First Congregational Church

Transcription

1 First Congregational Church UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Wiscasset, Maine Digitally drawn by Ellery Downing We welcome you to the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset. We are an open and affirming congregation and are open theologically, Growing spiritually, and concerned socially.

2 Third Sunday of Advent December 17, :00 A.M. Blue Prelude Von Himmel Hoch da Komm Ich Her (From Heaven I come) Marpug Ringing of the Bell Lighting of the Advent Wreath Welcome and Informal Moments Choral Introit *Call to Worship Brad Adler Kim and Steve Hatt L: As we continue to journey toward Christmas, we come in excitement for the celebration about to occur! P: Filled with hope and striving for peace, we meet God in joy as we gather here in this place. L: So come, let us worship in Advent anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. P: With hearts open and heads lifted, let us worship the coming King of Glory! *Opening Hymn Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates No. 127 Unison Prayer of Confession and Lord s Prayer Holy God, in the busyness of this season, we can often forget the true joy that is celebrated each Christmas. Forgive us, O Lord, when we lose sight of you and your ways. Restore in us the joy which you have so graciously given us and the world in the gift of Jesus. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray saying, 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.

3 Words of Assurance Anthem Sussex Carol English Traditional Carol arr. David Willcocks Scripture Luke 1:46-55 John Ross, reader Time for Adults *Hymn Wake, Awake for Night is Flying No. 128 Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer Choral Prayer Response Offering Invitation Offertory Aria Respexit (For He hath regarded the lowly estate of His handmaiden) J.S. Bach Leela Koilpillai, soprano *Doxology No. 44 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 (As our morning offerings are brought forward, so too are the non-perishable food offerings from the basket in the Narthex for St. Philip's Food Pantry.) *Unison Prayer of Dedication Good and Gracious God, may the offerings we place before you be transformed into ministries that declare your hope, peace, and joy in the world! In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

4 Children s Program The Nativity Innkeeper: Ellery Downing Narrator: Charlie the Church Mouse Mary: Vivian Joy McKinney Joseph: Sully Joyce Shepherds: Corinne Joyce & Raegan Eddy *Closing Hymn Joy to the World No. 134 *Benediction *Congregational Benediction Jesus in Glory Comes No. 182 (refrain) Jesus in glory comes, the earth now rejoices. Open the gates before him, lift up your voices. Postlude Verse 1 Who comes to us in glory; how shall we call him? He is Emmanuel, the promised of ages. (refrain) Brightest and Best Mahlon Balderston *All who are able may stand. Visitors are invited to join us after worship for coffee in Fellowship Hall. If you have a prayer request, please enter it in the book at the rear of the sanctuary. The book will be brought forward during the first hymn. Those Serving You Today Bell Ringer: Brad Adler Ushers: Cheryl Day & Kent Wusterbarth Coffee Hour Hosts: Trustees

5 Calendar Today: Third Sunday of Advent Church School Program Advent Bible Study 6:30-7:30 Organ Society Cookie Sale Diaconate AW Dec. 18: Church in Society 4 pm Trustees 5 pm Game Night 6 pm Dec. 20: Council Mtg 7 pm No Organ Society Dec. 21: Choir Rehearsal 4 pm Dec. 24: Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship 10 am Christmas Eve Worship 7 pm Christmas Eve offering will go to our Special Needs Fund Dec. 31: Lessons and Carols, 10 am Bulletin Announcements Do you have an announcement for a church-related event or activity that you want included in the weekly worship bulletin? Send it to the church office (fccw@myfairpoint.net) each week by the end of the day Tuesday to be included for the following Sunday. Thank you!

6 Announcements Organ Society Cookie Sale after Worship Come look over the goodies available and pick up some great additions for your Christmas table. Fellowship Tree There is still room for ornaments for our Christmas tree in Fellowship Hall. Bring in an ornament from your home to add to the collection from our church family. Ornaments can be taken home after the December 31 st Service of Lessons & Carols. Christmas Eve Special Music 6:30-7:00 Following our recent tradition of special music prior to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, this year we will be treated to a small group (accordion, keyboard, and flute) musical offering of special French Christmas Carols from the past. Come early and enjoy! Advent Bible Study Sunday Nights in Advent The last chance to join our Advent Bible Study is tonight at 6:30 in the Church Parlor. We are looking at the four different gospel narratives about the birth of Jesus. Any questions, please reach out to Rev. Josh at or joshfitterling@myfairpoint.net. Christmas Eve (Sunday, December 24 th ) Morning worship at 10:00 am will include a celebration of Holy Baptism, and our traditional Candlelight Service will follow at 7:00 pm. Our Christmas Eve service will include a special offering to support our Special Needs Fund which provides support for needy individuals in the Wiscasset area. Lessons and Carols, Dec. 31, 10 am Coming up on Dec. 31 at 10 am worship is the traditional Lessons and Carols service. Through scripture readings and carols, we will pass through the Christmas season one last time. Please join us!

7 ******************************* Michelle Peele In memory of Morgan, our daughter **Rev. Josh Fitterling In honor of the birth of our Savior** ***Wally & Nancy Roby In memory of loved ones*** ****Libby & Bob Mooney In memory of our parents**** Emily & Brad Adler In honor of our daughters and their families Steve & Jan Whitfield In memory of Bill & Bernice Whitfield, *****************and John & Barbara Kammerer***************** ***Brian and Linda Adams In memory of Gene and June Duston, *********and William and Beatrice Adams********* Carol Blake In memory of my parents and In honor of my wonderful *******************children and grandchildren***************** *****Becky & David Lenz In memory of Robert and Marjorie Minor, **********and Grace and John Lenz, and In honor of ******** *******Jack, Lilah and Brandon*******

8 Minister: Rev. Josh Fitterling Music Director: Ms. Leela Koilpillai Church School Teacher & Coordinator: Ms. Colleen Crowley Office Administrator: Ms. Janet Leonard Sexton: Ms. Mary McKinney Church Church Office: Find us on Facebook First Congregational Church United Church of Christ 28 High Street, P.O. Box 350 Wiscasset, ME 045