First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts Rev. John G. Hughes, II, Senior Pastor Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-Organist Priscilla Duda, Christian Ministry Coordinator Jessica Skidmore, Youth Director David Reid, Sexton Nancy Klebart, Office Manager Church office: 978-526-7661 ext. 1 Fax: 978-526-7882 Email: office.fpchurch@verizon.net Website: www.firstparishchurch.org
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, February 7, 2016, 10:00 a.m. Communion Sunday, Transfiguration ORGAN PRELUDE: Largo Henri Eccles (1670-1742) ANNOUNCEMENTS *[Please stand for the lighting of the candles] CALL TO WORSHIP: We bring our praise to our God of awe. God comes among us and dwells within us. We celebrate God s continual presence with us. God desires to be known through the entire world. *HYMN: Morning Has Broken PH #38 PRAYER OF INVOCATION You are our Creator and our Salvation, yet we sometimes act as if we could take you or leave you. We act as if you did not exist, or, our prayers are but attempts to manipulate you for our needs. When presented with your glory, the spectacle of your love for us, we do not know how to respond, we may not recognize you for whom you are. Forgive us when we ignore your splendor, the glory of your Spirit, for then we deny you access to our lives. Forgive our woeful ways for this world; allow your wondrous presence to fill our lives. This we ask, through the Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray *THE LORD'S PRAYER (trespasses) 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen. *GLORIA PATRI: 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
SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 pg. 1797 ANTHEM: Come, Holy Ghost Thomas Attwood (1765-1838) Rebecca Shrimpton, soprano Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, And lighten with celestial fire. Thou the anointing Spirit art, Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart. Thy blessed unction from above, Is comfort, life, and fire of love, Enable with perpetual light, The dullness of our blinded sight; Anoint and cheer our soiled face, With the abundance of thy grace. Keep far our foes, give peace at home, Where thou art guide, no ill can come. Teach us to know the Father, Son, And thee of both to be but one, That through the ages all along, This may be our endless song; Praise to thy eternal merit, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. MORNING PRAYER CONGREGATION S JOYS AND CONCERNS Gracious God, you alone have the power to change our lives. Change our hearts, dear Lord, make them new realities. You have the power to overcome that which we are powerless to change. May your power be at work in our lives; may our lives be our offering of thanksgiving to you. Make us well make us whole make us yours. Let our lives be a true reflection of your love. Amen. SILENT PRAYER - PASTORAL PRAYER - CHORAL RESPONSE SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 9:28-36 pg. 1609 *HYMN: We Have Come at Christ s Own Bidding NCH #182 SERMON: Does God Have a Clue?
MOMENT OF MEDITATION OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Joy in the Morning Natalie Sleeth (1930-1992) There ll be joy in the morning on that day, There ll be joy in the morning on that day, For the daylight will dawn When the darkness is gone, There ll be joy in the morning on that day. There ll be peace and contentment evermore There ll be peace and contentment evermore Ev ry heart, ev ry voice Will together rejoice, There ll be peace and contentment evermore And the glory, glory, glory of the Lord Will shine, will shine (shine upon us) And the glory, glory, glory of the Lord Will bring the truth divine. There ll be love and forgiveness ev rywhere, There ll be love and forgiveness ev rywhere, And the way of the Lord Will that day be restored; There ll be love and forgiveness ev rywhere. There ll be love and forgiveness, There ll be peace and contentment, There ll be joy, joy, joy, joy, JOY! *DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *HYMN: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee PH #8 SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION (The bread in the middle of the offering plates is gluten free) Invitation to Communion When Jesus, the Risen Savior, was at the table with two of the disciples, he took the bread and broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened, and they recognized the risen Christ in the breaking of that bread. In company with all believers in every time, and beyond time, we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread. Eternal God, who has created the heavens and the earth, giving breath to every living thing, we thank you for all the gifts of creation and for the
