SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
9 October 2011                                                         8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
*Those who are able, standing.

Nursery care is available for infants and small children;
please ask an usher for directions.
Large Print Bulletins are available from an usher.
Headsets for audio amplification are available in the narthex;
please ask an usher for assistance.

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

“Blessed are the peacemakers….”    
Matthew 5: 6

THE GATHERING
PRELUDE:               Simple Gifts (from 'Appalachian Spring')
arr. from A. Copland
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP:                          from psalm 34, selections
Leader:    I will bless the Lord at all times,
a song of praise I will sing.
People:    My soul makes its boast in the Lord,
let the humble hear and be glad.
Leader:    I sought the Lord and was delivered from my fears.
People:    O taste and see that the Lord is good,
happy are those who take refuge in God.
All:    for the Lord renews the life of all
who surrender to love.
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 376   Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

(8:30)  CONFESSION AND PRAISE
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Holy God,
you know the secrets in which we hide,
and from which we hide.  
So it is the promise of your merciful healing,
that moves us to seek the truth which will set us free.  Lord, you know we often forget
that the greatest truth of all is that by your grace
we are never far from your heart.  
Nor are we removed from your mercy.  
Soften us we pray,
and forgive and heal us of our fretful fears.  
Restore us to our truest selves.  
Reconcile us to each other and to you, our God. Amen.
SILENT PRAYER
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
*GLORIA PATRI  (H & P # 579)

(10:00)  SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
It is the church’s policy that the use of any kind of camera (video, still - with or without flash) is not permitted in the sanctuary during worship.
We welcome the Forselius and Petersen families and baptize Finley Mae Forselius and Kayla Hannah Petersen into the Christian community.  Finley is the daughter of Kristen and Todd Forselius, sister of Corbin.  Kayla is the daughter of Wendy and Daniel Petersen, sister of  Reese.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE:
We, the members of this congregation, affirm our unity with Christ and express our support of these families through constant love, Christ-like example, and faithful prayer.

BLESSING OVER THE WATER: (in unison)
O God, we give you thanks for the gift of water.  Over water your Holy Spirit brooded in creation to bring forth the earth.  Through water you led the Chosen People to deliverance in the Promised Land.  In the fullness of time you sent Jesus Christ who was nurtured in the water of Mary’s womb.  In the waters of the Jordan John baptized Jesus.  With water Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and taught them to serve.  Bless now this
water and grant that what we do now on earth may be confirmed in heaven.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.
BLESSING OF THE BAPTIZED CHILDREN: (in unison)
O God, uphold Finley and Kayla by your Holy Spirit.  Increase in them from day to day your gifts of grace, the spirit of knowledge and reverence of God, the spirit of joy and love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 495      We Know That Christ Is Raised
After the first verse of this hymn those in grades Pre-K through 4 may go to Chapel for a mixed-age program.

SERVICE OF THE WORD
SCRIPTURE:                  Matthew 11: 28 - 30               Deacon Soucy
SERMON:           “Personal Peace:  A Starting Place”      Rev. Robert
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 345  Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER (trespasses)
THE CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY:               I Will Give You Rest              Troy Kennedy
text: Matthew 11:28
*HYMN:                    Simple Gifts  (see insert, sung twice through) BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE:    Fanfare for the Common Man    arr. from A. Copland
+ + +
Please join us for refreshments and fellowship downstairs in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 10:00am worship service today hosted by the Hospitality Committee.  

There is time to grab a cup of coffee and greet others before going to the Adult Forum at 11:30am in the Chapel.  The speaker today is Vin Woods, Amnesty International’s New England Resource for Israel, the Occupied Territories and the Palestinian Authority whose talk is titled: “Broken Hearts in a Promised Land: A History of the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict–Abraham to the Present.”

Ushers:  (10:00)  Mairi Bryan, Louis Zotti, Daphne Stitt, Eva Ewing
Breadbaker:  Beth Milliron
Sound System:  JB Catlin
Prayers are requested for: Frank Gianforti, Sr; Frank Gianforti, Jr.; Lynne Martocci’s mother, Sue; Michael Gomez and family on the death of his father, Richard; Bill and Elizabeth Wright; Armand Piscopo; the Peterson and Defaranos families on the death of Tristan Peterson and Joanne Peterson’s father; Bet Cummiskey on the death of her mother, Helen George; Elizabeth Booth; Tom Tomsich; for those who suffer; those who are in prison, those who live in war-torn areas; for our troops & their families; for peace on earth.

