May 4, Confirmation Sunday with Holy Communion The Third Sunday of Easter

Transcription

1 May 4, 2014 Confirmation Sunday with Holy Communion The Third Sunday of Easter Norfield Congregational Church Weston, Connecticut Rev. Dr. Bernard R. Wilson, Senior Minister

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3 Ringing of the Church Bell Welcome & Announcements Prelude Cello Suite No 1: Allemande Johann Sebastian Bach Julia Schreder, guitar Invocation James Hastings Call to Worship Zachary Spencer Leader: Gracious God, come and confirm us in the truth that Christ makes known. People: We have faith and understanding through your helping gifts alone. Leader: Use our hands and guide our feet to do your work in this world. People: Be with us as we profess our faith in You. Amen. *Hymn No. 464 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee HYMN TO JOY Confirmands Prayers for the Community Lauren Noble 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. Reflections John Pitkin, Isobel Squance, Ian Sanders Hunter McClintock, Victoria Piscatelli, Nikholas Parker Duet Hallelujah Leonard Cohen Julia Schreder and Rachael Buddenhagen Children s Sermon Jamie Klein and Brendan Summers

4 CHRISTIAN RITE OF CONFIRMATION AND CHURCH MEMBERSHIP We invite the following Candidates for Confirmation to come forward: Rachael Buddenhagen Zachary Clevenger James Hastings Taylor Kendall Jamie Klein Chase Lafontaine Bobby Lummis Hunter McClintock Lauren Noble Cameron Okoro Nikholas Parker Victoria Piscatelli John Pitkin Brandon Postlethwaite Jackson Quist Ian Sanders Julia Schreder Zachary Spencer Isobel Squance Brendan Summers Rev. Wilson: Hear the words of Jesus: I am the vine, you are the branches. Anyone who abides in me, and I in that person, is the one who bears much fruit. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. Rev. Hough Rogers: I now ask you Rachael, Zach, James, Taylor, Jamie, Chase, Bobby, Hunter, Lauren, Cameron, Nik, Tori, John, Brandon, Jackson, Ian, Julia, Zach, Isobel and Brendan, Do you desire to confirm your baptism into the faith and family of Jesus Christ? Confirmands: I do. Rev. Hough Rogers: Do you renounce the powers of evil and desire the freedom of new life in Christ? Confirmands: I do. Rev. Hough Rogers: Do you profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Confirmands: I do. Rev. Hough Rogers: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ s disciple, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able? If so, answer, I promise, with the help of God. Confirmands: I promise, with the help of God. Rev. Hough Rogers: Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow in the Christian faith and to be a faithful member of Norfield, furthering Christ s mission in the world? If so, answer, I promise with the help of God. Confirmands: I promise, with the help of God. Rev. Hough Rogers: Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of Norfield Church, attending worship and enlisting in the work of this church as it serves this community and the world? If so, answer, I promise with the help of God. Confirmands: I promise, with the help of God. Rev. Wilson: Everyone: Rev. Wilson: Everyone: Rev. Wilson: Everyone: Let us all unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the Triune God. Do you believe in God? I believe in God. Do you believe in Jesus Christ? I believe in Jesus Christ. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? I believe in the Holy Spirit.

5 Rev. Wilson: Confirmands: Deacon: Congregation: Deacon: Congregation: We give thanks for every step in your life s journey that brings you to this decision today. Let the power of God s Spirit rest upon you as you affirm your desire to be confirmed as full members of Norfield Congregational Church. Do you, the members of the 2014 Confirmation class promise to be faithful members of the Norfield Church family, giving of yourself in every way, to fulfill your calling as a follower of Christ? We do. (to Congregation) Do you promise to care for and support these new members as they grow in their relationship with God and this church family? We do. Let us, the members of the Norfield Congregational Church, express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ. We promise you our continuing friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the Church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God s knowledge and love, and be witnesses of Christ s love. Rev. Hough Rogers: Let us all unite within the tradition of this church by reading together the Covenant of Norfield Congregational Church. Everyone: We promise to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and we take as our rule of life the words: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. We take this Church to be our Church, and ever mindful of our fellow members, we promise to walk with them in faithfulness and Christian love. We promise that so far as possible we will attend the services of this Church, share in its mission, and endeavor to make it a fruitful body of Christians. At this time, the 2014 Confirmands will receive their Confirmation Stoles Rev. Hough Rogers: I invite the candidates to join me in a prayer of commitment. 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. Rev. Hough Rogers: Let us pray together. Everyone: Almighty God, grant these your children love for others, joy in serving you, peace in disagreement, patience in suffering, kindness toward all people, goodness in evil times, faithfulness in temptation, gentleness in the face of opposition, and self-control in all things, thereby strengthening them for their ministry in the world. Help them to live not for themselves, but for You. Amen. Children 3rd grade and younger may leave for an activity with Penny in the Norfield Room at this time. All other children and youth are invited to stay and worship with their families. *Hymn No. 322 Spirit of the Living God (sung twice) D. Iverson

6 Scripture Readings Luke 24: Zachary Clevenger That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was He asked, What s this you re discussing so intently as you walk along? They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn t heard what s happened during the last few days? He said, What has happened? They said, The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn t find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn t see Jesus. Luke 24: Jackson Quist Then he said to them, So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can t you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don t you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory? Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: Stay and have supper with us. It s nearly evening; the day is done. So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared. 32 Back and forth they talked. Didn t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us? They didn t waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: It s really happened! The Master has been raised up Simon saw him! 35 Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread. 36 While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, Peace be with you. Luke 24: Chase Lafontaine They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, Don t be upset, and don t let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet it s really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn t have muscle and bone like this. As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn t believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true He asked, Do you have any food here? They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes. 44 Then he said, Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations starting from here, from Jerusalem! You re the first to hear and see it. You re the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you re equipped with power from on high.

7 Sermon Graduation Rev. Dr. Bernard R. Wilson and Rev. Kelly Hough Rogers Invitation to Giving Taylor Kendall Offertory Anthem *Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Prayer of Dedication LASST UNS ERFREUEN Taylor Kendall Welcome to the Lord s Table First Communion for the 2014 Confirmands Sharing the Bread and Cup (Symbolizing your personal relationship with Christ, you are invited to eat the bread when you are served. Symbolizing our unity in Christ, please hold the cup until all are served and we will drink together, at the bidding of the Pastor. Symbolizing our service to each other, please allow the person or usher next to you to hold the communion tray and serve you, if they are able. After communion is taken, the minister will invite the congregation to pass the peace. ) Communion Music Prayer of Thanksgiving Bobby Lummis *Hymn No. 525 Here I am, Lord D. Schutte Closing Prayer Benediction Brandon Postlethwaite Cameron Okoro Response Postlude Toccata Theodore Dubois Texts and tunes reprinted with permission granted by Christian Copyright Licensing, Inc. # *Asterisk indicates standing for those who desire.

8 P a ri sh Note s May 4, 2014 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 on tables at the entrances! Leaders of Worship Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Bernard R. Wilson Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families Rev. Kelly Hough Rogers Pastoral Associate for Wholeness Ministries Rev. Diane Stevenson Director of Music Ellen Dickinson Artist-in-Residence Dr. David H. Connell Deacon of the Day Louise Hastings Greeters & Coffee Hour Hosts Confirmation Class of 2013 Communion Servers Judy Albin, Charlene Blount, Dan Klein, Hunt Kelley, and Roger Bos Ushers Jon Buddenhagen & Charlene Blount Our Prayer List (May) 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) Concerns: For those on our prayer list Joys: Our wonderful Class of Confirmands and all Answered Prayers (If you would like to put a name, concern, or joy on the prayer list, please call the church office at Your prayer concern will remain on the list for the month; if you would like to extend that time please call the church office.) The altar flowers today are given in loving memory of Jeffrey Lloyd Bower from his brother, Ernest C. Bower. The Confirmands Boutonnieres are given by the Christian Education Committee. D iscovery H ou r Penny Anderson, Christian Education Director Grades 3-8 will stay in the sanctuary for Confirmation Sunday worship with their families. Grades K-3 will enjoy music and activities in the Norfield room with Miss Penny and Kaitlin.

