First Congregational Church January 20, 2019 Communion Sunday

First Congregational Church January 20, 2019 Communion Sunday 2610 East Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage, Alaska (907) 272-8363 Email: fcc@gci.net www.fccak.org

January 20, 2019 10:30 am Enter with a spirit of preparation as we gather ourselves for worship Prelude: Lute Concerto Vivaldi, arr. by Hauff Welcome and Announcements Choral Introit *Call to Worship *Processional Hymn: I Dream of a Church pg. 7 Ritual of Friendship ONE: On our journeys of life we meet here in this sacred space. ALL: We affirm that we are people of the Way, we give thanks that today our paths cross. ONE: Let us greet each other as we journey together towards fullness of life. Let us greet the one on our left and the one on our right with peace and love. *Greeting of One Another The Gathering Bell Please return and remain standing for the Responsive Reading. *Responsive Reading: (Psalm 36:5-8) ONE: Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, ALL: Your faithfulness to the clouds. ONE: Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your compassion like the great deep; ALL: You save humans and animals alike, O LORD. *Those who are comfortably able may stand. 2

ONE: How precious is your steadfast love, O God! ALL: All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. ONE: They feast on the abundance of your house, ALL: And you give them drink from the river of your delights. First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5 1 For Zion s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. 2 The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. 3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. 4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. 5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. Anthem: Great is Thy Faithfulness arr. Jack Schrader Children s Moment Prayers of the People Silent Prayer Pastoral Prayer 3

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 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. Choral Prayer Response Invitation to Giving Offertory: Largo from Trio for Recorder, Bassoon, and Continuo Vivaldi, arr. by Wolff *Doxology: (tune) No. 47 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 *Dedication of Gifts *Hymn: Be Still, My Soul No. 566 Second Reading: John 2:1-11 1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, They have no wine. 4 And Jesus said to her, Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come. 5 His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you. 6 Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, Fill the jars with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward. So, they took it. 9 When the steward tasted the 4

water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now. 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. Sermon: "Dreams in Rich Variety" Rev. Jacob Poindexter Service of Holy Communion This community meal celebrating Communion at FCC is an open table. All are welcome to share in this meal, no matter what your faith tradition may be. No matter what has led to this moment, young and old alike come to share. May this moment be a time of rest and belonging. INVITATION COMMUNION PRAYER One: May God be with you All: And also with you! One: Gather in your hearts All: We gather together in God! One: Let us give thanks to God among us. All: It is right to give God thanks and praise! One: In this home of our worship, as in the homes of our sleep, and everyplace in between WORDS OF INSTITUTION ONE: We remember ONE: The light of the world is upon this moment. In the bread and cup we see share the promise of life arriving and returning 5

again and again. Just as the sun draws out life in the form of vine and grain, so it is that the light of God draws out life in us. We are almost finished awaiting the birth of light in our midst. Arise! Shine! The day is near, and this table is set. All: Amen! COME HOLY SPIRIT! PREPARATION OF THE ELEMENTS SHARING OF THE BREAD AND CUP -You are invited to take the bread, and when all have been served, we will eat together. There is gluten free bread available for those who cannot eat wheat just ask. -When the wine and juice are passed, please take and drink as you are ready. The red cups are wine, and the white cups are white grape juice. The clear cups in the center contain water. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING *Hymn: Called as Partners in Christ's Service No. 453 *Benediction *Choral Benediction Postlude: Allegretto Spring from Four Seasons Vivaldi, arr. by Wolff. 6

-News for the Pews- FCC Council Meeting today at 12:15 pm. The Speaker s Bureau Meetings have been cancelled. Sunday, January 27 Potluck at 11:45 am. Friday Food & Fun Night is coming up! Mark your calendars for 5:30 pm on Friday, March 1 st. This Friday Food & Fun Night will take place at Fat Ptarmigan. If you plan to be there, please call the church office so we can reserve a spot for you. Fat Ptarmigan is located at 441 W 5 th Avenue, Ste. 100. Outreach Projects for Midwinter The outreach projects for midwinter are comfort caps, scarves and NICU fleece blankets. Join the Creating Liturgia group every Thursday at 10:00 am, where projects like these are made for use by people in need. A soup luncheon follows each work session. All are invited to join and bring new creative ideas. 8

-Prayer List- January 20, 2019 -Thomas (Tom) Melaney -Anne McCoy -Miguel De Marzo -Sisters Leigha and Latisha and parents Van and Laverne Pettigen -Barbara Bowerman -Vivian Pike -Trevor Pike-Harmon, Vivian Pike s grandson -Dorothy Arnold -Anne Hutchings -Alan LaPage, Scott McClure s cousin -Tante Galeai -Bill Worth and his sister Donna Worth -Victims of the California fires -Family of Richard Dworsky -Daniel, friend of Caroline Valentine -Sunnie Bird -Family of Marjorie Mardie Prentke -Steve McKean -George White -Sally Dworsky -Jacob, Killian McClure s friend -Lillian Soth, granddaughter of Jeanette & Fermen Dillon -For the family of Margaret Louise Burton, Donna Meyer s Mom -Darleen Lime -Jeannie Rosebrock -Fred Young -Gordon Shortman -All teachers, aides, staff, & volunteers who educate our children -First responders, who risk their lives to save ours -Our military serving at home and abroad -All the peacekeepers, all those who serve our community, and all those in need within our community. -Public servants, lawmakers, and politicians, that they will make thoughtful decisions in care of the common good. -Our community members who struggle with addiction -People who we are in conflict with. 9

People of First Congregational Church Senior Minister Rev. Jacob L. Poindexter (907) 272-8363 jacob@revpoindexter.com Music Ministry Organist & Director, Northern Lights Ringers: Caroline Valentine Chancel Choir Director: Lori Parker Wasko Acolyte Attendant: Laney Hanas Sunday Volunteers Deacon Serving: Tina Lynch Greeting: Pat & Mark Ryan Liturgist: Ralph Lynch Fellowship Hour: Kathy & Tom Wood Usher Team: Louise Smith & Paul Wasko Nursery Attendant: Krystal Poindexter Contacts Admin. Assistant & Editor: Marcy File 272-8363, fcc@gci.net Church Sexton: Scott McClure 350-9148 Wedding Coordinator: Sandra Skaggs 622-1777 Hearing-Assist System Connect directly to a smart device with Bluetooth hearing aids or traditional headphones. 1. Download the AudioFetch app: 2. Connect to Wi-Fi signal: FCCAK HEARING ASSIST 3. Make sure hearing aid is Bluetooth connected 4. Open AudioFetch app and enjoy the sound! The Communion Table Flowers are in celebration of Lynn & Dave Barber s 52 years together since their first date! Flowers provided by Evalyn s Floral Connect - Get Involved - Share a Prayer Request. Fill out one of the connect cards located in the back of the pew in front of you and drop it in the offering. Member: National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. www.facebook.com/fccak.org Online Giving In addition to cash or checks, First Congregational Church accepts donations and pledge payments securly online with a credit card. -Scan the QR code or go to www.fccak.org/give. Thank you for your financial participation in the work of First Congregational Church of Anchorage! 10