Edwards Church
A United Church of Christ
An Open and Affirming Congregation
In the name of God and Jesus Christ, Edwards Church, a congregation of the United Church of Christ, welcomes all who seek to know and worship God. We invite everyone to join in our faith journey and participate in our congregational life.
As a community of faith we take seriously the Biblical call to love God and our neighbors as ourselves, and recognize that although we are many members we are one. We celebrate the uniqueness of everyone. We rejoice in our diversity of views and understanding of our shared faith. We commit ourselves to work diligently to help end oppression and discrimination. We affirm all relationships founded on the principle of God’s love and justice.
We declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation.
Seeking to be the Body of Christ, we welcome into full fellowship and membership all persons of every race, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or cognitive ability, and economic status.
39 Edwards Street
Framingham, MA 01701
508-877-2050
edwardschurch.org
Fourth Sunday of Easter – Holy Communion
May 7, 2017 10:00 AM
A thought for reflection
“I don't argue things being spiritual vs scientific, because I've never met anyone who knows enough about either to be convincing--including myself.”
― S. Kelley Harrell
GOD GATHERS US
Prelude
Greetings and Announcements
Passing of the Peace
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
(We invite you to turn to your neighbors and greet them.)
+* Hymn of Praise “Joyful, Joyful We Adore You” NCH 4
* Call to Worship
Leader: With joy, let us praise our God of glory and love;
PEOPLE: May our hearts unfold like flowers; may we open to the sun’s light.
Leader: With joy, let us join the stars and angels in a song of unbroken praise.
PEOPLE: May we learn from the chanting birds and the flowing fountain.
Leader: With joy, let us drink from the wellspring of life and love.
PEOPLE: May our spirits be renewed as we love one another.
Leader: With joy, let us sing with the mighty chorus of creation.
PEOPLE: May we move forward in faith and joy as we worship God.
* Prayer of Invocation
* Sentences of Praise from Psalm 104
Leader: O my God, you are very great.
People: You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment.
Leader: You stretch out the heavens like a tent,
People: you set the beams of your chambers on the waters,
Leader: you make the clouds your chariot,
People: you ride on the wings of the wind,
Leader: you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers.
People: I will sing praise to you as long as I live;
All: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
+* Gloria NCH 756
Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest!
Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest!
Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Creator God, we confess our complicated relationship with truth. Sometimes we choose to ignore what is around us, closing our eyes to what is, pretending the pain and struggle and brokenness are not there. Sometimes we choose to see only what is around us, narrowing our vision and missing the mystery and power of your presence, closing our hearts to what could be. Forgive us, we pray. Open our eyes and our hearts, so we may see what is and imagine what could be. Amen.
Assurance of God’s Forgiveness
The Lord’s Prayer Music by Jean Sibelius, Text by Rev. Dr. Deborah Clark
GOD MEETS US IN THE WORD
The Hebrew Bible Lesson (Pew Bible, p. 433) Psalm 19:1-10
Anthem “Come to the Table” by Jay Althouse
The Gospel Lesson (Pew Bible, p. 797) Matthew 16:1-4
The Sermon “Signs of the Times—Part I: Awe and Curiosity”
Celebrations and Concerns
Call to Prayer
Silent Prayer
Prayers of Thanksgiving, Intercession and Petition
GOD CALLS FOR OUR GIFTS
Our Offering to God
Offertory
* Doxology (Lasst uns erfreuen) NCH 17
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia, Alleluia.
Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
* Prayer of Dedication
GOD CALLS US TO THE TABLE
The Lord’s Supper
Hymn of Communion “Jesus Took the Bread” NCH 343
The Invitation to the Table
Prayer of Consecration
The Giving of the Bread and the Cup at the Table
The Thanksgiving (in unison)
We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
GOD SENDS US INTO THE WORLD
* Hymn of Dedication “Stars and Planets Flung in Orbit” NCH 567
Charge and Benediction
Postlude
(Please feel free to remain and listen, or to greet one another in the narthex and at coffee hour.)
Our Worship Has Ended… Let Our Service Begin!
