The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme 2 Ferry Road Old Lyme, Connecticut (860) 434-8686 Website: www.fccol.org
STEWARDSHIP & WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY WORSHIP October 7, 2018 Prelude Introit: God Be In My Head Light Keeper Steven R. Jungkeit, Senior Minister Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager, Senior Associate Minister Carleen R. Gerber, Associate Minister Simon D. Holt, Director of Music *Hymn: #81 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken Light Keeper *Call to Worship 9::00 AM John Rutter Joe Kazadi We yearn, O God, for a new way of living and relating... as neighbors not strangers, as brothers and sisters not them and us. We yearn to live fully celebrating both the diversity of our human family, and the unity of our call to love and justice. We hunger, God of Abundant Life, for lives that have meaning and integrity, and for relationships grounded in mutuality and respect. We thirst for places to bring our doubts, our fears; places to express honestly who we are. We thirst for hope and encouragement as we struggle to follow Jesus in the way of life-risking love. With the gift of your grace we are nourished. With the promise of your presence may we be strengthened to be faithful. Let us worship God. *Invocation *The Lord s Prayer Welcome and News of the Church *Hymn: #467 I m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me Ovuwa Choir Scripture: Acts 2: 43-47 (NT, pg. 114) Translator: Gerald Mokwena 1 Timothy 6: 17-19 (NT, pg. 197) Translator: Lethabo Molopyane Reflections Children s Sermon John Kiker Carleen Gerber and the Ovuwa Choir Hymn: #364 This Little Light of Mine (1 verse only, congregation seated)
Reflections Pastoral Prayer Pastoral Prayer Response: Eat This Bread Rachael Gabriel Reflections Doug Kiem Offertory Invitation Offertory Anthems Ovuwa Choir Offertory Prayer Doxology Reflections Faye Richardson and Steve Jungkeit *Hymn: #319 Bread of the World, in Mercy Broken Sacrament of Communion (back page) *Hymn: #380 We Are Not Our Own Benediction Benediction Response Ovuwa Choir Postlude *Congregation Standing
We thank you for worshipping with us. Following the life and teachings of Jesus, we are a church that strives to be a place of grace, welcoming all regardless of theological expression, age, race, gender, sexual identity, national origin or financial means. In our Church Constitution we recognize that each member shall have the undisturbed right to follow the word of God according to the dictates of his or her own conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, established in 1665, cherishes this proud Pilgrim tradition. We are honored by your presence among us, and we invite you to help us become what we endeavor to be. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This morning we'll be celebrating World Communion Sunday using the method of intinction. That involves coming to one of the communion "stations," either at the front of the Meetinghouse or in the balcony, receiving a piece of bread, and then dipping it into the chalice. All are welcome. If you can't make it out of the pew, let one of the deacons know, and we'll bring the elements to you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The flowers this morning are given by Judy and David Downs in loving memory of the Downs family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The hosts for fellowship hour are Jerome Doherty and Cathy Mathis. The deacon on duty is Lee Whitaker. Our Light Keeper this morning is Ella Austin. Childcare is available every Sunday morning in the nursery downstairs at the 9 AM service. If you need help finding it, please ask the ushers to assist you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you are visiting us for worship this morning, we welcome you, and invite you to join us in Fellowship Hall for fellowship and refreshments. We invite you to pick up a Welcome packet, which can be found in the vestibule. We hope this information will be helpful in acquainting you with our church and its activities and programs. Quiet Activity Bags for young children are in the vestibule. They are colorful bags with quiet projects for our youngest members. Please feel free to offer these bags to your children. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Rev. David W. Good serves as our Minister Emeritus. The Rev. Rebecca T. Crosby is our Minister for Haitian Outreach. This morning we welcome the OVUWA Choir from the University of Pretoria under the direction of Mxolisi Duda. The members of this prestigious indigenous performance group are all students or graduate students at the University of Pretoria. They are with us here during their reading week prior to exams. They are serious students, so much of their free time might be dedicated to studying. They are enrolled in a broad range of professional and academic disciplines.
The 2019 Stewardship Campaign begins TODAY Sharing our Lives, Sharing our World Please join the Board of Stewardship during Fellowship Hour this morning to kick off our 2019 Stewardship Campaign. This is an opportunity to discuss the campaign with Board of Stewardship representatives. Members will be wearing hats with name tags. Enjoy great snacks and beverages. We look forward to seeing you! Adult Forums The next Adult Forum will be Sunday, October 14: Chris Cryder, Plum Island Preservation. Chris Cryder will bring us up to date on Plum Island with Suzanne Thompson on keeping the Oswegatchie Hills from development. Book Group Our next discussion will focus on The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice by Rabbi Rami Shapiro. This inspiring book explores Judaism s 13 attributes of Lovingkindness as a framework for cultivating a more complete spiritual life. Practices are drawn from a variety of faith traditions to help us recognize the divinity within ourselves and others. We will frame discussion in 2 3 sessions on Wednesdays: Nov. 7 th, 14 th, and perhaps the 21 st at 10:00 am in the library. All welcome! Led by Martha Beaudoin and Carleen. BEGINNING A REVOLUTION ON LYME STREET? The Ladies Benevolent Society continues its Luncheons and programs on Tuesday, October 9 th, at noon. LBS is starting another Revolution as we commemorate the 244 th anniversary of Lyme s revolutionary Tea Party on March 17, 1774, when local Sons of Liberty burned a pile of English tea seized from a peddler. So tea will NOT be served at this Luncheon! (BYO at your own risk.) Local authors Michaelle Pearson and Jim Lampos will highlight these and other stories of Revolution in the Lymes following the LBS Luncheon on Tuesday, October 9 th beginning at noon in the Fellowship Hall; the program will start around 1 pm after dessert. Programs last about 45 min., including a closing Q&A. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. The cost of the Luncheon is $5 plus canned goods for the Shoreline Food Pantry. Please call the Church Office at 860-434-8686 by Friday, October 5, to reserve a place at the Luncheon. We strive to be always welcoming to our tables. But it makes food preparation VERY DIFFICULT when only 20 people have RSVPed by Friday and nearly 60 show up on Tuesday! PLEASE RSVP! The Ladies Who Stitch will have recent projects on display and available for purchase.
Bible Study Due to popular demand and curiosity, Becky Crosby will continue the study on Paul from last year and strive to answer the question, "What happened to Christianity after Paul's death? To guide our study, we will read the book by Bart Ehrman, "The Triumph of Christianity: How a Forbidden Religion Swept the World." All are welcome (no need to have studied Paul with us last year). We will meet on Thursday, October 18 at 10:45 in the library. The class meet will again on October 25, November 29 - December 20, and January 3 & 10 (8 sessions) Bring a Bible if you have one. If not, we have one for you! Tree of Life Educational Fund Needs Your Help Host Homes needed! Ruba Awadallah is traveling from Ramallah, West Bank arriving Tuesday Oct. 16 th. We need a host home for the 16 th 19 th and Sunday 21 st. Lara Kiswani is traveling from California arriving Wednesday October 17 th. We need a host home for her the 17 th 19 th. Eran Efrati needs a place to stay the night of Friday the 19 th only. Please consider hosting our guest speakers. Contact Mary or Ann at mary@tolef.org or aperry@tolef.org We appreciate your help! Sponsors Also Needed! Please consider partnering with Tree of Life as we pursue our mission to educate and engage the public on the realities of occupation, and the paths to peace and justice, by becoming a sponsor of our Rachel s Children Fall Conference to be held here at FCCOL on Sunday October 21 st. Thank you! ( ) Friend $100 Listing in program plus two complimentary tickets ( ) Patron $250 Listing in program plus four complimentary tickets ( ) Benefactor $500 Listing in program plus six complimentary tickets Pay online or make your check payable to Tree of Life Educational Fund (or TOLEF) and mail to FCCOL/TOLEF, 2 Ferry Rd. Old Lyme, CT 06371. Please visit www.tolef.org or email aperry@tolef.org for more information. Tree of Life Planning Meeting Please join us on Tuesday, October 9th, 7 pm in the Sheffield Auditorium as we continue to prepare for our "Rachel's Children" lecture series to be held at FCCOL on Sunday, October 21st. We need more volunteers - especially host homes and drivers, and would be very grateful for your participation. Contact aperry@tolef.org or mary@tolef.org if you cannot make the meeting but would still like to help. Thank you! Ladies Who Stitch We are back at work in the Sheffield Auditorium on Mondays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Many creations are in the works: corduroy and wool patchwork quilts, baby blankets, tee shirt dresses and back packs for Haiti, large tote bags for NLHHC, placemats and napkins, knitted items of all kinds, holiday and gift items, and more. We welcome visitors and shopping during our Monday working hours and our inventory will be available at each of the LBS luncheons. Questions: Contact Eunice at eunicetaylor@me.com.
News from the Immigrant Assistance Committee Today is day 203 in Sanctuary for Malik and Zahida. We continue to wait for a decsion from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and are hopeful that an update on their case will be coming very soon. Please contact Lina Tuck (lina.tuck@gmail.com) or 860-680-8825, to get involved. The FCCOL Immigration Committee supports the humane and dignified treatment of Immigrants by providing education on immigration rights, sanctuary for families in threat of deportation, and assistance to secure legal counsel. Donations to the Immigrant Assistance Fund may be sent to FCCOL. Please note this fund in the comment line. Today in God s Neighborhood Children will remain in church for this intergenerational service today. Nursery is available. Our Sunday School service project for October is SOCKTOBER! The JPF is leading the drive for SOCKS, underwear, winter hats and toiletries to deliver to NYC homeless folks while attending the Breakfast Run on October 27. Please leave in specially marked boxes around the church! Please join us for these PF activities: October 20 - Everyone is invited grades 6 and above! Not Y our Grandmother s Dinner Party in New London meal from 1:00-7:00 p.m. RSVP to LisaDoggart@gmail.com or Laura at lfitz.nager@gmail.com. October 27 - (JuniorPF and SeniorPF) Breakfast Run 6:00 a.m. leave time, returning mid afternoon. We will be collecting (during October) toiletries, socks and underwear to distribute. Please RSVP to LisaDoggart@gmail.com if you can drive, attend or help with food. Sheltering Grace: Where Story is Found Saturday, November 3rd, 10:00-2:00 pm. Lunch provided. Place: Home of Susie Hermanson, 209 Old Black Point Rd, Niantic, CT As the days shorten and light grows more precious, what is emerging within you? How would you describe this season in your life? Come join us as we share stories, have time for quiet, and enter into a sacred space of renewal, friendship and storytelling. Bring a keepsake or photo to share that tells a story of a remembered time in your life that has shaped your journey. Bring a friend or just yourself! $10 offering. Lunch provided. Location: Home of Susie Hermanson. Facilitators: Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager and Marcy Conway. Fellowship Hours Volunteering to host a fellowship hour is a greatly appreciated way to contribute to our community! Members of the Hospitality Committee will be available to sign up volunteers during the earlier coffee hour today, or please contact Wendy Knight at wendyknight@gmail.com or Lee Whitaker at Whitakerlee@comcast.net.
INVITATION GENERAL CONFESSION COMMUNION SERVICE Merciful God, we have often wandered far from your intention for us. We have lived for our own momentary pleasure, forgetting our kinship with your hurting children and with all of creation. You call us to be a justice-seeking people, bringing light to the world. Instead, Your light is too often extinguished in our hearts because we fear what it might reveal. We become prisoners of our own shortsighted desires. Redeem us, O God, and redirect us in your new and living way. Shine a light in our hearts, and enable us to be a light for others in a fractured and broken world. Amen. ABSOLUTION GIVING OF THE BREAD AND CUP PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We give thanks, O God, for the sustenance we have been offered in this bread and wine. We give thanks for the ongoing presence in the world of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith in you, O God, and help us to keep finding new ways to love one another. We pray these things in the name of our Redeemer. Amen. It is the practice of this church to serve grape juice in our communion service. Bread is gluten-free. Pottery Classes at Walt s Adult beginner classes will be available the week of November 5 th and run 6 weeks. Fee is $100 and includes 10 lbs of clay / tools are provided. Tuesday Mornings with Betsey 10am -12pm / Tuesday evenings with Paul 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Thursday evenings with Rebecca 6:00 pm -8:00 pm. Space is limited so please reach out to Stephanie Kenny as soon as possible stephanieckenny@gmail.com. The church office will be closed Monday, October 8th in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. Calendar of Events and Meetings for This Week NO God s Neighborhood Sunday School Children are welcome to remain in church. Ladies Who Stitch Monday, October 8th at 12:00 pm in the Sheffield Auditorium. LBS Luncheon Tuesday, October 9th at 12:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. TOL Meeting Tuesday, October 9th at 7:00 pm in the Sheffield Auditorium. Family & Friends Potluck Supper W ednesday, October 10th at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Senior Choir W ednesday, October 10th at 7:30 pm in the Sheffield Auditorium. ARC Blood Drive Thursday, October 11th at 1:00 pm in Fellowship Hall.