The Congregational Church, United Church of Christ Amherst, New Hampshire "If we do not transform our pain, we will transmit it." Richard Rohr
THE ORDER OF SERVICE FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD The Congregational Church, United Church of Christ Amherst, New Hampshire February 24, 2019 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany 10:00 AM GATHERING CHIMES Let us be gathered in silence so that we may prepare to worship. GREETING AND NOTICES OF PARISH LIFE PRELUDE Lord be Glori ied Michael Helman Handbell Choir INTROIT Chancel Choir *CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Jesus teaches us what it means to be strong, People: In ways that we don t expect to be true. Leader: Strength is being kind to others and expecting nothing in return. People: Strength is praying for those who cause us pain. Leader: Strength is turning a cheek. People: Strength is loving an enemy. Leader: Strength is found in mercy. People: Strength is found in forgiveness. All: We come to worship a God who rede ines our vision of strength. *HYMN Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above No. 483 UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION and THE LORD S PRAYER (in unison) Compassionate God, you call us into a life that others have told us is easy, but it is not. You challenge us to forgive, to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us. We want the easy way, but you have given us the hard way. Grant us the patience and endurance to journey with you, to allow ourselves at times to stumble, to live into the hard way so that we might fully experience your love, grace and peace in this world, by becoming a people full of love, grace, and peace. We pray in the words that Jesus taught us: 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.
*GLORIA PATRI (Tune #579) Glory to the Creator, and to the Christ, and Holy Spirit, One; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, Amen. CHILDREN S TIME *THE PASSING OF THE PEACE The peace of God be with you. AND ALSO WITH YOU. ANTHEM With a Voice of Singing Martin Shaw Chancel Choir THE SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 6:27-38 But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.. SERMON What s In It For Me? *HYMN Your Ways Are Not Our Own inside back page You are invited to write your joys and concerns on the prayer cards in the pews, and pass to the minister to be lifted in prayer at this time. JOYS AND CONCERNS and PASTORAL PRAYER CHORAL RESPONSE Chancel Choir
INVITATION TO SHARE OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS Along with our offering collected this morning, we dedicate the generous contributions of those who give monthly or electronically. All of our offerings support the work and witness of Jesus Christ here in this place and in the wider world. Each is given to the glory of God in faithful appreciation for many received blessings. Thanks be to God! OFFERTORY MUSIC Andante Sostenuto Robert Lau *DOXOLOGY (Tune: From All That Dwell Below the Skies) Praise God from whom all blessings low; Praise God all creatures here below. Alleluia, Alleluia. Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION (in unison) Receive our joy, O God, along with our gifts. We reach out with this offering to do good in and through our church. Through our shared life in this community of faith, create in us the image of Christ. Let us share with the whole world the blessings we receive from your hand. Amen. *HYMN Come O Fount of Every Blessing inside back page *THE LIGHT OF CHRIST GOES OUT INTO THE WORLD *COMMISSION AND BENEDICTION *CHORAL RESPONSE Chancel Choir *POSTLUDE Go Forth For God Robert J. Powell (*Indicates that those who are able may stand.)
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF AMHERST A Welcoming, Open and Af irming Congregation of the United Church of Christ No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here. We, the members of the Congregational Church of Amherst, New Hampshire, United Church of Christ, believe God s Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ call us to love all our neighbors as we would want to be loved. We are called to be as one body, seeking to walk together in the full life and ministry of our church. We welcome each individual as a child of God. As covenant members of Christ s church, we celebrate God s love for people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, all mental and physical abilities, all socioeconomic backgrounds, all sexual orientations, all gender identities and gender expressions, and all of the other diverse attributes woven into the fabric of humankind. With God s grace, we invite all to share in the life and leadership, ministry and fellowship, worship and sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of our church. We are pleased that you have chosen to worship with us this morning. Our membership is open to all those who choose to walk with us in our witness. The next new member orientations will be held March 14 and March 19. New members will be formally received on Sunday, March 24. Please speak with any of our deacons or pastors should you have any questions regarding our church or our membership. Worship Notes: Nursery Care is provided for children ages two and under at the beginning of worship. Church School is available for children in Pre-K through grade 7 immediately following Children s Time. Joys and Concerns may be written on the cards found in the pew racks. Cards will be collected by one of the pastors during the middle hymn and shared during the Prayers of the People. Nametags Please remember to wear your nametag each Sunday, so that we may all greet our neighbors. If you do not have a permanent nametag, temporary nametags may be found inside the friendship registers. If you are in need of a new, permanent nametag, please see one of the deacons. Fellowship Please join us in the community room following worship to welcome visitors and friends. Emergencies In the event of an emergency, please remain seated until instructions have been given. An emergency plan is in place for the children in the nursery and in the church school. The church of ice is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Here s how to reach us: by telephone 673-3231, or by email andrea@ccamherst.org. If we are unavailable by phone, please feel free to leave a message using the personal directory, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Visit our church s website at www.ccamherst.org, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ ccamherst. Grounded in God s Love Serving Neighbors Near and Far Welcoming to All
