Palm Sunday March 25, 2018 at the Heart of Bloomfield

Transcription

1 An open and affirming congregation Palm Sunday March 25, 2018 at the Heart of Bloomfield

2 T h e F i rst Congregationa l C h u r c h i n B l o o m f i e l d, UCC 1 0 W in t onbury Av e n u e, B l oomfield, CT G a thered a s Wintonbury Parish Februa r y 14, 1738 R e n e wing our fait h a s p e o p l e o f G o d 1 0 a.m. Sunday, M arch 25, PALM SUNDAY WE GATHER TOGETHER PRELUDE The Palms Jean-Baptiste Faure (Please use this time for quiet reflection) WELCOME LIFE OF OUR CHURCH WELCOME GUESTS Please fill out the Ritual of Friendship pads PASSING OF THE PEACE CENTERING MOMENT Hosanna! Today We Join Centuries Of The Faithful In Praising Jesus, Who Comes Among Us As A Humble Servant. PALM PARADE: Hosanna in the Highest! Led by the children WE WORSHIP GOD (+ indicates that those who are able may stand) INTROIT Hosanna! Jason Krug The Accidentals Handbell Ensemble CALL TO WORSHIP (RESPONSIVE) One: Hosanna! All: Save us Son of David. Please - Save us Now! One: Hosanna! All: All: Praise God for the prophet! Praise God for our Savior! One: But, Who is this Son of David? Who is this prophet? Who is this savior? Who is this man from Nazareth? All: Let us gather to listen. Let us gather to learn. As, together, we ask Who IS this? +HYMN OF PRAISE All Glory, Laud and Honor # 178 PRAYER OF CELEBRATION & CONFESSION (UNISON) God of unimaginable love. You pour out Your Spirit for us. You offer us the best things in life and show us clearly how to attain them. You offer us true meaning and

3 purpose. But, we resist it. We fight it. We look to others and ourselves for life, instead of looking to You. We create our own way instead of following The Way of Jesus. We use our own corrupting power; instead of the Spirit You offer us. As a result, we fall short of Your dreams for us, dreams that if fulfilled, would make Your Kingdom a more present reality in our lives and in our world today. We repent. Forgive us. We repent and wish to return to You. We wish to return to You and we offer ourselves to be transformed, so that we may continue to grow with You. And in doing so, help to bring the Kingdom of God here, on Earth, as it is in heaven. (a moment for silent confession) Let this our common prayer be acceptable to you 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever, Amen. MUSICAL OFFERING All Glory, Laud, and Honor Jason Krug The Accidentals Handbell Ensemble SHARING GOD S GOOD NEWS WITH OUR CHILDREN GOD IS IN OUR MIDST, GOD IS PRESENT, GOD IS STILL SPEAKING! LET S OPEN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS TO GOD S GOOD NEWS. GOD IS STILL SPEAKING! FIRST LESSON ~ Psalm 118: SECOND LESSON ~ Matthew 21: 1-11 Dorine DeCarli OT p.695 in black Bible, p.565 in red NT p.27 in black Bible, p.23 in red CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Write These Words in Our Hearts # 298 Write these words in our hearts, we beseech you, O God. MINISTER S REFLECTION WHO IS THIS? Rev. Shawn Fisher +HYMN A Cheering, Chanting, Dizzy Crowd # 180 WE RESPOND TO GOD S LOVE OFFERTORY PRAYER ~ Rev. Fisher OFFERTORY Improvisation on Ride On, King Jesus! PRESENTATION OF OFFERING DOXOLOGY # 44 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly hosts; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER AND DEDICATION OF OFFERINGS (UNISON) Awesome God of Creation - thank You for our lives. Thank You for our very breath. Thank You for the opportunity to join together as a community to Praise You and hear

4 Your Word and feel Your Spirit. Thank you for Your generosity in our lives. Thank you for the generosity of this congregation. Thank You for the offering gift. Thank You for the giving. Thank you for the giver. We ask the Spirit to take what has been offered here today, and to multiply its impact on a world in need. May it be spent in Your service - and that of Your creation. AMEN! SHARING EXPRESSIONS OF JOYS AS WELL AS CONCERNS PASTORAL PRAYER CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Hear Our Prayer, O God # 278 Hear our prayer, O God, hear our prayer, O God; Incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace. WE GO FORTH TO SERVE +HYMN Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! # 179 +BENEDICTION (Please join hands as an expression of Community Love) Rev. Fisher CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE +POSTLUDE Amen, Amen, Amen Improvisation on Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! REV. SHAWN FISHER Reverend Fisher, better known as Pastor Shawn has led a diverse and blessed life. He grew up in Hartford and has had the opportunity to travel throughout the world, including most recently to The Holy Land. Pastor Shawn met his wife of 20 years, Linda, in graduate school at the University of Connecticut, where he earned his Master s Degree in Economics. They have a 17 year-old son Garrett, who is a senior at RHAM High School and who will be attending Bryant University in the Fall. Prior to his call to full-time ministry, Pastor Shawn had a successful, 20-year career in the private sector including positions in Strategic Planning, Culture Transformation and as Chief Operating Officer. Most recently, he was the pastor of Groton Congregational Church, where, with the help of God, he helped lead the transformation of a dying church into a thriving community of faith. He is currently nearing the completion of his first book and his second album of Contemporary Christian music. Welcome Pastor Shawn

