Wellesley Congregational Church United Church of Christ The Second Sunday of Advent December 9, 2012
ORDER OF WORSHIP December 9, 2012 10:00 AM PRELUDE *PROCESSIONAL HYMN NO. 102 O How Shall I Receive You? New Century Hymnal ST. THEODULPH *PRAYER OF PRAISE Chris Braudaway Bauman CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of the loving heart, your thoughts are not our thoughts nor are your ways our ways. Where you make a time for waiting and yearning, we look for instant results. Where you long for us to savor today, we are already thinking about tomorrow. Where you would have us live by faith, we live in fear. Hear our confession, O God. Forgive in us what has gone astray. Repair in us what is broken. Reveal in us what is good. We pray that these spoken and silent prayers will prepare the way for your grace and pardon to come to us, even now SILENT PRAYER *WORDS OF ASSURANCE *PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST *RESPONSE IN SONG Gloria in excelsis Deo.
ADVENT LITANY The Candle of Peace Lighting the Advent candles today are Bev and Mark Lenci, and Amelia and Shannon Boudreau. One: Today we relight the candle of HOPE. Now we light the candle for the second Sunday in Advent. This is the candle of PEACE. As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace. One: Listen to these words from the prophet Isaiah: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. One: And from the Gospel of John: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. One: Let us pray: All: Wonderful counselor and mighty God, we are easily distracted by the things of this world. May our hearts not be troubled and may we not be afraid. May we know your peace this week, as we prepare for the coming of the child born for us. Amen. ADVENT RESPONSE Come, Emmanuel Sue Smith, David Moffitt Youth Choir Men SERVICE OF BAPTISM Invitation The Covenant of Promises Of the Parents Of the Godparents Of the Congregation Deacon: Will you who witness and celebrate this sacrament promise your love, support and care to this child who is about to be baptized? Congregation: We will, with the help of God. Through this act we welcome this child into the fellowship of Christ s church and invite her to share with us the cost and joy of discipleship. We promise to receive her as a fellow pilgrim on the Christian way, to guide her by our precepts and example, that all of us may grow in the knowledge and love of God, according to the measure of the fullness of Christ. Amen. Pouring of the Water
Prayer of Blessing The Act of Baptism Congregational Response We thank you, God, for Blakeley Anne, bless her and keep her now and forever. Prayers of the Baptized Congregation: God of our fathers and mother, and our God, we thank you for this child, and for the grace acknowledged here today in water and spirit. Grant us grace to receive, nurture and befriend this new member of the body of Christ. Give to the newly baptized strength for life s journey, courage in time of suffering, the joy of faith, the freedom to love, and the hope of new life, through Jesus Christ, who makes us one. Amen. Benediction Pastor: Go in the peace of Christ. Congregation: Thanks be to God. SOLO Comfort ye Ethan Rowe, soloist G. F. Handel SCRIPTURE Luke 1:39-56 (Page 831, in pew Bible) *HYMN NO. 106 My Heart Sings Out With Joyful Praise New Century Hymnal MARIAS LOVSANG Students may leave now for classes. SERMON My Soul Magnifies The Lord Martin Copenhaver MUSICAL MEDITATION PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Pam Emslie OUR LORD S PRAYER 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
PRAYER RESPONSE Pervasive, Never-absent One Joel Martinson THE OFFERING During the offering, please sign and pass the fellowship book, which is located at the end of each pew. Invitation Offertory Magnificat Herbert Murrill My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour: for he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden, for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed, for he that hath magnified me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in th imagination of their hearts: he hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek; he hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers Abraham and his seed for ever. 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.
Doxology and Presentation Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit One. Amen. *Dedication *HYMN NO. 104 We Hail You God s Anointed New Century Hymnal ELLACOMBE *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE From Heaven Above to Earth, I come J. S. Bach *Those who are able, please stand.
TODAY S NOTES Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism: Blakeley Anne Jamieson, born on January 6, 2012, in Boston, MA, daughter of Kimberly and William Jamieson and little sister to Malcolm, age 2. Blakeley s godparents are Kate and Jay Brandeis. The Deacons assisting with the baptism are Marti Budding and Darcey Bartel. Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism at First Worship: Tripp Duncan Laffin, born on August 15, 2012, in Newton, MA, son of Jasmine and Timothy Laffin and little brother to Piper Marie, age 2. Tripp s godparents are Tammy and Dan Howe. Relatives who are members of Wellesley Congregational Church are Debbie and Duncan Duval, Cam Duval, and Marge and Richard Rogers. The Deacon assisting with the baptism is Diane Bedrosian. Baptismal Blanket We thank the Prayer Shawl knitters for the gift of the baptismal blanket that is given to the newly baptized child today. Pastoral Care If you have any pastoral needs or know of any in the Village Church family, please call Kathy Musser 781-235-1988 x14. Care Kits If during the worship service you find you need a tissue, cough drop, or a drink of water, please ask an Usher to help you. Hearing devices amplify sound anywhere in the Sanctuary. They are available at the back of the church. For assistance, please speak with an Usher. The Chancel flowers are given to celebrate the baptism today of Blakeley Anne Jamieson by her family; her parents, Jamie and Kimberly and her big brother Malcolm. Inquirer s Gathering 11:30 am 12:30 pm, Parlor Martin Copenhaver will gather with those interested in learning more about Village Church. Please come. Childcare, along with a snack, will be provided in the Kindergarten room. Fellowship Hour 11:15 am, Village Common Please join us for coffee and fellowship. Information for visitors is available at the Welcome Table. Providing hospitality today is the Prayer Walking Group. Please take a moment to thank them. Alternative Christmas Gift Fair after both worship services, Village Common Please come and purchase gifts for family and friends in support of several remarkable organizations. All that is required is to check off the desired gift items on the available shopping list, and write one check to the church. The Service Ministry will tally all donations and keep track of the total amount to go to each organization.
