Bulletin, 12/4/2011

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• Parent Category: Sunday Bulletins
• Published on Friday, 02 December 2011 21:21

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
4 December 2011 -- 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.

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

THE GATHERING

PRELUDE:                       Organ Sonata in F                G. F. Handel
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
INTROIT:                  In the Still of the Winter     text: Nancy Kilgore
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE OF HOPE: The Mullett Family
Today is the second Sunday of Advent and this morning we re-light the candle of peace.  We light the second candle, the candle of hope, as a reminder that God’s vision is more than we can see and as a proclamation of the promise of life for our winter world.  Hope is like a light shining in a dark place.  As we light this candle, we celebrate the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

SCRIPTURE       Isaiah 11: 1-2
The prophet Isaiah spoke words of hope to Israel: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.”
UNISON PRAYER:
Gracious God, how grateful we are for the light of hope that pierces even the greatest darkness.  As we prepare for Christ’s coming, help us to share our hope with others.  May this candle stand as a witness to our belief in your faithfulness, the very source of our hope.  Amen.
+*HYMNS & PSALMS # 2    Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
After the first verse of this hymn Church School participants in grades Pre-K through 8 may leave to go to their classrooms.

(10:00) RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Claire Kinkade and Shannon Dunn        Tracy and Wayne Graves
Laurie and Steven Varley
*OWNING OF THE COVENANT:
We covenant with the Lord and one with an other and doe bynde our selves in the presence of God, to walke together in all God’s waies, according as God is pleased to reveale himself unto us in his blessed word of truth.          (Salem Covenant 1629)
*WELCOME TO THE CHURCH:                            Deacon Shank
We greet you with joy as partners in the common life of this church. We pledge to you our friendship and prayers as we share in the hopes and labors of the Church of Jesus Christ.  God grant that together we may continue to grow in knowledge, love and community.
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 5   Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

SERVICE OF THE WORD

SCRIPTURE:                    Isaiah 40: 1 - 11                   Deacon Shank
Mark 1: 1 - 8
SERMON:                              “Comfort”                             Rev. Robert
*SERMON HYMN:  (H & P # 13)   Prepare the Way

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 AND CONCERNS
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY:    And the Glory of the Lord (Messiah)  G. F. Handel
text: Isaiah 40:5
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 (trespasses)
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 313    Come Down, O Love Divine
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE:     Veni Emmanuel
POSTLUDE:                 Savior of the Nations, Come         J. S. Bach
(Nun komm der Heiden Heiland)
+ + +
Immediately following the 10:00am worship service please join us downstairs in Fellowship Hall for refreshments and fellowship today hosted by the Memorial Committee. Please greet our newest members and check out the Harvest Mini-Fair in Fellowship Hall.

Ushers: (8:30)  Althea Bartlett and Nancy Howard
(10:00)   Peter Rebuzzini, KC Long, Preston Maynard, Eva Ewing
Breadbaker:  Martha Losche
Sound System:  JB Catlin

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

Deaconess for December is Carrie Federici (203-458-6276).  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 December is Bill Shank (203-470-4893).  If you have questions, concerns or compliments, please speak with him.

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

Poinsettia Order Deadline Tomorrow – Poinsettia plants will decorate the Sanctuary December 11 – 18, after which they will be delivered by Deaconesses to those who are homebound, ill or grieving.  If you would like to order poinsettia in memory of a loved one, please use the green forms in the pews or in the Narthex, or you may use the form in the December edition of The Landmark.  

Caroling and Advent Supper Sunday, Dec. 4 from 3 -6pm – We’ll gather and quickly organize into groups to bring the cheer of the season with Christmas Carols to our area residents who are homebound.  Church School children and their families will travel to The Gables Assisted Living to carol there. Songbooks are 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.  Call Chris Solimene at 203-453-3324

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

Confirmands Serve Project: Confirmands are asked to participate in a service project for First Church today!  Plan to arrive at 4:15pm to help set up tables and chairs in Fellowship Hall. We’ll help with the Advent Supper and cleanup afterward.  Plan on being picked up around 6:15 pm. If you would like to assist with the Church School caroling at the Gables, we are meeting at 3 pm in Fellowship Hall.  Invite your family to join you for this festive day! Watch for announcements about the Confirmand and Mentor Potluck Christmas Celebration on December 12.  

