April 19, 2015 10:30am
A time of quiet begins, inviting us into quiet reflection as we prepare for worship. An Open and Affirming Congregation No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here. is available for infants and toddlers on the sanctuary level in the crib room by the stairwell. are available from the ushers. to welcome guests and help one another. A warm welcome to all, especially those who are worshipping with us for the first time or who have returned after a long absence. As we gather this morning, please spend a moment in prayer for those around you, outside our walls and far away. * - An asterisk is an invitation to rise (in body or in spirit). Bolded text is an invitation for the congregation to read in unison. Prelude in Classic Style A time for the community to share news of our ministries. Alleluia from Motet VI The choir leads us into worship with sacred song. All: Gordon Young (1919-1998) Karen Safe J. S. Bach (1685-1750) Valerie Jackson Thom M. Shuman, adapted When fear and doubts stroll through our doors, God stands beside us, whispering of peace. When we toss and turn late at night, God sits by our beds, singing lullabies of love. When we stumble through the shadows of sin, God illuminates the paths of goodness and joy. When we are blinded by anger, God pours out love for all to see. When we wonder what tomorrow will bring, God calls us to trust. When sadness fills our hearts, God plants gladness in our hearts. Let us now worship the God of Easter who touches us with grace, daily. God of Grace and God of Glory No. 436 CWM RHONDDA Valerie Jackson Thom M. Shuman, adapted God of empty tombs help us not be silent, But speak of your goodness with power and clarity of faith. Help us not be overwhelmed with doubt, but trust in your love. Unlock our hearts and fill us with your peace. Change us from a scared people to children of grace. Plant seeds of joy within us. Transform us into the liberated children of an Easter God. Amen. 2
In caring for one another All: May we be untiring. In sheltering one another All: May we be strong. In holding one another All: May we be tender. In greeting one another All: May we remember we are greeting the face of Christ. Let us share the sacred peace of Christ with one another. Hannah Rice Hill G. Vosper, adapted H. Ronald Hall Children are invited to come forward and sit on the chancel steps. God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in my eyes, and in my seeing; God be in my ears, and in my listening; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my mind, and in my thinking; God be in my heart, and in my loving. Amen. ~ from the Sarum Primer, 1538, adapted Halle Halle Halle Children may proceed to Children s Chapel. Caribbean Melody arr. Marty Haugen Horace Pippin was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Goshen, New York. There he attended segregated schools until he was 15, when he went to work to support his ailing mother. As a boy, Horace responded to an art supply company s advertising contest and won his first set of crayons and a box of watercolors. As a youngster, Pippin made drawings of racehorses and jockeys from Goshen s celebrated racetrack. Prior to 1917, Pippin variously toiled as a porter, peddler and warehouseman, but never received formal art training. Pippin enlisted in the army in 1917 and fought in the famous, all-black 369th Infantry regiment in France during World War I. Less than a month before the war ended, he was shot in the right shoulder and lost use of his arm. When I was a boy I loved to make pictures, he once wrote, but war brought out all the art in me.... I can never forget suffering and I will never forget sunsets. So I came home with all of it in my mind and I paint from it today. In addition to his recollections of combat, Pippin s works depicted the struggle of Black Americans for equality as they fought in World War I, figures in American history who opposed slavery; biblical themes from an African American perspective; and scenes of daily life drawn from his own memories of childhood and adolescence. The naive fervor and bold design of his paintings brought him recognition in the 1930s. Pippin is one of the most widely acclaimed of America's "primitive" artists. Though his life was not without tragedy, Pippin persevered and was deservedly awarded the prestige few artists have been able to claim in so short a time. Among his works in public collections are Self-Portrait (Albright-Knox Art Gall., Buffalo, N.Y.); Suppertime (Barnes Foundation, Merion, Pa.); and End of the War (Philadelphia Mus. of Art). 3
