An open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ September 23, 2018 10:00 a.m. Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Welcome to our worship service. Please join us for refreshments and time for fellowship immediately following the service. Childcare is offered throughout the service in the nursery for crib, toddler, and Pre-K children. Childcare is located on the first floor. Soft books and activity books with crayons are located in the Narthex if desired. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 will be dismissed to Sunday School after Time for All Ages. Lindsay leads a dementia poetry group at Sherrill House with a colleague. Together, they read poetry with the residents and guide them in crafting collaborative poems. The following is a poem written by the First Floor Poetry Group. -Lindsay Popperson, a UCC ministry candidate in the Metropolitan Boston Association. To Listen Most people talk & a lot gets lost in translation. We need compassion & the willingness to listen & the capacity to be shocked. I have a friend who listens & when you stop talking she listens Just a little bit longer & you keep talking and that s always what it was you meant to say in the first place.
PRELUDE GATHERING SONG (see insert) Prelude Cesar Franck Welcome ANNOUNCEMENTS CONGREGATIONAL GREETING OPENING PRAYER One: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God our Mother and Father the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all All: And also with you One: Let us pray for our church at this new turning point in our journey O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by Him through whom all things were made, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Prayer to end hunger (praying with those who represent our church this morning on the Ride for Food) Most gracious God, who gives the fruits of the earth for the benefit of all your creatures, we give thanks to you for abundant harvests and plentiful production on this earth. We pray for those in our land who are denied these gifts, and seek your forgiveness for our complicity in their want. We pray for those whose voices are not heard and for those who do not hear. Forgive us when our choices are selfish ones, and forgive us especially when we do not choose to raise our own voice against the pain of our brothers and sisters who suffer needless want. Most of all, O God, we give you thanks for the revelation of your love in Jesus Christ, who came that everyone might have abundant life. Amen. 2
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN (see insert) Sometimes a light surprises TIME FOR ALL AGES ANTHEM The Road Not Taken Randall Thompson (1899-1984) Epistle James 5:13-20 Gospel Mark 9:38-50 HYMN #508 (Black, New Century) SERMON HYMN #508 (Black, New Century) Prayer Is the Soul s Sincere Desire (Vs. 1-3) Rev. Jim Mitulski Prayer Is the Soul s Sincere Desire (Vs. 4-5) COMMUNITY PRAYERS Concerns and Celebrations Prayers for Our Friends and Families, Our Church, Our Community, and the World. 3
Concluding with the leader saying.gather our hopes and dreams, God, and unite them to this prayer which we offer to you in your many names, with one heart: Our Father and Mother in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your reign come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS In each of our pews today is a black friendship book which we encourage you to fill out and pass to the person next to you during the offering. If you have been with us before, just put down your name, but if you are new today, please let us know who you are. Thanks! Offertory Anthem Adoramus Te Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina(1525-1594) Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below, Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Prayer of Dedication *CLOSING HYMN #423 (Black, New Century) Great Is Your Faithfulness BENEDICTION CHORAL BENEDICTION Seven Fold Amen Sir John Stainer(1840-1901) 4
