Bulletin, 3/6/2011

• Details
• Parent Category: Sunday Bulletins
• Published on Thursday, 03 March 2011 22:11

TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY
6 March 2011 -- 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.

All Church Communion Sunday
Today children in Pre-K to Grade 4 will leave to go to the Chapel to learn about Communion together. After the sermon, they will return to sit with their families as we celebrate Communion as a whole church family. Nursery care will be available in the Crib Room and ‘3's and Under’ classroom as usual.

In this congregation, it is our custom that the family decides when a child should begin to take Communion. Christ's table is open to all who wish to receive.

No matter who you are  or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

“Let Mutual Love Continue.”
Hebrews 13: 1

THE GATHERING

PRELUDE:                     Le cygne (The swan)     Camille Saint-Saëns
Audrey Balaska, cello
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
INTROIT:    Your Word is a Lamp   (Psalm 119: 105,111)     Witherup
CALL TO WORSHIP:                               (Psalm 48, selections)
Leader:    Great is God and greatly to be praised in the abode of the Most High!
All:    The holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, clear as crystal within its pearly gate.
Leader:    Within the stronghold of open hearts, the beloved voice can be heard.
All:    We have pondered your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your holy temple.
Leader:    We call on your name, O Holy One, and praise you to the ends of the earth, let us rejoice and be glad because of your forgiving love.
All:    See with your heart’s eye the crystal mountain, note the clarity and purity within;
Leader:    Consider well the essence of love, the echoes of mercy and justice,   
All:    that we may tell the generations to come that this is the Beloved, our hope for ever and ever.
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 462    Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
(Children in Pre-K through Grade 4 will leave during the first verse of this hymn to gather in the Chapel.  Those in Grades 5 – 8 remain in worship.)

SERVICE OF THE WORD

SCRIPTURE:                       Matthew 17:1-9              Deacon Bunting
SERMON:                          “Thin and Thick”                    Rev. Robert
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 73    Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory
(During this hymn children in Pre-K through Grade 4 will return
to sit with their families for Communion.)

SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION

INVITATION TO COMMUNION:
Leader:    Beloved in Christ, the Gospel tells us that on the first day of the week, Jesus Christ was raised from death, appeared to Mary Magdalene, on that same day sat at table with two disciples and was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
All:    This is the joyful feast of the people of God.  Men and women, youth and children, come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and gather about Christ’s table.
JOYS
CALL TO OFFERING:
OFFERTORY:      I Sat Down Under His Shadow       E. C. Bairstow
I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste.  He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love.   Song of Solomon 2:3-4
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
SHARING OF THE BREAD AND CUP    (It is our custom to wait
until all have received the bread, and then eat together; likewise with the
cup.  Gluten-free bread is served in the pews on the Church Street side.)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN:        We Have Come At Christ’s Own Bidding  (insert)
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE:    Let Us Now Depart in Thy Peace
New Mexican folk song
Let us now depart in thy peace, blessed Jesus
Send us to our homes with God's love in our hearts.
Let not the busy world claim all our loyalties.
Keep us ever mindful, dear Lord, of thee.  Amen
POSTLUDE:                            Hyfrydol                       R. V. Williams
+ + +
We invite everyone to join us in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 10:00am service for fellowship and refreshments, hosted today by the Business Committee.  

Greeters:  Twila Skelly and Holly Langewisch
Ushers:  (8:30)  Bob Howard and Ted Fessel
(10:00)  Kathy Abbatello, K.C. Long; Cynthia Hirni; Louis Zotti
Breadbaker:  Jane Curtis
Sound System:  JB Catlin

The flowers today are given in loving memory of Roger Benton by Peggy Benton, Ellen Fales and Sandra Schaefer.

CDs of worship services are available to sign out in Spencer House; sermon recordings are on our website: www.firstchurchguilford.org.

Deaconess for March is Holly Langewisch (203-453-3977).  Please make her aware of new births, adoptions, or anyone who needs a note of encouragement or sympathy.  Call Mary Norris (203-457-9483) for information about our Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Deacon for March is Rebecca Bunting (203-458-1783.)  If you have questions, concerns or compliments, please speak with her.

Deacons’ Fund Collection: In the pew rack you will find Deacons’ Discretionary Fund envelopes.  Contributions are used by the ministers to meet urgent needs in our community.  Thank you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

“Spring Ahead”  Turn your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night!

One Service of Worship on March 20: There will be no 8:30am Chapel service on March 20th as we invite everyone to come at 10:00am to hear the good news through story and song in Godspell.

Pilgrim Fellowship: Meeting tonight, 7-9pm Fellowship Hall. Leadership please arrive at 6:30pm.

The Melita Refugee Resettlement Committee seeks a gently- used car seat for Abdulkarim (3 1/2 years old, about 35 lbs.)  Please contact Sarah Beres at 203-458-2699 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Thank you.

Children and Godspell on Sunday, March 20:  We are excited to share with our church family the story of Jesus’ life and ministry through the musical Godspell.  Jesus and his followers act out the parables with humor and slapstick, which we think will be enjoyed by all ages.  As the musical tells all of Jesus’ life, the second half includes a depiction of the crucifixion. If you think that would be too intense for your child to watch, please feel free to exit with the Junior Choir after the song “We Beseech Thee.”  Fellowship Hall will be available and we welcome you to remain for the reception following service.  If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Horst Clark (203) 453-3324 or Liza Catino (203) 453-0494.

