First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt, Interim Pastor Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-Organist Jessica Skidmore, Christian Ministry Coordinator Tori Potter, Sexton Nancy Klebart, Office Manager 978-526-7661 office.fpchurch@verizon.net www.firstparishchurch.org
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, January 6, 2019, 10:00 AM ORGAN PRELUDE: In Dulci Jubilo (In Quiet Joy) Marcel Dupré (1886-1971) ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: (from Touch Holiness) Leader: Although the beckoning star heeded by wise travelers long ago no longer literally leads the way, People: The manger-born Christ is still to be found and followed. Leader: We are not brought to our knees in surprise as were those journeyers of old, People: Yet our desire to worship can be as deep as theirs. Leader: And though we do not bear gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, People: We offer ourselves and what we have. Leader: The story continues. The good news abounds. There is a living Christ to discover and worship and serve. All: Let us rejoice and be glad. *HYMN: Jesus, the Light of the World NCH #160 black PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Jesus Christ, God with us, you came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. We have not always lived up to your expectations for us. We confess that too often we are: - Impoverished of spirit. Grant us the fullness of your grace. - Wrapped up in ourselves. Open us to others. - Slow to learn. Teach us of your ever-expanding truth. - Proud over little. Whet our hunger and thirst for justice. - Scattered like grains of the field. Gather us into a single loaf. - Distracted of mind. Direct us to what is most important: your love for us, your will for our lives, and your sustaining Presence in every circumstance. We pray as Jesus taught us
THE 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 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 ANTHEM: Epiphany Bob Chilcott (b. 1955) What star is this with beams so bright, More lovely than the noon-day light? Tis sent to tell of a new-born King, Glad tidings of our God to bring. Tis now fulfilled what God decreed, From Jacob shall a star proceed ; And lo! The eastern sages stand, To read in heaven the Lord's command. I think of them tonight: Epiphany, Epiphany, which means that they were right. And when it's dark it means we have to find The star within our hearts, the star that leads to light. SCRIPTURE READING: Matt 2:1-12 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And
having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. SERMON: What Is Epiphany? MOMENT OF MEDITATION PAY IT FORWARD STORY CALL TO OFFERING OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Thou Must Leave Thy Lowly Dwelling The Shepherds Farewell to the Holy Family Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) Thou must leave thy lowly dwelling, The humble crib, the stable bare, Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share, Loving father, loving mother, Shelter thee with tender care! Blessed Jesu, we implore thee With humble love and holy fear, In the land that lies before thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherds lowly calling, Ever to thy heart be dear! Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heavenly treasure, The Prince of Peace, the Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild! *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. PRAYER OF DEDICATION SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
*COMMUNION HYMN: Let Us Break Bread Together PH #288 blue (The bread in the middle of the plates is gluten free, the cup is non-alcoholic grape juice.) Call to the Table and Communion Prayer (There will be time, during the prayer, to bring our joys and concerns before God.) Words of Institution Sharing of the Bread and Cup Prayer of Thanksgiving in unison: Loving and gracious God, thank you for this holy meal. Thank you for Jesus and his all-inclusive love for humanity. Thank you for this day in which we worship and serve you. Amen. HYMN: Let Us Talent and Tongues Employ NCH #347 black *[The Removal of the Flame, which symbolizes the Spirit of God accompanying us out into the world] *BENEDICTION *CHORAL RESPONSE ORGAN POSTLUDE: Fanfare on Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Arranged by Robert A. Hobby (b.1962) * * * * * After the service join us for hospitality. The lay reader is John Feuerbach. The Deacons are John Feuerbach and Lynda Griffiths. Readers and Greeters are always needed, to volunteer speak to the Deacons, or you can also sign up online. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0444aca629a5f94-diaconate 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.
Welcome to all who are new to our worship. To join our mailing list please fill out a Welcome Card to place in the collection plate or contact office.fpchurch@gmail.com, 978-526-7661 ext 1. FPCC CARE TEAM Have you shared the experience? We support FPC families with meals, rides, & visits through times of illness and loss. Please contact Sue Pick (suepick1@me.com or 978-548-0145) if you would like to share your ideas, time, and talents with the FPC Care Team. SEASIDE PARISH KNITTERS Meeting Thursday, January 10 and 24, of the month 3-5 PM, at the Chapel Conference Room. We all love to knit/crochet, but more importantly we have been rewarded with helping others by sharing our handwork. We would love to have you join us! BOOK GROUP Next meeting, Monday, January 28, 6:30 PM at Marianne Round's home, 3 Greenbrier Rd., Manchester, the book for discussion will be Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood. RSVP to Marianne at Marianne.Round@nemoves.com or 978 902 5452. WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY Thursdays, 4:00 to 5:30 PM, at the home of Vin Terrill, 37 Beach Street. Scripture for Jan 10 Mark 1:4-11. We will be studying the lectionary texts for the following Sunday s worship. Format of the study is as follows: we begin with sharing joys and concerns, we have a time of prayer (where people are free to pray silently or out loud), and then 2 volunteers read the text out loud, while we all notice which words the Spirit draws our attention to. (This way of reading Scripture is called Lectio Divina. ) We each have the opportunity to share with others the words speak to us, as well as ask questions about the text. We also discuss how the text might apply to our lives today. The study is led by Rev. Marlayna. All are welcome to join us! No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary. Email or call
Rev. Marlayna for more information. SOUP & CONVERSATION Join us today, following worship, for a conversation about Jordan B. Peterson and a Psychological Approach to Scripture. While there are many approaches to understanding scripture, Canadian psychologist Jordan B. Peterson has recently received considerable attention for his lectures which look at scripture nontraditionally, from a psychologist's point of view. Simply summarized, Peterson posits that the Biblical stories can usefully be understood as a distillation of human wisdom garnered through millennia which address fundamental psychological questions which we face today, independently of one's religious beliefs. Join us as we share highlights of Peterson's lectures and their practical applications in our daily lives. Presented by Steve Carhart and Richard Smith. SILENT PRAYER/AWARENESS WALK January 20, 11:30 to 12:00, weather permitting. Your Interim Pastor invites you to join her in a brief walk around the neighborhood In case you ve never been on a walk like this, here s what it entails: A small group of us silently walking around Manchester for 20 minutes or so, simply being aware of what we see. For example: Are there tricycles in the driveways? Trampolines in the yards? Moms/dads with strollers on the sidewalks? Houses with peeling paint? Handicap ramps? Christmas decorations? Shops with creative signs/displays in their windows? etc, etc. At the end of the walk, we gather in the sanctuary and report back what we noticed. Then, we pray for the well-being of the people we ve seen. Note: Prayer walks are not a means of evangelizing our neighbors; prayer walks are a means for God to open our eyes and hearts to the people around us. (Also note: We won t be conspicuously praying while we are walking, so anyone taking notice of us won t view us as religious zealots; to the average person, we will simply look like a small group of people out for a Sunday stroll :).
Upcoming events can be found on our website (www.firstparishchurch.org ) under News and Calendar Monday 7:30 PM Manchester Singers Tuesday 10:00 AM COA Zumba Wednesday 10:00 AM COA Yoga 4:30 PM Executive Committee Strategic Meeting 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday 4:00 PM Bible Study 5:00 PM TMBTS 3:00 PM Seaside Knitters 6:45 PM PPRC Friday 8:00 AM Yoga Saturday 8:00 AM TMBTS Sunday 10:00 AM Worship Nursery, Sunday School, Youth Group 10:00 AM CE Parent Meeting 5:00 PM Top Givers Gathering
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP PARENTS Please join your Christian Education Committee members, Jen Powers, Steve Carhart and Sheilagh Mylott for a round table discussion: PMn on youth and parent programming in our church. We will host two meeting times Sunday, January 13 th at 10:00 AM in the Chapel Parlor and Monday, January 14 th at 6:30 PM in the Chapel Sunday School Room. We recognize that families today have many demands on their time and multiple activities to choose to participate in. Questions for discussion will include: 1. What are we already doing well that helps your family feel a valued member of our church community and allows you and your child s faith to grow? 2. What could we do better/differently to accomplish the above, (in terms of programs, worship, small groups, etc.) The committee has some ideas we have been discussing over the fall and would very much appreciate your feedback on them, as well as hearing any questions or concerns you may have. Your participation is greatly appreciated at one of these meeting times.