Wellesley Congregational Church United Church of Christ A covenant made with God should be regarded not as restrictive but as protective. Russell M. Nelson January 8, 2012
ORDER OF WORSHIP January 8, 2012 10:00 AM PRELUDE WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP Martin Copenhaver *HYMN NO. 67 Let Me Enter God s Own Dwelling (verses 1-4) New Century Hymnal UNSER HERRSCHER *PRAYER OF PRAISE Daniel Cooperrider CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION O God, our creator, you have made us to live in freedom and joy, in the oneness of love with others. We praise you for the goodness within us and in the world, and we seek your help in fulfilling your intentions for us. Sometimes we serve other gods. Sometimes we fall into despair or self-pity. Sometimes we separate ourselves from others by our selfcenteredness. With the healing touch of your grace, set us free to live and to love, that we may be the people you have created us to be. Fill us with new joy and new hope, as we bring our silent prayers of confession to you SILENT PRAYER *WORDS OF ASSURANCE *PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST *RESPONSE IN SONG
ANTHEM The Shepherds Farewell Hector Berlioz Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling, the humble crib, the stable bare, Babe, all mortal babes excelling, content our earthly lot to share, loving father, loving mother, shelter Thee with tender care! Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee with humble love and holy fear, in the land that lies before Thee, forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd s lowly calling Ever to Thy heart be dear! Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your Heavenly treasure, The Prince of Peace, the Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, guide you safely through the wild! SCRIPTURE Job 19:25-27 (Page 406, pew Bible) *HYMN NO. 74 We Have Gathered, Jesus Dear New Century Hymnal LIEBSTER JESU Students may leave now for classes. SERMON Daniel Dymecki MUSICAL MEDITATION I know that my Redeemer lives G. F. Handel Kimberly Sizer, soloist PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Martin Copenhaver OUR 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.
PRAYER RESPONSE THE OFFERING During the offering, please sign and pass the fellowship book, which is located at the end of each pew. Invitation Offertory Behold a Star from Jacob shining Felix Mendelssohn Behold a star from Jacob shining and a scepter from Israel rising to reign in glory over the nations. Like some bright morning star is he, the promise of the coming day beyond the night of sorrow. Break forth, O Light! We, our joyful Hearts uplifting with thanksgiving, hail the brightness of Thy rising. Doxology and Presentation Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit One. Amen. *Dedication *HYMN NO. 12 I Sing the Mighty Power of God New Century Hymnal ELLACOMBE *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Allegro Maestoso Felix Mendelssohn *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 Kathy Musser 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. Chancel flowers are given in memory of the Rev. Dr. Robert E. Luccock and his wife, Barbara Luccock, by Nancy and Michael Strong and Susan and Robert Isler. Budget Hearing and Motion Presentation 11:15 am, Sanctuary The Board of Finance will review the preliminary 2012 Church Budget and present a motion to combine the General Fund and the Parsonages Fund as detailed in Article X of the Church Bylaws. All members are encouraged to attend this hearing. Blood Pressure Clinic 11:15 am, Kathy Musser s Office Trained nurses from our congregation will take your blood pressure and provide you with helpful handouts from the American Heart Association. This is an opportunity for everyone: whether you are worried about your blood pressure, are already under medical supervision, or have never had your blood pressure taken. We welcome you and invite you to be in fellowship with others seeking to live life more fully. 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 of the Village Churchwomen. Please take a moment to thank them. 7th & 8th Grade Youth Group 5 pm, Youth Room High School Youth Group 7 pm, Youth Room For information about youth programs, contact Pam Emslie at pam@wellesleyvillagechurch.org or 781.235.1988 x15. BULLETIN NOTES January is the Season of Covenant After Epiphany, we begin a time of celebration of the covenant that binds us together here in this Body of Christ. We will recognize people who have been members of our church for varying lengths of time. We will hear witnesses during worship. And [drum roll please]: our intrepid Deacons will be making phone calls to every member, just to say hello and see how things are going for you. No survey questions, no specific requests just a friendly call to strengthen the connections we share here in this family of God. Most calls will be made from January 8-14. Here s how you can help: answer your phone! We look forward to speaking with you. Sharing the Dream Service Sunday, January 15, 10 am, Village Church This will be the thirteenth time we have joined together with our partner congregation, Charles Street AME Church, for worship and celebration in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. As always, there will be shared leadership of worship, including joint choirs. Childcare for children 2 years old and under will be available. The Community Ministry will host a
luncheon in Village Hall for all, and we encourage everyone to attend, to enjoy good food and the company of friends, and to help us create a welcoming day for our partners visiting from Charles Street. The Ministry seeks volunteers to assist that day. If you can participate in setting up, serving, or cleanup, please contact Phil Braudaway-Bauman at 781.643.7125 or at phil@baumanhome.com. Blood Drive Tuesday, January 17, 1 7 pm There is a need for blood donors of all types, especially Type O. You can call the American Red Cross at 800.448.3543 to schedule an appointment or you may also come at a time convenient for you between 1 and 7 pm. It is important to drink plenty of fluids before donating. Refreshments will also be provided. Please bring a valid ID. This is a great opportunity for you to give the gift of life. Village Churchmen: Lunch and Bible Scripture Discussion Tuesday, January 17, noon Our speaker will be George Zakas, who will discuss the conversion of Paul during his stay in Damascus. Please read Acts 9 before the meeting. Meetings of the Village Churchmen are open to all men of the