Village Church United Church of Christ June 1, 2014
ORDER OF WORSHIP June 1, 2014 10:00 AM PRELUDE WELCOME Mary Luti CALL TO WORSHIP *HYMN NO. 459 Come, O Fount of Every Blessing New Century Hymnal (black) NETTLETON *PRAYER OF PRAISE Leader: O Fount of every blessing, we are debtors to your grace! All: Freely you give, freely you love, freely you welcome and embrace. Leader: All: Leader: All: O Fount of every blessing, we are debtors to your grace! With abandon you spend on us the riches of your mercy; the door of your treasure house stands open and unguarded day and night, night and day. O Fount of every blessing, we are debtors to your grace! Praise, glory and thanks to you, now and forever. Amen. INVITATION TO CONFESSION Chris Braudaway-Bauman
PRAYER OF CONFESSION Gracious God, our sins are too real to hide, too deep to deny, and too heavy to carry. Receive the confession our lips tremble to name. Forgive us for not loving you with our whole hearts, for not loving our neighbors, for not living as if we ourselves are yours. We have neglected to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you. We long for a right spirit to be renewed. By your boundless love, we ask you to lift the weight our hearts can no longer bear. Set us free from a past we cannot change. Open us to a future in which we can be changed. In the silence of our prayer, grant us the grace to grow more and more in your likeness and love... SILENT PRAYER *WORDS OF ASSURANCE *PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST *RESPONSE IN SONG Now the Green Blade Rises (v. 1) A WITNESS Diane and Ed Bedrosian
ANTHEM Bread of the World Griffith Bratt Bread of the world in mercy broken, Wine of the soul in mercy shed, By whom the words of life were spoken, And by whose death our sins are dead: Look on the heart by sorrow broken, Look on the tears by sinners shed; And be the feast to us the token That by thy grace our souls are fed. For the Bread which Thou hast broke;, For the wine which Thou hast poured, For the words which Thou hast spoken; We give Thee thanks, O Lord. In Thy service, Lord, defend us, In our hearts keep watch and ward, In the world where Thou dost send us Let thy kingdom come, O Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE Ephesians 1:15-23 (Page 949, pew Bible) Luke 24:48-53 (Page 861, pew Bible) Reader: Congregation: Reader: Congregation: Reader: Congregation: I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. And I pray that the eyes of your heart might be enlightened, so that you may know the hope to which God has called you, the riches of your glorious inheritance, and God s incomparably great power for us who believe. Jesus said to his disciples, You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what God has promised, the Holy Spirit; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. That power is the same as the strength God exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, not only in the present age but also in the age to come. Then Jesus lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. And the disciples returned to the city rejoicing, and praising God.
HYMN NO. 285 O Holy Dove of God Descending New Century Hymnal (black) O HOLY DOVE You may remain seated for the hymn. Children may leave for classes. SERMON With the Eyes of Your Heart Enlightened MUSICAL MEDITATION PRAYERS AND THE 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. Mary Luti David Carrier Jim Nelon PRAYER RESPONSE Sing of One Who Walks Beside Us (v. 3)
OFFERING OUR GIFTS For Such A Time As This Neil Simister and Amy Hille, Members of The Capital Appeal Steering Committee Our donations for the Wellesley Food pantry are being brought forward this morning as part of our regular offering. Introduction Prayer For Such A Time As This God of endless Grace, Steady our hands to your work in these days. Let our worship draw in the crowds Who drift by not knowing the gift of congregation. Let our community teach and inspire those Who take up the task of leading your people. Let our love for one another help to mend The need that goes unseen in village and city. Let our care for the world you gave us help to stem The harm to sunlight, rain, and oceans. Let the spirit of our work-songs And the echoes of our laughter Inspire those who meet here years from now To give as we give and gather as we gather, Still building the kingdom of Jesus Christ, In whose name we pray. Amen. A Time for Reflection Hymn No. 313 Like A Tree Beside the Waters New Century Hymnal (black) You may remain seated for the hymn. Invitation to the Offering Presenting Our Gifts and Remembering Our Baptisms *Dedication *Doxology SILVER CREEK
SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION Invitation to Communion Communion Prayer Leader: Holy God, our loving creator, close to us as breathing and distant as the farthest star Gifted by the presence of your Holy Spirit, we offer ourselves to you as we unite our voices with the entire family of your faithful people everywhere: People: Holy, holy, holy God of love and majesty, the whole universe speaks of your glory, O God most high. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of our God! Hosanna in the highest! Words of Institution Prayer of Consecration Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come. Bless this bread, and bless this fruit of the vine. People: Bless all of us in our eating and drinking at this table that our eyes may be opened, and that we may recognize the risen Christ in our midst, in each other, and in all for whom Christ died. The Gift of the Bread and Cup (Gluten free bread is available.) The Prayer of Thanksgiving *HYMN NO. 29 Now Thank We All Our God Pilgrim Hymnal (red) NUN DANKET *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE In Thee is Gladness David Carrier, organ J. S. Bach *Those who are able, please stand.
TODAY S NOTES Pastoral Care If you have any pastoral needs or know of any in the Village Church family, please call Diane Anderson at 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 this morning are given in loving memory of her daughter, Laura, on the 15th anniversary of her death, June 1, 1999 by Carolyn M. Pruyne. Her family and friends love and miss her. Capital Appeal Commitment Sunday Today we celebrate the faithfulness and daring vision of Village Church by receiving your pledges for the Capital Appeal For Such a Time As This. Thank you for offering your pledge and for your support of the future of our church and the world beyond. 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 are members from the Church Moms Group. Please take a moment to thank them. Inquirer s Gathering 11:15 am, Parlor Mary Luti 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. Healing Prayer Service 11:15 am, Burtt Chapel One of the pastors will be there for a laying on of hands, and anointing with oil, if you like. You may use this time of quiet and music to pray silently, or write your prayer, to be prayed by the pastors. Join us to experience the gift of healing prayer.
High School Youth Group 7 pm, Youth Room For information about youth programs, contact John Allen at 781-235- 1988 x23 or john@wellesleyvillagechurch.org. BULLETIN NOTES Pentecost June 8 Next Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, the day we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the "birthday" of the Church. It's customary to wear red on Pentecost Sunday to symbolize the fire of the Spirit--so if you are so inclined, come to worship in your best red outfit or tie! Challenges in Providing Medical Care in a Third World Country: An Experience in Haiti Sunday, June 8, 11:30 am, Parlor Village Church member Ron Anderson will offer a presentation on his trip to Haiti and the challenging work of Dr. Paul Farmer there. All are invited. A Time for Holy Listening Sunday, June 8, Pentecost Sunday We say, God is still speaking! But one of the ways God most often speaks is through each other s speech, through the ideas of our minds and the musings of our souls shared in a prayerful way with each other. An interim period is a time of coexisting anxiety and excitement, apprehension and high hopes. In such a time, it s more important than ever to be listening for God by listening closely to each other. What s on your mind and in your heart these days? How are you doing during this interim period, so far? What thoughts, prayers, hopes or wonderments might you feel moved to share in good company, in an atmosphere of reverence and prayer? If you would like to listen and be listened to, come to a time for holy listening on June 8, Pentecost Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Parlor. No cross-talk or discussion just silence, simple expression, and deep appreciation for who you are and where you are at this moment on the interim journey of faith. Family Promise Training Session If you haven t attended a training session, please consider the nearby opportunity before our June 22 hosting week. The start time is 7 pm
and the session will be over before 8:30 pm. No response is needed; just show up. (Children under age 10 do not need to be trained to participate in dinner hosting, but are welcome to attend.) Thursday, June 12: Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington St, Wellesley Please be in touch with Margaret Taylor (taylorcpa@hotmail.com) or Ruth Breden (ruthbreden@aol.com) if you have any questions. Family Promise Hosting Week June 22-29 Please join the Village Church/St. Andrew s team as we host families at the start of summer. Anyone can help by bringing a meal or participating in set-up/take-down. Those who have attended the one-time training can also work directly with our guests by hosting meals and overnights. All ages are welcome. Sign up under Signup Genius in the Service/Family Promise section of the Village Church website. If you have questions, contact Margaret Taylor (taylorcpa@hotmail.com) or Ruth Breden (ruthbreden@aol.com). Update on Installations of Former Pastoral Residents The Rev. Jennie Barrett Siegal will be installed as Senior Pastor of Old South Union Church, 25 Columbian St., South Weymouth, MA 02190 on Sunday, June 8 at 2:30 pm. The Rev. Nicole Lamarche, former Pastoral Resident at Village Church will preach. The Rev. Daniel Cooperrider will be installed as Senior Pastor of the Weybridge Congegational Church, 2790 Weybridge Rd, Weybridge, VT 05753 on Sunday, June 8 at 4:00 pm. The Rev. Kathy Musser, former Associate Pastor at Village Church will preach. The Rev. Kent French will be installed as Senior Pastor of The United Parish in Brookline, 210 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446 on Sunday, June 15 at 4:00 pm. The Rev. Michael Piazza from the Center for Progressive Renewal will preach. The Revs. Martin Copenhaver and Mary Luti will participate in the service. All are invited to attend any of the services or send a note of greeting. For further information, contact Linda Smith Pastoral Residency Coordinator, 781-235-1988, Ext. 20.
What s happening in 10 am 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 the signs downstairs in Village Hall and proceed to the following classrooms for a special activity. This week Grade 1: Science Room Grade 2: Games in Village Hall Grade 3: Artisan s Market Grade 4: Fishes and Loaves Cafe Grade 5: Storyteller s Tent Grades 6, 7 & 8 will meet in Village Hall. Classes for Grades 1-8 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. VILLAGE CHURCH STAFF The Rev. Mary Luti Interim Senior Pastor The Rev. Pamela H. Emslie Associate Pastor Diane E. Anderson Interim Minister of Pastoral Care The Rev. Christina L. Braudaway-Bauman Pastor at Large The Rev. John C. Allen Pastoral Resident Audra C. Teague Mackey Pastoral Resident Linda C. Smith Pastoral Residency Coordinator Michaela F. McDonald Director of Children s Ministries David R. Carrier Director of Music Dr. Kevin J. McDonald Director of Youth Music Jodi M. Hitzhusen Music Director of First Worship Erin I. Donato Church Administrator Leslie W. Petzing Controller Barbara P. Kucich Church Accountant Tricia T. Kibbe IT and Administrative Coordinator Felicia R. Nadel Administrative Assistant Christy L. Cadigan Administrative Assistant Donald S. Banks Sexton Dolphe Richard Assistant to the Sexton Gerardo Ortiz Assistant to the Sexton 2 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 781.235.1988 wellesleyvillagechurch.org