First Congregational Church of Plainfield United Church of Christ Rev. Terry Hood Pastor 860-564-5932 www.fccplainfield.org December 16, 2012 The Third Sunday of Advent PRELUDE Helen Coombs, Pianist INTROIT The Children s Choir Chimes CHILDREN S SERMON Pastor Terry GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Terry CALL TO WORSHIP - Sammy Hawkins One: We move from one task to another, from one responsibility to another. The holidays may wear us out with Worries about preparations, about family relationships, About money, about presents! All: We are scattered and busy about too many things. One: All: One: We call out in our fatigue: Where is your joy, O God? Where is your gift of your presence in our lives? We remind ourselves of Paul's ancient advice: Celebrate God all day.revel in God! Help [everyone] see that the Master is about to arrive!... Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It is wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4: 4-7 adapted from The Message Lighting of the third Advent Candle Peace by Joey Backofen Today, I light this third candle of Advent, the candle of Joy. In its light, let us turn our worries into prayers for God to be here with us right now, as we prepare for the coming of Christ. For Pastoral Care/Spiritual Needs Contact Pastor Terry Hood at (home) 860-564-7558 or chaplainterry@yahoo.com or call a deacon listed below. Amy Vaughan 860-564-8477 David Young 860-564-2140/cell 860-608-4696 Pam Gauvin 860-564-8229 /cell 860-334-3689 Chelle Wright 860-465-7577 cell Patti Ihloff 860-564-1640 Joyce Shippee 860-564-3257/cell 860-303-6516 Debbie Backofen 860-319-6542 Merry Humphrey 860-564-1277 Deacons for December Deb Backofen and Pam Gauvin If you have a special prayer request, please see a deacon or write your request and put it in the offering plate. ATTENTION Choir Members - Let s make a joyful noise Looking for members to practice each Tuesday at 7:15. Please join us. Choir chime members wanted Rehearsals are Sunday mornings, at 9:15. Grades 3-adult. No music experience needed. GENERAL - Visitors will find a guest book inside the front doorway on right. - Child care is provided in our nursery. - The youth have made worship activity bags located in the back of the sanctuary; filled with books, games and puzzles- help yourself. PLEASE only one per family. We are working on making more available soon. - For changes to the prayer list, name, address, or bulletin items, contact a deacon or email chaplainterry@yahoo.com - A Card Request box is available inside the front doorway. Please let us know if we might send a card to show we care.
Our Church Family in Need of Prayer. The Family of Rick Lepore at the loss of his brother, Lenny. Pat Michalski (friend of Joyce Shippee) Chris Guari (friend of Christine & Greg Harpin battling cancer) Gregory Cruz (deployed overseas prayers for his mom, Kristin) The Family of Kathy Binney ( Friend of John Giacchi ) Jocelyn Espeleta (4yr.old surviving cancer, friends of Carol Credit) Russell Mellor (brother of Carol Credit undergoing heart procedure) Eric Sirois stepfather (battling brain cancer) George Humphrey (Jim s brother battling cancer) Chuck Eldridge (struggling with cancer, friend of Sandi Baton) Paulette Pierson (mother-in-law of Allison Tron) Lorraine Greenwood (friend of Darlene Hill) Gerald Bergsten (Rebecca s grandmother) Cody O Bryon Aaron Carignan(continuing chemo-friend of Christine/Greg Harpin) Rudy Schmied, The Milliron Family, The LaFlamme Family, A1C Graeme Clark, (Dianne McBroome's nephew-military in Korea) Capt. Kevin John Grenier, stationed at Travis Air Force Base, CA Stephen Snellgrove (as he continues to undergo rehabilitation) For our military and their loved ones. For all victims of natural disaster. For all who are struggling with faith in Christ that they may know real and enduring love. Prayers as we prepare our hearts during Advent. PROJECT PIN DONATIONS (People In Need Food Pantry) The pantry has moved to the All Hallows Catholic School building in Moosup. The pantry will be open each week as follows: Monday 11-12:30 Wed. 5-6:30 & Thurs. 1-2:30 Each church will continue to have set volunteer hours. The coordination of the move and supervision of the pantry is being handled by Tim Kettle. Current Needs: peanut butter, jelly, -2- Please stand. HYMN O Come, O Come Emmanuel #154 (blue hymnal) Please stand PRAYER OF INVOCATION Tony Hawkins Holy God, Loving Christ, Living Spirit; You are present in our everyday routines; you show yourself to us in surprising and intimate ways. Let the revelation of your mystery unfold again this day -- that we may see it together, as we praise the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. THE LORD S PRAYER in unison led by Pastor Terry 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 PRAYER OF CONFESSION led by Pastor Terry (after Psalm 89: 1-4; 19-26) One: All: Joy breaks through when we are unencumbered and free. God desires our joy. Let s lay aside our mistakes and seek the healing joy of God s forgiving grace. Open your heart to God in prayer. Too often we pride ourselves on our importance, our individual worth. We credit ourselves with our successes and blame our shortcomings on others. O God, you love us in spite of ourselves. You made a commitment to those who are faithful; you have never turned away from your promise. Forgive us our selfish ways, put contrite hearts within us. Anoint us with your Holy Spirit. (Moment of silence and reflection)
-3- ASSURANCE OF PARDON Pastor Terry God knows our weakness and our strengths. God loves us as we are, knowing we are works in progress. God keeps all promises; God keeps us. Receive the anointing love of God s grace. You are loved! Rejoice! 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. Amen. Please be seated. THE OFFERING Brooke Paradis God sent Jesus that we may not perish but have eternal life. As we bring forth our tithes, our offerings and our gifts, we testify to the Light of the World that glows within this congregation and spreads beyond its doors. Come give with the joy made real in Christ. OFFERING Allison and Michael Bates OFFERTORY Please stand. DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION- Garrett Shippee God s steadfast love is established forever like the moon, an enduring witness in the skies. God s faithfulness is as firm as the heavens like stars that never grow dim. May God bless this offering. Amen. HYMN Emmanuel, Emmanuel (3 times through) #178 (blue) Please be seated. -4- THE CHURCH FAMILY AT PRAYER Pastor Terry Hood PRAYER RESPONSE Lead Me Lord Lead me Lord; lead me in Thy righteousness. Make Thy way plain before my face. For it is Thou Lord, Thou Lord only, that makest me dwell in safety. SPECIAL MUSIC - C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S by Arte Baton CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SEE INSERT BENEDICTION Pastor Terry BENEDICTION RESPONSE As we go now from this moment, as we leave behind our time together. May we walk with one another, may we help each other on the way. As we go now from this moment, as we go into the future together May we treasure one another, may we realize how precious we are. POSTLUDE Helen Coombs, Pianist All are invited to fellowship & refreshments downstairs.
