First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts Rev. John G. Hughes, II, Senior Pastor Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-Organist Judy Haley, Pastoral Assistant Priscilla Duda, Christian Education Director Emelia Attridge, Youth Director Church office: 978-526-7661 ext. 1 Fax: 978-526-7882 Email: office.fpchurch@verizon.net Website: www.firstparishchurch.org
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE First Sunday of Advent, December 1 10:00 a.m. Communion and Membership Sunday ORGAN PRELUDE: Come, Thou Long - Expected Jesus Setting by Wilbur Held (b. 1914) *[Please stand for the lighting of the candles] CALL TO WORSHIP Now is the time of watching and waiting. Now is a time full of expectation, of new life! We will light the candle of hope. We will worship in the light of God s grace. *HYMN: Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" PH #114 LIGHTING OF THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE The Stanton Family ANNOUNCEMENTS *PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison) O God, by your love you made us, through your love you keep us, in your love you work to perfect us. We confess, we do not love with all our hearts and souls and mind and strength; we do not love each other as Christ loves us. Your life is within our soul but our selfishness hinders us; our selfishness resists your Spirit; we neglect your inspirations. Forgive us, for what we have been. Help us amend what we are. In your Spirit, direct what we should be. Let your image of us become a reality for us,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. Assurance of Pardon In Jesus Christ, God knows and receives us as we are. Listen, give thanks, and live for you are forgiven. *THE LORD'S PRAYER (trespasses) 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: Romans 13:11-14 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. MORNING PRAYER CONGREGATION S JOYS AND CONCERNS May God be with you. And also with you. Let us pray O Christ, show your mercy to us.
And grant us your salvation. O God, make clean our hearts within us, And take not your Holy Spirit from us. Let us pray SILENT PRAYER-PASTORAL PRAYER-CHORAL RESPONSE *HYMN: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus PH #103 SERMON: An Unlikely Time! MOMENT OF MEDITATION OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Words by Charles Wesley (1707-1788) Hymn tune: Restoration from Southern Harmony, 1835 Arranged by Donald McCullough (b. 1957) Come, thou long expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in thee. Israel s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a king, Born to reign in us forever, Now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all out heart alone; By thine all sufficient merit Raise us to thy glorious throne. *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: Blest Be the Tie That Binds PH#272 (v. 1) RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS THE ROLL CALL OF THE CANDIDATES by Membership Committee Donald Seitzinger Julie Hindes Robyn Seitzinger Katrina Cicala
WELCOME BY MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Minister: Dearly beloved, do you confess your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and make Him your example, and take for your rule of life his words: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And your neighbor as thyself? Response: I do. Minister: In the presence of God and these witnesses, do you give yourself unreservedly to his service, and take this to be your church? Ever mindful of the welfare of your fellow members, do you promise to walk with them in faithfulness and Christian love? And do you promise that, so far as able, you will attend the services of this church, observe its sacraments, share in its work, support, and benevolences, and endeavor to make it a fruitful body of Christians? Response: I do. *WELCOME TO THE CHURCH: (Members will say with the Minister): We, then, as members of this Church, gladly welcome you to a part with us in the hopes, the labors, and the joys of the Church of Christ. We promise to walk with you in Christian love and sympathy, and to promote, as far as in us lies, your growth in the Christian life. (Entire Congregation) We, as members of the Church universal, bid you welcome and renew our covenant with Christ and his Church. May God keep us true to Him, and bring us at length into the Church Triumphant THE COVENANT OF FIRST PARISH CHURCH Membership Committee UCC STATEMENT OF FAITH On back page THE RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP: Membership and Diaconate Members
SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION CALL TO COMMUNION How shall we come before God? What should we offer? Should we come before God with burnt offerings? God has showed you, O People, what is good and what is required. To act justly, to love kindly, and to walk humbly with our God. DISTRIBUTION OF ELEMENTS PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (unison) We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing always in your Holy Spirit. Amen. BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE *[The Removal of the Flame ] ORGAN POSTLUDE: Trumpet in Dialogue Louis Nicolas Clerambault (1676-1749) * * * * * The greeters and lay readers are Jeanne, Emily, Sara and Michael Stanton. The Deacon is Janet Groth. The Sexton is Rachael Gallagher.
After the service join us in the front of the church for hospitality. 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. FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny Lapham at 978-526- 7128, by Monday to be included in the following Sunday s bulletin. FAITH FORMATION Women's Fellowship We'll sing and celebrate together at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec 16 in the parlor/conference room. Your daughters, friends, and neighbors are all welcome, too. If you wish, bring a snack to share. Growing Together Thursdays Dec 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the conference room. Friday Bible Study Fridays Dec 6 at 4:00 p.m. Bibles & Bagels Sundays Dec 1, 8 at 9:00 a.m. ATTENDANCE Church 87, Sunday school 36, Faith Formation 8 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 First Parish goes Christmas Caroling Greet homebound friends with songs & smiles. Meet at the Chapel Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30 pm Join us!
You are invited to purchase a traditional Poinsettia, (a 6 & 1/2 plant with 3-6 flowers, $15) to decorate our sanctuary for the Christmas services. The Diaconate also offers the option of making a donation to The Diaconate Fund to assist people in our community, who are in need. Following the Christmas Eve service, the plant may be taken home or left to be given to our members and friends who are ill or unable to leave their home. A complete list of donors and those remembered will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin. 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 16 or order online here
THIS WEEK: Monday 8:00 AM Exercise 7:30 PM Manchester Singers Tuesday 8:00 AM Wreaths/Greens Assembly 1:00-2:00 PM Wreath Pick up 9:30 AM COA Zumba (basement) 6:00-7:00 PM Wreath Pick up 7:00 PM EC Committee 7:00 PM Missions Committee Wednesday 8:00 AM Exercise 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 10:00 AM COA Yoga 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Thursday 10:00 AM Health Clinic 4:00 PM Wedding Rehearsal 7:30 PM Growing Together Friday 8:00 AM Yoga 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Bible Study 5:30 PM Caroling (meet at Chapel) Saturday 10:00 AM Library Program 2:30 PM Gingerbread Cookie Mission Sunday 9:15 AM Bibles and Bagels 10:00 AM Worship Nursery, Sunday School Solace Youth Group
3:30 PM Friendship Tree Program Pick up your green s order, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1-2 pm or 6-7 pm in the Chapel Hall. Christmas Caroling, Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30 pm greet homebound friends with songs & smiles, meet at Chapel. Gingerbread Cookies Mission, Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 pm, baking & decorating, Chapel. Friendship Tree Program & Lighting by the Manchester Woman s Club, Sunday, Dec. 8, 3:30 pm Sanctuary. Christmas Pageant, Sunday, Dec.15, 10 am, the story of Christmas told by the children & youth of First Parish, Sanctuary. Women s Fellowship, Monday, Dec. 16, 7 pm, spiritual refreshment with friends, Conference Room. One Night in Bethlehem, Saturday, Dec. 21, 4:30-6 pm, Ecumenical hands-on Holy Land experience-bethlehem the night Jesus was born, crafts, food and a live nativity. Walk from Church to Sacred Heart. Dinner at The Open Door, Monday, Dec.23, FPC cooks & serves, details to come. Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 5 pm family service, Sanctuary. Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 7 pm candlelight service, Sanctuary.
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify: You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death. You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself. You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory. You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.