The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost 23 September 2012

Transcription

1 Old Greenwich, THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL United Church Connecticut CHURCH OF GREENWICH of Christ Founded in 1665 The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost 23 September o clock in the morning Women of the Bible Series: Thecla by Mary Button

2

3 W elcome to this service of worship. We are glad you are here! This morning, we will take a look at the father and mother of our faith. Do you remember their names? We ll add in another name that, perhaps, you ve never heard. Finally, we ll add your name into the faith story. You, God s wonderful creation, what is it to which God is calling you? PREPARING FOR WORSHIP Please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices. *All who are able please stand Seating of latecomers PRELUDE Four Preludes: Introitus Gagliarda Melodia Monastica Aria Semplice CALL TO COMMUNITY Please sign and pass the red book. Dr. Craig Scott Symons, organ Sigfrid Karg-Elert Rev. John W. Collins PRAISING GOD CALL TO WORSHIP * HYMN Praise the Lord, His Glories Show Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 19 (Please remain standing for the Opening Prayer through the Gloria) *OPENING PRAYER (In unison) Rev. Avery C. Manchester Leader: God, you have called to each of us. Sometimes the call is clear. Sometimes it is muffled. Sometimes, we miss it. People: God, who has called us to this place, be with us now.

4 Leader: God, you have empowered us to share acts of kindness, you have enabled us to share our gifts. Your call has prompted in us a response. People: God, who has called us to this place, be with us now. Leader: When we have found ourselves in times of trial, you have lifted us up. When we have struggled, your angels and saints have comforted us. When we have needed a place of refuge, you have provided it. People: God, who has called us to this place, be with us now. All: God, in your mercy, hear our prayer. May your love surround us. May our call be clear. May we, with the communion of saints, worship you. May our prayer be made together, as we recognize the power and presence of Christ who taught us to pray *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 Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 513 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Langley Anne Mallett, daughter of Lenore Morrow Mallett and Marc M. Mallett *CONGREGATIONAL AFFIRMATION OF SUPPORT We promise to give these parents our support as they encourage this child in the ways of faith. We promise also, to hold this child in our love and in our prayers. Daily, we will strive to build a community rich in the spirit of God in which to nurture and bless this child.

5 BAPTISMAL RESPONSE Child of Blessing, Child of Promise (verse 1) New Century (black) Hymnal 325 Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit s sign; With this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine. HEARING GOD'S WORD FIRST LESSON Olivia Hartwell N Genesis 11:27-12:9 ow the Lord said to Abram, Go from your country and your kindred and your father s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, To your offspring I will give this land. So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb. CHILDREN S MESSAGE Rosemary Lamie

6 * HYMN The God of Abraham Praise Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 14 (As the hymn begins, the Church School children and teachers will leave for their classrooms. Children in second grade and older will leave independently. Children in kindergarten and first grade will meet their teachers at the back of the Meetinghouse (narthex) and will go to their classrooms as a group. It is not necessary for parents to accompany their children to the classroom because there are many Hall Helpers to guide anyone who needs help.) SCRIPTURE ANTHEM Praise, O Praise Our God and King SECOND LESSON The Chancel Choir S. Drummond Wolff Sue McCalley T The Acts of Paul and Thecla 9:21-23 hecla replied: May that God who clothed me when I was naked among the beasts, in the day of judgment clothe your soul with the robe of salvation. Then she took her clothes, and put them on; and the governor immediately published an order in these words; I release to you Thecla the servant of God. Upon which the women cried out together with a loud voice, and with one accord gave praise unto God, and said: There is but one God, who is the God of Thecla; the one God who hath delivered Thecla. So loud were their voices that the whole city seemed to be shaken; and Trifina herself heard the glad tidings, and arose again, and ran with the multitude to meet Thecla; and embracing her, said: Now I believe there shall be a resurrection of the dead; now I am persuaded that my daughter is alive. Come therefore home with me, my daughter Thecla, and I will make over all that I have to you. SERMON If I Were a Girl Rev. Mark D. Montgomery

7 AFFIRMATION PRAYER We affirm that we are called by God Sometimes in a still breeze Sometimes in a loud rumble Sometimes in the midst of chaos Sometimes in the voice of a friend. God, who has called to us May your ways be made manifest in us So that we may share compassion And love And joy And life With all of your children so that their Affirmation of faith may be filled with you. Amen. PASTORAL PRAYER CALL TO OFFERING RESPONDING TO GOD OFFERTORY ANTHEM Psalm 150 The Chancel Choir César Franck *DOXOLOGY Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 515 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION GOING FORTH TO SERVE GOD *HYMN Lord God of Hosts, Whose Purpose Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 411 *BENEDICTION

8 *CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE Trumpet Tune in D Jayson Engquist, organ David N. Johnson The flowers in the Meetinghouse this morning are given by Lenore and Mark Mallett in celebration of the baptism of their daughter, Langley Anne. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich declares itself to be open and affirming; open to all for participation, membership, leadership and employment, and affirming of all who wish to join us as children of God. We continue to give thanks for God s guidance in our journey of faith. We have child care for babies and toddlers every Sunday. Your children are always welcome for the entire service or for a respite time if needed. Please see an usher if you need directions. The 10:00 am Service is broadcast live each week on WGCH 1490 AM Radio. In addition, the service is available through the church s website: A bulletin can be found there as well as a link to the live broadcast. Previous sermons may also be found there. Calendar TODAY Church School Today we begin our new Church School year by having the First Scripture and the Children's Message in worship introduce the lesson that will be heard in the classroom. The story today is about God's promise to Abram that he will be blessed. It is also a lesson for us that we are blessed and can also be a blessing! Parents and teachers, Mark Montgomery will have a mini-bible lesson recorded for you and you will have a link for accessing it. Then after Church School you will be able to talk to your children with some background

9 information when you ask the question "What did you learn in Church School today? As the 3rd graders have a different curriculum this year - the year they receive their bibles - they will have a two week lesson on The Bible: An Overview and should learn many new things they never knew about the bible! Church Hall Meeting The Church Committee and Board of Trustees would like to invite you to our third Church Hall Meeting, which is being held today in the Meetinghouse following Coffee Hour. The meeting will provide an opportunity for updates and discussion of topics of interest to members of the congregation. Please join us. Flu Shots The Wellness Committee is offering influenza vaccines to adults (18 and over) today immediately following the worship service in the Auditorium (in case of rain, they will be offered in the Lounge or Room 203). The cost is $30. You may pay with cash or a check made out to FCCOG. We are unable to bill insurances, but are happy to provide a receipt with a provider number. People with Medicare may want to get their shot covered by Medicare at their doctor s office or at the Town of Greenwich clinics beginning with the Senior Health Fair on Thursday, October 4. Sign Up to Help with Blood Drive There will be a sign-up sheet at Coffee Hour for donation of refreshments for the upcoming Red Cross Blood Drive on October 6. Please consider helping by baking, providing fruit, veggies or cheese; or by playing the piano. (More Blood Drive details under "News and Notices" in this bulletin). Youth and Cherub Choir Rehearsals The Youth Choir will rehearse today from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm in the Choir Room and the Cherub Choir will rehearse from 11:15 to 11:45 am in Room 104. Both choirs are open to church members and non-members so bring a friend with you to choir and create lifelong friendships through the gift of music!

10 Prepare to Retreat.to the Audubon On Sunday, October 14, we ll gather from about 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the beautiful Audubon Society in back country Greenwich. The day will include lunch and activities for all ages walking, learning, funning and worship. Sign up today to join us! Look for the sign-up sheets during Coffee Hour following the worship service or call the Church Office. Fellowship Dinners This fall we are offering you a special opportunity to be part of the conversation about the future of our wonderful church! Throughout the month of October the Church Committee will host a series of Fellowship Dinners in various locations. These dinners will be a relaxing and enjoyable way for us to talk about our dreams for the future of FCCOG and what kind of leadership we need to help make those dreams a reality. These dinners will provide valuable input for our Church Profile which will be used in the search for a Settled Senior Minister. In addition to this conversation, we will offer an informational look at our Stewardship Program and the chance to answer any questions you may have about supporting our ministry together. So please look for our sign-up sheet during Coffee Hour and plan to be a part of this special and enjoyable opportunity! Program SPF and JPF start again today at 6:00 pm in Room 103. Call for Nominations The Nominating Committee is beginning its work of putting together a slate of proposed candidates to become officers and members of the standing committees of the Church beginning in January Please refer to this month's Meetinghouse Monthly or the FCCOG website ( for more information about the nominating process and the opportunities for you to serve and strengthen your involvement with the Church in this very meaningful way. If you would like to be considered for nomination, or you