Next Sunday is a Big Day!  It is “Bring a Neighbor or Friend to Church Sunday.” The Sanctuary will be adorned for Christmas and visitors will be welcomed with bread and our hospitality.  (Please see the insert for more information.)  At 5:00pm we host our beloved Service of Lessons & Carols.  This beautiful service of music and lessons leads us through Advent and prepares us for the coming of Jesus.  The Soup & Bread Supper hosted by the Pilgrim Fellowship follows the service.  Enjoy homemade soups, fresh bread, fruit and desserts.  Tickets are $8 and are available after worship or at the door.  Please plan to join us – and bring your neighbor or friend, too!

Senior Fair Wed., Dec. 7th 9am – 12noon Greene Community Center, 32 Church St.  This event is hosted by State Senator Ed Meyer, who has joined with many agencies who serve the elderly.   
Free Health Screenings will be offered as well as information about  Heating Assistance and Foreclosure Prevention.  The Veteran’s Express Van from the Department of Veteran Affairs will be on site to provide information to all Veterans and their families. Representatives of many other service agencies also will be available to assist senior citizens in accessing assistance and support.  

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.

Alpha Club Meets Tuesday, Dec. 13th at 7:00pm for its annual Christmas Party at the home of Carin Small, 52 Church St.  Members should bring an unwrapped toy for Christian Community Action, and adult, dark-colored socks for the people who are homeless in New Haven.  All are welcome!

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 – All gifts cards are due back TODAY.   Call Jeanie Cacopardo 203-393-8896 with questions.

SendOutCards: As a way to help you with cards, and benefit the church, we have enrolled with SendOutCards which will allow you to order cards online.  There are over 16,000 cards in the on-line store from which to choose.  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.  The church, a non-profit, will receive a percentage of your order (except the postage).  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.  Questions? Contact Maureen Bransfield at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 203/915-7654.

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 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.

Bring a Neighbor or Friend to Church Sunday
In a world where many are seeking genuine community, deep life meaning and spiritual connection, First Church Guilford has a lot to offer. One of our church visions is to share what we enjoy and hold dear with others. A recent survey of de-churched folks found:

1. Most would prefer to attend church on Sunday morning.

2. Most feel guilty about not attending, have feelings of emptiness, but feel overwhelmed or intimidated at walking into a new place of worship.

3. 96% are at least somewhat likely to attend a church if invited by a friend.

Next Sunday, December 11th we encourage you to invite a friend or neighbor to church.  All of our Christmas decorations with be out.  The music is especially grand.  This is a time when many are in a growing positive mood and even if they are going through a difficult patch, isn’t a First Church worship service the place to be?  If you bring them through the door and sit with them, we will do the rest. We will have extra greeters and bread bakers for our guests that day, and coffee hour will be equally welcoming. And, as a bonus, our magnificent Service of Lessons and Carols will take place at 5:00pm followed by the Pilgrim Fellowship “Soup & Bread Supper.” So that day, we have three times to offer: 8:30am in the Chapel, 10:00am and 5:00pm in the Sanctuary.
How to invite them?  Share with them what you love about the church. Let them know that every week we begin worship with these words:     No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey. you are welcome here.

Let them know this is the root belief of our family life together.  Let them know that we are not a creedal church that demands particular beliefs, but a covenantal church that joins itself together in mutually supportive pilgrimage.  Let them know how we have something to offer that they are really looking for—soul inspiring music, an amazing church school, thoughtful sermons, dependable pastoral care from ministers and members, an astounding youth group, or prison and refugee ministries among many others.  Invite someone to Christ’s advent as experienced in the joy and warmth of our church family.

CHURCH CALENDAR

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

Sunday, December 4:  
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  Harvest Mini-Fair – FH
3:00pm  Caroling and Advent Supper – FH
7:00pm  Pilgrim Fellowship - FH

Monday, December 5:
4:00pm  Open Meditation - ML
7:00pm  Board of Deaconesses – ML

Tuesday, December 6:
6:00pm  Music Committee – CR
7:00pm  Board of Deacons – ML
7:00pm  Board of Christian Education – BR

Wednesday, December 7:
4:00pm  Junior Choir – FH
4:00pm  Cherub Choir – GH
7:00pm  Deepening Spiritual Connections - ML

Thursday, December 8:
7:00pm  Boy Scout Troop 474- FH
7:15pm  Senior Choir Rehearsal- CR

Friday, December 9:  2:00pm  Memorial Service for Gladys Minear

Saturday, December 10:   10:00am  Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

Sunday, December 11:  Kendrick preaching
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
9:00am  Bible Study – CSB Room 9
9:00am  Senior Choir - CR
10:00am  Worship, Nursery care, Church School
5:00pm  Service of Lessons & Carols – Sanctuary
6:30pm  Soup & Bread Supper hosted by PF - 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

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. or
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:  ___________________________________