POSTLUDE Echo Fantasia Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621) Worship Assistant: Teresa Blume, Leyna Blume Deacons: K.M. Abraham, Philip Gotwals Altar Guild: Denice Koljonen Flower Delivery: Jean Veigas Ushers: Craig Morrison, Eric Slosser, Valerie Kistler The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and to celebrate Amy Downing s birthday from her mom, Carol Miller A special thank you to the Carter family for hosting our delicious coffee hour today. Church Covenant We strive to be a joyful, welcoming Christian Community. We seek to be faithful in a world torn by suffering, injustice, oppression, and war. We are inspired by God, Christ s Ministry, and the examples of other faithful people. We join together in worship and song, fellowship, study, and mission to embrace the risks and challenges of continuing Christ s ministry We struggle to live out our faith in the world by furthering justice and peace, witnessing to the truth, and proclaiming God s love and mercy for all people. Open and Affirming Statement As a covenant community we are committed to the belief that all people are created equal before God. In affirmation of the inclusive love of Christ Jesus, we welcome persons of any race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability and economic circumstance to full participation in our community life and ministry. We strive to reflect these beliefs in the language and content of our worship and in our lives together. (This statement adopted in 2000, reflects the welcome of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people and their friends and families.) 5
WARRANT Special Congregational Meeting September 30, 2018 A Special Meeting of the Congregational Church of Needham, UCC, will be held in the Sanctuary on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 11:30 a.m., immediately following the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Childcare will be provided during the meeting. Article 1: To vote on a proposal to call to the position of Senior Minister a candidate recommended by the duly elected Senior Minister Search Committee. 6
9/16/2018 Collections* = $2,988 9/16/2018 Worship Attendance = 118 people August Electronic Pledge Amount: $11,886.88 Please contact the church office 781-444-2510 or office@needhamucc.org to find out how you can give electronically. *Collection amount does not include additional pledges received electronically. Our current pledge amount for 2018 is $392,968. This represents a budget shortfall of $57,032 for the year. The Board is responsible for the overall administrative life of the church including buildings, finances, personnel and the overall health of the church. Moderator: Jackie Allen Clerk: Jane Brand Term Ends 2019: Jim Conroy, Diane Rees, Kristin Mollerus, Keith McClelland Term Ends 2020: Howard Sesso, Barbra Morton, Amanda Angel Term Ends 2021: Craig Morrison, Scott Lively, Amy Hurley The Deacons are responsible for the spiritual life and well-being of the church. Term Ends 2019: Rick Devereux, Dibby Moder, Scott Stewart, Carol Miller, Jean Veigas Term Ends 2020: Kevin Blume, Paul Brown, Sue Cotton, Lucy Slosser Term Ends 2021: Jim Ruetenik, Phil Gotwals, KM Abraham, Patty Morrison, Janet Rubenstein The Outreach Committee advocates to the church and its members about important issues relating to social justice in our church, community, city state and the world. They provide opportunities to volunteer and guide us in financial giving. We aim to give 15% of our income from pledges to the church to Outreach financial giving. Term Ends 2019: Bill Rees, Fred Moder, Hiroko Hardebeck, Lynn Gotwals, Term Ends 2020: Carol Brown, Mi Herzog, Tom Mollerus Term Ends 2021: Connie Kaufman The PRC is an independent group that supports and maintains an open and healthy relationship between the Minister(s) and Members of the Congregation. The PRC does not take the place of communications between the Members and the Minister(s), but rather helps those who need advice and assistance with such communications. Members: Tom Mollerus, Fred Moder, Martha Lamb 7
Welcome to all who are new or here for the first time! If you are interested in learning more about our church, please email Rev. Jim at revjim@needhamucc.org, Rev Heike at revheike@needhamucc.org or call the office at 781-444-2510 to set up a conversation. For updates on church life, our family ministries, Christian Education and Youth Ministries follow us at: @NeedhamUCC on Instagram Congregational Church of Needham UCC on Facebook @needhamucc on Twitter www.needhamucc.org Please silence your cell phone before attending the service. You can Check In on Facebook and let people know you are here. Feel free to Tweet, Snapchat, or Instagram during the service. If you would like or need a hearing device an usher will be able to assist you. Children s Childcare is offered for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers in the Nursery located downstairs during the service. Rev. Jim Mitulski s Office Hours Please contact the church office to schedule an appointment during his office hours of Tuesday & Wednesday 2 6pm; Thursday 2 5pm Evening hours are also available by appointment. *If these mes do not work for you please contact the office for alternate availability. Interim Senior Minister The Rev. Jim Mitulski RevJim@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 106 Associate Minister The Rev. Heike Werder RevHeike@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 105 Director of Children &Youth Ministries Madelyn Downer Youth@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 104 Organist/Accompanist Sangyoung Kim Housekeeper Sanira Alchaar Staff Church Administrator Danielle Jurdan Office@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 101 Office Assistant & Bookkeeper Cindy Sullivan Office2@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 100 Music Director Valerie Becker musicdirector@needhamucc.org Handyman Bill Donovan The Congregational Church of Needham 1154 Great Plain Avenue Needham, Massachusetts 02492 www.needhamucc.org Facebook: Congrega onal Church of Needham UCC Twi er @needhamucc Instagram: needhamucc 781 444 2510 of ice@needhamucc.org The Rev. Dr. Paul Clayton, Pastor Emeritus 8
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS September 23, 2018 NEW CALENDAR!!! You use Google Calendar to keep track of your appointments and your family...guess what...the church does too!! We ve created a Google Calendar for YOU of all church events, meetings, Worship schedules, Youth Activities, Music events and rehearsals... You can share it with you own Google calendar and turn it on or off as needed. The link is https://calendar.google.com/ calendar/b/1?cid=y2nuzwvkagfty2fszw5kyxjaz21hawwuy29t Welcome Back Brunch - Thanks to All! A big thank you to all who contributed to the brunch, either by bringing food or drinks, or by setting up or cleaning up. And to the many folks who participated by coming to the brunch. It was a wonderful occasion, with many people remarking how nice it was to have time to sit and relax and enjoy the fellowship and the great eats! Thanks again to all who made this such a special event. The Theme for October will be PRAYER In keeping with this theme, the Deacons will be offering 4 opportunities to explore different approaches to prayer, on the first 4 Wednesdays of October (7:00-8:00). The programs will include a Taize prayer service, a prayer-writing workshop, exploring prayer and meditation, and music as prayer. We hope you will come join us in the chapel. No experience necessary! September 23 and September 30 @ 9:45 In anticipation of October s theme of prayer, the Deacons will be meeting 15 minutes before the worship service on Sundays 9/23 and 9/30 to pray for our church. PLEASE JOIN US in the Reception Room at 9:45 on these two Sundays as we offer our prayers in this time of transition while we search for our new senior minister. Adults, want to have fun, get to know ours awesome kids, and eat yummy snacks? Chaperone youth group! Email Maddie at youth@needhamucc.org to sign up! Support our Youth Mission Trip: Enjoy Dinner and a Show! Saturday, October 13, 5:30 PM Our Senior and Junior High youth groups team up to present an original musical dinner theater production, Stuck in the Middle Ages! Join us as our hero is sent back in time and tries to figure out who put her there and how to get home! A pasta dinner will be served, with GF options available. Tickets are $15 per person; $10 for children under 9. October 7th Altar Flower Donation Wanted Whether to honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion, an opportunity awaits to accommodate your wishes. Anyone interested may contact the church office at 781-444-2510 or office@needhamucc.org Additionally, an altar flower donation form can be found in the circular rack in the Narthex. 9
