Such a Love, as none can part: Such a Heart, as joys in love.

4 WORDS OF INTRODUCTION Jen Powers & Jessica Skidmore, Confirmation Instructors TESTIMONY: *HYMN: In the Bulb There Is a Flower Ian, Jake, & Tyler NCH #433 black TESTIMONY: Alden, Sam, Charlotte, & Max OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Come, Christians, Join to Sing Words: Christian Henry Bateman ( ) Music based on a Cuban folk song Arranged by Hal H. Hopson (b. 1934) Come, Christians, join to sing Loud praise to Christ our King; Let all, with heart and voice, Before his throne rejoice Rejoice and sing. Be joyful in the Lord, Lift up your voice of praise; Your alleluias raise. Praise Christ with heart and soul; His endless love extol. On heaven s blissful shore Sing songs forever more. Rejoice and sing. Be joyful in the Lord, Lift up your voice of praise; Your alleluias raise. Come, lift your hearts on high; Let praises fill the sky; He is our guide and friend; His love shall never end. Rejoice and sing. Be joyful in the Lord, Lift up your voice of praise; Your alleluias raise. *DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION INTRODUCTION

5 QUESTIONS TO THE CONFIRMANDS - CONFIRMING BAPTISMAL PROMISES PRAYER OF THE CONFIRMANDS Pastor and Confirmands: O God, my God, known to me in Jesus Christ, I give myself to you as your own, to love and serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Amen. PRAYER OF THE CONGREGATION Almighty God, who in baptism received these your servants into the church, for-gave their sins, and promised them eternal life, increase in them the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Grant love for others, joy in serving you, peace in disagreement, pa-tience in suffering, kindness toward all people, goodness in evil times, faithfulness in temptation, gentleness in the face of opposition, self-control in all things. There-by strengthen them for their ministry in the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. ACT OF CONFIRMATION ADDRESS AND WELCOME COVENANT OF MEMBERSHIP WITH FIRST PARISH CHURCH, CONGREGATIONAL, UCC COVENANT OF THE CONGREGATION Acknowledging Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord, and accepting the Holy Scripture as our rule of faith and practice, and recognizing the privilege and duty of uniting ourselves for Christian fellowship, the enjoyment of Christian ordinances, the public worship of God, and the advancement of His kingdom in the world, we do now, in the sight of God and invoking His blessing, solemnly covenant and agree with each other to associate ourselves to be a church of Jesus Christ, as warranted by the Word of God. We agree to maintain the institutions of the gospel, to submit ourselves to the orderly administration of the affairs of the Church, and to walk together in neighborly love.

6 And this we do depending upon our God who so loved the world that Jesus Christ, the only begotten son, was given for our salvation, and who redeemed us with His blood, and on the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide. Confirmed this morning are: Ian Alsop Jake Edwards Tyler Erdmann Alden Irose Sam Peterson Charlotte Pick Max Warnock *HYMN: I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry NCH #351 black SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION (The bread in the middle of the plates is gluten free; the cup is non-alcoholic grape juice.) Call to the Table and Communion Prayer (There will be time, during the prayer, to bring our joys and concerns before God.) Words of Institution Sharing of the Bread and Cup Prayer of Thanksgiving in unison: Loving and gracious God, thank you for this holy meal. Thank you for Jesus and his all-inclusive love for humanity. Thank you for this day in which we worship and serve you. Amen. *[The Removal of the Flame, which symbolizes the Spirit of God accompanying us out into the world] *BENEDICTION TUNNEL OF BLESSING As the newly confirmed members of FPCC exit the church, you are invited to turn toward the central aisle and raise your hands towards them in a gesture of blessing. *CHORAL RESPONSE ORGAN POSTLUDE: Trumpet Voluntary Gordon Young ( )

7 After the service all are invited to join us outside for refreshments. Flowers on the altar are given by the Christian Education Committee in celebration of our Confirmation Class and their parents. The Deacons are Sarah Campbell and Barbara Smith. Readers and greeters are always needed, to volunteer speak to the Deacons, or you can also sign up online. Listening devices are available for those in need; they are at the back of the Sanctuary. Feel free to address a Deacon should you need help using them. Welcome to all who are new to our worship. To join our mailing list fill out a Welcome Card to place in the collection plate or contact office.fpchurch@gmail.com, ext 1. FPCC CARE TEAM Have you shared the experience? We support FPC families with meals, rides, & visits through times of illness and loss. Please contact Sue Pick (suepick1@me.com or ) if you would like to share your ideas, time, and talents with the FPC Care Team. SEASIDE PARISH KNITTERS We would love to have you join us on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays (June 7 & 21) of the month in the Conference Room of the Chapel, 3-5 PM. MY STORY We each have unique journeys of faith. One way to deepen our understanding of them is to share our stories with each other. Once per month, the Vitality Committee welcomes one of you to share your faith journey during Sunday service in brief 2 to 3 minute remarks. We hope you will consider sharing yours. A simple way to organize your thoughts is to answer these 3 questions:

