First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts Rev. John G. Hughes, II, Senior Pastor Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-Organist Priscilla Duda, Christian Ministry Coordinator Jessica Skidmore, Youth Director David Reid, Sexton Nancy Klebart, Office Manager Church office: 978-526-7661 ext. 1 Fax: 978-526-7882 Email: office.fpchurch@verizon.net Website: www.firstparishchurch.org
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, January 24, 2016, 10:00 a.m. ORGAN PRELUDE: Aria Noel Rawsthorne (b. 1929) ANNOUNCEMENTS *[Please stand for the lighting of the candles] CALL TO WORSHIP The heavens are telling the glory of God. The firmament proclaims God s handiwork. The Law of God is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of God are sure, making wise the simple. *HYMN: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah PH #93 PRAYER OF INVOCATION (unison) We confess, gracious God, that we are not worthy of your love for us. You lead us out of the land of slavery; yet when the journey is hard, we long to return to the comfort of our chains. You speak to us through your prophets, telling us how our rebellion hurts and angers you; yet we harden our hearts and close our ears. You come to us in Jesus, revealing your love for all people and suffering pain for us; still we do not turn in love and obedience to you. We do that which we ought not to do, and we leave undone those thing we ought to do. There is no health in us. Sinful and rebellious as we are, we cannot trust in ourselves and the things that we do; we can trust only in your grace.
Speak the word, O God, and we shall be made free. Forgive us, receive us, and give us courage to serve you with renewed hearts and wills; through the grace of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray *THE LORD'S PRAYER (trespasses) 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, the power and the glory forever. Amen. *GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen SCRIPTURE READING: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 ANTHEM: Beautiful Savior Setting by Michael Burkhardt (b.1957) Beautiful Savior, King of Creation, Son of God and Son of Man! Truly I'd love Thee, Truly I'd serve Thee, Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown. Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands, Robed in flowers of blooming spring; Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer; He makes our sorrowing spirit sing. Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight, Bright the sparkling stars on high; Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer, Than all the angels in the sky. Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations, Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, Praise, adoration, Now and forevermore be Thine! MORNING PRAYER CONGREGATION S JOYS AND CONCERNS The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord, Our God. Let us give thanks to God. It is right it is a good and joyful thing,
always and everywhere to offer thanks to God. Let us offer our silent prayers SILENT PRAYER-PASTORAL PRAYER-CHORAL RESPONSE SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 4:14-21 *HYMN: Glorious Things of You Are Spoken NCH #307 SERMON: Let s Take a Second Look MOMENT OF MEDITATION OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY ANTHEM: The Heavens Are Declaring Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) The heavens are declaring the Lord s endless glory, Thro all the earth His praise is found, The seas reecho the marvelous story. O man, repeat that glorious sound. The starry host He orders and measures, He fills the morning's golden springs; He wakes the sun from his night curtained slumbers, Oh, man adore the King of Kings. What power and splendor, and wisdom and order, In Nature s mighty plan unrolled! Thro space and time to infinity s border, What wonders vast and manifold. The earth is His, and the heaven's over it bending The Maker in His works behold! He is, and will be, Thro ages unending, A God of strength and love untold. *DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *HYMN: Lift High the Cross NCH #198 *[The Removal of the Flame ]
BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE ORGAN POSTLUDE: Psalm 19 (The Heavens Declare) Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739) * * * * * The greeter and lay reader is Steve Newman. The Deacons are Jan Marshall and Shawn Newman. Readers and Greeters are always needed, contact the office or talk to the Deacons. Listening devices are available for those in need; they are at the back of the Sanctuary. Feel free to address a Deacon should you need help using them. After the service join us in the front of the church for hospitality. Welcome to all who are new to our worship. To join our mailing list fill out a Welcome Card to place in the collection plate or contact office.fpchurch@verizon.net, 978-526-7661 ext 1. On Saturday January 30th the middle school youth group will be getting together for a night of burgers and bowling! We will gather in the chapel parking lot @ 3:30pm and then driving over to the Market Street Plaza in Lynnfield where will be going over to Kings for bowling and then dining at Wahlburgers. Volunteers are always welcome to join. The cost is $10 per person. FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny Lapham at 978-526- 7128, by Monday to be included in the following Sunday s bulletin.
Book Group continues with a new selection for January; The Little Paris Book Shop by Nina George, The settings are ideal for a summer-romance read Who can resist floating on a barge through France surrounded by books, wine, love, and great conversation? (Christian Science Monitor) We hope you will join us on Monday, February 29 at 7 PM at Nancy Peterson's house. All are welcome! Looking for Knitting Needles and Yarn The Seaside Parish Knitters are looking for knitting needles and yarn that you might be considering "casting" aside. We continue to knit blankets, shawls, and scarves; and for our military troops: helmet liners, neck gators, and scarves. We use both 100% wool and synthetic fibers for yarn, and straight and round knitting needles...all sizes. Contact Penny Lapham at 978-526- 7128 or laphenpen@live.com We welcome anyone wishing to join us. Soup and Conversation will resume on January 31with Barbara and Richard Smith presenting- Courage and Light Exploring Passion, Renewal and Creativity with Jim Brandenburg (Nationally acclaimed writer and educator) and Parker Palmer (National Geographic photographer), a life changing project Brandenburg undertook when he was at the peak of his career yet felt drained of his creative passion for his work. This is a beautiful presentation that will help us all renew, strengthen and nurture our purpose. Time to be announced we are considering presenting this as a Supper and Conversation so that the room will be darker allowing for better viewing of the beautiful photos that will be shared. THE CARE TEAM MINISTRY, Have you shared the experience? We support FPC families with meals, rides, & visits through times of illness and loss. If you would like to become involved with this wonderful team contact; Sheila Kafer 978-525-3253, smkafer@comcast.net Janet Groth at 978-526-8408, janbythesea244@gmail.com
Upcoming events can be found on our website (www.firstparishchurch.org ) under News and Calendar and on our Facebook page (First Parish Manchester-by-the-Sea) under Events THIS WEEK: Monday 7:30 PM Manchester Singers Tuesday 10:00 AM COA Zumba 11:30 AM COA Lunch of the Month Wednesday 10:00 AM COA Yoga 11:30 AM Clergy Luncheon 5:00 PM Confirmation Dinner 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Friday 8:00 AM Yoga 4:00 PM Bible Study Sunday 10:00 AM Worship Nursery, Sunday School Middle School Youth Group 11:00 AM Soup & Conversation