Ministers All the People of Edwards Church
Pastor The Rev. Dr. Deborah Clark
Associate Pastor The Rev. Mr. Shane Montoya
Mentored Pastor Nena Radtke
Commissioned Minister of Music Rick Seaholm
Organist Cheryl Elkins
Pianist Susan Minor
Administrative Assistant Nicola Seaholm
Sexton Lori Wilson
The Liturgist Reid Young & Don Akin
Communion Servers Matt Aufman & Dawn Sorensen
The Deacon-in-Charge Shelly Cichowlas
The Greeter Matt Aufman
Janis Steigman of Mother’s Helpers is in charge of the nursery this morning.
Communion Notes: You are invited to come to the communion table to partake of the Lord’s Feast. Come forward row by row from the back to be served. Dip the bread in the grape juice in the chalice on your left or in the wine in the chalice on your right. Proceed back to your seats by the side aisles. If you prefer to be served at your seat, we will come to you.
The Communion Offering is used for confidential emergency needs. If you or someone you know has a need, bring this to the attention of the minister or a member of the Diaconate. The offering envelopes are in the pew racks. Put your name on the envelope for tax credit purposes. Please consider this offering thoughtfully.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congregational Meeting
TODAY after worship
Stay after worship for a Congregational Meeting in Sue Dickerman Hall. We will vote on an updated nominating committee report, and reflect on where we are and where we are going.
Gathering of Friends
Sunday, May 21st after Coffee Hour
If you are new to Edwards Church, if you've been coming for awhile and wondering what it means to be a member, or if you are a long-time member who'd like to meet our newer friends, then YOU ARE INVITED to a Gathering of Friends Brunch. Join us for informal conversation and delicious food! To RSVP, please email or call the church office at 508-877-2050.
Dessert Auction!
Sunday, May 21 after worship
Save your appetite and stick around after church to bid on delicious baked goods. Proceeds will help support important mission projects and outings and for our youth.
Green Team Kick-Off Meeting
Sunday, May 21 after worship
Edwards Church has done many things over the years to lower its impact on the environment and raise awareness in the community. Is there more we could be doing? We will meet after church (and after the dessert auction) for about an hour. The Green Team would then meet quarterly with informal follow-up on issues and actions as needed. There will be a simple soup lunch. Please email Mary Memmott () to RSVP, or just show up. Youth and adults are welcome.
COMING UP AT OPEN SPIRIT
Flamenco Fundraiser for the Nourishing Teachers Project at Hoops and Homework
TODAY, 3:00-5:00pm in Edwards Hall
Enjoy an afternoon of Flamenco Dance and Music as you help support our programs to provide mindfulness, yoga and flamenco classes to children in the Hoops and Homework after school programs. Tickets may be purchased at the church office or at openspiritcenter.org.
It’s Gardening Time!
Sunday, May 14, 1:00-6:00pm outside Edwards Hall
Help prepare and plant the permaculture food forest garden at Open Spirit. Come for an hour or all day. Bring your children, a snack, a hat, garden tools. Andrew Whittaker of Green Abundance by Design will guide the gardening. You’ll have fun and learn a lot!
Transformation and Transitions: Healing through Art, Ritual and Poetry
Saturday, May 20, 6:30-9:00pm in Edwards Hall
Join us for a Gallery Talk and panel discussion of the healing potential of art, ritual and poetry, in conjunction with a current exhibit, “Spring: FearLess, LoveMore,” a photography show featuring works of Nicci Meadow with poems by Mary Oliver.
Plant-based Cooking Class – Smoothies That Taste Like Dessert
Tuesday, May 23, 7:00-8:30pm in Edwards Hall
Join us to learn how to eat healthier and incorporate more plant-based foods in our diets. Smoothies are a great way to start your day – giving you energy when need it most, with food that your body (and mind) will thank you for! In this class you will learn how to easily make your own fresh almond milk, plus four smoothie recipes that taste like dessert but are loaded with nutrients and energy to keep you going through morning! Taught by Colin McCollough. Please register at openspiritcenter.org. $20 per person
Outdoors in Spring: Mindfulness and Meditation on the Trail
Wednesday, May 24 at 6:00pm at Pod Meadow Conservation Area in Wayland
Enrich your connection to the natural world and calm your spirit with Outdoors in Spring: Mindfulness and Meditation on the Trail, presented by the One Earth Collaborative and Wayland Walks. Join Rabbi Katy Allen, One Earth Collaborative Facilitator, for a springtime walk with reflective activities and guided meditations at Pod Meadow Conservation Area, Wayland. RSVP to y. Suggested donations of $8-15.