11 know of someone whom you think would be a good candidate, please indicate your interest, or offer someone else's name, via a link on the website at NEXT WEEK Bible Study Bible Study revs up again next Sunday, September 30 with Rev Dan, this fall with 2 Corinthians, or II Corinthians for Roman numeral fans. II reveals more about Paul and his love for the church than probably any other letter. It's exciting, passionate and at times tender. The level of discussion and insight increases week by week, so don't be late, 11:20 am in the Lounge. Flu Shots The Wellness Committee will offer influenza vaccines to adults (18 and over) immediately following the worship service. The cost is $30, cash or check made out to FCCOG. We are unable to bill insurances, but are happy to provide a receipt with a provider number. People with Medicare may want to get their shot covered by Medicare at their doctor s office or at the Town of Greenwich clinics beginning with the Senior Health Fair on Thursday, October 4. Please see your Parish Nurse, Sue Asselin, in Room 203 (or call ext. 21) for more information. NEWS AND NOTICES Red Cross Blood Drive The FCCOG Wellness and Women s Fellowship Committees are hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday October 6, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. We are looking for volunteers to make refreshments or play the piano, so look for a sign-up sheet at Sunday Coffee Hours or weekdays near the Church Office reception desk. As always, blood donors are very much appreciated and appointments can be booked by calling GIVE LIFE. Thank you for reaching out and being God s hands by helping others.

12 News from The Rummage Room 191 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich Rummage Room Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Saturday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Donations Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Friday and Saturday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Manager Maria's Wish List: Halloween decorations and costumes. The Halloween Shop will open on Saturday, September 29. The Rummage Room's Mission: Funds generated by Rummage Room sales have gone to support Women's, Children's and Family Organizations for the past 48 years when their needs have exceeded their ability to provide for themselves. Please continue to support The Rummage Room by donating, shopping and volunteering your time and talents. It's not the things we get in life, but the hearts we touch that will determine our success. ~Mac Anderson Friendship Quilt for Michelle and David Young As your children are back in school or off to college you have no more excuses. Come and join us and help us with the quilting. Prerequisite: You must able to thread a needle. We will teach you the rest. (The name of the "workers" will be listed on the back of the quilt). Join us in Room 203 (next to the kitchen) Mondays from 9:00 am to 12 noon or Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm Tai Chi Fitness with Luis Duarte Improve your balance, health and well being. Come and experience the many wonderful benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises. Classes are held on Wednesdays at 8:00 am and Thursdays at 9:00 am. Only $7 per class if paid by the month, and $8 per class for drop ins. Join us! You ll love it! All are welcome. Food Collection A reminder that the Food Collection Barrel remains in the back of the Meetinghouse, so please contribute food each week. Adding a few items to your weekly grocery store visit will make a significant

13 difference at Neighbor to Neighbor. Currently, the items most in need are: Canned Fruit Peanut Butter (small size) Cereal Canned Meat/Tuna Jelly (small size) If you ve forgotten your food items this morning, feel free to with your contact information and someone will pick up the food from your home and deliver to the Church for Neighbor to Neighbor.

14 Next Week at First Congregational Church 10:00 am Worship Service Meetinghouse The Chancel Choir: The Eyes of All Wait Upon Thee by Jean Berger Linnea Conley, Christopher Pfund, Duet: Hark, Hark My Soul by H. R. Shelley Rev. Avery Manchester, preaching *** linc Worship Service 5:00 pm in the Auditorium. Join us for art, music, drama and dance to tell the scripture story. This is a casual worship service for all ages. Come as you are and bring all your friends!

15 Find us on Facebook and LIKE the page! We're now on Visit our new Forum and start a conversation

16 The First Congregational Church of Greenwich 108 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich, Connecticut, Ministers: The Members of The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Interim Senior Pastor: Rev. John W. Collins Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry: Rev. Mark D. Montgomery Associate Pastor for Communication/Adult Education: Rev. Daniel B. England Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care: Rev. Avery C. Manchester Director of Music: Dr. Craig Scott Symons Director of Church School: Rosemary Lamie Director of Membership: Ginny Breismeister Director of Publications: Barbara Wilkov Parish Nurse: Susan Asselin, RN Pastors Emeriti: Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Stiers and Rev. Sally Colegrove Director of Music Emeritus: Dr. John Stansell