COMMUNITY YOM HASHOAH (HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE) PROGRAM Today at 4pm Kol Rinah Congregation, 829 N. Hanley Rd, 63130 Holocaust Remembrance Day was April 15. Please join the St. Louis Jewish Community for Liberation and Survival: Where do I go now? The Holocaust Remembrance Day event will feature eyewitness accounts of the Shoah from survivors and witnesses. The program will also include a traditional candle-lighting service, Holocaust Torah procession, liturgical readings and prayers. Music will be performed by FCC members and friends, Andrew Ruben, and Mischa & Tova Braitberg of Elegant Ensembles. Mischa and Tova Braitberg are the son and granddaughter of survivors Szyfra and the late Gregor Braitbert. Additional music by Kolot, a community-wide Jewish women s choir. The program will be interpreted in sign language. Synagogue lot reserved for handicapped parking; ample street parking available. For further information, go to www.hmlc.org or call (314) 442-3714. HEARTH & HOME STEWARDSHIP DINNERS Monday, April 20 - Monday, May 4 The Stewardship Team invites you to join us at one of the next Hearth & Home dinners to break bread and share conversation together. It's a great opportunity for fellowship and fun in the comfortable setting of church member homes. The dinners are potluck style with the host providing the main course, appetizers and refreshments. The host family will contact their dinner guests to coordinate other potluck items - salads, sides, desserts, etc. - prior to the dinner. Please join us! Sign up for one of the dates below at the Sign-Up Center. Monday, April 20 6pm Hosts: Ward and Carol Klein Monday, April 27 6pm Hosts: John and Chrissy Paterson Monday, May 4 6pm Hosts: Jon and Lynn Tiede Be Not Afraid Be not afraid for I have redeemed you. Be not afraid, I have called you by name. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the floods, they will not sweep o'er you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be consumed. You are Mine, you are precious in My sight. My love for you is everlasting, My love for you shall have no end. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the floods, they will not sweep o'er you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be consumed. You are Mine, you are precious in My sight. Craig Courtney Acts 3:12-19 (NRSV) When Peter saw the astonishment of those who had seen the lame man healed, he addressed the people, "You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you. "And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out." 4
Rev. Heather Arcovitch From the Crush of Wealth and Power 552 BRIDEGROOM To submit a written prayer request, use one of the prayer cards in the pew rack in front of you. The ushers will walk up the center aisle to collect them during this hymn. Prayers of the People and Silent Meditation (unison) 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. A Choral Amen John Rutter Our offering is not only the amount we put in today s plate, but a reflection of our whole living & spending plan. The offerings we make represent our vision as a congregation where we want to go and where we place our priorities. Our giving is an important part of our spiritual relationship with God, and yet, we must never allow what we place in the plate to keep us from worship. We offer all we do to God with thanks for all God gives to us. Sing forth, O Earth, Your Music Sound G. F. Handel (1685-1759) Sing forth, O earth, your music sound. Let all that breathes praise God, let joy resound. With sound of the trumpet, lute and harp, sing forth, O praise the Lord. Let all give praise, let joy resound, praise God forevermore. 5 PLEASE HOLD IN PRAYER Chuck Hansen, who spent some time in the hospital this week Mary Beth Black and Kyra Ruben, both suffering from concussions Jim Goodwin, for his bad back Thanks for the birth of Sally Madden, Darci & Josh Madden s niece, and prayers that Mom comes home soon All who loved Ginger Smith, who recently passed away Charlie Klein s friend Renee Eligio Ryan, who received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer College students graduating in May and searching for jobs Those with dementia and their caregivers Jim & Judy Headley. Jim is rehabbing at home. All who loved Jim Barrett All who loved Marcus Johnson All who loved Delie Holmes All who loved Thomas Schweich All who loved Leon Cecil Kirsten Dunham s grandmother Lois Alexander Don Brodersen Ron Brooks Mary Crow George Frattarelli, Sr. Nancy Galofre Andrew Lewis Tevis Mellish Teresa Neil Alan Siegerist The Vance Family Dianna Walters Barbara Marilyn Patrick Barr and their caregivers & loved ones. Our Associate Search Committee Our Conference Minister Search Committee African American youth & families First responders & their families Communities, elected leaders, clergy, organizers, and citizens working to build healing solutions for all. Muslims worldwide, and all persecuted for their religion. Those throughout the world who misuse religion as an excuse to terrorize. The people and leaders of Jordan, the Ukraine, Syria, Palestine, Israel, France, the US, and all living in violent, uncertain times. New additions are in bold. To add your prayer, please submit a pew prayer card to an usher or call the church office.
