The Fourth Sunday of Easter 25 April 2010

Old Greenwich, THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL United Church Connecticut CHURCH OF GREENWICH of Christ Founded in 1665 The Fourth Sunday of Easter 25 April 2010 10 o clock in the morning

W elcome to First Church. We re glad you re here. We especially hope you ll be able to enter fully into this time of the worship of God with us and that the warmth and welcome of this congregation will stay with you throughout the week. Please make yourself known to one of the pastors if you are visiting and join us for a time of fellowship after the service in the Auditorium, which is out the back of the Meetinghouse and just up the stairs. PREPARING FOR WORSHIP *All who are able please stand Seating of latecomers PRELUDE John Stansell, organ Sonata V in D Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Andante (Chorale) - Andante con moto - Allegro maestoso CALL TO COMMUNITY Please sign and pass the red book. Rev. Dr. David D. Young MOMENT OF JOY PRAISING GOD CALL TO WORSHIP * OPENING HYMN AND PROCESSION Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You New Century (black) Hymnal 4 OPENING PRAYER O God of all our years, We come with longings beyond our knowing, A desire to get beyond our regrets, An impulse to be better people, A deep need to know the One who created and sustains us. Meet us this morning, we pray. Move us, speak to us, set our spirits free. Lord, we give all that we know about ourselves To all that we know about you.

In these moments of sacred quietness, Come to us we pray. Amen. CALL TO CONFESSION CONFESSING TO GOD PRAYER OF CONFESSION Our Lord and God, by your Son Jesus Christ You have said Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, And His righteousness, and all these things will be Added unto you. But too often we seek all these things and not your Kingdom. We get earth-bound. We get wrapped up in ourselves and our own circumstances and do not notice the one next to us who is hurting even more. So help us to be Kingdom seekers, seekers after your will, seekers after our best selves and seekers after the Christ, who taught us to pray, saying 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 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. WORDS OF ASSURANCE Congregational Response Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

FIRST LESSON O HEARING GOD'S WORD Mark 12:28-34 ne of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, Which commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. Then the scribe said to him, You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and besides him there is no other ; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one s neighbor as oneself, this is much more important than all whole burntofferings and sacrifices. When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. After that no one dared to ask him any question. SCRIPTURE ANTHEM Day by day Day by day, dear Lord, of thee three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day. The Chancel Choir Martin How SECOND LESSON Luke 11:1-13 e was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, Hone of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples. He said to them, When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.

And he said to them, Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him. And he answers from within, Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything. I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! * HYMN God Is Working His Purpose Out Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 298 As the hymn begins, the Church School children and teachers will leave for their classrooms. Children in second grade and older will leave independently. Children in kindergarten and first graders will meet their teachers at the back of the Meetinghouse (Narthex) and will go to their classrooms as a group. It is not necessary for parents to accompany their children because there are Hall Helpers to guide anyone who needs help. SERMON Rev. Daniel B. England Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done RESPONDING TO GOD RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS Roll Call of Candidates (Candidates will come forward as their names are called)

Commitment of Candidates Leader: We are called of God to be disciples through Christ Jesus. Do you here affirm your consecration in God through Jesus Christ? Candidates: I do. Leader: Friends in Christ, we bid you welcome. We greet you as fellow disciples of one Master in the Church Universal. Our purpose is to promote the increase of the love of God and neighbor. Will you now unite yourself with The First Congregational Church of Greenwich, accepting its responsibilities, praying and working for its usefulness, sustaining its worship, supporting its wider mission, and living with us in the bonds of Christian fellowship? Candidates: I will. Clergy: We believe in the freedom and responsibility of the individual soul and the right of private judgment. We join in fellowship with other congregations of the United Church of Christ in declaring our steadfast allegiance to the faith which our forebears confessed, which from age to age has found its expression in the historic creeds of the Church Universal and of our communion, and in affirming our loyalty to the basic principles of our representative democracy. We hereby set forth the things most surely believed among us concerning faith, polity and fellowship. Owning of the Covenant (all, standing) We believe in God, infinite in wisdom, goodness and love; and in Jesus Christ His Son, our Lord and Savior, who for us and our salvation lived and died and rose again, and liveth evermore; and in the Holy Spirit, who renews, comforts and inspires us. We are united in striving to know the will of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures and in our purpose to walk in the ways of the Lord, made known or to be made known to us. As Jesus accepted, welcomed, included and embraced all people without exception, so do we accept all who join with us in our search to walk in the ways of the Lord. We hold it to be the mission of the Church of Christ to proclaim the gospel to all people, exalting the worship of God and laboring for the promotion of justice, the reign of peace and the realization of human understanding. Depending upon the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, we work and pray for the

