Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Homecoming Sunday
10 September 2006
10 o’clock in the morning

PREPARING FOR WORSHIP
*All who are able, please stand
‡Seating of latecomers

PRELUDE Mark Swicegood, organ

Prelude and Fugue in E Minor "The Wedge" J. S. Bach

CALL TO COMMUNITY Dr. David D. Young

Please sign and pass the red book.

CALL TO WORSHIP

PRAISING GOD

*OPENING HYMN AND PROCESSION

New Century Hymnal 4 to the tune HYMN TO JOY
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You

OPENING PRAYER (in unison)

O God, in our time of worship, and throughout the hours of our days, remain at the center of our thoughts and actions. When all that we do seems to fly off in scattered bits and pieces as our lives spin on, draw us back to you. Be for us a home base, a center of gravity, a balance point, a source of loving support and guidance, through Christ Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

CONFESSING TO GOD

CALL TO CONFESSION Rev. Susan M. Craig

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)

We are involved in the mystery of our origins, O God of Creation, and so we wonder why are we here and what we bring to enhance the common good. We are immersed in the mystery of the journey itself, O God of Movement, and so we search for some sign of meaning along the way which will help us to see and to celebrate. We are puzzled by the mystery of destination, O God of Futures, and so we stretch our very being toward the borders of new possibilities seeking the way that encompasses your plan. Forgive us on this day of reflection and renewal for avoiding our past, denying our present, fearing our future, for we would claim the companionship of Christ in whom all things hold together. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

‡CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

HEARING GOD'S WORD

FIRST LESSON John Davidson

Proverbs 2: 1-11

My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures— then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly, guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; prudence will watch over you;
and understanding will guard you.

ANTHEM The Chancel Choir

Seek Him that Maketh the Seven Stars James H. Rogers

Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion. Ye who turn judgment to wormwood and leave off righteousness in the earth. Seek him... That turneth the shadow of death into the morning, the Lord is his name; and maketh the day dark with night, that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth, the Lord is his name. Seek him... Alleluia. from Amos 5:6-8

SECOND LESSON

Matthew 13: 44-46

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.’

Mark 7: 24-37

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.’

‡*HYMN

New Century Hymnal 451 to the tune SLANE
Be Now My Vision

SERMON

“Everybody’s Looking for Something” Dr. David D. Young

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (in unison)

How easy it is to live with you, O Lord, how easy to believe in you. When my spirit is overwhelmed within me, when even the keenest see no further than the night, and know not what to do tomorrow, you bestow on me the certitude that you exist and are mindful of me, that all the paths of righteousness are not barred. As I ascend into the hill of earthly glory, I turn back and gaze, astonished, on the road that led me here beyond despair, where I too may reflect your radiance upon humankind. All that I may yet reflect, you shall accord me, and appoint others where I shall fail.

“A Contemporary Psalm” Alexander Solzhenitsyn

*Gloria Patri (New Century Hymnal 754)

Glory to God the Creator, and to the Christ, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Amen.

CALL TO PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Ronald Halvorsen

PASTORAL PRAYER AND QUIET MEDITATION

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 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.

RESPONDING TO GOD

CALL TO OFFERING

OFFERTORY ANTHEM The Chancel Choir

Eternal God Richard Shephard

Eternal God, the light of the minds that know you, the joy of the hearts that love you, the strength of the wills that serve you, grant us so to know you that we may truly trust you, grant us so to love you that we may freely serve you, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
(a prayer of St. Augustine)

*Doxology (New Century Hymnal 776)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all creatures here below; Praise Holy Spirit, Comforter; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen. Amen.

*Prayer of Dedication

GOING FORTH TO SERVE GOD

*CLOSING HYMN

New Century Hymnal 350 to the tune DIADEMATA
Now in the Days of Youth

CHURCH SCHOOL COMMISSIONING

Church School Director: Today we celebrate the beginning of a new year in our Church School. Our theme this year, "Finding God's Stories in Our Stories", is one that invites us to look at our lives and the lives of those in this faith community and see God's love at work everyday. Being a faith community challenges us to be in Covenant with God and each other.
Minister: A covenant is a special kind of agreement, a sacred one in which God is a part. In a covenant we respond to God's love for us, by promising to love and serve God and each other. We are all teachers and learners - children, young people, and adults alike. Let us now covenant with those working with our children and young people during this church school year. Would all teachers and task force members please read your part of the covenant.
Teachers and Task Force Members: As teachers and task force members we look forward to the challenges and rewards in this new year. We promise before God to prepare carefully, to listen patiently, to care deeply and to share ourselves willingly as we grow and learn together as God's people.
Parents and the Congregation: We celebrate and support your covenant to love and learn and grow. We promise before God to support you in all your efforts with our prayers and resources.
Chair of Religious Education: I will represent you and support you, bringing news of your progress to the Church Committee and seeking their care and support of all you do. Members of this community of faith I would like to ask all our children and young people to repeat after me your covenant.
Children and Young People: We promise before God to take part faithfully, to listen carefully, to care deeply for others and to share ourselves willingly as we grow together, all of us, God's children.
Parents and Congregation: We celebrate our covenant with our children and young people to love and learn and grow. We promise before God to support them in all their efforts with our prayers and resources.
Minister: We have made a covenant to be God's people, to love, to learn, to grow, and to support one another. May God's blessing be with us and guide us as we journey together into this new church school year.

