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Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
15 October 2006
10 o’clock in the morning

Welcome to this Service of Worship at First Congregational Church. This is Stewardship Sunday when our hearts and minds begin to meditate on our pledged intentions in support of the church’s ministry during the coming year. The ongoing call of our faith is “Growing Gifts with God”. Theologian Paul Tillich reminds us of our mutuality:

“Religion is first, an open hand to receive a gift and second, an acting hand to distribute gifts.”
First Congregational Church of Greenwich declares itself to be open and affirming; open to all for participation, membership, leadership and employment, and affirming of all who wish to join us as children of God. We continue to give thanks for God's guidance in our journey of faith.

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

PRELUDE Cheryll Hadley, organ     Variations on “Wondrous Love” Stewart Landon

CALL TO COMMUNITY Rev. Susan M Craig

Please sign and pass the red book.

PRAISING GOD

CALL TO WORSHIP

*OPENING HYMN AND PROCESSION
New Century Hymnal 558 to the tune IN BABILONE
O How Glorious, Full of Wonder

OPENING PRAYER (in unison)
Immersed in the mystery of abundance and inner need, we pause in the midst of the journey, O God of provision.
Touch us in this hour of aspiration that we might be drawn toward your plan for our lives, and energized for faithful response through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CONFESSING TO GOD

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
You have called us to a life of simplicity, O God of our salvation, but our lives are cluttered with many things, rendering us insensitive to your calling. You have prompted us in the rich ways of sharing, O God of our redemption, but we are skilled at holding tight, pushing us beyond your prompting. You have prodded us toward a lifestyle of service, O God of transformation, but we are more comfortable with being served, distancing us from the influence of your prodding. Forgive us this day for our dimness in seeing and following, for we would be renewed as disciples of Jesus whose simplicity, whose sharing, whose service, marked his life as one which was faithful to your purposes. Amen

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

‡CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

HEARING GOD'S WORD

FIRST LESSON   Dick Peebles
Psalms 24
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Selah

Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.
Selah

SCRIPTURE ANTHEM The Chancel Choir
Lift Up Your Heads    William Mathias
(text is Psalm 24: 7-10)

SECOND LESSON
Luke 19: 11-27
As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.” But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to rule over us.” When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, “Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.” He said to him, “Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.” Then the second came, saying, “Lord, your pound has made five pounds.” He said to him, “And you, rule over five cities.” Then the other came, saying, “Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.” He said to him, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.” He said to the bystanders, “Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.” (And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten pounds!”) “I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.” ’

‡*HYMN
Pilgrim Hymnal 269 to the tune ST. THOMAS
I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
(The Pastor’s Class and Sixth Grade leave for their classes)

SERMON
“A Lasting Investment” Dr. David D. Young

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (in unison)
The world needs all of our power and love and energy, and each of us has something we can give. The trick is to find it and use it, to find it and give it away, so there will always be more. We can be lights for each other, and through each other’s illumination we will see the way. Each of us is a seed, a silent promise, and it is always spring.” Let it be. Amen. Merle Shain

*Gloria Patri (Pilgrim Hymnal 513 )
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. Amen.
 CALL TO PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Ronald E. 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

 MOMENT OF OPPORTUNITY Joyce Carlson

CALL TO OFFERING

OFFERTORY ANTHEM with The Palmer Handbells A Jubilant Song Allen Pote

Sing to the Lord a jubilant song. Rejoice and sing and let the earth be glad, let the heavens be filled with joy, and a jubilant song. Sing alleluia to the Lord. Tell of his salvation from day to day. Shout his marvelous works among the people, For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. Sing to the Lord… Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another. Before the mountains were made, or the land and the sea were born, From age to age you are God, and we pray for the coming of your kingdom. We shall rejoice, we shall be glad all the days of our lives. Sing to the Lord…. (based on Psalms 90 & 96)

*Doxology (Pilgrim Hymnal 515)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
 *Prayer of Dedication

GOING FORTH TO SERVE GOD

 *CLOSING HYMN AND PROCESSION
New Century Hymnal 565 to the tune AUSTRIAN HYMN God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
*CLOSING SENTENCES
Leader: A Christian is someone to whom God entrusts all of humanity.
People: Without sacrifice there is no resurrection. Nothing grows and blooms save by giving.
Leader: All you try to save in yourself wastes and perishes. How do you know the fruit is ripe? Because it leaves the bush.
People: All things ripen for giving’s sake and in the giving are consummated.
Dwight L. Moody/Andre Gide
*BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE

POSTLUDE Thomas Dahl, organ
Improvisation on AUSTRIAN HYMN
The flowers in the Meetinghouse today are given in the memory of our former members by the Chancel Committee.

Ushers: John Davidson, Cyndy Anderson, Mary-Ann and Gordon Assing, Ted Hoster, Elen Sotzing, Tina and Dan Videtto
Greeters and Coffee Hour Hosts: Nights Off
Flower Delivery: Bobbie Littlefield

Calendar
TODAY Church School Worship in the Daniels Center before class for Kindergarten - 5th Grades. Sixth grade and Pastors' Class begin in the Meetinghouse. All classes meet until 11:15 AM. Child Care for babies and toddlers is available in the Undercroft.

Sunday Parents Study Group The Price of Privilege continues in the Room 103 11:20 AM - 12:15 PM. All are welcome. Childcare provided.

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

Hospice Second Hour 11:30 AM in the Lounge. We welcome Dee Coover, our previous Parish Nurse, who will team up with our current Parish Nurse, Sue Asselin, to present an overview of hospice services in our area. Find answers to questions such as: "Who is eligible for hospice care? ", "Does an individual have to remain at home to get the services?", and "Does insurance cover hospice care?". All people interested in learning more about hospice, including those interested in a unique volunteer experience, are welcome to attend. Staff members from Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Connecticut and Greenwich Hospital Home Hospice will be available to help answer questions.

Blood Pressure Screening A member of the Wellness Committee is available to check blood pressures in Room 203 following the worship service.

14th Annual Organ Oktoberfest, 4 PM, Thomas Dahl, German virtuoso, in a program that will include an improvisation on love songs and, together with John Stansell, the hilarious “Toot Suite” by P.D.Q. Bach

JPF- Tonight is all about YOU! Get to know new friends as you learn about yourself. 5-6PM in the Youth Room.

SPF- Election Part Deux: And, we'll begin our massive effort to do our part at eradicating world hunger! 6:30-8PM in the Youth Room.

Parents of College Students: SPF would like to send your college student a Care Package! Please let Anna know a current address for your young person by Tuesday afternoon. Email is best ( annap@fccog.org ) or call the Church Office and leave a message.

THIS WEEK
Remembering Your Story, facilitated by Rev. Ron Halvorsen for residents of Edgehill who are members of First Church continues Tues Oct 17th 4:00 – 5:15 PM at Edgehill.

Children’s Choir Wed Oct 18th 5 - 6 PM in the Choir Room

Hats Off Thurs Oct 19th 9:45 – 11:30 AM in Room 104. Our new book Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven available in Church Office for $20.25.

The New Day Journal: A Journey from Grief to Healing seminar continues Thurs Oct 19th 4:00 - 5:30PM in the Church Lounge.

Chancel Choir rehearsal Thurs Oct 19th 7:30 - 9:00 PM

14th Annual Organ Oktoberfest Saturday October 21st 8 PM Hector Olivera, international super-star of the organ and the Roland Atelier. Tickets on sale at coffee hour and in the church office. Patron tickets $25 includes preferred seating, a dessert reception in the Auditorium after the concert, but more importantly help with the expenses for this event. General Admission is $10. Thank you for your support!

NEXT WEEK
The Prayer Shawl Ministry fills an essential need of the knitters and receivers of these shawls for connection, compassion, hope and prayer. Join us Tues morning, Oct 24th at 10 AM in Room 203 to knit and share our stories. All are welcome. For more information, please call Angela Stevens 698-1709 or Penny Lehman 637-4585.

14th Annual Organ Oktoberfest Wed Oct 25th 8 PM Mario Duella will perform a program including the lighter side of traditional organ repertory.

NEWS AND NOTICES
Flu Vaccine Clinics Flu shots will be available here at church on two Sundays: Oct 29th and Nov 5th, from 9 to 10AM and 11AM to Noon, in Room 203. The cost is $25. Vaccines will be administered on a first-come basis, to those who bring payment with them. We are unable to accept insurance. The Town of Greenwich will be giving flu shots beginning early in Nov, covered by Medicare. For more information, speak to Sue Asselin, Parish Nurse, extension 21.

The Rummage Room wishes to thank Kerr’s Village Pharmacy and Linda and Frank De Luca for their donation of their inventory to the Rummage Room. Thank you to everyone who helped bring all these items to our space: Janet Blasberg, Jane Flynn, Sue Harman, Westly Martin, Monica Meskens, Ann Nemetz, Susi Orbanowski, Tim Palmer, and Sharon Paris. Our wish list includes: treadmill, exercise bike, queen-size headboard, pack & play portable crib and white gloves.

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.
http://www.fccog.org/

 

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