transformation of the world into the Kingdom of God, and we look with faith for the triumph of righteousness and the life everlasting. *SONG OF AFFIRMATION Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; The sharing of a common life is like to that above. CALL TO PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Avery C. Manchester PASTORAL PRAYER AND QUIET MEDITATION CALL TO OFFERING OFFERTORY ANTHEM The Chancel Choir; Hanna Golodinskii, soprano; Vasil Golodinskii, bass Greater Love Hath No Man John Ireland Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. Love is strong as death. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Who his own Self bare our sins in his own Body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, that ye should shew forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Canticles 8, John 15, I Peter 2, I Corinthians 6; Romans 12 *Doxology New Century (black) Hymnal 776 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all creatures here below; Praise Holy Spirit, Comforter; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION

GOING FORTH TO SERVE GOD *CLOSING HYMN AND PROCESSION Crown Him With Many Crowns Pilgrim (red) Hymnal 199 *CLOSING SENTENCES Leader: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done People: In our lives and in this community of faith. Leader: We go now in confidence knowing we are of God s Kingdom. People: And of his Kingdom there shall be no end. All: Amen. *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE POSTLUDE Entrance of the Queen of Sheba (from Solomon ) George Frederic Handel The First Congregational Church of Greenwich declares itself to be open and affirming; open to all for participation, membership, leadership and employment, and affirming of all who wish to join us as children of God. We continue to give thanks for God s guidance in our journey of faith. We have child care for babies and toddlers every Sunday in the Preschool area. Your children are always welcome for the entire service or for a respite time if needed. Please see an usher if you need directions. The 10:00 am Service is broadcast live each week on WGCH 1490 AM Radio. In addition, the service is available through the church s website, www.fccog.org. A bulletin can be found there as well as a link to the live broadcast. Previous sermons may also be found there.

New Members Joining Today Luis and Laura Angel-Lalanne, 59Windsor Road, Rye Brook, NY 10573, 914-937-1602: Luis and Laura come to First Congregational Church by Reaffirmation of Faith. Luis is a Director of Risk Management at American Express and Laura is an Attorney at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP. Luis enjoys golf, climbing and skateboarding and Laura enjoys photography, reading and gardening. They have a daughter, Ciella, age 5. The Angel- Lalanne family is happy to make FCCOG their church home and is looking forward to participating in this warm and welcoming community. Shawn and Susan Asselin, 14 Crawford Terrace, Riverside, CT 06878, 203-698-2523: Shawn and Sue come to First Congregational Church by Letter of Transfer from First United Methodist of Greenwich. Shawn is a Sales Manager for Data Mail, a marketing organization based in Newington, CT. Sue is our Parish Nurse here at FCCOG and also holds other part-time nursing jobs in the community. Shawn and Sue have lived in Riverside for eight years, and have three children: 17 year-old Shawn, 13 year-old Jeff, and 9 year-old Jessica. They look forward to continuing their involvement with this welcoming church. Charles and Marjorie Glover have lived in Old Greenwich for over 10 years. They come to First Congregational Church by Reaffirmation of Faith. Charlie enjoys running, hiking, cycling and skiing and Marjorie enjoys running, hiking, baking and gardening. They are active in community-based activities, including activities for children with special needs and spending time with their family and the community. Charlie and Marjorie have two school age children. Jack and Katharine Hager, 20 Richmond Drive, Old Greenwich, CT 06870, 203-344-9191: Jack comes to First Congregational Church by Reaffirmation of Faith and Katharine comes to First Congregational Church by Confession of Faith. Jack is a General Manager at Otis Elevator Company and Katharine is a nutritionist and a homemaker. Jack enjoys outdoor sports, golf, fishing, jogging and Katherine enjoys sports and cooking. They have two daughters, Chase (2) and Eloise (1 month). Peter and Elizabeth Heberling, 299 Bayberrie Drive, Stamford, CT 06902, 917-828-3328: Peter and Betsy come to First Congregational Church by Letter of Transfer from First Presbyterian in Greensboro, NC. Peter is a Lawyer at Salans LLP and Betsy is a homemaker. Peter enjoys golf, skiing, reading and fitness and Betsy, a sports fan, devoted mom and avid reader, enjoys fitness and animals,. They have two adult children, Trent and Andrew.

