A Welcoming and Affirming Church A Safe Space for All First gathered in 1812 ORDER OF WORSHIP. October 28, 2018 Reformation Sunday 10:00 am

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1 A Welcoming and Affirming Church A Safe Space for All First gathered in 1812 ORDER OF WORSHIP October 28, 2018 Reformation Sunday 10:00 am Thoughts on Worship For the past several weeks that we have worshipped together, we have begun brave conversations with one another, and we have continued those dialogues as a congregation each Wednesday evening at the church. Each sermon and discussion has been a part of setting up this Sunday s conversation. What does it mean to be a Christian today? Let s hear the story of the blind beggar in Mark s Gospel and see how his story might shed light on the prescription for all believers today. * Indicates that you are invited to stand in body or in spirit. Hearing devices are available from the ushers for those needing assistance. Prelude Call to Worship One: Eternal One, whose thoughts and ways are not ours, Many: You alone are God, One: Awesome, holy, and most high. Many: School us in the ways of faith and wisdom, One: That we, like the blind man seeking mercy, Many: May learn to truly see and hear, All: And in humility find blessing. Pastor Derek Henson The Lord s Prayer (debts) * Gloria Patri 734 Glory Be to the Father...Greatorex * Processional Hymn 507 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God...Ein Feste Burg

2 Welcome From the Church If you are visiting with us, and if you would like to learn more about our church or ways you can connect more deeply within the life of our church, please fill out the FBC Connection Card (located in the pew rack) and place it in the offering plate later on in the service. * Greeting One Another in the Peace of Christ You are invited to share the grace of Christ with one another. * Gathering Song 76 We Are Singing, for the Lord Is Our Light...Siyahamba Siyahambe kukhanyen kwenkhos, Siyahambe kukhanyen kwenkhos, Siyahambe kukhanyen kwenkhos, Siyahambe kukhanyen kwenkhos, Siyahamba, Siyahamba O Siyahambe kukhanyen kwenkhos. The First Reading Psalm 126 (pg. 499) When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. One: May the Spirit of Wisdom lead us to understanding. Many: Thanks be to God. The Second Reading Mark 10:46-52 (pg. 823) They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, Son of David, have mercy on me! Jesus stood still and said, Call him here. And they called the blind man, saying to him, Take heart; get up, he is calling you. So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, What do you want me to do for you? The blind man said to him, My teacher, let me see again. Jesus said to him, Go; your faith has made you well. Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. One: May the Spirit of Wisdom lead us to understanding. Many: Thanks be to God. Offering of Our Gifts The ministries of our church are possible because of the generous gifts you give in support. At this time, you are invited to give your offering, as you are able.

3 Offertory Choral Improvisation on A Mighty Fortress * Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen. * Prayer of Dedication Moment of Wonder Barbara Ward Children and youth are invited to the chancel at this time, after which they are invited to Sunday School. * Congregational Hymn 243 Songs of Thankfulness and Praise...St. George s, Windsor Sermon The Prescription of All Believers The Reverend Brent Newberry Prayers of the People Choral Orison Collect from the Book of Common Prayer Let thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and, that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. * Congregational Hymn 93 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness...Nettleton Partnering in Church Life Just as we arrived this morning in faith, so too, we depart to be faithful partners in the work of God. Listen now for opportunities to connect more richly in the life of First Baptist. Departing Grace Pastor: As we depart this safe and sacred space, Congregation: We go in God s unending grace, Pastor: Marching sacred paces to every corner of our community, Congregation: Becoming safe spaces for every need in our city, All: Recognizing the brave faces of every soul in our world. Amen. Postlude Improvisation on Ein feste Burg

4 Who We Are Praying For Brad Mills; Nicole; Jane O; Betty K.; Marilyn Sibley; Jo, Sydney s Mom; Betty B.; Donna K.; Jess G.; Bette S.; John Torrisi, Ginny Smith If you or a loved one would like to be prayed for, please fill out a prayer card and drop it in the offering plate or prayer box. Sundays at First Baptist Bibles and Bagels 9 am Worship Service 10 am Fellowship 11 am Adult Forum 11:30 am First Sunday of the Month: Celebration of Communion Wednesdays at 6 pm: Rewind Sermon Discussion Program

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS Today at FBC Congregational Photo Sanctuary Business Meeting Sanctuary Fellowship Hour Gordon Hall This Week at FBC Sermon Rewind Wednesday at 6 pm Brent s Office Handbell Rehearsal Thursday at 6:15 pm Chancel Choir Thursday at 7:30 pm All Souls Service Nov. 2, 7 pm Sanctuary FBCWoo Small Groups Below is a list of the Fall Series of Small Groups. Contact church office for details. Smorgasbord, Brent Newberry, Monthly on Sundays Photography, Tom Grisso, Monthly on Saturdays The Book Corner, Lynne Carroll, Monthly All the Cool Things Your Mac Can Do That You Were Never Told, Richard Wolf, Monthly or Bi-Weekly Knitting for the Community, Donna Grisso, Weekly on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm. Adventures in Worcester County, Courtney Stevens, Weekly on Saturdays Pups and Pastries, Joseph Zuniga, Weekly on Fridays Trivia Night, Annika Dixon, Weekly Celebrating New Life! Allison Gabrielle Morris- Clark was born on October 26th to Amy and Nicole Morris-Clark. All are well and resting after her early arrival! Youngish Adults Smorgasbord November 11, 6 pm Soup and Chili Night at Brent s! Let him know what you re bringing. Trivia Small Group Update 10/30: Oak Barrel Tavern at 8 pm 11/6: Antonio's Pizza at 8:30 pm 11/14: British Beer Company at 8 pm 11/27: Wormtown Brewery at 7 pm

