Confirmation Sunday May 15th, :30 am UNITED IN GOD S LOVE 150 TH YEAR

Transcription

1 Confirmation Sunday May 15th, :30 am UNITED IN GOD S LOVE 150 TH YEAR

2 No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey You are welcome here! A SPECIAL WARM WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS! Thank you for joining us today! We hope that you feel the warmth of God s spirit here as we worship together! Please complete the form (in the pew) to let us know a little more about you and place it in the offering plate. As our guests this day it is the only offering we ask. If you should have a prayer concern or would like to meet with the Pastor please indicate this next to your name. Thank you! Following worship please join us in Fellowship Hall for an informal Continental Breakfast. Please note our worship services are online and televised, your participation in the service may be visible during these live ministries. If you should not wish your child to be on screen, please refrain from sending them forward during the children s time or have them sit directly in front of the pews in the front. Children are welcome in worship; however, should your child grow restless feel free to sit with them in the Parlor at the rear of the Sanctuary. Nursery/childcare is available for children up to age 2 and is located just outside the parlor off the hallway. Children are invited to attend Sunday School following the Children s Message. Classes are offered for all ages. Large print bulletins and hearing devices are available. Please ask an usher. An elevator is at your disposal for all levels; our west entrance has a ramp. Our Church Website is Follow us on: Web Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King Jr. If God is your partner, make your plans BIG! D.L. Moody When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me. -Erma Bombeck Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle in the hand of (another)... There are just some kind of men who - who're so busy worrying about the next world they've never learned to live in this one, and you can look down the street and see the results. Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird God is stillspeaking 2

3 PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS *SHARING THE PEACE *OPENING SONG #481 Every Time I Feel the Spirit AAS *CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive) Ralph Anderson They gathered together from many countries and backgrounds, speaking different languages and having varied experiences in life and yet they all had one thing in common; God s Holy Spirit Each of us comes to this house of God with challenges and joys. Your Spirit moves through these walls and through each of us. Continue to guide us, shape us, and move us, Still Speaking Spirit. Guide us in truth. Guide us in grace. Guide us with the love of Christ. Amen. CHILDREN S SONG Jesus Loves Me (1st Verse) CHILDREN S MESSAGE Pastor Scott The Lord s Prayer (read in unison) 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 and ever. Amen. CHILDREN S SONG Jesus Loves Me (2nd verse) Jesus loves me still today, Walking with me on my way, Wanting as a friend to give, Light and love to all who live. Children are dismissed to their Sunday School rooms. SCRIPTURE READING Romans 12:1-18 Joann Purcell MUSIC MINISTRY If We Are the Body Casting Crowns Guided Path 3

4 MESSAGE Transformed: More Than Meets the Eye Pastor Scott CONFIRMATION OF FAITH Lake Ernst Nicole Havel Liam Mullen Madyson Poulter Luke Prescott RECOGNITION OF OUR CONFIRMANDS THROUGH THE YEARS Sharing of Faith Verses and Faith Statements Questions to the Confirmands (Joe Kilar) You each have studied the Christian faith, you have witnessed to the different teachings and traditions of worship both within the Christian faith and in other faith traditions. You have worked to understand what confirming belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your lives means and what it may cost you to follow Him in your life as a disciple. Is it your desire to open yourselves to a life journey in relationship with Jesus the Christ? Will you seek to serve as he served, to love as he loved, and to live in this world as one who works to build God s kingdom in a world that often does not recognize it? If this is your desire this day please respond: Confirmands: I have weighed the cost, and I seek to be a disciple of Christ. (Roger Lommatzsch) You have also learned what it is to be in the church, not as a building but as a people. Each of you possesses different talents, gifts, and personalities, but it is in trusting, praying, and walking with one another that you have learned and seen the power of God at work among you. Together we share our lives and our faith in knowing that we do not take this journey alone. Is it your desire to be an active and visible part of First Congregational United Church of Christ with your time, your God given talents, prayers and gifts, and also as a part of the wider body of Christ, beyond denominational signs and affiliations? Will you share God with us here and beyond these walls wherever your life may take you? Confirmands: It is my desire to share in the work, prayer, play, mission and ministries of this church. (Janel Moravec) The life and teachings of Jesus are not easily followed. In many ways the things Jesus taught us are things that we have to unlearn from other areas of life. Things like turning the other cheek rather than exacting revenge or praying for and loving enemies who may not return our love and seeing the God-given dignity of all life created by God. This walk with God 4