PARTICIPATING IN TODAY S SERVICE Members and Friends of The Congregational Church Maureen R. Frescott Katherine Rogers Sara L. Phelps Michael Havay Wendy Valeri John Swanson Dave and Joan Poltack Don Lyon, Bill Swift Mark Baddeley Marilyn Gibson Laura Green Liz and Hamilton Stewart Ministers to the World Acting Senior Pastor Acting Associate Pastor Director of Music Organist/Accompanist Handbell Choir Director Deacon In Charge Greeters Ushers Liturgist Church School Coordinator Nursery Coordinator Fellowship Hosts CHURCH SCHOOL is not in session today due to the start of school winter vacation. The children s basket in the back of the sanctuary holds lessons to engage little ones. Church school resumes next Sunday, March 3. Have a safe and delightful break. The church school children, teachers, parents and friends thank the Fellowship Team for its support. We were able to host fellowship hour after worship last Sunday, with support from Mr. Hooper, Mrs. Dart, Mrs. Bolin and team members, as a part of our mission projects. Thank you for being disciples of Jesus, assisting us in serving our community neighbors. I HAVE ALREADY GIVEN: Small, printed, reusable cards indicating that you give monthly or online are available for placing in the collection plate during the offering. These cards are available each week in baskets outside the center sanctuary doors. We hope that they will provide you with a meaningful way of taking part in the service offering, and a comfortable reminder and symbol of your generous act of giving. WORSHIP RECORDINGS: We are happy to announce that recordings of our worship services are now available. The link can be found on our website under the Publications tab. A huge THANK YOU to Herb Archer for all his work in making this possible. BEWARE OF FALLING SNOW: It is that time of year when we want to remind folks that snow and ice may fall from our roof at any time. Please use caution in our driveway and do not walk too close to the building. The Lectionary texts for the next two weeks are: March 3: Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a) March 10: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13
BREAKFAST WITH OUR NEW CONFERENCE MINISTER: The men s group of our church will be hosting a breakfast with our new NH Conference Minister, the Reverend Gordon Rankin, before worship on Sunday, March 17. All are invited, but RSVP s are required contact Andrea in the church of ice to reserve your seat. If you can help that morning, please contact Don Lyon at 5panthera9@comcast.net. SHARE FOOD PANTRY requests for February include canned fruit, lour, sugar, boxed cake mixes, baking supplies, coffee, tea, juice, and granola. Donations can be left in the SHARE cupboard in the narthex or in the container by the community room entrance. Many thanks for your continuing support! SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE: Community Supper Needs Volunteers: Our next supper is on Thursday, March 7 in the community room. If you can help prep, setup, greet, serve, cleanup, or provide desserts please contact John Swanson or Nancy Protzmann. Election Day Capital Campaign Brochures: We will have a table at the town election on Tuesday, March 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. We are looking for people to man 2-hour shifts during this time, to answer questions about the Capital Campaign and hand out brochures. Please contact Susan Holden (566-2394) for more information. Nursery Volunteers: Love little ones? We are looking for extra hands in the nursery. If you can help on a Sunday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. it would be greatly appreciated! Please contact Marilyn Gibson (673-3231 ext 20). Fellowship Hosts are needed to help with coffee during Fellowship Hour. Please sign up in the community room after worship, or contact Roger Hooper (673-7032). MEMBERS OF THE PASTORAL TRANSITION TEAM will be available in the meeting room after worship for the next four Sundays, for anyone who may have questions or who would like to voice their thoughts and ideas on the pastoral needs assessment options presented at last Sunday s Pastoral Needs Assessment forum (Feb 17). The options are scheduled for a vote on Sunday, March 24. Please feel free to contact any of the pastoral transition team members if that is more convenient for you. Last Sunday s forum presentation material is available electronically or via hard copy in the of ice or at the discussion sessions for anyone that is interested. Transition Team members are Sally Bowkett, Judi Dunbar, Maureen Frescott, Susan Holden, Roger Hooper, Vicky Leknes, Susan Manchester, Nancy Protzmann, Will Redway, Doug Topliffe, Todd Whitney, Tim Wiegand. Financial Summary (as of January 31, 2019) YTD YTD Budget Actual Difference Income $276,548 $253,866 $(22,682) Expenses $266,826 $265,355 $ 1,472 Net Income $ 9,722 $( 11,488) $(21,210) Numbers have been rounded to the nearest whole dollar; as such, some columns may not appear to total correctly.
Our Church Calendar February 24 March 2, 2019 Today 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:10 a.m. Fellowship Community Room 11:15 a.m. Youth Choir Vestry Monday 10:00 a.m. WA Workshop Vestry Tuesday 8:30 a.m. Men s Fellowship Youth Room 1:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Knitters Parlor 7:00 p.m. Trustees of the Invested Funds Parlor Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Parlor Thursday 6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Vestry Friday 9:00 a.m. Prayerful Playgroup Nursery 12:00 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive Community Room
Sunday, February 24, 2019 Pudding Recipes Words lotsa words. Words, spoken and written. In this case, I m thinking about words on Mission. How does one speak Mission? What is it, anyway? Back in the war time years of the 40s, times were tough. We only had desserts on special Sundays. The dessert I remember was called snow pudding. Not the white stuff on the ground this winter. Better. My mother would go to her cook book (Fanny Farmer, page 570) and ind the directions and ingredients for making the pudding. It was a treat. Jesus left us some recipes, too. These are recipes for living and mission. Mission not the Mission Impossible kind of mission or a mission for special Sunday s. I mean the kind of mission we are on everyday of the week. Mission is like a pudding. It, too, requires a recipe. Jesus recipes are in a book is called the Holy Bible and the recipe is for loving thy neighbor (Matthew 22:37). Jesus lays out many ingredients for us to use in making a mission pudding. Use His recipe. It s more than just words. It s not all M&Ms but it is good and there s no such thing as too many cooks. Bon Appétit! BBB