TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST STEWARDSHIP CHALLENGE SUNDAY November 11, :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-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST STEWARDSHIP CHALLENGE SUNDAY November 11, :30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. 1

2 TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST STEWARDSHIP CHALLENGE SUNDAY November 11, :30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Children are welcome at all services. There is a nursery available for ages in the Nursery School. A cry-room is also available in the church library. *Those who are able are invited to stand PRELUDE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Maxim Pakhomov Rev. Dale B. Rosenberger, Senior Minister PASSING OF THE PEACE HYMN #454 GOD, WHOSE GIVING KNOWS NO ENDING *CALL TO WORSHIP In the beginning, God created us from the earth, and breathed into our being the very breath of life. God created everything for our delight, that we should care for and cultivate it. In the days of the prophets, the Spirit of God blew, as we were called to love our God as Lord of Truth. People resisted, but God s persistent love was even stronger than their stubbornness. When Jesus Christ came, the Lord took on our flesh so that we might see this world through God s eyes. As we gather, we feel God s breath blow upon us; We are now renewed to give and receive in season. (responsively) *OPENING PRAYER 2

3 *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. *GLORIA PATRI CHILDREN S DISMISSAL (10:00 only) JOYS AND CONCERNS STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Caroline Burke OLD TESTAMENT LESSON I KINGS 17:8-16 Liz Werner, Deacon (8:30) Leila Wetmore, Deacon (10:00) Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you. So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink. As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand. But she said, As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die. Elijah said to her, Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth. She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah. 3

4 *HYMN #259 AWAKE, AWAKE TO LOVE AND WORK GOSPEL LESSON MARK 12:38-44 Rev. Rosenberger As he taught, he said, Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation. He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on. SERMON A DIVINE SPIRITUAL ECONOMY Rev. Rosenberger OF RECEIVING AND GIVING OFFERTORY OFFERTORY (Micah 6:6-8) John Ness Beck (10:00 only) The Show Up and Sing Choir *DOXOLOGY (10:00 only) *PRAYER OF DEDICATION (unison) (10:00 only) We dedicate our pledges and gifts to you, O generous God, maker of all things, powerful beyond measure, and good beyond understanding. You create and nourish all of life. We respond affirming every good and perfect gift is from you. As we celebrate your selfgiving in Christ, we eagerly give of ourselves, remembering your extravagance toward us. Amen. 4

5 *HYMN #456 GOD OF THE FERTILE FIELDS *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Rev. Rosenberger Mr. Pakhomov * * * TODAY S USHERS: Liz Werner (8:30), Todd Bortel, Dave Sealy and Leila Wetmore PLEDGE CAMPAIGN IS HERE! The amount of your pledge is secondary to your participation. We are striving for 100% congregant support this year. Join us for Stewardship Celebration Sunday on November 18, or return your pledge card to the Treasurer s office by November 28. Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. Exodus 25:2 5

6 CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS 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 be rehearsing on Mondays, at 4 pm in the Meetinghouse. We will be performing a Postlude during Advent. All are welcome. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS UPCOMING MUSIC EVENT Dec 16: Christmas Candlelight Concert: Featuring our own choir soloists, the wonderful Tudor Singers, and Dan and Max leading the way Don t miss out! More information to come. THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF DARIEN HELPS! Mark your calendars to help distribute turkeys at the Open Door Shelter! Tuesday, November 20th, 8:30am -11:30am. Distributing turkeys is a great way to kick off the holiday season. It s fun AND you help others in need. Contact sallyan@zenkoconsulting.com or sign up on the bulletin board in Parish Hall to help. Thank you for helping those in need! The First Congregational Church of Darien Board of Outreach Chair: Lauren Swenson, Vice Chair: Lindsay Atha, Members: Scott Barrett, Jeanine Bortel, Elmerina Brooks, Gary Holmes, Bob McGee, Doug McPheters, Sallyan Pelletier, Bobbi Stuart, Charlie Wetmore, Carol Wilson 6

7 FCC NURSERY AND CHURCH SCHOOL (AGE 0-GRADE 5) This Sunday: -Nursery available, ages (please go up the nursery school ramp and take your first left. The classroom will be the second door on the right, after the supply closet). If no one comes to the nursery before 10:30, it will no longer be available. -Church School available for age 3 - grade 5. Dismissal after Joys and Concerns! Junior Choir: This Sunday! (Grades 2-6) Begins Sunday, November 11th following the 10:00am service! If you are a 2nd - 6th grader, you are invited to join our Junior Choir led by Mrs. G. and Mr. Dan Hague. We already have several wonderful performing opportunities on the calendar! Questions? cgeeding@uccdarien.org. Pageant Rehearsals Continue: Don t miss it! The rehearsals will be held during church school, and the pageant will take place on December 23rd at 11:20am. Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, December 22nd in the evening. 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. 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) Our calendars just seem to fill up faster and faster! Don't forget to take time for your personal growth. Need a place to relax and get away from the crazy?? Come hang out with B&C! Mrs. G. at cgeeding@uccdarien.org. Next Confirmation Class: Sunday, November 11 (11:20am - 12:10pm) Next HS Access: Sunday, November 11 (10:00am - 11:15am) Next MS Access: Thursday, November 15 (7:00pm - 8:20pm) Next Youth Group: Sunday, November 18 (6:00pm - 7:30pm) Next CAYA: Sunday, November 25 (4:30pm - 5:15pm) 7

8 Outreach Opportunity: Stay tuned for information regarding our "Thanksgiving at Atria" on November 12th! In-reach Opportunity: The Fall Fair needs assistance and volunteers to make it the best fair yet! Did you know that ALL of the jewelry and jumble sale proceeds go to the Youth Group?! Let's make sure we earn it and help out as much as we can! Musicians Needed: Did you know that the Advent Workshop/Celebration is for FCC family and friends of all ages? YIG will be working to create a set-list of live music for dinner-time entertainment during the Advent Workshop on the evening of December 2nd. I KNOW how many musicians we have at FCC just in the Youth Group. Let's show our gifts and talents! cgeeding@uccdarien.org. Needed: Teens to help in Nursery (paid) and with the Christmas Pageant! 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 / Fall Fair Set-up / Fall Fair / Access Help / Youth Band / Powerpoint at Come As You Are 8

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10 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. 10

11 2018 CHURCH FALL FAIR PRE-ORDER FORM HOW MANY? QUICHE $15 PUMPKIN PIE $10 APPLE PIE $12 Baked Frozen PECAN PIE $12 Baked Frozen PUMPKIN FLORAL CENTERPICE $30 NAME PHONE LEAVE FORM IN CHURCH OFFICE OR IN WOMEN S ASSOCIATION MAILBOX, ACROSS FROM OFFICE DOOR. Questions? Contact Debbie Nelson (h) (c) dcnelson@optonline.net 11

12 WELCOME TO THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF DARIEN "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 Knitting Ministry, 11:00 a.m. in the Morehouse Room MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Board of Deacons, 7:45 p.m. in the Circle Room Board of Stewards, 7:45 p.m. in the Morehouse Room TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Board of Christian Outreach, 7:30 p.m. in the Morehouse Room WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14 Reading Luke, 9:30 a.m. in the Morehouse Room Night Owls, 6:00 p.m. Church Council, 8:00 p.m. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 WA Baking for Fall Fair, 6:00 p.m. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 WA Baking for Fall Fair, 6:00 p.m. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Worship Services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 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