Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
Reformation Sunday
29 October 2006
10 o’clock in the morning
Welcome to this Service of Worship at First Congregational
Church. This is Ingathering Sunday when through the sharing of our pledged intentions the church is energized for ministry and mission in the coming year. We are growing gifts with God as the life of worship, caring, witness and study point to the manifold expressions of love shared in and through our community of faith. In the evocative words of poet and Christian, Gerald Manly Hopkins:
“ I have life left with me still
And thy purpose to fulfill;
Yea, a debt to pay thee yet;
Help me, Lord, and so I will …”
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 John Stansell, organ
Fantasy on “Ein’ feste Burg” Michael Praetorius
CALL TO COMMUNITY Rev. Ronald E. Halvorsen
Please sign and pass the red book.
praising god
CALL TO WORSHIP
*OPENING HYMN AND PROCESSION
New Century Hymnal 439 to the tune EIN’ FESTE BURG
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
OPENING PRAYER (in unison)
O God of the crossroads,
whose presence is made known in the
unexpected prod to make decisions about our life,
draw near to us in this hour of renewal
that we might make wise choices which help
your futures to happen in our midst
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONFESSING TO GOD
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Wise and powerful God, you have given us your light and truth to guide us through confusion,
yet we have relied instead on our human wisdom and
have lost our way.
You offer to share our burdens and give us strength,
yet we trust in our own efforts and find ourselves exhausted.
Forgive us, and bring us back into your presence, O God;
overcome our separation from one another and from you.
By your Word and Spirit,
fill us with the gifts that equip us to meet life’s demands,
that we may be your people in the world
and live in the confidence and joy of Jesus Christ,
in whose name we pray. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
‡CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Sacrament of baptism
Jack Andrew Burdick, son of Becki and Robert Burdick.
Madeleine Faith Phillips, daughter of Kelly and Todd Phillips.
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE sung to 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 Peter Schay
Proverbs 1: 1-7
F
or learning about wisdom and instruction,
for understanding words of insight,
for gaining instruction in wise dealing,
righteousness, justice, and equity;
to teach shrewdness to the simple,
knowledge and prudence to the young—
let the wise also hear and gain in learning,
and the discerning acquire skill,
to understand a proverb and a figure,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
SCRIPTURE ANTHEM The Chancel Choir
Teach Me, O God Thomas Attwood
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes
And I shall keep it unto the end.
Psalm 119: 12
SECOND LESSON
Mark 10: 46-52
T
hey came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’
So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.
Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Philippians 2: 1-5
I
f then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
‡*HYMN
New Century Hymnal 451 to the tune SLANE
Be Now My Vision
(The Pastor’s Class and Sixth Grade leave for their classes)
SERMON
“A Wise Investment” Dr. David D. Young
*Affirmation of faith
Leader: Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us. Let us use them.
People: Now there are varieties of gifts, but always the same Spirit. There are all sorts of service to be done, but always the same Lord, working in all sorts of different ways in different people.
Leader: We dedicate these gifts of offerings and pledged intention in the awareness that we do not walk alone.
People: And yes, we dedicate these gifts of our gratitude, trusting in the power of God to direct and inform their use in the life of this church.
Leader: Lord, Lord, all voices say and all together
People: Give us your day, that once more we may be the endless miracle that embodies you.
Paul of Tarsus/Conrad Aiken
*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
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY ANTHEM The Chancel Choir
Carolyn Paulus, soprano
Gregory Gardner, baritone
Let This Mind Be In You Mrs. H. H. A. Beach
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal
with God.
But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of
a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
and being found in fashion as a man,
He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death
of the Cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him,
and given Him a name which is above ev'ry name:
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2: 5-11
*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 556 to the tune HOLY MANNA
God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens
*CLOSING SENTENCES
Leader: May the power of God preserve us.
May the wisdom of God instruct us.
People: May the hand of God protect us.
May the way of God direct us.
Leader: May the shield of God defend us.
May the host of God guard us against the temptations of the world.
People: May Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ in us,
and Christ over us.
Prayer of St. Patrick
*BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
POSTLUDE Cheryll Hadley, organ
With Sounding Timbrel Chester Nordman
The flowers in the Meetinghouse today are given in loving memory of Lillian and Edmund Hoffman by their family.
The flowers in the Meetinghouse are also given in celebration of the baptism of Jack Andrew Burdick by his family.
Ushers: Paul Pacent, Bob Alden, Susan & Richard Gilbert, Carole & Franklin Lang, and Giff Reed.
Greeters and Coffee Hour Hosts: Hats Off
Flower Delivery: Joyce Ferris
Calendar
Today
In the Church School...Susie Craig is leading the Daniels Center worship with music and lessons about All Saints Day. In the classrooms, most will learn the lessons from the story of Bartemaeus. Mary Durland, member of First Church and author of "Mr. Thank You So Muchly," will read for our Kindergarten and First Graders. Child Care for our babies and toddlers is in the Undercroft. The ushers can help direct you.
Volunteer Second Hour in the Church Lounge at 11:30 AM Roxana Bowgen, founder of the humanitarian aid organization now known 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.
Sunday Parents Study Group The Price of Privilege 11:20 AM - 12:15 PM in Room 103. Facilitated by Rev. Susie Craig. This is the last session. All are welcome. Childcare provided.
Flu Vaccine Clinics Flushots will be availableto people at least 18 years of age, for a fee of$25,today (andNovember 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 maywish 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 thanksyou for your cooperation.
JPF 5 - 6 PM Room 103
SPF 6:30 - 8 PM Room 103
THIS WEEK
Remembering Your Story, facilitated by Rev. Ron Halvorsen for residents of Edgehill who are members of First Church continues Tues Oct 31st 4:00 – 5:15 PM at Edgehill.
There will be no Confirmation Class Tues Oct 31st
“Getting Oriented to Enlighten the Christian Faith” Tues Oct 31st 7:15-8:30 PM in the Church Lounge. A DVD/discussion series facilitated by Marty Berlin. A repeat of same material covered on Sun Oct 29th. 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.
Children’s Choir Wed Nov 1st 5 - 6 PM in the Choir Room
Faith and The Work Place Thurs Nov 2nd 7-8 AM in the Church Lounge. A gathering, facilitated by Dr. David Young, which will explore how faith and Christian principles play an important role in decision-making and work throughout the week.
Hats Off Thurs Nov 2nd 9:45 – 11:30 AM in the Church Lounge.
Book discussion group facilitated by Rev. Susie Craig. 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
Thurs Nov 2nd 4:00 - 5:15 PM in the Church Lounge. A seminar facilitated by Rev. Ron Halvorsen. This is the last session.
Chancel Choir rehearsal Thurs Nov 2nd 7:30 - 9:00 PM
NEXT SUNDAY
Is the first Sunday of the month and the Neighbor-to-Neighbor food barrel will be out. Items needed are: canned fruit, juice, canned beans such as kidney, black or lentil (not green), dry beans, cereal, jelly, and vegetables.
“Getting Oriented to Enlighten the Christian Faith” 8:30-9:45 AM in the Church Lounge. A DVD/discussion series facilitated by Marty Berlin. Material will be repeated on Tues Nov 7th 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 Clinic Nov 5th 9- 10 AM and 11:00 AM to Noon, Room 203.
NEWS AND NOTICES
Purchase your tickets today at Coffee Hour! See Pilgrim Towers Board member Sherry Myer!
Want to support Pilgrim Towers and go on a shopping spree? Purchase a $5.00 ticket to Stamford’s Lord & Taylor Benefit Bash! The $5.00 goes directly to Pilgrim Towers and you can shop all day Wednesday, November 15th using a one-time 20% discount card, a 15% off Savings Card and enjoy a list of hourly events! This year, you can pre-select your purchases on Nov. 11th to be rung up on the day of the Benefit Bash-then come by and pick them up that day!