Adults, want to have fun, get to know ours awesome kids, and eat yummy snacks? Chaperone youth group! Email Maddie at youth@needhamucc.org to sign up! Adult Education Offerings this Fall This fall, Rev. Heike will lead an Adult Education Class on a Theology Makeover. We are going to read and discuss together a book by Martin Thielen What s the least I can believe and still be a Christian A Guide to What matters most. If the title piques your curiosity, this class is for you. Theology is such a big topic, and we all have our own theologies. The book invites us to take a look at 10 things Christians don t need to Believe in part one, and part two gives us 10 things Christians do need to Believe. The list could be and often is longer, but these 10 are a good start for a solid base for any Christian. We have reserved the Sundays of October 14, October 28, November 4, and November 11, 2018 for this interesting book discussion and study. Copies of the book are available for purchase in our in house Bookstore ($ 17.00), or you can go directly to Amazon.com for your order. Want to join the church? A prospective new member meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 8:30 am in our Library. A light breakfast will be served. This meeting is open to all who are thinking and/or wishing to join the church. It is an opportunity to get to know one another, share our church/faith journeys, and talk about what it means to join our church. If you are interested or know that you wish to attend, please rsvp with revheike@needhamucc.org or call her at 781-444-2510. OKTOBERFEST COMES TO NEEDHAM! Saturday, October 27 5:00-8:00 PM Prost! We re gathering to celebrate Oktoberfest with delicious food - sausage, potato salad, pretzels - and non-alcoholic and soda beers (root beer, ginger ale, cream soda)! Indoor games and fellowship, Family friendly and fun for all! $15 per ticket. Monthly luncheons started this month at 1154 Great Plain Ave. in our Library. Further dates are as follows: October 5, November 1, and the Thursdays of December 6, 13, and 20, 2018 for the Season of Advent. All luncheons begin at noon. All are welcome bring your friends and neighbors! Choir If you enjoy the music at church and like to sing the choir invites you to join them. We practice one evening a month (the first Thursday) and before church on Sunday at 8:30. Come and try it out. We enjoy making music for Sunday services and have a great time together. No long commitment is required. Sing for a Sunday or a season or all year long, but SING. No reservations required just show up any first Thursday @ 7:30 pm ( Choir Room) or Sunday morning @ 8:30 am (Sanctuary). 10
Youth Choir Come sing with us!!! Youth Choir rehearsals will begin on September 16th in the choir room. Younger Group - 11:30-12; Older Group - 12:00-1:00 Looking forward to working with everyone! FRIENDLY CHIMERS - This fun-loving group of amateur musicians begins it s season on October 4, 2018 under the direction of Crosby Goshgarian. If you d like to be part of this group no experience needed, just an ability to count and have 2 good wrists to hold the chimes please join us either as a regular or a sub. We meet after church on Sundays from 11:30-12:15 (10/14, 10/28) and Thursday evenings (Oct 4 & 18 from 6:45-7:30; Nov 1 &15 from 6:15-7). For more information, contact Joanne Seiden (781-449-6535, jseiden@basiclink.com) OR just show up to see what it s like to ring those chimes on any of our rehearsal dates. WE D LOVE TO HAVE YOU! February 2019 Delegation Sign-Ups! Brenda Metzler and Fred Moder will co-lead the church's upcoming delegation to Santa Maria Tzejá (February 13-24, 2019). We hope to have both youth and adults on this transformational trip. Total cost is approximately $1,500. Signups will close as soon as the delegation is filled (or by late September), since airline tickets must be purchased early, due to competition from other school-vacation travelers. Please contact Brenda or Fred ASAP with your interest or questions: bmetzler7@verizon.net or fmoder@verizon.net. Yummy snacks for Coffee Hour! We are transforming our coffee hour into something a little more fun, delicious and delightful. Our church committees and teams are hosting one coffee hour each month with yummy treats. We invite you to host or co-host a Sunday as well! Families and individuals are invited to sign up for a Sunday to provide the food. You can use this opportunity to celebrate someone s birthday, anniversary or honor a person in your family or an occasion by providing goodies for coffee hour. Your sponsorship will be mentioned in the bulletin just like the families and individuals who give flowers for the altar. The office has set up an online sign-up form at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0844a8aa23a2fd0-coffee or you can simply call the office to do so. Please call the office if you have any questions at 781-444- 2510. Community Dinners coincide with monthly Baby Basics Diaper distribution. Volunteers are invited to join in our effort to provide a healthy dinner for our guests and members of the church on the following dates: October 2, November 6, and December 4, 2018. Volunteers are welcome to help with setting up, cooking the main meal, serving, visiting and eating with our Baby Basics families, and clean up. Please contact Rev. Heike or Diana Conroy (revheike@needhamucc.org ; conroyjd@rcn.com) if you are interested in helping out. 11
Volunteer Opportunity for Baby Basics We are looking for a person who can host the distribution table on the first Tuesday of every month. This entails giving families diapers from 6-7 pm, dinner provided for you and your family. Contact Jennifer Haggerty at jenniferhaggerty@hotmail.com for more information or to volunteer. Village Fair News The Village Fair will be held on November 17 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. We are having most of the same favorites from years past: Timeless Treasures, Bake Sale, Garden Fence, Silent Auction, Used Books, Elf Shop, Vintage Jewelry, the Handcrafts Boutique, and our beloved Café. Many hands will be needed to help make this fair a success- it remains a solid fundraiser for the church. Part of our proceeds will go into our general operating budget, and part will go to a meaningful and lasting donation to the church. In the past few years, the hardworking Village Fair Team have contributed a new water bottle filling station/bubbler and a beautiful native garden to enhance our church sign. If you would like to help out or contribute to our efforts, please call or email Diana Conroy (781-449-3350 or conroyjd@rcn.com) Now that we have returned to services in the Sanctuary, please find donation boxes outside of the Chapel. If in doubt as to where it goes, just place items in- we will sort them out! A Heaping of Generosity wanted for Silent Auction! Who doesn't like to dine out? Caryl and Sue are looking for people willing to donate restaurant gift certificates of $50 - $75. Split the cost with a friend? Do you know a restaurant owner whom you could ask to donate a gift certificate? Do you know of a new restaurant in the area that would make a donation for some inexpensive publicity. Send your information to carylgjohnson@gmail.com or suegturner1@comcast.net. We'll coordinate gift card pick up from you. Thanks for help with the leg work! Start thinking about pies breads cookies bars jams or jelly to make for bake goods table. Please let Carol Miller know (millerc291@verizon.net) CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND YOUTH MINISTRIES Sunday School News Thank you to our Sunday School and Youth Group volunteers on September 16: Caryl Johnson and Eric Slosser. Thank you to our teachers, Ms. Maria, Ms. Tillie, and Ms. Katherine. September: This month we are learning about Jonah and the Big Fish! Jonah is a reluctant prophet who is instructed to preach to the people of Nineveh. Jonah s journey story takes us from the center of a storm, to the belly of a whale, to the town of Nineveh. 12
Sunday, September 9: Chapel Sunday Sunday, September 16: Science Sunday, September 23: Cooking Sunday, September 30: Arts & Crafts Talking to Children About God, scheduled for September 30, has been postponed to allow for important church activities to take place! A new date will be announced. Youth Group Tonight: 3:00 PM Junior High 4:30 PM Youth Musical Rehearsal 5:45 PM Senior High Youth Group News You re invited to Paint Night to Support Common Cathedral! Sunday, September 30, 3:00 PM Tickets, $35 each, must be purchased in advance at https:// commoncathedral18.brownpapertickets.com/ Once you ve purchased a ticket, let Maddie know you re coming and we will coordinate transportation (note that a portion of our ride in will be on the T). We ll be working with Common Cathedral later in the year on local mission work! Youth Musical: Saturday, October 13, 5:30 PM: Youth servers and cooks needed! If you d like to participate in the youth musical but don t want to be center stage, your help is needed in the kitchen! If you re thinking about going on the 2019 Mission Trip, please sign up to help at the musical (a fundraiser for the mission trip). We also have roles behind the scenes helping with lighting, costumes, and more! Come to a youth musical meeting or email Maddie at youth@needhamucc.org if you re interested in participating! Youth Lock-In: 7:00 pm on September 28 - Noon, September 29 Needed: 1 additional chaperone Senior and Junior High students are invited to join us to build sets for our fall musical, play games, and have fun! We will eat dinner at the start of the evening on Friday (pizza) and brunch on Saturday. You don t need to be acting in the musical to come! Email Maddie to let her know you re coming! youth@needhamucc.org 13
Sunday September 23rd Monday September 24th FOCUS Articles Due! Tuesday September 25th Thursday September 27th Friday September 28th 8:30 am 9:45 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 3:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:45 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Deacon s Prayer, Reception Room Worship, Sanctuary Search Committee Coffee Hour Youth Choir, Choir Room Junior High Youth Group All Youth Mystery Dinner Rehearsal Senior High Youth Group 9:15 am Cancer Support Group, Reception Room 7:00 pm Board Meeting, Library 7:00 pm CE/ Youth Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Youth Lock In Saturday September 29th Sunday September 30th Monday October 1st 10:00 am 6:00 pm 8:30 am 9:45 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 3:00 pm 9:15 am 7:00 pm Open House Meet the Candidate, Library All Church Dinner Meet the Candidate Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Deacon s Prayer, Reception Room Worship, Sanctuary Congregational Vote Mindful Meditation w/ Sue Findlay, Chapel Youth Choir, Choir Room Paint Night to Support Common Cathedral Cancer Support Group, Reception Room Board Meeting, Library Tuesday October 2nd Wednesday October 3rd 6:00 pm Community Dinner, Linden Hall 7:00 pm Taize Lab, Chapel Thursday October 4th 12:00 pm 6:15 pm 7:30 pm Lunch w/ Heike, Library Chimer Rehearsal, Sanctuary Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Linden AB 14
THE SEARCH COMMITTEE INVITES YOU TO CANDIDATE WEEKEND Next weekend you will have several opportunities to meet the candidate for Senior Minister. The Search Committee is excited to introduce you to the candidate and we will begin today by distributing a brochure after worship. The search process began last fall with the Transition Team s all-church survey and small group sharing sessions, out of which they crafted a detailed Church Profile containing your hopes, prayers and visions for our church. The Search Committee began work in April and throughout the process we were guided by this profile as our foundation. We reviewed dozens of candidate profiles, looking for highly qualified, exciting, and faithful candidates who would help our church be everything it could be. We listened to hours of sermon recordings and then conducted video screening interviews to select exceptional candidates. We brought those candidates to a final face-to-face, in-depth interview. Our chosen candidate was remarkable from the beginning, demonstrating excellence in every core competency listed in our profile and inspiring us spiritually in our video call such that we did not want to disconnect. His intellect, wit, deep faith, and creativity were broadly demonstrated in our in-person interview and the meals we shared. The hand of God has led our committee and this church to this candidate and the Search Committee readily reached unanimous consensus in the selection of this candidate. We invite you to come and meet him next weekend (see reverse) and we urge you to attend worship on Sunday, September 30, and vote in the Special Meeting after worship. Your participation is important! 15
CANDIDATE WEEKEND Friday, September 28 7:30 p.m. Board/Deacons meet the candidate Saturday, September 29 10 11:30 a.m. Open House with the candidate, Church Library 6 p.m. All-Church Dinner: Meet the Candidate*, Fellowship Hall We plan to serve dinner at 6 pm, have a short program at 6:40 pm and begin dessert and mingle about 7:10 pm. Activities for children will be available Dessert bakers & helpers are needed-see below** Sunday, September 30 10 a.m. Candidate leads worship*, Congregational Vote, Reception Please join us in welcoming the candidate. If you need transportation contact Dibby Moder 781-444-5061 or dmoder@verizon.net. ** DESSERTS (nut-free & including fruit) and HELP WITH SETUP, SERVING, and CLEAN UP ARE NEEDED. We re serving Blue Ribbon BBQ, vegetarian options, and delicious sides. Please let us know ASAP how you can help by contacting: Martha Lamb (781-856-2433 and martha_lamb@aol.com) Joanne Seiden (781-449-6535 and jseiden@basiclink.com) The Search Committee Judith Stewart, Deborah Abraham, Kathie Carpenter, Martha Lamb, Heather Salerno, Rob Dunlavey, Mike Boyd, Gretchen Lanka Allen, Dibby Moder, Tom Mollerus, Joanne Seiden 16
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