An open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ April 1, 2018 10 a.m. The Feast of the Resurrection Service of Holy Communion Easter Sunday Descending Theology: The Resurrection By Mary Karr From the far star points of his pinned extremities, cold inched in black ice and squid ink till the hung flesh was empty. Lonely in that void even for pain, he missed his splintered feet, the human stare buried in his face. He ached for two hands made of meat he could reach to the end of. In the corpse s core, the stone fist of his heart began to bang on the stiff chest s door, and breath spilled back into that battered shape. Now it s your limbs he comes to fill, as warm water shatters at birth, rivering every way Source: Poetry (January 2006)
Welcome to our worship service. Please join us for refreshments and time for fellowship immediately following the service. PRELUDE INTROIT Concert Piece P.V. de la Nux (1853-1928) Joseph Rondeau - horn Joyful, Joyful Beethoven, arr Lloyd Larsen The Friendly Chimers; Conductor, Crosby Goshgarian, Jr. WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Jim and Rev. Heike Christ is Risen, Alleluia! Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleuia! CONGREGATIONAL GREETING OPENING PRAYER Rev. Heike Where shattered hearts are made whole, where wounded souls are healed, where life is stronger than death: there, the stone has been rolled away. Where the lonely become our friends, where a stranger is welcomed home, where hope is stronger than despair, there, we find Jesus walking. Where closed wallets are opened, where the anxious find serenity, where love is stronger than hate: there, Jesus is opening our eyes. The stone has been rolled away! Jesus is our companion on the journey! Our eyes are opened to the needs of others! Alleluia! Christ is risen! Alleluia! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia! 2
PROCESSIONAL HYMN #182 (Pilgrim Inclusive) Christ the Lord is Risen Today TIME FOR CHILDREN (Children may return to their seats after the Children s Hymn.) 3
During the Flowering of the Cross Lord I Lift Your Name on High READINGS Epistle 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that Christ was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of 4
whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and God s grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe. Gospel Mark 16:1-8 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb? When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw youth, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But the youth said to them, Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you. So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. ANTHEM A Repeating Alleluia Calvin Hampton (1938-1984) SERMON #Resilience and Resurrection Jim Mitulski OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS In each of our pews today is a black friendship book which we encourage you to fill out and pass to the person next to you during the offering. If you have been with us before, just put down your name, but if you are new today, please let us know who you are. Thanks! Offertory Anthem *Doxology The Seven Last Words of David Randall Thompson (1899-1984) tune: Lasst uns Erfreven NCH #17 Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise God all creatures here below, Alleluia, Alleluia Praise God above ye heavenly hosts Creator Christ and Holy Ghost Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia Alleluia 5
Prayer of Dedication CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION Invitation Communion Prayer and Lord s Prayer (please use whatever version is familiar or comforting to you) Here is a contemporary ecumenical version we have been using for Wednesday night vespers. Our Mother and Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your reign come: your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the dominion, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever, Amen. Or here is a traditional version with some commonly used adaptions Our Father (and Mother) (or our Creator) who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they 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 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. Words of Institution Prayer of Consecration Sharing of the Bread and Cup EVERYONE is welcome to receive the Bread and Cup. You don't need to be a member of this church or any church. Come forward at the direction of the usher. Pick up a piece of bread, gluten or non-gluten, and dip it in the cup. If you are not sure what to do, ask, and we are glad to explain. The cup contains grape juice. Children of any age may receive if their parents are comfortable, or you may bring them forward and we will give them a simple blessing. Everyone is welcome, without exception. If you would like communion brought to you, let the usher know and we are happy to bring it to you in your seat. Communion Music (You are welcome to sing these hymns during communion) 6