5 will require much of you. It will require faith, courage, and an opening of yourselves to the movements of God s Spirit in your life. Is it your desire this day to open your life to following Christ so that those who know you might see your life and know that God is at the heart of who you are and what you stand for? Confirmands: It is. I will seek to follow God with everything that I am. (Brett Johnson) Confirmation is not an ending point but rather a new beginning to a life-long journey with God. We recognize today that none of us are perfect. There will be detours along the way; moments when we fail as disciples and lose our way. There will be moments when life gets complicated and faith is stretched to its limits. But we also recognize, as you confirm the blessings of your baptism, that it is God who remains always faithful in God s promises to us. Trust in God s grace, lead with compassion and mercy just as you have found mercy in God. ALL: By the grace of God we have all come this far. It is indeed God who will sustain us and God s grace that will guide and lead us. (Pastor Scott Oberle) And now because of the work and commitment you have each made, preparing yourselves with the help of these mentors and this Confirmation for a life of discipleship, we will ask each of you to come forward individually to receive your church family s blessing, prayers, and to ask God to be with you in your daily journey of faith. Blessing of our Confirmands and consecrating them for their life s journey in faith by the Laying on of Hands (mentors, family, and friends are invited to come forward and to join us in the laying on of hands and prayer) Presentation of Gifts to the Confirmands Thanks to Teachers and Mentors Presentation and explanation of Confirmation Banner Dena Provenzano SPECIAL MUSIC The Climb Alexander/Mabe Teen Choir PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Moment of Silent Prayer Prayer OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS TO GOD Sharing Our Gifts with the Offertory Holy Spirit *Prayer of Dedication Gina Rossetti John Hall -Torwalt Guided Path 5

6 *CLOSING HYMN #559 Here I Am, Lord -Schutte *BENEDICTION Ancient Words One of our worship traditions to show our solidarity and love in community is to join hands and sing. If you are visiting with us we invite you to join us in song and in spirit. *POSTLUDE Soul on Fire -Third Day Guided Path OUR TIME OF WORSHIP TOGETHER HAS ENDED. NOW MAY OUR CHRISTIAN SERVICE BEGIN! GUIDED PATH BAND Vocals: Meg McGarry, Kelley Calpin, Nicholas Drahos, Anthony Berg Guitar: Dave Benziger Bass: Connor Roe Drums: Justin Kono Piano: Jim Molina PRAYER CONCERNS AND COMMUNITY JOYS Rick and Genevieve Franz, victims of the Syrian War, Lindsey Rensch back surgery, Gina Rossetti s brother, Ken Rossetti & Al Barton (Gina s brother s father in law), Dee Glassford, The Miller family, the Osborn family Today s Sunday School:. Today, our 1st & 2nd graders will be in the Chapel and our 3rd 5th graders will be in room yrs. K children will be in room 205 and our 6th graders will be in room 504. Our nursery is just off the parlor in the north hallway. GREETERS: Meg Bollinger, Fred Borrowman USHERS: April Prescott, Mike Prescott, Larry Ferries, Sandy Gales HEAD USHER: Tom Eisenhart COUNTERS: Pat Lockett, Bill Lockett, Sr. (Lead Counter) Pam Swick This week s continental breakfast will be served by Finance & Budget. This week s altar flowers are in celebration of all those confirmed in our 150 years from the Confirmation Team. This Week s Announcements Manna card bonuses for graduation and confirmation gifts: Manna cards are a great way to provide income to our church at no cost to you. There are current Manna bonuses for the following merchants: Lettuce Entertain You, Jewel, Bass Pro-Shops, Red Robin, Domino's, Dave and Busters, Cheesecake Factory, ITunes, Lou Malnati's 6

7 Pizza, Aeropostale, Under Armour, The Limited, Macy's and more. You can give the graduate or confirmand a gift card or you can use a Manna Card to purchase a gift. Either way the church benefits. You can also order ahead and we will have cards for you on Sunday. If you want to order, or see the entire vendor list, please glennlaurie@earthlink.net and sjoh413@gmail.com by Wednesday evening to get your cards on Sunday morning. Women's Fellowship - Ladies of the Morning and Evening and anyone else who wants to join us. All women are always welcome to any of our events. Invite a friend or new member. On 5/20-9:30 am our Stitch and Chat is at Judi Davenport s house at 4617 Cross St., Downers Grove, IL Let's bring food to share for breakfast. Mark your calendars on Friday, June 10 th for our Annual Progressive Dinner. Everyone is welcome! Including Men!!. Bridge Mentors: Bridge Communities Transitional Housing Bridge Mentors will be in Fellowship Hall this morning and the first Sunday of June giving updates on our Bridge Family as well as collecting donations for our December rent to Bridge not covered by church funds. Please drop by to talk with one of us. Important dates: May 21 st Youth Groups "Walk for Angelman's Syndrome." June 5 th Graduation Sunday and Teacher Appreciation. June Appalachian Service Project/Mission Trip 2016! Calling all church members working for or owning a businesses: Do you want to advertise your business to our church members? The Finance and Budget Committee has sanctioned the development of a Businesses Helping Our Church Members advertising directory in an effort to raise additional funds for church operations. All church members who have a business or work for a business that would like to advertise to our members, please contact Don Duncan at Duncan6747@gmail.com by May 15 th for more details. Anticipated printed publication and website link is June 1, Graduation Sunday: First Congregational United Church of Christ will host graduation Sunday on, June 5 th for graduating high school seniors and for collegiate seniors. Please RSVP to the church administrative office by Friday, May 27 th at 9:00 am. You may reply by sending us the graduate's name, graduating school, upcoming academic/business pursuit and a graduation photo. Please send this information to lmcfarland@uccdg.org. YOUTH NEWS: Thank you to all of our youth and adult leaders who attended the Night Ministry "Night Walk" in Chicago. Thank you to all of our AMAZING YOUTH who attended our Tower Hill Forgiveness Retreat! *Thank you to everyone who supported our "Duct Tape & A Dollar" fundraiser in Fellowship Hall. All funds raised will go towards Angelman Syndrome research. Our youth will participate in the Angelman's Walk on Saturday, May 21st. We will meet and carpool from church at 8:00 am. Sign up with Dena today! * ASP (Appalachian Service Project) Youth Mission Trip 2016! Please continue to turn in your mission trip payments to the church office. FINAL PAYMENT DUE: Sunday, May 29th. *ASP Parent Meeting will be Sunday, June 12th for all youth attending the Appalachian Service Project to Fentress County, Tennessee. Please meet in the Parlor following worship. Please let me know if you are ever interested in volunteering your time and talents with our AMAZING YOUTH. Love and blessings, Dena Provenzano 7