MISSION AND OUTREACH HOUSEHOLD ITEMS COLLECTION BEGINNING TODAY, APRIL 19 Mission and Outreach will begin collecting household items each month for families in need. We have limited space on the third floor of the church so will take mostly smaller items. Our first collection date is today, April 19 at 10 am. Please provide items in good working condition, free from stains, tears, pet hair, and need of repair. Bedding (please mark size): single and full-size sheet sets most requested, other sizes (including crib), mattress covers & pads, blankets, comforters Bathroom: towels, small rugs, shower curtains Kitchen: pots, pans, silverware, dishes, glassware (sets of 4), small appliances, kitchen towels, dish cloths Household: decorative pillows, lamps, bookshelves, artwork & mirrors, working vacuum, cleaning supplies Furniture: Dressers, night stands, bed/bunk bed frames, rocking chairs, dining room table & chairs, coffee/side tables, sofas, sofa beds, loveseats * Misc.: Books for children/youth, picture frames (no knickknacks) *Please call George Sirois in the church office if you have large items. DINING OUT FOR LIFE 2015 AT FERGUSON BREWING Thursday, April 30 Plan to be part of the 22nd annual Dining Out for Life to benefit the programs and services of St. Louis Effort for AIDS. Dining Out for Life has raised over $5 million internationally since 1990; its proceeds help provide education on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and comprehensive support services for those affected by the disease. First Congregational Church will meet and enjoy dinner at Ferguson Brewing (418 S. Florissant Rd, Ferguson, MO 63135) on Thursday, April 30. This is a family-friendly restaurant that serves American cuisine. A portion of your bill will be donated to Dining Out for Life. A sign-up sheet is now available. Please contact Jim Goodwin at jimkgoodwin@yahoo.com for questions. LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; O Praise God, Alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly Host: Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost O Praise God, Alleluia! O Praise God, Alleluia, Alleluia! Thom M. Shuman What will be done with the gifts we offer in these moments has not been revealed to us, Holy God, but knowing you, and trusting in you, we do know they will be used to bring hope, to bring healing, to bring justice to all those people and places who long for these blessings. And so we offer these gifts with gratitude to you, in Jesus' name. Amen. This is a Day of New Beginnings 417 BEGINNINGS An Easter Chant Te Deum The fellowship continues Gordon Young Marc Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704) Please join us in the Parlor for Coffee & Community Choristers, please join Ron Hall in the music room upstairs. Go in peace renewed to love and serve our God! Greeters: Julia Walker, Maureen Ronken Ushers: Roger Weems, Susan Davis-McCarter Infant/Toddler Room: Anne Chao, Elisa Wang Preschool: Claire Sizemore SEEDS Grades K-1: Nellie Andrews SEEDS Grades 2-7: Hannah Rice Hill Counters: Elisa Wang, Sibylle Ott 6
ST. LOUIS ASSOCIATION SPRING MEETING AT FCC Thursday Evening, May 7 Volunteers Needed The St. Louis Association of the UCC will hold their spring meeting on the evening of Thursday, May 7, 2015 at First Congregational Church of St. Louis, UCC. First Congregational has five delegate votes for adults, plus all confirmed youth that attend, plus UCC clergy. Registration will begin at 5pm. Dinner will begin at 5:45. The meeting will begin at 6:30. To be a youth or adult delegate, please contact Heather or Randy Wang. Ushers, greeters, food servers, clean -up, friendly hosts, and attendees are all needed to help the St. Louis Association attendees feel welcome here at FCC. If you are available during the evening to help us, please contact the church office. CAN YOU HOST COFFEE & COMMUNITY THIS SPRING? Can you host our Coffee & Community after Sunday worship during the spring season? We will provide coffee & lemonade, and you bring whatever goodies you would like, sweet or savory. A sign-up sheet is available at the Sign-Up Center. 