Bulletin, 3/27/2011

• Details
• Parent Category: Sunday Bulletins
• Published on Saturday, 26 March 2011 11:32

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
27 March 2011 -- 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.

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
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
INTROIT:                     Let Us Return to the Lord                   Haugen
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader:    God calls us away from the tumult of the world, that  we may focus our thoughts on things that are lasting.
People:    In God’s presence we see our lives more clearly;  the broken pieces are put back together.
Leader:    God calls us out of loneliness into a life of  community.
People:    Worshiping together, caring about one another,  we find out what it means to be truly human.
Leader:    God will send us back into the world’s confusion and  busyness, its brokenness and isolation.
All:    We will go with serenity and joy, strengthened to  be God’s servants, the bearers of peace.

*HYMNS & PSALMS# 422  God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

LIVING OUT ‘THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS’  Living out the Parable of the Talents (entries so far!)
LITANY OF DEDICATION:
One:    We are called by God
All:    to be a servant people.
One:    Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love;  break up your fallow ground
All:    for it is time to seek the LORD, that God may come and rain righteousness upon us.  (Hosea 10: 12)
One:    We are called by God to be a servant people.
All:    We will search out our talents carefully; we will use our abilities generously;     we will open our time graciously.
One:    Each of us is precious in God’s sight, completely loved,  eternally loved.
All:    O bless us God, as we live out Christ’s Parable of the Talents.
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 400     When We Are Living
Church School participants, Pre-K through Grade 8, will leave  after the first verse of this hymn to go to their classes.

SERVICE OF THE WORD

SCRIPTURE:                      Joel 2: 12 - 13               Deacon Fonicello
SERMON:                      “Check List or Heart”                   Dr. Norris
*HYMNS&PSALMS# 81  Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days

RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE

JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER  (trespasses)
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY:                   This is My Prayer                     G. Walker
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 83    O Love, How Deep, (st. 1, 2, 5)
BENEDICTION
CHORAL RESPONSE:  Let Us Now Depart in Peace       arr. Bristol
POSTLUDE
+ + +

All are invited to Fellowship Hall immediately following the 10am service for fellowship and refreshments, hosted today by the Music Committee.  There is time to grab a cup of coffee and greet others before the Adult Forum and Heifer Book Fair!  For the Adult Forum 11:30am in the Chapel we welcome Mr. Radouane Nasry, who teaches French and Arabic at Guilford High School, will join us to speak about his Muslim faith and share some of the experiences he and his students had on a recent field trip to his native Morocco.

Heifer Book Sale after Worship Today!  This is one of the ways the Church School children raise money for Heifer International, which combats poverty world-wide by giving animals to people.  Pick up some spring reading and support Heifer!   Thank you!

Greeters:  Pamela and Gary Knowles.
Ushers:  (8:30)   Nancy Howard and Sandy Callinan
(10:00)  Peter Rebuzzini, Preston Maynard, Cynthia Hirni, Louis Zotti
Breadbaker:  Holly Langewisch
Sound System:  JB Catlin

The flowers today are given by the Flower Committee.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

You are invited to a Fireside Chat by the Associate Pastor Search Committee. There will be three offered: Sunday, April 10th in the Chapel at 11:30am; Monday, April 11th at 10am in the Minear Library and again that evening at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall.
Pilgrim Fellowship: Meeting tonight at 7-9pm, Fellowship Hall; leadership please arrive at 6:30pm.

Write a Letter to a PFer: Mission Trip 2011 wants you to be a part of supporting our teens this year.  You can send a note of support and love that will be given to a PFer at the conclusion of the work week when they are exhausted, but filled with the spirit of what they have accomplished.  Let them know that they are being thought of and held in prayer by the congregation.  Please send the letters to Salisha Miller, PF Director, at the Church Office.

Alpha Rummage Sale Fri., Apr. 1st 6:30-8:30pm & Sat., Apr.2nd 9-11am in Fellowship Hall. Donations accepted during set-up hours: Wed., Mar. 30th 7 -9pm; Thurs., Mar. 31st 10am-3pm & 7-9pm, and Fri., Apr. 1st 10am-3pm.  Saleable items only in good condition, please.  No large appliances, exercise/sports equipment, computers/
accessories accepted.  Needed: a pick-up truck from 11:30 to 1 p.m.  Please call Cindy Magee 203-453-5487 or the Church Office 203-453-5249.