*CLOSING SENTENCES

Leader: Home is where we tie one end of the thread of life.
People: And though these shattering walls are thin, may they be strong to keep hate out and love in. strong to keep hate out and love in. strong to keep hate out and love in.
Leader: Home by different ways, yet all Homeward Bound through prayer and praise. prayer and praise.
People: Young with old and great with small, Home by different ways. Buxbaum/Untermeyer/Rossetti

*BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE

POSTLUDE

Scherzo Symphonique Pierre Cochereau

The flowers in the Meetinghouse this morning are given in memory of all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Ushers: Paul Pacent, Richard and Susan Gilbert, Franklin and Carole Lang, and Peggy Whitlock.
Greeters and Coffee Hour Hosts: Carolyn Maclea, Judy & Bob Goodchild, Tina & David Birkic and Bobbie & Rich Hopkins
Flower Delivery: Barrie Richmond

Calendar

TODAY

Church School begins today! All children will go directly to their classrooms. Child Care is available in the Undercroft for babies and toddlers. The Ushers will be happy to direct you. At the end of worship, the Church School teachers and children will come to the Meetinghouse for the Commissioning. Afterward, 2nd graders and younger will return to their classes where they may be met by their parents. 3rd graders and older will go outside to the lawn and meet their families there.

Parish Nurse Sue Asselin, RN is available today in room 203, after the worship service. Stop in to have your blood pressure checked or discuss any health concerns.

''Homeward Bound'' Please join us for the Homecoming Picnic today after worship on the church lawn. Tickets are still available. Get ready to start the year off right with food, fun, and fellowship.

The Junior Pilgrim Fellowship has its first meeting tonight at 5 PM in the Youth Room.

The Senior Pilgrim Fellowship has its first meeting tonight at 6:30 PM in the Youth Room. All high school aged youth are welcomed to join us for our kick-off event including food, fun, and old and new friends.

THIS WEEK

9/11 Observance tomorrow at 7 PM in Binney Park. The entire Greenwich community is invited to a brief service of remembrance.

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 5 to 6 PM, Palmer Handbells in the Meetinghouse. See John Stansell if you’re interested.

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 5 to 6 PM, Children’s Choir, grades 3 to 6, in the Choir Room, pizza supper afterward. Sign up today, or just come.

Thursday, Sept. 14, 7:30 to 9 PM, Chancel Choir in the Choir Room

Edward Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, will be speaking on his new book All Aunt Hagar’s Children, Friday, September 15th at 7 PM in the Meetinghouse. This event is co-sponsored by Just Books, Too in Old Greenwich and admission is free.

NEXT SUNDAY

Cherub Choir for K, 1, and 2, 11:20 to 11:50 AM, in Room 104. Sign up today, or just come.

Youth Choir, grades 7 to 12, 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM, in the Choir Room.

NEWS AND NOTICES

Office Help Needed We are looking for substitute reception desk volunteers for the mornings (9-12:30) or afternoons (12:30-4). You would be contacted by one of the permanent volunteers to see if you could cover their shift. Some of the responsibilities are: greeting visitors, answering the telephone, and assisting with mailings. This is a great opportunity to get to know the staff and the inner workings of First Congregational Church. On a slow day—bring a book to read. If you are interested contact Donna White at ext 14 or donnaw@fccog.org.

The Members of The First Congregational Church of Greenwich, Ministers

United Church of Christ
Senior Pastor: David D. Young
Senior Associate Pastor: Susan M. Craig
Minister of Pastoral Care: Ronald E. Halvorsen
Parish Associate and Youth Director: Anna L. Paskausky
Parish Nurse: Susan Asselin
Church School Coordinator: Rosemary Lamie
Director of Music/Senior Organist: John Stansell
Associate Organist/Director: Mark Swicegood
Pastors Emeriti: Thomas L. Stiers and Sally Colegrove

Sunday Service of Worship -
8:00 AM Beach Service
10 AM Church Service
Church School - 10 am
Nursery Care provided during the
10 am Service.
The 10 am Service is broadcast live
on WGCH 1490 am Radio.
www.fccog.org