Bulletin, 11/6/2011

• Details
• Parent Category: Sunday Bulletins
• Published on Saturday, 05 November 2011 12:13

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
LAITY SUNDAY
6 November 2011--  8:30 & 10:00 a.m.

“Blessed are the peacemakers….”
Matthew 5: 9

THE GATHERING

PRELUDE:     Fantasy and Fugue in g minor    J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
INTROIT:     Give Thanks for Life          text: Shirley Murray (b. 1931)
Give thanks for life, the measure of our days.  Mortal, we pass through beauty that decays, yet sing to God our hope, our love, our praise:  Alleluia, Alleluia!

Give thanks for those whose lives shone with a light caught from the Christ-flame, gleaming through the night, who touched the truth, who burned for what is right: Alleluia, Alleluia!
Give thanks for all, our living and our dead, thanks for the love by which our life is fed, a love not changed by time or death or dread:  Alleluia, Alleluia!
Give thanks for hope, that, like the seed of grain lying in darkness, does its life retain to rise in glory, growing green again: Alleluia, Alleluia!
CALL TO REMEMBRANCE:
Leader:    For all the saints who went before us, who have spoken to our hearts and touched us with your fire,
People:    We praise you, O God.
Leader:    For all the saints who live beside us, whose weaknesses and strengths are woven with our own,
People:    We praise you, O God.
Leader:    For all the saints who live beyond us, who challenge us to change the world with them,
People:    We praise you, O God.

TODAY WE REMEMBER:

+ Sandra D. Lamberton                   03/23/1937 – 11/18/2010
Kevin T. Handy                       09/06/1957 – 12/15/2010
Robert O. Rawson                       04/25/1917 – 12/16/2010
+Helen Amelia Danielsen                   10/25/1921 – 02/05/2011
+William Walser Janeway                   02/01/1917 – 02/08/2011
Ruth Scherm                           12/23/1924 – 02/10/2011
Herthyl Withey                      12/17/1907 – 03/03/2011
Luzia Erika Corbett                       06/11/1936 - 03/09/2011
Richard M. Grave                       01/17/1928 – 03/10/2011
+Eleanor Mae Hubbard                   11/14/1926 - 03/11/2011
Sarah W. Richards                       09/04/1925 – 04/03/2011
Melissa Orton Uecker                   06/16/1973 – 04/14/2011
+Lewis S. Holland                       11/28/1920 – 04/27/2011
+Clifford Henry Terrell                   02/23/1916 - 04/29/2011
Arthur Bruce Sale, Sr.                   12/02/1920 – 05/12/2011
Carole L. Fisher                       01/14/1943 – 05/20/2011
Ronald Ernest Schoenfeldt                   12/10/1946 – 05/23/2011
Doris W. MacLeman                       06/06/1921 – 05/31/2011
Patricia Ann Hickey                       02/07/1948 – 06/14/2011
Robert K. Lofberg                       02/04/1956 – 06/24/2011
+Joseph A. Morasky                       01/01/1925 – 06/26/2011
+Jean Hunt Scott                       05/03/1927 – 08/08/2011
Tristan Defaranos Peterson                   12/16/2006 – 09/03/2011
Torsten R. Peterson                       07/02/1930 – 09/06/2011
Frederick John Kingsbury IV               05/20/1927 – 10/07/2011
+Gladys Hoffman Minear                   08/03/1906 – 10/23/2011
+Church Member

*UNISON RESPONSE OF FAITH:
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.  If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.  So, then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.  For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.  (Romans 14: 7-9)

+*HYMNS & PSALMS # 526    For All the Saints
Stanzas 1, 2: All
opt. stanza “O may Thy soldiers,” Men
stanza 3: “O blest communion,”  Women
opt. stanza “and when the strife,”  Choir
stanza 4:  All
After the first verse of this hymn, Church School participants in Grades Pre-K through Grade 8 may leave for their classes.

SERVICE OF THE WORD

SCRIPTURE:                      Psalm 133: 1, 3                   Deacon Grant
SERMON:  “Fellowship at First Church – Our Evolving Legacy”
Doug Scales
*SERMON HYMN  (H&P# 503)    Come, Risen Lord

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 & CONCERNS
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY:     Exsultate justi     Lodovico da Viadana (1564-1645)
from Psalm 32:11; Psalm 33:1-4
Exsultate, justi, in Domino; rectos decet collaudatio.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
Confitemini Domino in cithara;
Give praise to the Lord on the harp;
in psalterio decem chordarum psallite illi.
praise the Lord with the ten-stringed psaltery.
Cantate ei canticum novum; bene psallite ei in vociferatione.
Sing to God a new song; sing well to God with a loud noise.
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
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 438   Blest Be the Tie That Binds
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE:  Sandin Benediction    James D. Gower
May God bless you and keep you; and may the face of God shine upon you;
May God surround you with grace.  May God smile upon you, and give you peace.  Above all, peace!                 text based on Numbers 6:24-26
Commissioned by the First Congregational Church of Guilford, Connecticut, with love and gratitude to Ann and Eric Sandin for over 40 years of faithful dedication to the church and the choir.  Inscribed with a quotation from Marcel Proust: “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
POSTLUDE:   Final (Symphony No. 1)       Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
+ + +
Please join us for refreshments and fellowship downstairs in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 10:00am worship service today hosted by the Stewardship 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.  Mike Penn-Strah, our Regional Conference Minister, will talk with us about our upcoming  “Invite a Neighbor to Church” Sunday, Dec. 11th  and ways to reach out to our neighbors to let new people know about the wonderful worship, music and ministries that we have to offer.  

Greeters:   Holly Langewisch and Twila Skelly
Ushers: (8:30)  Sue Craig and Ted Fessel
(10:00)   Mairi Bryan, K C Long, Louis Zotti, Eva Ewing
Breadbaker:  Holly Bollier
Sound System:  JB Catlin

Deaconess for November is Dianne Hughes (203-453-5429).  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 November is Betsy Grant (860-598-9419.)  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 for your generosity.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pilgrim Fellowship Meeting Tonight 7 – 9pm in Fellowship Hall.

Confirmation Class Monday, Nov. 7th 7:00 -8:15pm: Confirmands and Mentors meet tomorrow in Griswold Hall; please bring bibles!

Euchre Card Night Saturday, Nov. 12th.  First-timers or long-timers, single or with a partner… everyone is welcome!   We meet in Griswold Hall (2nd floor of the Church School Building.)  Come at 6:15 for a lesson/refresher, or at 6:45 to play for the evening.  Popcorn provided; bring a snack or soft drink to share if you wish.  Contact Geoff Fix of W&I with questions (458-0438).

New to First Church or Seek to Become a Member?  We welcome to our worship and church life all who seek the presence of God, no matter where you are on your faith journey.  If you wish to learn more about First Church, or are interested in becoming a member, we offer Inquirer/New Member Meetings which are especially helpful to those with a different denomination or faith background.  The next meetings will be offered on next Sunday, Nov. 13 & Sunday, Nov. 20 at 11:30am in the Minear Library in Spencer House.  Child care is available– please call the Church Office to request it.  New members will be received on Sunday, Dec. 4th at 10:00am.

Alpha Club Meeting - Tuesday, Nov. 15th at 7:30pm in Fellowship Hall.  Gert Altieri will present a fitness program.  All are welcome!

Junior Youth Happening November 20: How about a fun game night? Grades 4 through 8 are invited to bring a favorite board or card game and come with a friend or your whole family. We'll meet in Room 5 of the Education Building from 5:00-7:30pm. Join us for pizza & games and we’ll have a great time!  Please RSVP to Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 203-453-3324.

Latest info for Children and Families:  Are you receiving the weekly Constant Contact email with Church School, Confirmation, Junior Youth Happenings and special events from Chris? If you not, please request it by emailing Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The PONY EXPRESS is Running!  We are counting on you to saddle up and ride when a saddlebag of Church Mail reaches your house during the Stewardship campaign currently underway.  As soon as you have filled in your ESTIMATE OF GIVING CARD – with how you wish it to be distributed between Operating Expenses and outreach (through the Board of Community & World Concerns) –seal it in the enclosure envelope, and place it in the other side of the saddlebag and relay it to the next house on the Route List. Take this opportunity to greet your church and visit if you can.  Thank you!

Grocery Cards For Sale:  Each grocery card (for Big Y, Stop & Shop, Bishop’s) purchased gives the church a percentage.  See Bob Howard or Joe Catino or Shannon Clarkson after the service

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.

Shoreline Village CT:  a new non-profit organization to make it easier for Shoreline seniors to continue living independently at home.  Attend a talk at the Community Center, Church St., today at 4pm or visit www.shorelinevillagect.org.

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 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.

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                                                  Director of Junior Choir
Gail Etter                                                    Director of Cherub Choir
-------------------------------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:  ___________________________________

CHURCH CALENDAR

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

Sunday, November 6:  
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – CSB Room 9
9:00am  Senior Choir - CR
10:00am  Worship, Nursery care, Church School
11:15am  Coffee & Harvest Fair goodies - FH
11:30am  Adult Forum with Rev. Mike Penn-Strah-Chapel
11:30am  Board of Finance - ML
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship - FH

Monday, November 7:
11:00am  Music & Transformation – BR
4:00pm  Open Meditation - ML
7:00pm  Board of Deaconesses – ML
7:00pm  Confirmation – GH
7:00pm  Stewardship – CSB Rm 9
7:00pm  BSA Leader Meeting - GH

Tuesday, November 8:
7:00pm  Church Council - FH

Wednesday, November 9:
4:00pm  Junior Choir – FH
4:00pm  Cherub Choir – GH
7:15pm  Bd of Community & World Concerns-CSB Rm 9

Thursday, November 10:
7:00pm  Boy Scout Troop 474- FH
7:15pm  Senior Choir Rehearsal- CR

Saturday, November 12:
9:15am  Music & Transformation – ML
6:15pm  Euchre Card Night – GH/Room 9

Sunday, November 13:  
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – CSB Room 9
9:00am  Senior Choir - CR
10:00am  Worship, Nursery care, Church School
11:30am  Adult Forum – Chapel
11:30am  Inquirer/New Member Meeting - ML
No PF tonight)

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

Tree of Life

The 7/8 grade Church School students are making a "Tree of Life" with YOUR help.  We ask the congregation write the name of someone who has helped you feel rooted to your faith and community on the leaf provided in your bulletin.  Your leaf will be collected during the offering today and will be used a create a “tree of life” for worship on November 20th.  

On the back side of the leaf you’ll see “advice from a tree” written by students as suggestions on how we might nurture ourselves like a tree.    Here’s some advice from “a tree:”

Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply
Reflect the light of your own true nature
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace the changing seasons
Seek wisdom to let go like autumn leaves
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Remember your roots