Euchre Card Night, Sat., April 9th in Griswold Hall – Ok, you’ve been reluctant.  “What if I can’t learn the game?!”  Don’t worry!  Come for the fellowship, beginning to learn euchre is a bonus!  “I’m kind of busy…”  It can wait - enjoy a night out!  Come at 6:15pm for a lesson/refresher, or at 6:45pm to play.  We’ll finish about 9:00.  A movie will be in the adjoining room for children ages 6+, with an adult to supervise.  Popcorn & water provided. Organized by Welcoming & Inclusion Comm.  Call Geoff Fix (203-458-0438).

54th Annual Men’s Communion & Breakfast - Sunday, April 10th  7am at the North Branford Cong. Church, 1680 Foxon Rd (Rte 80).  Since 1957, shoreline Christian men of all denominations gather each year for worship and fellowship.  If you are interested, please call Mark Czarnecky at (203) 458-3342.

For over 30 years, the people of Colombia have watched their country torn apart by the violence and greed of three opposing military groups.  LaVerne Thorpe, a UCC visitor to Colombia, met Juanna, a young Colombian woman whose entire village was forced off its land by a military group so the land could be used to grow drug crops.  The women were herded into the town square and forced to sit for hours in the hot sun while their fate was decided.  Some were beaten; some prayed as they became anxious about their future. Eventually all were allowed to leave. (March 2011 Calendar of Prayer)

Shoreline Soul Choral Gospel Workshop: Directed once again by Angela Clemmons, workshop sessions will culminate in a hand-clapping, foot-stomping free concert on Sunday, June 5 at 3pm with participants performing traditional and contemporary gospel songs.  Primarily for adults, youth able to follow a lyric sheet are welcome.  Workshops on Mondays, April 25, May 2, 9, 16 & 23rd 6:45-8:45pm at First Cong. Church, Madison.  Registration $90 (Register by 4/11- $80) by phone 203-245-6944 or e-mail  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore - offers Tutor Training for Basic Reading & ESL.  Must be 18.  Call 860-399-0289.

CT Hospice Information Session – Thurs., April 7 at 2pm.  Call Pat Corradino 203-315-7510 to reserve a seat.

Larry Minear, son of Gladys, will present a program at the Guilford Library on Thursday, March 31st at 7:00pm: Through Veteran’s Eyes: the Iraq and Afghanistan Experience.

CHURCH CALENDAR

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

Sunday, Mar. 27:  
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – CSB Room 9
9:00am  Senior Choir Rehearsal – CR
10:00am  Worship, Nursery,, Church School, Heifer Book Fair
11:30am  Adult Forum – Chapel
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship - FH

Monday, Mar. 28:
11:00am  Music & Transformation – BR
4:00pm  Meditation Class - ML
4:30pm  GS Troop 2303 – FH
7:30pm  Confirmation 2 - GH
Tuesday, Mar. 29:
3:00pm  Middle School Youth Group – FH
5:00pm  GS Troop 2117-FH

Wed., Mar. 30:
No Childrens Choirs today
6:00pm  Lenten Supper & Program - FH
7:00pm  Rummage Sale set-up - FH

Thurs., Mar. 31:
Rummage Sale set-up 10am – 3pm; 7-9pm - FH
7:15pm  Senior Choir Rehearsal – CR

Friday, Apr. 1:  
Rummage Sale set-up 10am-3pm- FH
6:30pm  Rummage Sale - FH

Saturday, Apr. 2:
9:00am  Rummage Sale - FH

Sunday, Apr. 3:   Clare preaching
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – CSB Rm 9
9:00am  Senior Choir - CR
10:00am  Worship , Nursery care, Children’s Pgm PreK-Gr. 4
11:30am  Adult Forum - Chapel
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
Joe Catino                                                     Chair, Church Council
Dianne Hughes                                                                            Clerk
Debbie Peluse                                                                        Treasurer
Heather Collinson                                                             Bookkeeper
Debbie Bishop                                                       Financial Secretary
Jeanie Cacopardo                                              Editor, The Landmark
Martin Ewing                                                                     Webmaster

First Congregational Church, Guilford

Living Out  “The Parable of the Talents”

Here are some of the things that members are offering:
1. Ruth and Marty Neale – create a hummingbird carving suspended totally by the tip of its beak in a flower blossom.  

2. Pam & Gary Knowles – Gourmet dinner prepared by Andrew Knowles, church member and chef at the famous NYC restaurant, Le Cirque.  Bring your own special wine.