Euchre Card Night, Saturday, March 12th - Griswold Hall. Everyone is welcome, even if you don’t know how to play.  Come alone, bring a friend or your family.  Come at 6:15pm for a lesson or 6:45 to play.  It's a progressive format, finishing around 9:00pm.  A puzzle, playing cards, and a movie will be in the adjoining room for children, with an adult to supervise.  Popcorn provided; if you wish please bring munchies or soft drinks to share.  Organized by Welcoming & Inclusion. Contact Geoff Fix (203-458-0438).

Mission Alert! The Adult Forum next Sunday will feature Jan Aerie, Mission Executive from the UCC National office in Cleveland who will give us a perspective on how our mission dollars are changing the lives of people abroad who are in need.

Heifer Book Sale on March 27th: Each year the Church School children raise money for Heifer International, an organization which combats poverty by giving animals to people around the world. The animals provide families with food, clothes, extra income and offspring which are, in turn, passed on to other families.  Children will come home with boxes to collect donations, as well as calendars that tell more about Heifer. In addition, we will hold a book sale where the proceeds will enable us to “pass on our gifts” as well.  Bring books in good condition (no text books please) to Fellowship Hall or the 1st Grade classroom on March 6, 13 or 20.  On March 27, all are invited to the Book Fair following worship! Books not sold will be donated to the Guilford Library or New Haven Reads.

Silver Lake Conference Center - Register Now for Summer 2011! Register online for weeklong camps at our UCC camp in Sharon, CT.  Kids and youth from our church who have gone to Silver Lake have found it to be a life-changing place of community, fun, and faith. If you are currently in 3rd grade through High School, get more information at www.silverlakect.org or talk to Lisa Horst Clark for scholarship and other information

Global Ministries Child Sponsorship Program is one way for those who have been abundantly blessed to share their bounty with others.  This program has provided food, basic healthcare, clothing, school fees/supplies, livelihood opportunities and, in some cases, housing, for more than 40 years to poor children in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Europe.  The program partners with established agencies linked to the UCC and currently serves approximately 900 children in 15 centers worldwide.  These partnerships allow sponsors to be sure that their gifts reach children in need. (March UCC Calendar of Prayer)

Guilford Food Bank Needs: 100% fruit juices; canned fruit, tuna, ham, hash, stews; pancake/meal/potato/cake/mac & cheese mixes; dry milk, cereal.  Please leave your donations in the narthex.

CHURCH CALENDAR

FH - Fellowship Hall;  GH – Griswold Hall; ML – Minear Library;
CR – Choir Room; CSB – Church School Bldg; BR – Bride’s Room

Sunday, Mar. 6:   Clare preaching
8:30am  Communion – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – CSB Rm 9
9:00am  Senior Choir - CR
10:00am  Communion , Nursery care, Church School
Noon – Godspell Rehearsal – Sanctuary
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship - FH

Monday, Mar. 7:
11:00am  Music & Transformation – BR
6:00pm  Godspell Rehearsal-Sanctuary
7:00pm  Board of Deaconesses-ML
7:30pm  Confirmation 2 – GH

Tuesday, Mar. 8:
3:00pm  Middle School Youth Group – FH
6:00pm  Godspell Rehearsal – Sanctuary
7:00pm  Church Council - FH

Wed., Mar. 9:  Ash Wednesday
4:00pm  Junior Choir – FH
4:00pm  Cherub Choir - GH
6:00pm  Godspell - Sanctuary
7:00pm  Bd of Community & World Concerns-CSB Rm 9
7:30pm  Ash Wednesday Worship - Chapel

Thurs., Mar. 10:
3:15pm  GSA Troop 2075-FH
6:00pm  Godspell - Sanctuary
7:00pm  BS Troop 474-FH

Friday, Mar. 11:        6:00pm  Godspell - Sanctuary

Saturday, Mar. 12:
9:15am  Music & Transformation – ML
10:00am  Godspell Rehearsal – Sanctuary
6:45pm  Progressive Euchre – Fellowship Hall

Sunday, Mar. 13:  Lisa preaching
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – CSB Room 9
9:00am  Senior Choir Rehearsal – CR
10:00am  Worship, Nursery care, Church School
11:30am  Adult Forum-Chapel
Noon – Godspell Rehearsal – Sanctuary
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship – FH

12-Step Meetings at First Church This Week:
AA:  Sun.,  7:15am – GH            Alanon:  Tues., 7:30pm – Chapel
Tues., 7:30pm – Room 9                         Wed., 10:00am - FH
Wed. 7:30pm–GH                   Alateen:  Tues., 7:30pm-GH
Fri., Noon & 7:30pm – FH      NA:          Sun., 1:00pm – GH
Sat., 7:30am – GH                   OA:        Thurs., 7:00pm – Rm 9

WELCOME TO FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH!

United Church of Christ
An Open and Affirming Congregation

122 Broad Street
Guilford, CT  06437
203-453-5249 (phone & fax)
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
website: www.firstchurchguilford.org
newsletter: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We are pleased that you are here to worship with us today, and we trust that you have found inspiration and fellowship.  If we can be of service to you, please speak with one of the ministers either after worship, or call or email us:  
Dr. Norris – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rev. Robert – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rev. Horst Clark – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To make an appointment with a minister, please call the Church Office.


OUR STAFF – PARTNERS IN MINISTRY
Kendrick L. Norris                                                      Senior Minister
Clare Robert                                               Interim Associate Minister
Lisa Horst Clark              Associate Minister for Children & Families
William C. Speed                                   Director of Music Ministries
Penelope Rebuzzini                                                     Office Manager
Larry Donahue                                                                          Sexton
Salisha Miller                                       Director of Pilgrim Fellowship
Liza Catino                                                         Junior Choir Director
Gail Etter                                                          Cherub Choir Director