5 THOSE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS (AMONG MANY): *Prayers for those living in fear, suffering, or grieving due to a series of intentional explosions that have occurred this past week in Texas. *Prayers and comfort for the victims and families of those suffering or grieving after a bridge collapsed in Florida on March 16. *Prayers - Anne Clark is at McLean Nursing Home and would appreciate visits and cards mailed to her at: 75 Great Pond Road Simsbury, CT She is in Skyview Rm 234. *Prayers for Elizabeth Von Eisengrein struggling with health issues. Cards and calls are welcome *Michael Edwards, praying for release. *Prayers that God will speak to us and through us as we seek God's leadership and vision for our Church. *Family & Friends of All Soldiers Who Have Fallen In service to our country. *Our friends at Community Solutions, Inc., that God will support them as they find new opportunities and hope for the future. *Our nation, that it may continue its difficult work to end the practices of racism and misogyny and prayers for those serving or living in war or conflict zones around the world, or where terrorists have struck. *Update Carol Wolcott s new address: Middlewoods of Farmington 509 Middle Rd. # 209 Farmington, CT Please call office for phone #. Trudy Barnard Charlotte Babcock David Berg Estelle Cole Julie Cato Sue Davis Madge Edwards Al Forster Bonnie King Charles Miles Leslie Mills Erie Pinney Carol Wolcott Adelle Wright Betty Willis Please Remember These Connecticut Conference Churches in Your Prayers Hartford Hartford Amistad UCC Asylum Hill Congregational UCC Hartford Hartford Broadview Community UCC Faith Congregational Church UCC Hartford First Church of Christ in Hartford, UCC ANNOUNCEMENTS Welcome Guests! We are so glad you are here and invite you to join us after Worship for Coffee Hour. The Coffee Hour Hosts: Youth Group. Today s Head Ushers: Ozma Gibbs and Priscilla McCatty. Today s Lay Reader is Ron Robinson. Our Nursery is open every Sunday during the 10 a.m. Worship. Please see one of our ushers and they will be happy to direct you.

6 This Week at a Glance Looking Ahead: Lectionary possibilities for next week include: (Liturgy of the Palms) Matthew 21: 1-11; Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29; (Liturgy of the Passion) Isaiah 50: 4-9b; Psalm 31: 9-16; Philippians 2: 5-11; Mark 14: 1-15:47 Sunday, Mar 25 10:00 am PALM SUNDAY Family Worship Meeting Room 12:30 pm New Birth Community Church Metzger Chapel Monday, Mar 26 6:00 pm Bell Choir Music Suite 6:30 pm Search Team Living Room 7:00 pm Narcotics Anonymous Fellowship Hall Tuesday, Mar 27 9:15 am Exercise Fellowship Hall 1:30 pm Wounded Healers Library 6:30 pm NAMI Family to Family Fellowship Hall Wednesday, Mar 26 Thursday, Mar 29 Friday, Mar 30 Saturday, Mar 31 9:30 am Jump Bunch Fellowship Hall 4:00 pm ABC Fellowship Hall 7:00 pm Alcoholics Anonymous Counting Room 7:00 pm New Birth Community Church Metzger Chapel Maundy Thursday 10:00 am Bible Study Living Room 7:00 pm Foot Washing Service & Metzger Chapel Communion 8:00 pm Prayer Vigil starts Church/Home Good Friday 12:00 pm Prayer Vigil ends Church/Home 9:15 am Exercise Fellowship Hall 9:30 am New Birth Community Church Metzger Chapel 7:30 pm Alcoholics Anonymous Counting Room Holy Saturday 9:00 am Flower Club Meeting Room

7 Holy Week Schedule March 25 Palm Sunday ~ Palm Parade & 10 am Worship. March 29 Maundy Thursday ~ 7:00 p.m. Foot Washing Worship Service and Communion. March Prayer Vigil ~ 8:00 PM Beginning after Maundy Thursday worship & lasting until noon on Good Friday. Sign-up sheet at the kiosk. March 30 April 1 Easter ~ Good Friday ~ Prayer Vigil until noon. 10 a.m. Family Worship in the Meeting Room * * S i g n U p f o r t h e P r a y e r V i g i l M a r c h ** B eginning after worship & lasting unt il noon on Good Frid a y. S i g n u p a t t h e k i o s k. Next Sunday, April 1, 2018 Communion /Easter 10 am Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree is our guest Minister COME AND INVITE OTHERS TO PROMOTE HEALTH AWARENESS SHARE GOD S WELCOMING SPIRT

