TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST October 28, :30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

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1 THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF DARIEN United Church of Christ 14 Brookside Road, Darien, CT Phone: Fax: TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST October 28, :30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. 1

2 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST October 28, :30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Children are welcome to stay in the service. A cry-room is available for children ages 0-4 in the library. *Those who are able are invited to stand PRELUDE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Maxim Pakhomov Rev. Dale Rosenberger, Senior Minister PASSING OF THE PEACE HYMN #469 A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD *CALL TO WORSHIP Rejoice in the new beginnings of morning; give thanks for light, even through clouds. God has spoken to us and will meet us here; we live in covenant with the Life Everlasting. Gather in the spirit of Jesus, whose name we bear. Thank God for the truth that lives in spite of death. We celebrate the faithful witness of Jesus Christ, and we seek to share the good news of his reign. The Spirit encounters our teachable spirits here; the Spirit points us to what always matters most. God anoints us for ministry, extending our call. God s word is on our lips, that all might believe. (responsively) *OPENING PRAYER *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 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. Amen. 2

3 *GLORIA PATRI BAPTISM OF CHARLES MARSHALL AND CHRISTOPHER CAUFFMAN TOOTHAKER CHILDREN S DISMISSAL JOYS AND CONCERNS MOMENT OF SILENCE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON JEREMIAH 31:7-9 Liz Werner, Deacon (8:30) Mandy Teare, Deacon (10:00) For thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel. See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. *HYMN #306 CHILD OF BLESSING, CHILD OF PROMISE 3

4 GOSPEL LESSON JOHN 18:33-37 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus answered, Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me? Pilate replied, I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here. Pilate asked him, So you are a king? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice. SERMON WHERE DO YOU TAKE YOUR LEAD? Rev. Rosenberger OFFERTORY PSALM 95 (responsive) R.J. Stewart (10:00 only All sing; If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts, harden not your hearts. *DOXOLOGY (10:00 only *PRAYER OF DEDICATION (unison) (10:00 only Hear our prayer for all whom we might help by what we give. We offer more than money, even ourselves. May the care and comfort we share with those in need only draw them closer to you, O God. Keep us strong in our giving, that we may radiate boldness in truth, resistance to evil, and redemption from wickedness. Amen. *HYMN #414 THIS IS A DAY OF NEW BEGINNINGS *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Rev. Rosenberger Mr. Pakhomov * * * 4

5 TODAY S USHERS are Liz Werner (8:30), Chuck Boulier, Mandy Teare and Steve Weeden. TODAY S BAPTISMAL FAMILY - Nathaniel, Cornelia and the Toothaker family are involved in the F.C.C. Nursery School and have attended our Christmas Eve services in recent years. The couple met at Cornell Business School where Nat was Cornelia's teaching assistant. The family inclines toward membership with F.C.C. in our next new member class, uniting with us on December 9th, Nat's background was with Wilton Congregational Church and Cornelia grew up Roman Catholic. Nat works for Blackrock in Manhattan and Cornelia has her hands full juggling three active children. Sadie, age 5, is already baptized. Today we celebrate the baptisms of her little brothers, Chase, age 5, and seven-month old Christopher. We welcome, with open arms, their extended family and friends, and wrap the wide arms of Christ around them in today's baptismal embrace. CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS CHURCH SCHOOL Today -Nursery available, ages Church School available for age 3 - grade 5. Dismissal after Joys and Concerns! -Owl, rat and tarantula visiting from the Darien Nature Center! Sunday, October 28th: Holy Halloween Party following the 10:00am service! Featuring cupcake decorating, crafts, face painting, photo ops, games, competitions and a raffle!! Pageant Rehearsals Begin: The first Sunday in November! Don t miss it! The rehearsals will be held during church school, and the pageant will take place on December 23rd at 11:20am. Church School Teachers, Assemble! If you would like to get involved, please contact Mrs. G. at cgeeding@fccdarien.org. Teaching Church School is a rewarding and fun experience. Junior Choir: If you are a 2nd - 6th grader, you are invited to join our Junior Choir led by Mrs. G. and Mr. Dan Hague. We begin Sunday, November 11th following the 10:00AM service. We already have several wonderful performing opportunities on the calendar! Questions? cgeeding@uccdarien.org. No Running, Please! Parents, please help us remind your children not to run in Parish Hall and on the front lawn. We want them to have tons of fun, & we also want our senior members to feel safe as they socialize. Thank you! Youth Ignite Group (Grades 6-12!) 5

