Anthem Lift Up Your Heads Senior Choir

Transcription

1 Prayer of Invocation and Jesus Prayer (by Nicolette Wellington) We invite you to name God in whatever way has most meaning for you, and say this prayer in the version that speaks to you the most. Creator God, 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. Passing of the Peace Please rise in body or in spirit to greet your neighbor with God s peace. We conclude the Passing of the Peace with the Song of Celebration. One: God s peace be with you. All: And also with you. *Song of Celebration Spirit of the Living God Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me. Anthem Hosanna to the King of Love Dale Peterson Junior Choir *Hymn Hosanna, Loud Hosanna Black NCH 213 During this hymn, children may leave for Spiritual Nurture. Reading Hosanna Steve Garnaas-Holmes Reflection Let My Love Open the Doors Anthem Lift Up Your Heads Senior Choir Jon Paige Prayers of the People Sung Response Alleluia Black NCH 765 Alleluia, alleluia; alleluia, alleluia; alleluia, alleluia; alleluia, alleluia Offering Invitation to Generosity Offertory Music Short Voluntary John Worgan *Sung Response The Doxology Red PH 514 You are invited to sing these words, or whatever version has most meaning to you: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below, Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. *Prayer of Dedication Rev. Cindy Worthington-Berry *Closing Hymn Called as Partners in Christ s Service Black NCH 495 Benediction Rev. Cindy Worthington-Berry Choral Benediction Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! Milman & Dykes Senior Choir Postlude Ride On, Ride On in Majesty Rex Koury ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You are invited to fellowship immediately after worship across the hall in our Gathering Room. ALLERGIES AT UCCB Please keep all Fellowship food in the Gathering Room. There are several children in the Boxborough Children s Center with peanut allergies, and we want to make sure we keep them safe and healthy.

2 GATHERING TO PRAISE GOD UCCB Mission Statement: Welcoming All Caring for the World Growing in the Spirit MARCH 18, 2018 Be an opener of doors. - Ralph Waldo Emerson Prelude Now Herald We the King David Paxton SUNDAY MORNING VOLUNTEERS Greeters Mary Pavlik Ushers Walker & Jennifer Royce Flowers Thoughtfully donated by Ted & Gloria Roe Lay Reader Nicolette Wellington Called to Care this Week Kathie Schwarting Deacon Larry Wellington Junior Choir Director Gloria Roe Welcome & Announcements Rev. Cindy Worthington-Berry Introit Lift Up Your Hearts Butler & Greatorex Senior Choir Call to Worship Lay Reader One: With palms we call out to praise You, O God! One: With clenched fists we strike against You, O God! One: With hearts in pain we reach out to you, O God! One: With angry voices we shout against You, O God! One: With bitter tears we cry out for You, O God! One: With nothing but our human selves, we come to worship You, O God! All: Free us, Save us, Heal us, and Be with us! Amen and Amen! Palm Sunday Proclamation Mark 11:1-11 Processional Hymn All Glory, Laud and Honor Red PH 155 *Please rise as you are able.

3 COMMUNITY THIS WEEK MARCH 18: CONGREGATIONAL MEETING & VOTE TO MOVE FORWARD We are really excited to invite you to a congregational meeting on March 18 to vote on the next phase of our project to renovate our buildings and raise the funds to do so. Bring your thoughts, questions and discerning spirit! The purpose of this meeting is to update the congregation on progress made since the January Annual Meeting and vote on the following: To initiate the full scale Open Doors Capital Campaign To approve the Open Doors Project to proceed with the Detailed Design phase If you have questions about the Open Doors Project or the Congregational Meeting, contact Guy Marchmont, Walker Royce or Paul Di Paolo. We look forward to seeing you on March 18 th after Church in the Sanctuary. RAISING HOPE Meeting Dates: Sundays 4:15-5:15pm, March 11 and April 8, possibility of more TBD, in the Church Vestry The theme of this group is raising children of hope in a broken, yet beautiful world. The idea for this group has been brewing for awhile. However, it was two recent events that prompted me to say the time is now to put the idea into motion. First, my thirteen year old asked the other day if we humans were doing anything at all to really help save the environment? Second, another horrific school shooting occurred. In response, I believe the time is now to gather not only parents, but any adults who are concerned about the world our kids are inheriting. Participants will address the topic of raising children of hope, and hence raising our own hope, in the midst of our broken beautiful world. The structure of this group will be simple and incorporate the following basic elements: welcome, a quote or reading on the topic of hope, time for reflection and creative discussion, moment of silence to intentionally hold our prayers, hopes, and concerns for our youth within the safe framework of our shared community, and a closing. This gathering is intentionally designed to welcome, and build bridges between, people from all walks of life, spiritual and political persuasions. This is a forum for honoring different ways of knowing, and gathering around a deeper issue that binds us together: hope for our children, hope for ourselves. Let s join together in raising hope! You may contact Sarah with questions at sarahhmaker@gmail.com, or call About the group leader: Sarah is ordained within the United Church of Christ, a spiritual director, and trained as a counselor and creative arts therapist, working towards licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Worker. However, Sarah s main lifelong calling is as mother, being raised by her two daughters! FHB JARS. DID YOU GET YOUR FAMILY HOLD BACK JAR LAST WEEK? If not, it s not too late! Take home a jar, cut back on some special treats or replace a meal with the dry soup mix you ll receive today, and add the money you save to the jar. Bring it to worship with you next Sunday, March 18, and we ll receive them as part of our Palm Sunday Celebration! AUBURN COMFORT BLANKETS Auburn Comfort Blankets will be the organization we will be donating blankets to from now on in place of Project Linus. The blankets must be new and handmade of yarn or fabric. All of the blankets will be sent to the same groups as in the past, i.e., hospitals, hospices and shelters. There are two changes of note: one is that this organization does not accept the two layered tied edges fleece blankets, and secondly, they are including blankets for adults as well as babies and children. The last day to donate this year will be Sunday, May 6th. Any questions, contact, eanddparkes1@yahoo.com. COA IN GATHERING ROOM While the Community Center is under renovation (hooray!) the Council on Aging will be using the Gathering Room. This won t impact most church programming, as the COA uses the space from 8:30 am - 4 pm, Monday through Friday. But it does mean we need to be very intentional about the way we are sharing the space. COA supplies will be stored up on the stage area; we ll want to be sure their items aren t disturbed, and we won t have that space for meetings. We ll want to make sure UCCB equipment and supplies are out of the way as well. This should just last two months, so your understanding and assistance are greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please see Rev. Cindy or admin Jenn MUSIC SUNDAY CONCERT- APRIL 29 AT 4:30 INVITATION FOR SINGERS AND MUSICIANS! This year the annual Music Sunday Concert is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, April 29 at 4:30 pm. Mark your calendars for this special concert in the Spring! Musicians and singers of all ages are invited to perform a selection of their choice. Here is an opportunity to perform a solo, duet, or more! Involve the entire family to play an instrument and/or sing a song together. Invite your musical friends to join in the fun. All are welcomed! For more information about how you can participate in this special musical program, contact Gloria Roe / or Gloria_roe@comcast.com SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT SERIES AT THE GARDEN The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden is pleased to host a Sunday afternoon concert series featuring beautiful, live music from a variety of talented musicians. On Sunday, March 25 at 3 pm The Saturdays will be featured at a benefit concert to support this wonderful organization. The Healing Garden has provided many forms of integrative cancer care for members and families of our community that have been burdened with all forms of cancer. ($15; The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, 145 Bolton Road, Harvard, MA 01451; Phone: for details) Don t forget to sign up for the congregational Multi-Generational Dinner! RSVP by March 20th: marleeroberts@verizon.net or or sign up in the Gathering Room.