8 Music Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, April 29 th, at the 10am service. Calling all Singers and Ringers. We have an ongoing need for singers for our Adult Choir. You may join on a part time basis or full time depending on your availability. With Easter Sunday (April 1) and Music Sunday (April 29), services in the near future, members, friends or long-time visitors are needed. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Eustace B. Straker, Minister of Music, straepipes@yahoo.com We are in need of a bell ringer for Palm Sunday, March 25. Our rehearsals are on Mondays at 6pm. If you have an interest or know someone who can help us, be it member, friend or visitor, please let us know. Pastoral Counseling and Visitation The Reverend Joseph Tobin will be available on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 3 pm for counseling and consultation. Please call the office to make an appointment. You can also walk in but may need to wait if he is in session. Rev. Tobin is also available to conduct memorial services/funerals, weddings and baptisms. Pastoral visits can be arranged by contacting Karen Blanchard or the church office. Rev. Tobin welcomes your visits and is looking forward to getting to know our congregation better.

9 United Church of Christ Values LOVE Right relationships define love. Love is a communal experience enacting love of neighbor, self, and God. Love has a narratable timeline; something happening drawing one out of oneself, and extending self. The community speaks love through a narration of their story including presence to both joy and pain in the midst of loving. SPIRITUALITY/FAITH Communities which are connected to something bigger than themselves, and the great cloud of witnesses (past, present, and future), while adding to the Christian story. JUSTICE Justice speaks truth to power. Justice is what love looks like in public, and through the eyes of God. Justice creates opportunities for wholeness and health in individuals and communities. Justice is connected to the surrounding community in the building of coalitions and partnerships. Justice is intersectional; so the faith community is also facing outward. Justice ensures the voice of the voiceless and serves the underserved, inviting the tradition and wisdom of voices historically excluded and/or undervalued. Justice repairs the breaches, and restores right relationships. Justice is the equitable allocation of resources for God s beloved children. CREATIVITY The ministry takes a bold and innovative approach, and/or applies the old model in a new way to address a particular need within the community. The purpose statement from the Gospel of Matthew: To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. The vision: United in Christ s love, a just world for all. The mission statement: United in Spirit and inspired by God s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.

10 The Maundy Thursday service will be held March 29 th at 7 pm and will include foot washing and the sacrament of communion. Foot washing has biblical roots in the Old Testament as well as many references in the New Testament. Historically, in Eastern cultures, foot washing was a sign of welcome and hospitality. The Gospel of John 13: 1-15 describes Jesus washing the feet of his beloved disciples at the Last Supper and his instruction in verses 14 and 15: Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done. This act of foot washing symbolizes God s call to humility and service important tenets of our Christian faith. For those who prefer, hand washing in lieu of foot washing will also be offered. One of our traditions is to hold a prayer vigil which will begin at 8 pm immediately following the Maundy Thursday service. The vigil is held in the Metzger Chapel and Living Room and offers an opportunity for quiet reflection and prayer as we symbolically keep watch with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on His last night. There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk outside the church office. Those who cannot be physically present in the chapel can still participate by contacting Andrea in the church office to select a time. There are one hour slots beginning at 8 pm on Thursday evening and ending at 12 noon on Good Friday. Please consider participating either from home or in the chapel.

11 to the 8 th Annual CTUCC YOUTH REVIVAL Sunday, April 22 at 3:00 PM Faith Congregational Church 2030 Main Street Hartford, CT Revival Preacher, Rev. Edwin Perez, Jr. The Youth Revival is a Racial Justice Ministry event Contact Debby Kirk, CTUCC Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at debbyk@ctucc.org for more information.

12 The First Congregational Church in Bloomfield U N I T E D C H U R C H O F C H R I S T Welcome to the First Congregational Church in Bloomfield We hope that you find comfort, joy & inspiration in this time of worship; and renewed energy for your journey of faith. You are invited to remain after the service this morning for refreshments and informal conversation. SCHEDULE Worship is held at 10 am each Sunday STAFF Andrea Davey-Mercer, Office Manager Dorine DeCarli, Director of Faith Formation Eustace Straker, Minister of Music Shantel Bremmer, Director of Child Development Center Building Management is provided by Michelle Alves and JEM Services. CHURCH OFFICE Monday Friday 8:30 am 4:30 pm Phone: Fax: office@firstchurchbloomfield.org All Staff can be reached by contacting the Church Office. The Child Development Center can be reached at or preschool@firstchurchbloomfield.org. Visit our church's website: