Second Sunday of Advent 7 December 2014

Old Greenwich, THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL United Church Connecticut CHURCH OF GREENWICH of Christ Founded in 1665 Second Sunday of Advent 7 December 2014 10 o clock in the morning www.stushiart.com

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. W elcome to this Second Sunday of Advent at The First Congregational Church of Greenwich. Let us share Peace and Joy as we worship together this morning. PREPARING FOR WORSHIP Please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices. *All who are able please stand. PRELUDE CALL TO COMMUNITY Please sign and pass the red book. Dr. Craig Scott Symons, organ Rev. Mark D. Montgomery PRAISING GOD CALL TO WORSHIP Darin Jacks Leader: The God who speaks comfort to us calls us here. People: The God who addresses us with tenderness meets us here. Leader: The God who guides us with gentleness cares for us here. People: We come to prepare a way for the Lord. Leader: We come to ready ourselves for the transformation of our lives. All: For the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it. * HYMN Hills of the North, Rejoice Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 106

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS Roll Call of Candidates Ginny Breismeister (Candidates will come forward as their names are called) Commitment of Candidates Clergy: We are called of God to be disciples through Christ Jesus. Today we welcome each of you to join us in the joy of God s service through the work of First Congregational Church of Greenwich. Friends in Christ, we bid you welcome. We greet you as fellow disciples of Christ. Our purpose is to promote the increase of the love of God and neighbor. Will you now unite yourself with The First Congregational Church of Greenwich, accepting its responsibilities, praying and working for its usefulness, sustaining its worship, supporting its wider mission, and living with us in the joys of Christian fellowship? Candidates: I will. Clergy: We believe in the freedom and responsibility of the individual soul and the right of private judgment. We join in fellowship with other congregations of the United Church of Christ in declaring our steadfast allegiance to the faith which our forebears confessed, which from age to age has found its expression in the historic creeds of the Church Universal and of our Communion, and in affirming our loyalty to the basic principles of our representative democracy. We hereby set forth the things we most surely believe. The Covenant (Congregation: All who are able please stand): We believe in God, infinite in wisdom and love, in Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit, who renews, comforts and inspires us. We are united in seeking to know the will of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures and to walk in the ways of Christ. As Jesus accepted, welcomed and embraced all people without exception, so do we accept all who join with us in our journey to be a people of faith. We accept the mission of this church to proclaim the gospel, to worship God and to work for the dream of a compassionate world. Trusting in God s Spirit, we promise to support each other in love, that through our faith, the world

might be made new. We proclaim this in the spirit 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. Right Hand of Fellowship SONG OF RESPONSE Blest Be the Tie That Binds Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Before our God we come and pour our ardent prayers; Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares. LIGHTING OF THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE The Shubert and Duffy Families Reader 1: We dream God s dream, of a world at peace Where enemies are reconciled, and children play in safety; Where the poor and powerless find justice. Reader 2: We remember God s promise of a Ruler of Peace, Filled with the Spirit of God, of wisdom and understanding, Of counsel and might, of justice and faithfulness. Reader 3: We light this Advent candle, and we pray: Come Lord Jesus! Open our lives to the Peace which you bring; Let us turn to you, and get ready! Lighting of the Second Advent Candle

MUSIC DURING CANDLE LIGHTING Veni Emmanuel The Palmer Handbells Arr. Craig Scott Symons FIRST LESSON C HEARING GOD'S WORD Isaiah 40:1-11 Olivia Hartwell omfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken From New Revised Standard Version ANTHEM The Children s Choir People of the Night David Haas (b. 1957) Craig Scott Symons, director Vance Briceland, piano We are your people of the night, we long to see your newborn light. Distant glimmer, rising from afar. We await you, holy morning star. For in our winter we are dead, lead us to hope to see ahead. The springtime and the gift that is to come. Be our answer, new life for us all. You wait for us, you are our choice, the living word; the saving voice. Break the silence, listen to our call. Be our answer, new life for us all. Give us new faith, give us the joy, as we await your son, the Lord. In our presence, child-born of your breath. Savior brother, life that shatters death.

(After the Anthem, 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.) SECOND LESSON I Luke 2:1-7 Olga Hartwell n those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. From New Revised Standard Version * HYMN Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 108 SERMON Home for Christmas Rev. Richard S. DenUyl, Jr. RESPONDING TO GOD PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Avery C. Manchester CALL TO OFFERING OFFERTORY The Chancel Choir When Jordan Hushed His Waters Still George Oldroyd (1886-1951)

When Jordan hushed his waters still, And silence slept on Zion's hill, When Bethlehem's shepherds, thro' the night, Watched o'er their flocks by starry light. Lo, swift to every startled eye New streams of glory fire the sky; Heaven's azure gates are ope'd to pour Its armies on the midnight hour. On wheels of light, on wings of flame, The gratulating myriads came. High heaven with songs of triumph rung, While loud they struck their harps and sung To God the Lord of power and might, be glory in the highest height, for peace on earth proclaimed again and tidings of goodwill to men. Amen. *DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION INVITATION PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

WORDS OF INSTITUTION RECEIVING OF THE BREAD AND CUP (In the tradition of our church, let us partake of the bread as it is served, remembering our individual uniqueness in the eyes of God and our diversity within the Body of Christ. Let us hold the cup until all have been served, remembering our oneness with God and our unity in the Body of Christ.) PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Psalm 23 (in unison) The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. GOING FORTH TO SERVE GOD * HYMN Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 114 *BENEDICTION *CHORAL RESPONSE

POSTLUDE Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme J. S. Bach (1685-1750) Please join us for Fellowship Hour in the Auditorium following the worship service. We have child care for babies and toddlers every Sunday in the Preschool classrooms. Your children are always welcome in child care for the entire worship service or for a respite time if needed. On Church School Sundays, we also have a class for 3 and 4 year olds during the entire 10:00 am service. Please see an usher if you need directions to child care or Church School. 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: www.fccog.org. A bulletin can be found there as well as a link to the live broadcast. Previous sermons may also be found there. New Members Joining Today Timothy and Elizabeth Duffy, 7 Dublin Hill Drive, Cottage, Greenwich, CT 06830, 203-913-4873. Tim and Liz come to First Congregational Church by Reaffirmation of Faith. Liz grew up in Greenwich and Tim in Berwyn, PA. They moved to Greenwich from New York City about a year ago. Liz is Director of Annual Fund & Alumni Relations at Greenwich Country Day School and Tim is in Commercial Real Estate. The Duffy s have a 10-month old daughter, Quinn, and they enjoy watching her grow up in Greenwich near family and friends. They love walking at Tod s Point, eating at area restaurants and visiting with family. Tyler and Monika Shubert, 6 Clark Street, Old Greenwich, CT 06870, 203-942-8932. Tyler and Monika come to First Congregational Church by Reaffirmation of Faith. Tyler is Operations Controller at the Chef s Warehouse and Monika is a selfemployed Property Manager. Tyler enjoys music and soccer while Monika likes to cook, and they both enjoy tennis and spending time

with their 4 year old daughter, Addy, and their 18 month old son, August. Radovan Sikorsky and Daniela Sikorska, 19 Brownhouse Road, Old Greenwich, CT 06870, 917-612-9484. Radovan and Daniela come to First Congregational Church by Reaffirmation of Faith (joining in absentia). Radovan is the CFO Region Americas for Heineken and Daniela is a stay-at-home mom. Their family is very international; Radovan is from South Africa, while Daniela grew up in Slovakia, where they met, married and had their first daughter, Monika (14). Later, moving to Poland, their daughter, Sylvia (almost 5) was born. The family moved to Old Greenwich in 2013 and are enjoying the town, its parks and beaches and the friendly people. They love to travel, visit new cities, beaches and countries. They hope to stay in Old Greenwich for a long time. Giving Opportunities for the Season The Giving Tree Today is the deadline for gifts to give to our friends at Pilgrim Towers and H.O.M.E. Co-op in Orland, Maine. Thank you for sharing your holiday blessings with these two communities. White Gifts White Gifts are offerings of new clothing, toys, books or other useful items wrapped in white paper that are offered during our 10 am and 3 pm and 6 pm services on Christmas Eve. The white paper gives the illusion of snow under the trees in the Meetinghouse. Ribbon and bows are not necessary but please attach a tag listing the contents including age, gender & size. (Hint: If you find yourself without white paper, some patterned papers reverse to white, or use white tissue paper.) All gifts donated to Covenant to Care for Children. Christmas Tree Sale One of the ways we increase the amount we are able to share through the Outreach Budget of FCCOG is through our annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale! The sale continues today (11 am-4 pm) and

each Saturday (8 am-4 pm) and Sunday (11 am-4 pm) through December 21 (or as long as trees last). This year s sale will benefit the following agencies: Shelter for the Homeless, Inspirica, Den for Grieving Kids, Sexual Assault Crisis Center, Young Mariner s Foundation and Meals on Wheels. You can help by purchasing your tree (wreath, garland, kissing ball) from us and tell all your friends too! We also still need a few more volunteers to pull off this effort, so please consider signing up for a shift (or 2!) by visiting the church website at www.fccog.org and clicking on the link under News You Can Use or contact Clem Lepoutre at clem@lepoutre.us. Calendar TODAY Church School Today our Church School children continue living into Advent by hearing the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah about the birth of Jesus. We hope everyone will attend the Christmas Carol Dinner and Sing tonight at 6:00 pm. The children will love signing Rudolph, Jingle Bells and other familiar songs! Also, it is time to let Rosemary know if your family would like to participate in the December 21 Live Nativity outside at the crèche (20-30 minute time slots between Noon and 3 pm) or if your children would like to be in one of the Christmas Eve Nativity Pageants at the 10:00 am, 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm services. Please email her at RosemaryL@fccog.org. Parish Nurse Sue Asselin, R.N. is available for blood pressure screenings and health consultations in Room 203 following today s Worship Service. Choir Rehearsals Cherub Choir (grades K-2): Room 104 (basement near the Daniels Center) - Donald Haviland, director. Children s Choir (grades 3-6): Room 303 (Craig s office, 3rd floor) 11:15 am - 12:00 pm - Craig Symons, director. Youth Choir (grades 7-12): Choir Room (3rd floor), 11:15 am - 12:15 pm - Carolyn Paulus, director.

Bible Study Join us at 11:30 am in the Lounge today for the last Bible Study of 2014 with Rev. Avery Manchester. Bible Study will return in the New Year. Christmas Carol Dinner and Sing Don t miss this wonderful intergenerational tradition in the Auditorium this evening at 6:00 pm. Everyone is invited! The more the merrier and the more ages the better too! As an extra treat, the Blue Notes will be here to share some special holiday music. Craig serves as their director and pianist. This group of women volunteer their time to spread their gift of music to retirement and nursing facilities throughout southwest Fairfield County. Suggested donation for the dinner is $5/person with a $20 maximum/family. Please also bring a side dish along with you for the buffet table (enough to serve 8-10 people). The Parish Life Committee will provide entrees, desserts and beverages. Sign up today during Fellowship Hour or just come on by! See you there! THIS WEEK Join the Messiah Chorus Rehearsals for the 48 th annual performance of Messiah, under the direction of Director of Music, Dr. Craig Scott Symons, will take place tomorrow, Monday, December 8 from 7:30-9:30 pm in the Meetinghouse. If you have choral skills, you are encouraged to join the chorus for this wonderful tradition. There will also be a dress rehearsal with orchestra this Wednesday, December 10 from 7:30-9:30 pm. There is a refundable score deposit of $20. There are no auditions; everyone is welcome. And then invite your family, friends and neighbors to join us in this exciting choral opportunity as well! Contact Dr. Craig Scott Symons at craigs@fccog.org with questions. Messiah Tickets are Going Fast! Our 48 th annual Messiah will be performed at one concert only this Saturday, December 13, at 4:00 pm. Tickets for Preferred seating (front 8 rows in the Meetinghouse) are $40 each; General seating tickets (rows 9 to the