4 COMMUNITY THIS WEEK MARCH 18: CONGREGATIONAL MEETING & VOTE TO MOVE FORWARD We are really excited to invite you to a congregational meeting on March 18 to vote on the next phase of our project to renovate our buildings and raise the funds to do so. Bring your thoughts, questions and discerning spirit! The purpose of this meeting is to update the congregation on progress made since the January Annual Meeting and vote on the following: To initiate the full scale Open Doors Capital Campaign To approve the Open Doors Project to proceed with the Detailed Design phase If you have questions about the Open Doors Project or the Congregational Meeting, contact Guy Marchmont, Walker Royce or Paul Di Paolo. We look forward to seeing you on March 18 th after Church in the Sanctuary. RAISING HOPE Meeting Dates: Sundays 4:15-5:15pm, March 11 and April 8, possibility of more TBD, in the Church Vestry The theme of this group is raising children of hope in a broken, yet beautiful world. The idea for this group has been brewing for awhile. However, it was two recent events that prompted me to say the time is now to put the idea into motion. First, my thirteen year old asked the other day if we humans were doing anything at all to really help save the environment? Second, another horrific school shooting occurred. In response, I believe the time is now to gather not only parents, but any adults who are concerned about the world our kids are inheriting. Participants will address the topic of raising children of hope, and hence raising our own hope, in the midst of our broken beautiful world. The structure of this group will be simple and incorporate the following basic elements: welcome, a quote or reading on the topic of hope, time for reflection and creative discussion, moment of silence to intentionally hold our prayers, hopes, and concerns for our youth within the safe framework of our shared community, and a closing. This gathering is intentionally designed to welcome, and build bridges between, people from all walks of life, spiritual and political persuasions. This is a forum for honoring different ways of knowing, and gathering around a deeper issue that binds us together: hope for our children, hope for ourselves. Let s join together in raising hope! You may contact Sarah with questions at sarahhmaker@gmail.com, or call About the group leader: Sarah is ordained within the United Church of Christ, a spiritual director, and trained as a counselor and creative arts therapist, working towards licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Worker. However, Sarah s main lifelong calling is as mother, being raised by her two daughters! AUBURN COMFORT BLANKETS Auburn Comfort Blankets will be the organization we will be donating blankets to from now on in place of Project Linus. The blankets must be new and handmade of yarn or fabric. All of the blankets will be sent to the same groups as in the past, i.e., hospitals, hospices and shelters. There are two changes of note: one is that this organization does not accept the two layered tied edges fleece blankets, and secondly, they are including blankets for adults as well as babies and children. The last day to donate this year will be Sunday, May 6th. Any questions, contact eanddparkes1@yahoo.com. COA IN GATHERING ROOM While the Community Center is under renovation (hooray!) the Council on Aging will be using the Gathering Room. This won t impact most church programming, as the COA uses the space from months, so your understanding and assistance are greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please see Rev. Cindy or admin Jenn MUSIC SUNDAY CONCERT- APRIL 29 AT 4:30 INVITATION FOR SINGERS AND MUSICIANS! This year the annual Music Sunday Concert is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, April 29 at 4:30 pm. Mark your calendars for this special concert in the Spring! Musicians and singers of all ages are invited to perform a selection of their choice. Here is an opportunity to perform a solo, duet, or more! Involve the entire family to play an instrument and/or sing a song together. Invite your musical friends to join in the fun. All are welcomed! For more information about how you can participate in this special musical program, contact Gloria Roe / or Gloria_roe@comcast.com SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT SERIES AT THE GARDEN The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden is pleased to host a Sunday afternoon concert series featuring beautiful, live music from a variety of talented musicians. On Sunday, March 25 at 3 pm The Saturdays will be featured at a benefit concert to support this wonderful organization. The Healing Garden has provided many forms of integrative cancer care for members and families of our community that have been burdened with all forms of cancer. ($15; The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, 145 Bolton Road, Harvard, MA 01451; Phone: for details) Don t forget to sign up for the congregational Multi-Generational Dinner! RSVP by March 20th: marleeroberts@verizon.net or or sign up in the Gathering Room. FHB JARS. DID YOU GET YOUR FAMILY HOLD BACK JAR LAST WEEK? If not, it s not too late! Take home a jar, cut back on some special treats or replace a meal with the dry soup mix you ll receive today, and add the money you save to the jar. Bring it to worship with you next Sunday, March 18, and we ll receive them as part of our Palm Sunday Celebration!