9 Announcements Mother s Day Hanging Basket Sale Please honor the Moms in your life by picking up beautiful hanging baskets which will be on sale on the front lawn after worship next Sunday, May 11th. The sale is presented by the crew from Bobbie s Garden Booth and all proceeds will benefit the 2014 Norfield Fair. We look forward to seeing you! Donations for the 113th Norfield Church Fair Spring Cleaning? Not sure where to bring those treasures that are cluttering up your closets or you simply no longer use, clothing that is too small or books you have laying around? Donations are now being accepted! Grandma s Attic will be collecting and selling everything from planters to crockpots, sports equipment to glassware in addition to games, toys, small electronics, household items and small furniture. Grandma s Attic is unable to accept computers, heavy exercise equipment, skis and ski boots, mattresses, pillows, drapes/valances, cribs or playpens. All donated items must be in good condition. Donation drop off of small items will take place under Grandma s Attic tent on the Norfield Church campus starting on Wednesday, May 14 between 9:00am and 2:00pm through Thursday, May 22nd. Please leave all items on the designated wooden pallets under the tent. For more information, please contact Jennifer Barron at Additionally, donations are being accepted for hardcover and paperback books, record albums, DVDs, and educational software for this year s Book Nook. All items must be in good condition. Please no video cassettes, textbooks, magazines or periodicals. Donation drop off is at the Norfield Church s Mike Tine Room starting on Sunday, May 4th. For more information, please contact Jim Hodel at or jim_hodel@gmail.com. Norfield s Walton s Corner is the place to find wonderful small treasures. If you would like to donate china, jewelry, silver, pewter, porcelain figurines, vintage linens, kitchen utensils and ceramics drop off is at the Norfield Church s Mike Tine Room starting Sunday, May 4th. For more detailed information, please contact Teri Gaberman at terigaberman@optonline.net. Lastly, clothing donations are being accepted. All clothing items must be clean and folded. Donation drop off is at Norfield Church s Attic starting Sunday, May 4th. For more information, please contact Wendy DeMonchaux at All proceeds from the Norfield Fair are distributed to Fairfield County 501c(3) charitable organizations. Since 1990, Norfield Church has donated over $1 million dollars to charities from its country fair and live auction dinner proceeds. This year s fair proceeds will benefit the Pivot House, CLASP, ICON, Family ReEntry and UCC Wider Church Ministries. For further information regarding the 113th Norfield Fair, please contact the Church Office at or visit

10 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. 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 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, coffee hour in the Parish Hall so we can welcome you personally and introduce ourselves. Please visit our website at for more information, and for updates on church activities and service schedules.

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12 C h u rch Calendar Day Date Time Event Place Sunday 5/4 8:45am Sanctuary Choir Sanctuary 10:00am Confirmation Sunday Sanctuary Monday 5/5 11:00am Senior Zumba Parish Hall 7:00pm Boy Scouts Parish Hall 7:30pm Council Meeting Conference Rm Tuesday 5/6 9:30am Mom s Bible Study Banks Room 11:00am Stretch & Strength for Seniors Senior Center Wednesday 5/7 9:30am Open Door Bible Study Banks Room 11:00am Weston Senior Center Luncheon Parish Hall 4:00pm Children s and Youth Choirs Sanctuary 5:30pm Community Supper Parish Hall 6:15pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal Greene Room 7:00pm Good News Gospel Choir Rehearsal Parish Hall Thursday 5/8 11:00am Stretch & Strength for Seniors Senior Center Friday 5/9 10:00am Yoga for Seniors Parish Hall Saturday 5/10 8:30am Kiwanis Parish Hall 4:00pm Norfield Children s Center Dinner Parish Hall Sunday 5/11 8:45am Sanctuary Choir Sanctuary 10:00am Worship Sanctuary BOARD AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS Moderator Don Gary Vice Moderator Rob Sanders Altar Committee Bobbie Sassano & Gaitrie Bos Board of Trustees Kurt Schreder Board of Deacons Carol Hamilton Human Resources Jean-Davis French Board of Music Andrew Bunger Senior Shepherds Arlene Pitts Board of Fellowship Kim Gautier Parish Nurse Joan Henderson Board of Christian Education Laura Smits Church Clerk Kerri Meredith Nominating Committee Gaitrie Bos Treasurer Dana Troxell Shepherds Lois Bechtel & Missy Dorsey Prayer Requests Jackie Troxell Assistant Treasurer Pam LaFontaine Prayer Shawl Ministry Jacqueline Pike Board of Christian Outreach David MacWilliams & Pam Kersey