First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

Similar documents
First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts Rev. John G. Hughes, II, Senior Pastor Donald R.

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

Our Saviour s Lutheran Church Sharing God s Love with All! 1st Sunday of Advent December 2, 2018, 9:15 am

Christ Church Grosse Pointe

Second Sunday of Advent December 9, :00 A.M. Blue

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

The Second Sunday after Epiphany January 20, 2019

To Lift People Up As Christ Calls

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost November 12, 2017

The First Congregational Church United Church of Christ

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

ORDER OF WORSHIP December 2nd, st Sunday of Advent ~ Hope

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

Maple Street Congregational Church United Church of Christ No matter who you are or where you are on your faith journey, You are welcome here!

ST. JOHN S GRACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost October 21, :00 A.M. Green

First Congregational Church

Mark Your Calendars:

Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 9:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017

Parma Greece United Church of Christ

Transfiguration Sunday Communion and Family Sunday March 3, 2019

First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

December 16, 2018 Sanctuary Service 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Third Sunday in Advent

Palm Sunday March 25, :00 A.M. Violet

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost Stewardship Kick-Off Sunday November 11, 2018

Welcome to the TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL PARISH OF CASTINE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CANTON CENTER, CT

Welcome to the TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL PARISH OF CASTINE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The Gathering of the Community Apostolic Greeting page 185 The Collect for Purity Kyrie Collect of the Day page 270

First Sunday of Advent Communion and Family Sunday Hanging of the Greens December 2, :00 A.M. White

THE SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 18, 2016 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT LOVE JOYS AND CELEBRATIONS CHIMES OF THE TRINITY

December 23, :00 am. Christmas Pageant

DECEMBER 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent

Fourth Sunday in Lent March 11, :00 A.M. White

The Congregational Church of West Medford

The First Baptist Church 198 East Church Street, Jasper, Georgia December 9, 2018 Eleven O Clock ADVENT 2

* B o l d t y p e d e n o t e s c o l l e c t i v e r e s p o n s e.

First Presbyterian Church Welcomes you to worship

ORDER FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD. PRELUDE The Church s One Foundation Genesis Ringers A Mighty Fortress is Our God Chancel Ringers

GATHERING. We gather in response to God's call, offering praise in words of scripture, prayer, and song

February 17, 2019 Sanctuary Service 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Third Sunday of Advent God s People Worship December 16, 2018, 9:30 a.m.

Third Sunday of Advent: JOY

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Transfiguration Sunday February 11, :00 A.M. White

Drs. Mark & Karen Borchert, Co-Ministers Lonnie Knight, Music Director/Organist

Second Sunday of Easter Communion and Family Sunday April 8, :00 A.M. White

Epiclesis An Ancient-Future Faith Community Liturgy December 12, 2010 (Third Sunday of Advent)

Welcome FIRST SUNDAY IN THE ADVENT SEASON. December 3, 2017

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany January 28, 2018

CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UCC THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017

Transcription:

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, December 10, 2017 10:00 a.m. Second Sunday of Advent Let the Word of Christ the Message have the run of the house Colossians 3:16, The Message ORGAN PRELUDE: A Lovely Rose is Blooming Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP/ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING: The Bethlehem Candle Martha Elder and Vin Terrill, Readers MARTHA: Today we light the second Advent candle, the Bethlehem candle. ALL: It is offered in honor of the birthplace of Jesus, as well as the many places that Christ is born in the hearts of believers. MARTHA: It is a time to prepare for the coming of the Christ, with prayer and resolutions to be better people than we are now. ALL: Not only must we wait, but prepare. [VIN lights a purple candle, hands taper to MARTHA, who waits] VIN: We light the first candle remembering that we wait for Christ. [MARTHA lights a purple candle, extinguishes taper] VIN: We light the second candle remembering that we must also prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. VIN: Let us pray. Dear God, help us to prepare not only our homes, but also our hearts and lives for the coming of Emmanuel. ALL: Help us let go of the things that take up too much room in our hearts our pain, our fear, our lack of forgiveness-- that Christ might come to us in the fullness of time, as we wait and prepare a place in our lives. In honor of Bethlehem, we light this candle. Amen.