5 You are invited to a Multi-Generational Dinner! Celebrate the Open Doors Capital Campaign Sunday March 25, 5:30-8:00 pm Westford Regency Hotel 219 Littleton Road Westford, MA To give thanks for all that has been achieved so far and celebrate the journey we are about to begin through Open Doors, the entire congregation is invited to share a buffet dinner. All ages are welcome to share in the fun and food! Bring the whole family. Dinner and dessert will be provided. RSVP by March 20th: marleeroberts@verizon.net or or sign up in the Gathering Room. You are invited to a Multi-Generational Dinner! Celebrate the Open Doors Capital Campaign Sunday March 25, 5:30-8:00 pm Westford Regency Hotel 219 Littleton Road Westford, MA To give thanks for all that has been achieved so far and celebrate the journey we are about to begin through Open Doors, the entire congregation is invited to share a buffet dinner. All ages are welcome to share in the fun and food! Bring the whole family. Dinner and dessert will be provided. RSVP by March 20th: marleeroberts@verizon.net or or sign up in the Gathering Room.

6 Open Doors: What s Happening & What s Next Our Open Doors teams have been very busy over the past 6 weeks: (i) Open houses: We held three Open Houses attended by over 50 people. In each session, the conceptual design for the Historic Church building and the Community Center were reviewed, and congregation members had the opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions and discuss concerns. So, what s next? At the Congregational Meeting on March 18 th, the Open Doors Project team will present the updated conceptual design for the renovation and the anticipated construction budget. The team will also discuss the next phase of the work the detailed design phase to be led by Maugel Architects with Green Leaf Construction providing value engineering services. At the end of the meeting, the congregation will vote to approve the activity and associated costs for the detailed design phase only. (ii) Open Doors Capital Campaign: Soon after January s Congregational Meeting, the Open Doors Capital Campaign team started to test the campaign feasibility. By March 18, we hope to have reached out to 20 families and have gathered initial commitments. If you haven t heard from us yet, stay tuned. We plan on reaching out to every member. Thus far, the campaign message has been well received and the team has gained valuable insights into how to best share our message of Open Doors. So, what s next? At the March 18 th Congregational Meeting you will hear feedback from our test interactions with a subset of the congregation. We will present updated capital campaign plans, including a gift chart and initial gifts raised, and be asked to vote on a full scale launch of the Open Doors Capital Campaign. (iii) The Community Center: As you may have noticed from the dumpster in the parking lot, the first Open Doors Project work is underway: the Community Center renovation. At the January Congregational Meeting, the congregation approved the renovation work, accepted another generous gift to the Open Doors Capital Campaign to fund that work and approved additional funding from the Church s reserves. So, what s next? There are many opportunities to volunteer in renovating the Community Center. Please contact Greg Turner or Ron Vogel if you would like to help! Big picture what s next: The spring will be a busy time at UCC Boxborough as we Open Doors to many opportunities for conversation, reflection, decision making, volunteering and generosity. Assuming continued congregational approvals, the anticipated calendar of events includes: March 18 th Congregational Meeting & Vote (see article in this Vestry News) March 25 th Open Doors Capital Campaign Kick Off Dinner. To give thanks for all that has been achieved so far and celebrate the journey we are about to begin, the entire, intergenerational congregation is invited to share a buffet dinner at the Westford Regency, from 5:30 to 8 pm. There is no cost to attend. All ages are welcome to share in the fun and food - and no one has to do any set up or clean up! May 6 th Congregational Visioning Meeting. During the Annual Congregational Visioning meeting after worship, the Open Doors team will provide an update and facilitate a conversation about the Project and Capital Campaign. May 20 th Commitment Sunday. During worship, all members of the congregation will be invited to commit their pledge to the Open Doors Capital Campaign. Open Doors: What s Happening & What s Next Our Open Doors teams have been very busy over the past 6 weeks: (i) Open houses: We held three Open Houses attended by over 50 people. In each session, the conceptual design for the Historic Church building and the Community Center were reviewed, and congregation members had the opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions and discuss concerns. So, what s next? At the Congregational Meeting on March 18 th, the Open Doors Project team will present the updated conceptual design for the renovation and the anticipated construction budget. The team will also discuss the next phase of the work the detailed design phase to be led by Maugel Architects with Green Leaf Construction providing value engineering services. At the end of the meeting, the congregation will vote to approve the activity and associated costs for the detailed design phase only. (ii) Open Doors Capital Campaign: Soon after January s Congregational Meeting, the Open Doors Capital Campaign team started to test the campaign feasibility. By March 18, we hope to have reached out to 20 families and have gathered initial commitments. If you haven t heard from us yet, stay tuned. We plan on reaching out to every member. Thus far, the campaign message has been well received and the team has gained valuable insights into how to best share our message of Open Doors. So, what s next? At the March 18 th Congregational Meeting you will hear feedback from our test interactions with a subset of the congregation. We will present updated capital campaign plans, including a gift chart and initial gifts raised, and be asked to vote on a full scale launch of the Open Doors Capital Campaign. (iii) The Community Center: As you may have noticed from the dumpster in the parking lot, the first Open Doors Project work is underway: the Community Center renovation. At the January Congregational Meeting, the congregation approved the renovation work, accepted another generous gift to the Open Doors Capital Campaign to fund that work and approved additional funding from the Church s reserves. So, what s next? There are many opportunities to volunteer in renovating the Community Center. Please contact Greg Turner or Ron Vogel if you would like to help! Big picture what s next: The spring will be a busy time at UCC Boxborough as we Open Doors to many opportunities for conversation, reflection, decision making, volunteering and generosity. Assuming continued congregational approvals, the anticipated calendar of events includes: March 18 th Congregational Meeting & Vote (see article in this Vestry News) March 25 th Open Doors Capital Campaign Kick Off Dinner. To give thanks for all that has been achieved so far and celebrate the journey we are about to begin, the entire, intergenerational congregation is invited to share a buffet dinner at the Westford Regency, from 5:30 to 8 pm. There is no cost to attend. All ages are welcome to share in the fun and food - and no one has to do any set up or clean up! May 6 th Congregational Visioning Meeting. During the Annual Congregational Visioning meeting after worship, the Open Doors team will provide an update and facilitate a conversation about the Project and Capital Campaign. May 20 th Commitment Sunday. During worship, all members of the congregation will be invited to commit their pledge to the Open Doors Capital Campaign.

7 Easter Flowers for Worship Service Sunday, April 1 Join us in decorating the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 1! We invite you to order flowers in honor or memory of a special person, or just to celebrate this holy day. Please complete the form below and return it with your payment (made out to UCCB) by Sunday, March 25. You can leave your form and check in the Sunday morning offering plate, or turn them in to the church office (723 Massachusetts Ave.). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jenn LaCross in the church office ( , boxborochurch@verizon.net). Easter Flower Order Form due Sunday, March 25 Yes! I would like to order (please indicate quantity of each): Easter Flowers for Worship Service Sunday, April 1 Join us in decorating the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 1! We invite you to order flowers in honor or memory of a special person, or just to celebrate this holy day. Please complete the form below and return it with your payment (made out to UCCB) by Sunday, March 25. You can leave your form and check in the Sunday morning offering plate, or turn them in to the church office (723 Massachusetts Ave.). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jenn LaCross in the church office ( , boxborochurch@verizon.net). Easter Flower Order Form due Sunday, March 25 Yes! I would like to order (please indicate quantity of each): Tulip $12 each = Tulip $12 each = Lily $8 each = Lily $8 each = Order Total: $ Order Total: $ Please include this information in the Easter Sunday bulletin (please print neatly): Please include this information in the Easter Sunday bulletin (please print neatly): In memory of: In memory of: In celebration of: In celebration of: From: From: Will you take home your plant(s) at the end of Easter worship: YES NO If not, we will be happy to find a home for it. Many thanks! Will you take home your plant(s) at the end of Easter worship: YES NO If not, we will be happy to find a home for it. Many thanks!