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

Deaconess for October is Pacific Giordano (203-488-2250.)  Please make him aware of new births, adoptions, or anyone who needs a note of encouragement or sympathy.  Mary Norris (203-457-9483) is the contact person for information about our Prayer Shawl Ministry.  New persons are always welcome to knit and crochet; materials are provided.

Deacon for October is Doris Fonicello (203-453-2180.)  If you have questions, concerns or compliments, please speak with her.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
“Talents” for Sale Today 11:30am in Fellowship Hall –Please spport the church members and friends in the “Parable of the Talents” program.  “Talents” will be sold next Sunday as well.

Quarter 3 Statements in Narthex - please take yours home!

Pilgrim Fellowship Meeting Tonight 7-9pm in Fellowship Hall

Fellowship Hall Bulletin Boards - Church committees that have bulletin boards in Fellowship Hall are reminded to complete their masterpieces BEFORE the UCC Conference meeting on October 22. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative.  (Currently it looks as if Pilgrim Fellowship has a head start over the competition.)

Next Service of Prayer and Healing Wednesday, Oct. 19th 7:00pm Rev. David Colton will share a message of hope and peace rooted in his experience with incarcerated youth.  We offer a time for prayer, the laying on of hands and anointing with oil.  All are welcome.

Church School Teachers and Helpers:  Be a part of the fantastic Children’s Ministry at First Church. Volunteer to teach or substitute for our Church School program.  Find out more about opportunities to help: contact Chris Solimene at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Teens and recent Confirmands are welcome to become helpers too!

Church School Family Pot Luck Breakfast:  Families of Church School children (and their teachers!) in Grades 1-3 are invited to a potluck breakfast social on Sunday, October 23rd, at 9:00 AM in Fellowship Hall.  This is a great opportunity to get to know the families of your child's classmates!  Coffee and juice will be provided; please bring a dish to share.  Call Chris Solimene (453-3324) or Geoff Fix (458-0438) if you have any questions.

Women, War And Peace: a major PBS program series exploring the impact of war on women and the impact of women on war, telling the stories of women in Bosnia, Columbia, Liberia and Afghanistan who became critical partners in brokering peace. Program airs on PBS channel l3 Tuesdays Oct. ll, l8 & 25, Nov.6 & l3th at l0:00pm.  Blessed are the Peacemakers….

$100 Big Y cards are for sale this morning!  Each card provides $6 to our church.  Bishops Orchards and Stop & Shop cards are also available and provide $6 and $5 to the church.  They are available after both worship services. 

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.




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                   


1Like Music and Jazz?
Like the Gospel?
Then this weekend is for you!
October 14, 15 & 16

Dr. Eugene Lowry, gifted jazz musician and celebrated preacher is our Wilcox lecturer.  The theme, The Gospel and All that Jazz, begins Friday at 7:30pm when Dr. Lowry will present a lecture/concert exploring Jazz and Christianity: the birth of jazz, the black experience, the role of the church in the formation of the art form of jazz.  Featured at the keyboard are such songs as Just a Closer Walk With Thee, Amazing Grace, and St. Louis Blues.

Saturday morning at 10:30am Dr. Lowry will present a lecture/concert exploring A Theology of the Blues: the sorrow songs of loss and grief and the theological foundations of the Blues, featuring such songs as What a Friend We Have in Jesus and When the Saints Go Marching In.  He will be joined by our own Nick Catino and musician friends.  Nick is a band leader and trumpeter in New York City.

Saturday evening at 7pm, there will be a Festival of Gospel Hymns.  Dr. Lowry will interweave stories of particular hymns, collaborating with Nick and friends in congregational singing.  

There is no charge for any of these events; all will be held in the Sanctuary.

Dr. Lowry will also preach and play the piano at the 8:30am and 10:00am worship services on Sunday, joined by the other musicians.

Dr. Lowry served as a professor of preaching for over 30 years and is the author of 6 books on narrative preaching and producer of 4 recordings in the blues/jazz mode.  In 2009 he presented the prestigious Beecher Lectures at Yale Divinity School.




FIRST CHURCH HARVEST FAIR!
Saturday, Nov. 5th 9:00am – 2:30pm

Below are listed needs of specific areas or rooms.  To volunteer your time to help that day, please fill out the goldenrod insert in the bulletin and put it in the offering plate, or you can drop it off at the Church Office.  Questions?  Contact Nancy Patton, Chair, at nancypatton @comcast.net

Candy/Bakery Room Harvest Fair:  Please call Karen Kalbfeld 458-7990 or contact Debbie Peluse 453-5517 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Betsy Platia This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are willing to call people to remind them to bake or make candy for the Nov 5th Fair.  You may call whatever number of people you wish.  Thanks.

Got Spare Jewelry? Please donate it for the Harvest Fair, and we will clean, repair, refurbish and make it like new. Also welcome are bureau top boxes, scarves, belts and small gift boxes. Items can be left at Spencer House in a labeled package, with a call or email to Rebecca Bunting: 203-458-1783 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . All of you make the jewelry counter a success every year. Many thanks!

Toy Room Donations Sought- Please check your closets & toy boxes for children’s toys, games & DVDs to donate (must be in safe and excellent condition – in original box/case, no missing pieces.  No books, stuffed animals, high chairs, car seats or stollers.  Call Virginia Friese (203-453-8895) or Maria Shank (203-458-2674.)

Tools Wanted for recycling and selling at the Harvest Fair!!  Let us put your surplus, unused and unwanted hand and power tools back in circulation!! Call Bob  453-2842,  Al  453-9710,  Dave  245-3463,  Rob  458-1783,  Norm  453-5725  or Peter  457-1682 to arrange tool  donations.

Thank you!




CHURCH CALENDAR
FH - Fellowship Hall;  GH – Griswold Hall; ML – Minear Library;
CR – Choir Room; CSB – Church School Bldg; BR – Bride’s Room
Sunday, October 9:  
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – CSB Room 9
9:00am  Senior Choir Rehearsal – CR
10:00am  Worship, Nursery, Mixed-age Pgm (PreK – Gr. 4)
11:15am  “Parable of the Talents” Offerings – FH
11:30am  Adult Forum – Chapel
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship – Fellowship Hall
Monday, Oct. 10:
11:00am  Music & Transformation Class – BR
7:00pm  Stewardship Committee – CSB Rm 9
7:30pm  Welcoming & Inclusion Committee - ML
Tuesday, Oct. 11:          No MSYG today
7:00pm  Church Council – FH
Wednesday, Oct. 12:
4:00pm  Junior Choir – FH
4:00pm  Cherub Choir – GH
7:00pm  Search Committee – ML
7:15pm  Bd of Community & World Concerns-CSB Rm 9
Thursday, Oct. 13:
7:00pm  BSA Troop 474 – FH
7:15pm  Senior Choir – CR
Friday, Oct. 14:   7:30pm  Wilcox Lecture with Dr. Lowry – Sanct.
Saturday, Oct. 15:
10:30am  Wilcox Lecture/concert – Sanctuary
7:00pm  Wilcox Lecture/Festival of Gospel Hymns – Sanct.
Sunday, October 16:  Dr. Lowry preaching
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – CSB Room 9
9:00am  Senior Choir Rehearsal – CR
9:30am  Training for Annual Mtg Guides, Parking - Chapel
10:00am  Worship, Nursery care, Church School
11:15am  “Parable of the Talents” Offerings - FH
11:30am  Adult Forum – Chapel
5:00pm  PF Parent Meeting – Sanctuary
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship - FH



















WELCOME TO FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH!
United Church of Christ
An Open and Affirming Congregation

122 Broad Street, Guilford, CT  06437
Telephone: 203-453-5249           Fax:  203-453-5589
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
website: www.firstchurchguilford.org
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.
---------------------------------Tear here-----------------------------------
Are you a visitor this morning?  Please take a Welcome brochure from the pew rack.  Would you like a: ___ Phone call?  ___ visit?  ____ more information about our Church?   Please drop this in the offering plate.

Name:___________________________________________

Address:  ________________________________________

Phone number:  ___________________________________

E-mail address:  ___________________________________

OUR STAFF – PARTNERS IN MINISTRY
Kendrick L. Norris                                                      Senior Minister
Clare Robert                                               Interim Associate Minister
Christopher Solimene     Acting Dir. of Children & Family Ministries
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