Bulletin, 11/27/2011

• Details
• Parent Category: Sunday Bulletins
• Published on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 17:04

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
27 November 2011 --  8:30 & 10:00 a.m.

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

THE GATHERING

PRELUDE:   O Come, O Come Emmanuel   K. Leighton/H. Statham
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
INTROIT:            One Candle Is Lit       text: Mary Anne Parrott (1988)

Come quickly, shalom, teach us how to prepare
for a gift that compels us with justice to care.
Our spirits are restless till sin and war cease.
One candle is lit for the reign of God's peace.

CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader:    We’ve seen the star in the East, and again we begin our Advent journey.  The star lights our anticipation of family gathering, of loving friendship, of saving holiness.
People:    On the advent road, the star gleams in Rachel’s tears for loved ones gone, for times of pain, for times remembered that will be no more.
Leader:    On the advent road, the starlight dances with joyous celebration, winter play, carol singing, yuletide spirit,
Christmas giving.
People:    On the advent road, the star leads us by Herods of
greed and need, haste and waste, neglect and     death.
All:    On the advent road, hand in hand, we follow the star, with shepherds’ fear and angels’ joy, that we     might see the newborn child.
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 9  O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH

CANDLE OF PEACE:   (10:00)The Bransfield Family
Today is the first Sunday of Advent and this morning we light the candle of peace to proclaim the coming of God into the world.  With the coming of this light, we yearn for peace, a peace that God gives, and we work toward.  We come, yearning to be partners with God healing and transforming our world.
SCRIPTURE       Isaiah 58: 6-9
“Is this not the fast that I chose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”
UNISON PRAYER:
Help us, our God, to prepare our hearts to receive again the gift of your peace.  May we be filled with gentleness, courage, wisdom and the spirit of love.  May this gift of peace not be a joy that we covet unto ourselves in these gray days, but may we be so bold as to live it out so that all those we know might share our trust: that peace will reign, that hope will blossom, that love will be found.  In the name of the arriving Christ, we pray.  Amen.
*(8:30)  RESPONSE:       (Tune: Hark the Herald Angels Sing)
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise, Triumph o’er the shades of night;
Day-Spring from on high be near; Day-Star in my heart appear.
Till thy inward light impart, Glad my eyes and warm my heart.
More and more thyself display, Shining to the perfect day.
*(10:00) HYMNS & PSALMS#3  Comfort, Comfort You My People

During the second verse children in grades Pre-K through 4 may leave for a mixed-age program in Griswold Hall.

SERVICE OF THE WORD

SCRIPTURE:                Mark 13:24-27; 32-37           Deacon Bunting
SERMON:     “Every Good Endowment” (James 1:17)        Dr. Norris
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 428      We Give Thee But Thine Own

RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE

JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER (trespasses)
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY:              Slow Down       Edwin T. Childs (b. 1945)

Slow down and see Jesus.  Slow down and see the Lord face to face.
Oh, foolish one with eyes so blinded; slow down and see His face.
Slow down and hear Jesus. Slow down and hear His words soft and clear.
Slow down the noise that crowds out the Savior's speaking.
Slow down and hear His voice.
Slow down and feel Jesus.  His hands and feet were wounded for you.
Slow down your troubled soul and busy mind.
Slow down and feel the peace that He gives.

*HYMNS & PSALMS # 12       People, Look East
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE:      Veni Emmanuel
POSTLUDE:                      Veni Emmanuel                   Charles Ore

+ + +

Please join us for refreshments and fellowship downstairs in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 10:00am worship service today hosted by the Memorial 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.

Our Adult Forum speaker this morning is Elizabeth Norris, Kendrick's daughter.  Lizzie holds a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins' School of Advanced International Studies and is employed by the United States Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.  She will introduce us to this horrendous and pervasive problem.

Ushers:  (8:30)  Pete and Pat Russell
(10:00)  Cynthia Hirni, Preston Maynard, Daniela Giordano and Pacific Giordano
Breadbaker: Jane Kallinich
Sound System:  JB Catlin

The flowers today are given by Doris Fonicello and Ruth Nettleton in loving memory of their parents, Ruth and Wesley Alexander and their sister, Nancy Mansfield.

To send a sympathy card to Gladys Minear’s children:
Larry & Beth Minear, P.O. Box 2165, Orleans, MA 02653
Richard Minear, 191 Rolling Ridge, Amherst MA  01002
Anita Fahrni-Minear, Obere Halde 18, 8546 Islikon, Switzerland

To send a sympathy card to Elizabeth Wright:
711 Club Springs Rd, Buffalo, TN  38548

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

Deaconess for November is Dianne Hughes (203-453-4529.)  Please make her aware of new births, adoptions, or anyone who needs a note of encouragement or sympathy.  Mary Norris (203-457-9483) is the contact for information about our Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Deacon for November is Betsy Grant (860-860-598-9419.)  If you have questions, concerns or compliments, please speak with her.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ten Thousand Villages Today Noon to 6pm: Located at 1054 Chapel St, New Haven, this store is part of a worldwide effort to create opportunities for disadvantaged artisans in developing countries to earn income by offering their handmade products and stories in our markets through long-term "fair trade" relationships.  Members of our Board of Community & World Concerns will be present and First Church will be highlighted with 10% of the sales donated to a Christian Hospital in Mungeli, India, which is in the midst of a dramatic upgrading to serve a population of special needs.  Please join us!

Pilgrim Fellowship Meets tonight 7:00 – 9:00pm in Fellowship Hall.

