Bulletin, 7/17/2011

• Details
• Parent Category: Sunday Bulletins
• Published on Friday, 15 July 2011 16:10

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
17 July 2011 -- 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.

“Let Mutual Love Continue.”
Hebrews 13: 1

THE GATHERING

PRELUDE:         Allegro (Sonata in Eb, BWV 525)        J. S. Bach
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
INTROIT:    Allegro  G. F. Telemann
Paul Kuehn, flute
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader:    Jesus, Light of the World, brightens our Ordinary Time and ordinary times!
People:    Jesus, Light of the World, dwells in each of us and all of us!

Leader:    We, then, are bearers of the Light:
People:    Light to brighten our own lives; Light to brighten the lives of others.
Leader:    Light for absorbing, Light for reflecting, Light for resurrecting, as we are called out of our ordinary ways of living, into an extraordinary way of living!
People:    Called as a chosen race, a holy nation, a Priesthood of All Believers; called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light to proclaim the Good News
All:    May therefore the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to God and enlightening to all!  Amen and amen!
UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION:
Come, Holy Spirit, Come!  May your flames light upon our tongues and burn away the darkness!  Come to us now as you came on the day of Pentecost, uniting and inspiring us, that we, too, may be guided in our speaking.  Come, Holy Spirit, Come, so that our words may be well sent and well received.  Amen.  
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 462   Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies

(8:30)  CONFESSION AND PRAISE
CALL TO CONFESSION:
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Dear Jesus, how often we behave like bushel baskets, hiding Your light within us!  We’re afraid to shine light into our own inner darkness, not knowing what may be found, and we’re likewise afraid to shine light into out world, not knowing how others will receive it.  Or, in the rush of our lives, we may not think about your light at all.  Forgive us when we intentionally or unintentionally fail to be your faithful followers, and grant us your courage, that together we may boldly shine in the darkness, confident the darkness will not overcome us.  May your light reveal what needs to be changed within and without, and then with your love and guidance, help us begin that change.  Hear us now as we silently confess to you….
SILENT PRAYER
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
*GLORIA PATRI

(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 Buhrer family and baptize Aaron James Buhrer into the Christian community.  Aaron is the son of Elizabeth and Steven Buhrer.
*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 CHILD: (in unison)
O God, uphold Aaron by your Holy Spirit.  Increase in him 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.
*HYMN:              Child of Blessing, Child of Promise  (in bulletin)

SERVICE OF THE WORD

SCRIPTURE:     Isaiah 9: 1-4, 1 Peter 2: 2-10   Deacon Smith
SERMON HYMN # 426     Lord, Speak to Me  (stanzas 1 & 2)
SERMON:                             “Lighten Up!”                      Rev. Taylor
*SERMON HYMN # 426    Lord, Speak to Me  (stanzas 3 & 4)

RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE

JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER (trespasses)
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY:   Andante (from Sonata in E, BWV 1034)   J. S. Bach
Paul Kuehn, flute
*HYMNS & PSALMS # 343  Called As Partners In Christ's Service
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
+ + +
Following the 10:00am worship service, please join us for fellowship and refreshments hosted by the Welcoming & Inclusion Committee. We will be on the Church Lawn, weather permitting.

Greeters: Chris Solimene and Kent May
Ushers:  (8:30)  Sue Craig and Louis Zotti
(10:00)  Kathy Abbatello, Betsy Work, Clyde Work, Eva Ewing
Breadbaker:  Barbara Bishop
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 July is Mary Norris (203-457-9483.)  Please make her aware of new births, adoptions, or anyone who needs a note of encouragement or sympathy.  Mary is also the contact for information about our Prayer Shawl Ministry.  New knitters or crocheters are always welcome; materials are provided.

Deacon for July is Walter Ostroski (203-453-0767.)  If you have questions, concerns or compliments, please speak with him.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next Service of Prayer and Healing will be held on Wednesday, July 20th at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.  Kathy and Jerry Abbatello will share their story of loving dogs and how they came to raise Ula to be a seeing-eye dog for Fidelco.  Ula will be present.

Parable of the Talents Event Wednesday, July 20th 5 – 8pm: Peggy Russell of String It On! Jewelry Designs invites you to a Summer Shopping Event at Bijoux  Boutique, 2311 Boston Post Rd, Guilford.  Come to browse, shop, enjoy great company before the Service of Prayer and Healing. View new jewelry designs for your graduate, birthday, just because. Something for every style, budget, occasion. Contact Peggy 203.376.6235 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Calling All Crafters! We cut, we glue, we stitch some, too! The Harvest Fair craft group makes items to sell at the Handcrafts table, and we need your help!  New faces and ideas are welcome.  We will meet on Weds, July 20, and Aug. 3 & 17, 6-8pm in Room 9.  Please join us for creativity and fellowship.  Let us know if you would like a project to work on at home. We have lots of ideas for simple machine sewing, and can also provide needlework projects if you will supply the talent!  Questions? call Yvette Howard, 203-453-9953, or Mary Norris, 203-457-9483.

July 24th Hymn Sing Worship - This service is a summer favorite where you choose the hymns!  Please complete the insert and put it in the offering plate or drop it off at the Church Office.

Wallpapering Talent? If you have experience in removing and/or applying wallpaper and would like to volunteer some time this summer to help replace the wallpaper in Fellowship Hall, please contact Ken Medvetz, Business Committee Chair: 203-458-0597.

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.

CRAFT EXPO 2011

Thank you for your support!
First Church members
$2 off admission
Sunday, July 17, 1-5pm

CHURCH CALENDAR

Sunday, July 24:  Hymn Sing!
8:30am  Worship – Chapel
10:00am  Worship, Nursery care
11:15am  Lemonade & Fellowship

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
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, 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

SUNDAY WORSHIP HYMN SERVICE

On Sunday, July 24th at both the 8:30am and 10:00am services we will have an old-fashioned hymn sing which has been a well-loved service in the past.  This is your chance to sing your favorite hymn.  From that special hymn of your childhood to that new hymn that has recently meant so much to you, you get to choose what we will sing.  If you are interested in participating, and I strongly encourage you to, please fill out the form below and put in the offering plate or return to the church office: 122 Broad Street.  Thanks.     Kendrick

Name: _________________________________________

Phone #: ____________________

Email:  __________________________________________

Service Attending:  8:30____ 10:00_____ both ____

Please choose 1 to 3 favorite hymns in rank order (others may pick your #1):

1._____________________________________________

2.______________________________________________

3._______________________________________________

Will you be willing to say a few words about why this hymn is meaningful to you? This adds great meaning to the service as we hear from one another about our spiritual journeys. Those who will share are given first priority if more hymns than are needed are proposed.
Yes_____ No_______