back of the Meetinghouse and Chapel seating) are $20 each. Tickets are on sale in the Church Office 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Tickets are also available during Fellowship Hour today. Come to the Christmas Soiree! The weather outside may be frightful, but our soiree will be delightful! Don t miss the fun. Join us this coming Saturday, December 13 (following Messiah) from 6:00-9:00 pm at Zody s 19 th Hole in Stamford. Beer, wine, soft drinks and substantial hor d oeuvres are included. Cash bar for liquor. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season and a little Christmas cheer with your church family. Get your tickets today during Fellowship Hour. You can also get more information in the December Meetinghouse Monthly or on the church website at www.fccog.org. Carpooling is available. Contact Prill Meyer at 203-637-4214 or email prillmeyer@optonline.net. NEWS AND NOTICES Prayer Shawls are Needed - CORRECTION Our supply of prayer shawls has dwindled. We need knitters to start knitting again to increase our supply. If you have made some before, please start up again. If you would like to knit for the first time, Nancy McConnell has directions for you and can help you get materials. Please contact Nancy at 203-637-4423 or nhm48@aol.com. Basic Directions: Size 11 needles, 3 6-ounce skeins of Lion Brand Homespun Yarn found at Michael s or WalMart (any color), cast on 52-57 stitches and just knit away! When piece measures 60 inches, bind off and then fringe. If you don t want to fringe, save the yarn and we ll get someone to do it for you. Please help us with this very important project! Christmas News from The Rummage Room 191 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich Monday, December 8: All Christmas items 25% off for the week. Monday, December 15: All merchandise, including Christmas items, 50% off for the week. Friday, December 19: The annual Christmas Party will take place at The Rummage Room between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. The Rummage Room will then close for the holidays at 5:00 pm.

Shop Hours: 10 am-5 pm Mon-Fri & 10 am-1pm Sat. Donation Hours: 9:30 am-4:30 pm Mon-Thurs & 9:30 am-12:30 pm Saturday. Friday, January 2: The Rummage Room will reopen at 10:00 am. Please do not leave donations while The Rummage Room is closed. There will be no one to receive them. Thought for the Week: Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Because of your support these past 50 years, The Rummage Room has been able to supply funding for food, clothing, education and the emotional growth for women, children and families throughout the world. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christmas Memorial/Honor Flowers and Decorations The Chancel Committee invites contributions for decorations for the Meetinghouse this Christmas. Any amount is welcome. Please deliver the completed form with your check to the Church Office (payable to the First Congregational Church Flower Fund) on or before Sunday, December 14. Thank you. In Memory/Honor of (please circle one): By: Enclosed is my check in the amount of $ Please print names legibly to minimize spelling errors. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December Christmas Tree Sale through Dec. 21 - Saturdays 8 am-4 pm, Sundays 11 am-4 pm 7: Giving Tree 2014 deadline; Christmas Carol Dinner and Sing, 6 pm 13: 48th Annual Messiah Performance, 4 pm; AND Christmas Soiree at Zody s, Stamford, 6-9 pm 21: Live Nativity on the front lawn by the crèche 24: Christmas Eve Celebrations Note new times 10 am: Lessons and Carols for our youngest families; Nativity Pageant; Cherub Choir; White Gift Offerings* 3 pm: Family Service; Once in Royal David s City Nativity Pageant; Children s Choir; White Gift Offerings* 4 pm: Community Carol Sing around the crèche on the front lawn 6 pm: Festival Carol Service with Brass Ensemble; Once in Royal David s City Nativity Pageant; Chancel Choir; White Gift Offerings* 9 pm: Candlelight Service with Communion; Youth/Alumni Choir *White Gifts are clothing, toys, books or other useful items wrapped in white paper to be offered during our 10 am, 3 pm and 6 pm services on Christmas Eve. The white paper gives the illusion of snow under the trees in the Meetinghouse. Ribbon and bows are not necessary but gifts should be labeled, indicating an appropriate age and gender.

Next Week at First Congregational Church 10:00 am Worship Service Meetinghouse 3rd Sunday of Advent Music by: The Palmer Handbell Choir: Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light by J. S. Bach The Chancel Choir: When God s Time Had Ripened by Alfred Fedak Drew Seigla, tenor: Some Children See Him by Alfred Burt Rev. Richard DenUyl, preaching Where to find us: www.fccog.org, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram The First Congregational Church of Greenwich 108 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich, Connecticut, 06870 203-637-1791; www.fccog.org Ministers: The Members of The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Senior Pastor: Rev. Richard S. DenUyl, Jr. Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry: Rev. Mark D. Montgomery Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care: Rev. Avery C. Manchester Director of Music: Dr. Craig Scott Symons Director of Family Ministries: Rosemary Lamie Director of Membership: Ginny Breismeister Director of Communications: 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