gift of life itself. We thank you for making us in your own image, for forgiving us when we act as though you have no claim on us, and for keeping us in your steadfast care. We rejoice in Jesus Christ, the only one eternally begotten by you, who was born of your servant Mary and shared the joys and sorrows of this life. We remember Christ's death, we celebrate Christ's resurrection, and, in the beloved community of your church, we await Christ's return at the end of history. We offer you our praise for women and men of faith in every age who stand as witnesses to your love and justice. With all the prophets, martyrs, and saints, and all the company of heaven we glorify you. Amen. Institution Gracious God, we ask you to bless this bread and this cup and all of us with the outpouring of your Holy Spirit. Through this meal, make us the body of Christ, the church, your servant people, that we may be salt, and light, and leaven for the furtherance of your will in the world. Amen. Come, Holy Spirit! Distribution of Elements Prayer Holy God, our loving Creator, as close to us as breathing and distant as the farthest star, we thank you for your constant love for all you have made. We thank you for all that sustains life, for all people of faith in every generation who have given themselves to your will, and especially for Jesus Christ, whom you have sent from your own being as our Savior. We praise you for Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection. We praise
you for calling forth your church for its mission in the world. Gifted by the presence of the Holy Spirit, we offer ourselves to you as we unite our voices with the entire family of your faithful people everywhere, in gratitude. BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE *[The Removal of the Flame ] ORGAN POSTLUDE: Rigaudon André Campra (1660-1744) * * * * * The greeter and lay reader is Sheila Carrassi. The Deacons are Paul Gudonis and Shawn Newman. Readers and Greeters are always needed, contact the office or talk to the Deacons. Listening devices are available for those in need; they are at the back of the Sanctuary. Feel free to address a Deacon should you need help using them. After the service join us in the front of the church for hospitality. Welcome to all who are new to our worship. To join our mailing list fill out a Welcome Card to place in the collection plate or contact office.fpchurch@verizon.net, 978-526-7661 ext 1. FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny Lapham at 978-526- 7128, by Monday to be included in the following Sunday s bulletin. You are invited! To a Valentine's Day Party hosted by The First Parish Youth Groups on Monday, February 8th @ 4pm in the Chapel. Contact Jessica at youthdirector.fpchurch@verizon.net for information.
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING Today, February 7, following worship. Wednesday, February 10 th Ash Wednesday Wednesday, February 24 th Vespers: shall I fear? psalm 27 Wednesday, March 9 th Vespers: sins are covered psalm 32 Thursday, March 24 th Maundy Thursday (at 7:30 PM) All are welcome. The Sanctuary opens at 6:30 for meditation & prayer; our service is from 7 7:30 PM, followed by ten minutes of music. THE CARE TEAM MINISTRY, Have you shared the experience? We support FPC families with meals, rides, & visits through times of illness and loss. If you would like to become involved with this wonderful team contact; Sheila Kafer 978-525-3253, smkafer@comcast.net Janet Groth at 978-526-8408, janbythesea244@gmail.com Each Wednesday Evening An Hour of Tranquility in our sanctuary 6:30 PM 7:30 PM As a way of giving back to the community, we open our candlelit sanctuary for anyone seeking a place of tranquility to enjoy peaceful music and private meditation. All faiths are welcome to join in this space. Friday afternoon 4:00 PM in the Conference Room of the Chapel led by Rev. John Hughes
Book Group continues with a new selection for January; The Little Paris Book Shop by Nina George, The settings are ideal for a summer-romance read Who can resist floating on a barge through France surrounded by books, wine, love, and great conversation? (Christian Science Monitor) We hope you will join us on Monday, February 29 at 7 PM at Nancy Peterson's house. All are welcome! Looking for Knitting Needles and Yarn The Seaside Parish Knitters are looking for knitting needles and yarn that you might be considering "casting" aside. We continue to knit blankets, shawls, and scarves; and for our military troops: helmet liners, neck gators, and scarves. We use both 100% wool and synthetic fibers for yarn, and straight and round knitting needles...all sizes. Contact Penny Lapham at 978-526- 7128 or laphenpen@live.com We welcome anyone wishing to join us. Upcoming events can be found on our website (www.firstparishchurch.org ) under News and Calendar and on our Facebook page (First Parish Manchester-by-the-Sea) under Events THIS WEEK: Monday 7:00 PM BOT 7:30 PM Manchester Singers Tuesday 10:00 AM COA Zumba Wednesday 10:00 AM COA Yoga 7:00 PM Ash Wednesday 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Friday 8:00 AM Yoga 4:00 PM Bible Study Sunday 10:00 AM Worship