Confirmation Meets Tomorrow 7:00- 8:15pm in Griswold Hall.  If any parent/guardian would like to supply a snack and drinks, please contact Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  

Santa Breakfast Saturday, Dec. 3rd 9-11:30am in Fellowship Hall- tickets at the door: $3-children; $5 adults; photos with Santa $7.

Caroling and Advent Supper Sunday, Dec. 4 from 3 -6pm – We’ll gather and quickly organize into groups and to bring the cheer of the season by sharing Christmas Carols to our area residents who are unable to attend worship services.  Church School children and their families will travel to The Gables Assisted Living to carol there. Songbooks will be available.  Then we will return to Fellowship Hall by 5 pm for a hearty pasta meal, salad and desserts!  If your last name starts with A-L, please bring a dessert; those with M-Z bring drinks to share!  A short intergenerational activity will follow the meal.  Join us as we journey through Advent together.  Call Chris Solimene at the CE Office: 203-453-3324

Christmas Tea at Mart's House will be hosted by members of the Shoreline Resettlement Alliance on Tuesday, Dec. 13th at 2pm.  This time of sharing the women's experience of resettlement after incarceration, and bringing Christmas to the women of Mart's House has given all of us so much joy each year.  Contact Sandra Wiens if you would like to come along.  We will gather in the church parking lot at 1pm on December 13 to travel to Hartford together.

Christmas Tree Sought: We are looking for a tree which will become our Hat and Mitten tree in the Sanctuary beginning Dec. 10th.  If you have a tree, 17 foot or taller, that you are looking to have cut down,  please speak with Kendrick.

The Giving Tree 2011 – We continue our annual tradition of participating in the Guilford Social Services Christmas sponsorship, however the format changed.  This year, to enable the families to enjoy their own shopping, we will purchase gift cards rather than specific gifts.  The Tree is in the Narthex now and all gifts cards must be received by Sunday, Dec. 4th. Questions?  Call Jeanie Cacopardo 203-393-8896.

The PONY EXPRESS is Running! The Stewardship Committee thanks all who have saddled up and rode to deliver the saddlebag to the next home.  We hope you’ve enjoyed a visit and fellowship with your neighbor in the midst of this campaign.  Please call the Church Office if you have not seen the saddlebag yet, or have any questions.  

Branford Town Band Concert Sunday December 4 at 2pm - at the Evangelical Free Church, Leetes Island Rd, Branford (Exit 56 off I-95).  Free concert of holiday music by this group of 25 musicians (high school age through retirees) founded in 1949 and includes our own Eva Ewing and Debbie Peluse.  Call Debbie at 203-453-5517.

Grocery Cards for sale this morning: Purchase a $100 Big Y, Bishop’s Orchards or Stop & Shop card and a percentage goes to the church.  See Bob Howard after worship (8:30), or Joe Catino or Shannon Clarkson (10am.)

Guilford Friendly Visiting Seeks Volunteers to spend an hour a week visiting Guilford folks who want a social connection.  Visits are flexible and are offered at no charge.  Short orientation for volunteers.  Contact Ann Marie at 203-453-8359 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Guilford Job Network: Tuesday, Nov. 29th at 7pm at Fr. Sullivan Center behind Saint George Church.  Howard Reitman of Reitman Personnel will speak: “How to stand out in a tough market.”  All job seekers are welcome.  Call Fr. Smith at 203-453-2788.

Guilford Food Bank Needs: 100% fruit juices; canned fruit, tuna, ham, hash, stews; pancake/potato/cake/mac & cheese mixes; dry milk, cereal.  You may 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, November 27:  
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
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship

Monday, November 28:  
11:00am  Music & Transformation - BR
4:00pm  Open Meditation – ML
7:00pm  Confirmation - GH

Wednesday, November 30:
4:00pm  Junior Choir- FH
4:00pm  Cherub Choir – GH
7:00pm  Search Committee - ML

Thursday, December 1:
7:00pm  BSA Troop 474 – FH
7:15pm  Choir Rehearsal - CR

Friday, December 2:  
GHS Holiday Concerts

Saturday, December 3:
9:00am  Santa Breakfast hosted by PF – FH
GHS Holiday Concerts

Sunday, December 4:  
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  Harvest Mini-Fair – Fellowship Hall
3:00pm  Caroling & Advent Supper - FH
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 - FH                       NA:          Sun., 1:00pm – GH
Fri., 7:30pm – meets elsewhere
Sat., 7:30am – GH

SendOutCards

Most of us feel we “should” send out about 70 cards per year, but actually manage to send 10.  We hope SendOutCards will help us with the missing 60!  And instead of stopping at the store in the midst of your busy day, you can order your cards on-line at your convenience.  

Order from the over 16,000 cards in the on-line store, and your card will arrive in the mail, not to an email address.  You can also create your own card and message.  There are cards for business and personal use.

Under a special program for non-profits, the church gets a percentage of your order (except the postage).  The church also sends out many cards each month and will be able to purchase its cards at a 30% discount.

Go to SendOutCards.com/firstchurch and click “Join Now”.    For less than $10 per month you can choose the subscription plan, or you can choose a pay-as-you-go option.  Your unused “points” roll-over to the next month.

We hope this convenient plan, for an item we all use, will make life a little easier for you, will save the church a little money on its own expenditures, AND bring the church some revenue from a new source.  Contact Maureen Bransfield with questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 203/915-7654.

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:  ___________________________________