ALL SAINTS SUNDAY November 4, :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: ALL SAINTS SUNDAY November 4, :30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. 1

2 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY November 4, :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 #486 FOR ALL THE SAINTS *CALL TO WORSHIP How often have we imagined our God as distant and far? God is not afar in a remote heaven. He is here and now. We wait in silence for God s appearing. Come, Holy One, to wipe away our tears. Stretch out your hands and open up your hearts. Purify yourself, for the presence of the Holy One. We can sense God s blessing, pursuing us. God reaches out to comfort and cleanse us. The earth and everything within it are of God. The world and all peoples are God s children. We are God s people, called and saved by Christ. We are God s saints, sharing in Christ s ministry. (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 CHILDREN S DISMISSAL (10:00 only) JOYS AND CONCERNS STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Sallyan Pelletier OLD TESTAMENT LESSON ISAIAH 25:6-9 Marianne Lauer, Deacon (8:30) Phil Meyer, Deacon (10:00) On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-matured wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-matured wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. *HYMN #319 BREAD OF THE WORLD, IN MERCY BROKEN EPISTLE LESSON HEBREWS 11:1-3, 13-16, Rev. Rosenberger Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. (continued) 3

4 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh s daughter, choosing rather to share illtreatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, unafraid of the king s anger; for he persevered as though he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect. SERMON HOLDING ALOFT GOD S SCEPTER OF LIGHT Rev. Rosenberger OFFERTORY HOMEWARD BOUND Marta Keen (10:00 only) Senior Choir 4

5 *DOXOLOGY (10:00 only) *PRAYER OF DEDICATION (unison) (10:00 only) We have received untold blessings from your hand, O God. You set before us a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, inviting us to be a part of its shaping. May the love of Jesus be declared to a darkened world by the sharing of our gifts. This offering of service and sacrifice embodies all that we hope to proclaim. Amen. INVITATION CELEBRATION OF THE LORD S SUPPER CALL TO PRAYER (Leader) (Congregation) (Leader) (Congregation) (Leader) (Congregation) The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise. *SANCTUS HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Holy, holy, holy. My heart, my heart adores you! My heart knows how to say to you: Holy are you, Lord! PRAYER OF CONSECRATION WORDS OF INSTITUTION NECROLOGY Leslie Anne McGill, Michael Mitch Zeman and those named by the congregation. 5

6 SHARING OF THE BREAD AND CUP (unison) Almighty God, we give you thanks for the gift of our Savior s presence in the simplicity and splendor of this holy meal. We thank you that you judge us not by the perfection of our actions, but by our readiness to live in faith. Help us to trust you and follow where you lead, that in Christ your name may be glorified in all the earth. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING *HYMN #494 I SING A SONG OF THE SAINTS OF GOD *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Rev. Rosenberger Mr. Pakhomov * * * TODAY S USHERS: Marianne Lauer (8:30), Phil Meyer, Mandy Teare and Caroline Van Ingen 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. And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you. Genesis 28:22 6

7 CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS CONGRATULATIONS TO RYAN AND CAITLIN GRISWOLD ON THE BIRTH OF THEIR DAUGHTER, EMMA MCBETH GRISWOLD, BORN ON 10/31-7 LBS, 2O INCHES! 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. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING MUSIC EVENTS Nov 11: Show up and Sing: Show up at 9:15 am in the Morehouse Room, learn a simple piece, and raise your voice with the choir! 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 7

8 CHURCH SCHOOL This Sunday: -Nursery available, ages Church School available for age 3 - grade 5. Dismissal after Joys and Concerns! Pageant Rehearsals Begin: Today! 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!) 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! 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) PAINTBALL: November 3rd from 10:00am-12:00pm at Yankee Paintball in Fairfield County. $30/person. Claim your spot now!!! 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 / Access Help / Youth Band / Powerpoint at Come As You Are 8

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

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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 Confirmation Class #4 11 th Hour Faith and New Media MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Youth Leaders, 6:30 p.m. Board of Christian Education, 7:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7 Reading Luke, 9:30 a.m. in the Morehouse Room THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Senior Choir Rehearsal, 8:00 p.m. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 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