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 Priscilla Duda, Christian Ministry Coordinator Jessica Skidmore, Youth Director David Reid, 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 Sunday, February 28, 2016, 10:00 a.m. ORGAN PRELUDE: ANNOUNCEMENTS Draw Us to You based on hymn tune, Ach Gott und Herr setting by Michael Burkhardt (b.1957) *[Please stand for the lighting of the candles] CALL TO WORSHIP Our souls thirst for Eternal God. We travel in a dry land where there is no spiritual water. Let us continue to praise God for the steadfast love we receive. Let us bless the Holy Name. *HYMN: In the Cross of Christ I Glory NCH #193 black PRAYER OF INVOCATION We confess to you, O God, and to each other, that we stay from your ways like lost sheep. You offer us living waters from the fountain of life, yet, we find ourselves drinking from murky waters that cannot satisfy. What we drink causes us greater thirst - - a thirst that parches. Call us back to the living well, to the true waters of life which Jesus Christ offers. This we ask in his name, using the prayer which he taught *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: Isaiah 55:1-9 pg. 1148 ANTHEM: Cast Me Not Away Robert J. Powell (b.1932) Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. O Lord, open thou out my lips; and our mouths shall show forth thy praise. MORNING PRAYER CONGREGATION S JOYS AND CONCERNS SILENT PRAYER-PASTORAL PRAYER-CHORAL RESPONSE SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 63:1-8 pg. 899 Luke 13:1-9 pg. 1619 *HYMN: Great is Your Faithfulness NCH #436 black SERMON: Our Thirsts + Our Appetites! OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY ANTHEM: There is a balm in Gilead, To make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead, To heal the sin-sick soul. There is a Balm in Gilead African American Spiritual Setting by Gerald Near (b.1942) If you can t preach like Peter, If you can t pray like Paul, Just tell the love of Jesus, And that He died for all. Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my work s in vain, but the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again.
*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: Here I Am, Lord Insert BENEDICTION *[The Removal of the Flame ] CHORAL RESPONSE ORGAN POSTLUDE: Rigaudon Andre Campra (1660-1744) * * * * * The greeters and lay readers are Steve and Nancy Newman. The Deacons are Paul Gudonis and Shawn Newman. 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. 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. 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 525-3253,smkafer@comcast.net Janet Groth at 526-8408, janbythesea244@gmail.com FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny Lapham at 978-526- 7128, by Monday to be included in the following Sunday s bulletin.
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) Monday 7:30 PM Manchester Singers Tuesday 10:00 a.m. COA Zumba 6:30 PM Diaconate Wednesday 10:00 a.m. COA Yoga 6:30 p.m. Hour of Tranquility 7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Friday 8:00 a.m. Yoga 4:00 p.m. Bible Study Sunday 10:00 AM Worship Nursery, Sunday School Middle School Youth Group Each Wednesday Evening An Hour of Tranquility in our sanctuary 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. As a way of giving back to the community, we open our candlelit sanctuary for anyone seeking a place of tranquility to enjoy peaceful music and private meditation. All faiths are welcome to join in this space. Friday afternoon 4:00 PM in the Conference Room of the Chapel led by Rev. John Hughes Join the Seaside Parish Knitters we meet alternating Thursday afternoons in the Conference Room of the Chapel. 3-5 p.m., Thursdays, March 3 rd + March 17 th
Monday, February 29 th, 7 PM is our next book group meeting hosted by Nancy Peterson (111 Chebacco Rd, So. Hamilton). Our book is The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. All are welcome to attend. At the sign of the Rose, we re happy to announce that our new season of Vespers quiet time for prayerful meditation and peace, reflections from the Reverend John Hughes, candle-lighting at the altar, and contemplative music. Wednesday, March 9 th Vespers: sins are covered psalm 32 Thursday, March 24 th Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. The Sanctuary opens at 6:30 for meditation & prayer; our service is from 7 7:30 PM, followed by ten minutes of music. For further information, call 978-526-7661. Next Week, March 6 th (following worship) Celebrate your Birth with a Luncheon + Birthday Bash then enjoy theheifer Project International Talent Show Heifer International operates in 51 countries worldwide Establishing economic health for rural families Your gifts will create environmental healthy communities, alleviate poverty, and stop hunger. Donations of lunch items and cakes still needed. Sign up now or contact Priscilla 978-526-7661 ext. 3, cedirector.fpchurch@verizon.net