Hymns during Communion In the Garden 7
Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks Communion Prayer Father and Mother of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off 8
you met us in your Child, Jesus Christ, and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. CLOSING HYMN #185 (Pilgrim, Inclusive) Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain 9
BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Hallelujah Chorus G. F. Handel (1685-1759) Deacons: Paul Brown, Dibby Moder Communion Servers: Carol Miller, Rick Devereux, Kevin Blume Altar Guild: Diana Conroy, Carol Miller Ushers: Jim Leighton, Rich Weitzel, Robert Kennedy Flowers: Jan Drake Flower Delivery: Jean Veigas 10
Church Covenant We strive to be a joyful, welcoming Christian Community. We seek to be faithful in a world torn by suffering, injustice, oppression, and war. We are inspired by God, Christ s Ministry, and the examples of other faithful people. We join together in worship and song, fellowship, study, and mission to embrace the risks and challenges of continuing Christ s ministry We struggle to live out our faith in the world by furthering justice and peace, witnessing to the truth, and proclaiming God s love and mercy for all people. Open and Affirming Statement As a covenant community we are committed to the belief that all people are created equal before God. In affirmation of the inclusive love of Christ Jesus, we welcome persons of any race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability and economic circumstance to full participation in our community life and ministry. We strive to reflect these beliefs in the language and content of our worship and in our lives together. (This statement adopted in 2000, reflects the welcome of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people and their friends and families.) 3/25/2018 Collections* = $4,028 3/25/2018 Worship Attendance = 135 people February Electronic Pledge Amount: $12,010.73 Please contact the church office 781-444-2510 or office@needhamucc.org to find out how you can give electronically. *Collection amount does not include additional pledges received electronically. Our current pledge amount for 2018 is $390,418.00. This represents a budget shortfall of $59,582 for the year. 11
The Board is responsible for the overall administrative life of the church including buildings, finances, personnel and the overall health of the church. Moderator: Jackie Allen Clerk: Jane Brand Term Ends 2019: Jim Conroy, Diane Rees, Kristin Mollerus Term Ends 2020: Howard Sesso, Kenneth Allen, Barbra Morton, Amanda Angel Term Ends 2021: Craig Morrison, Scott Lively, Amy Hurley The Deacons are responsible for the spiritual life and well-being of the church. Term Ends 2019: Rick Devereux, Dibby Moder, Scott Stewart, Carol Miller, Jean Veigas Term Ends 2020: Kevin Blume, Paul Brown, Jane Clayton Matthews, Sue Cotton, Lucy Slosser Term Ends 2021: Jim Ruetenik, Phil Gotwals, KM Abraham, Patty Morrison, Janet Rubenstein The Outreach Committee advocates to the church and its members about important issues relating to social justice in our church, community, city state and the world. They provide opportunities to volunteer and guide us in financial giving. We aim to give 15% of our income from pledges to the church to Outreach financial giving. Term Ends 2019: Bill Rees, Fred Moder, Hiroko Hardebeck Term Ends 2020: Carol Brown, Mi Herzog, Tom Mollerus Term Ends 2021: Lynn Gotwals, Connie Kaufmann The PRC is an independent group that supports and maintains an open and healthy relationship between the Minister(s) and Members of the Congregation. The PRC does not take the place of communications between the Members and the Minister(s), but rather helps those who need advice and assistance with such communications. Members: Tom Mollerus, Fred Moder, Martha Lamb 12
Easter Flower Donations Given in Loving Memory of Carolyn & Ray Greene from Judith, Scott & Ramsay Stewart Given in Loving Memory of Doris Cook from The Chancel Choir Given in Loving Memory of Ray & Mary Ruetenik, Doris Cook, Carolyn Greene, Char Sidell and other deceased members of the Needham Community from The Ruetenik Family Given in Loving Memory of Robert Andrews II from Jean Andrews Given in Loving Memory of Dorothy & Edwin Campbell and Rudolf & Alma Stam from Nancy & Peter Stam Given in Loving Memory of Terri Regan and Olive & Billy Orr from The Orr Family Given in Loving Memory of Junior and Elizabeth Anderson from Molly Anderson and Connie Alexander Given in Loving Memory of Margaret & Jack Fitzgerald from Sally Fitzgerald & Michael Boyd Given in Loving Memory of my mother, Sandra Thomas Stalvey from Amanda Allgood Given in Loving Memory of G. Edward Gustafson from the Roman and Gustafson Families 13
Easter Flower Donations Given in Loving Memory of my grandparents, parents, Aunts & Uncles from Carol A. Miller Given in Loving Memory of Billy Cotton, Joe Cotton, Edna & Bill Doughman from The Cottons Given in Loving Memory of Carson Joseph Leifur Oberle from The Oberle Family Given in Loving Memory of Richard M. Edman and Joseph W. "Bill" Hughes from MaryLou Edman Hughes Given in Honor of our Mothers by Laura & Alex Cullen Given in Loving Memory of All Our Loved Ones from Isabell & Peter Wells Given in Loving Memory of John & Virginia Floyd from Janet Floyd Rubenstein Given in Loving Memory of Mildred & Lester McIntosh and Joyce & Bob Fieldsteel from Maggie & John Fieldsteel Given in Loving Memory of Bill St. Laurent from Nancy St. Laurent Given in Loving Memory of Barbara & Ralph Leader from their family. Given in Loving Memory of Doris Cook from Jim Hejduk Given in Loving Memory of Sue Baer from Jackie Allen 14
The next Phase of Chapel Renovation Opportunities for Giving I dwell in Possibility A fairer House than Prose More numerous of Windows Superior for Doors Of Chambers as the Cedars Impregnable of eye And for an everlasting Roof The Gambrels of the Sky Of Visitors the fairest For Occupation This The spreading wide my narrow Hands To gather Paradise Emily Dickinson Over the last few years people have given generously to preserve and update one of the most beautiful and frequently used rooms in our entire facility. We use it for children's worship, meditation, Wed. night worship and holy days, and on Sunday s in the summer. Weddings, funerals, memorial services, christenings and other rites of passage take place in this sacred space. and it is easily adapted for conversations, lectures, book discussions and forums. Many people have commented that it is one of their favorite rooms here. In order to preserve the room and its use, we have to now pay attention to the windows. The transparent panes of our large, clear glass windows serve a spiritual function as they draw our gaze outward, remind us of nature and of the world outside that awaits us once we have we have been renewed and comforted here. These aren't "just" windows...they are sacred architecture. And - they are windows that now need to be replaced with environmentally sound, double-paned glass that is energy efficient. The Building Committee with input from Environmental team members have devised a plan to replacement them before summer worship We have five windows available for naming in memory or celebration of people or occasions and are inviting you make one as a gift. The suggestion donation is between $7,500 and $10,000, at your discretion - extra funds will help with unanticipated cost overruns or to assist with other chapel structure repairs over time. You can make a gift as an individual, or as a family, or a group of people can collaborate on a gift. Talk to Rev. Jim or Danielle if you are interested. We appreciate every one's generosity. Let's see if we can pledge this project fully by May 31st. 15
Welcome to all who are new or here for the first time! If you are interested in learning more about our church, please email Rev. Jim at revjim@needhamucc.org, Rev Heike at revheike@needhamucc.org or call the office at 781-444-2510 to set up a conversation. For updates on church life, our family ministries, Christian Education and Youth Ministries follow us at: @NeedhamUCC on Instagram Congregational Church of Needham UCC on Facebook @needhamucc on Twitter www.needhamucc.org Please silence your cell phone before attending the service. You can Check In on Facebook and let people know you are here. Feel free to Tweet, Snapchat, or Instagram during the service. If you would like or need a hearing device an usher will be able to assist you. Children s Childcare is offered for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers in the Nursery located downstairs during the service. Rev. Jim Mitulski s Office Hours Please contact the church office to schedule an appointment during his office hours of Tuesday & Wednesday 2 6pm; Thursday 2 5pm Evening hours are also available by appointment. *If these mes do not work for you please contact the office for alternate availability. Interim Senior Minister The Rev. Jim Mitulski RevJim@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 106 Associate Minister The Rev. Heike Werder RevHeike@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 105 Director of Children &Youth Ministries Madelyn Downer Youth@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 104 Organist/Accompanist Sangyoung Kim Housekeeper Sanira Alchaar Staff Church Administrator Danielle Jurdan Office@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 101 Office Assistant & Bookkeeper Cindy Sullivan Office2@needhamucc.org 781 444 2510, ext. 100 Music Director Valerie Becker musicdirector@needhamucc.org Handyman Bill Donovan The Congregational Church of Needham 1154 & 1180 Great Plain Avenue Needham, Massachusetts 02492 www.needhamucc.org Facebook: Congrega onal Church of Needham UCC Twi er @needhamucc Instagram: needhamucc 781 444 2510 of ice@needhamucc.org The Rev. Dr. Paul Clayton, Pastor Emeritus 16