8 Refugee Ministry: Thank you to everyone who came to last weeks informational meeting about our new refugee ministry. If you would like more information or would like to be involved with this ministry, please contact Sarah Johnson at today. UCC Strengthen the Church 2016 Offering: When you invest in the vision supported by Strengthen the Church, your gift will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, and help develop the spiritual lives of our youth and young adults. The envelopes will be in today s bulletin. CYA News: CYA is going to the Ruschke's lake house June near Shipshewana, IN. Please let Megan (lockett.megan24@gmail.com) know if you will attend part or the whole weekend. Adult Coloring: Do you have an interest in Adult Coloring and fellowship? We are starting up a Coloring Club, beginning Tuesday, May 17 at 10:00 am. Bring your coloring book(s), pencils and/or markers and we will meet in the Parlor. We will share our techniques, and experiences and discuss our club formation. Please contact Linda Schranz at or lsmedia52@gmail.com with any questions. PFLAG Downers Grove: PFLAG Downers Grove will meet Wednesday, May 11 at 7 p.m. PFLAG is a support, education, and advocacy group for individuals, parents, family, and friends of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender loved ones. All are welcome to attend. PFLAG DG meets the second Wednesday of every month. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL BOOK CLUB: The book selection for June is "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd. We will meet on Wednesday, June 1 at 6;30 PM in the Chapel to discuss the book. EVERYONE is invited - just relax, read the book and come ready to talk about it! FACES AT FIRST: Many of you have been enjoying our weekly feature on the First Congregational United Church of Christ web site, "Faces at First". You have been able to learn more about some of the people sharing the pews with you, or you have been featured as one of our congregants. The 150th Anniversary Committee is looking for even more people to participate.if we have not reached out to you, but would be interested in sharing with us just what First Congregational Church means to you and your spiritual journey, please contact Linda Schranz. Linda can be reached at or lsmedia52@gmail.com. Be sure to check the website each week for our latest features. Seeking Donations: We are seeking donations for a tree and bench in Fishel Park in memory of Ron Gales and Stan Steed. Please make checks payable to the church and note either "Ron's Tree" or "Stan's Bench" on the memo line. Thank you. 8

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11 Coming Up This Week SUNDAY, MAY 15, :30 AM Confirmation Sunday 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Worship Service-Sanctuary 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Caring For Creation Team Meeting :30 AM - 12:15 PM Teen Choir (grades 7-12)-Sanctuary 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Confirmation Reunion 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Recital-Sanctuary-Parlor 4:30 PM Administrative Deadline for Pilgrim 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Bridge Club Potluck & Game Night-Fellowship Hall MONDAY, MAY 16, :30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Chapel 6:30 PM FCLC Board Meeting-Parlor TUESDAY, MAY 17, :00 PM - 6:00 PM Chapel Reserved 6:30 PM CE Meeting-504 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM ESL Conversation Group-Library 6:30 PM Personnel Committee-Pastor Scott's Office 7:00 PM Finance & Budget-Rm 503 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Guided Path Rehearsal-Sanctuary WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, :00 AM - 11:00 AM Bible Study (at members' homes) 11:00 AM Church Staff Meeting-Parlor 12:00 PM Administrative Deadline for Bulletin 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Chapel Reserved 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Grounds of Hope Worship Service-Coffee House 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Alanon meeting-coffee House 8:00 PM Young Adult Rehearsal-Music Room THURSDAY, MAY 19, :00 AM - 10:00 AM FCLC Jumpbunch Chapel 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Chapel Reserved 7:00 PM Scouts-Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Troop 55 (Scouts) Chapel 7:15 PM - 9:15 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal-Choir Room FRIDAY, MAY 20, :30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Chapel 8:15 PM Two Way Street Concert-Coffee House SATURDAY, MAY 21, :00 AM - 1:00 PM Chapel Reserved 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sing Around-Coffee House 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thank You Reception - Emmett s in Downer Grove 11