As a covenant community we are committed to the belief that all people are created equal before God. In affirmation of the inclusive love of Christ Jesus, we welcome persons of any race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability and economic circumstance to full participation in our community life and ministry. We strive to reflect these beliefs in the language and content of our worship and in our lives together.
Sunday, April 15, 2012 10:00am
Infants, toddlers and preschoolersgo directly to their classrooms at10am.
Grades K-6 go directly to chapel for a movie. 7-12thgraders remain in church. All children 1st grade and under must be picked up in the chapel by a family member after church.
PRELUDE Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP Amanda Angel
Leader:Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
People:Let us enter God’s courts with praise.
Leader:Serve the Lord with gladness.
People:God is good. God made us; not we ourselves.
Leader:We are God’s people,
People:and the sheep of God’s pastures.
Leader: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
People:Let us enter God’s gates with singing.
*OPENING HYMN #46(Black Hymnal) Hope of the World
OPENING PRAYER Amanda Angel
Call to Prayer
Leader:Lift up your hearts.
People:We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader:Let us pray.
Unison Prayer
O God, we thank You for this day of life
for eyes to see the sky,
for ears to hear the birds,
for feet to walk amidst the trees,
for hands to pick the flowers,
for the ability to breathe in
the sweet perfumes of nature,
for the wisdom to appreciate
the magic of everyday miracles.
Help us reflect on the joy at your mighty presence
everywhere, as we pray…
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer (using “debts,” p.513, red hymnal)
Prayer Response This Joyful Eastertide Charles Wood (1866-1926)
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Baptized today is Harrison Thornton Marshall, son of Kellie and David Marshall.
Welcome and Questions
Congregational Response
We promise to this child and to her parents our love, support and prayers.
Baptismal Prayer
Act of Baptism
Congregational Response
Give to this newly baptized child strength for life’s journey, courage in time of suffering, the joy of faith, the freedom of love, and the hope of new life, through Jesus Christ, who makes us one. Amen.
Baptism Hymn #325(Black Hymnal) Child of Blessing, Child of Promise
ANTHEM Easter Anthem William Billings (1746-1800)
SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 24: 13-24, 28-31 NT, p.85
SERMON “Do We Suffer From Easteragnosia?” Heike Werder
#3 in the April sermon series on “Joy”
*HYMN # 255(Black Hymnal) Jesus, Sovereign, Savior
MORNING PRAYER
Concerns and Celebrations
Call to Prayer
Leader:The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Leader: O Lord, show your mercy upon us.
People: And grant us your salvation.
Leader: O God, make clean our hearts within us.
People: And take not your Holy Spirit from us.
Leader: Let us pray.
Pastoral Prayer
Congregational Response #283 (Black Hymnal) Spirit of the Living God
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
OFFERTORY
Anthem With A Voice of Singing Martin Shaw (1875-1958)
*DoxologyPraise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God, all creatures here below,
Praise God above, ye heavenly host,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
*CLOSING HYMN #256(Black Hymnal)
We Live by Faith and Not by Sight
BENEDICTION
CHORAL BENEDICTION This Joyful Eastertide Charles Wood
POSTLUDE Allegro William Boyce (1711-1779)
*You are invited to stand.
- Welcome to all who are here for the first time. Please fill out the blue “Welcome” card in the pews to receive weekly emails or newsletters.
- Please turn off your cell phone before attending the service.
- Please ask an usher if you would like a copy of the sermon, or need a hearing device. Copies of the sermons are also available on the sermon link at our church website.
Worship Leader:Amanda Angel
Deacons:Tom Mollerus, Kathy French
Ushers: Mike Normile, Janet Jankowiak, Stan Normile, Bob Everts,
Jim Conroy
Altar Guild: Val Kistler
Flowers:Kristen Mollerus
Flower Delivery: Martha Lamb
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in
loving memory of our grandparents by the Mollerus family.
Announcements
May 6 Worship Service, Save the Date Join us on May 6 when we will have The Rev. Dr. Peter J. Miano, Executive Director of the Society for Biblical Studies as our guest preacher and will speak about the Biblical travels of Paul. Following coffee hour at 11:30am, join us in the Library for a meet and greet with Rev. Dr. Miano. He will discuss “The Word of God and the World of the Bible: Cultural Backgrounds of the Bible.” This also will be a great opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about our planned trip to Greece and Turkey next spring.