3. Debbie Peluse – make jams and jellies

4. The Cherry Family – start a raised-bed organic farm from scratch to make their own salsa & pickles.

5. Daniela & Pacific Giordano – create a “Declare Love Now Party” – inviting people to a time of sharing Love stories of all sorts while enjoying food, fellowship & the chance to win prizes.

6. Carol Carlson – book of opera melodies for piano

7. Meg Rydell, Harry, Elise & John Aslanian –give babysitter’s  day wage to church; invest; make & sell bracelets; lemonade & cookie stand

8. Chris & Katie Balestracci – purchase soda to sell in business vending machines; family tag sale

9. Leirion and Wendy Staschke – lemonade stand

10. Marlene Kennedy – knit & sell prayer shawls

11. Liza Catino and Marlene Kennedy – make 4 crib quilts

12. Bob Leete and Bob Howard – build a Snowshoe Arrow 14, an unusually nice and lightweight  that can be paddled well be either one or two

13. Betsy & George Platia; Terri Gozzi; Barbara & Al Bishop; Keith & Debbie Bishop; Lynne Ott; Pamela & Charlie Dear; Michael Smith; Bo & Suzanne Huhn – Father’s Day Dinner Dance at Huhn’s Barn, 465 Clapboard Hill Rd on Saturday, June 18th, $50/person  - celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations

14. Betsy Schwammberger – create & sell packets of cards with my photos showing Light and Love.  Those who send these cards to become agents of love.
15. Gary Knowles - Fishing trip:  5 hours for 4 people $325 tackle & bait provided

16. Chef Paula Konareski- Spring BBQ on church lawn.  Need wait staff and musicians to play/sing for the event. Can you share this talent with Paula? Call 203-453-5249.

17. David Knapp - 6 hour sail on his 28ft Catalina Sloop - leave from Westbrook, anchor for lunch at Duck Island for lunch and swimming.  Party of four people $300.

18. Capt. Chuck and Dianne Ramsey - Four course gourmet luncheon with specially selected wines served on the fly bridge of the 44 foot motor Yacht Home.  Board at Essex at 11am and return by 5pm with a stop at East Haddam to browse stores and a tour of Goodspeed Opera House. Four couples per trip at $250 per couple.

19. Ruth Nettleton – make pies – at sales or to order

20. Hannah Soucy & Mom – Make and sell a variety of crafts and treats for pets

21. Mary Norris – Offer a children’s workshop to make pins to give, along with a card & photo of child, for Mother’s Day, also suitable for a grandmother, aunt, etc.

22. Kendrick Norris – make a counted cross-stitch Celtic cross

23. Twila Skelly – enlarge and frame photographs and make notecards.

24. Jane Rowen – sell knitted items - head bands

25. Peggy Russell - Faith inspired, inspirational message jewelry.

26. Jackie Fix – organize a craft fair on the Church Lawn (or Fellowship Hall where tables can be rented & products sold.  (Free tables to those where all profits go to the church.)

27. Sam, Austin & Lexi Fix - grow a garden and sell the vegetables

28. Clyde Work - print enlargements of colored pictures I have taken around the world, framed and offered for sale.

29. Barbara Johnson-Jewelry, outings - who knows

30. Holly Bollier – teach a class on making polymer clay leaf ornaments in her studio.  Participants go home with at least one clay leaf for use as a pin or hanging ornament.  

31. Geoff Fix – help Welcoming & Inclusion Committee promote Euchre night

32. Marjorie Colton – initiate Thursday Women’s Walk
March 30th - June 16th 9 – 10am.  Free will offering collected in June.

33. Alpha Club – create care packages to send to college students, grandchildren, soldiers, special friends.  Pack April 26 & ship April 27.

34. Joe Catino, Bill Speed, Liza Catino, Stuart Wilkie, Peggy Russell - Elite French Wine Tasting: five elegant wines paired with a delicious food course.  Insights and tasting notes of the wine provided by Joe.  Piano accompaniment by Bill Speed

35. Clare Robert – bake and sell sinfully rich brownies and butter cakes (repentance, pardon and absolution are free)

36. Peter, Penelope & Meg Rebuzzini – homemade breads and granola

37. Joel Helander – present a program on the life/ministry of the late Dr. Elisabeth C. Adams which will include an audio recording of a sermon preached by Dr. Adams on Layman’s Sunday, 1969.