Summer Interfaith Woodland and Wetland Adventure Week for Kids
Monday-Friday, June 26-30 from 9:00am-1:00pm
The Interfaith Woodland and Wetland Adventure Week is an outdoor camp that gives children the opportunity to explore the wonders of woods and fields and streams in an informal way. They will play games, explore trails and rivers, brooks, and ponds, make friends with a tree and get wet. They will go canoeing, make nature crafts, keep a nature journal, and have quiet time each day. Children entering grades 2-5 or 6 years old by May 1 may apply. The cost is $135 for the week if registration and payment are made by June 19. Scholarships are available. The camp will be led by Rabbi Katy Allen, Facilitator of the One Earth Collaborative, and Michael Corthell, Counselor, Coach, and One Earth Collaborative Advisory Council member. It will take place at Open Spirit and various local nature spots. Details of drop-off locations will provided after registration. Register at openspiritcenter.org, or for more information, please y.
THIS WEEK AT EDWARDS CHURCH
May 7-13, 2017
SUNDAY 9:00am Adult Bible Study Youth Room
9:00am Rental Edwards Hall
10:00am Worship & Communion Sanctuary
10:00am Sunday School Education Building
11:00am Coffee Hour Susan P. Dickerman Hall
11:00am Congregational Meeting Susan P. Dickerman Hall
1:00pm Rental Sanctuary
3:00pm Flamenco Fundraiser Edwards Hall
MONDAY 9:30am Chairobics Susan P. Dickerman Hall
6:00pm Veterans Yoga Edwards Hall
6:15pm Rental Susan P. Dickerman Hall
7:00pm Wider Missions Meeting Jonathan House
7:30pm Guided Meditation Susan P. Dickerman Hall
TUESDAY 9:00am Qi gong Susan P. Dickerman Hall
10:00am Gentle Yoga Edwards Hall
10:30am Rental Susan P. Dickerman Hall
1:30pm Rental Susan P. Dickerman Hall
5:30pm Hatha Yoga Susan P. Dickerman Hall
WEDNESDAY 9:30am Chairobics Susan P. Dickerman Hall
4:30pm Soup and Bible Study Jonathan House
5:45pm Threefold Yoga Edwards Hall
7:30pm Rental Edwards Hall
THURSDAY 9:00am Qi gong Susan P. Dickerman Hall
9:30am Not-Your-Ordinary Yoga Class Edwards Hall
11:00am Bible Study Jonathan House
6:00pm Cancer Support Group Youth Room
6:00pm Kripalu Yoga Edwards Hall
7:15pm Choir Rehearsal Susan P. Dickerman Hall
7:30pm AA Meeting Edwards Hall
FRIDAY 9:30am Chairobics Susan P. Dickerman Hall
6:00pm Rental Edwards Hall Classrooms
6:30pm Loving-Kindness Dinner Edwards Hall
SATURDAY 9:00am Senior Yoga Edwards Hall
9:00am Rental Susan P. Dickerman Hal
10:00am Gardening Edwards Hall Garden
4:30pm Rental Sanctuary
Rev. Dr. Debbie Clark will be away from May 12 - May 19. If you have a pastoral concern during this time, please contact deacon Shelly Cichowlas at 508-904-6123.
MISSION HIGHLIGHT
Sponsoring a New Child at the Tibetan Children’s Village
For than ten years, Edwards Church has sponsored Jurme Wangmo, a young girl from a refugee family in India, at the Tibetan Children’s Village in Dharamsala. Jurme is now eighteen and is completing her education there. The United Church of Christ Child Sponsorship program has given us a new child to sponsor. Here’s the information we recently received from the Tibetan Children’s Village:
Tenzin Dayoe is a nine-year-old girl who was admitted to The Tibetan Children’s Village in Dharamsala, India in March 2015. She was born in Dharamsala on November 3, 2008 to a Tibetan family living in poverty.
Dayoe’s father Tashi Choephel works as a Thanka painter in Norbu Linga. Her mother Monica, who does not have any professional qualifications, works as a helper at a sweater-selling business during the winter season, and earns a very small income. It is only her father’s financial income that supports the family, though her mother’s contribution does help. Over the years, the family has faced many financial difficulties.