It’s not too late to register your children for April Vacation Week Bible School! A new April Vacation Week Bible School will be offered starting this Tuesday,April 17 through Friday April 20 from 8:30am to noon. Extended day options are also available. Please contact Rev Jamie for more info at or visit
TODAY Please join us to get acquainted with Faith Circles, 11:20am, Linden AB. The meeting will last about 75 minutes. We will discuss faith questions, issues and our own journeys. There are no obligations for frequency of attendance, but we do ask that group discussion be respected as confidential. Rev. Taylor Roth and John Baldwin will lead this group. Faith Circles will be held every Sunday through the end of May.
College Prep For Parents: Do you have a student heading to college soon? Have a conversation with higher education administrator Sandra Summers about the ins and outs every parent should know when sending their student to campus. There will be plenty of time for your own questions. April 29, 11:30am, Library.
Join us for Rock Climbing, Sat Apr. 28! Adults and kids of all ages are invited to join us for indoor rock climbing at Rock Spot, 2-4pm. Cost is $25 per person, includes gear and group instruction. For more information, please see the bulletin board outside the church offices or .
New to the Church? Join us for a casual “Newcomers Brunch”next Sunday, April 22 Save the date for a brunch at 11:15am to meet the ministers and other new families. A light brunch will be provided. There will be teens available to engage children with toys and crafts while you learn about the church. No RSVP needed - we hope to see you there!
Sports Equipment Donations Needed Do you have sports equipment you no longer use? The 2012 Confirmation Class is collecting sports equipment for the Walker School. See Rev. Heike for a list of specific items wanted, or contact if you would like to arrange a pick up.
The Guatemala Servathon is coming on April 28. Sponsored workers will be doing various community service projects at the church and around Needham. When volunteer workers ask for your sponsorship, if able please support them with a pledge. Proceeds benefit education and health in Santa Maria Tzeja. Contact Nancy Lane @ for further information.
Cancer Awareness Pins made by the Junior High Youth Group are on sale in the church book store (The Good Book, located in the Reception Room) for a suggested donation of $2. Each pin represents a different kind of cancer (black-melanoma, brown- colon, white- lung, purple-all cancers). All proceeds go to the Youth Group “Relay for Life Team UCC: United to Cure Cancer" to benefit the American Cancer Society. Church members are also invited to join us at Relay for Life at DeFazio Field on Saturday June 16,5pm for the opening ceremony and Cancer Survivor Lap or at 9pm for the Luminary Ceremony. Contact for more information or visit
Registration for the 2012/2013 school year at The Center is now open. The Center is an afterschool drop-in program for 6th graders. The Center will be having an open house this Saturday, April 21, 9-11am. All parents and youth are welcome. Please visit or contact Jamie at 781-444-2510, ext 198 or .
Altar Flowers There is an opportunity to give altar flowers next Sunday April 22 in honor of, or in memory of, a loved one or organization. If you are interested, please contact the church at or Joanne Seiden at .
The Annual Women’s Retreatis May 11 12
We are ‘retreating’toCraigville Conference Center on Cape Cod. This year we will explore “Joy in our Lives” through discussions, games, lots of laughter and so much more. Cost is $95 and includes 3 meals and lodging. Please RSVP to Rev. Heike at .
LGBT Luncheon will be held on April 22, 11:30am, Library. All in the LGBT community are welcome to come for food, fellowship and good conversation.
Calendar Notes
Sunday, April 15
8:15amMen’s Breakfast, Kitchen
9:30amYouth Lounge
10:00amWorship
11:30amFaith Circles, LAB
Deacons Adult Education subcommittee, RR
No Youth Choir rehearsals
No Jr. or Sr. High Youth Group
Monday, April 16 Patriot’s Day
Church Offices Closed
No Cancer Prayer Support Group
Wednesday, April 18
7:30pmMusic Team Meeting, Reception Room
Thursday, April 19
7:30pmChancel Choir Practice
Sunday, April 22
No Youth Lounge
10:00amWorship/Bible Village
11:15amNew Family Brunch, Reception Room
11:30amFaith Circles, LAB
11:30amLGBT Lunch, Library
11:30amJoyful Noise and Hallelujah Choir rehearsal
4:00pmShepherd’s Staff Choir rehearsal
5:00pmJr. High Youth Group
7:00pmSr. High Youth Group