Our gratitude to those leading worship today:
Officiants: The Rev. David Minnick, The Rev. Clare Robert
Liturgist: Nancy Whitney
Guest Organist: Markus Rathey
Musicians: The Soul Singers: Nicholas Carpenter, Evan Heath, JJ Lee,
Eric Jagielow & Jane Jagielow, Sue Wilber, Director;
Bell Choir, Susie Hawthorne, Director; Adult Choir
Greeters: 5th & 6th Grade Sunday School
Fellowship Hour hosts: Rick, Pam & Jasmine Brownell, Scott & Meredith Cowperthwait with Liz Wootton
Flowers: Given by Nancy Whitney. The flowers today are dedicated in Love and celebration of what would have been my son, Robert’s 50th birthday. Rob was the Best Birthday gift I ever received.
The Rev. David Minnick, Interim Senior Pastor
The Rev. Clare Robert, Associate Pastor
Laurie Bleickardt, Christian Education Coordinator
Dr. Terese Gemme, Organist and Choir Director
Julia McLaughlin, Office Manager
Ed Ercolano,Custodian
THE SPRING GLEN CHURCH, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
An Open and Affirming Congregation
1825 Whitney Avenue – Hamden, CT 06517
Phone 203-288-3381/Fax 203-248-2070
Email /Website www.springglenchurch.org
The Spring Glen Church,
United Church of Christ
A Service of the Word
November 16, 2014 10 a.m.
RINGING THE HOUR OF WORSHIP (Please be seated)
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome to Spring Glen Church this morning! Prayer request cards may
be found in the pew racks. If you have a joy or concern you would like
included in today’s prayers, please fill out a card. You may wish to use
the quiet time during the prelude for this purpose. Please pass cards to
the center aisle on the first hymn, when ushers will collect them.
PRELUDE "He Leadeth Me" arranged by Sandra Eithun
Bell Choir
INTROIT "God Made Flowers" Ron Klusmeier
Soul Singers
*RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP Liturgist Nancy Whitney
Leader: Living God, you are the beginning of our journeys, our guide,
and our destination.
People: There is no joy like the joy of your presence, in the midst
of your people!
Leader: You do not deny your love to any who seek you.
People: You lead through the time times of weeping to springs of
new life and new beginnings.
All: Glory be to you, O God, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.
*OPENING HYMN God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens
New Century Hymnal #556
*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Holy God, giver of good gifts, in whose service our talents are multiplied and our lives fulfilled, grant us now the capacity to hear your words anew; whether they be words of condemnation or judgment, challenge or correction, healing or hope. As we see all about us the consequences of unfaithfulness, help us to discern your saving grace and to join with others in claiming it for our lives. Bless our worship this day and may we each discern for ourselves how best to use your gifts in the days ahead. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE (Please remain standing)
One: May the peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let us share among us a sign of Christ's peace.
(Please greet one another)
ANTHEM "God of Great and God of Small" Natalie Sleeth
The Soul Singers
A TIME WITH THE CHILDREN The Rev. Clare Robert
THE 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
(Children and Teachers are dismissed to attend Sunday School)
INGATHERING OF PLEDGES FOR 2015
A LESSON FROM THE GOSPELS Matthew 25:14-30
SERMON The Rev. David Minnick
*HYMN We Would Be Building
New Century Hymnal # 607
JOYS AND CONCERNS The Rev. Clare Robert
MORNING PRAYER
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS (Remain seated)
OFFERTORY "Teach me, O Lord" by Thomas Attwood
(1765-1838)
*DOXOLOGY Tune: Old Hundredth
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.
*UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Help us wondrous God, in all times and place, to blend sacrificial giving with joyful service. May this time in worship truly reflect our inner sense of gratitude and a response to Jesus’ call. Receive now, these our gifts, that the missions and ministry that you inspire here may be continued, strengthened and expanded. We offer them, along with ourselves in the name of Jesus. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN When in Our Music, God Is Glorified
New Century Hymnal # 561
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE "Praeambulum in F" by Petrus Hasse (1585-1640)
RINGING THE CLOSE OF WORSHIP
(Please remain seated until after the steeple bell finishes ringing.)
*Please stand as you are able.