6 Rewind Join us each Wednesday evening as we continue the conversation that was started in the sermon. How do you interpret the Scriptures from Sunday? How can we be brave enough to listen to one another and to speak our truth? Rewind discussions are held in Brent s outer office at 6 pm. All Souls Service Friday, November 2, 7:00 pm The service of All Souls is a time unlike any other in the church year; It s an evening devoted to the memory of those who have passed. The service will include a litany of the departed from our congregation and an opportunity to light a candle in their memory to the glorious strains of the Faure Requiem. Join us in celebrating the church eternal. November Forums Nov. 4 Scrogin Great Issues: The Soul of America by Jon Meacham Nov. 11 Making Scripture Reading Meaningful Nov. 18 Sharing Our Poetry Nov. 25 Hanging of the Greens Online Church Directory The directory is now accessible on our website! You can find it in the About Us menu. If you have already created an account, access the directory with your username and password. If you d like to create an account in the directory, click on the link. You do not have to be an official member of FBC to become part of the Church Directory. Your request for an Online Directory profile and access to the directory will need to be approved by the church. Where it reads Not a Member? there will be a place to create an account. *Please note, Not a Member means you are not a member of the online directory, not FBC. Forgot your password? No problem, the Directory Administrator (Courtney Stevens) can reset it for you!

7 Big Y Cards The Outreach Team will be collecting Big Y grocery cards for the Interfaith Hospitality House today. Cards will be available from Ann Puffer in amounts of $25, $50, and $100 but donations of any amount will be accepted in Gordon Hall payable by cash or check. These cards will be delivered to IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network) on November 1st. Thank you for your generosity and support. Interfaith Hospitality House The Outreach Team is looking for volunteers for the Interfaith Hospitality House on June Street from Nov. 4 - Nov. 11. The shifts are 5:30-8:30 pm and 8 pm-6:30 am. Please contact Lyn Stevens, Facilitator of Outreach. Yes on 3 Join us Tuesday evenings in October, anytime between 6-9 pm as we work with Freedom Massachusetts to make calls in support of Yes on 3--a ballot initiative that protects the rights of trans persons in Massachusetts. 10/30 Tue 12:00 pm 5:00 pm Save the Date Mustard Seed Meal Preparation Mustard Seed Serving Meals 10/31 Wed 6:00 pm Rewind Sermon Discussion Pastor s Study 11/2 Fri 7:00 pm All Souls Service Sanctuary 11/4 Sun 11:30 am Scrogin Great Issues Forum The Soul of America by Jon Meacham 11/7 Wed 6:00 pm Rewind Sermon Discussion Pastor s Study 11/11 Sun 11:30 am Adult Forum Making Scripture Reading Meaningful 11/9 Fri 6:00 pm Movie Night The Greatest Showman with Baked Apples Lee Rom 11/11 Sun 10:30 am Making Wheat Sheaves with Lynne Carroll at Sunday School Youth Lounge 11/14 Wed 6:00 pm Rewind Sermon Discussion Pastor s Study 11/18 Sun 11:30 am Parent Meeting with Brent and Youth Ministry Facilitator Youth Lounge 11/18 Sun 11:30 am Adult Forum Sharing Our Poetry 11/18 Sun Common Table 11/25 Sun 11:30 am Youth: Making Gingerbread Cookies for the Mustard Seed Kitchen 11/25 Sun 11:30 am Hanging of the Greens Annual Fundraiser for Heifer International Begins Next Sunday in Gordon Hall. Save the Date Common Table November 18 6 pm Attention Knitters! The Mitten Tree is in Gordon Hall. Hang preschool/child size mittens on the tree in October. We will distribute them in November to Head Start. Pledge Sunday November 18 Bring your pledge cards with you as we participate in the dedication of our financial contributions to the work of the church for Cards were mailed this week. Contact the church office if you need one.

8 Thanks for Being Here! We are so glad you worshipped with us this morning! Thank you for being here. Each of you matters to us, and we hope to get to know you better. We are a Welcoming & Affirming Church, and a Safe Space for all people. What that means: Who you are, and how you re created is a gift to this world and this faith community, and we celebrate the ways your life gives witness to the way of Christ in both. Maybe it s your race or nationality, your age or vocation, your sexual orientation, your gender identity, your faith background, your political affiliation or personal aspirations, you are celebrated here. You are safe here, to fully be who God has created you to be. And if you would like to partner in ministry with us, we have no doubt that your participation will make us a better faith community. We have weekly opportunities for learning and friendship. Check out our Announcements or subscribe from our website s home page ( to our weekly e-newsletter on the happenings of our church. Following our services each week, we invite you to join us in Gordon Hall for coffee and refreshments, our treat! If you re new, we d love a chance to get to know you, and if you re a regular, well, you know what to do--make a new friend! Gordon Hall is located through the exit to your right (the pulpit side). All-Gender Restrooms are available in the rear of the sanctuary or to the exit to your right, near Gordon Hall. If you still aren t sure of their location, ask a new friend--they ll be happy to show you the way! Last but not least! We have connection cards. Fill one out and drop it in the offering plate, and our Pastor will be happy to reach out during the week to answer any questions or give you any more information about our great church! Contact Us The First Baptist Church of Worcester 111 Park Avenue, Worcester, Massachusetts info@fbc-worc.org Facebook Phone: (508) The Reverend Brent A. Newberry, Pastor Derek Henson, Associate Pastor of Administration & Communication Wesley Harrison Hall, Minister of Music and Arts