2015 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL DIRECTORY The 2015 First Congregational Directory is in its final stages of preparation and will be available to all before the end of April. If you believe any of your contact information is outdated, please send all correct information to the church office. SUMMER YOUTH MISSION TRIP June 9-12 All those in 6 th -8 th grade during the 2014-2015 school year are invited to join us as we travel to the Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas, from June 9-12. Heifer International is an organization whose mission is to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. We will participate in the Global Challenge, where we ll engage in problem-solving and communication activities to help us learn teambuilding skills to draw upon in the overnight global village experience. In the global village, we ll participate in daily life activities, like preparing meals and doing chores, similar to those that Heifer s Project Partners perform each day. There is still space for the 6 th -8 th grade trip, so let Hannah know ASAP if you d like to be a part of it! The cost is $220/person, but we provide scholarships to those who need them. We are also looking for a male chaperone to be a part of this trip. If you feel the nudge to mentor our youth through their mission experience, talk to Hannah! 7
SUNDAY April 19 10:00 am Quiet Time: Chapel 10:30 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Coffee & Community: Parlor 11:30 am Choristers: Music Room 4:00 pm Holocaust Remembrance Program: 829 N Hanley Rd 6:30 pm 6-8 Grade Youth: Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm HS Youth: Parlor MONDAY April 20 11:30 am Lunch & Learn Bible Study: Boardroom 6:00 pm Stewardship Dinner: Ward & Carol Klein s Home 7:00 pm Stewardship & Administration: Boardroom TUESDAY April 21 7:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal: Music Room WEDNESDAY April 22 7:15 am Wydown Men s Club: Epiphany UCC THURSDAY April 23 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal: Music Room FRIDAY April 24 7:30 pm An Evening with Franz Schubert: Sanctuary SATURDAY April 25 6:00 pm FCC Preschool Trivia Night: Fellowship Hall SUNDAY April 26 10:00 am Quiet Time: Chapel 10:30 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Coffee & Community: Parlor 11:30 am Congregational Meeting: Sanctuary 11:30 am FCC Council Meeting: Social Hall 11:30 am Choristers: Music Room 6:30 pm 6-8 Grade Youth: Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm HS Youth: Parlor WOMEN S BOOK GROUP Wednesday, May 6 7:15pm The club will discuss When Spiritual But Not Religious Is Not Enough: Seeing God in Surprising Places by Lillian Daniel. Please contact Janet Hoyne with any questions: janethoyne@gmail.com. Heather Arcovitch harcovitch@firstcongregational.org Senior Minister Hannah Rice Hill Interim Minister of Faith Development for Children & Youth hrice@firstcongregational.org H. Ronald Hall Director of Music / Organist rhall@firstcongregational.org Mia Ulmer mia@birchtreestudiostl.com Youth Specialist George H. Sirois Administrative Assistant / Communication Specialist office@firstcongregational.org gsirois@firstcongregational.org Anne Chao anne@firstcongregationalpreschool.org Valerie Jackson valvacious13@gmail.com Don Hubatka dhubatka@firstcongregational.org Ronald Brooks James Harrison Randy Wang rwang@bryancave.com Preschool Director Student Pastor Bookkeeper Custodian Assistant Custodian FCC Council Moderator Church office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm. Never place a period where God has placed a comma God is still speaking! An Open and Affirming Congregation First Congregational Church of St. Louis, United Church of Christ 6501 Wydown Blvd, St Louis, MO 63105 314.721.5060 www.firstcongregational.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/firstcongregationalucc Copyright OneLicense.net #A-720972 8