congregation, members, visitors, and their guests are invited to attend. If you are a first-time or occasional attender, please contact Arthur Stock at ajstock@earthlink.net or 781-449-1970 so we may have an accurate count for meal planning. Sponsors Needed for Chancel Flowers January 22, February 19, 26 You can sponsor flowers in celebration of an event or in memory of a person in your life. Following Sunday worship, the Deacons use the large arrangement to create smaller bouquets, which they personally deliver to those who are in need of encouragement or support, or are celebrating an event in their lives. The gift of chancel flowers is appreciated in so many ways! Contact Erin Donato at 781.235.1988 x11 or Linda Smith at 781.237.6813 to reserve your date. The cost of the flowers is $75. Inquirer s Gathering Sunday, January 22, 11:15 am Kathy Musser will gather with those interested in learning more about Village Church. Please join us!. Childcare, along with a snack, will be provided. Annual Meeting and Lunch Sunday, January 29, Village Common The Annual Meeting will begin at 11:45 am, preceded by lunch ($12/person) which will be served in Village Common following 10 am worship. Please make your lunch reservations by noon, Tuesday, January 24, by contacting Erin Donato at 781.235.1988 x11 or by email at erin@wellesleyvillagechurch.org. For children of all ages, there will be a supervised movie and lunch (pizza and popcorn) in Village Hall. Deacons Retreat Saturday, February 4, 8:30-11:30 am All new and returning Deacons should plan on participating in this retreat. Is There An Accordion In Your Closet? We are looking for folk instruments to play occasionally in Sunday morning worship services. If you play harmonica, dulcimer, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, accordion, bodhran, tambourine, acoustic guitar, or even the washboard and wooden spoons, we would love to have you join us. Music reading is not required, and you can work in a group or as a soloist. Please contact Jodi, Director of Music for First Worship, at jhitzhusen@hotmail.com.
Winter is a perfect time to curl up with a good book and meet with others to talk about it. During January and February, five book groups will be meeting for small group discussion. Sign up during Fellowship Hour after both services today or by contacting Tricia in the church office, tricia@wellesleyvillagechurch.org. Beginnner s Grace: Bringing Prayer to Life by Kate Braestrup Days: Mondays, January 23, 30 and February 6 Time: 7:30 to 9:00 pm, Led by Joy Fallon Based on her experience as a chaplain to search and rescue teams in the Maine woods, Braestrup teaches us how to pray, with honest, funny and touching stories, very practical suggestions, and beautiful, clear prayers. She helps us want to develop a prayer practice, starting with a simple pattern of grace before meals, then chapters on the things we so often wonder about: Praying our fears, speechless prayers, and finding the right words. The Embers and the Stars: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Moral Sense of Nature by Erazim Kohák Days: Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, February 2 and 9 Time: 7 to 8:30 pm, Led by Daniel Cooperrider Czech philosopher Erazim Kohák interprets the ecological crisis as a spiritual crisis, and reinterprets what it means to be human in light of the moral sense of nature. Kohák s lucid prose melds philosophy and theology with poetic, first-person nature writing, calling forth stillness and reverence before the mystery of the holy, and suggesting a compelling worldview for our time that we will explore together as theological humanism. The Hadj: An American s Pilgrimage to Mecca by Michael Wolfe Days: Thursdays, January 12, 26, February 2 and 9 Time: 7 to 8:30 pm, Led by: Jocelyn Gardner Spencer The Hadj is a first-hand account of the pilgrimage to Mecca, Islam s holiest city. Wolfe, the son of a Christian mother and a Jewish father, converted to Islam as an adult and undertook the pilgrimage, or hadj, in hopes of growing deeper in his faith. His book offers a glimpse into the people, places, ideas, and practices he encountered on his journey across the Arab world. Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr Days: Mondays, January 16, 23, 30 and February 13 Time: 7:30 to 9:00 pm, Led by David Carrier Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest and the founding director of the Center for Action and Contemplation in New Mexico. In Falling Upward, Rohr explores in depth the two halves of life: the first part when we are looking to find our place in the world and to make our mark; and the second, when we realize the things that seemed so important have lessened in significance and other goals in life take over. In the Midst of Chaos: Caring for Children as Spiritual Practice by Bonnie Miller- McLemore Days: Sundays, January 22, 29 and February 12 Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Led by Chris Braudaway-Bauman Drawing on her own experience, Bonnie Miller-McLemore sets out to discover the spiritual wisdom to be found in the ordinary and messy practice of raising children. By looking at parenting as an invitation to discover God in the middle of family life, she explores how activities like reading bedtime stories, dividing household chores, and playing games can become doorways into more intentionally integrated family faith journey.
What s happening in 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 6 will meet at the signs downstairs in Village Hall and proceed to the following classrooms for a special activity. This week... Grade 1: Fishes and Loaves Café Grade 2: Games Grade 3: Artisan s Market Grade 4: Room located behind Village Hall for 4th grade Bible class Grade 5: Storyteller s Tent Grades 6, 7 & 8 will meet in the Art Studio for art mural workshop. Classes for Grades 1-6 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. WELLESLEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH STAFF The Rev. Martin B. Copenhaver Senior Pastor The Rev. Kathleen E. Musser Associate Pastor The Rev. Pamela H. Emslie Associate Pastor The Rev. Christina L. Braudaway-Bauman Associate Pastor The Rev. Daniel P. Cooperrider Pastoral Resident The Rev. Jocelyn B. Gardner Spencer Pastoral Resident 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 Fred H. Edling Financial Administrator Tricia T. Kibbe IT and Administrative Coordinator Judith Hull 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 An Open and Affirming Congregation of the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST