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Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
22 October 2006
10 o’clock in the morning
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Welcome
to this Service of Worship at First Congregational Church as we continue our Stewardship Sermon Series, “Growing Gifts with God”. Today we look at the gift of faith and how we are to grow in ways that are pleasing to God. May this hour of worship be a time when thoughts and spirit are lifted nearer to God.
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.
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PREPARING FOR
WORSHIP
*All who are
able, please stand
‡Seating of latecomers
PRELUDE Mark Swicegood, organist
Adagio con affetto (Sonata 8) Alexandre Guilmant
CALL TO COMMUNITY Rev. Ronald E. Halvorsen
Please sign and pass the red
book.
PRAISING GOD
INTROIT
the Cherub Choir, Stephanie Hanbury-Brown, director
Debbie Berner, accompanist
Philippians 4:6 Rejoice in the Lord Always
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
CALL TO WORSHIP
*OPENING HYMN AND PROCESSION
Pilgrim Hymnal 35 to the tune LAUDES DOMINI
When Morning Gilds the Skies
OPENING PRAYER (in unison)
O God, you know us better than we know ourselves,
and you have placed within us the
very gift of life,
grant to us an inner sense of integrity and
faithfulness, that we may know that it is
you leading us on this journey
called life,
and that in so knowing, we may follow
wherever you would have us go. Amen.
CONFESSING TO GOD
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
When our path has been smooth
and our feel for events well under control,
we have been neglectful of our spiritual side,
O God of freedom.
When our life has been uprooted
and our familiar rhythms are housed in memory,
we have been resentful of our personal loss,
O God of presence.
When your time draws us toward healing
and what-has-been becomes prelude to what-can-be,
we have been hesitant in trusting the tomorrows,
O God of caring.
Forgive us on this day of remembering
for all those responses in our life
which prevent us from being open
to what you would have us become,
for we would be renewed in the Way that is Christ this day. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
‡CONGREGATIONAL
RESPONSE
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Alleluia.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Marcus De Marchi Lotufo, son of Lilian and Mario Lotufo.
Briggs Brown McGuckin, son of Lindsay and Carter McGuckin.
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE sung the tune of “Morning Has Broken”
Water has cleansed us, bathed with forgiveness,
has with clear blessings, washed sin away.
Jordan’s strong currents God’s son announcing,
made a beginning, baptismal day.
HEARING GOD'S WORD
FIRST LESSON Betsy Kreuter
Job 38: 1-7
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:
‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
SCRIPTURE ANTHEM the Youth Choir
Shout to the North words & music by Martin Smith,
arranged by Lloyd Larson
Men of faith, rise up and sing
of the great and glorious King.
You are strong when you feel weak,
in your brokenness complete.
Refrain:
Shout to the north and the south,
sing to the east and the west
Jesus is Savior of all,
Lord of heaven and earth.
Rise up women of the truth,
stand and sing to broken hearts,
who can know the healing power
of our awesome King of love. Refrain
We’ve been through fire, we’ve been through rain,
we’ve been refined by the power of his name;
we’ve fallen deeper in love with you.
You’ve burned the truth on our lips.
Rise up, church with broken wings,
fill this place with songs again
of our God who reigns on high,
by his grace again we’ll fly! Refrain
SECOND LESSON
Ephesians 4: 11-16
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
I Corinthians 3: 5-11
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labour of each. For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.
‡*HYMN
New Century Hymnal 414 to the tune ROCKINGHAM
Incarnate God, Immortal Love
(The Pastor’s Class and Sixth Grade leave for their classes)
SERMON
“A Growing Investment” Dr. David D. Young
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (in
unison)
The reconciling work of Jesus was the supreme crisis in the
life of humankind.
His cross and resurrection become personal crisis
and present hope for people when the gospel is
proclaimed and believed.
In this experience the Spirit brings God’s for-
giveness to all people, moves them to respond
in faith, repentance, and obedience, and initiates
the new life in Christ.
The new life takes shape in a community in which people
know that God loves and accepts them in spite of what they are.
They therefore accept themselves and love others,
knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand except God’s grace.
The new life does not release anyone from conflict
with unbelief, pride, lust, fear.
We still have to struggle with disheartening difficulties and problems.
Nevertheless, as we mature in love and faithfulness in our
lives with Christ, we live in freedom and good cheer,
bearing witness on good days and evil days, confident that
the new life is pleasing to God and helpful to others.
The United Presbyterian Church Confession of 1967 USA
*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. Susan M Craig
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 Deborah LaCivita, Michael Russell
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Jesu, the Very Thought of Thee Paul Halley
Jesu, the very thought of thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far thy face to see,
And in thy presence rest.
No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find
A sweeter sound than Jesus’ name,
The saviour of mankind.
O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
To those who ask how kind thou art,
How good to those who seek.
But what to those who find? Ah! This
Nor tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is
None but his loved ones know.
Jesu, our only joy be thou,
As thou our prize wilt be’
In thee be all our glory now,
And through eternity.
(12th century Latin, trans. Edward Caswall)
*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
We Are a New Creation to the tune LANCASHIRE
We are a new creation Of Christ, the living Word.
Our songs of jubilation Shall everywhere be heard.
New life blooms fresh and glorious For those who heed the call
Of Christ, who reigns victorious O’er sin and death and all.
We are a new creation Of God for this new day.
As partners let us follow The life, the truth, the way.
Christ bids us work together As colleagues, old and young,
As women, men, and nations, God’s folk of every tongue.
We are a new creation For service here on earth.
We live our faith in action To tell our Savior’s worth.
Let love and justice blending Now show for all to see
God’s grace is never-ending. It reaches you and me.
We are a new creation By God’s own gracious hand,
Old burdens cast behind us, A daring future planned.
In ministry and mission, United let us live,
In Christ a shining vision To God’s wide world to give.
*CLOSING SENTENCES
Leader: Give us a pure heart that we may see Thee.
People: A humble heart that we may serve Thee.
Leader: A heart of love that we may serve Thee
People: A heart of faith that we may live Thee.
Dag Hammarskjöld
*BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
POSTLUDE Allegro con brio (Sonata 8) Alexandre Guilmant
The flowers in the Meetinghouse today are given in loving memory of Alvin Wachsman and grandson Jason Arnold by the Wachsman and Arnold families.
Ushers: Paul Pacent, Sue Baker, Nancy Fountain, Betsy Kreuter, Dale and Sherry Myer, and Mary Ranta
Greeters and Coffee Hour Hosts: Hats Off
Flower Delivery: Jane and John Seel
Calendar
TODAY
Church School
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 Church Lounge 11:20 AM - 12:15 PM. All are welcome. Childcare provided.
Blood Pressure screening A member of the Wellness Committee is available to check blood pressures in Room 203 following the worship service.
SPF Task Force Meeting 4 PM in the Youth Room.
JPF 5 to 6 PM Room 103
SPF 6:30 to 8 PM Room 103
THIS 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 Tuesday morning, October 24th at 10 AM in Room 203 to knit and share our stories. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Angela Stevens 698-1709 or Penny Lehman 637-4585 or pick up our brochure in the Church Office. See you there!
Remembering Your Story, facilitated by Rev. Ron Halvorsen for residents of Edgehill who are members of First Church continues Tues Oct 24th 4:00 – 5:15 PM at Edgehill.
Children’s Choir Wed Oct 25th 5 - 6 PM in the Choir Room
14th Annual Organ Oktoberfest Wed Oct 25th 8 PM Mario Duella will perform a program including the lighter side of traditional organ repertory.
Hats Off Thurs Oct 26th 9:45 – 11:30 AM in the Church Lounge. Our current book Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg is available in the Church Office for $20.25.
The New Day Journal: A Journey from Grief to Healing seminar continues Thurs Oct 26th 4:00 - 5:15 PM in the Church Lounge.
Chancel Choir rehearsal Thurs Oct 26th 7:30 - 9:00 PM
NEXT SUNDAY
“Getting Oriented to Enlighten the Christian Faith” A DVD/discussion series facilitated by Marty Berlin. Offered on 4 consecutive Sundays (October 29th – November 19th) 8:30-9:45 AM in the Church Lounge. We will repeat the same material on 4 consecutive Tuesday evenings, (October 31st-November 21st), 7:15-8:30 PM. Please plan to arrive promptly, so as not miss any
material, however come late if you must, and come to any and/or all of the dates. For further details about the series please refer to your Adult Education Booklet.
Flu Vaccine Clinics Flu shots will be available to people at least 18 years of age, for a fee of $25, next Sunday, October 29th (and November 5th) from 9:00 to 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in Room 203. Please bring payment of cash or check (made out to FCCOG). Medicare recipients may wish to get their shot at a Town of Greenwich clinic, as Medicare will cover it. Pregnant women, and young people under the age of 18 should see their private physicians. The Wellness Committee thanks you for your cooperation.
Volunteer Second Hour Roxana Bowgen, founder of the humanitarian aid organization now know as Volunteers On Call or “VOC”, will with Emma Reeve, Executive Director of VOC, be presenting a video of the organization and discuss ongoing and current projects. VOC specializes in establishing relationships with potential volunteers and matching their abilities with particular service projects. Roxana and Emma are eager to meet with all members of the First Congregational Church community who have an interest in volunteer involvement. For further details on Roxana and VOC please refer to the October Meetinghouse Monthly under Adult Education. If your October issue is not easily at hand you can find it on the Church’s website
www.fccog.org, click on the news tab on the top of the home page.
NEWS AND NOTICES
There will be no Confirmation Class Tuesday October 31st. Class will resume November 7th.
Flu Vaccine Clinic November 5th 9:00 to 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to Noon, Room 203.
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
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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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