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 Church office: 978-526-7661 ext. 1 Fax: 978-526-7882 Email: office.fpchurch@verizon.net Website: www.firstparishchurch.org
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE Communion Sunday, August 6, 2017, 9:00 a.m. ORGAN PRELUDE: Prelude (from the Celtic Suite) Charles Callahan (b. 1951) ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: (based on Psalm 30) Sing praises to the Lord, O you, God s faithful ones, and give thanks to God s holy name. For God s anger is but for a moment; God s favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. God has turned our mourning into dancing; God has taken off our sackcloth and clothed us with joy. So, let us praise God and not be silent. O God, our God, we will give thanks to you forever. *[Please stand for the lighting of the candles, which symbolizes God s presence with us] *HYMN: Enter, Rejoice, and Come In NCH #73 black PRAYER OF APPROACH AND CONFESSION (adapted from Touch Holiness) Gracious God, we thank you that we can rest in you, secure amid the conflict and confusion of life. We thank you that you provide for our needs and that you have entrusted us to one another s care. Forgive us when our faith is lacking. Open our eyes to see the abundance of your gifts. Help us to receive with humility and to give with joy. Help us to share what we have without fear of tomorrow. May we be peacemakers and justice makers, that one day humanity may choose bread over weapons and fairness over greed. We pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray
*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 SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 14:13-21 SERMON: Loaves Abound (This week s sermon is a story, a fictional monologue written by Marlayna, told from the perspective of one of the disciples.) MOMENT OF MEDITATION OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY: Chaconne Louis Couperin (c. 1626-1661) *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: I Sing the Mighty Power of God PH #68 blue COMMUNION OF THE LORD S SUPPER (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 Today we will receive Communion by intinction. If you are new to this practice, please refer to the announcement in the bulletin. If you are unable to come forward, a deacon will serve you where you are seated.
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 Talents and Tongues Employ NCH #347 black *[The Removal of the Flame, which symbolizes the Spirit of God accompanying us out into the world] BENEDICTION ORGAN POSTLUDE: Chaconne (After Couperin) Gordon Young (1919-1998) * * * * * After the service all are invited to join us outside for refreshments. The greeters and lay readers are Kip and Jack Abbott. The Deacons are Susan Parker and Mary Ellen Cook. The Altar Flowers are given by The Gudonis family, who wish to celebrate the newest addition to our family. Dahlia Lauren Davies was born Wednesday, August 2. (8 lbs, 3 oz., 22") 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. 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.
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 We continue with a new selection for summer; "Last Hope Island" (Last Hope Island: Britain, Occupied Europe, and the Brotherhood That Helped Turn the Tide of War) by Lynne Olson. In this epic, character-driven narrative, acclaimed historian Lynne Olson takes us back to those perilous days when the British and their European guests joined forces to combat the mightiest military force in history. Here we meet the courageous King Haakon of Norway, whose distinctive H7 monogram became a symbol of his country s resistance to Nazi rule, and his fiery Dutch counterpart, Queen Wilhelmina, whose antifascist radio broadcasts rallied the spirits of her defeated people. Here, too, is the Earl of Suffolk, a swashbuckling British aristocrat whose rescue of two nuclear physicists from France helped make the Manhattan Project possible. We will meet on Monday, September 11 at 9 Hickory Hill Road, Manchester, at 7 PM. We have fun visiting, discussing the book and sharing stories. Each month is a new host, who provides light snacks, beverages and dessert but only once a year. The host then chooses the book for the next month. Join us! FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR If anyone would like to bring in a bouquet of flowers from their garden for the altar, please contact Penny at 978-526-7128 or via email: laphenpen@live.com. There is no need to make it large or fancy - just being fresh flowers from the garden is lovely for us all to see.
The 2017 collection is focusing on: ZIMBABWE COLLECTION First Parish, is once again collecting donations to benefit the people of South Down Church and the school & clinic in Tamandai, Zimbabwe through the month of August. We are collecting items that we take for granted every day, things the people of Zimbabwe do not have regular access to. CLOTHING All CLEAN & in good condition Gently worn clothing for children & infants Skirts and dresses, blouses, shirts for women and girls Suits, sports jackets, dress shirts, ties, pants, short sleeve shirts for men Sneakers & shoes (no high heels) Rain coats, windbreakers, fleece jackets Medium weight jackets Sweaters, sweatshirts Socks children & adults (male & female) New underwear for children & adults Bras, new or gently worn Black shoes/sneakers for school children (and black shoe polish for school shoes) SCHOOLS Pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, chalk Notebook paper, notebooks Art supplies, paints, crayons, markers World maps, educational posters, colorful photos (from calendars) Playground toys: i.e., soccer balls, basketballs, jump ropes, volleyballs Athletic uniforms and equipment (for soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball & track, soccer jerseys, bibs, cleats, sneakers, socks, towels, uniform bags)
SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & CONFERENCE OFFICES Printers & ink cartridges Office Jet 920XL cartridge black Copy paper, box files Laptop computer - must have original Windows install discs (Please review with Dan before dropping off) CLERGY Clergy gowns and shirts TOOLS Ratchet Sets Hand tools (hammer, screwdrivers, saws, planes, clamps, sandpaper & blocks) Leaf blower Air Compressor Electrical Grinders (Table top and hand held) Car batteries and Jumper cables Vacuum Cleaners Digital Cameras MISC Digital Cameras (with memory card installed) Camping Tents (Please set up first before dropping off) Cash Donations (to help with purchasing new laser printer, power converters, power tools, freight costs, and packing supplies) Packing Boxes (Cardboard and Plastic) Donations can be dropped at the Chapel 9-12 Monday-Friday, or in the Narthex. Please contact Dan at dan@deoreo.com or after worship with questions. More details on this mission can be found on our website at www.firstparishchurch.org/zimbabwe-collection
The diaconate is pleased to announce that starting today and again on August 6, communion will be offered during the summer and will be taken by intinction, an ancient method of communion. Reverend Dr. Marlayna will introduce the sacrament and when she says, "Come, for all things are ready," all are invited to process to the front of the church. There will be two identical communion stations. First, break off a piece of bread from the loaf or take a precut piece (gluten free bread is in the small silver tray); a deacon or pastor will say, "This is the body of Christ, broken for you." Next, dip your bread in the chalice; it is grape juice; a deacon or pastor will say, "This is the blood of Christ, shed for you." You may remain silent or say, "Amen." The blessing may change each time we partake of communion by intinction. Both elements are then consumed together prior to returning to your pew. In order to serve those for whom walking is a challenge, servers are glad to come to you in the pew; please let a deacon or the person sitting next to you know if you would like a server to come to you. Please feel free to make comments about your communion experience to the pastor or any deacon.