Mary Lennon, 150 Mead Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830, 203-531-3382: Mary comes to First Congregational Church by Reaffirmation of Faith. Mary is a Psychotherapist. She has lived in Greenwich for 10 years, has three adult children and six grandchildren. Brian and Paula Mickley, 5 Nimitz Drive, Old Greenwich, CT 06870, 203-698-1134: Brian and Paula come to First Congregational Church by Reaffirmation of Faith. Brian owns his own company, Brian Mickley Executive Search, and Paula is an Accountant at Wilkins Ctr. PC. Brian enjoys fishing and traveling and Paula enjoys traveling, reading and cross stitch. They have two children, Lauren (8) and Sarah (6). John and Anita Windels, 7 Mulberry Lane, Cos Cob, CT 06807, 203-622- 8262: John and Anita come to First Congregational Church by Reaffirmation of Faith. John owns his own company, Maplewood Builders, LLC, and Anita is HR manager at Performance Equity. John enjoys motorcycles and car restoration and Anita enjoys reading, exercise and spending time with her family. They have three children, Charlie (8), Danny (5) and Lauren (3). Calendar TODAY Church School Church School meets today and continues with stories from the Book of Acts. The second graders are learning about Communion and, along with their parents, are making family Communion banners which will be shared with the congregation next Sunday. We hope you will come out this afternoon for the CROP Walk. (Details below.) International Mission Team A Second Hour today held in the Auditorium after Worship. The International Mission Team will give a brief overview and slide show of their recent trip to Guatemala with Project Common Hope. Come hear about how the work of the mission team and our congregation s generous contribution of over 300 pounds of donations helped make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Bible Study Please join us for Bible Study. We will be taking a look at Revelation 3, 4 and 5. Class is in the Lounge following the Guatemala Trip presentation in the Auditorium.

Blood Pressure Screening A member of the Wellness Committee is available to check blood pressures in Room 203 following the Worship Service. Cherub Choir rehearses today in Room 104 from 11:15 to 11:45 am. Youth Choir rehearses today in the Choir Room from 11:15 am to 12:20 pm. Literacy Mission Team Meeting The Literacy Mission Team will meet following Worship at 11:15 am in the Youth Room. CROP Walk comes to Greenwich Join the Team! Today members of churches and groups from Greenwich and Port Chester will walk here in Old Greenwich to raise awareness and funds to support hunger projects in Port Chester, Greenwich and throughout the world. Come to Coffee Hour and sign up to walk, to volunteer or just learn more about CROP. As hosts and the home base for the Walk, FCCOG needs many hands and feet. You may contribute directly to our walk online at www.cropwalkonline.org/greenwichct. Ask your friends to join you! THIS WEEK Nights Off, the Women s Ministries evening fellowship group, will meet at the home of Rosemary Lamie on Monday, April 26 at 7:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to become better acquainted with other church women and all are welcome. For further information, contact Karen Young at klyct1@aol.com or 203-637-7877. Tai Chi April classes on Wednesday continue as follows: April 28 at 8:00 am. Thursday classes continue as follows: April 29 at 9:00 am. The Children s Choir rehearses on Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the Choir Room followed by pizza in Room 303. Hats Off!, the women s book discussion group meets every Thursday morning in the Lounge from 10:00 to 11:30 am. We welcome new faces! For more information, call Marcia Livingston at 203-625-0772.

The Palmer Handbells rehearse on Thursday evening from 6:15 to 7:15 pm in the Meetinghouse. Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:00 pm in the Choir Room. NEWS AND NOTICES Women s Ministries Annual Meeting and Luncheon All Women at FCCOG are Invited to the Women s Ministries Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 11:30 am in the Auditorium. Come enjoy a Catered Luncheon! Business to be conducted: Election of Officers, Vote on The Rummage Room Allocations and Vote on Changes to the Women s Ministries By-laws.* The 40 th Annual Quilt Raffle is at 12 Noon and back by popular demand The Rummage Room Fashion Show. The cost is $10 payable at the door. Call the Church Office or sign up at Coffee Hour. RSVP by May 7! *A copy of the proposed by-law amendments is available in the church office. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich 108 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich, Connecticut, 06870 203-637-1791 www.fccog.org Ministers: Members of The First Congregational Church of Greenwich Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. David D. Young Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry: Rev. Mark D. Montgomery Minister of Communication and Adult Education: Rev. Daniel B. England Minister of Pastoral Care: Rev. Avery C. Manchester Director of Music/Senior Organist: Dr. John Stansell Associate Organist/Director: Terence J. Flanagan Director of Church School: Rosemary Lamie Director of Membership: Ginny Breismeister Parish Nurse: Susan Asselin, RN Pastors Emeriti: Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Stiers and Rev. Sally Colegrove