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS April 1, 2018 The Transition Team has finished writing our Church Profile. Now completed, we have sent it to The Reverend Wendy Vander Hart from the Massachusetts Conference UCC to review and validate. We will be meeting with her on Wednesday, April 11 to complete the process. The Transition Team is so appreciative of the support that the Congregation has given us in the preparation of the Church Profile. This document will serve as the foundation for the work of the Search Committee as they begin the search for a new settled Senior Minister. Please support them through prayer and encouragement. As always, please e-mail us at transitionteam@needhamucc.org if you have questions. The Transition Team: Deb Abraham, Alan Clayton-Matthews, Diana Conroy, Claudia Darmofal, Frank Lupino, Carl Madsen, Barbra Morton, Heather Salerno, Reverend Jim Mitulski The Village Fair It s not too early to think about the next Village Fair! Meetings will be held at 11:30am on Sunday, April 22 and Sunday, April 29 following the church service. If you are interested in leading or organizing the fair, supporting those efforts, or participating; if you have thoughts to share about what has worked in the past, what hasn t, or what improvements might be made please come! All are welcome Village Fair veterans and newcomers alike! We hope to see you there! Where should Outreach give? Make your voice heard! We want to make sure that the Outreach Committee has a good knowledge of what kinds of giving matter to you and the rest of the congregation. So we are asking everyone to complete a short survey telling us how and where you d prefer Outreach to give. The survey, which should only take two minutes to complete, can be found on line at https://goo.gl.8hmdoh. Garden Friendly People Invited! The Flower/Garden/Decorating Team is welcoming new members who like to might like to help out on a project by project basis, to take on a once-ayear task or to be more involved in the church s decorations, Easter & Christmas flowers and outdoor gardens and beds. If interested, please contact Danielle in the office at office@needhamucc.org or 781-444-2510. FAMILY PROMISE WALKATHON, April 7 - Ok, so there is a bit of snow out there, but it s melting fast and we ve got 5 walkers on our church team-cheryl AG, Sue Cotton, Jenni Haynes, Soomi Lee, and Susan Kirk and we now need sponsors. We ve kept our fundraising goal at $2000, the same as last year, and we can do this! Please find one of us at coffee hour to learn how easy it is to sponsor a walker online. Or register to become a team member and walk with us! 17
The 3.1 mile walk begins at 9AM at the Natick Community Senior Center and winds through historic downtown Natick, then along neighborhood sidewalks through pleasant tree lined streets of older homes full of character, many with front porches. You ll walk past Natick High School and even get water views of Dug Pond. There s an award ceremony after and a raffle with very awesome prizes. And it s all over by 11AM! Register to walk or sponsor at http://walk.familypromisemetrowest.org Do you enjoy singing? The Choir extends an invitation to all who like to sing. Just bring your voice to church on any Sunday morning at 8:30. We practice pieces for the service and perhaps for the next week as well. We have an evening rehearsal just once a month on the first Thursday at 7:30, where we preview the music for the coming four weeks. They are fun to sing and so it is a good time to give choir a try. If you wish to sing only one time, now and again or every week, you are welcome. CHIMING SUBS NEEDED! If you want a fun, spur-of-the-moment musical experience, an opportunity to try chiming with no regular commitment that would also be helping our Friendly Chimers, please just join our rehearsals after church from 11:30-12:15. ANY SUNDAY! ANY AGE! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, though reading music helps (just 2 notes). Come to the sanctuary, ready to enjoy yourself while helping out our Chimers. THANKS! PIEATHALON 2018 Saturday, April 21, 5:00 PM Chicken Pie. Shepherd's Pie. Blueberry Pie. Apple Pie. There are so many pies!! Join us for a fun fellowship event: Pieathalon 2018! Bring a savory or sweet pie to contribute. We will award the people's choice for each category! Family & Youth Ministries For Children Vacation Bible School (VBS): Camp Courage Tuesday, April 17-Friday, April 20, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM Students in Pre-K through Grade 5 will learn about God's love through fun camping-themed activities including arts & crafts, cooking, games, and science. Each day will begin with a Bible story and theme and end with worship. VBS runs from 9 AM -1 PM Tuesday, April 17 - Friday, April 20. The cost for this program is $25 per day/child. (If this program is cost-prohibitive for your family, please reach out to our CE director, Maddie, as scholarships are available!) A gluten-free, nut-free snack is provided each day; students bring a bagged lunch from home. For more details and to register, visit www.tinyurl.com/campcouragevbs and if you have any questions email Maddie at youth@needhamucc.org. First Formal Communion Workshop: Sunday, April 22, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Students in first grade (and older students who have not participated previously) are invited to learn more about Communion in the Protestant tradition. We will learn about the beginnings of 18
Communion with the Last Supper and the way we understand this important ritual in the United Church of Christ. Our workshop will include baking bread and preparation for First Formal Communion during the Sunday morning worship service on May 6 at 10:00 AM. Please RSVP by Sunday, April 15 to youth@needhamucc.org. For Teens Be a Counselor at Vacation Bible School! April 17-20 Counselors and Counselors-in-training are needed for VBS in April! High school counselors are paid $25 per day or receive community service credit. High school counselors lead workshops; JR high counselors-in-training help kids in workshop time. Training takes place on Sunday, April 15 from Noon to 4 PM. Email Maddie if you're interested in participating, youth@needhamucc.org. Open Table Dinner Church visits Needham Sunday, April 8, 5:30 PM On Sunday, April 8, Open Table Dinner Church, a UCC ministry, will visit us here in Needham! Senior and Junior High Youth are invited to participate (along with adults from the wider congregation!) in this evening dinner and interactive worship, we gather to set the table (part of worship) at 5:30 PM. SR High Hiking and Picnic Dinner: Sunday, April 22, 2:30-5:30 PM Senior High students are invited to participate in a fun afternoon hike and picnic dinner. Please RSVP by Sunday, April 15 to youth@needhamucc.org. (Adult chaperones/drivers needed - if you can help please email Maddie!) Youth Group Meetings & Events Our Junior High (Gr. 6-8) and Senior High (Gr. 9-12) gather for youth group and special events through June. Upcoming April meetings and events: Sunday, April 1: No evening programming - Happy Easter! Sunday, April 8: JR High, 4:00-5:30 SR High 5:30-7:00 (Open Table Dinner Church, JR High and wider church invited as well!) Sunday, April 15: VBS Counselor Training Noon-4 PM (JR & SR High) Sunday, April 22: SR High Hiking & Picnic Dinner 2:30-5:30 (No JR High) Sunday, April 29: Jr High 4:00-5:30 SR High 6:00-7:30 For Families & Parents Spiritual Practices for Busy People Sunday, April 29, 11:30 AM This Sunday afternoon workshop will feature different ways to incorporate spiritual practices into our busy lives. Join Jim, Heike, and Maddie to explore three different facets of spiritual practices. Maddie will present on Spiritual Practices for Busy Families. Sunday, April 29, 11:30 AM in Linden Hall. 19
Sunday April 1st Easter Sunday Monday April 2nd 8:30 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 9:00 am 6:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Worship Easter Sunday, Sanctuary Easter Egg Hunt Cancer Support Group, Reception Room Confirmation Class, Library Tuesday April 3rd Wednesday April 4th 6:00 pm Community Dinner, Linden Hall 7:00 pm Vespers, Chapel Board Meeting, Library Thursday April 5th 12:00 pm 7:30 pm Lunch w/ Heike, Library Choir Practice, Linden AB Saturday April 7th 11 am Carolyn Greene Memorial Service, Sanctuary Sunday April 8th Monday April 9th 8:30 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 am 6:00 pm 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Worship, Sanctuary Meditation w/ Sue Findlay, Reception Room Pilgrim Book Group, Library Junior High Youth Group Open Table Dinner Jr &Sr High Youth Groups Guatemala Meeting, Library Cancer Support Group, Reception Room Confirmation Class, Library Finance Team Meeting, Conference Room Wednesday April 11th 7:00 pm Deacon s Meeting, Library Search Committee and Transition Team Meeting, Linden Hall Thursday April 12th Sunday April 15th 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:15 am 8:30 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm Property Committee Meeting, Conference Room CE/Youth Meeting, Linden Hall Meditation Book Group, Library Men s Breakfast, Library Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary Worship Guest Preacher Rev. Siew, Sanctuary VBS Training and Set Up 20