*HYMN: Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn NCH #107 black OPENING PRAYER Gracious God, you dwell above the heavens and in our hearts. The mystery of your being is beyond our comprehension; you are larger than any label we may put on you you do not fit completely into any box we may devise. Yet, you love us as a father loves his children; you care for us with the tenderness of a mother for her child. When we get off track, you call us back. When we venture forth and cannot see our way, you give us vision. Help us to be open to you, O God, as individuals and as a congregation. Lead us into the future, that we might continue to share your love within our community and throughout the world, in the name of Christ, 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. *ADVENT GLORIA NEW FOR ADVENT ONLY NCH #756

MORNING PRAYER Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer Silent Prayer ANTHEM: People, Look East Words by Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965) Besançon carol melody Arranged by Malcolm Archer (b. 1952) People, look East. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth, and set the table. People, look East, and sing today: Love the Guest is on the way. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there: Give up your strength the seed to nourish, that in course the flower may flourish. People, look East, and sing today: Love the Rose is on the way. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim one more light the bowl shall brim, Shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together. People, look East, and sing today: Love the Star is on the way. Angels, announce to man and beast him who cometh from the East. Set every peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming. People, look East, and sing today: Love the Lord is on the way. Words by Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965) SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 2:43-47 (The Message) 43-45 Everyone around was in awe all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person s need was met. 46-47 They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved. SCRIPTURE READING: Colossians 3:12-17 (The Message) 12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It s your basic, allpurpose garment. Never be without it. 15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ the Message have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives words, actions, whatever be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

*HYMN: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel PH #110 blue SERMON: How We Live as a Community of Faith Rev. Paul B. Nickerson MEDITATION OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Prepare the way, O Zion; your Christ is drawing near! Let ev ry hill and valley a level way appear. Greet One who comes in glory, fore told in sacred story. Oh, blest is Christ that came in God s most holy name. He brings God s rule, O Zion; he comes from heav n above. His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, peace, and love. Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding. Oh, blest is Christ that came in God s most holy name. Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Saviour s rule embrace. His tidings of salvation proclaim in ev ry place. All lands will bow before him, their voices will adore him. Oh, blest is Christ that came in God s most holy name. Prepare the Way, O Zion Text: Frans Mikael Franzen (1772-1847) Hymn-tune: Bereden väg för Herran Arranged by Robert Lau (b. 1943) *ADVENT DOXOLOGY NEW WORDS FOR ADVENT ONLY: To God, all glorious heavenly Light, to Christ revealed in earthly night, to God the Spirit now we raise our joyful songs of thankful praise. Amen. *HYMN: Be Thou My Vision PH #391 blue *[The Removal of the Flame, which symbolizes the Spirit of God accompanying us out into the world] BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE

ORGAN POSTLUDE: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers Swedish folk tune Setting by Paul Manz (1919-2009) * * * * * After the service all are invited to join us in the sanctuary for refreshments. The lay reader is Sheila Carrassi. The Deacons are Sue Parker and Christiane Alsop. Readers and Greeters are always needed, to volunteer speak to the Deacons, or you can also sign up online. 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@gmail.com, 978-526-7661 ext 1. SATURDAY EVENING ADVENT VESPERS December 9th, 16th, and 23rd. Looking for a spiritual respite from the frantic pace of the holiday season? Join us for a quiet service of prayer, poetry, and candle-lighting on three Saturday evenings in December as we await and celebrate the Presence of Christ among us. Services of Hope, Peace and Joy will be held at First Parish Church Congregational from 5:30 to 6:00 PM. All are welcome.

INTERIM VISION PROCESS You are invited to the SECOND (of four) Whole Church Congregational meetings taking place over the next several months (2 in the fall; 2 in the spring.) On December 10 th, after worship in the sanctuary (from 11:20 am to 1 pm), we will be meeting on the topic of VALUES, and we need your input! The input given in these meetings combined with prayerful reflection on Scripture and demographic material will lead to: a Vision for Ministry, Goals for carrying out that Vision, and a Profile to help the church search for a Settled Pastor, whose gifts and skills match that Vision. The purpose for the VALUES meeting is to identify the core values (or, in other words, the principles or standards of behavior that are most important to us) that drive the ministry and mission of this church as the church is now, and as we hope/pray it will become in the future. A light lunch will be served in lieu of our usual Sunday Refreshment time. Your Transition Team (Paul Driscoll, Lauren Gudonis, Mary Lumsden, Jeff Parker, Jason Smith, Lelly Smith) VISION SCRIPTURE FOR DECEMBER To create a Biblical foundation for the Vision Process, the Transition Team is spending a few minutes at their meeting each month prayerfully discussing a different Scripture reading. The Team invites the congregation (and its various boards, committees, and groups) to join them in this practice, reflect on the following questions for each reading: 1) How does God give vision in this Scripture to God s people? 2) How might God give our church vision for the future? The reading for December is: I Kings 19:11-18 (Elijah God speaks in still, small voice ) Church Council minutes, Congregational Meeting minutes and documents can be found online.

FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny Lapham at 978-526- 7128, by Monday to be included in the following Sunday s bulletin. SUNDAY SCHOOL Would you like to be more involved with our Sunday school program? Check out all the opportunities to help online. Contact Jessica 978-526-7661 ext. 3 PRAYER TEAM For where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 Would you like to request prayers? Email prayer.fpchurch@gmail.com. All are welcome to gather in the parlor of First Parish, on the 1 st & 3 rd Thursdays of each month. We will start promptly at 6:00 PM and end at 7:00 PM. We will be praying in one accord, a form of conversational prayer. Bring your concerns to the Lord whether they are for Yourself, Family, Friends, our Country, and the World! You may pray along silently or pray aloud. SEASIDE PARISH KNITTERS has begun again! We would love to have you join us on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays of the month in the Conference Room of the Chapel, 3-5 PM. Read more about us here. FPCC CARE TEAM We generously thank Sheila Kafer and Janet Groth for many years of dedicated service to our Care Team. Sheila led the team and Janet provided active support and participation in organizing meals, rides, and visits through times of illness and loss for FPCC families. We look forward to continuing this wonderful outreach to FPCC families. 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. Stay tuned for more information and volunteer requests as Sue transitions into this new role.

You are invited to purchase a traditional Poinsettia, (6 & 1/2 plant with 3-6 flowers, $15) to decorate our sanctuary for the Christmas services. Following the Christmas Eve Services the plants may be taken home or left to be given to our homebound members and friends. A complete list of donors and those remembered will be included in the Christmas bulletins. If you order online please pay for your plant through Paypal (use emailoffice.fpchurch@verizon.net), or by payment in the offering plate, or mailed to the office (note: poinsettia on payment). Thank you for making our sanctuary beautiful! I (we) wish to donate a plant(s) please circle one: In Memory of In Celebration of In Honor of Name of Loved One(s): Name of Donor(s): Phone Number: Please check: I will take plant(s) home Please give my plant(s) A donation to the Diaconate Fund Number of Poinsettia(s) desired: Enclosed: $ Please return order form and payment to the church office by Monday, December 18 or order online here

Weekly Food Donations When you go to church Sunday mornings remember to take one item that can be donated to Open Door through the food basket placed in the Narthex. It is easy to forget, but you can think ahead and bring one food item that will be much appreciated by folks who really need our help. Open Door Christmas Dinner First Parish serves dinner at The Open Door in December 23, servers needed. Please contact Jim Brennan or sign up online Brown Bag Lunch on Friday, December 29, sign up to help online or see Lelly Smith or Muriel Parker. PAGEANT SUNDAY, December 17, 10 AM Practice Sunday, December 10, 10 AM and Saturday, December 16 10 AM- Noon December 17, Pageant day please arrive 9:30 AM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Sunday, Dec. 24 10 AM morning worship (includes a Christmas Carol Sing) 5 PM family service 7 pm candlelight service BOOK GROUP Waking Lions by Aylet Gundar-Goshen. Dr. Eitan Green is a good man. He saves lives. Then, speeding along a deserted moonlit road in his SUV, he hits someone. Seeing that the man, an African migrant, is beyond help, he flees the scene. It is a decision that changes everything. Because the dead man s wife knows what happened. Goodreads Next gathering, January 29, 7 PM at the home of Nancy Peterson. Please RSVP to the hostess so she knows how much food and drink to provide.

Upcoming events can be found on our website (www.firstparishchurch.org ) under News and Calendar and on our Facebook page (First Parish Manchester-by-the-Sea) under Events THIS WEEK: Monday 7:30 PM Manchester Singers Tuesday 10:00 AM COA Zumba Wednesday 10:00 AM COA Yoga 6:00 PM Missions Committee 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday 4:00 PM Bible Study Friday 8:00 AM Yoga 6:00 PM Youth Christmas Movie Night Saturday 10:00 AM Pageant Rehearsal 5:30 PM Advent Vespers Sunday 10:00 AM Worship Nursery, Sunday School, Youth Group 11:30 Confirmation Class

To all who have pledged for 2018: Thank you for your support of God s work through the ministry and programs of First Parish Church Congregational! (If you did not receive a pledge card or forgot it at home, please feel free to use this one and place in the offering plate.) Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver 2 Corinthians 9:7 In support of the First Parish Church, Congregational I/we plan to make the following contribution for 2018 Total Pledge for 2018 Name: