THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF CANTON CENTER September 23, 2018-10:00 a.m. The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
ORDER OF WORSHIP CHIMES Bob Oswald WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Brief announcements from the congregation are welcome. Those wishing to make Announcements are asked to be in the front pews at the start of the announcements period. There will be opportunity to share prayer requests at the time of the Prayers of the Church. If you wish to offer a prayer request in written form, please fill out one of the yellow prayer request cards found in the pews and place it in the offering plate at the time of the offering. Large print editions of bulletin and Chalice Hymnal are available at the back of the sanctuary. Nursery Room available in the lower level of the Parish House. Children ages Birth-3 years may visit the Nursery with a parent at any time. *All who are able, please stand. Bold denotes unison voice. PRELUDE The Lost Sheep John Horman CALL TO WORSHIP Friends, we gather in faith, hope and love, and in the beauty of God s creation. We come together as the community of the baptized, remembering we are all in the household of God. We come together for giving thanks, for seeking wisdom, for remembering grace, for deepening roots. This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it! *HYMN 56, Chalice (blue) For the Beauty of the Earth
*GATHERING PRAYER AND THE LORD S PRAYER God life and new life, God of all life, today may we awaken to all you are creating, in us, through us, and for our sakes. May we experience insight that will awaken us, community that will hold us, wisdom that will guide us, love that will bind us to you and to all others. This we pray in Christ s name and spirit, as we also say together: 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. *SUNG RESPONSE
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Nora Bristol Mauke, daughter of Elissa Bristol Mauke and Tucker Caswell Mauke Words of Introduction Lighting of the Baptismal Candle Commitment of the Parents Commitment of the Congregation Pastor: God calls us to be a community of faith, hope and love together, and to support each other in our discipleship. Representing the church universal, do you who witness this sacrament promise your love, support and care to this child and this family, that in you they may see the fullness of Christian community? Congregation: We promise our love, support and care, and our faithful witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Blessing of the Water The Sacrament of Baptism Prayer for the Baptized.. Let all the people say, Amen. *HYMN 244, Chalice (blue) Loving Spirit As the hymn begins, children may go to church school. READING FROM SCRIPTURE Luke 15:1-10 SERMON The Preciousness of One OFFERING OF GIFTS Invitation Offertory The Prayer Sager/Foster Jerry Alonzy and Judy Robinson
*Doxology *Prayer of Dedication PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer *HYMN 546, Chalice (blue) Amazing Grace *BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE Go Now in Peace *POSTLUDE Lord, Above All Other Treasures J.S. Bach
WELCOME We re glad you ve joined us for worship today. Please know that whoever you are, wherever you are on life s journey, you are welcome here! If you are visiting today, please help us get to know you better by filling out one of the visitor cards in the pews and placing it in the offering plate. Questions? Please feel free to ask the pastor, or call the church office during the week. ANNOUNCEMENTS The flowers today are given by Geri Bunnell in loving memory of her husband Ned Bunnell, his parents John and Anna Bunnell and Geri s parents Franklin and Helen Andrews. NEXT SUNDAY, SEPT. 30, SECOND HOUR -- 11:30 12:30 TASTE OF TANZANIA Kristin Oswald will share with us about her mission trip this past summer to Tanzania, including some images to see and some foods to taste. We ll also have arts & crafts for sale to benefit Asante Sana for Education, the Tanzanian mission that Kristin went to visit and that our church supports. HARVEST FAIR & CHICKEN PIE SUPPER Saturday, October 13, 2018 Harvest Fair 4-7 pm Chicken Pie Supper 5-7 pm The Annual Chicken Pie Supper along with the Harvest Fair will be here before you know it. Let s remember the significant number of volunteers needed for these great fellowship events. Please be ready to sign up on the postings on the kitchen door. If you have never worked on the event, don t worry - we ll make sure you get all the info you need. The jobs are broken down into segments that can be handled by just about anyone. Please help, you ll be glad you did.
Spirit Conversations What To Say and Not Say -- in a Time of Need Tuesday, September 25, 7:00 8:30 p.m. Virtually all of us will at some time be in the situation of wondering what we can, or should, say to another who is experiencing something difficult to the one who is grieving after a death, dealing with illness, job loss, divorce, or experiencing any other of life s adversities. With wellmeaning intentions, we may say things that we think will help, but which may, in fact, not be so helpful to those who need our presence. In this conversation (facilitated by Rev. Brenda), we ll consider responses that might be more helpful, or less so, to people in need of emotional support. Please sign up on the bulletin board NEW STOVE INSTRUCTIONS - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 On October 7th, we will have a brief presentation on the features and operation of the new stoves. Also there will be a discussion on new health procedures required when serving food to the public. This will take place in the kitchen and if necessary in the parish hall. All interested people are encouraged to attend. WELCOME BACK TO FUNDRAISING WHILE YOU SHOP September is finally here and we re ready to get back to scripping! Stop by the Scrip table today (and every Sunday) during coffee hour to see what gift cards we have in store, what we have to order, find out more about the program, or just say hi! Sunday 23 Monday 24 Tuesday 25 Wednesday 26 Thursday 27 Friday 28 Saturday 29 Worship & Baptism 10:00 am Choir 7:00 pm ACA 7:00 pm Spirit Conversations 7-8:30 pm AA 7:00 pm Handbell Choir 7:00 pm AA 11:00 pm
OUR MISSION STATEMENT We gather as a welcoming community in worship, learning, service and fellowship, to embody Christ s message of love, compassion and justice. Joining faith with action, both within and beyond our church, we strive to build a community that serves all.. God is still speaking!!!,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Visit our website at www.cantoncenterchurch.org Listen to recorded Sermons and Music from worship services! Pastor The Rev. Dr. Brenda Pelc-Faszcza Ministers Every Member Organist, Director of Music Mary Lou Keefe Director of Faith Formation Sarah Pradhan Sexton Walter LeGeyt Office Manager Kristen DiMattia Duty Deacons Charlie Hammond & Karen Needham Duty Trustee Joe Treadwell Coffee Hour Hosts Nora Baumgart THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 184 Cherry Brook Road, PO Box 133, Canton Center CT 06020-0133 Church Office 860-693-4581 E-mail: office@cantoncenterchurch.org www.cantoncenterchurch.org