8 1. What is your early faith history? (1 minute) 2. How did you come to First Parish Church? What is meaningful to you about your participation? (1 minute) 3. Can you share a specific moment of faith, an experience of divine intervention or God's or Jesus' presence in your life? (1 minute) We are eager to hear your faith stories! Please talk with Mary Ellen Cook ( ) or Allison Moir-Smith ( ) to learn more. Weekly Food Donations When you go to church Sunday mornings or to a meeting during the week, remember to take one item that can be donated to Open Door. Food baskets located in the Chapel and Church. It is easy to forget, but you can think ahead and bring one food item that will be much appreciated by folks who really need our help. Brown Bag Lunch on Friday, June 30 sign-up coming soon or see Lelly Smith or Muriel Parker. Serve Dinner at The Open Door Prep & Servers needed: please contact Jim Brennan after worship or at or click a date below to sign up here Included in the Mission of our congregation is caring for God's creation. Especially as Spring reveals the wonder of it all, we think conservation! We will be putting forth alerts and reminders to help us awaken to God's creation and consider our own actions to care for this amazing town and the wider world we have been given. What can we do to help with Conservation? Here are some ideas from your Missions Committee. Our Green Church on the Green Transportation Notes How do we travel these days? 1. Carpool / Use public transportation 2. Walk / Bicycle 3. Pre-plan / Combine errands

9 SETTLED PASTOR SEARCH PROCESS TO BEGIN BY THE END OF THE SUMMER Do you feel called to serve? First Parish will soon begin the process of searching for a new pastor. According to our church bylaws, the Church Council is responsible for appointing church members to serve on the search committee two from the Diaconate, one each from the Trustees, CE, Stewardship, Music, Missions and Youth Group, and 5 members-at-large. Council agreed that ideal criteria for serving on the committee include: regular church attendance, positive outlook, good listening and synthesizing of information skills, not being shy about speaking up in meetings, and looking to God for guidance. Further, the chair of the committee should have strong organization, motivation, and computer skills. Our hope is to create a cohesive committee that is representative of our faith community with a balanced mix of ages, gender, family contexts, and theological perspectives, and with a shared commitment to the future of our church. Once the search starts, it will likely take six to nine months. The main components of the work include developing interview questions that help us assess whether a candidate would be a good match for our values, purpose, and vision; reading through candidates profiles; deciding who to interview; conducting interviews; and then recommending a candidate to the congregation. The committee will meet once or twice a month to prayerfully work through their tasks, and individuals will be expected to read candidates profiles in between meetings. There may also be a few visits to other churches to hear candidates preach. Our UCC Area Minister, Rev. Wendy Vander Hart, will help guide the committee through the search process, and Rev. Marlayna can be a guide as well but only on the process itself, not in the choosing of candidates. If you feel that serving God in this capacity might be a natural fit for your talents and interests, or if there is someone you would like to nominate who would also be a good fit, then please feel welcome to speak with, or to church moderator, Nancy Peterson nancypete1@gmail.com. (Note: As a balanced mix of various

10 components is required, not all people who volunteer for the committee may be appointed to serve.) VISION PROCESS Building on our four congregational meetings in the Vision Process, we (the Transition Team) have drafted a Vision Statement, which is available in the narthex and on the church s website. The congregation will have the opportunity to discuss the Vision Statement at our church s Annual Meeting on June 24 th, and, with the congregation s blessing, the Vision Statement will then be used to form the basis of a strategic plan, which the Executive Committee and Council will put together in the fall of Once a strategic plan (with goals and objectives) has taken shape, it will be presented to a special meeting of the congregation for approval. We (the Transition Team) are also using the information we have gathered from the Vision Process to help form our Church Profile, which is the document used in the search for a new settled pastor. We plan to have the Church Profile done by mid June. Please continue to keep our church s Vision Process in your prayers! Your Transition Team (Paul Driscoll, Lauren Gudonis, Mary Lumsden, Jeff Parker, Jason Smith, Lelly Smith) Church Council minutes, Congregational Meeting minutes and documents can be found online. and lively music.) TUCK S POINT WORSHIP Join us Sun. June 10, at the Tuck s Point Chowder House for the 10 AM worship. (Worship will include a dramatic reading BYOB picnic lunch to follow, dessert and beverages will be provided.

11 BIBLE STUDY will resume on May 31st and continue through June 14th. First Parish Church Congregational uses candid photos of church activities on its website and in its publicity from time to time. Any photos of children used will not contain personally identifiable information. Members of the community not wanting their photos depicted (or those of their children) should inform the church office. Upcoming events can be found on our website ( ) under News and Calendar and on our Facebook page (First Parish Manchester-by-the-Sea) under Events THIS WEEK: Tuesday 6:35 PM Transition Team Meeting Wednesday 10:00 AM COA Yoga 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday 10:00 AM Health Clinic 3:00 PM Seaside Knitters 4:00 PM Bible Study Friday 8:00 AM Yoga Sunday 10:00 AM Worship at Tuck s Point BYO Picnic to follow

12 First Parish Church Vacation Bible School June 25-29, 1-3 PM Children K-6 th grade are invited to join us for a fun filled week of stories, games, crafts, and learning about Jesus love. First Parish Chapel VOLUNTEERS NEEDED This is our biggest outreach to the greater Manchester community, providing a free fun event to local families, and we need volunteers to help run the program and donate snacks. Please sign up to help today! High School students can earn community service hours. To sign up speak to Jessica x 3 or cedirector.fpchurch@gmail.com. You can also look at volunteer slots and sign up online. CHILDREN K-6 GRADE WELCOME Sign up your children and invite friends! Contact Jessica with questions x 3 or cedirector.fpchurch@gmail.com. You can also register online