6 Let s celebrate a season full of fall scents, crackling leaves, crisp air, and warm drinks. We can t wait to enjoy some great times together. Mrs. G. at cgeeding@uccdarien.org for our sign-up links! Youth Group : Sunday, October 28th from 6:00-7:30pm in the Dream Center! Dinner provided, as well as vegetarian options. High School Access: begins Sunday in the Morehouse room! Students in 9-12th grades will meet with Ben at 10:00am for some amazing conversation on the topic of anxiety and depression. PAINTBALL: November 3rd from 10:00am-12:00pm at Yankee Paintball in Fairfield County. $30/person. Claim your spot now!!! Cgeeding@uccdarien.org (continued) Needed: Teens to help in Nursery (paid) Teens: $15/per Sunday. Helping in the nursery is fun and rewarding! Ages 13 and up. Sign up HERE! Confirmand Inreach and Outreach Opportunities: Nursery / Church School Help / Access Help / Youth Band / Powerpoint at Come As You Are / Help for Halloween Party: READING LUKE The Gospel of Luke contains some of the most beautiful and inspiring language in the Bible. Join us as we study his account of Jesus ministry by reading the entire Gospel from beginning to end. This will be a discussion led by church members under Dale's guidance. Sessions take place on Wednesdays, in the Morehouse Room. No Biblical literacy necessary as we explore the book together. For additional information see Gary Holmes, Ray Hodil or Kathy Monro. CALLING ALL "BELLES" (AND BEAUS) The Bell Choir will begin rehearsal on Monday November 5 at 4 pm in the Morehouse Room. We will be performing a Postlude during Advent. All are welcome. 6

7 LET'S HAVE FUN THIS FALL! Saturday, November 3rd 6:30 PM The Raker's house 20 Horseshoe Rd, Darien, CT Come for a fun evening of "grown up" fellowship! Fancy pizza truck food and drinks will be served. No need to bring anything* - except maybe a new or old church friend. For more information or to RSVP contact Heather Raker at hraker@me.com * A donation basket for Outreach will be available - if you are so inclined. MISSING Black, Jones New York, Blazer if found, please contact the church office! 7

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9 2018 Church Fall Fair It s that time again - The Women s Association invites your family to the Church Fall Fair. Come before or after the 10:00 service on Sunday, November 18 to shop for things to enhance your Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The Fair also provides two opportunities for children to shop for their parents' Christmas gifts at both the Jumble and Jewelry tables. This year the Fair will include: Bake Sale - Homemade treats, Quiche, Holiday Pies and Fall Soups Jewelry Table Jumble Sale Raffle Dove Box Sign Up Cabot Cheddar Cheese for sale Craft, Knitting and Crochet creations Wonderful Bakery Bread from Beldotti s bakery Table Floral arrangements We need your help to make this a success. Please think about what you can contribute. We are collecting contributions for the Jewelry and Jumble sales in boxes at the front of the stage in Parish Hall. (Jumble items are used household items that are small (think toaster size or less). If you are baking or making soup or other savories, put some in the freezer to contribute to the Bake Sale. On Wednesday, November 14 we will be making quiches, pies and soups to sell at the Fair. This is our Nite Owls night so we ll bake quiche and then eat some for dinner. More details, dates and order forms will follow. 9

10 Annual Pledge Campaign The Annual Pledge Campaign is coming!! Be sure to look for your pledge packet in the mail by early November. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 10

11 WELCOME TO THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF DARIEN 11

12 "Where God's extravagant love welcomes and affirms, where Christ's transforming truth enlivens and compels." We are an accepting community where faith in Christ makes a difference. We welcome you to worship with us wherever you are on your journey. As a spiritual home, our hallmarks are education, fellowship and pastoral care. Children have a special place in our church family, and are embraced with love, guidance and opportunities for spiritual growth. We are a church of conscience, unafraid of the issues of today and serving as a reconciling force among different faiths. CHURCH CALENDAR TODAY Holy Halloween Party, 11:15 a.m. in Parish Hall WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24 Reading Luke, 9:30 a.m. in the Morehouse Room THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 Senior Choir Rehearsal, 8:00 p.m. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 Worship Services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Halloween Party, 11:20 a.m. Ministers: Every member of the congregation. Clergy and Staff: The Rev. Dale Rosenberger, Senior Minister (emergency pager) 1- (203) The Rev. Ronald T. Evans, Pastor Emeritus Benjamin Geeding, Interim Parish Associate Christine Geeding, Director of Christian Education Daniel Hague, Music Director Maxim Pakhomov, Organist Teri Manning, Nursery School Director Karen Hansen, Treasurer Pamela Toason, Church Administrator (M, T) Dennis Hanlon, Church Administrator (W, Th, Fri) Carlos Maya, Weekday Sexton Ruth Salazar, Sunday Sexton 12