MARY TAYLOR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
168 Broad Street Phone:203.874.1982
Milford, Connecticut 06460 FAX:203.877.8973______
Order of Worship
10:00 a.m.
(* Those who are able may stand. Late arrivals will be seated.)
THE BELL TOLLS – Welcoming us to worship God
PRELUDE “Cantilena”J. Rheinberger
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
(Please keep our focus on the worship of God by sharing those items not published elsewhere.)
INTROIT “Stand Up and Bless the Lord”
*CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 40:4-5
Leader: Blessed are those who make the Lord their trust;
People: O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and thoughts are multiplied toward us;
All: None can compare with You!
*HYMN #519 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Lift Every Voice
PRAYER OF THE DAY(seated, unison) Traditional Dakota Tribe prayer
Grandparent, Great Spirit, you have always been, and before you nothing has been. There is no one to pray to but you. The star nations all over the heaven are yours and yours are the grasses of the earth. You are older than all need, older than all pain and prayer. Great Spirit, fill us with light. Give us strength to understand and eyes to see. Teach us to walk the soft earth as relatives to all that live. Help us, for without you we are nothing. Amen.
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION from Isaiah 40:4; Galatians 6:9; Luke 1:37
Lord, we confess that sometimes we lament with the prophet ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity.’ Keep us from being ‘weary in well doing’ and for thinking things only depend on us. Help us to remember that you, and you alone, are God. Inspire us again with a great vision and with the assurance that nothing is impossible with You. Amen.
SILENT CONFESSION AND WORDS OF PARDON
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THE PSALTER Psalm 40:1-11 Hymnal p.774
THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES Isaiah 49:1-7 Bible p.665
Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.
ESPECIALLY FOR THE CHILDREN
*HYMN #2056 “God Is So Good” rear cover
*THE GOSPEL John 1:29-42 Bible p.966
Reader: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON “Moonbeam Clock” Dr. Bodt
*THE APOSTLES’ CREED Hymnal #881
*THE GLORIA PATRI Hymnal #70
PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Leader: Lord, in Your mercy, People: Hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER Hymnal #895
*THE PEACE
L: May the peace of the Lord be always with you. P: And also with you.
(Greet one another with signs of Christ’s peace.)
MISSION MINUTE “Emergency Response Team (ERT)” trainingLeigh Bak
PRESENTATION OF TITHES ANDOFFERINGS, including Human Relations Sunday
OffertoryAnthem: “Agnus Dei” arr. by R. Mauldin
Presentation: “The Doxology” Hymnal #95
*Prayer of Dedication
*HYMN #514 “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” Webb
*THE BENEDICTION
*THE BENEDICTION RESPONSE Tune: Hymnal #278
“Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and bread,
We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on;
Renew us with your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!”
*THE BELL TOLLS – Sending us to walk with and witness for Jesus
*POSTLUDE “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” arr. by J. Mansfield
(During the postlude you may leave following the pastor or remain seated.)
THE WORSHIP IS ENDED: THE SERVICE BEGINS.
Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church
First Methodist Church in Milford: 1843
Current building dedicated: 1893
Merged with Myrtle Beach Community Church: 1969
Whoever you are, wherever you are
on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.
HUMAN RELATIONS DAY
January 19, 2014
~Calendar at Mary Taylor Memorial~
Sunday, January 19HUMAN RELATIONS DAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages – Wesley Center
9:45 a.m. Informal Hymn Singing- Sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Worship – Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Fellowship Hour – Dodd Hall
11:00 a.m. Blood pressure screenings – Sanctuary
11:30 a.m. New Member’s class-Pastor’s study
11:30 a.m. Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver training – Wesley Ctr.
Monday, January 20Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – office closed
7:00 p.m. Service of Healing and Wholeness – The Chapel
7:00 p.m. Milford Historical Society – Dodd Hall
Tuesday, January 215:45 p.m. Confirmation Class – Egan Room
7:00 p.m. Disciple I Bible Study – Wesley Center
7:00 p.m. “Dare to Dream” Adult Study – Gunn Library
Wednesday, January 229:00 a.m. Incubator Training – Egan Room - Wesley Center
10:00 a.m. “Dare to Dream” Adult Study – Gunn Library
2:30 p.m. Golden Hill UMC Community Supper – Bridgeport
5:30 p.m. Praisemakers rehearsal – Dodd Hall
6:30 p.m. Bell Choir rehearsal – Dodd Hall
7:45 p.m. Adult Choir rehearsal – Dodd Hall
Thursday, January 239:00 a.m. “Beacon” mailing – Egan Room
5:30 p.m. MTMUMC Community Supper – Dodd Hall
7:00 p.m. Worship Committee – Egan Room, Wesley Center
7:00 p.m. Foundation Meeting
Sunday, January 26THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages – Wesley Center
10:00 a.m. Worship – Sanctuary
11:30 a.m. Caring Ministries meeting-1st floor Wesley Center
11:30 a.m. New Member’s class-Pastor’s study
11:30 a.m. Parish Nurse Meeting
Monday, January 277:00 p.m. Service of Healing and Wholeness – The Chapel
Tuesday, January 285:45 p.m. Confirmation Class – Egan Room, Wesley Ctr.
7:00 p.m. Disciple I Bible Study – Wesley Center
7:00 p.m. “Dare to Dream” Adult Study – Gunn Library
Wednesday, January 295:30 p.m. Praisemakers rehearsal – Dodd Hall
6:30 p.m. Bell Choir rehearsal – Dodd Hall
7:45 p.m. Adult Choir rehearsal – Dodd Hall
Thursday, January 307:00 p.m. MYF Adult Team meeting-Rachel Merva’s home
Saturday, February 18:30a.m. MYF Pancake Breakfast & Tailgate party- Dodd Hall
Grace Notes
January 19, 2014
Dear Mary Taylor Memorial family,
Priorities. Every church has them. Some are self-conscious and apparent. Others are sub-conscious and hidden.
Today’s Servant Song from Isaiah 49 makes clear God’s priority for those who follow as servant. With a wink of the Divine Eye, God laughs and says
“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
God vision is big! God’s vision is bold! God’s vision is brassy!
What about ours? Our Long-Range Planning Committee is now processing survey results. One thing missing is responses from folks under 40 years of age. Please encourage our young adults to complete the survey on-line through the website at .
My vision for us, right now, for 2014, is a renewed focus on Christian spiritual formation for children (Sunday School) and evangelism (reaching out to welcome others). I base this on conversations I’ve had and my recent priority-setting with Staff-Parish Relations Committee. I’ll say more about that in today’s message.
Whatever your vision for our church, please pray for the effectiveness and excellence of our leaders, staff and people in offering ministry in Christ’s name.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Pastor Brian
MARY TAYLOR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Website:
E-mail:
Ministers All the People of God Bishop The Rev. Dr. Martin D. McLee
Lay Leaders Kelly O’Hara & Leigh Bak Superintendent The Rev. Kenneth Kieffer
Prayer Chain Stacy Meszaros Pastor The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Bodt
Administrative Assistant Mary Lou Kampert Pastoral Assistant The Rev. Harold V.W. Vink
Sexton Bruce Rumford Music Director Dr. Richard L. Riccardi
Child Care Coordinator Nicole Ellerbeck
AT WORSHIP TODAY
Head Usher– Bob Elliott Greeters – Joan Zauner & Margery Zurko
Liturgist –Ryan Lapadula Cross Bearer – Shannon Thompson
Acolytes –Bryan Thompson & Kayleigh Patterson Bible Bearer – Anna Wessinger
GREETING YOU AFTER WORSHIP is Dr. Bodt at the Narthex door andRyan Lapadula at the Dodd Hall door.
THE ALTAR FLOWERS are in loving memory of Julie Elise McGee given by the Cono family. A MISSION CROSS has been placed today, and a donation given, in memory of Julie McGee to the Milford Heating Assistance Program by friends who remember her warm smile and talent for knitting warm clothing for those close to her.
TO ASSIST YOU IN WORSHIP, see our ushers for:
- Large print Bibles, hymnals and bulletins
- Hearing Assist Devices
- Children’s bulletins for ages 3 – 6 and 7 – 12
PLEASE OFFER PRAYER CONCERNSusing the "Blue Sheets" in each pew or obtain one from an usher. Ushers collect themon the opening hymn and our Lay Leaders speak them during the Prayer of Intercession and Petition. Please obtainothers’ permission to share their concerns. These prayers are included in our on-line prayer chain and Monday night Healing Service. Please also speak your concerns as invited during the prayer.
TODAY’S LITURGYis from Holy Scripture,The United Methodist Hymnal (1989),The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992) and The Faith We Sing (2000). The Unison Prayer of Confession was written by the pastor.
SERMON COPIES from last Sunday and previous messages are available in the rear of the church and on-line:
CHURCH INFORMATIONis available in the racks in back of the church.
CHILD CARE: For children 5 and under is provided in Wesley Center, building next door to sanctuary – OR – the service may be heard in Dodd Hall, if you wish to use it for restless children during service. Please note that children over five are expected to remain in the sanctuary; the child care in Wesley Center is not staffed to provide for older children. Our Safe Sanctuary policy requires that children leaving the sanctuary must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
NEED A NEW OR REPLACEMENT NAME TAG? Contact ( or 203.874.1982, ext. 10) with your request please. PLEASE KEEP NAME TAGS on for Fellowship Hour and return them before leaving.
OUR LIFE IN PRAYER, MINISTRY AND MISSION
NORMAL OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. –2 p.m. If Wesley Center is locked, call Mary Lou at 203.874.1982 or Pastor Brian (203.895.3753).
FOOD BASKET: Please place non-perishable food items in the basket located in the back of the church & monetary donations in the Beth-El envelope.
ANIMAL SHELTER DONATIONS: Wet and dry cat and dog food isdesperatelyneeded for seniors with pets. Please leave food items in the back of the church or take to the Milford Animal Shelter at Silver Sands State Park.
ALTAR FLOWERS ORDERS: Beth is now accepting orders for 2014. Orders are taken at any time for Altar Flowers OR “In Lieu of Flowers”to support missions (UMCOR, UMArmy and others – please see info. table in back of church for list). *A donation in lieu of altar flowers is honored witha cross and miniature mission scarf placed on the altar.Please contact Beth O’Brien at 203.877.8668 or or Beth O’Brien, 7 Breakneck Court, Milford, CT 06460
CONTACTING THE PASTORS: Pastor Brian (: 203.874-1982, ext. 11 or 203.895.3753) is typically in office 9 – Noon, Mon. – Thurs. Pastor HalVink can be reached at 203.878.8977 or . Please inform them or the office (203.874.1982, ) of pastoral care needs and hospitalizations.
“FIX IT BOX” is in Dodd Hall. See a need? Drop a completed form in the box.
WE HOST Alcoholics Anonymous AND Gamblers Anonymous WEEKLY. Please call the church office for the schedule or see it posted on the bulletin boards.
VITAL CONGREGATION WEEKLY REPORT FOR JANUARY 12:
Total worship attendance all services:181 (Jan. 12, 172; Healing and Wholeness, Jan. 13, 9)Total Offering: $4,562.00 Amount given to Charities and Benevolences: $0; Total Number Persons Engaged in Small Groups:105; (Sunday School: 27; MYF: 25; Confirmation:7; Disciple: 9; Choir Party: 25; Trustees:6; Prayer Shawl: 6); Total number persons received on profession of faith: 0;Total Persons involved in local, national, and international missions: 0. *Important! Small Groups – please email the church office () or call (203.874.1982) with your attendance.
NEXT SUNDAY
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY - “Grace to Go Fishing” is a story-message adapted from the Rev. Neil Parker, military chaplain, Canadian Forces. It is based on Matthew 4:12-23. Other readings include Isaiah 9:1-4 and Psalm 27: 4-9. Healing anointing will be offered during the closing hymn. Following worship our Caring Ministries team will meet.At 11:30 a.m. the third new member class will be held in the pastor’s study, Wesley Center, 2nd Floor.
UPCOMING MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
FEBRUARY 1ST MYF BREAKFAST- Please join the MYF for our third annual tailgate party and pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. to benefit the Milford Food Bank. The minimum cost to attend is a $6 donation or 6 non-perishable food items. Help us tackle hunger in Milford by bringing your donations and your appetites! See Rachel Merva for further information at or 203-641-5088.
FAIR ON THE GREEN: 1stmeeting will be held on Sunday, Feb.2nd, in Wesley Center following church service. Please plan to attend this important meeting.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING: Saturday, February 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. See the detailed page in this issue.
SUPPORT A TRULY WELCOMING CHURCH: go to and become a lay signer of the Covenant of Conscience, a statement welcoming all people regardless of sexual orientation or identity. If you would like a print copy of the Covenant and how to sign up using traditional mail, contact Marcia Winter at or 203.878.0814. If you’d like to know those 51 members from Mary Taylor Memorial Church who have signed, check the website or request the list from the church office.
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR SON OR DAUGTHER TO SERVE AS AN ACOLYTE, CROSS-BEARER OR BIBLE BEARER? Contact Noel Fino at 203.877.3005.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO READ SCRIPTURE IN 2014? Contact Priscilla James at 203.874.2742 or .
PLEASE NOTE:Should there be a medical or other emergency during the worshipservice, someone designated by the head usher will call #911. Do not call on your cell phone. Multiple calls may delay response. Thank you.
ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION TODAY
WELCOME VISITORS! May you experience God’s presence with us. Please complete a red visitor’s card (in the pew racks) and wear the “Visitor” name tag to help us greet you warmly. Our Ambassadors will look for you!
FELLOWSHIP HOUR follows worship in Dodd Hall. Staff- ParishRelations Committee hosts today. Next Sunday our hosts are theEducation Committee.
BETH-EL CENTER DONATIONS may be left in Dodd Hall: details in this issue.
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS follow worshipin the sanctuary.
Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver training on effective home visitation techniques for church and other visitors meets today, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Library, Wesley Center, taught by the Rev. Sara Lamar-Sterling, sponsored by Caring Ministries.
THE GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE sponsorsDEVON DUCKPIN BOWLING, today, 5-7pm. $10 pp includes pizza, drinks and dessert. See Marcia Winter or call 203-878-0814.
NEW YEAR’S FELLOWSHIP LUNCH SIGN-UPS are today in Dodd Hall. Please see Michelle Craig at the sign-up table. The luncheon will be Sunday, January 26, right after worship, at Aldario’s Restaurant, Naugatuck Avenue, Milford.
AN EYEGLASS LENS was found by Pastor Brian at the parking lot entrance to the Wesley Center. If you have lost an eyeglass lens, please see him.
SEE THE CALENDAR FOR THE WEEKLY MEETING SCHEDULE.
THIS WEEK
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW, January 20th for Martin Luther King Day, and reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21.
OUR NEXT COMMUNITY SUPPER AT GOLDEN HILL CHURCH will be this Wed., Jan 22nd, 2:30 – 5 p.m. Please contact Maryanne Meehan Jordan to assist: or 203.610.4936 (cell) or 203.268.8850 (home). We prepare the meal for 100+ people. Golden Hill is about 20 minutes away, right off I-95.
MTMUMC COMMUNITY SUPPER: will be this Thursday, Jan 23rd, any portion of 2 – 6:30 p.m. If you can help, please contact Joan Zauner, UMW President, at or 203.283.5643. The supper will be co-hosted by the MYF and GSA Committee. METHODIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP will assist with the Thurs., Jan. 23rd Community Supper in Dodd Hall from 4:45 – 7 p.m. Join us in serving our guests and helping clean up after supper is over.
Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist ChurchMissions Committee
Supply collection for Beth-El Center
Dates: January 5, 12, 19, 26
Please support the Missions Committee supply collection for
Beth-El Center.The following kitchen and paper supplies are greatly needed:
Heavy duty Lawn and Leaf Trash Bags (55 gal)
Food Storage Bags (gallon & sandwich size)
Latex or vinyl powder-free gloves (large and medium)
Anti-bacterial Lysol or Clorox wipes Heavy duty aluminum foil
Plastic wrap Hot/cold cups (6 oz or 8 oz) Paper napkins
Toilet paper Hand sanitizer Facial tissue
Paper towels 8 oz. bowls Automatic dishwasher soap (liquid)
Please place donated items in the Missions collection box in Dodd Hall.
If you have any questions or need additional information please contact Deb Dubien.
THANK YOU!
Beth-El Center’s Mission:
To alleviate homelessness and hunger in the Milford area through shelter,
support services, advocacy and community education in partnership
with the faith-based community and public and private organizations.