CHRISTMAS STORY AND PAGEANT Narrator: (Luke 2:1-7) In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Joseph & Mary come forward.) HYMN: O Little Town of Bethlehem Verses 1 & 4 #180 (blue) Narrator: (Luke 2:8-14) In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours! (All angels come forward.) SPECIAL MUSIC by Isolina LaGrandeur, Isabella & McKayla Newbury Angels We Have Heard on High Narrator: (Luke 2:15-16) When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. (Shepherds and animals come forward.) HYMN: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Verses 1,2,3 #228 (blue) Narrator: (Matthew 2:1-12) In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (Kings come forward.) HYMN: We Three Kings of Orient Are #233 (blue) FINAL HYMN: Joy to the World #179 (blue) (During final hymn all cast of pageant process out.)
Christmas Pageant Cast Christmas Pageant Cast Joseph - Mary - Ryan Zavistoski Maya Taylor Joseph - Mary - Ryan Zavistoski Maya Taylor Hayden LeClair Ian Taylor Ian Ihloff Hayden LeClair Ian Taylor Ian Ihloff Angels - Lily Mae Brisson Rachel DelleFave Emily LeClerc Bailey McMaster Ashlyn Paradis Veda Barber Jada Neri Isolina LaGrandeur Elsie Peterson Angels - Lily Mae Brisson Rachel DelleFave Emily LeClerc Bailey McMaster Ashlyn Paradis Veda Barber Jada Neri Isolina LaGrandeur Elsie Peterson Shepherds - Kaitlyn Peckham Edwin (E.J.) Peckham James (L.J.) Theriaque Shepherds - Kaitlyn Peckham Edwin (E.J.) Peckham James (L.J.) Theriaque Donkey - Madeleine Brisson Donkey - Madeleine Brisson Sheep - RileyBackofen Claire Sirois Sheep - RileyBackofen Claire Sirois Cow - Peyton Backofen Cow - Peyton Backofen
CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDAR OF EVENTS This Week 12/17/12 (Monday) 7 p.m. Trustees meeting 12/18/12 (Tuesday) 6 p.m. Bible Study 12/18/12 (Tuesday) 7:15 p.m. Choir Practice 12/20/12 (Wednesday) 8:30 a.m. Bible Study 12/24/12 (Monday) 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Service Central Village Congregational Church will be joining us 01/09/13 (Wednesday) 6:30 p.m. Cabinet Meeting FUNDRAISING EVENTS 03/17/13 (Sunday) 8 a.m. St. Patrick s Day Breakfast 04/06/13 (Saturday) 6 p.m. Calendar Dinner 05/04/13 (Saturday) 6 p.m. Cinco De Mayo Dinner 07/27/13 ( Saturday) 10 a.m. Frog Jump Contest at Lion s Park(near the Town Hall) 08/03/12 (Saturday) Plainfield Pride Day, we will have a booth with a silent auction table. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE Sign-up sheets at refreshment table People In Need Project (PIN) Food pantry last Wednesday of each month Calendar Dinner Refreshments for fellowship time after Sunday service Haitian Family basket items This Week 12/17/12 (Monday) 7 p.m. Trustees meeting 12/18/12 (Tuesday) 6 p.m. Bible Study 12/18/12 (Tuesday) 7:15 p.m. Choir Practice 12/20/12 (Wednesday) 8:30 a.m. Bible Study 12/24/12 (Monday) 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Service Central Village Congregational Church will be joining us 01/09/13 (Wednesday) 6:30 p.m. Cabinet Meeting FUNDRAISING EVENTS 03/17/13 (Sunday) 8 a.m. St. Patrick s Day Breakfast 04/06/13 (Saturday) 6 p.m. Calendar Dinner 05/04/13 (Saturday) 6 p.m. Cinco De Mayo Dinner 07/27/13 ( Saturday) 10 a.m. Frog Jump Contest at Lion s Park(near the Town Hall) 08/03/12 (Saturday) Plainfield Pride Day, we will have a booth with a silent auction table. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE Sign-up sheets at refreshment table People In Need Project (PIN) Food pantry last Wednesday of each month Calendar Dinner Refreshments for fellowship time after Sunday service Haitian Family basket items