Cherub Choir Rehearsal 11:15 am, Sanctuary Rehearsal today for all children in Kindergarten, First and Second grades in preparation for December 16 performance. Junior Choir Rehearsal 11:15 am, Youth Choir Room B6 Sunday Morning Bible Study 11:30, in the Library We invite you to join us for a monthly Bible Study focused on the preaching text of the day. No commitment necessary -- come whenever you're able. We will meet the second Sunday of each month. All are welcome! 7th & 8th Grade Youth Group 4:30 pm with NWW, Village Hall High School Youth Group 7 pm, Youth Room For information about youth programs, contact Pam Emslie at 781.235.1988 x15 or pam@wellesleyvillagechurch.org. NWW Holiday Gifts due today, December 9 The NWW s annual holiday party for adults with developmental disabilities will be held Wednesday, December 12 at Grace Church in Newton. Members of the Village Church Confirmation class will serve as hosts at this popular event. Traditionally our congregation has provided small gifts to be given to each of the sixty guests including calendars, videos, costume jewelry, hats, scarves, gloves, wallets, soap, key rings and more. If you would like to make a donation, please have women s gifts wrapped in red, men s gifts wrapped in green and unisex gifts wrapped in blue. Gifts should be brought to the church by Sunday, December 9 and placed in the designated box in the Cloister. For more information email Judy Mongiardo at jmongiardo@earthlink.net. BULLETIN NOTES Family Fun Night Christmas Crafts Friday, December 14, 6:30 to 8:30 in Village Hall Pizza, Decorate your own cookies, and Christmas fun!! All families are welcome. 4 PM Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Saturday, December 15, 10am to Noon in the Sanctuary This is a mandatory rehearsal for all participants in the 4PM Family Christmas Eve pageant.
Call to Congregational Meeting Sunday, December 16, 2012, 11:30 am in the Sanctuary At this meeting, the congregation will be asked to approve two motions. The first motion is to adopt on a permanent basis the new church governance structure that has been in place on a trial basis over the past two years. The second motion is to accept the proposed revisions to the Church Bylaws that bring the Bylaws up-to-date and incorporate the new church governance structure. Information on these motions and a description of the Village Church Deacon Ministries are available on the table in the Central Street lobby. Village Church Youth & Junior Choirs Performances: December 16: Youth Choir, 10 am service Rehearsal Dates: Youth Choir: December 12, 6:15 pm; December 16, 9 am Christmas Pageant Rehearsal December 16, 12 pm; Dress Rehearsal December 19, 5:30 pm Junior Choir: December 9, 11:15 am; Christmas Pageant Rehearsal December 16, 12 noon, Dress Rehearsal December 19 5:30 pm City Mission Society Christmas Shop, Through December 16 The annual church collection of NEW gifts for CMS is in progress. A donation basket is in the cloister hallway. Suggested items: Coats, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets, backpacks, toys, games & gift cards. No food or knick knack items are needed. Rosie s Place Volunteers Needed We are still looking for volunteers to shop, cook and serve for Rosie s Place a women's shelter in Boston during the first weekend of every month. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for families, groups of friends, youth groups, or individuals. So whether you are considering this opportunity for the first time or the 50th, we encourage you to sign up. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the Central Street Lobby. Email Lisa Weinstock (leweinstock@gmail.com) or Jane Amara (amarajf@yahoo.com) with any questions. Christmas Wrappers Needed Chaplains On The Way needs volunteers to help wrap Christmas gifts for 150 children from a homeless family shelter in Waltham. The toys will be delivered to the church the week prior to Christmas. Definite dates/times to be announced. We will probably need to wrap gifts over a period of 2-3 days. Any time you can donate will be appreciated. Please contact Sally Chaulk at 781-237-2594 or e-mail at sbchaulk@verizon.net.
What s happening in Church School today? Kindergarten students and younger will be welcomed in their classrooms before 10 am worship begins. The Infant/Toddler Room is located on the main floor just outside the Sanctuary to the left of the Chancel. 2 year olds through Kindergarten classrooms are located on the upper floor. Children should be picked up promptly at the conclusion of worship. Grades 1 8 will worship with their parents until it is time for class, as indicated in the bulletin. At that time, Grades 1 5 will meet at their grade level signs downstairs in Village Hall and proceed to the following classrooms. This week... Grade 1: Science Room Grade 2: Fishes and Loaves Cafe Grade 3: Science Room Grade 4: Artisan s Market Grade 5: Storyteller s Tent Grades 6 8 will meet in the Art Studio. Classes for Grades 1 6 conclude at 11:15 or the end of worship whichever is later. Students in Grades 3 and below should be met by their parents at their classrooms. The Family Room is available for parents who aren t quite ready to leave their infants and toddlers in childcare. In this room, parents will be able to listen to the worship service while their child naps or plays. This room is located upstairs beyond the library. Christmas Eve Worship 4:00 pm Family Worship Interactive telling of the Christmas story for young children and their families Sanctuary 7:00 pm Christmas Pageant Re-enactment of the birth of Jesus, narration and song by Junior and Youth Choirs Sanctuary 8:30 pm Communion Worship Meditation and song Burtt Chapel 9:15 pm Reception For returning Senior High Youth Group Alumni Parlor 10:00 pm Candlelight Worship Traditional readings and carols, Senior Choir singing Sanctuary