The Congregational Church of Westborough UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST West Main & Church Streets, Westborough, Massachusetts Happy Mother s Day OPEN DOORS GROWING FAITH! Pastor Paul Sangree, Senior Pastor Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani, Pastor of Spiritual Development
Some Notes to Help You Feel at Ease this Morning Children... Four and Under: The nursery is available downstairs during the service if needed. Pre-K and Up: Will go to Faith Formation after the Children s Time except on Communion Sundays, they will go after the Lord s Prayer. Outside the sanctuary are bags filled with crayons to keep little hands busy in pews! Visitors of all ages... We're glad you are here! You are welcome to an all-age fellowship after worship in the room downstairs directly under the sanctuary Folks new and returning to worship... There are no assigned seats; sit where you feel most comfortable. We celebrate the noises of small children; they remind us that we're alive! Generally, we stand for the opening of the service and for singing. We sing with joy and Spirit, without fear of judgement. We share our prayers vulnerably, and hold them with care. We pray with our eyes closed and open, our heads bowed and raised. We pass the peace with hugs and handshakes, with nods and smiles. We share communion with all who are willing-especially children OPEN DOORS GROWING FAITH! This is our vision statement. It speaks to our desire to open our doors to all of God s children, and to have all of the love and acceptance that is in this place flow out of our doors for the community and beyond. Our hope is also to grow faith in kids, youth and adults so that we can walk together in Jesus way, led by the Holy Spirit. Join us! 1
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WESTBOROUGH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST May 13, 2018 10:00 AM MOTHER S DAY SUNDAY Whatever your spiritual disposition-skeptic, seeker, follower-we welcome you and pray that you might hear something of the Good News today! *The Congregation is invited to stand. MUSIC FOR REFLECTION WELCOME! Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani *OPENING HYMN #3 The Sun is on the Sea and Shore BROTHER JAMES AIR *CALL TO WORSHIP One: One day, while Jesus was teaching, His mother and His brothers and sisters arrived, and they waited for him outside. A messenger told him, All: Your mother and siblings are here, and they are asking for you. One: And Jesus said: Who are my mother and my sister? And looking at those all around him he said: All: Here are my mother and my sisters! Whoever does the will of God is my mother, daughter, sister. One: Who is my mother, my sister? All: Whoever does the work of God is mother, daughter, sister. One: Who is my mother, my sister? All: whoever keeps the word of God is mother, daughter, sister. One: Who is for me my mother and my sister? All: whoever does the work of justice, sits beside the wounded, or ministers with compassion, is our mother and our sister. One: Who is God for me? Is God really my mother, my sister? All: She Who knew you in the womb, Who gave Her life to shield you is Shaddai, Is Christa, Loving Mother, Risen Sister. -Miriam Therese Winter 2
*UNISON PRAYER Loving God, gather us together as a Mother Hen gathers her chicks. Help us to be thankful for all the women in our lives who have been like mothers and grandmothers and great grandmothers to us. We are grateful for each and every one of them. We pray with thanksgiving in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray saying together, *THE LORD S PRAYER (Debts) 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. (Everyone may be seated.) BELL ANTHEM Old Time Religion arr. M.L. Thompson Jubilant Chimes/Parkman Bells CHILDREN S SCRIPTURE 1 John 3:17-18 (pew bible page 991) CHILDREN S TIME (Kids will now go to Faith Formation while adults greet one another!) Wendy Reardon RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS It is a joy to welcome: Paul Pambah & Christine Barasa Sponsors: James & Holly McClung Marketa Rosecka Sponsor: Theresa DiMeo QUESTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATES QUESTIONS FOR THE SPONSORS *OWNING OF THE COVENANT We covenant with the Lord and one another, and do commit ourselves in the presence of God to walk together in the way of justice and love as it is revealed to us through Holy Scripture and God s continuing revelation. We will strive to be doers of the word, to be firm in faith, and to help this church be a church of open doors and growing faith. RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP 3
CHOIR ANTHEM Train Up A Child Pepper Choplin Train up a child in the way that he should go that he will never depart. Train up a child in the way and she will grow with the word in her heart. Feed them truth, guide the way, teach them promises God has made, That they may live in God s love and grace. Train up a child as you teach him right from wrong, as he follows the word. Train up a child as you lead her to be strong, be strong in the Lord. Feed them truth, guide the way, teach them promises God has made, That they may live in God s love and grace. Many voices call, many things may draw them far away. Though their paths may go far away from home, the word shall remain, the word will remain in their hearts. Train up a child; your rewards will go beyond the days you live. Raise them in love; generations will be blest by the love you give. Feed them truth, show the way, teach the promises God has made, That they will carry on to train up a child, and they will live in God s love forever. PASTORAL PRAYER Linda Hartley OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS Invitation: Let us bring our offerings before God with thanksgiving! (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. If you can, please leave the sheet on the top of the book at the end of the pew. Thanks!) Offertory Anthem Blessings Laura Story Joyspring *DOXOLOGY (unison) Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Abundant God, in You there is no lack. Thank you for another opportunity to remember in our giving who we are in You. Amen. SERMON SCRIPTURE Acts 1:6-14 (pew bible page 884) The Risen Jesus speaks to His followers for the final time, and asks them to wait for the Holy Spirit. 4
SERMON What are You Waiting For? Pastor Paul Sangree I asked God to take away my pride, and God said no. It is not for Me to take it away, but for you to give it up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole, And God said no, her spirit is already whole. Her body is only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience, and God said no. God said that patience is the by-product of tribulation. It isn t granted; it s earned. I asked God to give me happiness: God said no. I give you blessings; happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare my pain, and God said no. It is for you to grow on your own, but I will prune you in order to make you fruitful. I asked God if You love me, and God said Yes! I gave you my only Son who died for you, and because of Jesus you will be in heaven some day. I asked God to help me love others as much as I am loved, And God said Ahhh, finally! Now you have the idea! TIME OF PRAYER AND HEALING *CLOSING SONG He Reigns by Pete Furler & Steve Taylor Led by Joyspring (music can be found ALPHABETICALLY in the BLACK BINDERS in the pews) Verse 1 It's the song of the redeemed Rising from the African plain It's the song of the forgiven Drowning out the Amazon rain The song of Asian believers Filled with God's holy fire It's every tribe, every tongue, every nation A love song born of a grateful choir Chorus It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns 5
It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns Verse 2 Let it rise about the four winds Caught up in the heavenly sound Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals To the faithful gathered underground Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation Some were meant to persist Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples None rings truer than this CHORUS Verse 3 And all the powers of darkness Tremble at what they've just heard 'Cause all the powers of darkness Can't drown out a single word When all God's children sing out Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns All God's people singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE The mosaic at the front of the church is the completion of the one we filled in during Lent. During this Easter season, we celebrate how God takes all of our brokenness and makes us whole! Linda Borglund greeted you this morning and served as liturgist. Roy Rogers and Tracy Owens are Deacons of the day. Join us for refreshments and fellowship downstairs after worship! 6
PRAYERS & CELEBRATIONS FOR MAY 13, 2018 Bereaved: Family and Friends of Betty Lampi upon her passing on May 4 th. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury on May 19 th at 10:30am. Continued Prayers: Donald Gray (Betty Gray s brother had heart surgery); Carroll and Marcia Hoffman; Linda Polatka (Cathie Achorn s sister); Dick Birch; Dee Mumby (Cathie Achorn s mother); Lois Gray & family (sister-in-law of Betty Gray); Michael Newton. Prayer requests: You can place prayer concerns on the church s email distribution list at eprayers@uccwestboro.org. If you would like a prayer request included in today s service, please let a Deacon know prior to the start of worship. Prayers will remain listed for 8 weeks. If you would like a prayer renewed, please call the church office. PARKING OPTIONS Please know that in addition to parking in our lot or on the street, you can park next door in the library parking spaces on Parkman St. We re glad you re here! SERMON AND BIBLE STUDY EVERY SUNDAY AT 9AM Please join us every Sunday morning at 9AM in the Chapel downstairs for a Bible Study focused on the sermon Scripture of the day! We always have a great conversation! THANK YOU! Thanks to our Church family for hosting dinner and overnight stays at IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network) in Worcester the week of March 18-25. A special thank you to members who served double duty and also Reverend Elaine and the Confirmands who helped cover the week! We will be hosting again in July. The Missions Team REPORTS DUE FOR BOARDS & COMMITTEES MEETING We will have our annual Boards and Committees meeting next Sunday, May 20 th at 11:30am downstairs. If you are responsible for a report, please email it to the church office at westboroucc@verizon.net as soon as possible. CALL TO ANNUAL BOARDS AND COMMITTEES MEETING (REVISED) The Annual Boards and Committees Meeting of The Congregational Church of Westborough will be held Sunday, May 20, 2018 following the worship service in the church vestry. The purpose of the meeting is as follows: 1. To hear and act upon the reports of the officers, staff and various Boards and Committees. 2. To elect officers and appoint members of Boards and Committees for the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021. 3. To vote to authorize the Board of Trustees to spend up to $45,000 to replace the annex boiler and the two sanctuary furnaces. 4. To transact such other business as may regularly come before the meeting. Submitted by David R. Smith, Church Clerk 7
MISSIONS Walk For The Homeless The walk takes place next Sunday May 20th at Elm Park in Worcester @ 2pm (registration begins at 1pm). This walk helps benefit IHN as well as other programs for the homeless. Please consider walking or sponsoring a walker. For more information see the sponsor form on the Missions table in the vestry or go to www.walkforthehomeless.org Strengthen the Church Offering- May 20th This offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill on its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities. OUR NEXT HABITAT BUILD DATE JUNE 16TH Back on a very cold day in February, a hardy bunch of church members gathered in Northboro to help rehab two buildings into housing for four families in need. We worked hard and accomplished so much, but there is more work to do. Two of the units are nearing completion and two are not so close. So, we will send another team on Saturday, June 16th to continue building. Skilled no skills, we can use all abilities and the weather should be much nicer. B/T/W - the Habitat staff are still talking about the fabulous lunch prepared by our own wonderful cooks! A sign-up sheet will be on the missions table in May. Look for pictures of our work day on the TV screen in the Vestry. Co-leaders: Pam Faustine and Doug Wales MEN S SOFTBALL Our church team has swung into action! The next game is home against Uxbridge Nazzarine, tomorrow night at 6pm! Here are a few more upcoming games: May 21 First Congregational Hopkinton #2 (away) May 28 United Methodist Church (home) June 4 Chapel of the Cross (away) GROCERY CARDS 2018 Goal: $ 8,000 2018 YTD Sales: $ 2,079.50 Hungry? We re worried that you might be as we look at our year to date profit! We hope that you ll eat healthy, shop locally, and always have a grocery card in your pocket - even for those last minute items. Bring your checkbook to church on Sunday or stop by the Church office. We ll be ready for you. Thanks! Or contact Karen Hutchinson at 508.870.1782 or millarhutch@aol.com or Nancy Quimby at 774.249.4431 or nquimby11@gmail.com or Sally Petersen at sbpetersen4@gmail.com and 366.5169. PASTOR PAUL AT PANERA Pastor Paul is available every Thursday morning for a conversation at Panera! Just email him and let him know what time is good for you! DISMAS HOUSE Our church goes on the first Thursday of the month to cook and serve a meal with the people of Dismas House, a home for ex-prisoners. If you would like to help, be in touch with Karen Hutchinson at millarhutch@aol.com. We will go again Thursday, June 7th. Donations of Stop and Shop cards are greatly appreciated to help with the shopping for the meals! Thank you. 8
PRAYER TIME CARDS We are encouraging people to speak to a pastor upstairs before the service if you want a prayer lifted up on Sunday morning, or you can fill out a blue card (located at a table near the front entrance, outside the sanctuary and in the pews) and give it to a Deacon, Thanks! COFFEE HOUR Would you like to serve by helping out with the coffee hour after church downstairs? Please look for the sign-up downstairs on the coffee hour table. Email Suzanne Arpante at sbarpante@aol.com. Thanks! Pastor Paul Sangree, Senior Pastor phsangree@gmail.com Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani, Pastor of Spiritual Development - revelaineg@aol.com Wendy Reardon, Directory of Children s and Youth Ministries - wendysreardon@yahoo.com Clayton Heidbreder, Minister of Music/Organist claytonlh1@gmail.com Sue Menzel, Director of Bells westcongmusic@gmail.com Linda Hartley, Pastoral Associate lhartley@ants.edu Office hours: Mon: closed, Tues, Wed, Thurs. 9-2, Fri 9-1, Church office phone 508/366-2000 General Church email westboroucc@verizon.net Church website www.uccwestboro.org www.facebook.com/thecongregationalchurchofwestborough Ted and Kristi Allen Cordially invite Our Church Family to attend the EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR FOR Cameron William Allen Saturday, May 19 th, 2018 at 3:00PM The Congregational Church of Westborough A Dinner Reception following the Ceremony will be held in the Fellowship Hall Please RSVP by May 13 th to kristinallen@comcast.net 9
May 13 Mother s Day Sunday 9:00 AM Bible Study/Chapel 10:00 AM Worship & Faith Formation May 14 Monday 7-8:30 PM Men s Group/Chapel 7:30 PM AA/Nursery 7:30-9PM BSA Troop Committee/Library May 15 Tuesday 7:00 PM Festival Ringers May 16 Wednesday 10:30 AM Staff Meeting/Nursery 3:30 PM Journey Home/Choir Room 7:00 PM Cabinet/Kerygma Room 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Joyspring Rehearsal May 17 Thursday 2:30 PM PCC/Fannie Forbes 4:30PM GSA/Vestry 7:00 PM Confirmation Class/Kerygma Room May 18 Friday 6:30 PM Great Marriages/ Vestry May 19 Saturday 9:00 AM Library Fundraiser Yard Sale/Front Lawn 1-7 PM Court of Honor/Sanctuary/Vestry May 20 Baccalaureate Sunday New Members Join 9:00 AM Bible Study/Chapel 10:00 AM Worship & Faith Formation 11:30 AM Annual Boards & Committees Meeting/Vestry 5:30 PM GSA Vestry Hands Across the Sea Book Fair Today after worship. 10
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